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FELPHAM IN FOCUS

Dear All,

If you have yet to visit the Luna Hut Sauna on The Prom in Bognor, then do give it a try this month. I have been twice. Once with my family (even the teenagers loved it) and once with a friend and it is the perfect way to relax and feel invigorated all at the same time. This beachside warmer is open to everyone over the age of 12 from Thursday to Sunday. Wear your swimming costume, flip flops and towel/robe and let the heat warm your bones as you sit and look out to sea.

I’m not a big fan of cold water but, for me, several sea splashes during the process made the whole experience even better. Otherwise, plenty of deckchairs and water supplies are freely available when you want to cool off. Everyone is incredibly friendly, staff and sauna-goers alike, and it’s a very welcoming community. Give it a go –lunahutsauna.co.uk – you won’t regret it!

My other May recommendations are two free phone apps. Merlin App. Switch it on wherever you hear birdsong and it names the birds singing. Last week it recorded eight different bird species in a hedge chorus by my car. Next up is Arun District Council App. This will help us all support the new food recycling regime and save confusion. Enter your postal address and weekly messages arrive detailing which bins you need to put out the night before a collection.

Thank you to artist Laurie Avadis (laurieavadisart.com) for our stunning bluebell front cover. Best wishes, Kate X

Copies of Felpham In Focus are available to collect from Felpham Village Post Office.

office@infocusmagazines.co.uk Tel: 07729682245

www.infocusmagazines.co.uk JUNE ISSUE DEADLINE – WEDNESDAY 3 MAY 2026

ARTISTS OF THE MONTH:

SUSIE OLFORD, JAN SIMPSON, DEBORAH PORTER, KEITH O’NEILL, KATE MERCY OPENING

YOUR EYES TO CHICHESTER OPEN STUDIOS

Celebrating 2026, its 25th year, The Chichester Open Studios Art Trail is an experience that offers an exciting invitation to see artists’ work in the place of making. Artists that are close to home are based in Bersted, Barnham, Flansham and Yapton.

The Chichester Trail brings together 150 plus artists across five days in May – 16, 17 and 23, 24 and bank holiday Monday 25 May 2026. Open from 1030 until 1700 visitors can explore a diverse range of studios, discover new talent and experience a wide range of vibrant creativity for free!

I’m Susie and I display my paintings, including dramatic landscapes and seascapes, at Hoe Lane, Flansham (PO22 8NJ) just off the A259 to the east of Felpham. You’ll find me in a charming, unique barn so perfect for displaying oil paintings. There are small ones (15cm/6in square) and larger ones (60cm/24in) and lots in-between. There is plentiful car parking in the Barn’s courtyard at Venue 58 and wheelchair access and you will have an opportunity to see an oil palette and ask questions. Contact: smoart@btinternet.com Instagram: smoartuk.

Jan Simpson, originally from New Zealand is a glass artist. She is Venue 59 in South Bersted, PO22 9HJ. Jan works with stained glass creating pieces ranging from intimate one-offs to commissioned projects. Jan uses traditional stained-glass methods and images alongside fusing and casting. You will be able to book workshops, explore her diverse collection and enjoy viewing earlier works rarely seen. jan@koruarts.co.uk

Artists Deborah Porter and Kev. O (Keith O’Neill) are based at Venue 57 in Yapton. Deborah Porter’s journey is one of resilience, creativity, and healing. Over a decade ago, a life-changing brain injury altered her world and to rebuild her life, she turned to art and craft. Deborah has worked with a variety of mediums, including weaving, beading, ink, watercolor, pastel, encaustic wax, acrylic painting and much more.

Since resurrecting his passion for art and the environment artist Kev.O creates pieces on a variety of substrates that would have otherwise been sent to landfill for example on 12" vinyl records. Visit: wicklecottagestudio.com Venue 57 60a Tack Lee Road, Yapton, Arundel, West Sussex BN18 0HB

Move to Barnham where you will find abstract art, metal garden sculptures, textiles, jewellery and particularly amazing fused glass by Kate Mercy at Venue 53. She loves the beauty and colour of glass. It may look delicate, but it is robust. Kate explores the versatility to produce pieces that are tactile, useful and beautiful for your home and she offers workshops and takes commissions. Find Kate at Venue 53 on Elm Grove South, Barnham, PO22 0EL. katemercy@gmail.com Insta: katemercyglass or www.katemercy.com

Artists’ and venue details can be found at chichesteropenstudios.org. Free colour brochures are available at all artist venues as well as libraries, some cafes/shops and churches. You are welcome to e-mail any artist prior to the Trail. Follow green roadside signage to a chosen venue –all are free entry. We look forward to showing you our work!

