`  :It certainly seemed like a joke. But I have received the following note at my Talkpage  ( ): ::Re. Merry England. The comment you reverted refers to an actual speech made by [[John Major], referring to a comment by George Orwell. Here are a variety of references. * Tony Parsons refers to the speech  * Correspondent chastises Alan Bennett for espousing Major-like sensibilities.  * Tony Banks criticises John Major, citing the speech. * Waitrose's page on cricket food and drink, citing the speech.  09:55, 17 August 2005 :Please someone work this material into a paragraph beginning with John Major's remark about ``Merry England`` and add the following references.  `