Salisbury & Avon Gazette Issue 26

What’s inside this issue…

Corporate gala quiz raises thousands for Salisbury Hospice Charity

THE very first Corporate Gala Quiz, sponsored by Trethowans Solicitors in association with Salisbury Radio, took place at the Arts Centre on Friday, September 22.

It was the first year the event was run by Salisbury Hospice Charity after taking over from Salisbury Rotary.

The quiz was attended by over 15 businesses and raised in excess of £5K, surpassing all expectations. It featured eight rounds, with topics including film and TV, music, general knowledge and even an ‘Impossible!’ round.

Salisbury Radio’s Andy Munns acted as compere and quiz master. The evening also featured a meal, a raffle and an auction. John Axford from Woolley & Wallis Salesroom acted as charity auctioneer.

Louise Compton, corporate fundraiser, said: “It was such a fantastic evening, which was enjoyed by all. We are thrilled, the event raised such a large amount for

New Head at the Helm at Hanford

Hanford School has burst into life again with the start of a new academic year and there is a new Head, as well as lots of new girls, to welcome. Mrs Hilary Phillips joins Hanford from Benenden School, where she was Head of Lower School, and has been busy getting to know all the girls and ensuring the first weekend back at school was full to bursting with fun and activities.

All the girls have been busy settling in and getting started with lessons, but there has been plenty of time for fun too. Some of our youngest pupils have had fun exploring the grounds as ‘mini beast’ hunters during Science and re-writing their

Form Charter, imagining what it might be like if there weren’t any school rules at all. The first weekend of term was busy with lots of girls boarding. There was plenty of splashing and swimming in the pool, a delicious BBQ, fun and games on the lawn and tree climbing lessons of course. Mrs Phillips said of her first week at Hanford, “As a newcomer, I still see Hanford through ‘new eyes’ - the beautiful grounds and setting, the happiness and carefree attitude of the girls, the dedication of our teachers and the huge array of adventures and experiences that are part of a normal day for the girls at Hanford. To say I feel lucky would be an understatement. I look forward to showing our wonderful school to prospective parents at our Open Morning on Saturday 14th October; Hanford really has to be seen to be believed. The kind of education we are able to offer our pupils is increasingly rare in our busy, pressurised world.”

Hanford’s next Open Morning is on Saturday 14th October, to book a place please contact Karen on 01258 860219 or admissions@hanfordschool.co.uk.

Salisbury Hospice. “I would like to thank everyone for their support, donations and attendance on this fabulous evening. We look forward to planning next year’s quiz.”

Credit: Spencer Mulholland

Great British Bake Off is on the lookout for bakers from Salisbury

By Faith Eckersall

HAVE you got what it takes to bake in the iconic white tent? Producers of the Great British Bake Off are asking people in the Salisbury area to apply to be on the hit cooking show in 2024.

A spokesman for the popular Channel 4 contest said: “We’re looking for people with a real passion for baking and we want to hear what you’re good at, but also what you’re not so good at. We’re not expecting you to be brilliant at everything; this just helps us to get a clearer idea of what kind of baker you are.”

Potential entrants need to send at least five photos of their baking repertoire, including bread, two types of pastry, cake and biscuits and use the official forms on the Bake Off site. They also have to send a photo and can, if they wish, upload a one-minute video clip.

Organisers say that they take applicants skill, enthusiasm, drive and love of baking into consideration.

“We are looking for lively characters that are comfortable being filmed,” they said. “Initial selection will be based on the application forms and telephone interviews and we’ll be looking for a mix of contestants to reflect the range in age, location, gender and diversity of amateur bakers in Britain.”

Applications close on January 2, 2024, and are only open to amateur bakers. Successful applicants will then be contacted by the production team.

Apply online via: www.applyforbakeoff.co. uk, or email applyforbakeoff@

Above: Have you got what it takes to enter the Bake Off tent and impress Paul and Pru?

Right: This year’s bakers await their first challenge with nervous excitement. It could be you next year?

Credit: Love Productions

loveproductions.co.uk, stating your full name, full address (including postcode) and telephone, or phone the production team: 0117 456 8530.

Children’s doctor wins award chosen by the community

A CHILDREN’S doctor has been recognised for his efforts in treating young people –after being chosen by the community.

Paediatric Consultant Dr Chris Anderson won the 2023 Patient Experience Award at Salisbury NHS Foundation Trust’s recent Staff Awards ceremony.

A trust spokesperson said he won the award for ‘often going above and beyond’, and his ‘ability to effortlessly coordinate with his team while maintaining the dignity of and respect for his patients’.

The special award receives nominations from patients and other members of the

Credit:

public for hospital staff who have made a ‘significant impact upon improving the

patient experience, either for an individual patient in their work department or for the wider Trust’.

Chief executive of the Trust, Stacey Hunter, said: “The Staff Awards are a significant event in our annual calendar.

“This year the patient experience award was enthusiastically embraced by our local community.

“The award offered the opportunity to applaud our hard-working and committed people and the efforts they make in providing compassionate care for our patients.”

Chris Anderson, Salisbury NHS Trust award winner

Inez Szczepanska

Foodbank calls for support to combat high levels of hardship and isolation

A LOCAL food bank is urging people in Salisbury and the surrounding areas to support its community following the release of the charity’s Hunger in the UK report

The report reveals that 1-in4 people who access food banks are experiencing high levels of social isolation due to financial hardship.

Maria Stevenson at Salisbury Foodbank says that any way local people can support – from arranging donation drives to raising awareness – will make a big difference for the people accessing the foodbank.

Maria said: “This harvest season, we are reaching out to our local community to help support our work to break the burden of isolation on those in hardship, so that no one feels alone in their journey.

“For many of the people who receive our support, walking through the doors of the food bank is one of the few social interactions they will have that week. We have become increasingly aware that we are not just providing them with food but also the hope of a welcome and connection.

“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, 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 – so this is a particularly important time for local communities to support the foodbank.

People are urged to help in many ways including:

● Donating non-perishable goods, such as canned goods and hygiene products

● Financial contributions,

which allow the charity to purchase essential items and maintain its operations efficiently – cheques can be made payable to “Salisbury Foodbank”

● Volunteering their time and skills, allowing them to directly engage with the people the foodbank serves, making connections and

breaking down barriers of isolation

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

Emma Revie, chief executive at the Trussell Trust, says: “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 t hat can lift them out of poverty. “By coming together and supporting Salisbury Foodbank this harvest time 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.”

Salisbury Foodbank has been providing three days emergency food and support to local people since 2000.

In total, 8,244 emergency food parcels were provided by Salisbury Foodbank between April 2022 and March 2023. This equates to 74,196 meals per year, or 203 meals per day.

Financial contributions can be made via https://www. justgiving.com/salisburyfoodbank or via cheque made payable to “Salisbury foodbank”

Salisbury Foodbank is part of The Trussell Trust network. https://salisbury.foodbank.org. uk/

Maria Stevenson

Group seeks Teffont hotel extension

A PLANNING application has been submitted to extend a Wiltshire hotel property in a bid to see it re-open.

The former Howard’s House Hotel, in Teffont Evias, closed in January, and has since been taken over by new leaseholders with the aim of re-opening.

Now, plans have been submitted for an orangery, internal alterations and improved parking provision, part of the refurbishment project by new management company, The Beckford Group.

“Howard’s House Hotel was formerly a residential dwelling but has been in hotel use for a generation but is currently closed due to the modern pressures on the hospitality industry,” the application said.

“The applicant team have determined that the hotel’s layout no longer serves a modern purpose; there is insufficient

dining space, which in turn does not justify the provision of more bedroom space.

“In order for the hotel to run viably in the future, it needs to be able to attract non-resident diners, but also local people too.

“If the hotel use is lost, this would mean the loss of the last commercial/community facility in the village.

“Likewise, retention and investment in the hotel would be a significant benefit to the village, the listed building and the conservation area through the upkeep of the building but also the potential provision of at least 30 full-time permanent local jobs and the economic development that fans out from there.”

The proposals would see the number of possible covers in the hotel restaurant treble in number, from 20 to 60, in a bid to make the business viable.

“The vastly changed landscape

of modern hotel economics, particularly the increased wage costs for chefs and unrecognisably high operating costs, mean it is simply not viable to successfully trade a hotel in a location such as this without being able to cater for nonresident diners,” the application said.

“Furthermore, a regenerated, revitalised, successful hotel, with larger common parts that can be open to locals as well as residents, will provide a new beating heart of the village.

“The last village pub closed 20 years ago, and so this is the only public amenity left in Teffont Evias and Teffont Magna. As such, we will be renaming the new hotel: Teffont House Hotel, to reflect its importance in its local community.”

The orangery and internal changes will be part of a “wider refit and refurbishment of the hotel throughout and adding two bedrooms”, the plan said.

“The hotel’s buildings are stunningly beautiful but the current fit out is dull and completely out of date,” it added. To view the plans in full, log on to www.wiltshire.gov.uk and search for application reference PL/2023/07927.

The current hotel and plans for the orangery

Getting into the spirit for Halloween

ON Wednesday, October 18, Sarum u3a will get into the spirit of Halloween with a suitably spooky talk from city guide Sandrine Maubeche.

Ghosts, ghouls, spirits, poltergeist, spectres, things that go bump in the night have all provided a source of fascination for generations. Ever since our ancestors confined their dead to the afterlife, the spirit world has proved a great influence to people across many parts of the world.

Believer or sceptic, ghost stories exist in abundance. Few people have failed to meet someone who has experienced a ghostly encounter, some with life changing results.

In the context of Salisbury, many tales abound in the medieval grid-patterned streets. Some might be explained rationally but are often unproven. These stories might inspire some to view our local landmarks with new eyes. Whatever the interest, ghost stories remain some of the most captivating stories ever told.

Members and guests are warmly welcome to attend the meeting, which will start at 10am with coffee. Guests are invited to join Sarum u3a after two visits.

The talk will take palace at St Francis Church, Beatrice Road Salisbury, with parking available at the rear of the church or in a car park on the opposite side of the main road.

Rotararians hear tales from the ‘Asylum’ gardens

SALISBURY Rotary Club

welcomed Salisbury’s mayor, Cllr Atiqul Hoque, and a large number of Salisbury Rotarians and guests to listen to the city’s very own award-winning history expert, Frogg Moody.

Frogg’s topic for the evening was ‘Fisherton House Asylum and My Time There as Head Gardener’.

Frogg was employed at The Old Manor Hospital where he spent many years as head gardener. While working there he became interested in its history and, in particular, the Victorian horticulture therapy introduced as a means of treatment.

Frogg talked about the history of the asylum, advising that it was established in the early 19th century as a private licensed house called Fisherton House or Fisherton House Asylum (known as the ‘Salisbury Mad House’), which became the largest private asylum in the UK.

It received its first patient in January 1813 and by 1837 had 100 inmates, including 66 paupers under superintendent Charles Finch. Later on, many soldiers, suffering from shell shock, became patients during and after the First World War.

Laverstock House had also been purchased in 1779 as an additional home for patients. In 1924, following a change of proprietors, The Asylum was renamed the Old Manor Hospital before, in 1955 being amalgamated into the National Health Service.

In the Asylum’s early days, doctors had little understanding of what caused mental illness and their prescriptions for treatment were based on personal experience. Physical restraint was a common method of controlling dangerous behaviour, either by leg manacles, handcuffs or straitjackets – these had been largely discontinued by 1847.

Among other treatments later recorded in use in Fisherton House in the mid-19th century were cupping, blistering, purging, diuretics, bleeding and the giving of various unspecified drugs.

Some patients were subject to induced vomiting twice a week. For mania, a tartar emetic ‘worked briskly’, arsenic, opium and creosote were also used.Operational therapy was also introduced through farming and by developing the vast gardens and grounds owned by the facility.

The Old Manor Hospital closed in 2003 and was replaced by Fountain Way, a smaller, modern, psychiatric hospital on part of the same site. In 2014, the site was acquired by Quantum Group for development as a residential estate.

Frogg had been employed as a landscape gardener before being persuaded by his father (who worked at the Asylum as a painter, decorator and sign writer) to apply for a job as gardener at The Old Manor. On appointment, Frogg earned £8 per week and lived in the top floor of Montague House (one of the nurses’ homes).

When Ken Toogood in 1988, the head gardener retired, Frogg was appointed as his successor (the best job he has ever had) and introduced horticultural therapy for the patients. This involved working in the farm grounds, gardens and greenhouses growing vegetables, flowers and shrubs and looking after the cattle, pigs, sheep and hens.

He also set up links with local schools and arranged training for patients at Reading College.

It was an excellent talk by Frogg, wonderfully illustrated by slides of the buildings and grounds that we all used to pass on the Wilton Road and think nothing much about their past history. Now we know. www.salisburyrotary.org.uk

Above: Speaker, Frogg Moody (centre left) with the mayor of Salisbury and other distinguished guests

Right: Frogg Moody during his talk

South Wilts pubs voted into the latest CAMRA good beer guide

TWENTY pubs in the Salisbury and south Wiltshire area have been voted into the 2024 edition of the Good Beer Guide, which is published by the Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA).

The pubs were selected for the Good Beer Guide by local CAMRA members with personal experience of pubs in the south Wiltshire area. They include The Bridge Inn in Upper Woodford: landlady Lorna Janse van Vuuren was presented with the Good Beer Guide certificate by Chris White, chairman of the Salisbury & South Wilts branch of CAMRA.

“We are delighted to be voted into the Good Beer Guide for the first time since we took the pub over,” said Lorna. “We work hard at keeping our beers well and people come in here and say that they can really taste the difference.”

Lorna and her husband Tom came to the Woodford Valley for a New Year’s Eve party

in 1992. They made friends and continued to return from South Africa for holidays until they eventually made the decision to make the valley their permanent home.

Their daughter Emma was instrumental in the decision to take on The Bridge Inn as she

Protect Your Home from Care Costs & Inheritance Tax with a Living Trust

Nobody likes to think about getting old, but it is certainly worth thinking about if you value your home. That is because your house could very well have a charge placed upon it or sold by the local council to pay for your care fees. If a person’s capital and savings including equity in their home is worth more than £23,250, they will have to fund their own care.

A living trust can shield your home and estate from care costs and Inheritance tax in the following ways.

Placing your main home into a living trust ring fences the property from any potential future care costs. Your property is free from Inheritance tax after 7yrs, probate on the property is avoided and protection is given to beneficiaries from both divorce & creditors.

With a living trust, you can be both a trustee and beneficiary. You can maintain control over your assets even after you pass away.

The situation won’t get better over time. The UK’s fastest-growing age group comprises those aged over 85. Councils will face even more pressure on budgets, leaving them with little choice but to continue to sell people’s homes.

To protect your home, contact Oakwood Wills on 07832 331594 or visit www.oakwoodwills.co.uk

had worked there in her gap year. They took over in November 2019.

Chris White said: “We are lucky to have so many good pubs in this area and inclusion in the Good Beer Guide is high praise for the very best of them. The Bridge Inn is a wonderful local with well-kept real ales and excellent food.”

The full list of south Wiltshire pubs which have been included can be found in the 2024 edition of the Good Beer Guide.

The cover design of this year’s guide features Eddie, the mascot of heavy metal band Iron Maiden, pulling a pint. Eddie features because lead singer Bruce Dickinson, a real ale connoisseur, has written the foreword. An alternative is available, both cost £16.99 (£14.99 for CAMRA members) and can be ordered from the website.

https://camra.org.uk/the-good-beerguide-2024/

Local CAMRA chairman Chris White presents Lorna Janse van Vuuren with her Good Beer Guide certificate

Credit: Steve Stringer

Communities across Wiltshire prepare to respond to emergencies

TOWN and parish councils in Wiltshire and Swindon met in Tidworth recently to take part in an event to help local communities prepare to act when needed in an emergency.

