Salisbury & Avon Gazette - Issue 54

What’s inside this issue…

01963 400186

01963 400186

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Veteran is first to use new £40,000 hospital wet room

ANArmy veteran who lost both legs in Afghanistan was the first patient to use new specialised wet room facilities at Salisbury District Hospital.

Patients recovering from severe burns or trauma that limit their mobility now have use of the facility, where they can wash more independently.

It has been installed thanks to the Stars Appeal, Salisbury Hospital’s Charity.

The £40,000 facility, on the Odstock Burns and Plastics Ward, includes a walk-in shower and is accessible for wheelchairs and other mobility aids, helping patients recovering from severe burns or reconstructive surgery adjust to a new personal care routine with

privacy and dignity.

Patient Craig Winspear, who was treated at the hospital for sepsis in his leg, was the first person to use the new wet room.

He said: “It was fantastic to get into a nice shower after being bedbound. Being able to have a proper wash was amazing in itself.

“Having a wet room like this with lots of space where I can move around more comfortably made all the difference. I was also able to have my music playing which made it feel more like home.”

Craig, who was in the Army for 10 years, lost both his legs after an improvised explosive device went off while he was serving in Afghanistan.

“Being a double amputee, it’s great to be able to relax in a bath after spending time in a hospital bed,” he said.

“Some people can be bedbound for quite a long time so when they are able to have a proper shower it’s a big thing – it gives you your independence and boosts your morale.

“A simple thing as a shower is something that people take for granted. Thank you to the brilliant donors who have helped fund this.”

The new wet room can also be used by patients in specialist shower beds and as well as helping patients on the ward, burns patients coming in for their clinic appointments now have a private bathroom where they can remove their bandages and dressings and have a shower before having new dressings put on.

Senior sister on Odstock Ward, Hazel Jackson, said: “This wet room is a huge benefit for all our patients.

“The walk-in shower is fully accessible to everyone, including wheelchair users, people who need to sit when they shower, and even patients

who need to stay on their bed.

“Many of our burns and plastic surgery patients need daily showers as part of their treatment and some rooms on the ward don’t have a shower so we had to move patients around the ward.

“Now we can offer all of our inpatients and outpatients better treatment with these new facilities.

“The wet room is big enough to comfortably fit patients in their wheelchairs and still have room for staff members to help them with showering and their dressings when needed.

“Our patients now have a private washing space which also helps them to be more independent. A huge thank you to everyone who supports the Stars Appeal and make projects like this possible.”

The Stars Appeal aims to raise £1 million each year to fund new equipment, enhancements to buildings, and ongoing projects supporting patients across Salisbury Hospital.

n For more details on the charity, its work, and how you can get involved, visit www. starsappeal.org.

Craig with senior sister, Hazel Jackson, in the new wet room

Lidl to replace Smyths toy store and HomeSense in Salisbury

BUDGET

supermarket giant Lidl is set

to open a new store in Salisbury - with two city favourites making way.

Smyths Toys and HomeSense, on the Churchill Way West Retail Park, will close at the start of next year to allow the units to be altered, giving Lidl the space to move in.

A planning application, submitted by Urban Edge Architecture on behalf of Schroders Real Estate Investment Management, outlined plans for changes to units 1 and 2 of the park.

The application, to Wiltshire Council, says reconfiguring the units, together with works to associated car parking areas and service yard to the rear, are necessary to bring the budget store to the site.

It said the redevelopment would increase the size of unit 1 to “reflect the needs of the incoming Lidl foodstore operator”, with the second unit occupying the remainder of the space.

“As part of the reconfiguration, the entrances to the two units will also be relocated to reflect the internal changes,” it added.

“The new shopfront glazing will span across the majority of the new unit 1, with an overall height of four metres.”

The application says the units are currently occupied by Smyths Toys and HomeSense, but only Lidl is listed as occupying the units if the plans are approved, with unit 2 being detailed as “TBC”.

The planning application says the retailers will leave in early 2025.

“Smyths Toys (Unit 1) and HomeSense (Unit 2) intend to vacate the site in January 2025 and February 2025 respectively,” it

added.

“The application therefore seeks to enable the continued occupation of the majority of the floorspace across both units and to avoid vacancies at the retail park.”

A new Lidl store would be the second in Salisbury, with another outlet currently at Hatches Lane.

Lidl confirmed the move, saying the proposed store will feature a sales area of 1,453sq m, including a bakery and the famous ‘middle aisle'.

There will also be customer toilets with baby-changing facilities and ample parking, they said.

“It will also create around 40 new jobs in the area with new starters benefiting from some of the highest pay rates in the sector,” a spokesperson added.

James Mitchell, regional head of property at Lidl GB, said: “We’re thrilled to announce our plans for a second store in Salisbury.

“The demand for our high-quality, best-value products continues to grow, and we’re eager to make shopping even more convenient for customers, with our new store ideally located to serve residents in the north and west of Salisbury.

“Ensuring the community is involved in the planning process is vital, so we look forward to receiving valuable feedback from residents.”

Lidl GB is celebrating its 30th anniversary this year.

A spokesperson for HomeSense, which is owned by fashion chain, TK Maxx, said: “This year, TK Maxx proudly celebrates 30 years on the UK High Street.

“Our shoppers love both TK Maxx and

Homesense, and we continue to invest in communities nationwide through new store openings, relocations, and modernising our existing stores.

“Occasionally, we must make the difficult decision to close a store when its lease ends or cannot be renewed.

“In such cases, where possible, we offer roles to all associates in nearby Homesense or TK Maxx stores.

“We thank our loyal customers and associates and look forward to welcoming them to TK Maxx Salisbury in Cross Keys Arcade.

And a Smyths Toys spokesperson confirmed their decision to close on social media, saying: “It is with deep regret that we announce the closure of our Smyths Toys Superstores location in Salisbury, effective January 2025.

“This decision was not made lightly, and we want to express our heartfelt gratitude to our dedicated staff and loyal customers who have supported us over the years.

“We understand the impact this may have on the community and will do everything possible to ensure a smooth transition for our employees.

“As we approach the closure date, we invite our customers to visit us this Christmas to enjoy our range of toys and games.

“Thank you for being a part of the Smyths Toys family in Salisbury. We appreciate your understanding during this difficult time.”

For more details, and to comment on the plans, log on to www.wiltshire.gov.uk and search for application reference PL/2024/09079.

Bishop unveils tribute to victims of tragic village fire at primary school

OVERNIGHT

from March 14 to 15, 1989, a tragedy struck the village of Chilmark.

A fire at the village’s vicarage – which started due to an electrical fault under the stairs – tore through the house, prompting panic from villagers.

Inside were the Rev Malcolm Acheson, his wife Pauline and their four children – Gemma, 12, Miriam, 10, Joseph, seven, and five-year-old Delia.

Mrs Acheson’s parents, who were staying while visiting from Yorkshire, were also in the house when the blaze started.

Tragically, despite the heroic efforts of firefighters and neighbour Jim Betts, the three girls perished in the fire, provking shock in the village.

Of the children, only Joseph survived, and was treated for smoke inhalation at Odstock Hospital in Salisbury.

After the horrific events of that night, a tree was planted at Chilmark Fonthill Bishop CofE Primary School to remember Delia, who was a pupil at the

Dr Andrew Rumsey, Bishop of Ramsbury, visited to lead a service of reflection and remembrance, while a new plaque was unveiled commemorating the tragic incident.

time.

However, in the early 2000s, the tree was lost during building work at the school site to construct a new school hall.

Now, with the hall “very much the heart of the school today”, according to a school

spokesperson, it has been renamed – Delia Hall.

The decision to name it in Delia’s memory was taken after consultation with her family, the wider community and the school council.

Recently, the Right Reverend

Delia’s brother, Joseph, who was also a former pupil, was among those who attended the service and played the piano, while worship leaders from Year 6, assisted Bishop Andrew.

"It was a moving occasion and comforting to know that Delia’s memory will live on in Chilmark Fonthill Bishop CofE Primary School," the spokesperson added.

New e-bikes bought for council staff

TWO e-bikes are on the streets of Salisbury – transporting council staff around the city.

The bikes and helmets have been purchased by Salisbury City Council for £3,893.33 as part of the authority’s Travel Action Plan (TAP), which aims to reduce the environmental impact of activities.

They will now be used by staff at the Tollgate Road Depot for busness travel during working hours.

It comes after, in 2019, the council declared a Climate Emergency.

As a result, Sustrans were commissioned to complete an independent review of policy, procedures and processes, and deliver a TAP with opportunities and recommendations.

“The TAP is aimed at reducing the impact of travel across all Salisbury City Council sites, covering all employees, councillors and volunteers at council sites, and to assist in meeting the objectives of the Environmental Policy Action Plan which is in place to help the council lower its carbon footprint and move towards net zero,” a council spokesperson said.

