'Grandma' Moses was born today in 1860. Her real name was Anna Robertson and she began painting at the age of 78. In her 90s she took up break-dancing and won three gold medals in the 1952 Geriolympics, most notable leading the over Eighties Nudist Trampolining team to victory.
Go 'Grandma'!
In other news ...
The battle of Lepanto stopped the Ottoman advance into Europe today in 1571 when a Christian fleet led by Don John of Austria destroyed the galleys of Ali Pasha, releasing thousands of galley slaves in the process. Ali Pasha was killed and his head presented to Don John as a souvenir.
For a brilliant poetic account of the action, see Battle of Lepanto by G K Chesterton. See, I've made it easy for you by adding a link (possibly ...)
Assuming this link works (which let's face it is unlikely) you will be transferred to a page from Untermeyer's splendid Modern British Poetry, from an edition when the wonderful Gilbert Keith was still among us - don't be confused by the lack of date of death, he is not still alive at almost 140, more's the pity. He actually died in 1936. He was, as they say, no age. If you are unfamiliar with his poetry, which is a little neglected these days, I really urge you to read some. You'll love it, I promise.