The event was hosted by Wiltshire and Swindon Prepared, a multi-agency partnership between Wiltshire Council, Swindon Borough Council, emergency responders, the health sector, utility providers and voluntary agencies.

One of the partnership’s main roles is to work with communities to coordinate planning and preparation for incidents and catastrophic emergencies.

The day featured an exercise based on severe weather to test the effectiveness of local community emergency plans, which saw more than 200 people take part.

There were also presentations from utility providers and stands and demonstrations from other partners including how to build a sandbag wall and preparing for utility outages.

Cllr Ashley O’Neill, Wiltshire Council cabinet member for Communities, said: “This event was a good opportunity to build on the great work already being done in our communities and to share best practice across a large network of local organisations involved in responding to an emergency.

“The knowledge gained and connections made will enable communities to respond

early to emergencies and work with the council and emergency services.

The event was held to help local councils prepare for situations like severe weather

Credit: Wiltshire Council

was delighted to see so many town and parish councils attending the resilience event in Tidworth to learn how to turn their community spirit into community resilience and how to plan to keep their communities safe when emergency events occur.

“It was an excellent day and I feel sure that attendees left feeling better informed about their own emergency plans and the role local communities can play when emergencies happen. This can include making sandbags available in floods or opening local buildings to provide a warm safe space.”

Wiltshire and Swindon Prepared is the public-facing brand of the Wiltshire and Swindon Local Resilience Forum.

“The Wiltshire and Swindon Prepared partnership enables us to work better across organisations and with communities to prepare and respond to emergencies. It also follows our business plan guiding themes of prevention and early intervention, understanding communities and working together.”

Perry Holmes, chair of Wiltshire and Swindon Local Resilience Forum said: “I

Local resilience forums (LRFs) are multi-agency partnerships made up of representatives from local public services, including the emergency services, local authorities, the NHS, the Environment Agency and others. LRFs aim to plan and prepare for localised incidents and catastrophic emergencies.

They work to identify potential risks and produce emergency plans to either prevent or mitigate the impact of any incident in their local communities.

More information about local resilience forums is available at: GOV.UK: Local resilience forums

Polling stations under review to ensure accessibility

THE locations of polling stations across Wiltshire are being reviewed to ensure they are accessible to all.

Members of the public are being urged to have their say over polling districts, places and stations, as Wiltshire Council carries out a legally-obligated review.

The council is responsible for dividing its area into polling districts for the purpose of UK Parliamentary elections.

And it says the review will

help ensure all of Wiltshire’s polling districts, places and stations are, as far as possible, suitable, and accessible to all voters.

The Electoral Registration and Administration Act 2013 introduced a change to the timing of compulsory reviews of UK Parliamentary polling districts and polling places. The last compulsory review took place in 2019.

A consultation is now underway to get people’s views

on the current polling facilities and electoral arrangements in the county and these will be considered before final recommendations are put forward to the Electoral Review Committee.

The consultation can be found at www.wiltshire.gov.uk/ polling-review and will run until 5pm on October 31.

(Acting) Returning Officer for Wiltshire, Terence Herbert, said: “This review could ultimately see some changes

being made to the local polling stations that are used in elections and where people vote, so we really welcome people’s thoughts.

“All representations submitted will be considered before our final recommendations.

“Thanks to people in advance for their support with this important work.”

For more information, log on to www.wiltshire.gov.uk/pollingreview.

Local housing plans available to the public in Amesbury and Tisbury

PEOPLE have begun having their say over plans for housing in Wiltshire over the next 15 years at events that got under way on Monday, October 2).

Wiltshire Council hosted the first Local Plan consultation drop-in events at various venues around the county, including Amesbury Library and The Nadder Centre in Tisbury.

A total of 16 in-person drop-in events are planned during the consultation, as well as an online webinar event covering all of Wiltshire, which is scheduled or Tuesday, October 10, from 6.30pm to 8pm.

Cllr Nick Botterill, cabinet member for strategic planning, said: “The Local Plan identifies sites for future growth of both homes and employment over the next 15 years, and it also contains policies that ensure we maximise building on brownfield sites, build enough affordable homes, and ensure new developments meet zero carbon standards.

“Once the plan is adopted, all planning applications will be determined against it,

making it the most important place-shaping document for Wiltshire, so please take the time to take part in the consultation and have your say.”

The consultation ends at 5pm on Wednesday, November 22. People can share their views online, and anyone without internet access can visit a library to use the computers there, or contact the council to get a written copy of the representation form and find out how to view the documents.

The Amesbury event covered the plan for Amesbury, Bulford, Durrington, Great Wishford, Porton, Shrewton, Tilshead and The Winterbournes.

The Tisbury and Mere event covered the local housing plan for: Tisbury, Mere, Fovant, Hindon and Ludwell.

Further consultations will be held in Salisbury, covering the city, Alderbury, Broad Chalke, Coombe Bissett, Dinton, Downton, Laverstock and Ford, Morgan’s Vale, Woodfalls, Pitton, Whiteparish, Wilton and Winterslows.

This will take place on Tuesday, October 17, from 3pm to 7pm, at Salisbury Library, Market Walk, Salisbury SP1 1BL.

On October 18, the consultation will take place for Tidworth and Ludgershall, covering Collingbourne Ducis and Netheravon. The plan will be availble from 3pm to7pm, at Tidworth Leisure Centre, Nadder Road, Tidworth SP9 7QN. To find out more and to sign up for online event, people should go to www.wiltshire. gov.uk/local-plan.

Amesbury Library

Credit: Google

Police seek witnesses to Tidworth shooting

Old Sarum airfield proposals include homes, jobs and leisure

MORE than 300 homes, employment and leisure buildings, as well as enhanced aviation facilities are being proposed at Old Sarum Airfield.

A fresh planning application has been submitted for the site, with three areas identified for development, including a ‘flying hub’ to “ensure the long-term sustainable viability of the airfield”.

POLICE are appealing for information after two people were shot at in Tidworth.

The incident unfolded as a man and a woman in their 20s were walking along Zouch Farm Road, towards the Spar shop in Pennings Road, at around 7.20pm on September 26.

Wiltshire Police said they were shot at by a person with an air weapon. “Fortunately nobody was injured,” a spokesperson added.

Four people – a 16-year-old boy, two men in their 20s and a man in his 40s – have been arrested on suspicion of possession of a firearm and drug offences.

They have since been released on bail while enquiries are ongoing. Officers have also seized an air weapon as part of their enquiries.

“We believe there were a number of people in the area at the time of the incident who may have witnessed what happened,” the spokesperson went on.

“In particular, we would like to speak to a man who was in the immediate area, who was wearing a blue tracksuit top with the hood up. He is believed to have been aged in his 40s or 50s.”

Anyone who can help should call 101 and quote crime reference number 54230102216.

They can also call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

Home to listed wartime hangers, Old Sarum Airfield is a site of some 62 hectares, with the application identifying 26.8 hectares for development, in three sections.

In 2015, a bid to develop the site was refused - as well as a subsequent planning appeal.

Now, the fresh scheme has cut the number of homes proposed across the site to around 315, as well as increasing the distance between the development and the nearby scheduled monument.

“This new application seeks to address the concerns raised through the previous appeal and an extensive amount of work has been undertaken to refine this proposal,” it said.

“The application proposals will safeguard flying activity at Old Sarum Airfield on a sustainable basis and secure maor investment in new aviation facilities to reinforce Old Sarum Airfield’s status as a functioning heritage aviation asset and visitor attraction,” it added.

A grass flying strip is retained at the centr eof the development, the plans outline, with apartments inspired by the aircraft hangers on site, and family homes built in an area near Ford village.

“Housing frontages will face the airfield with public green space in front,” the plans said.

“As well as enjoying the airfield aspect, this will allow the dwellings to enjoy private south facing gardens.

“Providing homes which have a direct link to the airfield

Top: Old Sarum Airfield plans AI apartments by Feilden and Mawson

Above: Old Sarum Airfield plans aviation hub concept by Feilden and Mawson

Below: Old Sarum Airfield plans layout sections plan by Feilden and Mawson Credit all: Wiltshire Council

encourages residents to have an invested interest in the future of the airfield and its activities, and creates a unified, vibrant community.”

Feilden + Mawson, who have submitted the application, said they had been engaged in consultation with Historic England with regard to the Old Sarum Conservation Area and the nearby scheduled monument.

“Positive feedback was received and the masterplan has been developed to the current planning application,” the submission said.

A number of public consultation events were held to answer questions from the public. To view the full proposals, and to comment on the plans, log on to www.wiltshire.gov.uk and search for application reference PL/2023/07368.

Council applies for number plate cameras to catch careless drivers

CAMERAS could be installed in Salisbury streets to catch drivers who go the wrong way down one-way streets, run through no-entry signs, ignore weight limits or turn where it is not permitted.

Wiltshire Council is applying for new powers to enforce traffic offences – and wants to install automatic number plate recognition (ANPR) cameras at six locations across the county.

Currently, ‘moving traffic offences’ are only enforceable by the police in Wiltshire, as is the case in most other local authorities outside London.

But the council has now applied to the Department for Transport (DfT) for these powers and it expects to receive a decision in spring 2024.

Offences include:

● Going the wrong way down a one-way street

● Driving through a No Entry sign

● Ignoring a weight limit

● Or turning left or right where it is not permitted.

A consultation held in May and June focused on installing ANPR technology at an initial

Cops

six sites around the county. They are:

● Castle Street and Market Street in Trowbridge, no left-hand turn except for buses, taxis and cyclists.

● Town Bridge in Bradford on Avon, 18-tonne weight limit.

● Roundstone Street in Trowbridge, no entry except for buses, taxis and cyclists.

● Hollows Close in Salisbury, prohibition of vehicles, Monday-Friday, 7.30am-

9.30am and 2pm-6pm, except permit holders.

● Market Street in Bradford on Avon, yellow box marking.

● Saxon Road in Salisbury, prohibition of vehicles, Monday-Friday, except permit holders. If the council is successful in securing the new powers, a spokesperson said it will carry out further engagement with people who may be directly affected by the initial proposals.

Cllr Caroline Thomas, cabinet member for transport, said: “We

had almost 600 responses to our moving traffic enforcement consultation, with most people supporting the move to apply for these powers and the initial six sites identified.

“Following this feedback, we applied to DfT for these powers, and we expect to hear back in spring next year.

“The consultation process generated local feedback on the sites and helped us to confirm whether the six were appropriate, along with what further engagement and potential adjustments might be required to ensure we get the implementation right.

“We have committed to having safer roads in our Business Plan, and these moving traffic offences put all road users at risk, particularly pedestrians.

“To help keep people safe on our roads, we expect to have the ANPR technology in place during next summer.”

Any future sites around the county identified as being suitable for enforcement will be subject to a full six-week public consultation process.

stop boy racers in super cars using the A303 as a race track

POLICE in Wiltshire stopped more than £1 million worth of supercars on the A303.

Traffic cops stopped the McLaren sports cars – which cost around £250,000 each – after they were seen driving at speeds in excess of 100mph.

Wiltshire Police’s Roads Policing Unit (RPU) posted about the stop on social media.

“RPU managed to get five McLarens stopped on the A303 after the pack were driving in excess of 100mph and close proximity driving to themselves and the public,” a spokesperson said.

And in response to comments from the public on the post, the force engaged in some light-hearted petrolhead posturing. Asked by one user on X (formerly Twitter)

how they managed to pull over five cars, they responded: “Well, they can only go a few miles before they have to pull over and take pictures of their cars...”

And when asked how a BMW – the unmarked vehicle the police were using – was able to catch the supercars, they said: “The classic 330d rep mobile, our fuel lasts longer.”

But not all those responding were happy with the officers’ work.

One said: “The war on motorists continues... Shame they don’t go after the real criminals in Parliament.”

To which the police replied: “Feel free to write to your local MP, drive safe.”

Drivers using Saxon Road in Salisbury could soon be doing so under the gaze of ANPR cameras

Credit: Google

Having an expensive car doesn’t put you above the law

In brief

Light up the lantern parade in Fordingbridge

Fordingbridge’s Christmas lights switch on will take place on Friday, December 1. The event will include a lantern parade through the town centre with Santa.

The organisers would like to hear from any groups interested in joining the lantern parade, ahead of the Christmas lights switch on.

If your group would like to be part of the parade then return the following information as soon as possible to familybefriender@ yahoo.com

Name, Organisation/ Group, Email, Phone number and Estimated number Of attendees for the parade.

Dangerous driving arrest

A MAN was arrested after reports of dangerous driving in Salisbury. Police were called to the Fugglestone Road roundabout, in Devizes Road, at around 11.20am on September 19 to reports of a vehicle driving erratically.

“A man in his 20s was arrested on suspicion of causing a danger to other road users and has been released on bail,” a Wiltshire Police spokesperson said. “We would like to hear from anyone who saw what happened or has CCTV or dashcam footage on the incident.”

Anyone who can help with the police with enquiries should call 101, quoting reference number 54230099380.

Officer lied about home visits

A FORMER police officer, who lied about making home visits while on duty, would have been dismissed had he not already resigned, Wiltshire Police have said.

In May last year, former Salisbury police officer Pete Burden, who was part of the Community Policing team, lied to his supervisor about making home visits whilst on duty. A misconduct hearing concluded that his actions amounted to gross misconduct.

Forest council enhances sport facilities at Burgate

NEW Forest District Council has provided £250k towards a new 3G sports pitch at The Burgate School and Sixth Form in Fordingbridge.

Work on the new pitch started on Monday, September 18. The development will enhance existing facilities at The Burgate School and Sixth Form and will be open for the school and wider community to use from February 2024.

Cllr Derek Tipp, portfolio holder for planning and economy, said: “The Burgate School and Sixth Form is well placed geographically for an improved open space in Fordingbridge.

We have worked with the school to develop an open space that will benefit the local football and rugby clubs as well as being open for community events.

“It will be a major boost to all weather sports provision in the town and will allow multiple practice or match sessions to operate at the same time.

“Housing developers of new properties in Fordingbridge have been required to contribute per new house towards new playing pitch provision and associated

facilities in the town. This allocation is a first step in such sports facility improvements for the town. We look forward to seeing the space being used for a variety of sports and providing affordable access for all.”

Robert Sullivan, chief executive of the Football Foundation, said: “The Football Foundation is working closely with our partners – the Premier League, The FA and Government – to transform the quality of grassroots facilities in England by delivering projects like this across the country.

“Good quality playing facilities have a transformative

impact on physical and mental health and play an important role in bringing people together and strengthening local communities.

“This grant award to The Burgate School and Sixth Form towards developing a new 3G football turf pitch is fantastic news for the local community and will help give more people access to a great place to play.” Read more about the plans in the Planning and Economy Portfolio Holder’s Decision document at: https://democracy. newforest.gov.uk/documents/ s26399/Open%20Space%20 Fordingbridge%20Report.docx. pdf

Man arrested after succession of rural burglaries

A MAN in his 50s has been arrested after two rural burglaries in the Wilton area.

At just after 8pm on September 30, Wiltshire Police responded to reports of a burglary in Dinton, involving three men in balaclavas.

When officers arrived they found outbuildings had been badly damaged and some tools had been stolen. An hour later, officers received another report of a burglary in Compton Chamberlayne.

“In this incident a quadbike had been reported stolen, along with tools including a

chainsaw,” a Wiltshire Police spokesperson said.

Inspector Tina Osborn said: “After the first incident my officers flooded the area to look for the vehicle to no avail.

When the second report came in our officers were already on the roads. They came across a quadbike which managed to get around them, but were then rammed by a second vehicle, writing off our police car. A number of men decamped from the vehicle, with our officers managing to detain one of them.

“Some of the items reported missing were found in the back

of the vehicle. We’re working closely with Farmwatch and I would urge everyone to remain vigilant and secure their property as much as possible.

“We’ll be carrying out extra patrols and ask everyone to contact us straight away if you see anything that looks suspicious. We will deal with offenders robustly.”

