Salisbury & Avon Gazette - Issue 52

What’s inside this issue…

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Phyll gets company as walks continue apace...

THEgreat and the good of Salisbury have been joining intrepid Phyll babb as the 99-year-old continues her bid to walk 100 miles as she prepares to celebrate her 100th birthday.

Phyll, a stalwart charity campaigner, previously announced her plan to complete 100 one-mile walks from her city home, around Cathedral Close, and back to raise money for the Salisbury Trust for the Homeless (SFTH).

City MP John Glen, Mayor of Salisbury Councillor Sven Hocking, former Mayor John Walsh, and the Reverend Canon Edward Probert, Chancellor of Salisbury Cathedral, are among those who have joined her so far on her walks.

Phyll is walking using a rollator aid, of the type made famous by Captain Sir Tom Moore during his charity walks during the Covid panedmic.

And the adventurous 99-year-old is currently ahead of schedule to complete the 100 walks by the time of her 100th birthday – on July 13, 2025 –completing the circuit more quickly now than she was at the start of her effort.

MP Mr Glen said: “It was a privilege to reconnect with Phyll and be one of the many people accompanying her on her walks in support of a marvellous Salisbury cause, one which she has been associated with for so many years of her long life dedicated to serving

the community she loves.

“I was glad to have an umbrella to ward off the rain and I was impressed with both Phyll’s speed and indefatigability.”

Cllr Hocking said: “It was an absolute delight to meet Phyll and accompany her on one of her walks around the Cathedral to raise money for the Salisbury Trust for the Homeless.

“Phyll’s mission is to complete her 100th walk before her 100th birthday in July next year and from what I saw today, she will do this at a canter.

“If anybody would like to walk with her I know she would be very grateful of the company, and she has some stories to tell. I wish her every success.”

Phyll with John Walsh, main picture, top; and inset, the Rev Canon Edward Probert; MP John Glen, left; and mayor Cllr Sven Hocking, right

Gordon Pardy, head of fundraising for STFH, added: “We don’t want Phyll to be walking alone, although she is perfectly capable of managing the circuit without any help.

“But it is more fun for her if she has someone to chat to as she makes her way round.”

Anyone who wishes to join Phyll on a walk should email STFH chair Maureen Pardy at mpardy@hotmail.co.uk.

Born in Bideford, north Devon, Phyll went to Exeter University before working as a teacher.

In 1949, she adventurously travelled by sea alone to Jamaica. In 1987 she moved to Salisbury and first became involved with STFH in 1998.

Letter to deputy PM over homes delay

AWILTSHIRE

housing association has written to Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner pleading for her help over an ‘under thought’ pollution rule that is delaying plans for social housing in rural areas.

Mrs Rayner (Lab, Ashtonunder-Lyne), who is also Minister for Housing, Communities and Local Government, is spearheading the new Labour administration's mission for housebuilding.

Now, a letter from White Horse Housing Association chief executive, Steve Warran, claims Nutrient Neutrality regulations are adding an extra financial burden to developments and making them unviable.

The regulations are imposed on local authorities by Natural England, forcing them to seek compensation from developers to protect rivers from pollution and sewage run-offs from new homes.

However, Mr Warran said the rules unfairly impact rural areas, where there is less infrastructure.

White Horse has 430 homes in rural areas across Wiltshire and Somerset but, Mr Warran said, it is being hampered in trying to meet the needs of countryside communities because building more is being made unviable by the regulations.

In his letter, he quoted the example of a project for six two and three-bedroomed homes in Knighton Road, Broad Chalke, near Salisbury, for rental and shared ownership, in partnership with the Broad Chalke Community Land Trust, which has taken eight years to get off the ground.

Broad Chalke Community Land Trust chairman Dan Richter, left, treasurer Tom Hitchings and board member Ian Walkden with White Horse Housing Association Operations Director Belinda Eastland at the site in the village where six new

affordable homes are being blocked by Nutrient Neutrality regulations

“This development fully complies with the Broad Chalke Neighbourhood Plan … funding is secured and planning approval has been granted,” he wrote.

“However, the whole project suddenly had to be halted because of Wiltshire Council’s recent Nutrient Neutrality policy.

“Overall, our scheme is calculated to produce 7.5kg of phosphate which represents just a tiny fraction of this massive problem.

“The council does, however, have a plan to mitigate this problem – a plan that will demand a payment from us of over £290,000 – a payment that would render the scheme totally unviable.

“So here we are at the twelfth hour, with the community we have been working with now disillusioned, disappointed and deflated because another blockage, another obstacle, another well-meaning but under thought initiative, has been forced upon the planning system and wiped out all the hard work and ambition of local people trying to bring forward affordable homes for their community.”

who is the CLT’s treasurer, said the trust is concerned about any new development affecting the River Ebble in the village, which is an ancient chalk stream.

“We aren’t saying we want the scheme to be exempt from the Nutrient Neutrality regulations because we don’t care about the river being polluted, far from it,” he said.

“We just want any required measures to be funded by some other means so that these badly needed homes for local people can be built.”

Mr Warran said the issue with Nutrient Neutrality is replicated across the country, with thousands of affordable homes being left in limbo.

He has asked Mrs Rayner to meet him and other housing associations to discuss the issue and proposed that social housing projects be excluded from the regulations.

“What is the point of trying to regulate nutrient neutrality in our rivers when this policy blocks the basic right of a decent affordable home for those people who are excluded

from buying one themselves due to low incomes, disability or poverty?” he said.

The housing association boss said he was driven to write the letter because of his dismay at the frustration experienced in Broad Chalke, where years of hard work – estimated at 4,500 hours of volunteer time – has been wasted.

“With the new government making housing such a central issue in its early days I hope this will be a cue for the rules to be relaxed to unlock much-needed housebuilding all across the country and particularly here in Wiltshire,” he said. “We await the Deputy PM’s reply with interest.”

Labour has pledged to build million new homes over the course of the parliament, and in recent days – as the party’s conference got underway in Liverpool – Ms Rayner said social and affordable homes would play a part in the plan and hinted at new measures in the upcoming Autumn Statement.

“Unless we address the social and council housing problem in this country, then we’re really not going to get to the root problem of the housing crisis for everybody,” she told a meeting at the conference.

“I actually think it’s a moral mission with the Labour government to recognise the problem and to build the social housing we need.

“I’ve been honest about not putting a figure on that today, because there’s a lot of moving parts within that. But hopefully at the spending review, you’ll see that this government is really serious that we’re going to build those houses we desperately need.

“It’s a moral mission for our government, and if it wasn’t, then what’s Labour for if we’re not building safe and secure homes that people need?”

For more about White Horse housing Association services, go to whitehorsehousing.co.uk.

Broad Chalke Parish Council chair, Tom Hitchings,

Plans for six homes at Broad Chalk have been delayed, the letter to deputy PM Angela Rayner, right, said

Wiltshire farmer Mike is cooking up a storm in the Bake Off TV tent

AWILTSHIRE

farm manager is among the latest batch of hopefuls bidding to cook up success in the Great British Bake Off tent - and is through the first two weeks.

Mike Wilkins was among the baking dozen who began their Bake Off journey in the first episode, which aired on September 24 on Channel 4.

The 29-year-old is a graduate of the Royal Agricultural University (RAU), in Cirencester, Gloucestershire, and was recently shortlisted for the Young Farmer of the Year award in a national competition.

He is also an advocate for the LGBTQ+ community in farming and was a National Farmers Union (NFU) ambassador in 2022.

An RAU spokesperson said staff and students were rooting for the former students’ union chair.

“We were delighted to hear that Mike, a former RAU student and RAU Students’ Union chair, had been selected to appear on Bake Off,” they said.

“Sadly, we weren’t lucky enough to experience any of his baking while he was a student here but we are very proud of everything he has gone on to achieve since he graduated in 2015.

“All the staff and students at the RAU wish him lots of luck and we will all be cheering him on from our respective sofas!”

However, his farming has taken a back seat to flour for the coming weeks as he pits his baking wits against the other contestants – and judges Paul Hollywood and Prue Leith.

Mike says his style is “homely and wholesome”, enjoying making “big, hearty bakes using high-quality local ingredients”.

“He especially loves using seasonal fruits and edible flowers from his garden and farm – and is even making his own wedding cake,” a show biography said.

The Wilkins family has run Nolands Farm, in Yatesbury, for four generations.

n The Great British Bake Off! airs at 8pm on Tuesday evenings on Channel 4

Woman assaulted from behind in afternoon Salisbury attack

A MAN attacked a woman from behind as she walked a Salisbury street.

Police are appealing for witnesses to come forward after an incident in The Downs, off Bishopdown Road, shortly before 3pm on Monday, September 23.

“A man, described as white, with stubble and wearing a grey tracksuit with the hood up is thought to have approached a woman from behind and threatened her, before pushing her to the ground and making off from the scene leaving her with minor

injuries,” a Wiltshire Police spokesperson said.

“It is believed he made off through bushes in the Bishopdown Road direction.”

Inspector Tina Osborn added: “We are investigating reports of an assault on a woman in the Bishopdown Road area.

“We are taking this report very seriously and my officers were in the area immediately after we were alerted to carry out searches.

“People are likely to see an increased

police presence today while we investigate what happened.”

“If you have any information that could help with our enquiries please stop one of the officers, or you can contact us through our website or by calling the control room.”

Anyone with information should call 999, quoting log number 187 of September 23.

They can also give information anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Farmer Mike is in the Bake Off tent for 2024

Get ready to rock at the Rockbourne Fair shopping event at racecourse

THE popular Rockbourne Fair returns this month for bargain hunters getting a head start on Christmas shopping.

Billed as “a unique artisan shopping experience”, the event will take place at Salisbury Racecourse from Wednesday, October 16 to Friday, October 18 and entry costs £6 per person.

Featuring more than 100 handpicked stalls, Rockbourne Fair raises money for the Stars Appeal, Salisbury Hospital’s Charity.

As part of the event, latenight shopping is available on the Thursday night, with admission costing £3 after 6pm.

Organisers said the event would feature “luxury stalls” offering everything from fashion, cosmetics, jewellery, gourmet food, luxury homeware

said: “Rockbourne Fair is not only a unique, luxury shopping event that welcomes thousands of people over the three days, it has enabled us to raise over £250,000 for the Stars Appeal over the last five years.

opportunity to kick-start their Christmas shopping, while making a real difference as the money raised will help provide the very best care for local people being treated at Salisbury Hospital, from premature babies to our oldest patients.”

Visit www.rockbournefair. org.uk for more information.

to toys and carefully curated items not typically found on the high street.

The annual fair welcomes more than 3,000 people across the three-day event, raising £51,000 last year for the Stars Appeal.

Bev Moulding, chair of the Rockbourne Fair committee,

“We hope you will join us in October to support your local Hospital and to ‘Shop the Rock’!”

Helena Sinclair, of the Stars Appeal, added: “We are so grateful to Bev and the Rockbourne Fair Committee for continuing to support the Stars Appeal and for their huge efforts in making the event such a success.

