Salisbury & Avon Gazette Edition 13

Students’ Lion King show hailed a roaring success and wows audiences

PUPILS at a Verwood school united to put on a production of The Lion King to three packed houses.

The Emmanuel Middle School production told the classic story of young lion called Simba, a crown prince in Africa who has to overcome his fear to take the throne after the death of his father, ruler of the pride, Mufasa.

Written by Elton John with lyrics by Sir Tim Rice, a young cast at Emmanuel brought the story to life and received standing ovations.

Students were not only on stage, but also working roles backstage and at front of house.

Director, Ben Shooter, said: “We came together as a school community to deliver what I think centralises the overarching mantras at Emmanuel –encompassing our three Es –endurance, endeavour and enjoyment – to the full.

“The process was vigorous, with rehearsals weekly, and in some cases it required giving up lunches.

“The tenacity that the children demonstrated was

nothing short of inspirational.

“From the learning of lines to the choreography, the stage directions and technical prowess they demonstrated great talent.

“Hopefully it will have inspired them for a lifetime.”

Headteacher Rob Christopher congratulated everyone involved with the production for their efforts.

“An excellent education transcends the classroom experience,” he said.

“Emmanuel School pupils have many opportunities to enrich their learning and

experiences.

“Well done to those involved on stage, backstage, make-up, lighting, costume, admin - you will have learnt so much throughout.”

Liz West, chief executive of Initio Learning Trust – formerly Wimborne Academy Trust – of which Emmanuel Middle School is a part, added: “It sounded like a wonderful show the school put on.

“The students involved in all aspects of it will have learned a great deal and gained valuable experiences.”

Poundland signage bid – but store still ‘tentative’

BUDGET store Poundland has submitted a planning application for signage at a Salisbury store - despite saying plans for a new outlet remain ‘tentative’.

The retail giant has submitted plans to Wiltshire Council for signage on Unit 1 at Churchill Way West.

However, when contacted by your Gazette, the firm said plans for a new store in the city were ‘tentative’.

The chain currently has an outlet in Salisbury High Street, and a spokesperson said it had hopes of opening a larger shop.

“While later in the year we hope to open a brand new, large store in Salisbury, those plans are still tentative at this stage and subject to agreement,” they said.

“When there’s more news to share, we will.”

The planning application is for a retail unit off Churchill Way West, near Waitrose.

For more information on the plans, log on to www.wiltshire.gov.uk and search for planning application reference PL/2023/02039.

Hospital Trust awarded £10m to improve sustainability and efficiency

SALISBURY NHS Foundation Trust has been awarded just over £10 million by the government to improve sustainability at Salisbury District Hospital.

The funds will be used to upgrade several buildings and water and air source heat pumps will replace gas fired boilers.

The energy efficiency of the buildings, including the Spinal Treatment Centre and the hospital’s Odstock Health and Fitness Centre, will be improved through new insulation, improvements to the heating distribution pipework and upgrades to the building’s energy management system.

Brian Johnson, director of Estates and Facilities, said: “This funding will enable Salisbury NHS Foundation

Trust to decarbonise our heating and hot water systems through the implementation of innovative, multi-stage, high-temperature heat pump systems, improved building

insulation and photovoltaic electricity generation.

“We have also secured funding to investigate the feasibility of geothermal energy on our campus.

“Providing low carbon heat to our buildings via a new district heat network, which when combined with building fabric improvements, will enable the Trust to move away from fossil fuel-based systems, while maintaining the resilience required for an acute hospital trust.

“The project supports the Trust Board’s approved Green Plan and the ‘Delivering a Net Zero NHS Strategy’ with its ambition to commit the NHS to net zero (direct) emissions by 2040.

“We are particularly excited that this project is investigating the potential to use geothermal technology that will act as a pathfinder case study for other NHS sites to learn from and adopt.”