Elements of Clymping, oil on board, Susie Olford.

Church window, Jan Simpson.

Glass bowl, Kate Mercy.

Aldwick Quilters’ 11th Quilt Show

Saturday 9 May 2026 10am to 4pm

Sunday 10 May 10am to 3pm

Pagham Village Hall Pagham Road

Bognor Regis PO21 4NN

Free Parking

Adults £3.00 Children free

Quilt and Textile Displays, Demonstrations. Lace Display, Sales Tables, including Chalk Hill Blue Fabrics.

Refreshments, Raffle, Tombola

Supporting Saga House (Dementia Support) and Community First Responders.

CASH ONLY PLEASE

LOCAL HISTORY BY SYLVIA ENDACOTT

Historically we have had some worldwide known companies in Bognor Regis offering employment to thousands of people. The largest company was LEC. In 1942, together with partner Leslie Jull, Charles and Frank Purley LEC purchased a small engineering workshop in Longford Road, Bognor Regis and Longford Engineering Company (L.E.C) was born. Through the war years, the workshop produced munitions as well as developing a refrigeration system.

In 1946 land was purchased at Shripney Road, Bognor to build a bigger, modern factory and they made their first prototype fridge which was an enormous success.

During 1954 the company was renamed Lec Refrigeration Ltd and they established a showroom in Regent Street, London. The company formed a Special Product division in 1956, to build on the success of their domestic fridges, and they started to produce cabinets for hospitals, aircraft and atomic research.

By the mid 1960’s, LEC was floated on the stock market and expanded to Burnley, Oldham and Northern Ireland. In 1973 following Britain’s entry into the common market, a modern factory was acquired in Calais. In 1986 Charles Purley, Founder and Chairman of the board of Directors, was presented with an OBE at Buckingham Palace for his Services to Engineering. Sadly, in October 1991 at the age of 81, Charles Purley gave up the Chairmanship of the board but died that December.

The Company was purchased by Sime Daby of Malaysia who invested £34 million into the business, but it was eventually sold to Glen Dimplex. Finally, it was sold and the site redeveloped into Sainsbury’s.

ARUN & CHICHESTER (AIR) ENTHUSIASTS SOCIETY

AirACES www.airaces.org.uk

Patrons – Sqn Ldr Richard (Dick) Kharegat RAF (Retd) – ex Vulcan, Victor, B52 Pilot Sqn Ldr Rod Dean RAF (Ret’d) – ex Hawker Hunter Pilot and Display Pilot

Monday 18 May 2026 – 1845 for 1930 hrs 'Testing Fast Jets – Aden to ADV'

Presented by Group Captain Ron Burrows AFC, FRAeS, JP, RAF (Ret’d)

Ron Burrows joined the RAF in 1962 and flew Hunter fighter/ground attack aircraft on close support missions over the deserts and mountains of what is now Southern Yemen. In 1970, he graduated from the US Navy Test Pilots’ School with a posting to the Aeroplane and Armament Experimental Establishment at Boscombe Down. During his subsequent four test flying tours, he tested all the RAF’s fast-jets and trainers of the time.

He was the first RAF pilot to fly the MRCA/Tornado prototype in 1975 and he later became the CO of the Fighter Test Squadron at the Aeroplane and Armament Experimental Establishment (A&AEE) at Boscombe Down. He conducted Buccaneer hot-weather trials in Arizona, Jaguar cold-weather trials in Alberta, Harrier GR3 ski-jump tests, and in-flight refuelling trials from a variety of tankers, including the improvised Vulcan tanker. Following staff appointments in NATO and the UK MoD, he was promoted to Group Captain in 1985 and became A&AEE’s chief test pilot.

His talk spans his RAF career from 1962 to 1988, from Aden Emergency to testing the Tornado, describing A&AEE’s test facilities and methods employed. He entertains with stories of two ejections and other close shaves and explains what it was like to fly and test the fast jets of the era.