“The fair gives shoppers the

Rockbourne Fair 2024 at Salisbury Racecourse opening times:

n Wednesday, October 16: 10am to 5.30pm n Thursday, October 17: 10am to 7.30pm n Friday, October 18: 9.30am to 3pm n Venue: Salisbury Racecourse, Salisbury, Wiltshire SP2 8PN. Free parking.

23rd DECEMBER

23rd DECEMBER

Twixmas and New Year breaks also available, call for details

Stallholders are gearing up for the 2024 Rockbourne Fair Picture: Spencer Mulholland

Amesbury Cubs hit top gear during Goodwood contest

MEMBERS

of the 1st Amesbury (St Mary and St Melor) Cub Pack hit top speed when they became the first Wiltshire group to take part in the Supreme Box Cart Championships at Goodwood.

A team of six cubs hit the Kennel Hill Raceway circuit for the 2024 championships on September 15, after a lastminute place on the grid opened up.

chippy dinner and watching Cool Runnings to fully prepare for the real action the following day.

"During the racing, the kart was driven by one cub, using a rope attached to the centrepivoting axle to steer, and propelled by two other cubs, who acted as “engine” and “brake” – although with the speed that they were going around, I’m not sure that there was much braking happening," a spokesperson said.

Despite it being their first foray into kart racing, the 1st Amesbury team finished as top qualifier, the only team to win all 12 of their heats.

this brilliant event for the Cub Scouts."

The 1st Amesbury Cubs were able to borrow the Wooly Bully box kart, made by Stephen Bell at Round the Bend Racing, and they are now trying to raise the funds to buy Wooly Bully for their pack.

"Having caught the karting bug, they are also hoping to find people with the skills and expertise to help them to design and build their own kart, so they can practice throughout the year, and perhaps even enter two teams next year," the spokesperson said.

They lined up alongside other cub packs from across England, Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales.

The team travelled down to the West Sussex raceway with three of their leaders, taking part in a training session and practice day on the Saturday, before staying overnight at a local Scout Hut, having a

However, they then got knocked out by top team 12th Chichester in the top-16 shootout.

"That didn’t dampen the cubs' spirits and they all had a fabulous time, along with their leaders and the parents and supporters who had come along to cheer them all on," the spokesperson added.

"A big thank you goes to West Sussex SASU team for giving up their time and running

1st Amesbury Cubs team in action at Goodwood

25 homes plan for village

AROUND

25 new family homes are set to be developed on a site near Salisbury.

Developer Bargate Homes and parent company VIVID Homes have acquired a 4.2-acre site in Whiteparish, which was recently granted outline permission for 25 homes.

Now, the award-winning housebuilder has appointed Bagshot-based architect Cooper Baillie to undertake the detailed design for the scheme, and said it will incorporate "a range of executive homes, seven affordable dwellings, and three further plots to be sold as First Homes".

Half of the site, off the A27 Romsey Road, is designated for the creation of a play area, attenuation basin and nearly two acres of public parkland, the firm added.

A planning application will

The development site is off the A27 Picture: Bargate Homes

be lodged with Wiltshire Council next year, they added.

Steve Birch, land and planning director at Bargate Homes, said: "It has been a decade since Bargate Homes last delivered new homes in Wiltshire. Acquiring such a special site in Whiteparishwhich offers glorious countryside views and footpaths leading through to the New Forest – is very exciting.

"There is significant pent-up demand for energy-efficient

family homes within this ‘Best Kept Village’ which benefits from a sustainable and accessible location between Salisbury and Romsey.

"We are looking forward to working up the detailed house designs which will complement and add to the appeal of the village, parts of which date back to the 12th Century."

Parking for each new home will be allocated on-plot, within parking bays or garages, the firm said, while an "extensive footpath network from the Romsey Road site takes walkers northwards to West Dean, or southwards to the forest trails and attractions of the New Forest".

For further information on Bargate Homes, visit www. bargatehomes.co.uk.

A POLICE in Salisbury are attempting to trace this person in connection with “a number of incidents” of anti-social behaviour.

Officers investigating incidents in Wilton Road over the last month have issued the image and want to hear from anyone who recognises the person pictured.

Anyone who can help should contact police on 101, quoting reference number 54240106494.

Removal men go above and beyond floodwater to help city-bound clients

SALISBURY removal men who were helping a family move to the city went above and beyond to help them and other families after their houses were affected by flooding.

The family’s home, in Chicksands, near Bedfordshire, was under 50cm of water after flash floods on the morning of Monday, September 23.

Darin Healey and Ciaran MacDonagh, from Armishaws Removals, based in Netherhampton Road, Salisbury, literally leapt into action and rolled up their sleeves and trousers to help the family.

Despite having finished their shift, rather than simply load up and hit the road, the pair then rescued furniture and belongings for 10 other families in the small close.

The men moved furniture, toys and clothes from flood-hit ground floors and garages to upper storeys and neighbouring homes on higher ground.

Modest Darin said: “It’s what anyone would do really.

“Once we’d helped our clients, we couldn’t just jump in the lorry and drive away when

other people were having a tough time.

“So, we just did what we could and tried to save as much as we could from getting ruined.”

While the flood waters subside, the new movers are now on route to Salisbury and a new, dry home.

Renata Robinson, who was

helped by the team, said: “Darin and Ciaran were in the middle of moving our neighbours when the whole street was flooded.

“They immediately came to help us all and went above and beyond, continuing to help until late at night.

“They were amazing and our community was so grateful.”

Armishaws Removals’

Homes in the Chicksands street were hit by flash flooding during heavy rainfall

general manger, Pat Carter, praised the pair, saying: “We’ve helped lots of flood victims in the past. Normally it’s a call from the insurers after any floodwater has drained.

"That’s the first time any of our crews have arrived to find the house they are about to move is underwater.

"Darin and Ciaran really are a credit to the company.

"We’re always proud of our crews who always go the extra mile - but usually they don’t have to swim it."

Shirley Hunter was also helped by the team.

“Big shout out to Darin and Ciaran who went above and beyond while handling a removal at Chicksands," she said.

“Families were having to leave their homes due to terrible flooding and these guys couldn’t do enough to help, running knee-deep in water with their trollies helping save people's belongings in the pouring rain.

“Thank you for all you did.”

Darin, left, and Ciaran stepped into the breach to help households hit by flash floods Picture: Armishaws

More than 200 new bedspaces for forces personnel in Wiltshire

MOREthan 200 new bedspaces for military personnel are being built in Wiltshire as part of an investment programme in accommodation.

Four new single-living blocks are being built in Upavon as part of a major investment programme to improve standards of living accommodation across the Army estate.

The project is being delivered by the Defence Infrastructure Organisation (DIO) for the Army’s SLA Programme, which is delivering thousands of new bedspaces for service personnel.

Construction works are being delivered by 3D modular off-site construction specialist, Reds10.

In the first phase, a total of five old accommodation blocks on site will be demolished and replaced by 200 modern en-suite bedspaces, in four separate buildings, for both Junior and Senior Ranks.

An older building onsite will also be refurbished to provide 21 en-suite bedrooms, improving on the previous interior layout of 19 bedrooms with shared ablutions.

The new SLA design incorporates feedback from soldiers to ensure it meets their current and future needs. It includes

fitted furniture, equipment storage, kitchens, and communal space, the project said.

Brigadier Pete Quaite OBE, Head of Army Infra Plans, said: “I am delighted to see the start of construction works at Upavon to deliver modern, fit-for-purpose, high quality accommodation for our people.

“The significant investment underway at this site demonstrates our ongoing commitment to delivering the facilities that our soldiers need and deserve, and to enhancing the environments where they live, work and train.”

Warren Webster, Defence Infrastructure Organisation, Major Programmes and Projects (Army) Director, said: “A momentous occasion for Trenchard Lines. Major infrastructure upgrade is overdue on this historically important site, so we are delighted to have reached this point.

“The Army’s programme of Single Living Accommodation upgrade was initiated in 2021 and Trenchard is the ninth project to start construction. A fantastic collaboration with our Army colleagues to achieve real progress for the benefit of our service personnel.”

The SLA blocks will include sustainable features such as solar panels, individual

thermostats with SMART monitors and a Building Energy Management System, while an all-electric design comprising air source heat pumps, heat recovery ventilation and infra-red panels will also contribute to low energy consumption.

Matt Bennion, CEO of Reds10, added:

“We are delighted to announce the ground breaking at Trenchard Lines, marking the official start of our work on the Single Living Accommodation (SLA) buildings in partnership with the Army and the Defence Infrastructure Organisation (DIO).

“Sustainability remains a top priority in our design approach, supporting the Army’s commitment to reducing carbon emissions. The three SLA buildings are being constructed using Modern Methods of Construction (MMC) and with SMART technology to achieve the highest energy efficiencies, transforming the lived experience for our armed forces personnel.”

As well as the new blocks at Trenchard Lines, construction on an Officers’ Mess will begin in 2025 to provide a further 69 bedspaces.

Inset, ground breaking for new accommodation at Upavon, from left; Matt Bennion, CEO Reds10; Lt Col Grant Ingleton MC, Head of Establishment, Trenchard Lines; Joanne George, DH Major Programmes and Projects (Army), DIO; Brigadier Pete Quaite OBE, Head Infra Plans, British Army; Kyle Swayne, Project Manager – SLA Delivery Team (Army), DIO

Salisbury vape shop business in court again

THEowner of a Salisbury vape shop has been prosecuted for selling a disposable vape to a minor.

On September 23, Red Power Market Ltd, in Minster Street, pleaded guilty at Salisbury Magistrates Court, to selling a disposable vape to a 15-year-old trading standards volunteer.

The seller failed to request proof of age, despite the legal age limit for the sale of e-cigarettes being 18 and over.

At the hearing, the business owner was issued with a fine of £500 and ordered to pay other costs of £956.42.

The charge, which followed an investigation by Wiltshire Council’s trading standards officers, is not the first time Red Power Market Ltd has caught the attention of the authorities.

Since opening in October 2023, Red Power Ltd has also been the subject of three separate seizures of illegal tobacco and vape products.

Despite seizures and advice, reports into the sale of illegal/ non-compliant disposable vapes and illicit tobacco products have continued together with numerous reports of sales of vapes to children.

Cllr Dominic Muns, cabinet member for environment at the council, said: “This second court hearing for Red Power Market Ltd relates to the sale of

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a vape product to a child.

“Unfortunately, we have seen an increase in the number of complaints of vaping products being sold to children.

“With these types of products regularly being sold at pocket money prices, manufactured in bright colours and sweet enticing flavours, young people find them attractive.

“Our advice to all retailers selling these types of products is to train their staff and implement systems to prevent the sale of such items to children under the age of 18.

“They should also be aware of the potential consequences if they fail to take adequate precautions.

“Officers had previously visited to advise the retailers how to prevent underaged sales prior to the test purchase being carried out, meaning that this further action was taken.

