Robin Cottle

Jeremy Clarkson says the unusually green lawns outside his Cotswolds pub, The Farmer's Dog, remain that way during the hosepipe ban because the venue uses a private borehole rather than treated mains water. He explained that boreholes legally avoid the restrictions because they draw groundwater, although installation can cost tens of thousands of pounds. The explanation followed similar speculation about how Rod Stewart maintains green lawns at his Essex home amid heatwaves and drought.

Psychic Craig Hamilton-Parker claims that readings from ancient Nadis manuscripts indicate a conflict involving as many as five countries could erupt in October 2026, following a period of rising international tensions. He also describes a dream in which Donald Trump, Vice-President JD Vance and other officials are sheltering in a panic room, interpreting it as a warning of danger to the US administration. The claims are presented as speculative predictions, alongside Hamilton-Parker's assertions that he previously foresaw Covid-19, Brexit, Queen Elizabeth II's death and Trump's 2016 election victory.

Alan Titchmarsh recommends five August gardening tasks after a difficult summer of heatwaves, drought and hosepipe restrictions: train and prune climbers such as wisteria and climbing roses, plant evergreen hedges, begin or improve composting, remain patient with heat-damaged gardens, and add ornamental grasses for winter interest. He says warm soil can help newly planted hedges establish quickly, while lawns and other plants damaged by drought may recover when rain returns.

A man in Málaga province reportedly confessed to killing and dismembering his friend Francisco José Agüera, who disappeared during the Covid-19 pandemic. Workers later found a bag containing a human head in a manhole in Alhaurín de la Torre, and forensic analysis confirmed the remains belonged to Agüera. Investigators arrested the suspect, who led officers to additional body parts found near Coín. He was placed in pretrial custody without bail and faces homicide charges after declining to testify in court.

Orkney is identified as the healthiest place in the UK to age, with residents enjoying the nation’s highest average healthspan. Local insights highlight strong community ties, healthier diets due to limited fast‑food availability, coastal living benefits, and high levels of physical activity as key contributors to longevity. Experts draw parallels with global Blue Zones, noting resilience, natural movement, social connection, and environmental advantages as factors supporting longer, healthier lives.

Fern Britton reunites with former colleagues while fronting a new series of Inside the Vets after more than a decade away from ITV following her abrupt 2009 departure from This Morning. She reflects on the end of her working relationship with Phillip Schofield without elaborating on their rift and expresses satisfaction at returning to television. The piece also notes difficult personal years marked by her parents’ deaths and her split from Phil Vickery, alongside her contentment with single life and writing career.

Only three cinemas in the UK—BFI IMAX, Science Museum IMAX and Manchester Printworks IMAX—can project Christopher Nolan’s new film The Odyssey in its native IMAX 1570 format, one of only 41 venues worldwide equipped for it. The film was shot entirely on 1570 cameras, requiring specially developed soundproofing and intensive production effort across multiple countries. Strong early reviews and the rarity of true 1570 projection are driving audiences to travel to these specialised cinemas to experience the film as intended.

Royal insiders revived the nickname 'Dukes of Hazard' for Prince Harry and Prince Andrew, citing recurring chaos associated with their actions. Prince Harry’s recent UK visit for Invictus Games promotions was overshadowed by disputes over accommodation and security arrangements, with palace sources saying he missed deadlines for a Buckingham Palace stay. His ongoing security concerns, his failed legal challenge, and tensions around family meetings contributed to frustration among palace staff. Meghan Markle and the couple’s children joined later in the visit, during which they met King Charles.

Sir Chris Hoy reflects on the reality of living with terminal stage 4 prostate cancer, noting that it has heightened his awareness of limited time. Despite the disease spreading to his bones and undergoing extensive treatment, he continues rigorous physical activity, recently completing a coast‑to‑coast ride in Spain. He contrasts his approach with the caution advised by doctors and acknowledges the parallel health challenges faced by his wife, Lady Sarra Hoy.

High temperatures in the UK are placing stress on gardens and wildlife, prompting experts to advise simple measures such as providing fresh water, maintaining pond levels, and cleaning feeders. Additional recommendations include reducing lawn mowing, avoiding pruning during hot spells, and watering plants during early morning or late evening, with mulching suggested to conserve moisture.

England fans facing a 1am kickoff for the World Cup match against Mexico are advised by sleep scientist Dr Sophie Bostock to split their sleep, take a power nap, and use relaxation methods to fall asleep after the game. She recommends calming music, stretching, and elevating the legs against a wall to lower heart rate. Additional guidance includes avoiding alcohol late at night and choosing light, healthy snacks to improve post‑match rest.

Alan Titchmarsh warns gardeners that planting trees too deeply can cause expensive specimens to die within a few years, stressing that the rootball should sit level with the soil surface. He highlights common errors seen on large estates and urges attention to proper planting depth to avoid wasting thousands of pounds. He also advises maintaining solid compost heaps and keeping lawns short to deter rats, explaining that rats avoid exposed, closely cut grass.

Bob Mortimer reflects on the mental challenges he faces with aging, describing a struggle to resist negative thoughts about mortality. He discusses how past health issues, including a near-death experience during triple bypass surgery, shaped his views on life and death. Mortimer explains that the experience reduced his fear of dying and encouraged him to embrace new opportunities rather than avoiding them. He also mentions rheumatoid arthritis and shares how connecting with past memories and maintaining joy helps him manage darker thoughts.