Bembridge Parish News

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1 Bembridge Parish News SERVING THE PARISH CHURCH THE CATHOLIC CHURCH THE METHODIST CHURCH JUNE 2016 monthly news for our community in Bembridge Celebrating HM Queen Elizabeth II s 90th Birthday PRIEST-IN-CHARGE: Rev d Dr Amanda Bloor Tel: amandaebloor@gmail.com vicar@bembridge.com ASSOCIATE PRIEST: Rev d Linda Bushell Tel: curate@bembridge.com METHODIST MINISTER: Rev d Frances Watson 12 Gordon Cl. Sandown Tel: franceswatson18@hotmail.co.uk CATHOLIC PRIEST: Fr. Anthony Glaysher Tel: Please inform the clergy of sick persons and other needs for visiting and prayers Editor: Distribution Manager: Advertising Manager: Anna Driver 1 The Ruskins, Kings Road, PO35 5NY Tel: annadriver@talktalk.net (Copy deadline - 8th of the preceding month) Mrs Jenny Austen 31 Beachfield Road, PO35 5TN Tel: , jennya@compcrim.demon.co.uk John Leaver 6 Tyne Walk, Bembridge, PO35 5XY Tel: jdleaver@tiscali.co.uk Please buy a copy of the Parish News available locally to support our advertisers who make the publication of this magazine possible. 1

2 Bembridge Parish News No. 607 monthly news for our community in Bembridge From Bembridge Old to Bembridge New the Bembridge Parish News is a monthly publication for All the Community... It includes: Historical articles and current News from individuals and associations within our community. Notices of up-coming events and things to do around our area. Along with advertisements from really helpful businesses working in Bembridge always available to assist. What s in this month... See page 25. See page 5 and a whole host of events and activites for the whole community for ages from 1 100! Leadletter ~ Peter Clarke The Feast of Pentecost 3 H M Queen s 90th 5 Concerts in Bembridge 7 RNLI ~ Bembridge 9 Cruise Ships passing-by 12 The Cloisters Garden ~ Donate a Bench 13 News From St Michaels 14 Holy Trinity Calendar 16 Bembridge Methodist Church 18 Carisbrooke Priory 20 More dates for our Diary 23 Jazz on the Quay 25 Bembridge WI 27 Bembridge Townswoment Guild 29 Looking at Advertising 29 Bembridge Horticultural Society 31/32 2

3 The Feast of Pentecost ~ Peter Clarke (Chairman, IW Catholic History Society) Early Summer is a good time to be in Bembridge. The village comes alive with activity. By the time that you will read this magazine, everyone will have been involved in some way with the Bembridge Village Fayre. Co-operation and goodwill is always evident. People use their talents to enhance the enthusiasm, vitality and creative fellowship of the Christian faith. Similarly, the Ecumenical Songs of Praise in the Parish Church, encourages people, despite their differences, to praise and give thanks to God as a Christian body. Let us remember that true religion points us towards healing and wholeness, towards whatever is honourable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is gracious [Philippians 4:8]. The church calendar at this time is full of celebrations. From Easter onwards, we have the Feast of the Ascension, Pentecost, Trinity Sunday (Patronal Feast of our parish church and, consequently, a focal point for our Christian community). but it is the Feast of Pentecost, one week earlier, which is traditionally recognised as the birthday of the Church. Coming exactly fifty days after Easter, Pentecost commemorates the descent of the Holy Spirit on the Apostles. The Feast of Pentecost has also been known as Whitsunday, from White Sunday, in reference to the white garments worn by those being baptized on the feast day. Christ had promised His Apostles that He would sent His Holy Spirit, and, on Pentecost, they were granted the gifts of the Spirit. The bible tells us that the Apostles began to preach the Gospel in all of the languages that the Jews, who were gathered there, spoke, and about 3,000 people were converted and baptized that day. That is why Pentecost is often called the birthday of the Church. On this day, with the descent of the Holy Spirit, Christ s mission is completed, and the New Covenant is inaugurated and the Church is made manifest to the world. This growth in faith and confidence, as exemplified by the apostles, is certainly needed in the Christian Church today, as many who profess to follow Christ and the Gospel message, often show a reluctance to speak out when faced with anti-christian bias from those wishing to discredit any form of religion. Let Pentecost and the gifts of the Spirit both embolden us, not just now, but throughout the year, so that we can speak up for what is right and use our talents and resources to promote the Christian message. Peter Clarke 4