“I want to thank our trading services team for their diligence and perseverance in this case to achieve these results and showing that we are acting on our Business Plan commitment to safeguard our residents from harm and tackle businesses that aren’t complying with the law.”

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Fiona Ryan was found guilty of posting "deeply offensive" content on TikTok

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SCOUTS were prepared for an exclusive viewing of the new wing at Salisbury Museum last month.

On September 20, the 4th Salisbury (Harnham) Scout Group were invited to for a look around by Bridget Telfer, project curator at the attraction.

The Scouts have been involved with two projects with the Museum in recent years, which are now on display in the new wing.

The first was an Environmental Crisis film made as a project with the museum, where the Scouts researched various environmental issues and learnt filmmaking skills over the course of six weeks.

The second was a group photo with the Salisbury Giant, when groups from all over Salisbury were invited to have photos taken with the icon.

After the visit, Assistant

District Commissioner, Mark Warner, said: "I think that the Scouts all found different areas of interest, i.e. some were drawn to dressing up props while others were watching the video displayed and artefact galleries.

"They also liked the fact that the Scout Group was on display via the film, giant photo and video display and acknowledgements board.

"It was great that the younger Scouts were enthused by what the older/previous Scouts had achieved - and I think they would like to do something like this themselves.

"The visit and projects seemed to foster an enthusiasm for visiting the museum and I know that quite a number of Scouts have or are going to visit with their parents."

For more on the museum see salisburymuseum.org.uk.

Police tracing two people after e-cig display stolen from city garage

AN E-CIGARETTE display, worth more than £300, was stolen from a garage in Salisbury.

Police investigating the theft have issued CCTV images of two people they want to speak to two men in connection with the incident.

A Salisbury Police spokesperson said: “We are appealing for your help to identify these two men following reports of theft from a garage on Wilton Road, Salisbury."

Anyone who recognises the people in the images should contact police on 101, quoting reference number 54240109415, or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

Police are keen to trace these people after the theft

Picture: Wiltshire Police

Care home manager part of charity walk

AWILTON

care home manager put her best foot forward to raise money for those living with Alzheimer's.

Antoinette Roberts, general manager at Wilton Place, took part in a Memory Walk in Bournemouth on September 15, organised by the Alzheimer’s Society.

The leisurely stroll took place along Bournemouth’s sea front, with Antoinette joined by her husband Paul and their friend Dawn Whitfield.

The family are directly affected by the illness as Paul’s Mother is living with dementia and resides on Memory Lane at the Wilton Place Care Home.

And their efforts were well rewarded, raising £500 for the Alzheimer’s Society.

"At Wilton Place we care for people living with dementia and provide support for them and their families," said Antoinette.

"We have a Memory Lane Community, an environment purposely designed to help those with dementia live active and meaningful lives.

"The walk was great fun, it’s so important to raise awareness as one-in-three people born in the UK today will develop dementia in their lifetime."

Paul added: "I just want to say thank you to everyone that sponsored us, it’s amazing and will really make a difference."

Understanding Dry Eye: Symptoms and Solutions

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Dry eye is a common yet often overlooked condition that occurs when your eyes don’t produce enough tears or when the tears evaporate too quickly.

It can lead to discomfort, vision problems, and even damage to the surface of the eye if left untreated. Symptoms include a gritty or sandy feeling in the eyes, redness, itching, blurred vision, sensitivity to light, and even watery eyes, as the body tries to compensate for dryness. Several factors can contribute to dry eye, including ageing, environmental factors like wind or smoke, prolonged screen time, or certain medications such as antihistamines and antidepressants. It is also common in those with autoimmune conditions like Sjögren’s syndrome or rheumatoid arthritis.

The good news is that dry eye can often be managed. Artificial tears recommended by your optometrist, are the first line of defence, helping to lubricate and soothe the eyes. For more persistent cases, visiting a dedicated dry eye specialist is essential. At Mark Jones Eye Care, we have the answer to most dry eye problems - our Optometrist can investigate and identify the common issues causing dry eyes and devise a plan to treat it. Lifestyle changes, such as taking regular breaks from screens, using humidifiers, and wearing protective eyewear, can also help mitigate symptoms.

In severe cases, procedures like punctal plugs—small devices inserted into tear ducts to slow tear drainage—may be recommended. Regular eye check-ups and early treatment are essential in managing dry eye and preventing long-term damage, allowing for improved comfort and vision.

The common symptoms of dry eye are: a gritty or sandy feeling in your eyes, redness or itchiness, blurred vision, sensitivity to light and excessive tearing (yes, dry eyes can cause watery eyes!)

Choristers get bumped in ceremony!

GETTING

bumped isn't usually a good thing... But for young voices at Salisbury Cathedral it can bring good news.

The cathedral choir is celebrating the promotion of six choristers to the role of Senior Chorister and one admission to Full Chorister with the traditional ‘bumping’ ceremony.

Phoebe Budd and Emmie Piper were promoted to Senior Choristers during a special Evensong service on September 8, while another special Evensong service on September 15 saw boy choristers Joshua Field, Gabriel Watson, Frederick Lumley and Fred Maltby promoted to Senior Choristers.

There was also one addition to the boy choristers, as Vincent Harris was admitted into the choir with a special ‘bumping ceremony’, a time-honoured tradition where the Senior

Choristers bump the head of the new chorister seven times on the bumping stone as all the choristers chant a welcome.

The stone itself is curved for this ceremony, with no one knowing where the tradition comes from, or whether the stone was purposefully curved or if it has been worn down by head bumping over the centuries.

David Halls, director of music, said: "I am delighted to promote such excellent singers to Senior Choristers.

Michaelmas term is always a busy one, with a big run up to Advent and Christmas.

"Our boys and girls work relentlessly, with impressive dedication for ones so young, to master some of the most complex and beautiful liturgical music that has ever been written.

"Our newly-appointed Senior Choristers are crucial in

encouraging and supporting the rest of the choir through this exciting and busy part of the year."

September also sees the start of the 2025 recruitment season, which kicks off with Be a Chorister for a Day on October 12, where children in Years 2, 3 and 4 can experience what it is like to be a chorister, meet the

current cohort and enjoy singing in a special Evensong service. To register for the free event and begin your child’s musical journey, fill in the application form at salisburycathedral.org. uk, or for more information, contact Salisbury Cathedral's music officer, Hester Greatrix, by email via h.greatrix@salcath. co.uk.

Jewellery and cash taken in Tisbury burglary

JEWELLERY and £100 in cash were stolen from a property in Tisbury.

Wiltshire Police officers are appealing for information after a burglary at a property in Hinton Lane some time between

September 6 and 10.

A spokesperson said the property was broken into "while unattended and jewellery was taken, along with £100 in cash".

Anyone who saw anything suspicious in the area, or has information that can help with the investigation, should contact police on 101, quoting incident number 54240108692.

Senior Choristers after the 'bumping' ceremony and below, Phoebe and Emmie receive their promotion

City food bank launches 2024 Harvest appeal

"I FELT ashamed and embarrassed to ask for help. I work full-time; I should be able to afford essentials items and live a debt free life."

Those were the words of an NHS worker who has got help and support from Salisbury Foodbank.

Now, Harvest time is approaching - and people in the city are being urged to do their bit to help others.

The city foodbank is calling on folks in Salisbury and across south Wiltshire to support the community following the charity’s 'Hunger in the UK' report, which revealed 1 in 4 people who access food banks are experiencing high levels of social isolation due to financial hardship.

Maria Stevenson, manager at Salisbury Foodbank, said any support – from food or financial donations, to raising awareness - will make a big difference for the people accessing the foodbank.

"This Harvest season, we are reaching out to our local community to enable us to support local people who face

hunger and hardship," she said.

"For many of the people who receive our support, walking through the doors of the food bank is a huge act of bravery.

"We have become increasingly aware that we are not just providing them with food but also the hope, a warm welcome and connections with further support mechanism to aid them on their journey.

"We need the help of the community during Harvest to continue to address hunger in Salisbury and the surrounding areas and provide the warmth of hospitality to those who have nothing or no one else to lean on."

Over the last year, she said food banks in The Trussell Trust network have experienced record levels of need as more people struggle to afford the essentials and it is likely that this situation will only worsen this winter.

Locals are urged to help in many ways, including:

1. Donating non-perishable goods, such as long-life staple food items, such as: UHT milk,

tinned fruit, veg, meat and potatoes, rice and cooking sauces.

2. Financial contributions, which allow the charity to purchase essential items and maintain its operations efficiently.

3. Raising awareness about the Harvest campaign at church, on social media, within community groups, or among friends and family.

One NHS worker, who visited Salisbury foodbank for the first time earlier this year, said: "I never thought I would be in this position; I was aware of foodbanks, but I never thought it would be me using them.

"I felt ashamed and embarrassed to ask for help. I work full-time; I should be able to afford essentials items and live a debt free life.

"I realised I was in real trouble when I started to skip two or three meals a week and cancelled nights out with my friends because I was too ashamed to admit I needed help. I was scared.

"After my first visit to the

food bank, the volunteers were so helpful and put me at ease. It was a struggle to open up at first, they gave me time to reflect and breathe, they listened.

"I left with bags of food and a sense of hope and relief, my secret burden was gone. I am now working with citizens’ advice to repay the debt accumulated over the years. I am no longer afraid."

Emma Revie, chief executive at the Trussell Trust, added: "We know that many people turn to food banks as a last resort and feel embarrassed that they need to ask for help but food banks across the country are there to offer a warm welcome, provide essential items and help people access services that can lift them out of poverty.

"By coming together and supporting Salisbury foodbank this Harvest and through to winter you are not just offering a meal – you are extending a hand of friendship, combating isolation, and helping to provide an environment where everyone is valued."

Pub set to re-open with new local menu - and 10 refurbished rooms

VISITORS

to a new pub and restaurant near Salisbury are being promised an "inventive seasonal menu" showcasing the best of local produce when the venue opens this month.

The Great Bustard, in Great Durnford, has been "revived and reinvigorated", bosses say, offering a "pub where locals gather for a pint" as well as innovative food.

As well as the bar and restaurant, the Great Bustard also features 10 bedrooms in the main pub and in outbuildings.

A spokesperson said head chef Jordan Taylor was promising to put "farmers,

producers and the estate centre stage".

"The Great Bustard is a proper warm and welcoming country pub for reading the papers in a wingback chair by the fire, for wellies and wagging tails, for a quick drink at the handsome bar as much as for lunch in the beer garden," they said.

"The straight-up, honest food means the kind of menu where you’ll want to order one of everything – game rillette and pickles, pizza topped with West Country cheese, crispy croquettes and next-level roasts."

They added: "It’s innovative, considered cooking that, importantly, is unfussy too.

And the space itself echoes that sentiment. Huge floor-to-ceiling windows look out past the courtyard to the garden with its old willow trees and wildflowers."

All of the venue's 10 rooms are - like the pub - named after indigenous British birds, designed as "sophisticated but pared-back retreats".

"Thick linen and wool curtains frame the windows, sisal rugs top the oak floors. There are super king beds in every room and bathrooms stocked with soaps, shampoos and conditioners," they added.