Cllr John Wells, chair of the Environment and Climate Committee, added: “The Travel Action Plan clearly sets out the long-term planned commitment of Salisbury City Council to reduce our carbon footprint and improve air quality throughout the city.”

The Rt Rev Dr Andrew Rumsey unveiled the plaque, supported by pupils at the school, pictured top right

Jeweller named retailer of the year

ASALISBURY-based jewellery firm has scooped a top industry award.

Allum & Sidaway, which has stores in Wiltshire, Dorset, Hampshire and Devon, was named Retailer of the Year at the NAJ (National Association of Jewellers) Awards.

They picked up their gong during a glittering ceremony held at the Macdonald Burlington Hotel, in Birmingham, on October 10.

The family-run firm was selected from a shortlist of six UK retailers, with directors Jack Allum and Tracey Yeatman collecting the award at the black-tie event.

Judges said they were impressed with the firm’s entry, as well as feedback from a mystery shopper, who awarded Allum & Sidaway’s Salisbury store an impressive 95% score after their visit.

MD Jason Allum said: "We

are so proud to have received this award. The entry process was very thorough and it allowed us to reflect on the progress we have made in our in house training, our marketing strategies, new products, new website, events, charity projects

– all the things that make A&S unique, underpinned by core values of exceptional service and products.

"I want to thank our store teams, as each and every person has contributed to this award."

Allum & Sidaway has six stores across the four counties; in Salisbury, Gillingham, Ringwood, Dorchester, Shaftesbury and Plymouth, as well as a bridal boutique in Salisbury.

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Jack Allum and Tracey Yeatman, directors at Allum & Sidaway, accepted the award on the night and inset, the team at the Salisbury store

Former dragon Nick opens Wiltshire's first infinity ski den

MOONPIG

founder and former BBC Dragon –Nick Jenkins – has officially opened Wiltshire’s first ‘infinity’ ski slope.

Wiltshire local Nick is behind the new South Wilts Ski Club, at Bapton, which features the innovative slope.

And he said he was thrilled to give skiers and those hoping to start on the slopes the chance to master their technique in the south west.

"I’m a very keen skier and I wanted to find somewhere for my daughter to practice between skiing holidays," he said.

"I tried the Skieasy infinity slope in London myself and loved it, but it was always too busy to book and it was a 90-minute drive.

"I wondered if I could bring the concept to Wiltshire so in June last year, I started looking for a suitable building to base it in and now we are opening."

Situated in a farmyard in Bapton, near the junction of the A36 and the A303 between Warminster and Salisbury, the facility offers ski enthusiasts “an unparalleled opportunity to learn, refine their technique, or build slope fitness before the ski season”, a spokesperson said.

They said the Infinity Slope’s continuous, rolling surface

provides unique advantages, including:

• Personalised one-on-one coaching with recorded video feedback for precision improvement.

• No time wasted getting back up the slope. In contrast, a run on a dry ski slope is 10-20 seconds and takes five times longer to get back up again. Even in a ski resort the ratio of skiing to lift time is 1:5.

• One hour non-stop at full speed is the equivalent of skiing from the top of Everest to sea level!

• The surface is always the same, the weather is the same and there is no one to crash into you. You can focus on your

technique.

• Great for introducing children to skiing before their first ski holiday so you can quickly skip the nursery slopes.

The concept of an Infinity Slope was invented by Maxxtracks in the Netherlands, where there are 50 ski centres, with 150 slopes.

To date, there are just four slopes open to the general public in the UK, including South Wilts Ski Club.

Visitors receive personalised one-on-one coaching from resident ski instructor Craig Philpott, who can also provide video playback of each session, allowing the student to observe and correct any unique habits in

their technique.

The South Wilts Ski Club officially opened on October 17, offering sessions starting from 30 minutes.

Sessions run from Wednesday to Sunday; Wednesday, noon to 8pm; Thursday and Friday from 11am to 6pm; and Saturday and Sunday from 10am to 5pm. They cost from £30 per person for 30 minutes in peak time and £18 per 30 minutes off-peak (when booking a block of six sessions). Ski boots, helmets, and skis are provided free of charge.

For more information and to book a session, visit southwiltsski.com.

A range of classes are on offer at the new Wiltshire infinity slope, opened by former dragon, Nick Jenkins, top

5,000 tickets sold for cathedral lights show

than 5,000 tickets have been sold for the Sarum Lights: Time event at Salisbury Cathedral.

A new Sarum Lights display, by Luxmuralis, will open in Salisbury tomorrow (November 5), running until November 9, supported by CCLA Good Investment.

The brand-new light and sound show promises “spectacular, ever-changing projections” on the exterior west front of the cathedral, while inside the architecture will be lit up by fascinating light shows, including a finale down the full length of the nave.

“Sarum Lights: Time will be an extraordinary exploration of humanity’s relationship with the concept of time, offering visitors an unforgettable journey through history, science and imagination,” said an event spokesperson.

“Through the immersive

projected artworks visitors will traverse wormholes, venture inside the intricate workings of clocks and experience a dramatic narrative that stretches from the present day back to the very beginning of time.

“The show will include examples of early cave paintings, a walk through

“As well as the usual stunning visuals and sounds, there will also be the addition of an interactive installation called A Note to Myself, which will encourage visitors to write a message to themselves, either

their younger selves, themselves today or their thoughts for the future. The postcards will then form a growing cascade in the north transept of the cathedral.”

The display is open from 5.30pm each evening with 15-minute slots. Tickets must be booked in advance via www. salisburycathedral.org.uk.

Einstein’s theories of relativity and text from HG Wells’ The Time Machine.

Raising a glass - and a smile or two - at inaugural charity

Oktoberfest

CHEERS!

The beers were flowing for a good cause as more than 370 people turned out for the Salisbury Hospice Charity’s debut Oktoberfest.

Revellers were dressed in their Bavarian best as they enjoyed a selection of German beers and food at Salisbury Arts Centre on October 18 and October 19 – all raising money.

The inaugural event raised £14,000 for the hospice, with organisers saying it surpassed

all expectations.

The lively Shrewton Silver ‘Oompah’ Band had guests on their feet, while DJ Kev from Radio Odstock kept the party going with a selection of Euro hits.

Grieg Futcher, events fundraiser, said: "We are absolutely thrilled by the success of our very first Oktoberfest.

"The support we received was overwhelming, and it was

wonderful to see so many dressed up in their Bavarian best, swaying, cheering and dancing, all while raising vital funds for the hospice.

"The event’s success would not have been possible without the support of Salisbury Arts Centre, Shrewton Silver ‘Oompah’ Band, DJ Kev, Charter 1227, Spencer Mulholland, Michelle Rose and Brunton Media plus our incredible volunteers and of

course everyone who attended."

Funds raised from Oktoberfest will support Salisbury Hospice services, helping provide compassionate care and support for patients and their families during terminal and life limiting illnesses.

For more information about future events, and how you can support Salisbury Hospice Charity, visit www. salisburyhospicecharity.org.uk.

More than 350 people donned their best Bavarian outfits for the event at Salisbury Arts Centre

Pictures: Spencer Mulholland

Oompah bands and more provided the entertainment for revellers

The event raised around £14,000 for the hospice charity

Pictures: Spencer Mulholland

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Iron Maiden legend dies at city home

FORMER

Iron Maiden frontman Paul Di’Anno –who sang on the legendary metal act’s first two albums –has died aged 66.

Di’Anno, real name Paul Andrews, died at his home in Salisbury in the week of October 21, his family said.

“On behalf of his family, Conquest Music are sad to confirm the death of Paul Andrews, professionally known as Paul Di’Anno,” the statement read.

“Paul passed away at his home in Salisbury at the age of 66.”

The vocalist, famed for his vocal exploits on Maiden classics including Killers and Phantom of the Opera, hailed from east London and joined the band in 1978.

He left Iron Maiden in 1981, amid rumours of a dispute with bassist Steve Harris and

manager Rod Smallwood.

Di-Anno continued in music for the next four decades, releasing music in a number of guises, solo or in bands such as Killers, Praying Mantis and Nomad.

He last appeared on stage in May 2022 in Croatia and was set to release a new album in 2024, under the name Paul Di’Annos’s Warhorse.

After news of his death emerged, musical luminaries around the world paid tribute.

Metal legends Exodus said:

“A massive RIP from all of us to one of (Exodus’) all time heroes, Paul Di’anno. The first two Iron Maiden albums helped shape who we are as a band and he had as much to do with that as all of them.

“Pure gentleman when we had the pleasure of sharing a stage with him. Thank you for all you gave so many.”