A man in his 50s was arrested on suspicion of burglary, dangerous driving, taking without owner consent, failing to stop and criminal damage. He has been released on bail pending further enquiries.

Reopening city hall to cost millions

IT will cost around £2 million to re-open Salisbury City Hall as an antertainment venue, it has been revealed.

A meeting of the Salisbury Area Board on September 28, heard how condition surveys on the building show it will require repairs to return the building to a useable condition.

However, Wiltshire Council said it is now starting the formal procurement process of looking for a third-party provider to operate the venue on its behalf.

The move comes after market testing earlier in the year and has been deemed the best option to safeguard the venue’s future and provide long-term financial stability.

“The council will be going to market where interested parties are invited to engage and explain more about the outcomes they’d like to achieve, and the nature of any future arrangement working with the council to operate the venue,” a spokesperson said.

It is also aiming to hold a City Hall market engagement event for potential operators.

The outcome of the procurement process will help inform the council whether it spends around £2m on the repairs required, or looks at a possible larger improvement, if that would make City Hall more functional and viable.

The council also confirmed that, following further investigation, it is not a viable option to move the library and Young Gallery to a refurbished City Hall site, as there wouldn’t be enough space and it would be detrimental to each of the three venues as a result.

Cllr Richard Clewer, leader of the council, said: “We appreciate people’s enthusiasm and passion to reopen City Hall quickly but when it does open its doors again, we want it to be around for the long-term.

“Therefore, it’s vital we continue to carry out our due diligence, particularly as the national financial picture continues to be challenging, as we really want to make a long-term success of the venue.

“Following our soft market testing earlier in the year, this next part of the process is an important step in the project to reopen it as a modern and vibrant entertainment venue.

“Getting in a third-party provider to work alongside us with the right expertise is a key priority for us and we look forward to engaging with potential operators with likeminded approaches to reopening a thriving City Hall.”

He said a team would continue to develop a solution for the reopening of City Hall and future-proofing the library and gallery.

Salisbury City Hall

Credit: Wiltshire Council

Jewellery stolen in Ashley Heath break-in

RESIDENTS at a property in Ashley Heath called police after someone broke into their home.

Police were called to the address, in Lions Lane, between 9.30pm and 10pm on Saturday, September 16.

High-value jewellery was stolen in the raid, police said.

The offender is described as male, six feet tall and was wearing a dark-coloured hooded jumper.

PC Matt Cutler, of Dorset Police, said: “The jewellery that was stolen was of great sentimental value to the victim and we are doing all we can to identify the person responsible.

“I would like to hear from residents who may have seen or heard any suspicious activity in the area.

“Also, if you were in the vicinity and have either a dashcam, home CCTV or a doorbell camera, please check your footage during the timeframe for anything that may help my enquiries.”

Anyone with information should contact Dorset Police via www.dorset.police.uk, or by calling 101, quoting incident number 55230147307. They can also contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

Eighth man arrested in south west couunties burglary spree

AN eighth man has been sentenced in connection with a burglary conspiracy across Hampshire, Dorset, Wiltshire, Somerset and more, which saw almost £500,000-worth of goods stolen and damage caused.

Darren Lee Wilkinson appeared before Southampton Magistrates Court on Tuesday (September 26) for his part in a conspiracy to commit burglary across six counties betweeb October and December 2020.

The 36-year-old was found guilty at Southampton Crown Court on May 9 after a five-day trial and on Tuesday was sentenced to three years and nine months in prison.

The court heard the group would travel in convoy – in a variety of vehicles – often utilising private hire vehicles or stolen vehicles on cloned plates to drive to various locations within Hampshire and in other nearby counties.

The large-scale conspiracy – which targeted businesses with high-value stock such as supermarkets, bicycle stores, mobile phone stores and clothing stores.

As part of the investigation, a total of 16 burglaries were uncovered that had been committed in Hampshire, three in Surrey, three in Dorset, two in Avon & Somerset, one in Sussex and one in Wiltshire.

The overall value of goods stolen and loss to businesses in terms of damage caused totalled nearly £420,000, the court was told.

Further enquires by investigators also recovered a number of stolen vehicles which

were used as part of the burglary conspiracy to commit the offences.

Four men were sentenced for their part in the conspiracy at the same court in August, while three others had previously been sentenced for their part in the conspiracy on June 27.

Wilkinson was also handed a 12-month jail sentence, to run consecutively, for a series of offences which saw him take stolen vehicles to a scrap yard to be crushed.

He was found guilty of the following offences at Southampton Crown Court in May:

● Three counts of handling stolen goods, namely motor vehicles, between July 2019 and April 2020.

● Fraud by false representation between July and September 2019. Wilkinson dishonestly made a false representation to a member of staff at a scrap yard in Southampton, claiming he had lawful authority to request the scrappage of vehicles he had delivered to the yard.

● Fraud by false representation between August 2019 and

July 2020, whereby Wilkinson dishonestly made a false representation to a member of staff at a scrap yard in Southampton, claiming he had lawful authority to request the scrappage of vehicles he had delivered to the yard.

Wilkinson was also sentenced to a total of nine months in prison, also to run consecutively to the burglary sentencing, in connection with an aggravated vehicle taking and disqualified driving offence in March 2022. He was stopped on Wide Lane, Eastleigh, in a stolen Mercedes A-Class after failing to stop for officers and driving dangerously to avoid them.

Altogether his sentence was a total of five years and six months.

Detective Constable Paul Beasley, who led the investigation, said: “This further ruling has bought justice to residents and business owners in Hampshire and the Isle of Wight, and also a number of neighbouring counties.

“We conducted a fullythrough and robust investigation – and today’s result is down to the sheer dedication of my officers, but also the efforts of our investigative counterparts at Surrey Police, Dorset Police, Avon & Somerset Police, Sussex Police and Wiltshire Police.

“This is a great example of Hampshire & Isle of Wight Constabulary’s priority to drive a focus on excellent local policing and ensuring that victims are put first and prioritised throughout our investigations.”

Darren Wilkinson

Credit: Hampshire Police

South Wilts Grammar celebrates 95th speech day at the Cathedral

SOUTH Wilts Grammar School welcomed guests to Salisbury Cathedral for its 95th speech day event on September 21. It was an opportunity to celebrate student success and thank the staff for their contribution and commitment.

Guest speaker and alumna, Alison Say, shared her experiences of SWGS and her non-linear path to becoming vice president of Ecosystem at IBM Technology.

Imparting her advice to students, Alison encouraged them to, “get involved at every opportunity – the unlikeliest of motivations can often lead to the greatest of accomplishment; be comfortable in your own skin and gravitate to people who support and encourage that; be accountable for your actions; be

honest, it builds trust.

“Have integrity, do the right thing, stand up for what you believe in; lastly, and most importantly, don’t forget to have a fun.”

Mrs Chilcott, headteacher at South Wilts Grammar School

for 12 years, praised students for their involvement in the varied extra-curricular activities on offer at SWGS, highlighting how over 450 students from Years 9 to 13 participated in the Duke of Edinburgh Award, their work in fundraising for the

school charities and their service both to the school and the wider community.

The school also celebrated, with students sharing their experiences, the ongoing commitment to sustainability and equality, diversity and inclusion.

Guests were treated to remarkable performances from the senior choir and the talented musicians on cello, piano, violin and trumpet.

Mrs Chilcott closed by remarking that: “South Wilts continues to be a thriving school community where academic excellence and compassion go hand in hand. This success is not possible without the support from parents, staff and the students themselves, so a big thank you to you all.”

(L-R): Dan Bishop, deputy headteacher; Atiqul Hoque, mayor of Salisbury; Alison Say, vice president of Ecosystem at IBM Technology; Lauren, head student; Niamh, head student; Michele Chilcott, headteacher; Nick Lay, chair of governors

Teen soldier died at Larkhill after manager’s ‘unwelcome behaviour’

A YOUNG soldier died at a Wiltshire camp after months of “controlling, sexual harassment from her boss”, a report has concluded.

Teenager, Gnr Jaysley Beck, is believed to have taken her own life after being found dead at Larkhill Camp in December 2021. Now, a service inquiry report into the circumstances surrounding the 19-year-old’s death highlights “an intense period of unwelcome behaviour from her immediate line manager”, who is not named.

This behaviour “stems from the fact that it appears he wanted a relationship with her”, the report goes on, fellings “which were not reciprocated”.

“While the actions of (the line manager) ceased a few days before her death, it is assessed that the toll it took on her would have left her in a very fragile state from which she appears not to have recovered,” the report concludes.

The document, which heard from witnesses and detailed a timeline surrounding Gnr Beck’s death, also details a relationship between the teen and a married senior non-commissioned officer (SNCO), as well as the death of a relative, in factors surrounding her death.

The senior officers were “significantly older and more senior in rank to her”, it said, and had shown “discreditable moral

behaviour”.

The end of a long-term relationship was also cited as a factor, as well as an “unhealthy approach to alcohol”, and that she was drinking on the night she passed away.

An unwanted advance by a senior colleague in July 2021, after a party at Larkhill, resulted in a report up the chain of command, the report said.

However, despite the claim being “taken seriously”, “the correct reporting process

was not followed”.

“The unit took action ... but the appointed investigating officer did not carry out his own investigation and while advice on discipline action was sought ... this was done verbally and not in writing,” it went on.

“As a result, the discipline advice was based on a version of events from which certain key details appear to have been accidentally omitted.”

The report lists a number of recommendations over “unacceptable behaviour” at Larkhill that had “become normalised” at the garrison.

Briefings and training on acceptable behaviour and alcohol misuse were among recommended steps, as well as training on mental health and suicide prevention, combined with improved monitoring of soldiers’ health and help when experiencing bereavement.

An inquest to officially determine hoe Gnr Beck died has not yet been held.

The Centre for Military Justice, which is representing Gnr Beck’s family, said said: “In this report, the panel found significant evidence of inappropriate sexual behaviour from male soldiers towards female soldiers at Larkhill Garrison, with one witness describing routinely receiving comments from male soldiers that were ‘vile’ and ‘degrading’.”

County police in regional drugs crackdown

PEOPLE are being urged to report suspicious behaviour as part of a police crackdown on county lines drug gangs in the south west.

The regional campaign –Operation Scorpion – aims to disrupt drug-related crime and involved police in Wiltshire, Dorset, Devon and Cornwall, Gloucestershire and Avon and Somerset.

Alongside targeting increased disruption, this iteration will also ensure young people – and their families - are being warned about the dangers of exploitation and how to spot the signs.

Regional policing lead for this phase of the operation,

Wiltshire Police Assistant Chief Constable Deb Smith, said:

“Intelligence from our communities will be fundamental to this operation being a success as it allows us to target specific locations where people are telling us they have concerns of illegal drug activity taking place.

“We need to know where this criminality is happening so that we can build an intelligencerich picture which allows us to take decisive, enforcement activity.

“It is crucial that our communities know what signs to spot and how they can report their concerns to us and other agencies.

“We know that drug dealing is something which causes great harm to our communities across the south west and these drugs dealers have no thought or regard to the misery they are creating.

“These illegal enterprises bring with them violence, intimidation, exploitation and anti-social behaviour, and I hope that operations like Scorpion, show the public that it will not be tolerated.

“Although this is the sort of enforcement work which is ongoing 52 weeks a year, this operation sees a combination of resources with other agencies and organisations, to carry out focused and targeted work, both

through enforcement and education, to make a real difference.

“Our message is clear – the south west is no place for drugs.”

Spotting the signs of County Lines activity in your community include an increase in visitors and cars to a house or flat, new faces appearing at the property, a change in a resident’s mood and/or demeanour and substance misuse and/or drug paraphernalia.

Anyone with information about drug dealing or suspicious activity should report it online, on 101, or via Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

Gunner Jaysley Beck tragically passed away in December 2021

Become a city councillor and make a real change in your community

AS you will have read in recent issues of the Gazette, an election is to be held for a city councillor representing the area of Salisbury Harnham West ward.

Becoming a councillor is a rewarding experience and will give you the opportunity to make a real difference in your local area and help improve the lives of residents.

The role can include helping with problems, coming up with ideas, working with local community groups, and making and reviewing decisions.

To stand for election for the role of city councillor in Salisbury Harnham West ward you will first need to obtain a nomination paper from the returning officer. This can be found at the following places:

● Electoral Commission website: www.electoralcommission.org.

uk/i-am-a/candidate-or-agent/parishcouncil-elections-england

● Main Reception at County Hall, Bythesea Road, Trowbridge BA14 8JN

● Main Reception at The Council House, Bourne Hill, Salisbury SP1 3UZ

Council wants you to have your say on future of bus services in Salibury area

RESIDENTS, businesses and visitors are being urged to have their say over the future of bus services and transport in Wiltshire – including in Salisbury. Wiltshire Council is asking for comments to help inform the draft Public Transport Policy, which aims to support road-based public transport countywide to help achieve environmental, social, and economic goals, while also ensuring value for money public transport services.

The Public Transport Policy aims to:

● Ensure that residents can access essential facilities and services using public transport, promoting a high quality of life for all.

● Encourage residents to choose public transport for their daily

journeys to and from work, reducing traffic congestion and carbon emissions.

● Provide reliable and convenient public transport options for visitors to Wiltshire, enabling them to explore the county’s attractions without relying on private cars.

The consultation provides an opportunity for people and organisations to voice their opinions, share their experiences, and propose ideas

● Main Reception at Council Offices, Monkton Park, Chippenham SN15 1ER

● By telephoning Wiltshire Electoral Services on 0300 456 0112.

This will then need to be hand delivered to the returning officer, or his appointed staff at Electoral Services, Wiltshire Council, County Hall, Bythesea Road, Trowbridge, Wiltshire, BA14 8JN on any day after the date of the notice, on working days from Monday to Friday 10am to 4pm (excluding bank holidays), but no later than 4pm on Friday, 6th October 2023.

If the election is contested the poll will take place on Thursday, November 2, 2023.

For more information, including the Notice of Election, visit: https:// salisburycitycouncil.gov.uk/our-council/ your-councillors/election-of-a-citycouncillor/

that will help shape the future of sustainable public transport in the county.

Cllr Caroline Thomas, cabinet member for transport, said: “We are committed to creating a more sustainable and accessible public transport system that enhances the lives of our residents, supports our local economy, and preserves our beautiful county.

“But we need the help of our communities to do this, and that’s why I’d urge people to take part in this consultation and have their say. Your feedback is invaluable.”

The consultation ends 11.59pm on Friday, November 10. To find out more and to take part in the survey, people should go to https://wiltshirebusreview. commonplace.is.

Salisbury MP attends party conference

JOHN GLEN, Salisbury’s MP has been attending events at the Conservative Party conference in Manchester.

“It’s great to be back in Manchester for #cpc23 – and fantastic to visit stands in the convention centre which constituents asked me to attend,” he tweeted.

As well as the major departmental speeches, including Jeremy Hunt’s Treasury speech (Mr Glen is a member of the Treasury team), he has been talking to think think, Bright Blue, about the Conservatives Party’s plans for helping under pressure households.

The City Council election was triggered by Cllr Eleanor Wills choosing to resign from the council

Cornwall Council show Sunak the way

CONSERVATIVE controlled Cornwall Council is geographically, and now apparent politically, a very long way from the Westminster ‘bubble’ inhabited by our Prime Minister. In desperation born out of a very real fear of losing the next election, Rishi Sunak says he wants to stop ‘hare-brained’ road calming and safety schemes, including 20mph zones, to end what he says is a ‘war on motorists’.

There is no ‘war on motorists’, but there is a bit of a battle going on to reduce the emissions created by their activity because there is not yet an adequate supply of alternatives and time is of the essence.

Meanwhile, Conservative controlled Cornwall Council, instead of whipping up negativity about the efforts of others to address very real environmental and health issues, have been quietly going about their business with cross-party consensus of serving the best interests of their community.