For more details on The Great Bustard, log on to https://thegreatbustard.uk.

RNLI ready for special collection in city centre

A COLLECTION for the RNLI will take place in Salisbury this month – as part of a national commemoration.

The Salisbury and Wilton branch of the organisation is holding a street collection in the city centre on Saturday, October 12, as part of the charity’s National Street Collection Week.

The event, part of the RNLI’s 200th anniversary celebrations, will commemorate the very first street collection, in Manchester on October 10, 1891 – the first time any UK charity had appealed to the

public for support as previously, charities had been funded by wealthy benefactors.

As well as volunteer collectors around the city centre, there will be a day of events in front of the Guildhall, including The Navy Larks and All at Sea shanty choirs, the Shaftesbury Silver Band, children’s activities, the RNLI face-toface team offering advice on water safety and a stall where you can buy RNLI Christmas cards and other items.

There will be a welcoming ceremony at 11am attended

by the Mayors of Salisbury and Wilton and other dignitaries.

“An event of this nature requires a large number of volunteers and the branch is looking for additional people who could give them 1-2 hours of help in the city centre as bucket collectors or other duties,” a spokesperson said.

Anyone who can help should contact Ray Stedman, branch chair, on 07900 493215, or by sending an email to raystedman@ btinternet.com with your details.

The RNLI is marking its 200th anniversary this year with a range of special events

Late Summer Soirée raises thousands for Stars Appeal

ALATE

Summer Soirée raised more than £27,000 for the Salisbury Hospital Stars Appeal.

More than 250 people were at The Rifles Museum, in Cathedral Close, for the gathering on Thursday, September 12.

They were joined by frontline staff from the hospital, who act as ambassadors for the charity, as well as members of the fundraising committee, and Stars Appeal president, the Earl of Pembroke.

Chair of the Stars Appeal’s Fundraising Committee, Stephen Oxley, said: "We are thrilled with the success of the event and thank all those who

made donations and pledges, along with our sponsors who covered the costs of the evening.

"It is only through generosity like theirs that the Stars Appeal can continue its vital work enhancing care for local people at the Hospital."

Stars Appeal Ambassadors Dr Tracey Parker and Dr Jim Baird gave a presentation about the impact of the charity’s work and projects funded over the last 12 months.

And patient ambassador, Adrian Abbott, shared his story of how Stars Appeal funded projects for heart patients supported him during his treatment and recovery after

having a cardiac arrest.

The work of the Stars Appeal Benson Suite, 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, was also highlighted.

Patient ambassador Neal Riley talked about his experience of how the Benson Suite and Stars Appeal bereavement midwife supported him and his wife Els after the loss of their son Oscar in January 2023 and again in November of that year when they lost their daughter, Sophie.

During the event, guests heard about one of the charity’s

current fundraising projects to provide 36 ‘by your side’ sleeper chairs so that vulnerable patients and those at the end of their lives can have a loved one stay by their side in comfort.

Adam Abel, who was the final patient ambassador to speak on the night, praised the Stars Appeal for providing additional facilities, equipment, and support for his family in the Hospital’s Intensive Care Unit where his mum Becky was cared for in her final days after having an “irreversible” and “unsurvivable” brain aneurysm.

Adam welcomed the charity’s sleeper chair project, which he said would “allow families like mine to be able to

sleep comfortably next to loved ones and get some much-needed rest during the most difficult of times”.

“I went 40 hours without sleeping when I was up at the hospital with Mum, and only had a chair or the floor to sleep on," he added.

"I know having these sleeper chairs would really have helped me and my family.”

Guests were offered the opportunity to donate £1,400 to purchase a ‘by your side’ sleeper chair, which many generously did.

Money raised from the Soiree will also go towards the £1 million the Stars Appeal, Salisbury Hospital’s Charity,

aims to raise this year to fund new equipment, enhancements to buildings, and ongoing projects supporting patients across Salisbury Hospital including the Stars Appeal Wi-Fi, hospital chaplaincy, and support for patients with cancer.

: To find out more visit www.starsappeal.org.

GILLINGHAM TOWN COUNCIL COUNCILLOR VACANCY GILLINGHAM RURAL WARD

Join our friendly and forward-thinking Town Council if you would like to:

• Play a part in making decisions affecting your area

• Get more involved in your community

• Influence the way local services are provided

Further information about being a Councillor can be found at www.nalc.gov.uk/makeachange or by contacting the Town Clerk

Completed application forms must be received by 20 October 2024

Interviews will be held on the evening of Monday 28 October 2024

Application forms are available via website: www.gillinghamdorset-tc.gov.uk/recruitment/ or by contacting the Town Hall - 01747 823588 or gtc@gillinghamdorset-tc.gov.uk

Town and Country Planning (Development Management Procedure) (England) Order 2015 NOTICE UNDER ARTICLE 13 OF APPLICATION FOR PLANNING PERMISSION

Proposed development at: Land to the North West of Fugglestone Red & Bemerton Heath.

Easting 411672: Northing 132783, Salisbury

Take notice that application is being made by: Persimmon Homes (South Coast). For planning permission to: Summary description: Section 73 application principally to remove Condition Number 33 of application (housing mix). No new or amended built development proposed. S/2012/0814. Original description summary: proposed mixed use development comprising residential, employment, local centre, community uses, primary school, public open space, landscaping and associated access works including demolition of existing house and farm buildings.

Local Planning Authority to whom the application is being submitted: Wiltshire Council, Bythesea Road, Trowbridge, Wiltshire, BA14 8JN (website: www. wiltshire.gov.uk/planning-comment)

Any owner of the land or tenant who wishes to make representations about this application, should write to the council within 21 days of the date of this notice.

Signatory: Ms Debra Higginbotham

Date: 7th October 2024

Statement of owners’ rights: The grant of planning permission does not affect owners’ rights to retain or dispose of their property, unless there is some provision to the contrary in an agreement or lease. Statement of agricultural tenants’ rights: The grant of planning permission for nonagricultural development may affect agricultural tenants’ security of tenure.

‘Owner’ means a person having a freehold interest or a leasehold interest the unexpired term of which is not less than seven years. ‘Tenant’ means a tenant of an agricultural holding any part of which is comprised in the land.

Targets of Salisbury novichok attack will not give evidence to inquiry

SESERGEI

and Yulia Skripal - the pair poisoned in Salisbury in March 2018 - will not give evidence at an inquiry into the incident.

Lord Hughes of Ombersley is chairing an inquiry into the incident, which saw former double agent Sergei targeted with novichok in an operation believed to have been carried out by Russian operatives. He has now ruled the pair will not be asked to give evidence, either in person or via video link, as it would "not be possible to maintain proper security if either of them were to be called".

"That would be so whether they gave evidence from an open witness box, or by means of some electronic link from a remote room," his ruling said.

"In either case, their present integrated security arrangements could not be maintained consistently with the necessity of being brought to a suitable location which is itself secure and which has an electronic link which is immune to interception."

He also said if the pair were to be seen,

or their voices heard, people could recognise them and their location exposed.

The ruling was made after legal representations from the family of 44-yearold Dawn Sturgess, who was poisoned weeks after the incident after using a perfume bottle containing the novichok agent at an address in Amesbury.

deadly nerve agent, thinking it was perfume after finding a discarded and expensivelooking bottle.

Former police officer Nick Bailey, the first person to enter Mr Skripal's home after the attack, was also poisoned and survived.

"I recognise that it remains possible that further factual queries could arise before or during the hearing, but I am not satisfied that such queries are likely to be of sufficient significance to outweigh the great dangers of requiring either or both of the Skripals to attend," the ruling added.

Ms Sturgess died on July 8, 2018, while her partner, Charlie Rowley, who was also poisoned, survived and was discharged from Salisbury District Hospital on July 20.

Mr Rowley later said he recalled giving his partner a sealed bottle containing the

"I do not rule out the possibility of obtaining further written evidence from the Skripals in response to any such further queries, although that process is difficult andtime-consuming and powerful reasons would have to be made out before I were to decide to require it.

"However that may be, I am quite satisfied that the risk to both Skripals of physical attack clearly outweighs the advantage to the Inquiry of their giving oral evidence."

Dawn Sturgess died after using a bottle containing novichok, believing it to be perfume

Police said Alexander Petrov, left, and Ruslan Boshirov, right, were suspects in the poisoning Picture: Met Police

Carers' group gets £500 funding boost from Ringwood care home

AHEALTHCARE firm has donated £500 to help carers meet up to share their experiences.

Care South has handed the cash to the Ringwood Carers Group.

Members of the group care for their spouse, parent, or loved one on an unpaid basis and benefit from attending monthly meetings by talking to other like-minded people.

The team at St Ives House care home, in Horton Road, nominated the group for a £500 donation from the Care South Chairman’s 2020 Fund to enable them to reach out and support more people.

Roger Gregory and Margaret Gibbs, trustees of Ringwood Carers Group, were presented with the funds by Phil Smith, director of residential care at Care South, Emma Cotton, home manager and Natalie Graham, deputy manager.

Emma and Natalie have also offered use of the care home’s bistro as a community space to host their meetings for a change of scenery.

Sessions with the Ringwood Carers Group take place on the second Thursday of each month from 10.30am to 12pm at

Trinity Centre in Trinity Church, Christchurch Road.

The group aims to bring unpaid carers who look after a loved one to chat to other like-minded individuals to relax and unwind over a cup of coffee.

Trustee Roger said: "We are incredibly grateful to Care South for their generous donation which will enable us to continue extending a helping

hand to those who provide unpaid care for their loved one.

"It is wonderful to have the support of Care South who understand the privilege we all feel in caring for others, but also some of the challenges we all face."

Home manager Emma added: "We are proud to support the Ringwood Carers Group, as we admire the work that Roger and Margaret do with the Ringwood

Carers Group, having both been carers to their own respective partners themselves.

"At Care South, we love being able to work with and support the community, especially where we have a natural affinity in providing care for others."

St Ives House provides residential, respite, and dementia care. For more details call 01202 712410.

Coffee raises cash for cancer charity

A MONTHLY coffee morning in aid of Macmillan Cancer Support raised £150 for the cause.

Each month, the Brighter Days Care agency holds a charity gathering - and the most recent was at the Evergreen Café, in Amesbury, joining in with the Macmillan initiative.

Visitors were able to enjoy refreshments, cake and company, as well as a raffle and games.

Laura Allies, community champion for Tesco Amesbury, donated some of the raffle prizes and spent time meeting and chatting with

everyone.

Emma Belcher, registered manager of Brighter Days Care, said: "Our coffee mornings are not only great fun, they also provide a vital lifeline to our clients, encouraging social engagement and reducing feelings of isolation and loneliness. "Many of our clients have been affected by cancer and we wanted to give them the opportunity to actively participate in fundraising for a charity that is close to their hearts."

Brighter Days Care is based in Shrewton and covers Amesbury, the surrounding villages and Salisbury.