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5 Bembridge Singers Summer Concert Wednesday 8th June PM Holy Trinity Church, Bembridge Bembridge Singers will be performing The Sprig of Thyme arranged by John Rutter and Five English Folk Songs by Vaughan Williams. The choir, directed by Richard Hutchins and accompanied by Ann Gardner, will be joined by Amy Bottriell (soprano) and Yiran Ma, an exceptionally gifted young pianist. There will be a retiring collection. Folk songs have passed down from generation to generation, telling timeless stories of ordinary people's lives. In The Sprig of Thyme John Rutter has collected eleven songs from across the British Isles and Ireland which make up a colourful musical patchwork of human experience. Through simple, direct language and lilting melodies, the songs tell us about the complexities of human life - especially where love is concerned! Ralph Vaughan Williams, who died on 26th August 1958, was taught by some of the greatest musicians and composers of the age. He started collecting English folk songs from traditional singers from across the country and this collection of settings for the choir dates from The first four tell of the traditional themes of love found and lost; the last, as you will see, is a rollicking celebration of good cheer. Bembridge Village Band Concert We are holding our Annual Charity Concert on Sunday 5th June in the Village Hall at 3pm. This year we are celebrating Music from the Movies. All proceeds will go will go to HELP FOR HEROES. Admission is 5 payable at the door and includes free refreshments. There will be a raffle, and there will be lots of chances to sing (and dance if you wish!) Music will include: Magnificent Men in their Flying Machines, The Sound of Music, Gabriel s Oboe, Putting on the Ritz, Pirates of the Caribbean, Tuxedo Junction, Radetzky March and much more! As usual we shall feature; Bembridge Recorder Consort, Jazztones and Bembridge Handbell Ringers. We hope to see you there! 8 Angela Holland (Conductor)

6 Lifeboat action during April: Bembridge RNLI Guild News The all-weather Tamar lifeboat Alfred Albert Williams was called into action three times in April, the first at 1.20pm on the 5th, to go to the assistance of the 34 foot yacht Tulip, off Ventnor with a failed engine and with concerns that they would be drifting into the shipping lane. The yacht was taken under tow to Portsmouth, whilst the lifeboat mechanic Bryan Jones managed to rectify the engine problem, allowing the Tulip to berth under her own power at Haslar Marina, Gosport. The lifeboat returned to station at around 5.30pm. At 6.50pm on the 17th April, the lifeboat was tasked by Solent Coastguard to assist the 32 foot motorboat Ligea, broken down between Langstone harbour and Bembridge with a crew of two aboard. Once located, the problem was sorted out and the Ligea escorted into Langstone harbour. During the return passage to Bembridge, the lifeboat was re-tasked to the aid of the 28foot angling boat Wight Thyme with a crew of two, broken down with a fuel problem just south of the Nab Tower. Unable to resolve the fuel problem, the vessel was towed into Bembridge harbour and the lifeboat rehoused by 9.30pm. On the 24th April at 5.45 pm, the lifeboat was requested by Solent Coastguard to investigate reports that a passenger on the Brittany Ferry Bretagne had seen a person in the water, around two miles south of Bembridge ledge. On arrival, the lifeboat s Y class dinghy was deployed and, sadly, a body was recovered and brought back to the offshore lifeboat station where it was handed over to the local Police. The lifeboat was rehoused by 6.35pm continued p 11

7 Continued from p 9 Bembridge lifeboat and Guild at Brading Haven Yacht Club: Bembridge RNLI and Guild were present at Brading Haven Yacht Club s Open Day on Saturday, 23rd April, with an educational stand manned by Guild members and the lifeboat s sea safety officer, Alan Doe conducting a lifejacket clinic for boat users. The all-weather lifeboat Alfred Albert Williams under the command of Bowie White was also present, with an opportunity for visitors to go aboard and inspect the vessel. (See photo). Coffee morning 23rd April: The coffee morning on the 23rd April was blessed with fine weather and a good attendance, with over 500 being raised in support of the lifeboats. Many thanks to all those who supported the event. MayDay Week activities: Just a reminder that the MayDay Week s activities as outlined in last month s Parish News will have already started by the beginning of June and information on the programme of events will be available at the RNLI shop, the RNLI Guild... continued p 13 12