Philip Desmonde, Cornwall Council cabinet portfolio holder for transport, said: “This first roll out of a 20mph speed limit on residential roads in two community network areas – Falmouth and Penryn, and Camelford – has the support of local communities with 76% of those who responded to the local consultation in Falmouth and Penryn in favour, and 85% in Camelford.

“We are starting work straight away to erect new signs and work with our residents to promote safe, supportive communities where we can all play a part in helping each other to live well.

Research shows 20mph limits provide road safety, society and environmental benefits, including: safer streets; increased activity levels, more walking, scooting and cycling; lower emissions and less congestion; accessible, liveable streets for all Cornwall Council’s website is extremely enlightening, and well worth a read, as it includes the following significant information. “Research has found that reducing speeds from 30mph to 20mph reduced CO2 emissions up to 37.8% and NOx emissions by 51%, whilst only having a minimum impact on journey times…; Chances of survival if struck at 20mph (90%) are much greater than

30mph (50%).”

On the BBC news our PM dismissed such action and information as a “trend of wanting to impose restrictions and penalties on motorists that are essentially punitive and not pragmatic, essentially ideological.”

Improving public safety and air quality can hardly be considered ideological issues. He went on to say: “For too long, politicians have focused on the short-term decisions with little regard for the long-term impact on hardworking families.” At least 13 years by my reckoning, looking at the decline in school buildings and depletion in provision of social housing among other things.

When it comes to short-term decisions, his recently revealed commitment to prolonged dependency on the resource overwhelmingly responsible for global climate change and environmental catastrophe, takes the biscuit. It was the desperate action of a leader hoping to ‘buy’ a few votes to reduce his waning hope of avoiding defeat in the next election.

A couple of final thoughts provided from shadow transport secretary Louise Haigh: “Rishi Sunak desperately poses as the friend of motorists but the Conservatives have hammered motorists – with petrol prices soaring and insurance costs rocketing,” and “The prime minister personally slashed the pothole budget by enough to fill 8m of them.”

No PM, the climate crisis is not all in hand

A FEW days ago, the Prime Minister declared a “new approach” to tackling the climate crisis, which included delaying the 2030 ban on the sale of new petrol and diesel by five years, loosening the 2035 phaseout of gas boiler sales, and relaxing the obligation on landlords to insulate their rental properties to higher standards.

Our own MP for Salisbury and South Wiltshire has fully supported this move and repeats the lines from Conservative HQ that the UK has the “fastest reduction in emissions in the G7 – down almost 50pc compared to 1990” ; “Technological advances have reduced costs like those for offshore wind by 70pc more than we projected in 2016”.

Concerningly, much of the justification is being dressed up as a cost of living concern: “Hard-working British people” ought not to be burdened with “unacceptable costs” of addressing the climate crisis because times are tough.

Let’s start with the proposal that we can afford to put the brakes on our new zero ambitions. Listening to the Prime Minister, one could believe that the climate crisis was

all in hand and will be sorted in 15 years. Yes, we are decarbonising faster than other G7 countries. But we started from a much more fossil fuel-intense position.

Most of the cuts in UK emissions so far have come from phasing out coal and scaling up gas and renewables in the power system. France by comparison, derives 75% of its energy from ‘clean’ nuclear and has focused on nuclear since the 1980s.

Using the example I heard on the radio, it is like saying my Park Run time has improved faster than Mo Farah’s: Yes, I have made the most gains, but he is still much faster and better than me. And yes, “rapid technological advances” have helped bring down the cost of

offshore wind by 70%, allowing the industry to surge. This is a success and positive. Both our MP and Prime Minister failed to mention that the most recent government auction for offshore wind secured no contracts at all.

Deeply concerning, however, is the rhetoric that attempts to make the climate focus unaffordable. National Energy Action, a fuel poverty charity, brands the climate crisis as a public health crisis.

Slowing down house insulation targets leaves families living in cold homes with higher heating bills for longer. Slowing down the transition from fossil-fuelled cars and boilers will leave people more exposed to the high costs of imported fossil fuels for longer.

This path is not easy but it is necessary. Businesses, including BMW – who recently announced upgrades to their Oxford factory to fully-electric production – need certainty when planning. Families need cheaper energy.

A recent piece of work suggested the world is moving outside of the ‘safe operating space’ for humanity. We all need to work to mitigate the crisis we are in otherwise the fires and floods this summer will only be the beginning.

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

Sarum WI raises awareness of campaign to clear up local rivers

MEMBERS of Sarum WI raised awareness of the National Federation of Women’s Institutes’ (NFWI) campaign to clear up our local waterways, during the charity’s Week of River Action, which ran from September 12-18.

In May, the WI passed a resolution at its annual meeting to urge members, the public, local authorities and the government to work together to protect our rivers for

people and wildlife. And so, working alongside other local groups, members were present on Fisherton Street Bridge and other riverside locations in Salisbury on September 16 running a petition and a morning of outreach.

Sue Luther, president of New Sarum WI, said: “Water quality in our rivers is shameful. We’re doing what the WI does best – rolling our sleeves up and taking action – and having fun while we’re at it.

“The WI believes the time to act is now to safeguard the rivers that are so vital to wildlife, ecosystems and our own wellbeing – it’s something New Sarum WI is really passionate about.

“We want to see an end to pollution of our rivers so that we can clear up our waters for our health and well-being, our environment, and to safeguard them for the future.”

The event was supported by members from other local WI groups, including Alderbury, Amesbury, Laverstock, Swans and Winterslow & Firsdown.

In total, they collected over 800 signatures on the day, with more being added to the online petition which can be accessed via https://chng.it/XkfXLssZD5.

Environment secretary responds to Ofwat report on the poor overall performance of water companies

OFWAT has published its Performance Report on the water sector, covering 2022-23 and announced that companies will need to return £114m to customers for poor performance.

In a damning report, the regulator concluded that none of the 17 companies providing water services could be considered ‘leading’ in their performance over the past year.

The report judged companies on a number of factors: customer satisfaction; internal sewer flooding; water leakage; pollution.

It stated: “We set water companies targets and incentives to deliver more for customers and the environment. Where they fall short, we reduce the amount of money companies can collect from customers.

“The targets ... were designed to drive improvements for customers and the environment. Our latest report... shows that companies are falling short, leading to £114m being returned to customers through bill reductions.

“While that may be welcome to bill payers, it is very disappointing news for all who want to see the water sector do better. It is not going to be easy for companies to regain public trust, but they have to start with better service for customers and the environment.

“We will continue to use all our powers to ensure the sector delivers better value for consumers and the environment.”

Environment secretary, Thérèse Coffey, said of the

report: “[It] is extremely disappointing. While I acknowledge there is good work ongoing in some companies –cleaning up waterways and investing in vital infrastructure – there is simply not enough of it. The fact that not a single water company is classified as ‘leading’ is unacceptable.

“We have written to the CEOs of every water company in the lowest category of today’s report and my ministerial team and I will meet them in person to scrutinise their improvement plans.

“Bill payers should know we require the worst performers to return money directly to customers through their bills.

“The government’s Plan for Water sets out how more investment, stronger regulation

and tougher enforcement will transform the current system. I have been clear, if these companies do not make improvements across a range of different measures, we and our regulators will not hesitate to use our powers to enforce it.

“We are pushing water companies to go further and have changed the rules on bonuses and dividends to ensure billpayers do not reward pollution – or pay for what should already have been delivered.

“The public has made it clear that a clean and plentiful water supply is a priority. Government and regulators will be closely securitising upcoming business plans to ensure they deliver the best possible deal for customers, the environment and our future water needs.”

The members of Sarum WI are determined to take action

Wildlife Trust gives politicians five priorities to support nature recovery

LEADING wildlife organisations, including Wiltshire Wildlife Trust, published a landmark State of Nature 2023 report on September 28.

The report reveals that nature is continuing to decline at an alarming rate across the UK, which is already one of the most nature-depleted countries in the world.

● One in six species is now at risk of being lost from Great Britain

● The wildlife studied has, on average, declined by 19% since monitoring began in 1970

● Most important habitats are in poor condition, though restoration projects have clear benefits for nature, people and adapting to climate change. Wiltshire and Swindon Biological Records Centre (WSBRC), which is hosted by Wiltshire Wildlife Trust, recently identified 133 species as ‘critically important’ in the county through its Critical Species Project, a pilot funded by Natural England, through the Species Recovery Programme.

These ranged from still common, but much declined species, such as hedgehogs and toads, to much scarcer species, such as curlew and the Duke of Burgundy butterfly. Despite a 35% decline in abundance between 1979 and 2021, the butterfly species has now been down-listed from endangered to vulnerable in Great Britain.

This recovery is likely thanks to local habitat restoration projects, such as Wiltshire Wildlife Trust’s ‘Taking Action for Insects’ project funded by the government’s Green Recovery Challenge Fund, and the Trust’s upcoming ‘Chalk Species Revival’ project.

The project aims to support the recovery of five threatened insect species that rely on the wildflower rich chalk grasslands of Wiltshire, including the Duke of Burgundy.

People’s concern about nature loss, climate change and degraded wild places is a significant voting issue. The Wildlife Trusts have called on politicians of all parties to commit to an ambitious programme of policies to support nature’s recovery through five priorities ahead of the next general election:

● Bring back the UK’s lost wildlife: The next UK government must work across departments to put nature into recovery by protecting and restoring at least 30% of land and sea for nature by 2030. Beavers should be in every county, a nature recovery network should join up wild places, and damaging fishing practices – such as bottom trawling – must be banned.

● End river pollution and water scarcity: With the UK among the worst countries in Europe for water quality, the next UK government must sufficiently fund enforcement agencies to do their job. By 2030, nutrient pollution from farming, sewage and development must be halved, there must be stronger protections for chalk streams, and more wetlands should be created to tackle flood and drought.

● Fund wildlife-friendly farming: The destruction of nature and impacts of climate

change are the biggest threats to food security in the UK. The report shows that the range of insects that eat species which damage food crops have declined by a massive 40% since the 70s, and species of arable land have shown strong declines. Most alarmingly, our once-common farmland birds – like the much-loved skylark – have declined by 57% in the last 50 years. However, conservation efforts by organisations such as Wiltshire Wildlife Trust can reverse these alarming declines. Farmers must be supported and incentivised to help wildlife recover by creating more space for nature, significantly reducing pollution, and halving harm from pesticides by 2030. The budget for nature-friendly farming should increase to at least £4.4 billion a year.

● Enable healthy communities: More than a third of the population – nearly 9.5 million households in England – are unable to access green places near their home. The next government must support the creation of more green spaces in neighbourhoods, fund and integrate green prescribing into community-based health services and enable all children to access outdoor learning opportunities.

● Tackle the climate emergency by protecting and restoring natural habitats: Nature can make a huge contribution to achieving net-zero targets if habitats are restored because peatlands, woodlands, and other wild places store carbon. Additionally, the next UK government must integrate climate adaptation strategies across all departments, create a nature recovery network to help wildlife adapt to change, protect blue carbon stores from damage, and invest in energy efficiency.

Joanna Lewis, CEO of Wiltshire Wildlife Trust, said: “Wiltshire is famous for its sweeping chalk grasslands and globally rare chalk streams. Our precious streams are a lifeline for threatened wildlife like water voles, which have suffered a 47% decline in abundance in England between 1998 and 2016.

“Wiltshire’s wild places and wildlife are under threat from pollution, habitat loss and our changing climate. However, Wiltshire Wildlife Trust is working with nature-friendly farmers, like the Wylye Valley Farmers, to save our chalk streams and rescue iconic Wiltshire species like corn buntings and stone curlew.

“Together, we have the opportunity to achieve a Wilder Wiltshire, clean up our rivers and bring abundant nature back into our farmed landscape. However, unlocking the huge opportunities for nature-friendly farming and finance relies on strong and sustained government leadership.

“There is no time to play politics with nature and the climate in a way that takes everyone backwards. Nature recovery is crucial for health and well-being, the resilience of our farming system and the stability of our climate, and it’s up to our elected representatives to ensure that is reflected in policies ahead of the next election.”

A skylark

Credit: John Bridges

£12.5m for robotics and automation to boost sustainable farming

INNOVATIVE projects will receive funding to develop technologies to predict strawberry yield, increase vineyard productivity and optimise harvesting schedules, under plans set out by Mark Spencer, farming minister, at the World Agri-Tech Summit.

Nineteen innovative projects developing automation and robotic technologies will receive a share of £12.5 million in government funding to boost productivity, food security and sustainable farming practices. This brings the total government funding announced to fund industry-led research and development in agriculture and horticulture to £120 million since 2021.

The projects – funded through the Farming Futures Automation and Robotics competition, include:

● Developing a system to accurately predict and enhance quality of strawberry yields, reduce waste and optimise labour and harvesting schedules

● A new system to digitally map and monitor vineyards using drones, robots and sensors

● A navigation system for field-based robotic vehicles to improve accuracy and reliability and enable safe navigation in farmyard and field operations. The funding comes through the Farming Futures Automation and Robotics competition, which is part of Defra’s £270 million Farming Innovation Programme (FIP) and is delivered by Innovate UK.

The FIP has funded 17 competitions since opening in October 2021 and which has already seen the development of new approaches to help farms be more sustainable and productive, from new ways to reduce or eliminate pesticide use through

to projects to reduce emissions from livestock.

Speaking at the World Agri-Tech Summit in London, Mark Spencer said: “Farmers are always forward-looking, and innovation is key to driving a resilient, productive and sustainable agriculture sector that puts food on our tables.

“The government stands firmly behind agri-tech innovation as the cornerstone of modern farming practices. By providing opportunities, funding and a supportive ecosystem within the sector, we aim to empower farmers, drive innovation and create a sustainable and prosperous future for agriculture across the UK.”

At the summit, the Farming Minister outlined the range of competitions under the Farming Innovation Programme that are supporting the sector to invest in new technology that will help grow their businesses, boost productivity and benefit the environment.

This includes £10 million currently on offer through the third round of the Small R&D Partnerships competition to help businesses develop a

new farming product and service and take it to commercialisation on the open market, and a further £4.5 million through the Feasibility Studies Competition to support businesses and researchers through the testing phase of an idea that will improve the productivity, sustainability and resilience of farming.

In addition the Farming Investment Fund is investing in equipment, technology and infrastructure and the recently launched Investor Partnership competition combines government grant funding with private investment to help smaller agri-tech businesses to grow and scale.

Dr Katrina Hayter, challenge director –Transforming Food Production Challenge at Innovate UK, said: “Robotics and automation are crucial drivers in addressing the challenges posed by a growing global population and the need for sustainable practices in various sectors, including agriculture.

“By fostering innovation and research, we empower our farmers, growers, foresters and businesses to not only enhance productivity and economic growth but also to lead the way in sustainable practices.

“These projects are a testament to our commitment to improving environmental outcomes and reducing carbon emissions, ensuring a brighter and more sustainable future for our agricultural and horticultural communities.”

Proposals for improved cattle registration system set out by Defra

THE government has set out proposals that it hopes will reduce red tape for farmers and pave the way for a new and improved digital cattle registration system. It will consult with stakeholders about how best to put this in place.

By law all bovines in England must be registered with the British Cattle Movement Service. This allows the government to identify and locate livestock in the event of an animal disease outbreak or food safety incident.

The proposals – subject to an eight-week consultation, which opened on September 21 and runs until November 15 –include the use of new digital technology to remove cumbersome paper processes making the system easier to navigate and less time consuming for keepers.

The government believes that these changes will help it to trace disease more quickly and effectively and help safeguard national public health and food safety. It also hopes the changes will strengthen the UK’s position in international markets.

Biosecurity minister Lord Benyon said: “By registering

Four rivers flow into Wilton

“We have recently moved from Bristol to Wilton on a farming adventure.

Our latest venture is we have brought four Indian Runner Ducks to Wilton, named after local rivers. Ebble, Wylye, Avon and Nadder joined us last weekend.