Burley's Home Care employees Tasha and Kate Cruickshank

Volunteering

Recognition key to keeping volunteers on board

Wessex Community Action is the council for voluntary services in Wiltshire and provides practical support for community organisations on funding, governance, planning, policy development, recruiting and leadership. This monthly volunteering column looks at all aspects of volunteering and how people can give up their time for the benefit of their communities.

EVERYvoluntary organisation will tell you that finding volunteers is a challenge – and since the pandemic it has been even harder – but keeping them on board requires consideration and hard work.

Studies show that once people commit their time to a cause they tend to stick at it – as long as they feel valued. Research by the National Council for Voluntary Organisations (NCVO) found 70 per cent of volunteers think recognition of the role they play is an incentive to continue, while a study by VolunteerMatch showed 80 per cent feel training and support is essential.

Wessex Community Action works with charities across the county to help them develop their volunteer networks. Our training and guidance uses the shared experience of our community development workers and best practice to help groups put procedures and policies in place that meet volunteers’ needs and aspirations.

It’s important the anyone working with volunteers pays attention to the little things, and is prepared to be flexible. Research by the global charity Points of Light revealed 75 per cent of volunteers appreciate the flexibility to choose their hours and tasks.

The NCVO found 20 per cent of volunteers who stopped volunteering did so due to changes in circumstance, such as job changes or family commitments, that they didn’t feel could be accommodated. How many of these could have continued if the group had been flexible?

Jon Rich is responsible for more than 300 volunteers at the Youth Adventure Trust, some of whom are pictured above, which works with hundreds of young people from all over Wiltshire who are struggling in education. Its volunteer mentors and co-ordinators foster bonds of trust through one to one sessions, school holiday outings and residential camps.

He says being flexible and offering support is essential. “What we offer is very flexible so volunteers can do as much or as little as they want and there is flexibility in when they volunteer so they can balance their lives,” he says. “We offer lots of training, we are around to support them and new volunteers will be partnered with experienced ones. All of those things make it accessible and hopefully enjoyable. We also have a volunteers’ weekend away and regular meet-ups – the social side is a big

part of what we do.

“Volunteers are right at the heart of our work – we simply couldn’t deliver our life changing work without them.”

The Wiltshire Together online portal, which is free to use, has a Volunteering in Wiltshire page with details of information and training available to anyone working with volunteers. There is information on its Volunteer Managers Forum, which has more than 50 members from charities including the Wiltshire Bobby Van Trust, the Youth Adventure Trust and Home-Start South Wiltshire. The forum meets around once a quarter, often via Zoom, but in person too. Members share their challenges and successes and support each other in managing volunteers. Retaining volunteers and WCA’s training are regular topics. Wiltshire Together also allows users to browse and pledge interest in opportunities listed by charitable organisations across the county. To find out more about volunteering support WCA can offer, contact Abby Lynch at info@wessexcommunityaction. org.uk. Find the Volunteering in Wiltshire page at wiltshiretogether.org.uk/wiltshirevolunteering.

Could you give energetic Jazz his forever home?

JAZZ, a five-year-old crossbreed is currently looking for his forever home.

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

Described as a fun-loving and energetic boy who loves his treats, Jazz has been with Dogs Trust for six months now, which means he is officially classed as an underdog.

Jazz is suitable for an adult-only home with no visiting children, but a spokesperson for Dogs Trust said he loves spending time with his human friends and adores playing with a squeaky ball.

A spokesperson said: “He will need space and time to settle into a new environment, and would love nothing more than a home away from hustle and bustle with quiet walking areas nearby.

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In Trisha’s experience as a practicing veterinarian she always found that having your family pet put to sleep in your own home was far less stressful for the pet. It is also far more comforting for the pet owners and family involved in comparison to the standard method of having to take your pet to the veterinary clinic to be euthanised. Angel Paws is specifically and thoughtfully designed to change this experience by providing a personalised home visit service for pets and their devoted owners.

“Jazz loves to play with his toys and explore his surroundings, so a secure garden would be a perfect place for him to enjoy his zoomies.

“At times, Jazz can be worried around other dogs so would need to be the only pet in the house.”

Claire Rowe, rehoming centre manager at Dogs Trust Salisbury, said: “If you’re considering adopting a playful pooch who is looking for a better life, look no further than Jazz.

“He would love nothing more than to curl up with you and a squeaky ball on your sofa. He’s been in our care for more than six months now, meaning Jazz is classed as an ‘underdog’.

“We’d really love to see him go to his forever home soon.”

For more information, or if you think you could give a dog like Jazz a forever home, visit www.dogstrust.org.uk/Salisbury.

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Get your ears ready for 2024 songs for Christmas as competition launches

BUDDING

pop stars in Salisbury are being urged to sing their hearts out for a city competition.

Salisbury Radio’s Song for Christmas contest is returning for a third year, in partnership with Elite Care of Salisbury.

The school with the winning song will be presented with £250 book vouchers to boost their library, with runners-up picking up £150 in vouchers.

Last year, 20 local primary and infant schools took part, and this year, organisers said they have space for more, with plans to play a new song each day in December, before a winner is announced on Christmas Eve.

Woodlands Primary School came out on top in 2023, picking up first prize with a rendition of Walking in the Air, pipping Alderbury & West Grimstead Primary School into second place.

After the win, Woodlands head teacher, Matthew Kitley, said: “Well, this is fantastic news; it means the world to the children. They have worked so hard. All of our year five and year six form our school choir.”

The Woodlands choir celebrated their win with the whole school during a special assembly, performing the song before head judge Anne Munns presented them with their book vouchers and the Song for

Christmas trophy.

Salisbury Radio visits each participating school to record that school’s Song for Christmas, then plays one song a day during December in the run-up to the big day.

A panel of judges, made up of former head teachers, then listen to the songs blind, giving each a score – with the highest score

“We had such a lovely variety of songs last year, and you can hear how much fun the children have when we record their songs.

“The concerts last year were excellent; we hope to improve them this year, too.

“I have to say a massive thank you to Magna Learning Partnership and Sarum Academy, who allowed us to use their facilities for the concerts, and also to the schools for bringing the magic with their take on Christmas songs. It’s amazing.”

winning.

Meanwhile, Salisbury Radio is also organising two carol concerts for the schools to perform in, set to take place at Sarum Academy in mid-December.

Andy Munns, from Salisbury Radio, said: “This is one of the best things we do each year. It’s so much fun and helps spread some festive joy across Salisbury, South Wiltshire, and West Hampshire.

During the competition, Song for Christmas will make all the songs available for download for a donation of £1; this, combined with the money collected at the carol concerts, will be donated to Salisbury Foodbank.

“This is a community event, and it’s important to us that we use it to do good for the community, too,” Andy added.

“It will be great to do a little extra to support Salisbury’s foodbanks at one of their busiest times of the year.”

Salisbury Radio can be found on DAB across the city and beyond, on smart speakers, on the Salisbury Radio app and online at salisburyradio.co.uk.

Schools can sign up at www. salisburyradio.co.uk/song-for-christmas.

Head judge Anne Munns presenting 2023 Song for Christmas winner Woodlands with their £250 book token

Picture: Salisbury Radio

Pub ranked among the best with a place in 2024 Good Beer Guide

ACOUPLE

who took over a landmark Wiltshire pub just as the Covid pandemic struck in the UK are celebrating after emerging from tough times with a special accolade.

Darren Jones and his wife Karolina, who is from Poland, took over The Goat pub in Downton - formerly known as the White Horse - in 2020.

They finally opened in July 2021, when Government restrictions were lifted.

Now, three years on, they are celebrating being voted into the Campaign For Real Ale (CAMRA) Good Beer Guide.

The pub is one of 19 pubs from south west Wiltshire and Salisbury to feature in the 2025 edition of the guide, which was published on September 26.

The Goat normally has four real ales available, including one from one of the Downton

breweries and The Goat Ale, which is brewed by Piddle Brewery in Dorset.

“We are really happy to be in the Good Beer Guide,” Mr Jones said.

“We work very hard to keep the beer in the pub in good condition.

“We try to keep it has local as possible and we have two excellent breweries – Hop Back and Downton Brewery – in the village.”

Keith Foster oversees the two-part process by which

South Wiltshire’s Good Beer Guide pubs are chosen.

Firstly, they have to be nominated by CAMRA members and, once that shortlist has been drawn up, the membership votes for the branch quota of six Salisbury city pubs and 13 rural ones.

The split reflects the fact that most pubs in South Wiltshire are in the countryside.

“It is a great honour to get into the Good Beer Guide and only the very best pubs are chosen,” he said.

Coffee and bike fans welcome at new Salisbury cafe

A NEW café has opened in Salisbury - welcoming people on foot and on two wheels.

Ride Coffee + Moto Co opened in Fish Row on September 19, offering a range of snacks and drinks, including vegan options.

Owner Gavin Robinson, 42, from Christchurch, is behind the counter and created the venue to attract people with

similar interests to himself.

The independent venue promises "the finest ground coffee" which is "independent and locally-sourced".

Gavin's interests lie in motorcycles, as he rebuilds and customises bikes in his spare time.

He found the premises in Fish Row after visiting the city wth hs parents and fell in

love with the history of the building. Now, he hopes residents will share his love of all things coffee - and bikes - and help him build up business at the two-storey cafe.

As well as food and drnk, Gavin hopes to display some of the bikes he has worked on, as well as selling his own line of T-shirts and more.

CAMRA Good Beer Guide co-ordinator Keith Foster, right, presents Darren Jones with his Guide certificate and below, behind the bar at The Goat

Picture: Salisbury and south wilts CAMRA

The day I got behind the controls of a Lancaster Bomber

MYhands are sweaty, my eyes are darting furtively from one gauge to another, flicking up to the see ground approaching at 120mph.

I'm at the controls of a Lancaster Bomber, weighing in at around 25 tonnes, including more than six tonnes of bombs.

"Speed is good, keep the nose down a bit."

The voice of the flight engineer through my headset feels at once urgent, and a million miles away as I try to focus on keeping this giant plane on an even keel.

"We're down, well done. You've just flown a Lancaster."

Finally, I am back on terra firma, in one piece. And so is the plane.

I take the headset off and wipe the sweat from my brow as I look out on the runway of Bournemouth International Airport from the cockpit of a World War Two bomber...

Ihadn't really, of course, just flown a Lancaster Bomber.

But as I emerged from the aircraft, my eyes struggling to adapt to the light, it felt like I had.

My legs were a bit weak, my head buzzing with thoughts, and my stomach still aching from the pressure of those last few moments during landing.

But once my eyes did adapt, I returned to the real world - in the beautiful Dorset countryside near Compton Abbas Airfield.

I was at the headquarters of Lancaster Flight UK, home to the world's first simulator to use genuine flight controls and

a 1944 canopy to recreate flights on the legendary aircraft.

It is the work of aviation enthusiast and qualified pilot, Andy Sturgess, whose plan to build a 12ft Lancaster model some 20 years ago ended up turning into a rather more ambitious project.