VENUE – Boxgrove Village Hall, The Street, Boxgrove, PO18 0EE 6.45pm for 7.30pm start. Members £5, Non-members £10 and under 16s FREE.

Doors open at 6.45pm no pre-booking, no reserved seating. For further information about AirACES, please see www.airaces.org.uk or call David Batcock on 07502 400657.

WASHINGTON AND SOUTH DOWNS CIRCULAR WALK

BY SIMON BAKER

IRONS

This month’s walk is an 8.2km (5.1 mile) circular route from Washington that climbs up onto the South Downs before looping back through the hamlet of Sullington. This more challenging walk has a steep ascent that takes you to around 205m above sea level.

• The walk begins at the Frankland Arms in the small village of Washington. Built around 1795, the pub is thought to be named after William Frankland, an eccentric local landowner and adventurer known for his farflung travels.

• From here, follow School Lane past the Village Hall to The Street, then turn right towards St Mary’s Church. This historic Anglican church has 12th Century origins and was later reshaped by significant Victorian restoration. It’s well worth pausing to appreciate its character before continuing your walk.

• Just past the church, cross the bridge that carries you safely over the busy A24. Continue straight ahead along the road and onto the path that forms part of the South Downs Way. As the route begins its steady climb, you’ll notice in spring that the banks on either side are thick with wild garlic.

• Follow the South Downs Way up to the ridge, where you’re rewarded with sweeping views. To the north, the landscape stretches across Sussex towards the North Downs and to the south, you can look out over lowlying farmland towards the coast and beyond. From this vantage point you can also enjoy fine views of both Chanctonbury Ring and Cissbury Ring.

• Continue along the ridge in a westerly direction for roughly 1km, then begin your descent on a bridleway leading down the north side of the South Downs towards the hamlet of Sullington. The route first takes you through a field often occupied by curious cows, before joining a chalk track that leads you to the hamlet.

• As you approach Sullington, the church is the first landmark to come into view. St Mary’s Church has Saxon origins and has stood beneath the Downs, sheltered by a grove of ancient yews, since the 12th Century. Look out for the remarkable yew tree estimated to be over 1,300 years old, which far older than the church itself. Just inside, you’ll find a marble effigy of a 13th Century knight, believed to have been damaged during the Civil War.

• Next to the church, you can take a well deserved break in the 16th Century barn, that has been converted into a café. Alongside refreshments, it also has an informative and interactive exhibition exploring the history of Sullington and the long tradition of farming on the Downs.

• To head back to Washington, follow the bridleway from the church eastwards. A short way along this track you’ll pass Barns Farm. During WW2, an army camp stood just to the south of this spot, later becoming a resettlement camp for Polish refugees around 1950.

• Carry on along the bridleway as it leads you back to the A24 bridge crossing. From here, retrace your steps to the Frankland Arms, where you can round off the walk with a well-earned drink or meal.

To see more photos and walks please follow me on Instagram @piertopiertrekking

St Mary’s Church, Washington.

St Mary’s Church, Sullington.

1,300 old yew tree.

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LOCAL LIVES: WILLIAM J. FLEXMAN (1861-1937)

BY JANE SUMMERVILLE

William J. Flexman was a builder from the Chiswick area of London who, as with several other builders in the early 20th century, was buying land, in Felpham for development.

Having moved from London, William lived with his wife at Mill Cottage on the corner of Sea Road and Snooks Corner, this house having earlier been occupied by Henry Snook (who had run a greengrocery shop on the corner of Sea Road and gave the area its name).

William and his wife had several children, Winifred, Marjorie (later known as “Bun”), Edwin and, I think, another son. Winifred and Bun settled in Felpham, Winifred later living at Abergail, in Clyde Road; and Bun at Victoria Cottage, on the corner of Sea Road and Canning Road. Perhaps Bun’s father had owned the land on which the house was built as he did build in Canning Road. We also know that their brother, Edwin fought and died in action, in the First World War. Specifically, Serjeant Edwin Leslie Flexman of the 7th (Service Battalion) Queen’s Own Royal West Kent Regiment, died on 24 April 1918, aged 28. Edwin was buried at Crucifix Corner Cemetery, Villiers-Bretonneux, in France.