On the right you can see a picture of the ducks settling in to their new home.”

Just shows that our readers never ‘duck’ an adventure...

their cattle, farmers and keepers play an important role in protecting the national herd from insidious diseases such as Bovine TB and Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy (BSE).

“I urge all those with an interest to respond to this consultation to help ease unnecessary administrative burdens and to take advantage of digitisation, to make registration of cattle much easier.”

The government has worked with industry to understand the difficulties of the current system, which also covers bison and buffalo – and how they can be resolved.

As well as the introduction of bovine electronic identification (BeID), other proposals include a fairer and more proportionate regulatory framework, and greater flexibility such as for late registration of calves, so that farmers do not suffer financially by having them excluded from the food chain.

The consultation forms part of the wider Livestock Information Transformation Programme, which will replace the existing domestic traceability databases with one multi-species platform.

IR35 Changes. Do you need to close your company as a result?

WHAT are the options for closing IR35 contractor limited companies?

IR35, also known as the Intermediaries Legislation, is a complex set of HMRC rules that are used to determine whether a contractor should be treated as an employee or self-employed for tax purposes.

IR35 came into force in April 2000, and has had a number of changes since, with the most recent significant reform coming in April 2021. This reform has had an adverse impact on many contractor companies, with some directors looking to find the most efficient way to close their company down.

Elaine Wilkins, at our Bournemouth office reports that: “We have had a number of enquiries from directors of contractor companies in recent months about their best course of action following the recent IR35 reforms. There is certainly some confusion around IR35 and directors are looking for clarity.”

In this article, we briefly look at what the reforms are and why it is having an adverse effect on some contractor companies, before looking at the most efficient ways to close down a contractor company – either solvent or insolvent.

The April 2021 IR35 Reforms and why they are important

Prior to April 2021, contractors were typically responsible for determining their own employment status.

Under the new rules, this responsibility passed to the end-client. Public sector end-clients had been required to do this since 2017, and the 2021 reforms meant that medium and large-sized private sector end-clients now had to do the same.

On the face of it, this might not seem a big change. However, quite apart from it being a complex and time-consuming

process to determine whether a contractor falls inside or outside IR35, the implications for contractor companies and the end-clients are significant, for two main reasons:

● Is the contractor considered to be inside IR35? If yes, then it is likely that the contractor’s income will be significantly reduced as they will become liable for income tax and National Insurance on their remuneration from their end-client as if they were employees.

● What about end-clients? For end-clients, which might be the hiring client or an agency, they become liable to pay the contractor’s employment taxes, which could have a material financial impact, as well as leading to fewer arrangements with contractors. The potential outcome for contractor businesses is that the changes mean it is no longer viable for directors to operate their businesses in the long-term and that closing down the business becomes an option.

If the business is solvent, there are two options for closing it down, with the choice depending on the level of retained profits.

Closing a solvent IR35 limited company Voluntary Company Dissolution

Sometimes known as striking off, this option is an informal way of closing down a company that is no longer required when retained profits are less than £25,000.

It can be a quick and simple process, but directors need to: inform HMRC of their intention to close; file their company accounts; close the business’s bank account; transfer any

assets out of the business’ ownership and inform all the business’ creditors.

If using this method, the business must be solvent and able to pay all its creditors. If not, an Insolvency Service investigation might take place, with possible outcomes being insolvency claims against the directors personally and/or director disqualification. For this reason, it is sensible to consider taking advice from an Insolvency Practitioner before dissolving a company.

Members’ Voluntary Liquidation (MVL)

This option is for when retained profits are greater than £25,000 and requires the appointment of a Licensed Insolvency Practitioner. As with company dissolution, this option is only available for solvent companies that are able to pay all their creditors in full (plus any interest) within 12 months of closure.

With MVLs, there is also the possibility that, under current legislation, the tax liability might be reduced to 10% with eligibility

for Business Asset Disposal

Relief (BADR – formerly known as Entrepreneurs’ Relief).

Currently, BADR has a lifetime limit of £1m per person and is available to those disposing of the shares of a trading or holding company or group in which they have held at least 5% of the voting rights for at least two years.

Eligibility for BADR makes an MVL a particularly tax efficient process.

Closing down an insolvent IR35 limited company

If, however, the company is insolvent, it must be closed down using a Creditors’ Voluntary Liquidation (CVL). As with an MVL, a Licensed Insolvency Practitioner must be appointed in order to realise the business’s assets and distribute the remaining funds to creditors.

It is also worth knowing that company directors might be able to claim redundancy pay if the company enters a Creditors’ Voluntary Liquidation.

Talk to us about closing down your IR35 contractor company IR35 rules that affect contractor companies, particularly post the April 2021 reforms, are complex and have already meant closure for many companies. Our experiences show that we know that many more are considering closing as a result.

Our Licensed Insolvency Practitioners are highly experienced in providing the specialist advice needed to select the most appropriate and efficient closure procedure for any IR35 Company. Our expert guidance can also help prevent further issues arising in the future, such as an HMRC tax investigation or an Insolvency Service investigation.

If you are considering closing your contractor limited company as a result of issues caused by IR35, the sooner we talk, the better. We will talk you through all the options available, so that you know exactly where you are, helping you to make the best possible decisions. The first discussion is free.

In the meantime, if you need our help and advice in any of our specialist insolvency areas, please call our Bournemouth office, below, for a free initial discussion on the phone or over a coffee.

Bournemouth: 01202 923009 or email elaine@antonybatty.com

Battens Solicitors is supporting careers with new pathway

BATTENS Solicitors has for many years supported trainees to become fully qualified solicitors.

This September sees Battens’ bring in a new educational route for aspiring solicitors with it offering a Solicitor Apprenticeship.

Currently, Battens Solicitors has seven trainee solicitors. The new pathway allows aspiring solicitors who have already gained a degree, a chance to train in the office, gaining invaluable on-the-job experience, cementing the knowledge they have gained at university.

After the two-year programme they will be a qualified solicitor.

Trainee solicitor Stephanie Watkiss said: “Battens is a unique firm where every individual, no matter who they are, is always overwhelmingly supportive and helpful.

“The firm itself has a great way of making staff feel appreciated and valued. I couldn’t ask for a better place to do my training.”

This is the first intake of solicitor apprentices for Battens, with seven staff members starting their training this month.

The apprenticeship route offers individuals a cost-

effective way of qualifying as a solicitor, where the individual can earn as they learn, receiving excellent training from the Battens Solicitor team of experienced legal experts.

Aspiring solicitors are mentored every step of the way, with all tuition and exam fees covered by the scheme. The length and level of the course starting point will be determined by the individual’s qualification levels.

Chairman of Battens Solicitors, Peter Livingstone, said: “Our trainee solicitors are an asset to our business. They are the best and the brightest,

and they bring new ways of thinking and problem-solving.

“It is great to see them energise the company. Our staff have a passion for the law, combined with a real desire to make a positive difference to the lives of our clients.

“On top of that, we as a firm can really see the benefit of giving our trainees a first-rate training, and we live that out. That is why Battens is the best place in the southwest to receive on-the-job training.”

Solicitor apprentice Kirsty Lloyd said: “I started at Battens

S’bury Coffee to offer artisan eco coffee in the Cross Keys shopping centre

COFFEE lovers will have soon a new venue to enjoy with the news that S’bury Coffee will open its flagship store in the Cross Keys Shopping Centre in Salisbury on October 16.

Its stated mission is to provide residents and visitors with an inviting space for people to gather, connect and relax, just a stone’s throw from the city’s bustling Market Square.

The shop promises to deliver ‘artisan barista eco coffee that celebrates the environment while delivering a flavourful punch’, with a ‘commitment to sustainability in every sip’.

So you can feel good about your environmental footprint while enjoying the arabica beans. As well as coffee, you can expect homemade paninis and freshly baked pastries.

Solicitors when I was 18-yearsold, having never previously considered a career in law. I initially started in reception and then moved into the Private Client department.

“It’s great working within the department, I get to meet so many different types of people, the people I work with have inspired me in what I can achieve, and I am excited to start the solicitor appprenticeship pathway.”

For full details, visit Battens www.battens.co.uk/careers

SALISBURY TRUCK AND VAN CENTRE

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Commercial workshop retiring. Lots of equipment for sale –tyre changer, wheel balancer, vehicle lifts etc.

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Battens Solicitors has opened a new trainee pathway that offers degree level candidates invaliable on-the-job training

Casting details announced for Girl on the Train at the Playhouse

FOLLOWING the success of Jeeves and Wooster in Perfect Nonsense opening the autumn season, Wiltshire Creative has announced the full cast for The Girl on the Train, adapted by Rachel Wagstaff and Duncan Abel from the bestselling novel by Paula Hawkins and DreamWorks’ film.

Loveday Ingram directs Tiran Aakal (Kamal Abdic), Samuel Collings (Scott Hipwell), Jonathan Firth (Tom Watson), Joanna van Kampen (Rachel Watson), Emer McDaid (Megan Hipwell), Jason Merrells (D.I. Gaskill) and Phoebe Pryce (Anna Watson).

The thriller opens at Salisbury Playhouse on October 24 and runs until November 11.

For those unfamiliar with the story, it follows Rachel (Joanna van Kampen) who, every day on her way to work, watches a seemingly perfect couple from the train window, dreaming of her perfect love story.

Suddenly she finds herself embroiled in a dark, twisted drama, when the woman she has been watching goes missing mysteriously. Was Rachel responsible? Where did the blood come from? If only Rachel

could remember the missing pieces in her memory, if only she hadn’t had too much to drink...

Based on the hit novel which sold over 20 million copies worldwide and the 2016

A new season opens for the Arts Society Sarum

KEEPING the public and private collections of art that grace our national life safe is an endeavour of watchfulness and commitment.

The Arts Society is a country-wide organisation dedicated to the preservation of our artistic heritage and to the promotion of education in the arts.

Peter Hicks, chair of The Arts Society Sarum said: “Through a programme of events, lectures, and visits we offer our members and guests an inspirational world of fine art, music, literature, sculpture, architecture, and cultural appreciation.”

On October 10, the society begins its lecture season with ‘From Page to Stage’ by theatre producer Giles Ramsay. Giles will explain how a theatre production is

managed from script to the performance. This year’s lectures include: ‘Caravaggio, the Bad Boy of Baroque’, ‘The Borgias, The most infamous family in history’, and ‘An Evening with Lord Byron, Monsters,

Vampires, and the Gothic Imagination’.

The society is also running two ‘Days of Discovery’ where an expert expands on their subject with a series of three lectures delivered on the same day.

On November 23, Ian Gledhill will be presenting on Gilbert and Sullivan. Further ahead, on January 24, Stephen Duffy’s subject will be ‘War, Peace and the Pleasures of Life (Napoleon, Josephine and the Duke of Wellington).’

The society meets at the Methodist Church, St. Edmund’s Church Street on the second Tuesday of every month, excepting August and September.

https://theartssocietysarum.org.uk, or if interested in joining membership.

artssarum@gmail.com

DreamWorks film, this gripping stage production will keep you guessing.

Poetry for well-being workshop

SALISBURY author Francesca

Tyer will be holding a poetry workshop for adults at Fisherton Mill on Friday, November 10.

‘Poetry for Wellbeing’ is a workshop for adults who enjoy writing or those who are looking for a creative way to explore the world and their inner selves.

During the workshop, writers will be provided with the tools to unlock their imaginations and explore their own experiences through creative writing. A simple prompt can inspire imagination and self-expression to flow freely.

“Poetry is a powerful tool that allows us to explore and communicate the joys and challenges that shape our lives,” said Francesca.

“It draws upon the vitality of words to create insights, growth and healing. No prior knowledge of poetry is required for this workshop; writers simply need a willingness to reflect and experiment.”

All Francesca’s workshops are conducted through the Untold Stories Academy, a business she set up to offer creative workshops and editing/ mentoring services to writers of all ages and abilities.

“My mission is to inspire writers at all stages of their careers to unlock their imagination and unleash their inner voice,” Francesca explained.

“I’ve always been passionate about writing and now, as a published author and professional editor, I hope to

Comedy club set to open in Qudos Bar, Salisbury

COMEDY lovers will have another choice of venue in Salisbury from this month.

Qudos Bar in Salisbury is opening a comedy club, with opening night set for Thursday, October 12, then regularly on every Thursday.

“We’ll be showcasing the best pro comedians from the UK circuit as well giving a stage to the aspiring comedians of Salisbury. We’d love this to be a real grassroots movement for comedy in the area,” said Joe Marchant.

Qudos has been hosting live music events for many years.

“To show our commitment to becoming a staple for locals and tourists alike, the club will be ‘free entry’, with the audience given the option to donate at the end of the night if they wish. This means the club will be available to anyone and everyone.”

Seats for opening night are already being reserved, highlighting a need for live comedy in the city.

“We believe this comedy club is just what Salisbury needs and will be providing laughs and good times for many years to come,” added Joe.

share some of that passion. Poetry has helped me throughout my life and I look forward to sharing its healing powers with others.”

Francesca is the author of three published young adult novels and a short poetry collection. She also works as a freelance editor, content writer and tutor, and is the co-director of an independent publishing company.

She has worked with adults at all stages of their writing careers – from beginner creative writers to established novelists – and has additional experience working with children.

One of Francesca’s students, Sue, who is currently studying for a degree in Creative Writing at the Open University, said: “Francesca is a patient and encouraging tutor. She has helped me to gain the tools I need and is truly invested in me doing well.”

‘Poetry for Wellbeing’ will take place on November 10, from 1.30pm-4pm at Fisherton Mill, Salisbury.

Book via the Fisherton Mill website or www. untoldstoriesacademy.com/ poetry-for-wellbeing

Francesca is running a second workshop, ‘The Power of Imagination’, on February 17, 2024, at the same venue from 1.30pm to 4.30pm. www. untoldstoriesacademy.com/ the-power-of-imagination

WILTSHIRE

Creative will be hosting a Halloween party for young people aged 14 to 21-years-old, which will take place on Saturday, October 28, at Salisbury Arts Centre.

On the night, there will be:

● Live music performed by young musicians (four acts – two solo artists and two bands, aged 16-21, performing a great mix of Indie, rock, 70s/80s and pop)

● Mocktails and Halloween tray bake treats

● Creepy crafts

● Board games

● A costume competition

● A Haunted Mansion-themed photo booth. Tickets are £3.

https://www.wiltshirecreative. co.uk/events/shift-socialhalloween-party

A spooky shift is going down at the Arts Centre

Rude Giant brings ‘destination bar and dining space’ to Brown Street

A NEW “destination bar and dining space” has opened in Salisbury.

On October 4, the Beer House – run by Wiltshire brewery Rude Giant opened at premises in Brown Street.

The venue, the first permanent site to be opened by the brewery, promises “delicious drinks, hearty food and a varied programme of entertainment and good vibes”.

The opening marks an exciting new chapter for the brewery, being their first permanent venue, a space to serve their beers and showcase fellow independents.

Rude Giant was formed by a number of county business leaders coming together to “make beers to unite all drinkers”.

The founding partners include Dan Hancock of Immersive Group, Joe Robinson of Blonde Brothers, Lyall Dew formerly of Sixpenny Brewery and The Brew Shack and Ethan Davids of Chickpea Group.

Ethan said: “Establishing Rude Giant’s first permanent space feels like a massive step for the brewery and something we are all excited about.

“Our spot on Brown Street in Salisbury is special – original parquet flooring, historic drawings on the walls, and importantly generous outside area makes

Ancient Charter Fair set to offer fun and thrills to Salisbury residents

THE annual Salisbury Charter Fair will return in October, running from Sunday, October 15 until Wednesday, October 18, taking place in Salisbury Market Place and Guildhall Square.

The fair is set to light up the centre of Salisbury with an exciting variety of traditional and modern rides, stalls and attractions.

