Julian's Visit to Hastings - Filming in Croft Road, Hastings - April 18, 2006

Click on the thumbnails to enlarge.

I was very fortunate to visit Hastings (from my home in Essex) on the 18th April, and found filming for Foyle's War series 5 taking place. As an avid Foyle's War fan, I was over the moon!

I spent the whole wonderful day watching the setting up; rehearsing & filming. It was fascinating to see how things are done (I've never experienced this before). It was interesting to see how they needed to prepare the area to fit in with previously filmed scenes - apparently it had been raining before, so for the continuity of one scene, they needed to make things look wet. Therefore everything was hosed down many times (even I nearly got a soaking at one point!) to keep things the same. One of the men moving things about told me this was for the episode 'Bleak Midwinter'.

I was able to speak to all three 'stars' Michael, Anthony & Honeysuckle. They were charming and more than happy for me to take their photos. Michael especially was so pleased that I had asked him first, and said it was a pleasure to be asked and obliged. Honeysuckle told me things had not gone too well on the technical side - for instance, a car alarm had gone off during a 'take' and wouldn't be silenced! "not very 1940s" she said!

Greenlit told me that, subject to ITV's scheduling, series 5 was due to be broadcast in the Autumn of this year, but the producer could not be more specific than that. No hints as to whether series 5 will be the last though I'm afraid!

The scenes at the far end of Croft Road (Hill street) with Anthony Howell & Caroline Martin were definitely for 'Bleak Midwinter'. The scenes with Michael & Honeysuckle outside 31 Croft Rd, were possibly for 'Casualties of War'. I heard someone mention this but I didn't get it confirmed I'm afraid.

As everyone began to pack up, I started to make my way back to my car. On the way Michael asked if I had enjoyed myself - I said I certainly had and thanked him for his time. Another Greenlit person said she hoped I had been able to get some good shots of the day. I said I hoped I hadn't been in the way! "No" I was told "we like fans"!

I left Hastings at about 6pm and must confess I don't remember the journey home as my mind was just spinning from the unforgettable day I had experienced.










Many thanks to Julian for use of the photos.