Perhaps Edwin’s death influenced William’s decision to build the Railway Carriages, in Sea Road. I was always told, by a descendant of William, that the Railway Carriages were intended to house survivors from the First World War. The carriages were literally old railway carriages, set on brick piers and given pretty verandas, as the first photograph shows. They had been brought to Bognor by train and then pulled to Felpham by horse and cart.

When built (or erected), the Railway Carriages were apparently only given short-term permission to exist!

William also owned the land which can be seen behind the Railway Carriages in the first photograph, with buildings of Bognor in the distance. In later years, this land was apparently bought through a compulsory purchase order by Bognor Town Council so that Butlins could be built. Photographs of postcards shown with kind permission of the Bognor Regis Museum.

SPRING INTO ACTION

BY FELPHAM FASHION GURU VICKY BOOKER

Now we're at the ‘in-betweeny’ weather stage, big winter coats are out, but it's not quite nice enough to go without; that's where the lighter weight spring jacket comes in.

This season there seem to be more options to choose from than usual – the jacket is having a bit of a moment! So here are a few of my tops picks from the current high street that will take you from Sunday walk to lunch or drinks in town …

The

Bomber

One of my favourite styles is the bomber jacket. Easy to throw over jeans or choose one of the more creative prints for a statement occasion look. The classic bomber has a round neck and shorter length, but if that neckline doesn’t suit you there are some collared or funnel-neck versions too. This neutral toned denim bomber by Friend’s Like These (right) has a summery feel and ticks the stripe trend too. Ecru Stripe Denim Bomber – £45 by Friend’s Like These.

The Trench

The other everywhere trend, albeit it's a classic is the trench coat. These are generally quite lightweight, traditionally a little longer in length and neutral tones. But this season there are bolder colours, architectural shapes and shorter and cropped versions, which work well for this season. If you like to make a statement, this neon colour block trench by fun brand Scamp & Dude (left) is the perfect choice. I love their ‘Fashion as a Force for Good’ message too – also available in a khaki and orange colourway. Navy and Stone Colour block Trench by Scamp & Dude £199.

The Puff or Balloon Hem Jacket

With memories of the 80’s puffball skirt in my mind (yes – this hemline trend is a thing for skirts and trousers too!), the balloon hem jacket seems a wearable option. I found this amazing faux leather version in Tesco's F + F collection (right), and it looks much more luxe in real life than the £35 price tag might suggest. Also available in black. Faux Leather Bubble Hem Jacket in Cream by F+F – £35.

The Sporty Parka

Finally, the short parka is a great spring jacket and brings the practicality as well as the style. Perfect over more casual looks, there’s a host of colours and styles to choose from. I liked this Elements parka by Next (left) in Red for a pop of colour, its waterproof, and it has a hood to cope with the inevitable spring showers! Elements Waterproof Parka in Red by Next – £68.

If you’d like some help to find the perfect jacket, or have any other style questions, please do get in touch!

Vickybooker.com or contact me for info – vicky@vickybooker.com

Vicky Booker.

FELPHAM & MIDDLETON HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY

Carnivorous Plants

Don will give us an overview of the different types of carnivorous plant, their habitas, care and cultivation, supported by examples of each of the five major types. by Don Fitzgerald

Don’s interest grew from a visit to the garden centre with his wife who was searching for a way to rid her tomato plants of blackfly. Come along to hear the rest of the story!!

Thursday 28th May at 7.30pm St Mary’s Centre

Grassmere Close, Felpham PO22 7NU

Visitors Most Welcome - £3 inc. Refreshments

Just come along on the evening

For more information visit our website - fandmhs.co.uk

OPEN DAY

Saturday 4 July 1.30pm

NEW ADULT MEMBERS’ OFFER

Reduced fee of £195 for 12 months

Option for 6 free group coaching sessions

Accredited LTA coach

New adult members only 01243 933105 www.clubspark.lta.org.uk/BognorLawnTennisClub membership@bognortennisclub.co.uk

PAN-FRIED GNOCCHI WITH BROCCOLI PESTO

BY MICHEL ROUX JR

Fast and tasty green veg, then griddled for that smoky taste, these ready-made gnocchi are fried for extra crunch and served with a homemade chilli broccoli pesto.