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Paul (left) performing alongside Steve Harris with Iron Maiden, above, and right, more recently

Pictures: Harry Potts/ Metal 121/ Martin M Morgan

August Motors, based in the heart of Salisbury

Based in the heart of Salisbury, August Motors is a family run business that has been in the motor trade since 1971. Part of the Balmer Lawn Group covering Wiltshire, Dorset and Hampshire, they are committed to building long-term relationships with their customers and providing a high-quality product and service.

As a main dealer for KGM, they offer comprehensive care for your vehicle, with expert servicing, MOT testing, and a wide selection of genuine parts. KGM, formerly known as SsangYong, recently celebrated 70 years in vehicle manufacturing, and in that time have built a reputation for engineering vehicles that combine performance, safety, and style. From electric cars and comfortable SUVs to the ultimate 4x4 pickup truck, KGM caters to every driver’s needs.

Recognising the local agriculture, August Motors is proud to offer a range of KGM vehicles that meet the needs of the community, from reliable pickups to versatile utility vehicles. Proudly selling the Musso, which won 2024 Best Value Pick-Up in “4x4 Magazine”. We understand the importance of durability and efficiency in the field, and our team is here to help agricultural customers find the right vehicles to enhance productivity and mobility. The Rexton, along with the Musso has a huge towing capacity of 3.5 tonnes. August Motors offer a “Tools

and Trade Discount” to businesses and individuals that purchase these models. Both vehicles can be seen in our advert opposite..

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PLANS

have been submitted to repair a house near Salisbury –badly damaged when a car crashed into it.

The crash, on August 25, saw a car hit a property in North Cottages, Bishopstone, at the junction with Portfield Road.

No one was hurt in the incident, but the front of the house was badly damaged.

Now, a planning application has been submitted to Wiltshire Council for the repair of the damage, as well as changing the design.

“The property has recently suffered significant damage to the north, road side elevation, following a collision with a vehicle,” the application said.

It said the plans detailed “reinstatement of that section of the front elevation, deviating from what was there previously but with the intention of taking the opportunity of rebuilding to design something more in-keeping with the overall frontage”.

After the crash, the house was left with a “large opening” in the wall, the plan said, with the impact removing a single door and a window.

The door would not be replaced

under the new plans, as it had become redundant, with a “double casement” window put in place instead of the previous door and window.

Firefighters from Wilton were sent to the scene and found “nobody was injured and the house was confirmed empty”.

For more details, see wiltshire.gov. uk, reference PL/2024/09012.

Repair plan for cottage hit by car submitted

A car ended up embedded in the front of the house after a crash in August, pictured below

The Tenor Ladies, who won the quiz, and bottom, soroptomists working on the brain food!

Soroptimists Quiz Night raises more than £700 for two good causes

TESTING

questions raised money for two charities at a quiz in Salisbury.

The Salisbury Soroptimists held their annual Charity Quiz Night at Harnham Parish Hall on October 12.

A total of eight teams put their brains to work during six rounds of questions and two table rounds.

“While many questions were about women and their achievements, there was plenty of variety to tease the grey cells,” a spokesperson said.

Participants gave their brains some food for thought with a cheese ploughman’s supper, with homemade pepper and tomato soup, which was served after the first two rounds.

Table rounds consisted of an ‘odd one out’ round as well as a number of album covers with the artist and title removed for teams to fill in.

Meanwhile, a raffle featuring 12 donated prizes raised more than £220 towards the total raised on the night of more than £700.

Proceeds will be split between two charities: EdUKaid, which works to improve the lives of women and girls in Tanzania, and the Salisbury Women’s Refuge, which provides shelter and advice to women and their children fleeing domestic abuse.

Winners on the night – with 69 points – were The Tenor Ladies, who each won a potted cyclamen to remind them of their successful evening.

Club president, Michele Smith, thanked the organising committee, those who donated prizes and everyone who came along to support the event.

“If you missed out, remember to look out for the quiz next year,” she added.

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Mother woke to find man at the end of her bed with her baby in his arms

AMANhas been jailed for trying to kidnap a twoyear-old boy in Amesbury after the child's mother woke t find him at the end of her bed, holding the child.

Reece Jolliffe pleaded guilty to attempted kidnap and was sentenced to two years imprisonment at Salisbury Crown Court on October 18.

The victim’s mother told the court how 28-year-old Jolliffe’s actions had “completely ruined” her family and left her child “absolutely terrified of everything”.

Jolliffe, who had been drinking heavily, entered the victim’s home through an unlocked door at around 4am on September 2, 2023.

The victim’s mother awoke to find Jolliffe at the end of her bed, holding her child in his arms.

Upon being disturbed, Jolliffe dropped the child and ran out of the house.

Police soon attended Jolliffe’s home address and arrested him on suspicion of kidnap.

During interview, Jolliffe claimed he could not remember

what happened after he left the pub he had been drinking at.

In a statement read to court, the victim’s mother made clear the devastating impact Jolliffe has had on her family's lives.

She wrote: “I did not sleep for months. I spent every night at the end of my bed keeping an eye on the back door.

"I was terrified of everyone and everything. I will not trust anybody ever again."

Jolliffe was given an immediate two-year custodial sentence and a 10-year restraining order was imposed to prevent him from contacting the victim’s family and attending their home address.

He was also ordered to pay a surcharge of £187 to fund victim services.

Sergeant Matthew Goldring, from the Salisbury and Tidworth team, said the incident

was "deeply disturbing".

“We do not know Jolliffe’s full intentions when he entered the victim’s home, but his actions were significantly alarming and he has left a young family traumatised," he said. “I would like to personally thank the victim’s mother for her bravery in reporting this to Wiltshire Police and trusting that we would bring Jolliffe to justice.”

Library to close for essential building work

VERWOOD Library will close for a week this month for 'essential' building work –but don’t worry, you won’t rack up late fees.

The library, in Manor Road, will be shut for five days from Monday, November 18, re-opening on Saturday, November 23.

Dorset Council said the closure will allow essential building work to be carried out to prepare for the installation of new technology which will allow library members to use library facilities beyond staffed opening hours.

"We hope to launch this 'Extended Access' for our library members at Verwood later this year," a spokesperson said.

“Customers are able to borrow up to 20

books. All book loans will be extended to ensure no returns are due while the library is closed.”

During the closure, customers can visit libraries in Ferndown, West Moors and Wimborne, where they can borrow and return books as well as use the facilities.

The online library, offering e-books, e-magazines and e-newspapers, is also available, where people can also check their account and other information.

Work at Verwood Library has been funded by Arts Council England and is part of a broader project to launch ‘Extended

Access’ at four county libraries: Verwood, Sturminster Newton, Gillingham and Sherborne.

Cllr Ryan Hope, portfolio holder for customer, culture and community engagement at the council, said: "We’re really pleased to be able to improve the facilities for our customers at Verwood Library thanks to funding from Arts Council England.

"We know the residents will benefit significantly from the investment and expansion of opening times once the work has been completed."

Reece Jolliffe has been jailed for two years after the incident in Amesbury

Picture: Wiltshire Police

Christmas Fair at Bryanston School

ADVERTISING FEATURE

Welcome to our 1st Christmas Fayre at Bryanston School!

After three years of running our hugely successful Bryanston Summer Fair, Wessex Events invite you to join us at our first Bryanston Christmas Fair on the 23rd and 24th November.

With over 90 stands inside and out, selling food, drink, crafts and homeware gifts, this is the perfect place to start your Christmas shopping.

We also have 2 wreath making sessions running each day. You can book your place on the workshop by following this link. https://www.bryanston.co.uk/christmas-wreaths

Local musician Phil Smith will be playing and singing throughout the weekend.

We also have our Street Food Area, where you can enjoy mid morning snacks and lunches, including Pizzas, Bratwurst, Falafels, Indian Vegan Street Food, Dorset Lamb burgers, Hot Potatoes, Seafood and desserts, all washed down with coffee, tea, soft drinks or gluwein.

There is also lots for children to enjoy. Inside our children’s entertainment area will include a Frozen themed room,

where kids can meet, and have their pictures taken with Elsa and Anya, who will be joined by Captain America and Spiderman . They can also enjoy our craft room where they can make Christmas decorations, make Sand Art pictures, or have their face painted. In association with our sponsorship partner, Meyers Estates, our children’s areas will be raising money for this years charity.

As well as parking on site we are also running a Shuttle bus every 15 minutes from Blandford Tourist Information Office starting at 9.30am and running all day.

So come early, stay late and enjoy a wonderful Christmas shopping day in the most beautiful of settings.

£4 for Adults

£3.50 for Concessions

Under 16s FREE

We would like to thank our sponsors, Save Energy UK, The Blackmore Vale Ltd and Meyers Estate Agents for their support of this event.

Bryanston School, Blandford

23RD & 24TH NOVEMBER On site Car Park & Free Shuttle Bus from Blandford Information Centre

- 4pm

Grants on offer for budding Olympic and Paralympic Wiltshire athletes

GRANTS

for budding Olympians and Paralympians are open for applications.