Councillors withdraw support for Asda plans over concerns that they will negatively impact wildlife

SALISBURY councillors have withdrawn their support for an Asda supermarket and petrol station after seeing new evidence about its potential impact on wildlife and the environment.

On Monday, 20th March, the councillors heard that surveys of the proposed development site on London Road recorded 33 bird species. Eleven were ‘of high conservation concern’, and seven of these were breeding.

Four of the species recorded – mistle thrush, house sparrow, linnet and greenfinch – are on the government’s Red List due to declining populations.

An ecological report submitted to Wiltshire Council said there would be ‘a significant adverse effect’ on the local bird population from the loss of habitat, nesting and foraging opportunities.

The roadside verge also houses a significant colony of pyramidal and bee orchids, while site surveys showed five species of bats, principally foraging along Green Lane, and a small population of legally protected lizards.

The report said ‘mitigation and compensation measures’, including off-site habitat creation, would be required and agreed by the developers with Wiltshire Council.

Residents had already told the city’s planning committee that they value and enjoy the wildlife in an otherwise built-up area.

They voiced concern about the impact of light pollution and extra traffic on remaining wildlife and on nearby homes.

The City Council had previously supported the application, but with several

caveats, which have not been addressed according to councillors.

These included reduced opening hours, more EV charging points, installation of solar panels and water recycling, raised banking to shield homes from light pollution, coin-operated trolleys and a lower speed limit on London Road.

The City Council is a consultee on planning applications and can make comments but cannot make decisions, which are the responsibility of Wiltshire Council.

The committee also requested that the application be heard in Salisbury, rather than Trowbridge, to allow local people to attend.

Several buildings at the hospital will be improved using the funding

How a planning application showed a new Asda store in Salisbury could look

Credit: Wiltshire Council/HGP

Army’s solar project generates green energy for its Salisbury Plain garrisons

CONSTRUCTION works have been completed on the installation of over 1,200 roof-mounted solar panels at garrisons across Salisbury Plain Training Area, supporting the Army’s commitment to operate more sustainably and reach Net Zero by 2050.

The Photovoltaic (PV) panels will generate electricity to run buildings at Larkhill, Tidworth and Perham Down, with any surplus being fed through the private wire network for reuse elsewhere on the garrisons.

The works have been completed under Project Prometheus, which is delivering around 80 ground-mounted solar farms and also roof-mounted solar panels across the Army estate over the next decade.

At the official switch-on of the PV panels at Perham Down on Monday, 20th March, Major General Richard Clements CBE, director of Basing & Infrastructure and the Army’s Sustainability Champion, said:

Man suffers serious injuries in Larkhill crash

A PASSENGER was taken to hospital with life-threatening injuries following a head-on crash between a taxi and a car.

The incident happened on The Packway, near to the garrison church of St Alban the Martyr in Larkhill, at about 3am on 25 March.

The passenger, a man in his 30s, suffered life-threatening injuries and was taken to Southampton General Hospital.

Three other men in their 20s, 30s and 40s were taken to Salisbury District Hospital with what were described by the police as minor injuries.

“Every solar installation that we complete contributes towards our target of achieving Net Zero by 2050.

“By increasing green energy supply, we are building a more resilient, cost-effective Army estate that protects both our future capability and the environments in which soldiers live, work and train.”

Since 2017, more than 4,800 PV panels have been installed on vehicle garaging, offices, stores and training assets at Salisbury Plain Training Area garrisons, covering over 10,000m2 of roof space.

To date this has saved upwards of 620,000kg CO2 emissions, equivalent to planting over 37,000 trees.

All the construction has been carried out by Aspire Defence Services Ltd, contracting to the Defence Infrastructure Organisation (DIO) under Project Allenby/Connaught.

Barry Ray, DIO Regional Delivery Lead, said: “DIO is

proud to be playing its role in working towards achieving the government’s Net Zero Carbon target by 2050.

“The installation of solar Photovoltaic panels undertaken with the Army and Aspire Defence is the product of great collaboration and good progress in achieving that goal.”