Ingredients for the pesto

350g/12oz broccoli (about 1 head), roughly chopped.

100ml/3½fl oz olive oil, plus extra to loosen if desired.

For the vegetables

300g/10½oz green vegetables such as asparagus, purple. sprouting broccoli, courgettes and baby leeks.

50-100g/2-3½oz toasted pine nuts, to taste.

1 garlic clove, roughly chopped.

1 green chilli, finely chopped.

50g/1¾oz parmesan cheese (or vegetarian alternative), freshly grated.

Salt and pepper, to taste.

olive oil, for drizzling and frying.

1 pack shop-bought gnocchi.

3 slices pancetta, baked or grilled, to garnish (optional).

Method

• Blanch the broccoli in boiling salted water for 3-4 minutes, or until tender. Drain and immediately plunge into ice water to stop it from cooking any further. Drain again and add to a blender with the olive oil, toasted pine nuts, garlic, chilli and a good grating of parmesan cheese. Blend to a paste to make pesto. Taste and season with salt and pepper and add more olive oil if needed to get the consistency you like.

• To cook the vegetables, heat a griddle pan to hot. Drizzle the green vegetables with olive oil and cook on a griddle pan. (You can use any vegetables you like for this, but if you choose root veg or anything bigger than asparagus you might need to blanch it first to soften before griddling.)

• Heat a good amount of olive oil in a frying pan and tip in the gnocchi straight from the pack. Fry until golden-brown all over, so they look like mini roast potatoes.

• Serve up the gnocchi and griddled veg with a good dollop of broccoli pesto. You could also sprinkle over some crumbled pancetta for a crisp, salty garnish.

This recipe is republished with the kind permission of BBC Good Food.

Marsh Harriers

OUR RESIDENT RAPTORS

BY ALICE MCDOUGALL

In the UK our birds of prey, or ‘raptors’, have had a difficult history with many species being pushed towards extinction. But thanks to the work of the RSPB and other organisations, some species are now flourishing. Here are some you might see at Pagham Harbour and Medmerry:

Look up and you may see a marsh harrier cruising above the reed beds. The male is an intricately coloured bird with a striking plumage of rusty reds, bluey greys, creamy browns; while the larger female is mainly chocolate brown and creamy coloured. Around this time of year, you may see the male marsh harrier doing some impressive aerial acrobatics to attract a mate; or, if already paired up, they may both be ‘dancing’ in the sky to stake out their territory.

Sparrowhawks

If you are lucky enough to see a male sparrowhawk close up, you will notice bars of reddish brown across it’s breast, and rich blueygrey wings; the females are browner but no less beautiful. Despite its small size, the sparrowhawk is a swift and gutsy hunter with incredible tenacity and agility.

Kestrels

This small falcon sports a brown speckled chest (compare with the bars of a sparrowhawk), pointed wings and a black tipped tail. The kestrel has adapted to urban life, and seems unperturbed by the noise of a busy road – you may often see them hovering, relentlessly flapping their wings with eyes fixed on the ground waiting to swoop down to catch their prey –perhaps a vole or mouse.

Red Kites

These magnificent, graceful soaring birds are hard to miss with their reddish brown bodies, huge wingspan of up to 195 cm, and distinctive forked tails. Although more common on the South Downs, you may occasionally see one over Pagham Harbour or Medmerry.

Buzzards

These are the most prolific of our raptors in the UK. You may sense their majesty as they soar high on a thermal, gracefully adrift in the clouds, sometimes in groups of four or five. When high up in the sky, their fan tail is an easy way to distinguish them from kites.

So why not come and spend some time at Pagham Harbour and Medmerry RSPB – you may be surprised by what you see. To find out more about the events on a Pagham Harbour and Medmerry this May: https://events.rspb.org.uk/paghamharbour

Emperor Dragonfly.

Image by Ben Andrew (rspb-images.com)

Sparrowhawk.

Ben Hall (rspb-images.com)

Marsh Harrier. Kestrel. Matt Wilkinson (rspb-images.com)

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ALISON GRIFFITHS MP

Residents across Felpham have consistently told me that pollution of our rivers and seas is one of their top priorities. Like you, and as a sea swimmer myself, I am fed up with sewage pollution and paying the price for under performance by Southern Water, the Government and the regulators.