8 Cruise Ships... passing by... The following schedule of ships is strictly provisional and subject to alteration the ships will normally arrive back in Southampton in the early morning and depart again that evening with new passengers onboard. For more accurate details and timings have a look under: Planned Movements on nearer the time... 1st 4th 5th 6th 8th 9th 10th 11th 13th 14th 16th Caribbean Princess Nautica Emerald Princess Independence of the Seas Braemar Celebrity Eclipse Britannia Azura Queen Victoria Navigator of the Seas Seven Seas Voyager Aurora Aidaprima Azores Ventura Queen Victoria Oriana Azamara Quest Caribbean Princess Nautica Aidaprima Queen Elizabeth Marinia Navigator of the Seas JUNE 2016 Seven Seas Voyager 17th Oriana 18th Emerald Princess Independence of the Seas Braemar Britannia Arcadia 19th Celebrity Eclipse Arcadia Azura 20th Aidaprima 22nd Ventura 23rd Queen Mary 2 Queen Elizabeth Queen Victoria 24th Aurora 25th Caribbean Princess Britannia 26th Ventura Braemar 27th Britannia Aidaprima 28th Navigator of the Seas 29th Oriana Cunard s Three Queens are due to depart from Southampton together on Thursday 23rd June... 13

9 Continued from p 11 stand at the Bembridge Street Fair and on posters around the village. The offshore boathouse will be open every day from 11am to 4pm with coastal dog walking safety information on Wednesday 1st and Saturday, 4th June and children s activities on most days, including storytelling for younger ones in the morning and welly-wanging competitions on the beach for 7-11 year olds in the afternoon on Friday, 3rd June. There will also be a lifejacket clinic at the offshore boathouse on most days, enabling sailors to bring their lifejackets along to be checked for safety compliance. On Tuesday, 31st May, the all-weather lifeboat will be launched at 7pm, which may be viewed from the boathouse, after which hotdogs and drinks will be served by the Guild on the beach (or in the inshore boathouse, depending on the weather). Coffee morning Saturday, 11th June: The next coffee morning will be on Saturday, 11th June from 10am to 12 midday. There will be sales of cakes, books, bric-a-brac, jewellery, lifeboat souvenirs and a raffle. As always, all proceeds will go directly towards the lifeboats, helping to save lives at sea. Opening times for June: The offshore boathouse and RNLI souvenir shop will be open from 2 to 4pm every day until the 25th June and then from 11am to 4pm for the rest of the month. They will be open from 11am to 4pm for the MayDay Week activities at the beginning of June. Ken Orchard Bembridge RNLI Lifeboat Guild Press Officer Donate a Bench The Cloisters garden is being refurbished by the Friends of Holy Trinity. It is hoped you will enjoy this peaceful garden, in the heart of the village. If you would like to donate a bench, perhaps in memory of someone special, or to celebrate a birthday or anniversary please contact me. The first bench has been kindly donated by the Parish Council to celebrate H M the Queen's 90th birthday. 14 Olive Light Phone

10 St. MICHAEL S CATHOLIC CHURCH WALLS ROAD, BEMBRIDGE Joint Parish of St Mary s Ryde with St Michael s, Bembridge Parish Priest for both churches: Father Anthony Glaysher Tel: (01983) Parish Office: stmarysryde@portsmouthdiocese.org.uk Parish web site: CATHOLIC CHURCH ~ SERVICES: All Sundays 1st Sunday of the month 2nd Sunday of the month Mondays Tuesdays Saturdays 7.45 am (said) Mass at Ryde 9.15 am (sung) Mass at Bembridge am Mass at both Quarr Abbey & St Cecilia s Convent am (sung) Mass at Ryde 5.00 pm Latin Mass ~ St Mary s Ryde 5.00 pm Mass (Ordinariate) ~ St Mary s Ryde 2.00 pm Rosary St Michaels Bembridge 9.30 am Rosary & Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament am (said) Mass at Bembridge 6.00 pm Vigil Mass at Ryde 15

11 Report from St Michaels The parish pilgrimage to the ancient shrine of Walsingham, Norfolk in late May was enjoyed by everyone, who came back feeling spiritually renewed A talk and discussion with slides to round off the trip took place on 24th May at St Mary s. A further visit to another shrine, Our Lady of West Grinstead, is planned later in the summer. Previous visit to shrine at West Grinstead showing Father Glaysher and a parish group Quarr Abbey tours ~ July and August Every first Tuesday of the month. Meet at 11am outside monastery shop. No need to book. Visitor Centre and teashop open daily. Art exhibitions frequently held. Congratulations to Dee Becker of the parish for completing her Scottish Cross pilgrimage - a 100 mile trek over the Scottish Highlands, carrying a cross to the abbey on the Island of Iona. Many thanks to those who sponsored her. Dee says: I feel blessed to have had the opportunity of this pilgrimage within a wonderfully supportive group of like minded people. More details on parish website. Yvonne Rowles 16