In 1227 – seven years after the building of Salisbury Cathedral began – King Henry III granted a Charter to the Bishop of Salisbury to hold a fair on the third Monday in October.

Credit: Salisbury City Council

treats including toffee apples to enjoy.

the space really unique.

“We’re a Wiltshire-based business and for us provenance is key; so, it’s only right that our first beer house is in the city we all grew up in. We’re buzzing.”

The 1500sq ft venue once housed American soldiers during the war, with inscriptions from their time discovered on the walls during renovation.

With an outside courtyard and a stage area for live music and weekly DJ sets, the venue also promises a weekly quiz night and regular events such as ‘meet the brewer’ evenings, open mic nights, bring your own vinyl specials and charity events.

Sundays will have a chilled out, acoustic offer with local folk favourites, such as Ribble Music, among others.

Food will centre around ‘drinking food’, the founders said, perfect for “a snack with a pint or a proper feed with pals”.

Winter concert promises evening of emotions

AN EVENING of emotional and thought provoking music from some of the most renowned composers of all time is on offer from Fordingbridge Choral Society on Saturday, November 25.

The society’s Winter Concert will take place at St Mary’s Church in Fordingbridge, starting at 7.30pm.

The choir, under the direction of our music director Nigel Edwards, will be accompanied by the experienced Edwards Ensemble and joined by three superb guest soloists.

The Charter Fair attracts thousands of people to the Market Place every year, bringing plenty of fun for all the family with traditional fair favourites including the carousel, dodgems, waltzer, and many more.

And if you are feeling brave, why not try out Oxygen – a new ride for this year that should excite thrill seekers.

There will also be street food and sweet

Mayor of Salisbury, Cllr Atiqul Hoque will officially open the Charter Fair at 2pm on the Sunday, alongside fellow Salisbury City Councillors and members of the Showmen’s Guild Western Section. Juvenile rides will cost £2 each until 6pm.

The Fair will open from 2pm until 9pm on Sunday, and then 11am until 10pm Monday through to Wednesday.

https://salisburycitycouncil.gov.uk

The concert has a varied programme including the tear jerking and romantic piece, Siegfried Idyll by Richard Wagner, also the evocative masterpiece, Song of Destiny by Johannes Brahms plus the deep and meaningful, Hymn of Praise by Felix Mendelssohn.

Tickets are £15 for advanced booking or £18 on the door, £5 concessions per ticket for under-18s. Ticket price includes interval refreshments. Advance tickets available from Fordingbridge Bookshop or from www. ticketsource.co.uk/fordingbridgechoral www.fordingbridgechoral.org.uk

The fair attracts thousands of people to the centre of Salisbury each year

The bar on Brown Street will mark the brewery’s first permanent site

The PreLoved Fashion Event returns to Salisbury

The event runs from 7pm until 11pm and tickets are available on their website www. prelovedfashioneventsalisbury. co.uk or from Sisters Wardrobe on Winchester Street, Salisbury.

Included in the ticket price is a welcome glass of prosecco, a mini goodie bag, a chance to win a champagne hamper and musical entertainment throughout the evening.

Avon Valley Concerts presents Craig Ogden, guitar

October 13, 7.30pm

Trinity Centre, Ringwood

Adults £18

Sixpenny Handley Community Cinema

The Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Fry Village Hall, Common Road SP5 5NJ

Friday, October 20, 6.30pm for 7pm - £6

Information: 6dhandleyhall@gmail.com

FOLLOWING the success of the last event in April, held in aid of Salisbury District Hospital’s Stars Appeal Charity, the Preloved Fashion Event team are set to return with a ‘Party Edit’.

Local businesswoman Lynne Rose, MD at Personnel

Placements and a Salisbury BID Director is joined by Corinne Whillock, creative designer and jewellery maker and owner of Lulu & Boo Sustainable Jewellery, and together with Colin Ford and Mick Whillock, they are hosting ‘The Preloved Fashion and Sustainable Shopping Event’ at Salisbury Guildhall on the evening of Thursday 2nd November.

The four are part of a 37-strong group of local Salisbury Stars Appeal Trekkers who are fundraising ahead of their next trek to The Lost City in Colombia in April next year.

Lynne and Corinne have gathered together preloved, vintage and sustainable businesses including local traders Sisters Wardrobe, Made by SJP, Sustainable Style Boutique, Blondies Retro Vintage and Aspiga Wilton, who as well as selling a range of vintage, preloved and sustainable fashion and

accessories, will be showcasing some unique and one-off pieces in two fashion show sessions during the evening. Valse Collection, a preloved designer brand, Lulu & Boo Sustainable Jewellery, Regent Tailoring , Twizzell UK, Made by BellaBee, Auburn Groove Vintage, Tina’s Retro Vintage, Zesty Reworks, Ruth’s Preloved and Merryn Rock Jewellery are just some of the other sellers confirmed for the event.

Salisbury’s Muse Hairdressing will be working with the event fashion show models and The Wig and Quill will run the event bar.

The Stars Appeal Trekkers also have their own ‘preloved boutique’ and all proceeds from the event will be donated to Stars Appeal.

Each trekker has different reasons for trekking and fundraising, from saying thank you for the care and support they or a loved one has received from Salisbury Hospital to having worked as part of the NHS Team who deliver care, but they have all seen firsthand the difference the extra facilities and equipment the Stars Appeal provides above that provided by the NHS makes to patients, their families and staff at the hospital.

Jumble Sale

October 14, 2pm

Damerham Village Hall, SP6 3HN Teas, raffle

In aid of St George’s Church. Donations from 10am

Cosmos Connections and Contemplations

11 November, 5pm to 9pm Tokes Farm, Shaftesbury

Contemplating our place within the cosmos and our connections to it – scientifically, energetically and spiritually. Led by meditation teacher and ex-astronomer Mark Westmoquette.

£55, hearty supper included. Booking via https://markwestmoquette.co.uk/event/ cosmos-connections-contemplations/

Arrow words Wordsearch

Wading Birds

Crossword

Across 8 Truffles, eg (5)

9 Ghost (7)

10 Skill (7)

11 Makes (5)

12 Annihilated (9)

14 Long, thin stick (3)

15 Find the sum of (3)

16 ‘It doesn’t matter’ (5,4)

19 Dismiss from a job (3,2)

21 Public disgrace (7)

23 Donkey Kong villain (7) 24 Doctrine (5)

Down

1 Full of anxiety (6)

2 Impartial (8)

3 Green fruit, rich in vitamin C (4)

4 In a lively way (6)

5 Julian or Gregorian, eg (8)

6 Point of light in the sky (4)

7 Entertained (6)

13 Haphazardly (8)

14 Animal with antlers (8)

15 Assert (6)

(6)

17 Ocular (6)

18 Glob (6)

20 Rotate (4)

22 Moves with a curving trajectory (4)

7 3 3

6 7 6 1 4 2 6 4 6 9 7 5 8 4 3 5 5 8 1 4 2 5 7

Brain chain

Jumbo sudoku

Cryptic crossword

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.

1 End of union or chapter in seedy joint (7)

Brain chain (hard version)

Across

1 End of union or chapter in seedy joint (7)

Down

5 Resort with sun before start of May for a brief period (5)

5 Resort with sun before start of May for a brief period (5)

9 A main chat time arranged for numerical expert (13)

10 Damage varied gear around island in match (8)

2 Home and the opposite to some extent (2,1,3)

3 Play heroes with wit alternatively (9)

9 A main chat time arranged for numerical expert (13)

4 Tiny interval in sitcom maintained (5)

6 Muscle shown in exercise class without

10 Damage varied gear around island in match (8)

7 Unctuous male interrupts second host (6)

11 Move very quickly to get huge amount of money (4)

8 Run into an exam free from worry (2,4)

11 Move very quickly to get huge amount of money (4)

12 Trip to Tunisia to find place (9)

16 Wait to get offer close to reasonable (4)

17 Two US actresses in period of great success (5,3)

19 Work to cover oneself? (13)

21 Book inspired final character in burst of activity (5)

Across

1 End of union or chapter in seedy joint (7)

12 Trip to Tunisia to find place (9)

11 Put on the airwaves in the US woman and of actors (9)

16 Wait to get offer close to reasonable (4)

13 Event with amusements having opening barred? It’s not just (6)

17 Two US actresses in period of great success (5,3)

19 Work to cover oneself? (13)

14 Ceremonial code for all to see in criminal trial (6)

21 Book inspired final character in burst of activity (5)

15 A companion cuts prescribed envelope

18 Group rowing had food, we’re told (5)

22 Second person from Paris probes country law (7)

20 Some floating seed (3)

22 Second person from Paris probes country law (7)

5 Resort with sun before start of May for a brief period (5)

9 A main chat time arranged for numerical expert (13)

10 Damage varied gear around island in match (8)

11 Move very quickly to get huge amount of money (4)

12 Trip to Tunisia to find place (9)

16 Wait to get offer close to reasonable (4)

17 Two US actresses in period of great success (5,3)

Place 1 to 9 once each into every row, column and boldlined 3x3 box. No digit maybe repeated in any dashed-lined cage, and each dash-lined cage must result in the given value when the stated operation is applied between all of the digits in that cage. For subtraction and division operations, start with the highest number in the cage and then subtract or divide by the other numbers in that cage

19 Work to cover oneself? (13)

21 Book inspired final character in burst of activity (5)

22 Second person from Paris probes country law (7)

116 RESULT ×1/2 -50% +166 ×1/3 +20%

Down

2 Home and the opposite to some extent (2,1,3)

3 Play heroes with wit alternatively (9)

4 Tiny interval in sitcom maintained (5)

6 Muscle shown in exercise class without girl (3)

7 Unctuous male interrupts second host (6)

8 Run into an exam free from worry (2,4)

11 Put on the airwaves in the US woman and set of actors (9)

13 Event with amusements having opening barred? It’s not just (6)

14 Ceremonial code for all to see in criminal trial (6)

15 A companion cuts prescribed envelope (6)

18 Group rowing had food, we’re told (5)

20 Some floating seed (3)

For the solutions, turn to page 47

Amesbury continue encouraging start to the season with ninth win

AFTER a busy but encouraging start to the season, Amesbury Town FC has now played eleven matches, winning nine of them, moving the team to the top of Corsham Print Wiltshire Senior League Premier Division..

The recent good run started after a setback at the former league leaders, Kintbury, where they were unlucky to lose to a last minute goal, they bounced back to win 3-1 at home to Shrewton United and 4-3 at Royal Wootton Bassett Development.

It was a real scorcher at Gerard Buxton Sports Ground, home of Royal Wootton Bassett, with the heat making conditions on the artificial turf difficult for both sides.

The home side started brighter and caused Amesbury a few early scares. Amesbury then took control of the game and started playing on the front foot. Wide men Ben Morris and Cameron Hoyle always looked like creating chances in possession and the running and willingness of Josh Moore putting pressure on the Bassett defence.

Ben Morris once again caused a threat down the left

side putting in a teasing ball with Josh Moore finding the net to give Amesbury the lead.

The home side then took the game to Amesbury and got back on level terms with a penalty, coolly taken by Kevin Lartey.

The first half scoring was not done, however, with Ben Morris again causing trouble in the Bassett defence, and forcing the keeper into a save. The rebound fell to Josh Moore and the outcome was in no doubt, 2-1.

It looked like Amesbury would be going into half time ahead but Finley Smith found the

net leaving it 2-2 at the break.

The second half started with both teams trying to play their football and get a foothold in the game. A well-worked move involving Harry Hale and Bailey Hill led to Rhys Sullivan making it 3-2 with a mesmerising run and finish.

Dean Carr, who was making his debut, then clipped a lovely weighted ball over the Bassett defence into the path of Ben Morris who rounded off a good personal performance with a lobbed goal, showing that killer instinct to make it 4-2.

Job done, or was it?

Amesbury faced a scare with Ben Pope scoring late on to make it 4-3 but held on to come away with a deserved 3 points.

On Saturday 16th, there was another convincing home win, this time 8-1 against Odd Down Development with goals from Josh Moore (2), Charlie Jackson (2), Keiron Diaz-Benitez, Craig Wheeler, Ben Morris and Jack Langdown.

The team has since won three games in a row, with an 8-1 victory against Odd Down Development followed by a 1-0 victory on road against Trowbridge Town and a 5-1 win at Shrivenham which featured a hat trick from Ben Morris, who now has nine goals. Josh Moore is not far behind on seven.

October’s home games at Bonnymead Park:

● Tuesday 10 v Ludgershall

Sports 7:30pm

● Saturday 21 v Blunsdon

3:00pm

● Saturday 28 v Malmesbury

Victoria Development

3:00pm

For the latest news and fixtures, please check the website www. amesburytownfc.weebly.com

A hot and hilly start to the new road race league season

THE FIRST road race of the 2023/24 league season saw CoSARC’s runners travel to Hampshire for the Overton 5 mile.

Nearly 500 runners raced the five miles under a very hot September sun. Two racers pushed themselves so much on the hilly course in the heat, that they all but collapsed.

Showing dogged determination they dug deep in the finishing straight as they staggered to the line.

CoSARC’s results were: Aaron Wilson 28:40; Shaun Brown 29:53; Matthew Gervais 29:58; Dave Gervais 31:42; Mark Wilde 32:50; Tamara Lake 33:01; Angus Payton 33:25; Ollie Stone 33:39; Ruth Holloway 35:06; Ollie Martins

44:57; Heather Hitchens 45:28; Jo Marks 50:03; Michelle Boucher 51:28; Colin Martin 1:07:20.

The South Coast Ultra Challenge is a 100km race from Eastbourne to Arundel, along the South Downs Way, via Beachy Head, Seven Sisters and Devil’s Dyke.

The hotter than expected weather, with hardly any wind, challenged all the runners. Al Bayliss still finished in a superb time of 14:28:53.

On another hot morning at the Churchill Gardens Junior Parkrun, CoSARC runners took 1st, 2nd and 3rd places.

Their finishing times were James Gabriel 6:54, Freddie Bosworth 7:00 and Stanley Stuart 8:44.

36:58; James Ballard 37:07; Edward Cane 37:22; Vicky Clark 41:44; Alison Sloane

Alison Scott 44:37; Paul Slaughter

CoSARC runners braved the hear at the Overton 5 Mile, the first road of the league season

Amesbury Town FC sporting their away kit, the team currently sit in first place in the league

Holly takes to the skies to raise awareness and funds for endometriosis sufferers

I AM in the very fortunate position to live, know and work with some very strong women. My daughter Holly is one of them.

For over a year she has dealt with undiagnosed endometriosis, a condition I knew nothing about until she became affected and started a journey of trying to understand what was going on with her and how she could resolve it.

Along with the intense physical pain, the mental anguish and frustration at being dismissed by doctors has been relentless.

Holly has had the courage and intelligence to know her own body and persist in finding the cause, finally getting a diagnosis after over a year.

Having conversations with women post Holly’s diagnosis, I’m amazed by how many have either been affected or know somebody who has been affected by endometriosis.

The figures are staggering: it is estimated that 190 million women worldwide are affected by the condition; in the UK that equates to 1-in-10 women.

The exact cause is unknown and diagnosis can be difficult but the symptoms can be excruciatingly painful, there’s no cure and the long-term effects can be extremely serious.

With her health challenges resolved, Holly has started a fundraiser to support Endometriosis UK, a vital charity that provides support, information and a community for those affected by this condition.

An adrenaline junkie, and knowing no fear, she decided to throw herself out of a plane. When she told me what she was doing I was not surprised, not because she is an adrenaline

junkie but because her character is such that she wants to help others, and this is her way of raising awareness.

So, on Saturday, September 23, Holly jumped out of a plane at 15,000 feet, supported by a very helpful team at GoSkydive in Salisbury. Holly put her fears aside for a minute of freefalling at 150mph.

Holly always says I am her hero, but she is my hero.

