Here's something to be aware of

11:05am Tuesday 22nd July 2008

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IT ALL started when someone thought that they'd heard someone else saying they thought they'd heard on the radio that it was National Goat's Milk Day.

Being a pukka journalist I was intrigued - especially as I found a carton of the stuff nestling in our fridge only last week. Apparently Mrs M felt it might be good for us.

So I did a bit of research and found that somebody had clearly put two and two together and was obviously as bad at maths as myself.

There's no such thing as National Goat's Milk Day. The story actually sprang out of National Allergy Awareness Week during which there was a campaign to promote goat's milk. It seems there is anecdotal evidence to suggest that it might be beneficial to eczema sufferers.

Unfortunately this little episode set a whole train of thought in motion.

These national days and national weeks have mushroomed at an alarming rate, but you hardly ever hear about them.

Originally they were started to promote justifiable awareness of issues such as health and the environment. Unfortunately the PR community then got its slick hands on the idea, trotted along to their various clients and we ended up with all sorts of strange events such as National Soup Day - really.

But the weird and wonderful are still out there and I thought I might be able to help you fill in your diary.

For instance we are currently in National Archaeology Week which runs from July 12 until July 20. Of course the smartest among you will realise that this special week' is actually running for nine days - but that's archaeologists for you.

Unfortunately in the list of events in counties around the UK, Bucks is swept up under Greater London' and you have the choice of Meeting the Roman' in Orpington - which I believe is in Kent - or visiting the Prescott Street Excavations Open Evenings at Aldgate in London.

So, if you'll pardon the expression, I carried on digging.

I regret to say that you have actually missed National Black Forest Cake Day (March 28), No Pants Day (the last Friday in May - so make a date for next year) and National Straw Hat Day (May 15).

So here's your list of must events to note:

* August 11: International Left Handers Day. Now as a cack-hander I confess to a vested interest here and a website promoting the day features free posters, a quiz and items for sale such as left-handed scissors (most useful) and a backwards wall clock (pointless).

* September 13 & 14: National Beach-watch - let's all head to the coast for the weekend and don't forget your brolly and raincoat.

* September 22: World Car Free Day - take the bus to work, but don't forget to let the boss know you'll be late.

* October 3: World Smile Day - see how long it takes before someone belts you for grinning at them.

* October 10: Walk a Dog to School Day - should see some interesting scraps at the school gate.

* November 5: National Stress Awareness Day - try not to get wound up over yobs letting off fireworks in your neighbourhood.

* December 6 & 7: National Tree Dressing Day - I suggest you do it after dark as you're likely to get locked away if caught.

However, if you can't manage any of those, there is one you simply must not miss.

September 19 is International Talk Like A Pirate Day and a black spot for all ye landlubbers that fail to join in - yarr, shiver me timbers.