Last month, I wrote that I would be holding a Public Meeting with Southern Water and giving you the opportunity to question them directly. I had a strong response and residents turned out in force, showing just how important this issue is to our community.

But the work does not stop here. I want residents to get clear answers about what is happening and what will change. If you are concerned about sewage pollution, bathing water quality, or rising water bills and want to hear what was said during the meeting, please do sign up on my website: www.alisongriffiths. org.uk/southern-water-public-meeting.

I will keep standing up to Southern Water, and I invite you to join me in continuing to hold them to account.

Elsewhere in the constituency, and on the back of English Tourism Week in March, I joined the re-opening of the Bognor Regis Museum for the summer season. One of the best things about living in our lovely corner of Sussex is the vast array of things to do. Come rain or shine, the museum takes you back to Bognor Regis’ days as a thriving Victorian seaside resort. It is well worth a visit.

I am also delighted to support both Bognor Regis and Littlehampton in putting forward bids for the UK Town of Culture 2028 competition last month. Our area has a rich and distinctive cultural history, with Felpham at its heart. William Blake made the village his home, and his visionary poetry has connected the Sussex coast to our national culture.

The beautiful landscape has long inspired creativity, and a huge amount of work has gone in behind the scenes to showcase the creative ambition of the towns for the future.

What stood out to me is that both bids were grounded in local people and the stories they tell about their love for where they live. They reflect the pride we all feel in our coastal towns and the huge amount they have to offer to residents and visitors alike.

I’m proud to represent our wonderful stretch of Sussex coastline, and I’ll continue to champion both towns as they move to the next stage of the competition.

If you would like to keep up to date with my work, please follow me on Facebook and Instagram: @AlisonGriffithsMP. You can also sign up to my monthly newsletter on my website: alisongriffiths.org.uk/newsletter, or get in touch with me via email at: alison.griffiths.mp@parliament.uk

Alison Griffiths.

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We are looking forward to the next ten years and continuing to help people plan for the future with confidence.

CELEBRATING 10 YEARS IN BUSINESS

It’s important to make sure your Will is giving you the right outcomes for the future and is tax efficient - following a budget, a Will review is important.

As we mark ten years in practice, it has been our privilege to guide our clients through life’s most important decisions—protecting families, preserving legacies, and providing peace of mind.

Regardless of your age, wealth, health or status, planning for your future can guarantee that your wishes are followed and ensure your loved ones get the full benefit of your legacy. Our experts will guide you through the process. So just as we prepare for the festive season, it’s a good time to prepare and think about making or updating your Will.

To celebrate our tenth anniversary we are offering a 10% discount on all Will and Lasting Power of Attorney instruction meetings booked in May. Just bring a copy of this advertisement with you to your meeting.

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GARDENNG IN MAY

BY ROB BULLOCK

With its long, sunny days, May is the perfect month to tidy up spring plants, prepare for summer and plant up hanging baskets.

Although gardeners always keep an eye out for cold weather even in May, it is a month where the days are long, and warm weather invites us to spend time in the garden tending flowers and vegetables and looking ahead to summer.

General gardening jobs

In the vegetable garden, earth up potatoes, covering the shoots with soil as they appear. Start sowing runner, dwarf and climbing French beans outdoors and harvest your delicious rhubarb whilst feeding the plants regularly. In the flower garden plant dahlia tubers after the risk of frost has passed. Sow annuals such as cosmos, marigolds and sunflowers directly into borders. Open greenhouse windows wide on warm days and water plants regularly. Mow your lawn regularly and begin to apply nitrogen-rich summer lawn feed. Consider varnishing, treating or painting any outside furniture to spruce it up for use.

Hanging baskets

May is the perfect month to create stunning hanging baskets that will hopefully bloom right through the summer and well into the autumn. With so much choice available, the type of hanging basket you choose will depend on several factors, including cost, amount of maintenance required and your personal tastes.

Lined hanging baskets are very popular and traditional. They consist of a simple cage of metal or woven natural material which will require a lining of moss, coir, plastic or a mixture of materials. They look great and can be used year after year, although they tend to dry out quickly so will require more maintenance, or an irrigation system or perhaps water storing granules.