Richard Tindal, capital projects director, Aspire Defence Services Ltd, said: “These recently completed PV

So far, solar panels have helped the Army save upwards of 620,000kg CO2 emissions

panel installations represent the culmination of several years of investment in solar energy provision for Army garrisons on Salisbury Plain Training Area.

“We are very proud to be working with the DIO to modernise the Army estate and support sustainability targets for UK Defence.”

Planning change would allow 24-hour deliveries

DELIVERIES to a Salisbury supermarket could be permanently allowed at all times of day and night, if a planning application is approved by Wiltshire Council.

Aldi, in London Road, has applied for a variation of planning conditions allowing for lorries to make deliveries around the clock be made permanent.

The variation was allowed for a period of two years in March 2021.

Previously, deliveries had been restricted to between 6am and 10pm, Monday to Saturday, and between 7am and 5pm on Sundays.

‘Reverse beepers’ were also banned between 6am and 7am, Monday to Saturday, and from 7am to 9am on Sundaysthough this would stay in place under the new plan.

“Aldi is not aware of any noise complaints relating to

delivery activity at this store,” the application said.

It added: “The proposal would not see an increase in the number of deliveries to the store, rather existing deliveries would continue to be spread out over a longer period.”

The application says stores such as that in Salisbury receive one or two deliveries a day from HGVs, with others form smaller vehicles throughout the day.

For more details, and to comment on the changes, log on to www.wiltshire.gov.uk and search for planning application reference PL/2023/01996.

Village library celebrates new home

A VILLAGE library has opened its doors to book lovers at a new venue.

Durrington Library has officially opened in the Robinson Room, at the village hall.

It comes after Wiltshire Council worked with Durrington Town Council to relocate the library, moving it from a Portacabin that had reached the end of its life.

An event was held on March 28 with representatives of Wiltshire Council, Durrington Town Council, staff and volunteers in attendance to formally open the library.

Ribbon cutting duties were performed by library volunteer, Christine Phelps, which was met by an excited round of applause.

Features at the new venue include new moveable shelving, a colourful children’s area and

space for computers and a self-service kiosk.

The Robinson Room will continue to be used flexibly for meetings and events outside of library opening hours.

The opening hours at the new Durrington Library are unchanged: Monday, Wednesday and Friday – 10am to 5pm, Saturday - 10am to 1pm, Tuesday, Thursday and Sunday - closed.

Cllr Ian Blair-Pilling, Wiltshire Council cabinet member for libraries, said: “An important part of our Business Plan is to support people to keep physically, socially and mentally active and our library service is playing a central role in helping us achieve that.

“We’re so pleased to have worked in partnership with Durrington Town Council to provide a much-loved library in a more suitable location.

Protecting your home and assets with a Living Trust.

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Protects your bloodline: Your legacy is protected from remarriage and divorce, protecting both your surviving partner and children’s legacy. Asset protection: A living trust can protect your assets from creditors in the case of bankruptcy etc, divorce settlements, and other claims against beneficiaries and yourself.

In these days of uncertainty its best to plan wisely and protecting your legacy for family and loved ones. To discover more about living trusts, contact Oakwood Wills on 07832 331594

“Alongside our brilliant book lending offer, libraries also provide a range of important services to help support people in the local community. We’re always working hard to ensure our libraries maintain their relevance and this move will help Durrington Library thrive for years to come.

“I’d like to thank the town council, our staff and our fantastic volunteers for their hard work on this project, and we’re delighted with the customer feedback received

already. Our dedicated team look forward to welcoming people through the doors.”

Cllr Graham Wright, chair of Durrington Town Council, added: “I’m so proud to be part of the team that provided a long term solution for our community, as essential services are vital to village life. I’d like thank everyone involved, particularly the brilliant volunteers, as this wouldn’t be possible without them.”

To contact the library, call 01980 652672.