For, two decades on, Andy has created a piece of living history in the Dorset countryside, complete with briefing office and two simulators, giving people the chance to get as close as possible to conditions for aviators during the Second World War.

Andy says his family's background in the RAF - his father at Bomber Command during WWII and grandfather in WWI RFC - and the accompanying tales of flight as a child, ingrained a passion for all things aviation in him as a child, that continued into adulthood.

"It started as a project to build a 12ft model," he said.

"Then I found a piece from an original Lancaster, and thought, 'I have to do something with that', and on it went."

So it was, a 20-year and 10,000-man hour journey began to lovingly restore his Lancaster.

But where to start on such an ambitious project?

"There is so much research involved," Andy went on. "I would say researching everything takes five times longer than the building."

But research he did, scouring the internet and the country for drawings, blueprints

and parts over the next two decades.

And it didn't stop there. Andy has built a piece of living history in his garden.

When visitors cross the threshold of a former sheep barn at his farm, they are transported back to the 1940s.

Posters warning of the dangers of gossiping adorn the walls, alongside maps showing German targets and Allied bombing routes.

In the briefing office and beyond, we are greeted by wartime RAF desks surrounded by RAF-issue folding chairs and countless relics of the era, from the phone used to give the 'go' on the Damnbusters Raid, to an economiser to ensure pilots had oxygen at 20,000ft.

The first encounter anyone visiting Andy's shrine to all-things Lancaster has with flying is on an original war-time Link Trainer, now configured as a VR simulator, giving an amazing introduction to the world of flying - and flight simulators - as you peer in awe through an Oculus headset.

But dazzling - and amazing fun - though the trainer is, it is impossible to prepare your for the next step on the journey through Andy's time capsule; The Lancaster simulator itself.

Stepping into the fuselage, you immediately feel like you're on-board an aircraft. This is no ordinary, scaled-down reproduction, this is the real thing - and indeed, most of it actually is.

Tight metal walls surround you, the smell of oil, leather and paint in the air, rivets everywhere. For Andy has

salisburyandavon.co.uk

painstakingly recreated each and every part of his Lancaster, down to the last rivet in the right place, to make his simulator a truly immersive experience.

We shuffle along the plane, passing the navigator's desk, complete with original equipment, before we reach the radio operator's station, again, faithfully recreated using original components, or recreations Andy made by hand.

Yet even these living embodiments of detail do little to prepare you for the next stop.

You emerge into the cockpit of the Lancaster, complete with scenery outside the windows, and an original pilot's seat and throttle box from the 40s - parts acquired during those late-night internet searches and journeys around the country, often trading with fellow fanatics to secure that vital piece of history.

It's impossible to explain just how realistic Andy's simulator feels.

As he helped me up into the pilot seat, three high-definition projector screens surrounding the cockpit made me feel I really was up at the controls of a huge aircraft, daunted by what Andy was about to help me do. Fly.

peering out at the Dorset coast from the huge windows before me.

even keel, and the stamina to respond to the latest command in my ear, was enormous.

Constantly at my side - and in my earAndy became my flight instructor, controlling the throttle to ensure I had power to take off, the engines roaring in my ears through the headset, before there I was,

We passed over Poole Harbour, heading for Portland, before tracking Chiswell Beach before turning back at the beach's end - just as test pilots had done in the war years.

The pressure I felt at the controls, the concentration needed to keep things on an

There has never been something that can portray the experience of those aircrews during the Second World War, but this is surely as close as we will ever get.

"Imagine doing it for eight to 10 hours, at night," Andy says, provoking a fresh look of horror - and a fresh pang of admiration for those who did - from me.

"Now, we need to find the airfield," he says, as we make our way back...

Andy Sturgess has created an incredible installation. From the time you open the door, to the moment you leave - flight documents in hand - you feel at the heart of the war effort, like your sortee has helped Britain and her Allies defeat the Nazis.

And you have a new-found respect for those who actually completed those missions, or gave their lives trying.

Andy is offering groups and individuals the chance to experience Lancaster Flight UK for themselves, offering a range of bespoke packages to those who fancy themselves as a WWII pilot, or navigator.

For more details, and to drop him a line, visit lancasterflightuk.co.uk, or email andy@sandsltd.biz.

Andy Sturgess, pictured at the controls above, has recreated a Lancaster Bomber at his home - offering peoplet the chance to pilot the iconic aircraft

'PM's logic over our EU relationship is escaping me...'

KIER

Starmer pledged to rebuild our relationship with Europe but he’s going an odd way about it.

We spent decades refining our deal with the EU and the Tories have wrecked it, leaving the UK with a ball and chain around its ankle.

People I know who trade with the EU say it’s now a nightmare of red tape and extra expense. Many companies have opened offices in mainland Europe to simplify affairs but now pay more tax in the EU than they do to the British treasury. Little wonder then that we can’t make ends meet. No wonder more than 60% now think Brexit was a mistake.

I remember Britain as ‘The sick man of Europe’ days and our emergence as one of the best forming EU members. Now we are predicted to have a lower GDP per head than Poland by 2030.

Starmer was obviously a fervent remainer but now he is as firmly entrenched in a different camp and we’re doing deals with far flung countries which experts predict will make negligible difference to our

economy.

They will, however, ensure we cannot rejoin the single market that was a British idea in the first place.

Our PM is obviously a smart fellow but his logic is escaping me.

To all fervent Brexiteers I say, ‘Look, you got conned by a Kabul of snake oil salesmen and off-shore tax dodgers, get over it'!

IAN MUTCH

by email

METHINKS

Nigel Hawkins doth protest too much!

('Stop talking about the tunnel and move on', Letters, September 9).

Like many others who have lived in this area for many years I, although no supporter of most Labour ideas, was delighted that the Stonehenge tunnel idea has been put to rest.

I agree with him that hold-ups occur, especially at weekends when I see cars, mostly returning to London etc, crawling along while the western side is fairly clear.

I do not believe the figure of 240,000 vehicles a day as 2000

Sky Diary with Paul Adamson

MOON PHASES

Full Moon: August 19 / Last Qtr August 26

New Moon: September 3 / First Qtr September 11

Full Moon: September 18 / Last Qtr September 24

New Moon: October 2 / First Qtr October 10

PLANETS

Venus can be seen bright but low in the west at sunset setting by 7pm. Saturn is visible all evening until the early hours and with Jupiter and Mars rising before midnight, the Planets are all well placed for observation, although in the case of Jupiter and Mars the best is yet to come.

vehicles an hour has been counted on my particular A road. The A303 is rarely worse than that.

I would need to see official count figures from Highways before considering any of that argument.

I was in local government in 1990 and parish, town and Salisbury City Councils were deeply involved with Wiltshire Council in finding a solution to the problem raised by traffic and English Heritage and others.

Nobody would argue that Stonehenge is a priceless site deserving of being clear of view and noise. I recall that out of 20 or so proposals actually put forward then for final discussions, one in particular appealed to us all.

I for one, as a retired military planner, was amazed when it was refused on the grounds of landowner objections and those of archaeologists. The latter have had a very long time to cover the entire area thoroughly and surely they have extended their efforts in a big way since then, while the wheels of planners ground slowly along and I have not found evidence

of any big landowner whose principal estate was to be decimated who would not have been handsomely compensated. My casual examinations of the ground we expected to put a new bypass on and Ordnance Survey maps have provided few clues.

This matter has gone on far too long (why?) and I believe that all the material should be brought out into the open. There is a bypass out there somewhere at a hugely reduced price compared with a tunnel. We could have had it for £90 million 30 odd years ago!

This new Government has an opportunity to show its authority.

DAVID GERMAIN by email

P.S. I am not in favour of temporary solutions but do wonder if it would be feasible to make the eastbound traffic one way, with two lanes for say 45 minutes per hour while the limited westbound traffic is held up on the dual-length driving out of Amesbury, only at times when movement is going to be very heavy.

CONSTELLATION

Ursa Major, or the Great Bear, seems to stroll along the northern horizon at this time as it reaches its lowest point in the sky for the year. There are many more stars in the constellation than the saucepan shape, including stars below which resemble the bear’s legs.

CELESTIAL EVENTS

As long as it doesn’t disintegrate as it approaches the Sun we may see Comet Tsuchinshan-ATLAS before dawn in the east at the end of September and west at sunset at the start of October. Binoculars may help. SOMERSET

Meet on the last Wednesday of the month, except December, in Othery, Somerset. Contact somersetlevelsstargazers@ hotmail.com for details.

Spooky sales on offer at city market

ASPOOK-TACULAR

day of bargain hunting is in store for visitors to a themed Salisbury Street Sellers market this weekend.

The Halloweenthemed, family-friendly market will run between 10am and 4pm on Sunday (October 13), including a Best Halloween Costume Competition and activities.

Event highlights are set to include the Best Halloween Costume Competition, free T-shirt decorating, local makers and producers, and activities for all the family.

This weekend's Salisbury Street Sellers market will be Hallween-themed

Picture: Harvey Mills

"There’s something for everyone with a variety of family-friendly activities throughout the day, making Spooky Sunday the perfect way

to get into the Halloween spirit," a spokesperson said. "Don't miss this frightfully fun event for the whole family. Come in costume, bring your pets, and enjoy a day of shopping, creativity, and Halloween excitement."

Charity comedy night

A SALISBURY comedy night

will be celebrating its first anniversary with a special show.

The Follow Comedy Club, at Qudos Bar, runs each Thursday night from 7.30pm.

The bar is open beforehand for food and drinks and people can reserve a seat for free.

On October 10, the night will mark its first birthday by raising money for the Stars Appeal, Salisbury Hospital's Charity.

"We know how hard,

unpleasant and daunting going through cancer can be, and we so appreciate the efforts of this brilliant charity," a spokesperson said. "We hope we can make a small but heartfelt contribution and raise awareness of Stars Appeal and breast cancer in the process."

For more information and to book a seat, visit linktr.ee/ followcomedyclub.

Talk on nursery rhymes and more

NURSERY Rhymes of London Town will be the topic of a talk in Salisbury this month.

Eleanor Farjeon (1881-1965), once famous for her children's stories and verse, is best remembered today for her words to the hymn 'Morning has Broken'.

But her first big success came in 1916 with Nursery Rhymes of London Town – illustrated by Caroline Walker's great-uncle MacDonald 'Max' Gill, brother of sculptor Eric Gill.

Caroline will now give a talk - a miscellany of poem and picture interwoven with tales of the talented Farjeon family, artist Max Gill, and poignant reminiscences - to Sarum u3a from 10.30am on October 16, at St Francis Church, in Beatrice Road.

The meeting will start at 10am with coffee.

SIXPENNY HANDLEY COMMUNITY CINEMA

Wicked Little Letters Village Hall, Common Road SP5 5NJ Friday 18 October | 6.30 for 7.00 pm

£6 | Bar & snacks | Information: 6dhandleyhall@gmail.com

Shoe chain Hotter set for new city store if plans are approved

SHOE retail chain Hotter has submitted plans for a new store in Salisburythree years after a previous shop closed.