12 HOLY TRINITY CALENDAR Priest-in-Charge: Revd Dr Amanda Bloor Tel: Associate Priest: The Revd Linda Bushell Tel: SUNDAY SERVICES 8.00am Holy Communion at St Luke s (BCP) 10.30am Parish Communion with STEPPING STONES for children at Holy Trinity (Common Worship) 1st SUNDAY OF EACH MONTH (except January & Easter Day) 10.30am Thank God it s Sunday! Worship for all ages 1st SATURDAY OF EACH MONTH (except January) 3.00pm Messy Church in The Cloisters Crafts, fun, food and stories for under 12 s and parents/carers JUNE 2016 Wednesday 1st 9.30am Matins at St Luke s 10.00am MU Holy Communion at St Luke s Thursday 2nd 8.30am Morning Prayer at Holy Trinity Friday 3rd 8.30am Morning Prayer at Holy Trinity Saturday 4th 3.00pm Messy Church in The Cloisters Sunday 5th THE SECOND SUNDAY AFTER TRINITY 8.00am Holy Communion at St Luke s (BCP) 10.30am Thank God it s Sunday at Holy Trinity Monday 6th 9.00am Monday Meditation at Holy Trinity Tuesday 7th 8.30am Morning Prayer at Holy Trinity Wednesday 8th 9.30am Matins at St Luke s 10.00am Holy Communion at St Luke s Thursday 9th 8.30am Morning Prayer at Holy Trinity Friday 10th 8.30am Morning Prayer at Holy Trinity Sunday 12th THE THIRD SUNDAY AFTER TRINITY 8.00am 10.30am Holy Communion at St Luke s (BCP) Parish Communion with Stepping Stones at Holy Trinity Monday 13th 9.00am Monday Meditation at Holy Trinity 17

13 Tuesday 14th 8.30am Morning Prayer at Holy Trinity 7.00pm Táize Worship & Prayer at St Luke s Wednesday 15th 9.30am Matins at St Luke s 10.00am Holy Communion at St Luke s 3.00pm Bereavement Triangle meet in the Cloisters Thursday 16th 8.30am Morning Prayer at Holy Trinity Friday 17th 8.30am Morning Prayer at Holy Trinity Sunday 19th THE FOURTH SUNDAY AFTER TRINITY 8.00am Holy Communion at St Luke s (BCP) 10.30am Parish Communion with Stepping Stones at Holy Trinity Monday 20th 9.00am Monday Meditation at Holy Trinity 7.00pm Worship at The Limes Care Home, Bembridge Tuesday 21st 8.30am Morning Prayer at Holy Trinity Wednesday 22nd 9.30am Matins at St Luke s 10.00am Holy Communion at St Luke s Thursday 23rd 8.30am Morning Prayer at Holy Trinity Friday 24th 8.30am Morning Prayer at Holy Trinity SUNDAY 26th THE FIFTH SUNDAY AFTER TRINITY 8.00am Holy Communion at Holy Trinity (BCP) 10.30am Parish Communion with Stepping Stones at Holy Trinity Monday 27th 9.00am Monday Meditation at Holy Trinity Tuesday 28th 8.30am Morning Prayer at Holy Trinity Wednesday 29th 9.30am Matins at St Luke s 10.00am Holy Communion at St Luke s Thursday 30th 8.30am Morning Prayer at Holy Trinity FUNERALS Elizabeth Laing, 30 March 2016 Robert Worsley, 22 April 2016 Alan Chum Harbour, 29 April