Christine Phelps does the honours at the new library

Changes to rural police team rules after outcry over PC’s hunt ‘links’

POLICE officers with links to hunts or anti-hunt groups will not be allowed to join Wiltshire’s Rural Crime Team, it has been announced.

Wiltshire Police has revealed the findings of an internal review of the team, which has seen the introduction of new rules to ‘ensure the suitability of our personnel working within the unit’.

It comes after the appointment of PC Cheryl Knight to the team in February provoked outrage from some, as she had previous links to hunts in the county, including the Avon Vale Hunt, which was later banned from the British Hound Sports Association.

The force has declined to comment on individuals, but said the new policy had ‘resulted in some staffing changes’.

It said some decisions made had ‘distracted from the crucial

work the team do’.

“As with all functions of policing, we regularly review our resourcing and policing approach to ensure we can provide the best possible service to the public,” a force spokesperson said. “To this end, we commissioned an internal review of our Rural Crime Team (RCT), which has resulted in us establishing a framework to ensure the suitability of our personnel working within the unit.

“The new framework will

PC Cheryl Knight had previously posted pictures of her riding out with a hunt

provide more scrutiny around the suitability of our officers, staff and volunteers to work within the unit.

“It sets out key principles to ensure staff do not have personal links to hunts past or present, do not have links to any anti-hunt groups past or present and requires staff disclose links to any rural based hobby or initiative that could potentially call into question their policing impartiality.

“This has already resulted in some staffing changes although

it would not be appropriate for us to comment on individual cases.”

They added no officers on the unit had been found to have breached legislation or guidance.

“Although it is important to stress that, to date, none of our colleagues in the unit (past or present) have been found to have breached legislation or guidance, we accept that some resourcing decisions we made as an organisation have distracted from the crucial work the team do,” they said.

“We appreciate there has been considerable public scrutiny regarding this team however, the action we have taken should reassure our communities that we will continue to police without fear or favour and, when appropriate, we will respond pragmatically to concerns when they are raised.”

Council receives huge fund to help pay for road repairs

WILTSHIRE has received more than £22.9 million to pay for a raft of road repairs and improvements.

The cash, from the government’s Highways Maintenance Fund for 2023/24, has been allocated to Wiltshire Council.

It will help pay for projects including resurfacing, new road markings, replacing traffic signs and signals, and filling potholes.

The council has also received an additional £3,684,800 from the Department for Transport’s (DfT’s) Pothole Fund.

Cllr Caroline Thomas, cabinet member for transport, said: “We welcome this maintenance funding from the DfT, which will be used to improve Wiltshire’s highways network and to make our roads and footpaths safer for all users

– important contributions to the council’s Business Plan objective of having vibrant, well-connected communities.

“We’ve also received an extra £3.6m to tackle potholes, which we will use to target problem areas in the county.

“We are creating heatmaps of the areas with the worst pothole problems and using this data to identify roads in most need, those local pothole hotspots.

“Unfortunately, the extra funding won’t solve all the pothole issues in the county, but

the additional treatment, combined with our scheduled resurfacing programme, will make a big difference to the safety and ride quality of Wiltshire’s roads.”

The latest Highways Maintenance Fund allocation is the second part of a three-year settlement and, as such, is the same as last year.

“We have filled 11,130 potholes and completed 28 major resurfacing projects so far this financial year, and we hope to do more this year,” Cllr Thomas added.

Anyone who spots a highways issue can report it using the MyWilts app, or via www. wiltshire.gov.uk.

To report highways defects and potholes, go to www.wiltshire. gov.uk/mywilts.

More flats planned at former village takeaway and restaurant site

PLANS to convert a former takeaway and restaurant unit into flats – and build an extra detached flat in a village near Salisbury have been submitted.

The scheme would see the number of flats on the premises, on the Redlynch Garage and Post Office site, increase.

Currently, there are three flats on the site, with the new plans outlining development to provide a further five, including the building of a detached property.

Four of the new flats have been allowed under ‘permitted development’.