Simple plastic hanging baskets are cheap to buy and easy to plant, often coming readyplanted, and they retain water well. They generally don’t last as long as lined baskets but could easily last a few years with careful use. They are also very strong.

Bloom around baskets also tend to be plastic, so retain water well but they have special holes or ‘gates’ in the sides to allow you to plant at the sides and top for a stunning look.

Wall baskets, or hay racks, don’t hang but rather attach directly to a wall. They are strong and enduring and tend to be large enough for a magnificent display. They are a good choice for exposed spots.

Stone-effect hanging baskets are a great style choice, they are contemporary, sleek and stylish and make the basket a real part of the feature. They do tend to cost more, but can last for years.

Once you have selected your hanging basket, chosen a location and installed it, it might need lining and a few pebbles in the bottom to aid drainage. Fill with a peat-free compost and plant up. Begonias look stunning and are low maintenance and last well and the trailing varieties work well in hanging baskets. Fuchsias, petunias, geraniums and lobelia offer a good choice of colour. Water thoroughly before hanging!

ALL SCREENS BIG AND SMALL BY ROB BULLOCK

This month sees the return of some of televisions best loved classic series plus some excellent new drama whilst the big screen has plenty to tempt cinema goers.

Large screen

The Devil Wears Prada 2 - 1 May 2026 – Comedy/Drama

In this eagerly awaited sequel to the 2013 classic, Miranda Priestly (cinema legend Meryl Streep) faces some inevitable challenges as she navigates a changing media landscape, notably the decline of print media, while nearing the unthinkable, retirement. Meanwhile Andrea ‘Andy’ Sachs (played by Anne Hathaway) returns to Runway magazine and reconnects with Emily (award winning British actress Emily Blunt), who has become a rival executive at a luxury brand.

Star Wars: The Mandalorian and Grogu - 22 May – Fantasy/Action/Adventure

Starring Hollywood actor Pedro Pascal as The Mandalorian this movie continues the popular Mandalorian series. For those unfamiliar with this Star Wars spin off this story takes place after the fall of the Galactic Empire with the New Republic enlisting Din Djarin (The Mandalorian) and Grogu to combat the remaining Imperial warlords threatening the galaxy.

Hoppers - 29 May 2026 – Animation/Adventure

New from Pixar Animation Studios, Hoppers features the voices of Jon Hamm and Meryl Streep and is the story of Mabel Tanaka (Piper Curda) who is a 19-year-old animal lover. Scientists create a new technology that allows human minds to "hop" into lifelike robotic animals. Mabel uses this technology to embody a robotic beaver with the aims of saving a local habitat from destruction.

Small screen

Doctor Who - 25 May, 2026, BBC1

In this episode "The Reality War," the Doctor (Billie Piper) and her companions face challenges in a reality which is being manipulated by the Rani, a long time Dr Who baddie originally played by Kate O’Mara and now Archie Panjabi. In this story the Doctor navigates a world where doubts about existence are against the law and promises to deliver a thrilling conclusion to "Wish World" from May 2025.

Unforgotten Series 7 - May 2026, ITV

Chris Lang’s eagerly awaited consistently brilliant cold case masterpiece returns for a seventh series. Building a solid working relationship DCI Jess James and DI Sunny Khan’s investigation begins with the discovery of human remains in the crawl space of a house in Ladbroke Grove, London. After initial forensic analysis suggests the remains belong to a murdered child and have been concealed for several years. Watch out for an appearance from award winning actress Sophie Rundle playing social worker, Mary Brock.

145th FA Cup Final 16 May 2026, ITV & BBC

After nine months and 747 teams later (655 from the qualifying rounds and 124 in the main competition) only two are remaining. Very few sporting competitions encapsulate the passion and drama of the FA cup and the ability for non-league teams or minnows to slay the mighty Premiership dragons. For non-partisan viewers today is a chance to enjoy British football at its very best on the hallowed Wembley Stadium turf.

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SAVE THE PLANET TO BRING NATURE HOME

BY KATE SOUTHWORTH

The RHS (Royal Horticultural Society), a world class research centre, is putting out “a call to arms”, to all gardeners in 2026: calling this appeal: Bringing Nature Home.