14 Rev. Frances Watson Tel: JUNE 2016 CALENDAR MIDWEEK EVENTS AND SUNDAY WORSHIP Sunday 5th 10.30am Morning Worship with Junior Church Local Preacher, Marion Best Sunday 12th 10.30am Morning Worship with Junior Church Rev. Frances Watson, Sacrament of Holy Communion Sunday 19th 10.30am Morning Worship with Junior Church Local Arrangement Sunday 26th 10.30am Morning Worship with Junior Church Local Preacher, June Parsons ACTIVITIES AND GROUPS IN THE CHURCH Every Wednesday 10.00am ~ Café Church discussing the previous Sunday s sermon and a look at the chosen Bible readings in more detail. An informal time learning from our joint experiences and different opinions. All Welcome 2.45pm ~ Wednesday Welcome A pleasant time of friendly fellowship with a varied programme to which all are welcome. Further details from: Val Pollard First Tuesday 2.30pm to 4.30 ~ Craft Group Ladies of the village knit or sew for charity Every Wednesday 6.30pm to 7.45 in term time ~ Rock Solid Activities and Fun for School Years 5, 6 & 7 Every Thursday am to Noon in term time ~ Mum s and Tots Activities for the little ones Second Friday 10.30am to 3.00pm ~ Breakaway Day Feeling lonely, just need to get out or caring for a loved one? Food, fun and making friends Our church is situated in Foreland Road 19

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16 June at Carisbrooke Priory Open Door Speakers for June nd June 9th June 16th June 23rd June 30th June Alan Brown (Communion) John Izzard Mike Connolly Sing & Share Elizabeth Lilley Open Door Meeting every Thursday at 12 noon followed by lunch in the Dining Room at approximately 1.00 pm The Priory: Art for Beginners Poetry, Past & Present Creative Writing Melodies & Memories Intermediate Art Wednesday 1st June a.m. 12 Noon Very limited number of places booking essential Contact George Goddard on Friday 17th June a.m a.m. (please note new time) Poetry Appreciation Bring along a poem or two to share Tuesday 21st June a.m p.m. Monday 27th June p.m. in the Priory Chapel Come along and share some musical memories Wednesday 29th June a.m. 12noon Limited number of places booking essential Contact George Goddard on Unless otherwise stated, please contact Clare Goddard on to enquire about or book in for any of the above activities. All enquiries to Carisbrooke Priory Trust Phone: Prayer Ministry available by arrangement Please ring for appointment opendoor@carisbrookepriory.org.uk Website: 22

17 THE FRIENDS OF HOLY TRINITY BEMBRIDGE Steyne Wood Battery Open Garden Hillway, Bembridge PO35 5PG Opposite the Kingswood Centre (previously Bembridge School) Wednesday 29th June 2pm 4.30pm Entrance 3 accompanied children free Car parking Cream teas on sale No 8 bus stops outside In aid of the Cloisters Garden refurbishment OPPORTUNITIES FOR ADVERTISING IN THE BEMBRIDGE PARISH NEWS Thinking of placing an advert in this publication? If so contact our advertising manager: John Leaver tel TÁIZE WORSHIP & PRAYER Tuesday, 14th June St Luke s Chapel, Bembridge 7.00pm 8.00pm Come and join us for an hour of Táize style orship & prayer for others. Led by Margaret on acoustic guitar. This is a monthly service around the Bembridge churches. Everyone welcome 24

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19 Bembridge Windmill WI The members of Bembridge Windmill WI really engaged in some spirited discussions at their recent meeting. Every year, at its AGM, the National WI discusses Resolutions that, if supported, will form the focus of the organisation s public affairs. There are a number of stages leading to the AGM enabling all WI members to have their say, along the way. Bembridge members were well informed due to an enormous amount of background work being done before the meeting, by the leader of the Topical Talks Group, Wanda. There were two matters, food waste and Carers to be allowed in hospitals. The discussions that took place led to clear instructions being given to the Delegate who will take this WI s vote to the AGM. This was followed by a quiz on topical issues including, The Queen, William Shakespeare and St George that was thoroughly enjoyed by everyone. This was to be the last meeting in The Cloisters as the WI has just about outgrown the meeting room, especially when an activity takes place. The departure was marked with a glass of wine and a few nibbles. From May the WI will continue to meet on the third Monday of the month at 7.30pm but in the Village Hall. During the month members had enjoyed an interesting and informative visit to the Isle of Wight Cheese Factory. Members were told all about cheese making, given the opportunity to taste and also to purchase at reasonable prices. Members were invited to join a special walk during the Isle of Wight Walking Festival entitled Food and Farming, this would be a ramble around Brighstone. There will be a Bembridge Windmill WI walk around Godshill when it is hoped that the bluebells will be in flower. This will be followed by lunch. In mid May another walk, this time closer to home, is planned A Walk around Bembridge. The WI will be at the Bembridge Street Fair where they will be selling homemade cakes and preserves; plants and a range of handmade craft items. Look out for them there. If you miss the Street Fair there will be another opportunity to taste the delicious homemade cakes and preserves and peruse other items for purchase. On 9th July the WI will hold a coffee morning in the Village Hall when in addition to cakes and preserves; and craft items and plants there will be books and jigsaws and tombola. For the children (of any age if brave enough!) live out a fantasy by face painting. Look forward to seeing you there from 10.00am. The June meeting will be held on Monday 20th at 7.30pm in the Village Hall, Peta Rainford, local author and illustrator of children s books, talking about Children s Writing. Visitors are always welcome to the meetings so please just come along on the day or contact Gill Rogers or Sarah Atkins for more information. 28

