logo
Effects of court ruling will trickle down at loos

Effects of court ruling will trickle down at loos

Times06-05-2025

P ause, gentlemen readers, before you cheer that Supreme Court ruling on biological sex. It emerged last week that this will mean a switch from 'ladies' and 'gents' loos to unisex conveniences.
Theatres, restaurants, bars and public lavatories can thus duck controversy and legal challenge. But wait! Surely this spells the end for that miracle of plumbing, the urinal. Unzip, 30 seconds, zip up, wash hands and you're on your way. Hurrying on to the bar, we boys can cast a sympathetic glance at those endless loo queues of women during the interval at Covent Garden.
God forbid that we may soon be forced to join them.
Reports emerge that housebuilders may be required by planning regulations to equip new homes with roof solar panels: an overdue and obvious move but, of course, a significant cost. So let me tell you about swift bricks. Swifts — those amazing, sky-darting little wonders of aero-engineering that arrive from the south every spring — are in serious long-term decline across Britain, and one reason is that modern housing is depriving them of the nooks and crannies in masonry where they site their tiny nests.

Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

'Keep windows shut' warning over Kings Langley fire
'Keep windows shut' warning over Kings Langley fire

BBC News

time36 minutes ago

  • BBC News

'Keep windows shut' warning over Kings Langley fire

Firefighters are tackling a blaze at a metal recycling centre on the outskirts of a Fire and Rescue said it was called to the fire at Railway Terrace, Kings Langley, near Hemel Hempstead, overnight. The fire service is advising residents nearby to keep their windows shut. Road closures are in place and are expected to last for some time, said Hertfordshire Police. Follow Beds, Herts and Bucks news on BBC Sounds, Facebook, Instagram and X.

Cover ugly walls or fences with a beautiful, fast-growing flower – it also adds privacy to your garden
Cover ugly walls or fences with a beautiful, fast-growing flower – it also adds privacy to your garden

The Sun

time44 minutes ago

  • The Sun

Cover ugly walls or fences with a beautiful, fast-growing flower – it also adds privacy to your garden

IF your garden has an ugly wall or fence that needs brightening up, there's one flower for the job. You can cover the eyesore and help to elevate your garden's privacy in one go. The experts at Gardener's World named the best plant for the job, and detailed how to grow and prune it. They recommended adding trumpet vines, officially known as Campsis, to your walls and fences. The deciduous woody climbers feature red, orange, or yellow tubular flowers that bloom from late summer through to autumn. Give these plants a large space to grow, ideally on a south-facing wall or a pergola in direct sunlight. They will quickly cover a framework, but experts advise annual pruning to control growth. Trumpet vines are known to cause skin irritation, so always wear gloves when handling. Plant these vines against a large wall or fence, or you can train them up a trellis or pergola, They can also be grown in large pots placed in a warm sheltered spot against a wall or fence. While they are frost hardy, they thrive in warmer conditions, with full sunlight helping to ripen the new wood. This improves hardiness and promotes prolific flowering, with the plants often growing to 12 metres with wall support. I transformed my garden patio into summer haven for less than £100 with cheap B&M buys including gadget to keep bugs out They are ideal for adding privacy to your space and can spread for up to four metrese in width. But be warned, trumpet vines can be invasive so be sure to grow them in containers to help restrict their spread. TikTok garden pro Michael (@themediterraneangardener) also recommended the climbing plant for quick coverage of walls and fences. He described the flower as "fast-growing", explaining "it will quickly cover a wall or a fence". Trumpet vines are best planted in spring or early autumn and need to be watered thoroughly. How to create privacy in your garden CREATING privacy in your garden can be achieved in a number of ways depending on your budget, and the size of your space. Here are some effective ways to enhance privacy in your garden: 1. Fencing Install a tall, solid wooden or vinyl fence. This is one of the most straightforward ways to gain immediate privacy. Or use lattice panels, trellis, or slatted fencing to add a decorative touch while still offering privacy. 2. Hedges and Plants Fast-growing evergreen shrubs or trees like Leylandii, Thuja, or Bamboo along the boundary of your garden can help with privacy. Grow a dense hedge using plants like Boxwood, Privet, or Laurel. It may take time to grow, but it provides a natural and green privacy screen. Use climbers like Ivy, Clematis, or Wisteria on fences or trellises to create a lush, green privacy barrier. 3. Outdoor Curtains Hang outdoor curtains around pergolas, gazebos, or patios for an easy-to-adjust privacy solution. 4. Sound Barriers A water fountain or small waterfall can help drown out noise, adding to the sense of privacy. Or install fencing designed to reduce noise if privacy from sound is also a concern. For the best results, mix organic matter such as garden compost into the planting area. Dig a hole at least twice as wide as the pot and around the same depth. This should be placed approximately 45 centimetres from the base of the wall or fence. Loosen the soil at the edges of the hole and remove the plant from its pot, teasing out the roots. Place the vines in the hole levelling the top of the rootball with the soil. Then refill the hole and gently firm the soil around the plant, removing any air pockets. As well as watering the plant, you should mulch with compost or chipped bark. You can also tie the shoots into supports to start training the vine. 2

Wolverhampton hosts Windrush Day events
Wolverhampton hosts Windrush Day events

BBC News

timean hour ago

  • BBC News

Wolverhampton hosts Windrush Day events

Windrush Day is to be celebrated in Wolverhampton later this annual event celebrates the contributions that Caribbean migrants and their descendants have made to the City Council will host a flag-raising ceremony outside the Civic Centre at 10:30 GMT on 22 June.A bust of Mel Chevannes, the city's first African-Caribbean councillor, will then be unveiled at Wolverhampton Art Gallery. Chevannes was elected to the Graiseley Ward in 1981 and served as a councillor for 11 years, later becoming the first African-Caribbean chairperson of The Royal Wolverhampton NHS Trust."I am humbled to be honoured by a bronze bust in the city of Wolverhampton, which has been my home for the last 50 years," she said."It is truly amazing that this is the first such public recognition in England of a black woman who is very much alive."HMT Empire Windrush docked in Tilbury, Essex, on 22 June 1948, bringing hundreds of passengers from the Caribbean to the UK, who were invited to rebuild post-war mayor Councillor Craig Collingswood said the council was delighted to highlight and celebrate the impact of the Windrush generation."Everyone is welcome to join us for the flag-raising and the unveiling, and I hope that as many residents as possible are able to come along and help us celebrate Windrush Day 2025," he added. Follow BBC Wolverhampton & Black Country on BBC Sounds, Facebook, X and Instagram.

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into the world of global news and events? Download our app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store