Opinion

It will soon be National Cream Tea Day (Friday, June 29) and the most important element is the scone. David Woods, executive head chef of the Sofitel London Gatwick, has a refreshing twist on an old favourite.

I was pleased that this week the Home Secretary announced a review into the use of cannabis for medical treatment. I wrote earlier this year about the need for the drug to treat six-year old Alfie Dingley, whose parents I met.

Sussex has many links to the arts and crafts movement including the famous Sussex chair.

My new friend is the very lovely and oh so greatly appreciated pest control man.

This week the House of Commons has been voting on Brexit. I have voted to reject the Lord’s amendments to the Bill. My position remains that the referendum result must be respected.

Last week I was invited to present a series of awards to some of the outstanding volunteers at the Amberley Museum and Heritage Centre to coincide with national volunteers’ week.

The term ‘fine wine’ is well established, referring to those wines that are a ‘cut above’ the more everyday type and perhaps also carrying a higher price tag.

With Father’s Day and the World Cup all coming together, this man feast will tick both boxes, says Tony Staples, executive head chef at the Arora Hotel in Crawley.

Russia has been embroiled in so much controversy lately it’s hard to believe that stadia across that country will soon be hosting the 2018 FIFA World Cup.

England is on the extreme edge of the climatic area of the Northern hemisphere, where wine grapes can be grown successfully.

This week I wrote to the Transport Secretary about the appalling state of the rail service as a result of the new timetable.

For those of us fortunate enough to live in the beautiful, sunny counties of Sussex, it is impossible not to be impressed by the number of vineyards popping-up at what seems to be ever-increasing speed.

I am appalled by the South Downs National Park Authority’s decision to seek a judicial review of Highways England’s selection of a preferred route for the Arundel bypass.

The one question I have been asked more than any other since completing my first ever half marathon is ‘have you got a taste for it now?’.

Last week, Richard Jackson, Bishop of Lewes, embarked on a five day pilgrimage from Iden, East Sussex to Chichester Cathedral.

Chardonnay is perhaps one of the most mis-understood of all wines, which is somewhat ironic as it is produced in virtually every wine-making region of the world.

It has been a busy fortnight in and out of Parliament. Last Sunday I joined the annual walk in Arundel Park for the Snowdrop Trust, a wonderful local charity of which I am honoured to be a patron.

The forthcoming Late May Bank Holiday used to be associated with Whitsuntide and we all got 'Whit Monday' off.