Wiltshire Council’s scheme to fund aspiring athletes, made possible through fundraising at the annual Wiltshire Business and Sports Gala Dinner, offers two grants to help county athletes with their training or competition needs.

The grants available include:

• Sports Scholarship grant –£500 grant is available to young athletes aged eight to 18 years old and who compete at a regional or national level. The deadline for applications is 12pm on Friday 6 December 2024

• Elite Athlete grant – £1,000 available to athletes of any age who are competing at an elite level nationally or internationally

The deadline for applications is 5pm on Monday, January 6.

Leader of the council, Cllr Richard Clewer, said: "This funding makes a huge difference to the athletes helping them on their quest to success.

"We are delighted that as a

result of hosting the annual Wiltshire Business and Sports Gala Dinner we have a foundation fund to support future Olympians and Paralympians.

"The funds are raised with the support of local businesses so that we can all offer help to both the county’s elite athletes and its future sports stars."

Team GB high jumper, Tom

Gale, received a grant from the scheme a decade ago.

"It was the catalyst that started me on my sporting journey as I moved up to receive the Elite Athlete Grant and that led me all the way to the Tokyo Olympics," he said.

"And while a blood clot prevented me from competing in Paris, I am now focused on Los Angeles 2028.

"Knowing I have the support of my local community has been invaluable to me and fostered a belief in me to compete and succeed at the very highest level of sport."

The annual Wiltshire Business and Sports Gala Dinner will return in 2025. For more information - and to apply - log on to www.wiltshire.gov. uk/leisure-supporting-athletes.

New exhibition launches at The Young's Gallery

THE latest exhibition at the Young's Gallery in Salisbury is underway - and runs until January.

Drawing The Night In opened on Friday, October 25, and runs until Saturday, January 4.

Curated by Prudence Maltby and Susan Francis, the display marks the drawing in of night and explores the creativity inspired by the dark hours.

The show is a collaboration with six artists, Henny Burnett, Susan Francis, Nick Grellier, Debbie Lee, Prudence Maltby and Corinna Spencer.

Each artist has produced their own response to the theme of night, creating a varied show which features painting, drawing, videos and installations.

The collaborating artists also selected works from the Young Gallery’s

collection of more than 4,000 artworks and objects which they felt responded to the theme of the exhibition and their creative practice.

The featured artworks from the collection consist of pieces by 16 artists, including Prunella Clough, Cecil Collins, Ken Kiff, Peter Randall-Page, and Christopher Riisager.

Dr Emily Dunbar, curator and gallery manager, said: "I’m so pleased the Young Gallery is able to host this exciting show.

"It is a fantastic opportunity to work with a talented group of artists and see their own creations alongside works from the Young Gallery’s diverse, permanent collection."

The exhibition is located across Galleries 1 and 2 and is free to visit.

The annual Wiltshire Business and Sport Gala Dinner returns in 2025

Picture: Wiltshire Council

Firms praised for military job work

BUSINESSES across Wiltshire have been recognised for their commitment to hiring veterans.

A total of 13 companies across the county were awarded the Employer Recognition Scheme Silver Award by the Wessex Reserves Forces’ and Cadets’ Association (RFCA) at an awards ceremony last week.

The Silver Award recognises employers who have signed the Armed Forces Covenant (AFC), a pledge to ensure members of the Armed Forces and their families are treated fairly, and who actively demonstrate support for the Armed Forces by hiring at least one member of the defence community.

The full list of companies in receipt of the award Employer Recognition Scheme Silver Award is: WBL Services Ltd,

Intel Corporation (UK) Ltd, Whiteflare Ltd, Bath & North East Somerset, Swindon & Wiltshire ICB, MilUX Ltd, The Armed Forces Equine Charity, AXIAH Ltd, Voluntary Action Swindon, Aspire Defence Limited, Regent’s Park Healthcare Limited, Resilient Operations, Cervus Defence &

Security Ltd

Armishaws Removals, which has depots in Wincanton and Salisbury, has now been awarded the Silver Award twice.

"We’re delighted to support and receive our second award from the Employment Recognition Scheme," a spokesperson for Armishaws

FUNERAL DIRECTORS

said. "A number of our staff our ex-service personnel and they’re an integral part of our team.

"We’d recommend other regional employers get involved in the ERS and sign the Armed Forces Covenant, it’s a really simple process and makes you part of a great network of like-minded organisations."

Picture: RFCA

Shanties and stalls help RNLI raise £3,000 in city fundraiser

A range of stalls, performances and activities were on offer during

CHARITABLE

Wilton & District RNLI

Salisbury shoppers helped raise more than £3,000 for the RNLI during a special collection day.

The Salisbury, Wilton and District Fundraising Branch of the seafaring charity held a street collection in the city centre on Saturday, October 12. It was part of a National Collection Week to celebrate the very first street collection by any charity in the UK - by the RNLI in 1891.

"That collection was significant as prior to that date charities had been funded by wealthy benefactors rather than the general public," an RNLI spokesperson said.

In Salisbury, a day of activities was held in Guildhall Square and surrounding streets, with 30 collectors raising a total of more than £3,000, which will be mainly used to support the lifesaving activities of the group's nearest lifeboat, at Mudeford.

Visitors and volunteers were also able to enjoy performances by Shaftesbury Silver Band and two sea shanty groups, the Navy Larks and All at Sea.

The RNLI lifeboat crew from Mudeford also attended and there was a retail stall selling RNLI Christmas cards, gifts and other merchandise, while members of Scouts and Sea Cadets also

assisted with the collection.

A Welcome Ceremony on the steps of the Guildhall was attended by the Deputy Lieutenant of Wiltshire and the Mayors of Salisbury and Wilton.

Ray Stedman, chair of the branch, said: "The event was the culmination of a busy and successful year of fundraising during the RNLI’s 200th Anniversary."

He thanked Stannah Stairlifts, Occasions Marquee Hire and LED Synergy for their "generous support".

the RNLI collection day in Salisbury Pictures: Salisbury,

Market trip brings joy to faces of care home shoppers!

ATRIP

to the market for some bargain hunting brought joy to residents at a Salisbury care home.

Staff at Wilton Place Care Home organised a trip to the city sale for four residents after a chat with one of them, Ron.

Nicki, the home’s activities assistant was chatting to Ron about his hobbies and interests before he became a resident at Wilton Place.

He told her he missed his weekly trips to Salisbury Market, and reminisced about his shopping days, when he

would buy his groceries and spend time chatting with the traders.

So, Ron and three of his friends recently boarded the home's minibus and set off for Salisbury city centre.

"Berniece, Pat and Mike are not locals but were interested to see what all the fuss was about," a spokesperson said. "They were delighted to discover Salisbury's Traditional Charter Market and were surprised to hear that it has run since 1227 and comprises 70 stalls.

"They thoroughly enjoyed

the social aspect and Mike insisted on treating the group to coffees as they soaked up the atmosphere."

Ron said: "Such a feeling of nostalgia, I'm so happy and thankful for today."

Nicki added: "The stallholders were very friendly and chatty, the market was buzzing.

"It was such a positive experience and a very easy wish that was a pleasure to grant, seeing how much it

meant to Ron was wonderful. "We’ll definitely be returning to visit the Christmas Market."

Health & Wellbeing

Cara takes the helm at three NHS trusts

CARA Charles-Barks has been appointed as chief executive officer of three NHS trusts – including Salisbury.

A veteran of 30 years’ nursing experience, she will take over in at the helm of the Salisbury NHS Foundation Trust, the Great Western Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust and the Royal Hospitals Bath Foundation Trust on November 1.

The appointment follows a decision by the Boards of each of the three Trusts earlier this year to establish a group model which they said “will deliver better outcomes for the population we serve”.

Previously, Cara has worked in the Bath and North East Somerset, Swindon and Wiltshire system for eight years, having been chief executive at Salisbury and the RUH.

“I am delighted to have been appointed Joint Chief Executive Officer of the three Trusts in

Bath, Swindon and Wiltshire at this pivotal moment in the NHS’ history,” she said.

“As three Trusts we now have the opportunity to learn together, to tackle inequalities in access to services, to work together to remove barriers to good health and provide improved health outcomes for all our communities.”

Chief Executive of the Bath and North East Somerset, Swindon and Wiltshire Integrated Care Board, Sue Harriman, said: “Cara’s appointment is excellent news for our three hardworking acute hospitals and our wider health and care system.

“True collaboration adds real value to patient care and all three hospital trusts have a unique role to play in strengthening the support that local people and communities count on at every stage of their lives.

“Under Cara’s expert

leadership, our hospitals will be stronger together and I look forward to seeing the benefits of these new arrangements over the coming years.”