20 Bembridge Townswomen s Guild As the members settled into their seats Annette welcomed a new member and our speaker for the evening Bob Hyde assisted by his wife Val telling us about Yaverland Manor. Bob was for many years responsible for carpeting and cleaning the carpets and upholstery. Yaverland Manor was built in the 17th Century and was home to the first king of the Isle of Wight being one of the oldest buildings on the Island. The Church which sits at the edge of the grounds was built in Yaverland Manor was bought by Commander and Mrs Monk in 1936 for the sum of 500, it changed hands in 1985 for millions more. He told us of the wonderful carpets, rugs and wall hangings that are sadly no longer there, showing us photos of the interior and recounting some interesting stories. We all realised how much Bob missed going there and it was obvious by his talk that Bob and Val are still very fond of Yaverland Manor. Following the talk Annette informed the Guild we had attained second place in the recent Island Federation Competition with the title St George. She thanked members for their contributions and Christine whose research and work had uncovered lots that we didn t know about St George and finally putting it all together to make a stunning display. The next event will be our stall at the Street Fair during May Bank Holiday where we are running a tombola to raise money for children s books for Bembridge Library. Eve will be doing a floral arrangement at Holy Trinity on behalf of us all. The Owl and Monkey Sanctuary is our trip for May with a walk to Brading, weather permitting in June and of course our monthly Supper Club. Best Bloom was won by Gilly Chubb, she also won the Competition section. Our next meeting will be on the 7th June in the Methodist Church Hall at 7.30pm when our speaker will be Andrew Wilson-Jenner with his talk on Theatre Costumes. Any lady wishing to join us will be made most welcome. Temp Press Officer Annette Halls 30

21 BEMBRIDGE HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY FOUNDED 1909 Affiliated to the Royal Horticultural Society facebook.com/bembridgehorticulturalsociety Follow us on MEMBERS SHOW SATURDAY 18th JUNE 2016 ANNUAL OPEN SHOW SATURDAY 20th AUGUST 2016 in THE VILLAGE HALL, HIGH STREET, BEMBRIDGE Opening 2:30pm Presentation of Awards 4:30pm Come and see the show exhibits and support us from 2:30pm on 18th June and 20th August, but why not enter our August show, or join our society (only 5) and enter either show? 32

22 Saturday June 18th 2-4pm - Members Show Don t forget to come along to see the entries in this year s show. In addition to flowers, fruit and vegetables, there are also classes for floral arrangements, cookery, preserves, handicraft and photography, plus a children s section. Flower of the month ~ IMPATIENS Not so long ago, busy lizzies were our favourite bedding plant. They were colourful, long-lasting and tolerant of sun or shade. But they were virtually wiped out by downy mildew, a fungal disease for which there is no remedy. To fill the gap left by these stalwarts, plant breeders have turned their attention to New Guinea impatiens, which belong to the same Balsam family as the familiar busy lizzie. And there are now plenty to choose from. Impatiens come in a range of bright or pastel shades and are as easy to grow as the busy lizzie. Although they are larger and not as delicate looking, they flower for many weeks and are guaranteed to provide a brilliant display in pots or bedding schemes. And the good news is that they re not affected by downy mildew! Vegetable of the month ~ PEAS Many of us have happy childhood memories of shucking peas in the garden and eating them raw from the pod. Peas have always been one of the staples of the vegetable garden - home-grown peas are sweeter than shop bought ones because as soon as they re picked the natural sugars start to turn to starch. Peas are believed to have been introduced by the Romans - but today we have so much more choice - purple or green pods, climbing or dwarf, sugar-snap, mangetout or petit pois. Whatever sort you choose, the growing principles are the same. Sow in shallow trenches in a sunny, sheltered position with well-drained soil, or start off in guttering under cover, then slide out into the ground. Protect from birds and mice, provide support for the peas to climb up and water well in dry spells. 33