Why? Because they have concluded through their research that gardens must become recognised as the nationally vital habitats that they are! And they say that to date this huge ecological asset has been massively overlooked. Our gardens support over 50 per cent of our butterflies, amphibians and reptiles, over 40 per cent of our bird and mammal species, and they are home to innumerable insects.

The director of science at the RHS, Professor Alistair Griffith, is quoted as saying, “we urgently need people to understand how we can all use our gardens, large and small to help mend our fragile planet for future generations.”

Gardens are now seen to be in the frontline in protecting biodiversity in the face of Climate Change. For generations we have used and abused our land, built without thought, damaged and poisoned our soil and many life forms both plant and animal, treated the natural world as of little import, destroying the very eco system that would ensure our own long-term survival and food supply. But now we know we are in trouble; the UK is in the bottom 10 per cent worldwide for biodiversity, which leaves us worse than any other G7 nation or other countries such as China. Biodiversity is not about creating pretty vistas; it is so much more. It’s what provides us with our basic needs, our food, water, clean air, and long-term survival. Humans have achieved so much in the last 100 years but have sidelined care for the one thing that will give our species a future, nature.

Tragically the State of Nature report on the UK shows no let-up in this loss of biodiversity, with continuing declines since 2010. The RHS have made it clear…nature needs us!

But how do we start? The perfect time to step up is today. To start with a clean sheet, make your precious land safe. Safely dispose of the poisons that damage our soil, plants, bird life, mammals and insect life. No more sprays to kill insects or weeds, just a safe healthy environment for all. This step alone will have enormous positive consequences for all wildlife.

Repeatedly, amongst the reasons given for falling insect or mammals’ numbers, the use of pesticides is listed as a critical damaging action for wildlife. Many communities throughout the UK have joined together to stop councils spraying in their streets, parks and graveyards. Spraying a plant to kill insects on it, will often contaminate the nectar and pollen, so damaging the health of any future visiting insects. Poison your slugs, and the unfortunate hedgehog who finds and eats the dead slug, (which they do), will also absorb that poison.

Understand how important our actions can be in helping the recovery of our wildlife, and make your land a safe healthy refuge, knowing that this one single starting point will really make a huge difference.

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MAY HOROSCOPES

BY LOCAL ASTROLOGER LETICIA PARMER

Pluto brings each of us the unexpected surprises that can make us question who is actually in control of our life! Happily, from May until October, things settle down and become more predictable as Pluto ‘the roller-coaster planet’ will be retrograde. This means we will feel more in the 'driving seat' and less buffeted by change.

ARIES

Friends and large organisations that have caused ripples become less tiresome, more settled, so you can make your social and group plans now.

TAURUS

Career fluctuations and all things to do with your father or family begin to take on a more comfortable tone, so you feel your efforts are worthwhile.

GEMINI

Travel plans and experiences have been somewhat unpredictable with last minute changes and cancellations. Happily, that all settles now.

CANCER

Over recent months you may have been flawed by sudden closures or endings. But this month you get back in control of what you wish to let go of.

LEO

Partnership issues have had you on something of an emotional seesaw. Thankfully, this May all things to do with teamwork become less stressful.

VIRGO

Workload and health may have fluctuated so much lately that you have felt anxious and frustrated. Luckily, this month, you get back in control of both.

LIBRA

You've been on more of a seesaw than usual when it comes to the children and your creative projects. Calmer waters in both areas are at here last.

SCORPIO

It’s been a while since you knew quite what was happening regarding your home and your mother. This May the picture and future become clear.

SAGITTARIUS

Situations regarding a vehicle or your transport may have been unreliable, possibly also a brother or sister. Now you can start to depend on both.

CAPRICORN

Money, security and property have been all at sea for a while – an uncomfortable place for your practical, frugal nature. Now your patience pays off.

AQUARIUS

As Pluto is travelling through your own sign, its wobbly feeling has been very personal in recent months. Now you feel more steady and in control of your life.

PISCES

Essential to Pisces is dream time, but that has been quite unreliable of late. Now you can relax into it and depend once more on your fantastic visionary ability.

Ask Leticia to prepare a personal full chart reading for yourself, or as an original gift. call: +447956 155105 email: leticiaparmer@yahoo.com