“The takeaway unit and restaurant at the front are closed,” the application said. “The rear of the unit is in poor condition and requires renovation works.

“There is an existing large parking area to the south east of the plot. This area is currently accessed from both the main road and Coundley Court to the rear.”

A roof to the rear of the current structure would be replaced, extending two of the

flats. Parking would be provided to the rear of the buildings, the application said.

An access from the main road would be closed, with vehicles entering the site from the rear, via Coundley Court.

“This development would provide good quality much needed affordable accommodation, improve the street frontage and is an opportunity to completely renovate the existing building and make significant thermal improvements,” said the application, submitted by Birch Architects on behalf of Badri Bonacdar.

“There are currently three flats on the site and existing approval for four additional flats on the site,” it adds. “The new dwelling will infill the space to the side

of the garage and will improve the street scene and conceal the parking area to the rear.

“The new home is in keeping with the existing local vernacular and will form a sustainable and accessible new home. The improvements to the garage building will improve the appearance and create better quality accommodation.”

For more details, and to comment on the plans, log on to www.wiltshire.gov.uk and search for application reference PL/2023/01995.

Local scouts brave the elements to solve royal puzzle

ON Sunday, 26th March, 30 Scouts and six leaders from 3rd Salisbury Sea Scouts, 1st Alderbury and 4th Salisbury (Harnham) Scout Troops took part in a District Navigation Exercise out of Abbotts Well in the New Forest.

The object was to navigate to 14 locations to find a tent peg with a letter written on it that had been placed at a specific map grid reference. The letters could then be used to spell ‘God save the King’.

There was a rather soggy start as the scouts had to pick their way across a flooded area but soon

reached higher ground, the weather brightened up and the scouts had a great day.

All of the scout troops solved the anagram and covered some 10 miles in distance.

How the buildings could look if the plan is approved

PLANS for 1,700 new homes as well as retail, health and commercial space that could double the population of a town have been submitted.

The scheme would see land surrounding Alderholt, near Fordingbridge, developed in a scheme that could double the population of the town.

Of the 1,700 homes, the application outlines how it could include up to around 595 affordable properties, a children’s play area, community allotments and a local centre and hub.

Plans for Alderholt Meadows, submitted by Intelligent Land on behalf of Dudsbury Homes Southern Ltd, say it would include a total of 243 one-bed, 150 two-bed, 138 three-bed and 64 homes with four or more bedrooms - including an 80-bed care home.

“It (the scheme) provides a significant opportunity to establish a self-sustaining settlement built on sound planning principles that look to the future in terms of meeting people’s needs for housing, healthy environments, outdoor space, local employment and accessible facilities and services to meet daily needs,” the application states.

“Additionally, and no less important, is the need to address climate change and enhancement of biodiversity.

“Alderholt Meadows is Dudsbury Homes’ vision of how these matters can be accommodated through building beautifully and creating a place that also looks

Plans for 1,700 homes in town revealed

outstanding, drawing on local vernacular examples of good design.”

A ‘vision’ from the developer included in the application says they are aiming to ‘create a place which will inspire and be cherished. A place where community can live sustainably, grow and prosper’.

It adds: “We aim to set a high benchmark in terms of design, sustainability, energy performance, modern methods of construction and biodiversity net gain which positively address climate and ecological emergencies.”

A website created by Dudsbury Homes

One wrote: “Alderholt is a lovely village which we love to live in. However, access to the village is already difficult as the roads in are not suitable for lots of traffic.

“If the traffic increases it would be detrimental to the current residents. It would also change the landscape of this lovely village as it will be over crowded.

“Ultimately all this would contribute to value of property being affected.”

Another added: “The roads can not support this amount of traffic. There is no infrastructure to support this amount of homes or people in the village.”

And one resident said: “The lack of infrastructure in the village itself and the surrounding areas can just about cope with the current population.