Cara qualified as a Registered Nurse in 1990 in Australia and has 30 years’ experience in the public and private health care sector.

She has been named one of the NHS’s top 50 chief

executives five times.

Her efforts during the Novichok poisoning incident, when she was at the Salisbury trust, saw her receive an MBE as part of the Queen’s Birthday Honours.

In June 2019, she was appointed Honorary Colonel of 243 Multi-role Medical Regiment, part of the Army Medical Services.

Couple raise £23,000 to back hospital support team

A COUPLE who sadly lost two babies last year have raised more than £23,000 for the team at Salisbury Hospital that supported them through the trauma.

Neal Riley and his wife Els said their world fell apart after losing their son, Oscar, at 31 weeks in January 2023, then in November lost their daughter Sophie, at 35 weeks.

The couple were supported by the Stars Appeal Benson Suite, within the Maternity Department at Salisbury District Hospital, which provides a dedicated, private space where families who sadly experience the death of a baby at birth can be cared for with their baby, away from the Labour Ward.

The specialist suite helps ensure the time these families are able to spend with their baby is as precious, dignified and personal as possible, the hospital said.

In memory of their children, Neal and

Els, with the support of friends and family, have been raising money over the last 18 months.

Among the challenges was a 100-hole golf challenge in June at the Rushmore Golf Club, which saw Neal and friends raise more than £16,000.

The challenge, which started at 4.20am, took more than 16 hours to complete and saw the team walk 30 miles.

They previously completed a 72-hole golf fundraiser, raising more than £4,500.

Since January 2023, £23,512 has been raised for the Benson Suite in memory of Oscar and Sophie.

Neal said: "I’m immensely proud of the team and the amount of money we have raised for a charity that is so close to our hearts.

"The day was a massive success, lots of people turned up to welcome us home. We all had a few aching bones on the Monday morning after the golf marathon. Thank you to everyone who has supported us."

Speaking of the support they received at the Benson Suite and from the Stars Appeal Bereavement Midwife, the couple said: "The Benson Suite provided a space where we could process the tragedy and come to terms with losing Oscar and Sophie.

"The staff were incredible, supporting us throughout and making us feel at ease."

Cara Charles-Banks is the new chief executive officer of the Salisbury NHS Foundation Trust

Neal and Els with Maria Bartlett from the Benson Suite team

who is being looked after at the Salisbury branch of the Dogs Trust, is looking for a new home Picture: Salisbury Dogs Trust

Freda is looking for a new home

ATHREE-year-old

crossbreed in Salisbury is looking for a calm home to call her own.

Each month, Salisbury Dogs Trust highlights one four-legged friend who has struggled to find a new family.

Affectionate and spirited Freda is looking to be welcomed into a pet free home with children over the age of 16 due to her slightly nervous and sensitive ways.

If you’re an adventurer, you might be the perfect match for Freda as she loves exploring the great outdoors.

She would love nothing more than day trips to the beach, nature walks and car trips to explore new scenery.

When out on walks, Freda will be required to wear her harness and muzzle, which she’s learnt to be comfortable with

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Claire Rowe, centre manager at Dogs Trust Salisbury said: "Freda is fully house trained and brilliant at understanding basic commands.

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Carols of comfort and joy heading to Salisbury church bext month

WASSAIL!

Carols of Comfort and Joy will be coming to Salisbury from 7pm on December 9.

Following sell-out performances of Ahoy! Songs of the Mary Rose and Zimbe! Come Sing the Songs of Africa, Kate Edgar Choirs are welcoming back Alexander L’Estrange to conduct his festive choral work.

They will be joined by Downton Community Choir, The Kate Edgar Singers, The Poudre Wassail Singers from Colorado, USA, the Chafyn Grove School Choir and The Call Me Al Jazz Quintet.

Wassail will be performed at the Italianate Church in Wilton, renowned for its acoustics.

The show is a sequence of 12 uplifting folk-inspired Christmas songs, exploring both sacred and secular aspects of the festive season, including

favourites such as The Sussex Carol, Gaudete, and The Holly and the Ivy.

The first half of the concert sees each choir performing individually, while Wassail! will form the second half of the concert, with nearly 100 singers coming together to perform the festive choral work.

There will be refreshments during the interval, with all proceeds from the concert going to the Salisbury Branch of Cancer Research UK.

Kate Edgar is an awardwinning composer, musical director, director and teacher, with shows including Return To The Forbidden Planet, which won an Olivier award for Best New Musical.

Composing includes Grandpa in my Pocket for cbeebies, and 10 pantomimes for Salisbury Playhouse.

She lives in Downton where

she teaches, writes for children’s television, and runs six community choirs.

Alexander L’Estrange is an award-winning British composer, arranger, jazz musician and choral animateur of international acclaim.

A graduate of Oxford University, he has been dubbed “the added 9th of choral music” due to his consummate fusion of the English choral tradition with jazz.

L’Estrange is best known for his popular series of 40-minute choral works for SATB choir, unison children and jazz quintet which began with Zimbe! Come, sing the songs of Africa!.

The piece took the choral world by storm, firmly establishing L’Estrange as one of the most popular choral composers of our age; Zimbe!’s 10th anniversary concert, conducted by the composer,

took place at New York’s Carnegie Hall. And he said he was "delighted to be returning to Salisbury".

"I'm bringing my five-piece jazz band to Wilton, and this time we'll be joined by the Poudre Wassail Singers from Colorado, USA, who are on a short tour of the UK," he said.

"I’ve had the pleasure of working with them in America, and they and their leader Scott Wheeler are absolutely firstrate.

"I can't wait to hear two of Kate's wonderful choirs join forces with one of the most exciting children's choirs in the USA, as well as the brilliant Chafyn Grove School Choir under their Leader, Becky Arch."

Tickets for the Salisbury concert are available at https:// buytickets.at/kateedgarchoirs insalisbury/1376930.

Fireworks in memory of brave Zoe to return for 2024

A FIREWORKS display in memory of a youngster who passed away after living with cancer is set to take place once again in 2024.

The Light Up The Sky for Zoe event, at Langford Sports & Social Club, will take

place on Saturday, November 23.

It will raise money for the Piam Brown Children's Cancer Ward at Southampton hospital, and for the Wilton Riding School for the Disabled Association.

A bar will be on offer at the club from 6pm, while the fireworks are set to begin at around 7pm.

The event is in memory of Zoe Cook, who passed away in 2007 at the age of 17, after living with Rhabdomyosarcoma, a type of muscle cancer.

Kate Edgar will be leading choirs at Wassail! Carols of Comfort and Joy when it comes to Salibury in y

Picture: DSAT

Gearing up for Elijah at Salisbury Cathedral show on November 23

REHEARSALS

are well underway for the upcoming performance of Mendelssohn's Elijah by the Salisbury Musical Society.

The choir - which is made up of around 135 people - will perform at Salisbury Cathedral on November 23 from 7.30pm.

And a spokesperson urged people to book their tickets, as recent performances have attracted near-capacity audiences.

"There is much to be joyful about and not least, that the last two concerts have attracted much larger, near-capacity Cathedral audiences," they said.

"It reflects the high standard of performance, the soloists and, without doubt, our brilliant conductors David Halls and John Challenger."

Elijah is based on a Biblical story. The prophet Elijah has predicted a drought: punishment for those who worship the false God Baal.

This includes King Ahab’s wife, Jezebel.

After Elijah is proved right, he persuades the people to

repent – and to kill Baal’s prophets. Their faith is rewarded with storm clouds and rain. But Jezebel, furious, forces Elijah into exile.

Alone and hopeless in the wilderness, Elijah is consoled first by angels and then – after a mighty storm, an earthquake and a fire – by God himself.

Following his trials, Elijah is whisked up to heaven in a fiery chariot.

Elijah received its first performance on August 26, 1846, in Birmingham and soon overtook Handel’s Messiah in popularity, remaining the most performed oratorio for most of the nineteenth century.

The Salisbury performance will be conducted by David Halls and accompanied by Chelsea Opera Group Orchestra, with soloists Melinda Hughes soprano, Felicity Buckland mezzo soprano, Thomas Elwin tenor and Gabriel Watson treble.

Tickets are available online via salisburymusicalsociety.org. uk for between £10 and £40, with youth discounts.

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The Salisbury Musical Society in action

Picture: Salisbury Musical Society

Where you can get a special pint - and raise money for the Poppy Appeal

MANYof us – in our unruly teenage years perhaps – may have taken a pint glass we liked home from the pub.

Usually frowned upon by landlords around the country, the practice is now being positively encouraged – in a bid to boost this year’s Poppy Appeal.

Around 1,000 pubs across the UK will serve drinks in special, limited-edition commemorative glasses during this year’s Poppy Appeal, as part of a partnership between Marston’s and The Royal British Legion.