NICOLA BEST (HOLLY’S MUM), STEPDAD CRAIG, GRANDMA MARGARET AND GRANDAD STAN Wiltshire

UNESCO SHOULD LISTEN TO SHREWTON’S RESIDENTS

YET AGAIN a lack of professional journalism.

The article, UNESCO warns Stonehenge’s heritage status at risk if A303 scheme goes ahead, just as with the BBC website,

has not been checked for bias.

As a result, the delightful (I’m being sarcastic here in case you don’t understand) Tom Holland’s comments are repeated, without any balance from the ‘opposition’.

Is it too much effort to contact a Shrewton resident to hear AND PRINT their comments about the tunnel plan, to provide an impartial article?

Tom Holland may be the president of the Stonehenge Alliance group but he does not live in the area affected by the rat running, speeding, verbal abuse and damage.

Or you could contact Stonehenge Traffic Action Group (STAG) via Facebook to hear the latest update on how traffic and the LACK of a tunnel affects our village!

Many residents feel forgotten and ignored in the tunnel debate.

JAN MCKERNAN Shrewton

BALANCED POLITICS

I ENJOY reading the opinion or commentary pieces from our local councillors in your paper.

I do not always agree with them but it is a welcome change to hear opposing views all in one place and without anyone trying to shout down everyone else!

I was pleased to see that Sven Hocking has now added his voice/words as well. Even more balance. I wonder if the Greens or other parties would welcome a platform, although I don’t want to read anything defamatory or nonsensical that makes scapegoats of people. There is no place for that kind of commentary, certain sections of this government are doing quite enough of that.

So while I do not always agree with what I read, with the election looming, it is more than welcome.

RETIRED , SOUTH WILTS

Holly gliding through the skies over Old Sarum, supported by the GoSkydive team

Flexibility can meet the deeper challenges of the volunteering sector

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.

SINCE Covid and the advent of the cost of living crisis volunteer recruitment has been tougher, which has a knock on effect on charities who increasingly rely on the essential work they do.

This represents a challenge for charities and voluntary groups. Where are their volunteers going to come from? A survey in 2018 found that 73% of volunteers believed there were people from a wide range of backgrounds and cultures in their group, by 2022 this had dropped to 66%.

The same survey last year found that 82% of young people aged 18 to 24 were satisfied with their volunteering, compared to 96% of those over 55. Both of these statistics suggest charities have work to do to meet the needs of their volunteers and to be inclusive.

Wessex Community Action is working with many charities and voluntary groups, as well as potential volunteers themselves, to address these challenges. Through training and best practice it is helping them put working practices, procedures and policies in place that fit better with volunteers’ lives.

“We can support voluntary organisations across Wiltshire with developing good practices in volunteer management, through free resources and training, and help them navigate the changing volunteer landscape to enable greater success in recruiting the right people,” said volunteer and community development manager Sarah Pickering.

An example of the way charities and voluntary groups are trying to adapt is that volunteering online or over the phone is the third most popular way to give time, with 31% of volunteering in the last 12 months taking place at least partly online or over the phone.

The satisfaction derived from working this way isn’t affected, with 92% of those who do so saying they enjoy it.

Wessex Community Action is setting up

a Wiltshire Volunteer Centre to provide support for charities and groups and also to work with potential volunteers to look at how much time they can give and how often, what their skills are and which causes they are interested in.

An ideal place to look for volunteering opportunities is Wiltshire Together, a digital community platform hosted by Wessex Community Action. On it, organisations and charities manage all their own content and activities so it’s always up to date, and users are connected straight back to that organisation.

Among the opportunities available on Wiltshire Together at the moment is a visual merchandiser for the Trussell Trust, working with teams in the Salisbury area to design window displays. Dorothy House Hospice’s shop in Warminster is looking for online retail assistants to help sell vintage clothing on eBay.

The charity is also looking for an assistant in Westbury to help with researching items submitted for listing by the Dorothy House eBay Team.

All of these roles involve flexible hours to suit the right applicant and are typical of the way charities are learning to work around volunteers’ busy lives.

Wiltshire Together is free to use and allows users to browse and pledge interest for the opportunities listed. Users can also set up a member profile that allows them to log their volunteer hours, which can help with CVs and employability prospects.

The site now has a new Volunteering in Wiltshire page and can be found at wiltshiretogether.org.uk.

To find out more and to register interest in volunteering, contact Sarah at volunteerdev@wessexcommunityaction.org. uk.

Care provider reveals the best ways to help elderly relatives feel less lonely

LONELINESS is a serious problem that can have a negative impact on the physical and mental health of older adults. According to Age UK, 1.4 million older people in the UK are often lonely.

To help those worried about their elderly friends and relatives, experts at Elmfield Care in Salisbury have provided expert tips on how to combat loneliness in the elderly.

Stay connected

It’s important to stay connected with family and friends. One of the best ways to stay connected is to make time for face-to-face interactions, even if it’s just for a quick coffee date.

Fortunately, even on days where you can’t meet in person, you can still keep in touch via video calls, or speak to them over the phone and through texting.

Encourage them to get involved in social activities

Having new experiences and

forming new friendships can help bring people together. If your elderly relatives are in a care home, encourage them to take part in the social activities that are offered. From themed events, celebrations and day trips, there are a wide range of social events that are inclusive for all.

Get regular exercise

Getting regular exercise can

help elderly people in several ways and can have many mood-boosting effects. It can help people feel more confident and capable, which can result in them reaching out to others more.

It can also help reduce stress and anxiety, which often contribute to loneliness. Many exercise programs are groupbased, which provides the opportunity for social

interaction and can help the elderly make new friends. Be a good listener

It may seem simple, but when an elderly person is feeling lonely, they may just need someone to listen to them. Make sure you don’t interrupt or finish their sentences as it can make them feel like you’re not listening. Also, asking open-ended questions can encourage friends and family to share their thoughts and feelings.

Be patient

Elderly friends and relatives may have difficulty communicating due to memory, hearing, or vision problems. Likewise, they may struggle to find the right words to express themselves. Being patient and understanding can help them feel less frustrated and more likely to communicate. Remember it may take some time for an elderly person to adjust to new social activities or relationships.

Stoptober is back – with more support than ever

ALONG with colder nights and fallen leaves, October sees the return of Stoptober, with Wiltshire Council once again backing the annual national stop smoking campaign, to help support locals to quit smoking for good.

While nationally, the percentage of people who smoke is 12.7% according to the Office for National Statistics, in Wiltshire the number of people who smoke is thought to be slightly smaller, with almost 90% classed as non-smokers.

By 2030, there is a national ambition to be smoke free (with a stated prevalence of under 5%).

Wiltshire Council’s Health Improvement Hub is currently offering 1-2-1 and group support over the course of 12 weeks with Nicotine Replacement Therapy (NRT) or, if

someone is interested in quitting altogether, with an e-cigarette – a free device/e-liquids are offered with behavioural support, which is available virtually or face to face.

Cabinet member for public health, Cllr Ian Blair-Pilling said: “Smoking inevitably increases the risk of getting a number of serious health issues.

“If you want to make a real go of quitting

smoking, a strong support network is key. With all its resources and expert advice, Stoptober is the perfect opportunity to quit for good.

“In Wiltshire, we have a great track record of helping people, and we have fewer smokers in our county than the national average. So, I ask that people don’t put off quitting until tomorrow, now’s the time.”

Director of public health, Kate Blackburn, said: “We know stopping smoking can be extremely hard and we have a range of support to help with this. Our health coaches will be out and about in Wiltshire this October offering advice and support and you can ask for support through our hub so you don’t have to do this alone.”

The Wiltshire Stop Smoking Service offers support in most GP practices.

Credit: Ekaterina Shakharova/Unsplash

The service offers support in most Wiltshire GP surgeries

Credit: Lex Guerra/Unsplash

Living with addiction in the family: Families out Loud are on hand to help

by Katrina Ffiske

FAMILIES Out Loud (FOL) is a Wiltshire charity working with families challenged by someone else’s drug and alcohol dependency, supporting them to bravely build a better life.

Groups have been running since 2018 in Trowbridge, Chippenham and more recently in Salisbury. The charity has just been granted £1,000 funding from the Salisbury City Council to help support more families in the area.

Trustee Debra Hawley said: “We are thrilled to receive this money; it is affirmation that the work we do is beneficial to so many. We plan to do more marketing so that people can find out about us.

“We are keen to grow the Salisbury group and help more families and individuals in the city impacted by drug and alcohol dependency. It is so helpful if they can speak, free from stigma, and receive the support, care and help they need.

“With face-to-face and online services, we can offer one-to-one meetings to suit individuals; counselling and therapeutic support for family groups, peer support, bereavement support and specialist support for ages 13 to 17.

“Our board of trustees all have lived-experience of addiction within their immediate family circle and understand the complex and long-term nature of addiction and all our counsellors are fully trained,” said Debra.

“Addiction has a devastating effect on families. If someone you care about is abusing drugs or alcohol, day-to-day life can quickly spiral out of control. The whole family is affected resulting in fraught relationships, secrecy and deceit, and a dysfunctional home environment.

“Individuals, who are often in despair, tell us they feel distressed, scared, isolated, helpless, ashamed or hopeless.

“Working with people for as long as it takes, we help clients to set boundaries, detach from chaotic behaviours, take back control, achieve better mental well-being and rebuild their lives. In the long run, this could also benefit the addict in the family.”

Families Out Loud offer one-to-one sessions providing a safe space where clients can talk freely about what is happening in their lives.

After an initial assessment which explores background, expectations and any safeguarding issues, experienced professionals offer counselling and therapeutic support focusing entirely on

each individual’s needs.

There are also family sessions which can promote openness, discussion and prevent misunderstandings within families.

Emotional manipulation is common behaviour for drug and alcohol users and, while family members are responsible for their own actions, our professionals encourage open and constructive dialogue with a view to reaching a consensus on how the family collectively responds to a loved-one.

Some may prefer the support groups. I talked with Grace, from Salisbury, who has already benefited from going to Families Out Loud. “I met up with Donna, a trained counsellor who runs the group,” Grace told me.

“I was so nervous when I arrived but everyone was so welcoming. It was such a relief for me to share the stress and concern I had trying to help my sister who had been an alcoholic for many years.

“I suddenly realised that I wasn’t alone.”

Families Out Loud is currently looking for a new trustee who is based in Salisbury. Email your interest to enquiries@familiesoutloud.org.

Listening Place in session when flag flies at Methodist church

IF you see a new flag flying at Salisbury Methodist Church you can be sure that a welcome awaits.

Raised three times a week, the flag indicates that ‘The Listening Place’ is in session. “Now, more than ever, people need our listening service, and we want to make it as easy as possible for them to find us,” said Sue Robbins, manager of the Listening Place.

“We are probably unique in Salisbury now, as we provide walk-in face-to-face sessions,

where people can talk through their problems, worries or concerns.”

Established nearly 20 years ago, The Listening Place provides a friendly and safe place where people can share whatever is on their mind with a trained listener.

Listeners won’t interrupt, advise or judge but, by listening, can often help to find a way forward. The service is completely free and confidential. No notes are taken or kept and only first names are used.

Based at Salisbury Methodist Church in St Edmunds Church Street, two-hour sessions are held on Wednesday and Saturday mornings between 10am and 12pm, and Monday evenings from 5.30pm and 7.30pm.

The aim is to provide accessible times for workers and non-workers. Private rooms are available for listening sessions and there are three volunteer listeners in attendance at each session.

Appointments can be made by phone to ensure a listener is

available, but drop-ins are welcome. Coffee mornings are also held on Wednesday and Saturday mornings in the foyer of the church which provide a warm and relaxed environment.

If you would like to know more about the Listening Place there will be a stall at Salisbury Market (September 30) where current listeners will be on hand to explain more about the work. To make an appointment, call 01722 325 294, leave a message, email salisburylisteningplace@ gmail.com

New appointments to College of Canons to represent rural communities

AT a time when the pressure on farmers and rural communities across Salisbury Diocese has never been higher, the Bishop of Salisbury, the Right Revd Stephen Lake, has invited two canons with strong connections to rural areas to join Salisbury Cathedral’s College of Canons.

The Reverend David Bacon, Team Rector of the Forest and Avon team, will be admitted as a non-residentiary canon alongside The Revd Richard Kirlew, who chairs the Agricultural Chaplains Association, a circle of Christian ministers working in rural communities.

The appointments reflect the need for the Church to address the concerns of its rural communities, which are often isolated and currently face great uncertainty post Brexit, with agricultural costs that have doubled since 2019 and anxiety about food security.

The Right Reverend Stephen Lake said:

“There is important work to be done in our rural communities, with a recent report pinpointing poor mental health as the biggest hidden problem faced by farmers under 40.

“This makes the appointment of these two canons with their insights into the needs of rural communities an important and timely one.”

The Dean of Salisbury, The Very Revd Nicholas Papadopulos:

“It is important that the College of Canons reflects all our communities, urban and rural, and given the current challenges faced by our farmers it will be a good thing to have their voice heard here at the Cathedral and in the broader Church.”

The Revd Richard Kirlew is originally from York and is proud of his northern roots. Following an education at the

Minster School, where he became head server at the minster, he went to Askham Bryan Agricultural College and studied machinery and crop production.

After some years working with an agricultural contractor, he joined the ambulance service and worked at three ambulance stations throughout North Yorkshire.

During his time in the service, he was elected as the first full-time national secretary of a staff association representing ambulance staff.

That led him to Somerset in 1988, where he was ordained in

Wells Cathedral in 2005. In Bath and Wells Diocese he served his curacy and was also chair of the Diocesan Rural Life Group.

In 2008, he moved to Swansea and Brecon Diocese as rural life advisor with seven tiny parishes. Fifteen months later he became national lead on rural life to the Church in Wales.

He moved to Salisbury diocese in 2015 to take up a house for duty team

vicar post in the Three Valleys Benefice. He formed an agricultural chaplaincy in Sherborne Deanery with links to Salisbury Livestock Centre, which he coupled with being rural officer for Dorset.

Richard is now retired with a Permission To Officiate but still doing agricultural chaplaincy.

He is married to Liz, a retired practice nurse. They have two adult children and five grandchildren. Richard has said that he is both delighted and humbled to be made a member of the College of Canons and hopes to build rural links between the diocese and the cathedral.

After a short time in the Home Office, The Revd David Bacon trained at Salisbury and Wells Theological College.

He has spent 35 years in parish ministry in the dioceses of Rochester, Exeter and Salisbury where he has been serving in the Forest and Avon Team for nearly 19 years.

He was also rural dean of Alderbury for eight years.

David enjoys preaching and teaching and enabling others to grow in discipleship.

He is married to Katie and they have two grown-up children, two grandchildren and one on the way.

The two canons were admitted to the College of Canons during Evensong, Thursday, October 5.

Above: The Revd David Bacon has spent 35 years in parish ministry, including in Salisbury and was also rural dean of Alderbury

Below: The Revd ichard Kirlew once worked in agriculture and the ambulance service before moving to Somerset, where in 2005 he was ordained in Wells Cathedral

New choristers welcomed with traditional bumping ceremony

SIX new choristers were admitted to Salisbury Cathedral’s boys choir during Evensong on Sunday, September 24, which was followed by the age-old ‘bumping’ ceremony.

Edward Parker, Samuel Jarvis, Cassius Wade, Oscar Salomon, George Johnson and Jacob Watson were welcomed to the choir by fellow choristers after Evensong, taking part in the age-old ‘bumping’ ceremony.

Bumping takes place in the south quire aisle opposite the vestry. Each chorister takes his turn to have his head banged seven times on the ‘bumping stone’ while the assembled boys choir chant a welcome.

No one knows where this tradition comes from, or how long it has been part of chorister admission or, indeed, whether the stone was specially carved for ‘bumping’ or has been worn away by heads over centuries. It is all done very gently though.

