THERE is a right royal beach party going on… in Barningham.
The village’s famed green telephone box has been transformed into a bucket and spade-themed display by artist John Hay and his wife Sheila.
The couple are famed for the different displays they come up with, including installing a Christmas tree in the old phone box during the festive season and a military theme for Remembrance Day.
The idea for the latest display came about as they were dismantling their tribute to the platinum jubilee, which included a full-sized cut-out of the Queen.
Mr Hay said: “We had all this red, white and blue lining at the back and I thought that it was a shame – and let’s do something with it.”
Considering that people have seen all their holiday plans put in disarray during the past few years, the couple decided to create a beach theme, complete with sea shells, bucket and spade, pebbles and a Punch and Judy.
Mr Hay used the packaging that the Queen’s cut-out came with to paint the Punch and Judy figures and included other beach and pier landscapes he had painted to the display.
He said: “I am the painter and decorator, Sheila is the stage manager and in charge of special effects.”
Mrs Hay added all the other items and memorabilia from her home.
She said: “People say our house is like the Old Curiosity Shop – it is full of all sorts of things.”
The display also has a blue and yellow feature in a nod to Ukraine and the difficulties people are facing there.