Among them are pubs in Salisbury, Amesbury and across neighbouring Dorset, Hampshire and Somerset.

Poppy-themed pint and half-pint glasses will be on sale at more than 1,100 Marston’s pubs from October 26, raising funds for veterans.

Pint glasses will cost £2.50 and half pint glasses will cost £2, with 100% of the profits going to The Royal British Legion.

Glasses will be available to purchase empty, as well as with drinks to be enjoyed in pubs, before taking them home.

Marston’s pubs in Salisbury and Wiltshire offering the limited-edition Poppy Appeal glasses include:

:: Avon Brewery: 75 Castle Street, Salisbury, Wiltshire, SP1 3SP

:: Pelican: Warminster Road, Stapleford,

Salisbury, Wiltshire, SP3 4LT

:: Orchard: Archers Gate, Amesbury, Wiltshire, SP4 7XT

:: Bull Hotel: The Headlands, Downton, Salisbury, Wiltshire, SP5 3HL

Jared Sedgwick, director of operations at Marston’s, said: “Brits have been known to take glasses home with them from the pub, but this time we’re encouraging it.

“We’re so proud to be working in partnership with The Royal British Legion to give our customers another way to raise awareness and crucial funds for veterans, who are such a large part of the Marson’s community.

“We want to welcome everyone to their local pub for what will be a month to remember, and join us in saying cheers to our heroes.”

Ben France, head of corporate partnerships at The Royal British Legion, added: “We’re thrilled to be partnering with Marston’s to support Poppy Appeal this year and beyond.

“The fundraising taking place across their network of pubs will help transform the lives of those in need across our Armed Forces community.”

The glasses are part of Marston’s month to remember initiative, with pubs running awareness and fundraising events including everything from community breakfasts, to live music, to remember our veterans past and present. Traditional pin-on poppies will also be available to purchase.

The Avon Brewery in Salisbury is among the pubs offering the glasses

Salisbury CND welcomes peace prize for bomb survivors

SALISBURY campaigners have welcomed news of a Nobel Peace Prize for their friends in Hiroshima and Nagasaki.

The Salisbury Campaign for Nuclear Disarmament (CND) campaigns to rid the world of nuclear weapons and each year floats a number of lanterns down the Avon, including many bearing messages from survivors of the blasts – known as the Hibakusha.

Earlier this month, it was

announced Nihon Hidankyo – a Japanese grassroots movement dedicated to banning nuclear weapons – had been awarded the Nobel Peace Prize.

It was founded in 1956 by Hibakusha and organises activities including sending delegations to international conference and events, and holding speaking tours where survivors give first-hand accounts of the devastation caused by nuclear weapons.

"The survivors of the atomic

bombs dropped on Hiroshima and Nagasaki, the Hibakusha, have provided an inspiration for us all for many years," a spokesperson for Salisbury CND said. "We are delighted that their moving testimonies and important campaigning efforts have been acknowledged by the Peace Prize Committee.

"Salisbury CND has established links with people in Hiroshima and each year our Hiroshima Day Candle Float commemorates all who have

suffered from nuclear weapons either directly or as a result of the development, manufacture or testing of these weapons."

As part of the candle float, school children from Hiroshima send lanterns they have decorated to join those made in Salisbury as they float down the River Avon and the Salisbury group wants to develop the links further.

"Nuclear war and climate chaos threaten the planet," they added. "The escalating costs of war and nuclear weapons divert billions away from urgent climate action. We all need to heed the wisdom of the Hibakusha."

The Nobel Prize citation said: "The fate of the survivors was long concealed and ignored. In 1956, local Hibakusha associations along with victims of nuclear weapons tests in the Pacific formed The Japan Confederation of A- and H-Bomb Sufferers Organisations, shortened in Japanese to Nihon Hidankyo.

"This grassroots movement soon became the largest and most widely representative Hibakusha organisation in Japan."

Salisbury CND hosts a lantern float on the Avon each year to mark Hiroshima Day, when the city was decimated, below

Gritters tested and ready to hit the road as temperatures start to drop

GRITTERS

- including Usain Salt, Thaw Enforcement and Sir David Attenburrrr - are ready to hit the roads of Wiltshire.

Wiltshire Council's winter maintenance teams are gearing up for falling temperatures as the season starts to turn.

And they will be out and about on test runs in the coming weeks before minus temperatures set in, making sure equipment is working as it should.

Last winter, crews were deployed 46 times and distributed 5,000 tonnes of salt on 34,500 miles of road. They go out when road temperatures dip to near freezing.

Cllr Nick Holder, cabinet member for highways and Street Scene, said: "We have a fleet of 24 gritters on standby, strategically placed in depots around Wiltshire - ready to take action.

"When the weather drops below zero, we focus on A and B roads as these are primary

routes. However, we want to remind residents to not assume that a road has been gritted, and to always drive to the conditions as some roads are only treated during prolonged periods of cold weather.

"A commitment in our Business Plan is to have well-connected communities and preparing for the colder months is a part of this, as we want to keep everything running smoothly while prioritising

safety.

"I'd like to thank our dedicated highways team who treat our roads in all-weather throughout the winter to keep our residents and road users safe."

The council has 12,000 tonnes of salt in stock, placed throughout the county in six storage sites. Weather stations monitor the weather, providing real-time information to help engineers produce accurate

forecasts, ensuring gritters are sent out at the right times.

However, footwaysincluding pavements, cycle routes and cycleways - are only treated in times of persistent ice or snow, with a focus on footways with high pedestrian usage, the council said.

More than 1,600 salt bins are placed around the county, for residents and the travelling public to use on public roads and footpaths.

‘Our penal system is truly broken’

IN this country we have a separation of power, clearly defining the role of the Judiciary and Government and within the judicial system a clear distinction between the prosecuting authority (The CPS) and the police, whose job is to enforce the law without fear or favour. At least that’s the theory.

Recent events, prosecutions and sentencing, have done well to illustrate this and unfortunately led some to hold up one against another and cry foul, when in reality no one prosecution or sentence has any bearing on another.

We cannot simply say. why he or she should be prosecuted, when he or she was not. Nor can we say how come they only

got this sentence for this offence when another got a harsher one for what is perceived a more minor offence.

All prosecutions should, and generally are, based on the specific circumstances of the alleged crime. And all sentences are, or should be, based solely on the circumstances in which they took place.

There is, or should be, no such thing as a political arrest in this country.

I could, however, give you plenty of examples from personal experience where I feel that was not the case. Where people were and are simply arrested to be ‘taken out of the picture’ and later released without charge.

There are also instances where various governments have either tried or succeeded in bringing in legislation designed, or later used, to curb the right to protest in one way or another. Some of which I have had the honour to challenge myself. There are areas of concern, but on the whole however, and on balance, I am thankful to live under such a system.

Our penal system, of which I also have some personal knowledge, having oft’ times been ‘taken out’ and remanded in custody until eventually getting my day in court is however, another matter. And along with the crumbling fabric of our prisons, it has been broken for some while.

Until next time...

Victoria Charleston, right, is calling for people in Salisbury to have their say ahead of the city council's 2025/26 budget planning

Thames Water the 'canary in the mine'

INApril this year, the Financial Times (FT) reported one water company investor stating how “Thames Water is a canary in a coal mine” and “You’ve got the biggest water company teetering on the brink and we are all watching. It’s all the investors are talking about”.

Figures provided by the FT in the spring revealed the 16 water monopolies have paid out a total of £78bn in dividends in the 32 years since privatisation in 1991, to March 2023, based on regulatory data and adjusted for inflation.

The £78bn payout is nearly half the £190bn the companies spent in the same three decades on infrastructure.

Despite being sold at privatisation with no borrowings, the water industry - privatised in the late 1980s under Margaret Thatcher's government - has chalked up more than £64bn net in debt over the same period.

Thames Water has borrowed

'Local

SINCE

Cllr John Wells Labour chair of Environment and Climate Committee (Salisbury City Council)

heavily, with Australian infrastructure bank Macquarie as its biggest shareholder. Thames' debt grew from £2bn to about £11bn.

This week news broke of a loan of £3bn to bail out Thames Water. Chris Weston, chief executive of the firm, which currently has £16bn worth of debt, said the new loan has put the firm "onto a more stable financial footing as we seek a long-term solution to our financial resilience".

The company's debt will swell to £17.9bn by the end of next March, it confirmed.

One in four people in the UK rely on Thames Water for their

supply and its customers are facing a steep rise in bills. In July, the company told regulator Ofwat it wanted to increase annual bills by 23% between 2025 and 2030. Since then, Thames has said it needed to raise them by 53%.

Given the need to cover the unaffordable costs of domestic fuel during the winter, supplied overseas energy companies making huge profits, consumers are now faced with similar increases in the cost of another basic item of household expenditure. Where is all that money going?