This year’s new cathedral choristers are not only singers, but are also learning at least one or two other instruments including piano, trombone, double bass, violin and trumpet,

making good use of the excellent music teaching available at the Cathedral School.

Established choristers, Harry Mills, Logan Broom, Luke Anderson-Diaper and George Gostick, were promoted to senior choristers during the same service.

David Halls, director of music, said: “It is great to welcome such a strong cohort

into the choir, with excellent seniors to encourage and support them.

“English Cathedrals are the custodians of an important choral tradition that singers like these boys are helping us to maintain. It is a form of music that is particular to our history and legacy and it would be a shame if it were ever to be lost.”

Two new girls, Rose Howarth and Venetia Sturgeon, were admitted to the girls choir on Sunday, October 1, also during Evensong.

The two new girl choristers were ‘bumped’ in a ceremony that is modelled on the boys but takes place in the Trinity Chapel and involves a very large prayer book.

Venetia joins her sister Allegra, who is already a chorister, and who was promoted to senior chorister during the same service, along with fellow choristers Amelia Parker, Mollie Johnson and Cecilia Davies.

The 2024 recruitment season also launches this October. On Saturday, October 7, children in school Years 2, 3 and 4 who like singing were invited to take part in Be a Chorister for a Day, joining the Music Team for an afternoon of fun and singing in the cathedral and school.

The children met current choristers, joined rehearsals conducted by David Halls, and took part in a special Evensong.

David Halls said: “We have been blessed with wonderful young singers over the years, but a choir can never afford to rest on its laurels.

“Older singers will eventually move on to secondary school so we are always on the lookout for talent. Recruiting is an exciting process but very demanding, and it’s always a relief when you have the full line up set and ready to go.”

Above: Senior choristers ‘bump’ one of the new choristers during the traditiional ceremony. It is not known how old the ceremony is

Left: The Dean of Salisbury and Canon Precentor with the four newly promoted choristers

Credit: Spencer Mulholland

Salisbury Museum renovations reveal new route through history

WITH work continuing apace on the Past Forward renovation project at Salisbury Museum, the Gazette was given a tour of the site by director Adrian Green who revealed the progress being made toward reopening the right hand wing of the building.

A big reason for undertaking the work is to make the space within the museum work better for the visitor.

“We used to have our rooms divided up into separate exhibitions: ceramics in one room, Salisbury in another, Stonehenge, and so on,” said Adrian. “But we realised it didn’t really help us tell the story of Salisbury, it didn’t flow.”

The excellent ancient history wing (Wessex Gallery) remains open and once the building work has concluded it will form the first part of the journey for the visitor.

“You’ll start the story in the ancient past, the early history of the area, then move through the museum, through the origins of Salisbury itself, the medieval period, and on through to the modern period.”

The renovation of the right-hand wing – the museum is essentially an H-shape – has allowed Adrian and his team to re-imagine each room and how the visitor will move through it.

The old chapel, which used to be used for school visits and lectures, and which was only accessible by walking through the garden has now been brought “into the museum” and will house the modern day exhibitions. The new space is full of light.

And while we were in the room, surrounded by workmen, pipes and lengths of wood, Hobnob the giant, resided in his display case, covered in protective sheets, a looming reminder of the long history of the building. The chapel has also been given new access to

the gardens in the form of a glazed doorway.

Essentially, therefore, the ground floor will tell the history of Salisbury, flowing from the Wessex Gallery through to the revamped chapel.

The lecture room is now on the second floor, with improved heating and air conditioning. A lift will increase accessibility to the space.

Outside the main door to this room and up a short staircase is the library and archive, once hidden away, it will become both fully accessible and a researcher’s dream.

Back down on the ground floor the new cafe area with purpose-built kitchen and upgraded toilet facilities are set to become an important part of the museum’s offering to visitors.

It’s easy to feel a sense of history when walking around. Step into the King’s Room and you are standing where James I stayed on more than once occasion. The brickwork and the floor levels indicate different time periods, but even though the building is well documented and has many past lives of its own, it still offers up surprises and secrets even to the people who work there.

During renovation work on a window, a stone was removed which appeared featureless on the outside. It was only when it was turned around that it revealed the carved head of what appears to be a woman in a head scarf or covering.

It’s not known where the carving originally comes from, or whether there are more like it

preserved for future generations. While its past is unknown, its future is now much clearer.

“We’re going to put it on display as soon as we can,” Adrian said. “We can work on it and try to understand it more over time, but there is no reason it shouldn’t be on view to our visitors, it’s an important part of the history of the building.”

The cafe is due to be completed by January with the museum fully open by May next year. When it is, the visitor experience will be hugely enhanced and the building itself will be more accessible.

The story of Salisbury and its surrounds will become much clearer, from prehistory, through Stonehenge, Old Sarum, the Cathedral and Charter right the way up to the modern city.

Clockwise: The renovated cafe area, with door leading to new kitchen; the mysterious carved head; a new entrance to the chapel; the library revealed; moderning what will become the lecture hall

Stonehenge gets a floral makoever

STONEHENGE received a floral makeover recently in homage to the annual dahlia shows that once took place on the site.

Site custodians, English Heritage arranged a spectacular display of over 5,000 dahlias for the exhibition which took place from September 29 to October 1. At its height, the Stonehenge dahlia show attracted crowds of up to 10,000 people, all coming to see the spectacular flower sculptures alongside displays of prize-winning dahlias, cricket matches and brass bands.

In 1842 one of these winners – then a new variety of dahlia – was named the ‘Hero of Stonehenge’. This year, English Heritage decided to award the title ‘New Hero of Stonehenge’ to a winning dahlia, chosen by a panel of experts together with visitors to Stonehenge.

Their choice of eventual winner were the Jowey Winnie dahlias of Julian Hemming.

According to the Devizes and Wiltshire Gazette (September 1842), “the extreme novelty to selecting Stonehenge for a dahlia exhibition, and a delightful sunshine, attracted, as

was expected, most of the fashionables of the neighbourhood to the spot. Such a scene of gaiety was never before witnessed on Salisbury Plain… Parties of gentlemen and elegantly dressed ladies were scattered about in all directions.” The show became so popular that it was necessary to erect a sign commanding that “no vehicles, booths, or standing pitches” should be put within 50 yards of the stones.

English Heritage landscape historian, Louise Crawley, said: “It is wonderful to see these beautiful flowers return to Stonehenge after nearly 180

years, and to have such a colourful element of Stonehenge’s more recent past brought to life again.

“The original shows were an opportunity for people to gather and parade in their finery. The floral sculptures give us a real flavour of what those original shows may have been like.

“The original Hero of Stonehenge may no longer be in cultivation, but with so many wonderful varieties to choose from for the ‘best in show’, I know that with our visitors’ help, we will be able to find a worthy successor.”

In order to recreate the spectacle of the original Stonehenge dahlia shows, huge floral sculptures or ‘devices’ as described in the 1840s, including a giant trilithon, were fashioned by local flower arranging clubs beside a meadow of blooms surrounding the Neolithic village.

The dahlias were grown by local members of the National Dahlia Society. They were displayed in the style of a traditional flower show in the Visitor Centre, during the exhibition.

The splendours of Clarendon Palace brought to life

THE PROBUS Club of Sarum was delighted to welcome back Salisbury historian Ruth Newman for a riveting and beautifully illustrated talk about Clarendon Palace.

Clarendon, just to the northeast of Salisbury, was the greatest palace outside London up to the late 13th century. However, for the past 500 years it has been a ruin. The site dates back as a hunting ground and lodge to the Iron Age and was used by both Romans and Saxons. Nowadays, it is the only palace in England in its original landscape.

Between 1130 and 1500 Clarendon Palace saw a multitude of developments, hosting several monarchs and witnessing significant historical events. The origins of Clarendon Palace date back to the early 12th century, with initial construction believed to have started around 1130. The site was initially used as a hunting lodge by Norman Kings.

The palace was constructed on a site set within more than 2,000 acres of royal forests.

There have been four or five deer leaps, places where deer could jump in, but not out.

Among the notable events that took place here, the Constitution of Clarendon was agreed, 16 articles issued in January 1164 by King Henry II defining church-state relations in England. These were designed to restrict ecclesiastical privileges and curb the power of the church courts. King Henry I was one of the first monarchs known to have spent time at Clarendon Palace.

The constitutions provoked the famous quarrel between Henry and his archbishop of Canterbury, Thomas Becket. There is

evidence that about 1,800 people attended these meetings.

During the 13th century, the palace underwent expansion under the reigns of various monarchs, notably King Henry III. The King made significant additions to the palace, including the King’s chambers, the Great Hall, and a chapel, transforming it into a prominent royal residence.

Some time in the 14th century, Clarendon Palace began to fall into disrepair as other royal residences, such as Windsor Castle and the Palace of Westminster, grew in importance. Richard II being one of the last monarchs to stay there.

Probus Club of Sarum meets every second and fourth Friday of the month at the White Hart Hotel in Salisbury. Its members are retirees who value intellectual stimulation as well as a sociable atmosphere. Guests and new members are always welcome.

T: 01722 392 043

Above: The dahlia festival dates back to the 1800s Right: the Jowey Winnie dahlias of Julian Hemming were crowned the new hero of Stonehenge:

Jobs and applications fall: Figures

THE number of new jobs - and the number of applications - have fallen dramatically in the UK over the past 12 months, according to new data.

The world’s largest network of job boards, Broadbean Technology, has revealed a 3% decline in the number of new jobs in August, when compared to July’s figures, highlighting a slowdown in the job market.

The number of people applying for roles fell by 27% month-on-month, indicating key markets are feeling the impact of skills shortages, the firm said.

While a seasonal decline in hiring is expected around this time, the annual statistics demonstrate a significant decline, the company added.

Both jobs and applications fell when compared to data from the same period last year, dropping 24% and 30% respectively.

Alex Fourlis, managing director of

Broadbean Technology, said: “Both the data on new jobs and applications paints a concerning picture for UK employers across all industries.

“It will come as no surprise to firms in many sectors but we do not have enough highly skilled professionals in the country at the moment to meet demand, even when the number of new roles has fallen.

“We would expect to see a connection between the new job and application data, however, the fact that the proportion of new applications has fallen at a much deeper rate than the number of new roles suggests that skills shortages are intensifying.

“Businesses won’t be able to solve these problems overnight and will need to invest

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in ways to source and hire the right talent as well as upping their retention efforts in order to hang on to the skills they already have on their books in such a skills-short environment.”

More help to get young people into work

THOUSANDS of 16-24-yearolds will be given access to additional support in finding and securing work, it has been announced.

The Department for Work and Pensions’ (DWP) Youth Offer is to be expanded, in a bid to address the number of ‘economically inactive’ young people.

The announcement will see the expansion of the DWP’s Youth Offer to economically inactive claimants, who were previously ineligible, as part of welfare reforms the Government is introducing to reduce economic inactivity and help people back into work.

The Youth Offer is part of support offered to young Universal Credit claimants, which was previously only available to young people deemed closest to work.

The expansion will see the support offered to thousands of economically inactive claimants – those who are seen as further away from and who face more

challenges finding long term work. The change will give more than 30,000 of 16-24-year-olds the option to access three types of support through the Youth Offer: additional time with a Work Coach early in their claim; access to Youth Hubs; and Youth Employability Coaches.

Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, Mel Stride MP (Con, Central Devon), said: “My department is introducing the next generation of welfare reforms to reduce economic inactivity and help thousands more people into work.

“Expanding the Youth Offer will not only help to grow the economy, it will change lives – providing more young people with the pay, purpose and mental health advantages that we know work brings.”

Barry Fletcher, CEO of Youth Futures Foundation, said: “We welcome the extension of the Youth Offer, which will provide support to more young people in their search for a job.”

Four-Wheel Laser Alignment

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Half a million for county’s EV infrastructure

ALMOST half a million pounds will be spent on improving electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure in Wiltshire.

Wiltshire Council has been awarded £480,000 over the next two years by the Department for Transport (DfT) to spend on

staff who will plan and support delivery of growth in charging.

The DfT’s Local EV Infrastructure (LEVI) Fund supports local authorities to develop infrastructure for residents that do not have access to off-street parking, such as on

drives.

The funding will be spent on five project officers, tasked with creating an EV Infrastructure Strategy that will research and set out the sites and maps of EV charge points that will be installed around the county.

The team will also apply for more DfT LEVI funding of up to £3.88m, a figure set by the DfT, to bring EV infrastructure providers on board to install more charge points throughout Wiltshire.

Cllr Caroline Thomas, cabinet member for transport, said: “To enable more people to use electric vehicles, we need an improved network of chargers here in Wiltshire.

“Usually, EV infrastructure providers look to provide chargers in areas that are most profitable for them, and that can leave out rural areas.

“Revenue funding is targeted

on increasing our capacity to do more, so must be spent on officers rather than the chargers themselves.

“This new team will look to create a county-wide strategy and bring in providers that will install chargers into villages as well as towns, in areas where residents do not have access to off-street parking.”

Once the new team is in place, they will look to secure further LEVI funding of up to £3.88m, she added, to help install more chargers throughout Wiltshire.

“Our Business Plan sets out our commitment to becoming carbon neutral as an organisation by 2030, along with a pledge to support the decarbonisation of transport in the county, and the creation of this new team, along with the 70 new charging points we have installed in our car parks, will help us on that journey,” Cllr Thomas added.

Puzzle solutions (from pages 32-33)

Brain chain (hard)

THE pick-up points for your Salisbury & Avon Gazette are changing. You will no longer be able to pick up your free paper at the following locations:

Tesco, Southampton Road

Sainsbury’s, Salisbury

Tesco Metro, Salisbury

CWS Co-Operative, Salisbury

CWS Co-Operative, Fordingbridge

CWS Co-Operative, Amesbury

Tesco, Amesbury

Co-Operative, Amesbury

However, you will still be able to get all your news, views and more at the following locations every fortnight:

AMESBURY

Kinsman Butchers

McCall, High Street

Amesbury Filling Station, London Road

Aldi, Salisbury Road

B&M, London Road

Lidl

Amesbury Visitor & Community Centre

Antrobus Hotel

FORDINGBRIDGE

Londis Petrol Station, Southampton Road

Railway Hotel

Post Office, Salisbury Street

The Alcove, High Street

The George Hotel, Bridge Street

SALISBURY

Britz Fish and Chips, A30

Premier Store, A30 and A360 Roundabout

Bemerton Heath Post Office & Londis, Pembroke Road

St Michael’s Community Centre, St Michael’s Road

Shell/Waitrose, A30 Churchill Way West

Bhavish Newsagents, Fisherton Street

Salisbury Railway Station

Five Rivers Leisure Centre, Hulse Road

Hedgerow Restaurant, Salisbury Hospital

Springs Restaurant, Salisbury Restaurant

Mole Country Stores

SALISBURY

Wilton Park and Ride

London Road Park and Ride

Britford Park and Ride

Amesbury Road Park and Ride

Beehive Park and Ride

Peter’s Finger

Churchfields Cafe, Brunel Road

Salisbury Theatre, Malthouse Lane

Lidl Salisbury, Hatches Lane

The Range, Southampton Road

Salisbury Library, Market Walk

Martin’s Newsagent, Blue Boar Row

Cathedral Office

Salisbury Security Gate

Wood Bar, Salisbury Cathedral

Salisbury Tourist Information, Fish Row

Salisbury Antiques, Wilton Road

Fisherton Warehouse, Fisherton Street

108 Fisherton Street

White Hart Hotel, St John’s Street

Co-Operative, Closer Road, Old Sarum

Alabare Nursery & Tea Rooms, Old Sarum

Bucaresti Mini Market, Brown Street

Tollgate Stores, Tollgate Road

Best Local, Winchester Street

Constable Court, Fountain Way

Aldi, London Road

Jeni & J’s Premier Shop, A30 Roman Road

Fountain Way Hospital, Ambles Croft, South Wilton Road

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