The firm has applied for permission from Wiltshire Council to refurbish 32 High Street, including new signs and internal alterations.

“This proposal is to add new signage in place of the ex-existing, in keeping with surrounding,” the application said.

There would be new customer-facing surfaces – flooring, false ceilings, decorations, etc – new furniture and minor decoration where necessary, it went on.

“Most of the works will be completed in the (front of house) area, one of the exceptions being some (back of house) racking for storage of products,” it added.

“The afore mentioned will be supported by the erection of new small sections of stud wall partitions; however, this does not include any structural works.

“We do not intend to alter or interfere with any listed elements that are a part of this building.”

The new store comes after a previous Hotter outlet, at the Old George Mall, closed down in 2021.

Politics

‘The age of even-newer Labour’

IAM of an age that I remember what I call 'Real Labour', not the 'New Labour' of Tony Blair and his non-existent weapons of Mass destruction. Now, it seems, we move into the age of 'Even Newer Labour'.

Like most of us I have been keeping half an eye on the conference season and the Government's pronouncements in Liverpool.

In 1995. as some of your readers will know from previous articles, I stood shoulder to shoulder with Kier Starmer, successfully challenging the New law of Trespassory assembly brought in by 'Thatcher's' Criminal Justice Act.

Back then I was a 'lone Druid'. Now, a senior one,

leading one of the largest Orders, Kier a young QC and civil Rights Lawyer. Now our illustrious Prime Minister.

Listening to some of the rhetoric coming out of Liverpool however; Cracking

down on benefit fraud and how the unemployed should be forced to 'look for work'; Cuts in state benefits to accommodate fiscal rules that may not be broken. You could be excused for

thinking it was a Tory rather than a Labour conference.

But no, it was Labour alright, with it's predisposition to the nanny state. Telling us not only what we can and can not say in public but what we should and should not eat or drink.

I find it ironic that a Labour Prime Minister is talking about changes in Licencing laws to curb our drinking, when King George V famously said, “I could not wish to deprive the working man of his beer”.

When speaking from a Canadian perspective during the US Prohibition.

Enough to make you a Royalist, but hey, it's good to be a king.

'Till next Time. Arthur /|\

The chain has applied for permission to open a new store at 32 High Street, Salisbury, with the new look detailed in the plans, inset

Labour moves to end no-fault evictions

BACKin April 2019, Theresa May pledged to introduce legislation to end Section 21 court claims enabling private landlords to evict tenants without cause.

Five years later, figures published by the government at the end of April 2024 revealed nearly 112,000 households were in temporary accommodation on December 31, 2023, a 12.1% increase from the previous year. Of those, 63% included dependent children, hitting record levels.

“I can’t look at those figures with anything other than regret,” said housing secretary Michael Gove on BBC Radio 4’s Today programme. “The biggest issue overall is that whether it’s in the private rental sector, the socially rented sector, or homes to buy, we still need to increase the supply of homes...”

He re-affirmed the government’s commitment to

introduce this legislation but was unable give an exact timetable.

Two months after the Labour victory in the General election, the Renter’s Rights Bill received it’s first reading in the Commons.

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

preventing them from inciting bidding wars by encouraging prospective tenants to bid more than the listed rental price.

This means landlords in England will soon be banned from removing tenants without cause as the government prepares to launch a longdelayed package of measures for renters including stopping no-fault evictions within months.

The bill marks a major victory for renters’ rights campaigners, who have warned for years that the lack of tenant protections in the UK has exacerbated the housing crisis

and added to the financial instability of millions of renters. Labour’s proposals to introduce the no-fault eviction ban would start as soon as the bill becomes law. The government is also planning a series of other protections for renters, including longer notice periods before they have to move out of a property if a landlord wants to sell it or move back in.

It will also include other protections such as requiring landlords to give more notice before they evict a tenant and

Ministers will also seek to enact Awaab’s Law, named after the two-year-old boy who died as a result of prolonged exposure to mould in a social housing flat, which will force landlords or agents to carry out crucial repairs within a specified period of time, with the exact period likely to be decided after a consultation.

Polly Neate, the chief executive of Shelter, said: “The government’s plans to finally draw a line under section 21 evictions will allow renters to breathe a huge sigh of relief.”

But, she added: “To make renting genuinely safer, secure and more affordable, the new renters’ rights bill must limit in-tenancy rent increases, extend notice periods and root out discriminatory practices that drive homelessness.”

‘Fuel payment cut is completely wrong’

IKNOW

I have written about this recently, but with the beginning of October feeling particularly cold, wet, and autumnal, many households are starting to think about putting the heating on. For many of our pensioners, this winter is going to be harder with Labour’s reduction of support.

In fact, the latest statistics from the Department for Work and Pensions estimates over 6,000 pensioners over the age of 80 are at risk of losing Winter Fuel Payments in Salisbury constituency alone.

Analysis of the new data shows that in Salisbury and South Wiltshire, 6,041 pensioners aged over 80 are not in receipt of pension credit and will lose their Winter Fuel Payment they were previously entitled to unless they receive other benefits.

All those aged over 80 were

previously entitled to £300 each to help with their energy bills to stay warm during the winter months but many will now lose this money.

In total 20,144 pensioners in Salisbury and South Wiltshire do not receive pension credit and are at risk of losing support due to the cuts. Age UK has previously said 2.5 million

Victoria Charleston Lib Dem Parliamentary spokesperson for Salisbury constituency

concerning.

There are countless stories from those who now say they will have to choose between staying warm or putting food on the table as a result of this government’s decision.

Cutting these payments for thousands of residents, including many that are just barely getting by, is the completely wrong thing to be doing.

pensioners will “be in serious trouble” this winter due to the cutting of the payments.

Thousands of pensioners in Salisbury and our villages are desperately worried about how they will make it through this winter. I am especially concerned about vulnerable older pensioners; these eyewatering figures are deeply

It is not too late for this new government to change course, as many, including their own Conference, called on them to do. They can still reverse these proposals and protect vulnerable pensioners here in this winter.

In the meantime, I urge all who think they may be eligible, to claim Pension Credit. Advice can be found on the Government website at www. gov.uk/pension-credit/how-toclaim, or via AgeUK.

Art valuer to give Salisbury talk

ANantiques expert will give an insight into the art of valuing art at a talk in Salisbury.

The latest Conversations on Art event, organised by the Supporters of the Young Gallery, will take place from 5.30pm to 6.30pm on Tuesday, October 15.

Extraordinary Finds in Ordinary Places – Jeremy Lamond of Woolley and Wallis will see the head of valuations discuss his career and some of the discoveries he has made.

Among the pictures discussed will be A view of London from Greenwich with St Pauls and the Isle of Dogs in the distance, by Irish painter Susanna Drury (1698-1770).

The painting was a surprising find in a private house in Richmond, since the picture was last offered at auction in 1905.

After being found, it sold for £81,900 at an Old Master’s sale on September 4.

Tickets for the event are only available online in advance, via https://sotyg.uk/ conversations.

They are available for £5 for supporters and £8 for guests.

Jeremy with A view of London from Greenwich with St Pauls and the Isle of Dogs in the distance, by Irish painter Susanna Drury, which sold for £81,900

Boxing glove could be that worn by Ali against Cooper

ABOXING glove believed to have been worn by Cassius Clay - then Muhammad Ali - in his legendary fight against Sir Henry Cooper in 1963, has been put up for sale in Somerset.

The glove, made by Baily's Tanner in Glastonbury, has long been the subject of speculation in boxing circles, as it contained a split, which delayed the start of the fifth round - allowing Clay time to recover after being knocked down by Cooper at the end of the fourth.

Auctions, believes he has the 'real deal'from the son of the woman gifted the glove by former Baily's MD, Richard Mayers, in 1992.

Watches & Jewellery; Coins & Medals; Silver & Objets de Vertu; and Militaria & Sporting Related Items Saturday 12th October

Previously gloves purporting to be those worn in the Wembley match have sold for six-figure sums, but their provenance has never been fully confirmed.

Now, Stuart Bull, of Chard

A handwritten note from Mr Mayers, who has since passed away, said: "I declare this glove to be genuine. I’ve always been aware of it’s significance, safety and provenance."

n Bidding for the glovewhich is signed by Henry Cooper - runs until October 31 online.

Flemish casket makes £6,200

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 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 a regular no obligation open valuation day with the next scheduled for Wednesday, October 9, when it will have specialist valuers on the premises.

Prospective sellers can take along items for the specialists to evaluate 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.

& Salesrooms: Station Road, Semley, Shaftesbury SP7 9AN 01747 855122 www.semleyauctioneers.com Offices in Semley, Wiltshire; Wimborne, Dorset; and South Kensington, London

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

Friday 11th & Saturday 12th October

A 19th Century Indo-Persian Qajar pottery tile Sold for £1,400

Clarke’s offer free verbal valuations and home visits

An original Fry & Sons 'Fry's Pure Concentrated Cocoa' enamel sign. Sold for £1,600.

The Old Glove Factory, Buckingham Road, Gillingham, SP8 4QF

Clarke’s Auctions o er free home visits and verbal valuations. Now accepting items for this and future sales e Old Glove Factory, Buckingham Road Gillingham, SP8 4QF 01747 685592 enquiries@clarkesauctions.co.uk Antiques & Collectibles Sale Now accepting items for this and future sales

01747 685592 enquiries@clarkesauctions.co.uk

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

Coffee pods can now be recycled...

COFFEE pods can now be recycled at household recycling centres (HRCs)including in Salisbury - and used to items including car parts.

People can now drop off the pods, used in household machines, at Wiltshire Councilrun centres, including at the Churchfields Industrial Estate in the city.

The council has joined forces with Podback to offer recycling of the aluminium and plastic pods, which should be collected separately and deposited in separate plastic and aluminium recycling bins at HRCs.

Plastic and aluminium pods

WOODBURNING

STOVES, new Eco, at discount prices. Previous and ex-display model bargains.

Wessex Woodburners. 01747-853110

need to be collected separately, as they are recycled at different facilities.

All the pods collected by Podback are recycled in the UK, where they are shredded to remove the coffee, with the plastic and aluminium are used to create new products such as packaging, car components and building products.

The coffee grounds will be

treated by anaerobic digestion to create renewable energy (biogas) and soil improver.

Podback is a not-for-profit recycling service, created and funded by the makers of coffee pod systems – Nescafe Dolce Gusto, Tassimo and Nespresso, along with more than 25 coffee pod brands and retailers.

Cllr Dominic Muns, cabinet member for waste and

environment, said: "We’re really excited to be working with Podback to introduce another recycling stream at our household recycling centres.

"It’s great that residents will now be able to use their coffee machines happy in the knowledge that their used pods can be recycled into new products and renewable energy.

"This innovation aligns with our pledge to help the county become carbon neutral, which is a key priority for us."

Podback executive director, Rick Hindley, added: "It’s great to be able to expand the Podback service to Wiltshire Council’s household recycling centres.