"Sewage spills into England's lakes, rivers and seas by water companies more than doubled in 2023. According to the Environment Agency, there were 3.6 million hours of spills, compared to 1.75 million hours in 2022" (BBC News)

To make matters worse, pollution levels are almost certainly worse than those

reported.

The Observer reported water firms "passed" thousands of pollution tests under a selfmonitoring regime, yet the tests were never even conducted.

The water firms’ own operational data for sewage plants across the country reveals how outflows of effluent had stopped – in some cases for just a few hours – on days that samples were supposed to be taken. Despite testers being unable to check whether firms were allowing too much pollution to flow into rivers, the Environment Agency rules allowed these “no-flows” to be recorded as compliant with the environmental conditions of their operating permits.

Southern Water has already previously been found to have “deliberately manipulated” the effluent flow to avoid pollution detection. The number of no-flows it reported plummeted after its practices were investigated.

healthcare is in a dire state'

the last edition of this newspaper, the Liberal Democrats have tabled Opposition Day motions for the first time since 2009 - owing to their status as the third largest party in the House of Commons.

Opposition days are days allocated in the House of Commons for the discussion of subjects chosen by the non-government parties and tend to be used to shine a light on their own campaigns.

On this occasion, the Liberal Democrats tabled two motions that will be close to the hearts of many readers: the first proposal focused on the Carer’s Allowance repayments scandal, calling on the Government to write off existing overpayments and conduct a full review of support for unpaid carers.

The second motion urged Ministers to boost access to community healthcare, lambasting the current wait times for GP, NHS dentist and local pharmacy appointments.

Shocking recent data uncovered by the Liberal Democrats revealed that in the last year, 45% of Brits have tried and were unable to get an NHS

Victoria Charleston Lib Dem Parliamentary spokesperson for Salisbury constituency

appointment. The statistics further indicated that 1 in 4 people have been unable to work because of this lack of access to appointments.

The Liberal Democrats’ proposal called for new healthcare mandates which would give everyone the right to see a GP within seven days (or within 24 hours if in urgent

need) and guarantee emergency access to an NHS dentist.

Despite the huge strain on the NHS as we head into the winter months, Labour MPs voted against the motions. This is hugely disappointing. What was even more disappointing was to see our local MP, an opposition MP himself, fail to support motions in Parliament that would see more support for health and care services in our community.

The state of local healthcare is dire and the carers’ overpayment scandal is a national disgrace. Families and pensioners across South Wiltshire are in desperate need of a fair deal. Health and social care must be the top priority for this Government and our local MP.

Beatles' famous

ARECORDING

Saturday 9th November SOLD FOR £39,500 For a full list of our specialist sales please see our website

For free verbal valuations please contact Head Office & Salesrooms: Station Road, Semley, Shaftesbury SP7 9AN 01747 855122 www.semleyauctioneers.com

Offices in Semley, Wiltshire; Wimborne, Dorset; and South Kensington, London Asian Arts; Carpets, Rugs & Textiles; and Antique Furniture & Objects

studio console used by The Beatles on their seminal final album, Abbey Road, is going on sale, years after being found discarded in a skip.

The legendary EMI TG12345 desk - responsible for tracking songs such as Come Together, Something and Here Comes The Sun - was used by the fab four during recording of the record in 1969 at the London studios of the same name.

It has been painstakingly restored and will go on sale via music sales site Reverb from October 29.

The EMI TG12345 is a one-of-a-kind console, custombuilt by EMI Studios back in 1968.

The following year, it recorded the band's last album, before they broke up in 1970.

"Abbey Road is one of the

best albums that's ever been made, and it sounds so good because of this recording console," said Dave Harries, who participated in numerous Beatles recording sessions with the console in the 1960s.

"Because of the way that Abbey Road was recorded, the album has a distinctive sound that hallmarked the future of pop recording."

While the console only recorded one full band Beatles project, all four members would go on to use it for their solo projects, including for John Lennon's Instant Karma!, Paul McCartney's McCartney, George Harrison's All Things Must Pass, and Ringo Starr's Sentimental Journey.

According to Harries, Harrison asked EMI if he could buy one for himself, only to be turned down out of a fear that

Following on from our successful Jewellery Sale in October we are inviting entries for our next sale on 6th December. Last date for entries is Friday 22nd November.

Auction Dates for your Diary:

General Sale 13th November | Antique Sale 29th November

Jewellery 6th December | General Sale 11th December

Christmas Sale 27th December St Mary’s Courtyard, East Farm Business Park, East Farm Barn, Chitterne Road, Codford, Warminster BA12 OPG enquiries@phixiusauctions.com 01985 512178

We are inviting entries for our Antiques and Quarterly Sales. Closing dates for entries are 3 weeks before the sale date.

We are also inviting entries for our second Specialist Book Sale in February, date TBC.

recording desk set for auction

the console would be replicated and sold to one of their competitors.

It was, however, later donated to a local London school who then discarded it in a skip - where it was picked up by a passing musician.

It was disassembled and sat unused for more than five decades, before being restored by father-and-son team Malcolm and Hamish Jackson, who run MJQ (Malcolm Jackson Equipment), alongside the likes of Beatles collaborator and former EMI engineer, Brian Gibson.

Gibson, along with a team of audio engineers and technicians, managed to reunite the console with 70% of its original parts, working with expert British companies to faithfully reproduce the replacement parts to seamlessly work alongside

their older counterparts. "This particular console is a one-off. It's unique. You can't replace it," Harries said of the TG 12345, which was the first of just 17 consoles worldwide made by EMI.

1999 motorhome sells for £8,000

CLARKE’S Auctions at Semley saw some good results at its last sale including a rare 17th century Flemish casket with pressed horn panels depicting scenes of hunters and animals among scrolling foliage, which created a buzz in the saleroom.

It attracted the attention of UK collectors in the room and online bidders, and finally sold for £6,200, including premium, to a collector in Belgium on the-saleroom.com.

Other lots to sell well were a modern French 18ct gold with heavy chain links which made £3,800, a Breitling Navitimer gentleman’s wristwatch sold for £2,600 and the private collection of 19th century and later desk seals collectively fetched £5,400.

In the Motor section a 1999 Volkswagen LT28 Oregon 98

motorhome sold to a lady on the south coast for £8,000.

And for local interest, an Austin Motor Company 25 Years Association commemorative bronze plaque presented to Flanders Garage Ltd in Blandford Forum fetched £280.

Clarke’s holds regular no obligation open valuation days when it has specialist valuers on the premises.

Prospective sellers can take along items to be evaluated or phone to make a specific appointment with a valuer at any time during the month. For consignment into any of Clarke’s future sales or for probate valuations, house clearances or any other queries, phone Richard Clarke or Karen Marshall on 01747 685592 at The Old Glove Factory, Gillingham SP8 4QF.

"It sounds so good that it holds up against any modern console and, in many respects, it's probably better. Because in those days, it was built to a different standard - cost, no object. EMI built this to be the best in the world."

Clarke’s Auctions

Auctioneers & Valuers

Antiques & Collectibles Sale Friday 9th & Saturday 10th August

Antiques & Collectibles Sale Friday 8th & Saturday 9th November

Clarke’s offer free verbal valuations and home visits

Now accepting items for this and future sales

An 18ct gold & sapphire cigarette case retailed by Garrard & Co. Sold for £5,500.

An original Fry & Sons 'Fry's Pure Concentrated Cocoa' enamel sign. Sold for £1,600. Clarke’s Auctions o er free home visits and verbal valuations. Now accepting items for this and future sales

The Old Glove Factory, Buckingham Road Gillingham, SP8 4QF 01747 685592 enquiries@clarkesauctions.co.uk

Units 1 & 2 Kingsettle Business Park, 01747 855109 enquiries@clarkesauctions.co uk

e Old Glove Factory, Buckingham Road Gillingham, SP8 4QF 01747 685592 enquiries@clarkesauctions.co.uk

The console was used on the seminal Abbey Road album

3D puzzle

Christmas Fair

Across

PLACE

to 9

into every black-bordered 3x3 area as well as each of the 54 rows indicated by the coloured lines. Rows don’t

Killer Sudoku Pro

1 French in charge in dry continent (6)

5 Abandon some French monarch getting tense (6)

8 Day on newspaper is dreary experience (4)

9 Secretary with doctor detaining chaps in pedestrian place (8)

10 Free from dirt stadium in drought area (4,4)

11 Aid young dog losing lead (4)

KILLER Sudoku Pro

12 A Western capital located in hot island – or islands (6)

Down

2 Prescribed solution for mathematical equation (7)

3 Criminal noting without introduction measure of gold (5)

4 A mix top player represented roughly (13)

5 Revolutionary European opposing journalist crazy state concerning evolution (13)

6 Broadcast about home that’s ruined in an unspecified way (7)

14 Rule about date for medicinal dose (6)

16 Elegant young woman covering back (4)

Place numbers 1 to 9 once each into every row, column and bold-lined 3x3 box.

18 Dislike article introducing way of telling story (8)

20 Popular guide is not honest (8)

21 Leave out Oscar with German (4)

No digit may be repeated in any dash-lined cage, and all the digits in any cage must add up to the value shown in that cage. Sudoku

22 Strong wine’s drunk ending in lethargy (6)

23 Mourn lieutenant that’s penned last word (6)

7 Some children alarmed regarding a vital organ (5)

13 Principal institute starts to view eagerly records (7)

15 Leading affliction after turn is wearing away (7)

17 It might be observed among British Indians? (5)

19 Frenchman becomes weak when held up violent outbreak (5)

Motoring with David Young

A first look at the latest incarnation of 'the best car in the world...'

THEbest car in the world should be able to do everything brilliantly. I know, that seems like an obvious statement to make, and does such a car even exist?

DAVID YOUNG takes a look at the new BMW M5…

Can a car be spacious, comfortable, and refined, while simultaneously handling like a thoroughbred with enough power to leave a supercar trembling in its wake?

It can when it’s the brandnew BMW M5.

With 40 years of history under its belt, the legendary high-performance saloon from BMW’s M division is entering its seventh generation. And in a nod to the future, the new M5

now features an electrified drive system for the very first time.

In terms of styling the new M5 looks very much like a regular 5-Series so you can expect it to be somewhat understated.

There are some M5-shaped tweaks in the wider arches, side skirt extensions, new front apron, and two pairs of black chrome twin tailpipes at the end of the sports exhaust.

A few other model-specific touches finish the look, including an embossed ‘M5’ logo on the Hofmeister kink – that’s the bit where the window on the rear doors curves back on itself. It also sits on slightly bigger wheels, with 20-inch (front) and 21-inch

(rear) alloys fitted as standard.

Where the M5 differs from a regular 5-Series most dramatically is the vast reserve of power it offers.

Under normal circumstances, when you’re just cruising around town the new M5 will make the most of the hybrid system and stick to using electricity to make it go.

In electric-only mode there’s enough power in the battery to cover around 40 miles. For regular commuting distances that should be enough to get you to work and back without needing to dip into the contents of the fuel tank.

And don’t worry about performance because the electric motor is capable of hitting 87mph all by itself.

Over longer distances, or should you unexpectedly find yourself on a race track, it’s an entirely different story.

The new M Hybrid drivetrain combines the electric motor with a high-revving 4.4-litre V8 engine, sending the power to all four corners via BMW’s xDrive all-wheel drive system and an eight-speed Steptronic transmission.

The combination of

Hybrid drive and V8 engine means the new BMW M5 produces a colossal 727bhp and 1,000Nm of torque.

In more understandable terms, 60mph takes just 3.5 seconds and it will continue to hurtle towards the horizon until the limiter kicks in at the usual 155mph. Unless you’ve ticked the box for the optional M Driver’s package, in which case the limiter won’t interfere until you hit 189mph. BMW has worded that bit very carefully, which makes you wonder exactly how fast it would go if the limiter were switched off completely.

To cope with the phenomenal amount of power the new M5 can generate there are also a few other upgrades hidden beneath the surface.

The chassis has been strengthened, the adaptive suspension has been specifically tuned to cope with the demands of the M5, the steering has been fettled to provide maximum feedback to the driver, and it also includes active rear-wheel steering for even better cornering ability. Both the standard brakes, as well as the optional carbon ceramic brakes have been beefed up too.

The new BMW M5 also offers a significantly wider

selection of standard and optional systems for automated driving and parking compared to its predecessor.

There is a whole suite of safety systems fitted as standard, plus a few more available as part of the options packages. The new BMW M5 is even equipped as standard with Parking Assistant Professional, which enables automated parking and manoeuvring over distances of up to 200 metres, controllable either from inside the car or remotely via smartphone.

driving modes which include a “Track” mode that unleashes the full potential of the beast hiding beneath the bonnet.

The control panel on the centre console houses a model-specific series of buttons, allowing you to adjust everything from the suspension, drive system, steering, and brake energy recuperation, as well as accessing the various

In addition to the M-specific control panel on the centre console, the cockpit in the new BMW M5 features a new, flat-bottomed M leather steering wheel with illuminated M buttons, multifunction electrically-adjusted seats, and the BMW Curved Display with navigation function. An upgraded version of BMW

Puzzle solutions

Edition 54

Easy sudoko Sudoku 3D puzzle

iDrive also features as standard in the new BMW M5 so you can access the climate functions, heated seats, and steering wheel heating via the touchscreen or by voice command.

Other standard features complete the refined and luxurious feel of the new BMW M5. The trim is finished in Merino leather, it’s got four-zone air conditioning, the heated front seats we’ve already mentioned, modelspecific ambient lighting, panoramic glass sunroof, a Bowers & Wilkins Surround

Sound System, wireless charging tray, and automatic tailgate operation.

Order books are already open for the new BMW M5, although you will have to wait until November for UK deliveries to begin. Coincidentally, that just happens to be when the new M5 Touring is set to launch too, in case you want to add an extra dose of practicality to the already long list of things a BMW M5 is brilliant at.

And now you’ve never wanted anything more than you want the new BMW M5, I should probably mention the only downside – prices start from a whopping £110,500, so you’d better start saving.

VEHICLES bought for cash ●Mot failures ●Nonrunners ●Unfinished projects ●end of life scrap vehicles ●minimum of £200 paid for complete vehicles. Call Ryan on 07474 737577

Cryptic crossword

Crossword

New farming meet at showground

LANDALIVE, a major new regenerative farming conference, is coming to the Bath & West Showground in Somerset this month.

The two-day event will include a full-scale exhibition showcasing the latest innovations, services and support to help farmers transition towards more environmentally sustainable and profitable ways of farming. It will also feature talks on climate-friendly farming from leading practitioners, advisors, soil specialists, policy makers, wildlife organisations and representatives from across the food supply chain.

Graham Harvey, LandAlive programme director, said: “We’ve got the best of regenerative farming expertise in one place with content

tailored to the particular needs and interests of farmers in the south west, but drawing in the country’s top speakers and farmer-pioneers.

“We’ll be looking at the nuts and bolts of regenerative farming practice, but also covering what’s new in soil science, technology, changing supply chain dynamics and, of course, the shifting subsidy landscape.”

He added: “It’s an amazing opportunity for farmers to get up to speed on the huge changes going on in farming.

“Paying attention to soil quality, rebuilding biodiversity and reducing dependence on chemical inputs is very much in the mainstream now.

“Given the bottom-line cost of inputs, and rising consumer demand for planet-friendly,

gut-friendly food, it’s simply good business sense to look at more nature-based solutions.”

Dairy and cattle for beef account for more than 40% of total output from farming in the south west, so regenerative approaches to herd and pasture management will be a key focus for the event, drawing on evidence grazing animals play an essential role in restoring soil fertility and biodiversity.

The conference will also look at how to ‘weatherproof’ farms, with farm adviser Niels

Corfield leading a session on the subject with farmer Silas Hedley-Lawrence.

“Poor soil and pasture health is bringing systemic weaknesses to grazing operations,” said Niels. “Our session will give farmers a better understanding of the causes of these issues and offer solutions that draw on firsthand experience as well as the latest soil and plant science.

LandAlive is at the Bath & West Showground on Friday and Saturday, November 22-23.

Bluetongue Update

By Synergy Vet Imogen Rogers

Last year, and now again this year, cases of a new strain of Bluetongue have been confirmed in the UK. The BTV-3 strain that had previously been seen in Europe (The Netherlands, Belgium and Germany) finally crossed the channel last November. Whilst the cases were limited to the South East (Norfolk and Suffolk mostly), livestock farmers across all of the South were worried about the implications it may bring to their farms.

Given the current temperature and wind direction, the risk of infected midges coming over from Europe remains very high and is likely to do so until the colder months arrive. This means that farmers in the South should remain vigilant at monitoring for clinical signs.

Signs include swelling, discolouration, discharge and sores around the muzzle; with fever, abortion and lameness

also possible. These signs can be seen in sheep, cattle, other ruminants and camelids, with sheep most likely to show severe signs. If you have stock showing these signs, please contact your vet immediately for further advice.

Bluetongue vaccines have been approved for use in the UK under special licence – speak to your vet for further information.

Please visit the APHA website for further updates as they come. You may want to consider signing up for their ‘Disease Alert

Subscription Service’, which will notify you of any new cases as they are confirmed. Otherwise, keep an eye on Synergy new streams for updates from us.

Niels Corfield will talk about ‘weatherproofing’ farms