"We want to make coffee pod recycling as easy as possible, and this new service enables residents to drop off pods when convenient, alongside other recyclables, and helps to reduce waste and increase recycling."

The Elephant Oak in the New Forest Picture: Claire Sheldon/Woodland Trust

Place 1 to 9 once into every black-bordered 3x3 area as well as each of the 54 rows indicated by the coloured lines. Rows don’t cross the thick black lines.

Killer Sudoku Pro

Across

1 Coach limits spread in part of Christianity (11)

9 Husband with trio possibly getting arty about gardening (13)

10 Take responsibility for strip by road (8)

12 Cut bargain (4)

14 Huge soldier, six-footer (5)

15 With time put back, totally calm (5)

Killer Sudoku Pro

19 Hint in ballroom dance lacking nothing (4)

Down

2 Some chairman’s broadcast (3)

3 Musical with bit of verse that’s very thin

4 Retired pair in Luxembourg with queen becoming more obtrusive (6)

5 Name mostly yen in financial district (4)

6 Rigorous form of English almost by civilized chap (9)

7 Move quickly cutting short spirit (5)

20 Something that punctuates completely crowded block (4,4)

22 Imposing duke with sign of jollity left out for young relative (13)

24 Break before speech for repair (11)

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

8 Run off with Eastern European in turn (5)

11 Determine position of attire one found tattered (9)

13 A French lake in visual range showing summer feature? (8)

16 Mount section of rally? (5)

17 A heightened atmosphere for family help

18 Reject with contempt special place for votes? (5)

(8)

21 Run newspaper in revised iteration (4)

23 Mention of couple also (3)

Retired pair in Luxembourg with queen becoming more obtrusive (6)

5 Name mostly yen in financial district (4) 6 Rigorous form of English almost by civilized chap (9)

7 Move quickly cutting short spirit (5)

8 Run off with Eastern European in turn (5) 11 Determine position of attire one found tattered (9)

13 A French lake in visual range showing summer feature? (8)

16 Mount section of rally? (5)

17 A heightened atmosphere for family help (2,4) 18 Reject with contempt special place for votes? (5)

21 Run newspaper in revised iteration (4) 23 Mention of couple also (3)

How high-tech photography is set to boost efforts to repair more potholes

TECHNOLOGY is being used to identify areas blighted by potholes as the Government pledged to fix up to a million more each year.

Transport Secretary Louise Haigh has reaffirmed Labour's manifesto pledge during a recent visit to Blackpool - where she met road workers and authorities to learn more about how high-definition images are being used to spot defects and target repairs.

Blackpool’s Project Amber scheme uses an advanced imagery system that takes high-definition images of roads to detect potholes and compile data on areas most in need of repair.

It is similar systems can be used across the country, helping repair neglected roads and save drivers and councils money.

"For too long, this country has suffered from a pothole plague," Ms Haigh said. "Our roads have become a constant and visible reminder of the decline in our country’s infrastructure, which stunts economic growth.

"Blackpool Council are already doing fantastic work to make the most of new technology to repair potholes faster. This should be a model for every community to learn from and help deliver the roads their drivers deserve, so that Britain can get moving."

Councillor Paula Burdess, cabinet member for community safety, Street Scene

"Blackpool has always been synonymous with innovation – how we look after our roads is no different. I’m really proud that Blackpool are leading the way nationally with innovative road maintenance.

"Our highways team work extremely hard to keep the roads functioning for residents and visitors to the town. We continually strive to use new methods that are quicker and less disruptive, alongside materials that are longerlasting and better for the environment.

"From drivers to bikers to cyclists, everyone who uses our roads deserves a safe and pleasant journey. That’s why I’ve pledged to support local authorities to fix up to one million more potholes per year.

and neighbourhoods at Blackpool Council, said: "It was great to welcome the Secretary of State Louise Haigh to Blackpool and show her how we deal with the issues around road maintenance and potholes.

"By repairing the roads at an early stage we can also avoid more costly repairs in the future and ensure our roads stay stronger for longer to create a better Blackpool." Since the technology was first trialled in 2019, Blackpool has seen a significant drop in compensation payments to those affected by potholes. In previous years, it was paying up to £1.5 million a year to settle claims, while last year that fell to just £719.

Ms Haigh said the government will be setting out how it will achieve its manifesto road resurfacing commitment at the upcoming Spending Review.

Host of 25 number plates banned

PERSONALISED number

plates offer a chance for the ostentatious driver to set themselves apart from 'the norm' as they hit the road. But a Freedom of Information (FoI) request to the DVLA has revealed there are limits on what the authorities will allow you to spell out on your car.

The request has revealed a list of number plates banned by the powers that be - deemed too rude or controversial for Britain’s roads.

When potential combinations are released for sale to the public, the DVLA withholds a subset of registration numbers it considers to be potentially offensive, distressing or provocative.

They usually represent insults, swear words, sexual

references, references to criminal organisations and activity, references to terrorism, references to drugs, references with racist, sexist or LGBTQ+ connotations, as well as some political and religious terms or phrases.

Among the banned combinations are several “wildcard” plates - registrations that share a partial string of characters deemed to be unsuitable for release, including: **25 HAG, **25 HAT, **25 LAG, **25 LUT, **25 PAS, **25 PAZ and **25 TAB, as well as **25 RUS and **25 UKR, in response to the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine.

Yet more banned plate combinations reference war, such as AR25 WAR, EU25

WAR, GB25 WAR, GO25 WAR.

Also banned are PE25 RVT and PE25 VRT, which somewhat resemble the word "pervert", while PS25 CHO, PU25 MAD, CR25 PLE, CR25 PPL find themselves on the list due to their ableist nature.

However, the list of banned plates includes one that very closely resembles a fairly famous plate which, in contrast, isn’t banned.

Despite its fairly obvious sexual reference, ORG 45M is currently available to purchase, while OR25 ASM, a slightly

less clear representation, is one of those which has been banned from issue as part of the 25 series.

CEO of number plate sales company Regtransfers, Mark Trimbee, said: "It’s always entertaining to see some of the plates deemed inappropriate by the DVLA, but there are also those that remind us why this is a necessary process.

"Personalised number plates are an excellent form of self-expression, but they shouldn’t be used to display genuinely harmful messages or views."

New Forest among cosiest UK spots

ASwinter looms large and the rain – and temperatures – fall across the UK, many will be considering a break to get away from it all.

And at this time of year, there are many reasons to choose an off-peak getaway here in the UK.

Benefits to taking an out-ofseason break include avoiding inflated summer holiday prices, while having the chance to see some beautiful spots without the crowds and at an equallyglorious time of year.

Rental website, holidaycottages.co.uk, has put together a list if the most desirable spots – including locations on our doorstep.

Joby Mussell, chief commercial officer, said: “While summer may seem like the obvious time to book a holiday, travelling out of season can reap many rewards. First and foremost, the cost tends to be cheaper.

“In fact, our data shows that a property that sleeps two people is on average 27% cheaper in the low season, and often with that comes lux for less so you can really enjoy value for money by bagging a bargain.”

The top UK locations for an off-peak break, according to holidaycottages.co.uk:

New Forest: Lyndhurst

“Our data identifies the New Forest as the most popular region for an off-peak break. The blend of coast and countryside means there are many lovely places to stay in the New Forest any time of year, but there is something special about the glorious heathland, woodland and coastline in the cooler days of autumn and winter."

Peak District: Bakewell

“The Peak District and Bakewell, pictured, ranked as the second most popular region and town for an off-peak holiday – and it’s easy to see

why. The Peak District offers so many wonderful places to stay and there is plenty to attract the outdoor activities enthusiast, with walking, cycling and climbing opportunities in abundance.”

Somerset: Bath

“Rich in sweeping vistas, from high cliffs and golden beaches to glorious, rolling countryside, Somerset is a treat. The sheer variety of places to visit and things to see in Somerset makes it a wonderful off-peak destination. From dog-friendly Dunster, with its castle and beach, to Cheddar with its awe-inspiring gorge and caves, there is something to appeal to everyone.”

Isle of Wight: Newport

“The Isle of Wight is the most cost-effective place for an off-peak break. It’s a tranquil haven during the spring and winter. Adventures could include visiting Osborne House, the house and estate.”

Devon: Dartmouth

“Given its year-round popularity, it’s worth noting that Devon comes in as the second most cost-effective region for out-of-season holidays. If you’re seeking a saving when booking your break, consider an off-peak stay in Devon.”

Kent: Broadstairs

“Kent is a joy to visit out of season. The charming seaside resort of Broadstairs is a gem during the quieter months; you’ve got the chance to explore the epic coastline

without having to deal with crowds of other visitors.”

Isle of Skye: Portree

“The breathtaking Isle of Skye is 50 miles long, perfectly proportioned for an off-peak holiday – and easily accessible by ferry or car via the Skye Bridge from the Kyle of Lochalsh. It’s a haven for wildlife, and you might spot sea eagles, red deer, otters, dolphins, whales and seals during your visit.”

North Yorkshire: Hawes

“Is there anywhere that conveys the picture-postcard rural idyll of England better than North Yorkshire? Steeped in pastoral charm, it’s a great place to recharge on an off-peak getaway."

Suffolk: Woodbridge

“Coastal destinations such as Felixstowe and Southwold provide opportunities for bracing, invigorating beach walks.”

Inland Wales: Betws-y-Coed

“The majestic, mountainous landscape of Snowdonia/Eryri is crowned by the village of Betws-y-Coed. This area is an autumnal treat, with its cascading waterfalls at the height of their powers.”

Coastal Wales: Saundersfoot

“The Welsh coastline has a dramatic beauty that is hard to beat – and you can experience it all with a walk along the Wales Coast Path to fully appreciate the rugged cliffs and sandy shores.”

Lake District: Keswick

“It’s hard to recommend a particular place to stay in the Lake District, because the whole are is so heavenly. Your senses can feast on the astonishing scenery, including the legendary lakes.”

Northumberland: Berwickupon-Tweed

“Northumberland has it all: a National Landscape, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and the largest Dark Sky Park in Europe. It’s an up-and-coming off-peak destination and worth contemplating for your next holiday."

Cotswolds: Cheltenham

“Imagine a blissful January morning where you can gaze out on frost-kissed fields while enjoying a warm drink by the fire. As the leaves turn red, orange and gold, nothing beats a stay in Cheltenham, its parks and gardens in full autumnal splendour."

Cornwall: Porthleven

“It will come as no surprise that we’d recommend visiting Cornwall, one of Cornwall, one of England’s prime holiday spots, during the off-peak months rather than in the heights of summer. Attractions such as the Eden Project and Tate St Ives will be quieter."

Scotland: Aviemore

“Aviemore in the Cairngorms National Park is an excellent choice for an off-peak holiday, popular with snow sports enthusiasts, but with lochs, mountains and forests on its doorstep, there is something for everyone to enjoy."

Sussex: Rye

“Rye in Sussex is a hidden gem, especially easy on the eye. As one of England’s bestpreserved medieval towns, it’s full of cobbled streets and half-timbered houses.”