“Doubling the size of the village will require a huge amount of work on the road systems which are already poorly maintained and suffering with the gravel lorries.

outlines ‘benefits’ of the development, including the creation of a new medical centre, pharmacy and dentist, investment in a six-day-a-week bus service to Fordingbridge and Ringwood, and funding for improvements to St James’ First School. However, the scheme has met with opposition from many residents, who have responded to the application.

“There is already a chance of accidents on the small this roads and adding to the road users will not help. And they will have to be road users, you cannot live here without access to a car.”

People can comment on the application until April 29.

For more details, and to respond to the scheme, log on to www.dorsetcouncil.gov. uk and search for application reference P/ OUT/2023/01166.

How the Alderholt Meadows development, on the edge of the town (inset), could look and below, an indicative masterplan of the scheme

Spring into a Slimmer you this summer

Local weight loss expert has helped a team of slimmer’s put a Spring in their step as they lose a combined weight of over 132 stone so far this year.

For many of use, becoming slimmer, fitter and healthier were at the top of our lists with our New Year’s Resolutions for 2023 after more indulgent food choices and disrupted routines left us seeing healthy habits fall by the wayside. And now with Spring here and Easter approaching we may be fearing old patterns repeating themselves.

Members of Trudie Hardy’s Slimming World groups in Harnham and Laverstock have taken the start of the year by storm with their weight loss, since setting those resolutions and are feeling healthier than ever as we leap into spring. With 53 years experience of community support, Slimming World groups harness the power of Social Connection, with like minded members joining together with

people who understand what it’s like to be overweight and who genuinely care about their success. Group isn’t just a place to learn new healthy eating a habits and behaviours.

Nicola Hamblin who attends Trudie’s Laverstock group says “Having joined

Slimming World 1 year ago, I’ve benefited hugely from the support which has helped me lose nearly 4 stone and has had a massive impact on my physical and mental well-being, in particular helping me control my lymphoedema”. “The support by Trudie and other people within group has really helped me and I’m inspired and humbled on a weekly basis”

Studies have shown that being part of an encouraging group can boost our chances of achieving our slimming goals. Being part of a community also taps into a deep, biological, human need – the need to connect, to work together, to support others and be supported.

In our recent study, 98% of Slimming World

members said receiving and giving support has been important to their weight loss success and 97% said feeling that being helped to succeed by their Slimming World group has been important to them successfully losing weight.

Salisbury tops Wiltshire list of best places to live as part of national poll

THE best places to live in Dorset, Somerset and Wiltshire have been revealed in a new survey.

Awards website Muddy Stilettos has revealed the top 10 hotspots for each county for 2023.

In Somerset, Frome topped the list after being lauded as a ‘community-minded town packed with arty, artisan indy businesses and cafes’, as well as hosting ‘the best street market in the west’.

Sherborne was ranked number one in Dorset, with Muddy Stilettos hailing it as a ‘picture postcard market town’ with ‘gorgeous medieval and Georgian properties’ and a ‘magnificent abbey’, with Wimborne in second place.

Meanwhile, Salisbury came out on top in Wiltshire, being praised as ‘full of medieval splendour’.

Voted for by the public, a national winner will be announced on March 28.

Meanwhile, here are the top 10 best places to live in Dorset, Somerset and Wiltshire as voted for by the public via Muddy Stilettos.

Precept parish poll date announced to decide Salisbury council tax future

WILTSHIRE Council has set a date of Thursday, 20th April, for the Parish Poll that will ascertain what levels of support exist for a 5% cap on Salisbury City Council precept.

The poll was instigated after a 44% council tax increase was approved by Salisbury City Council’s Finance and Governance Committee back in January.

The City Council called a parish meeting in February after a number of residents voiced their concern. Among those to demand a poll was Cllr Eleanor Willis, group leader of the City Council’s Conservatives, who called for action to cap any future increases.

During the meeting members of the public present voted almost unanimously to hold a poll on a future cap.

The poll itself has proved almost as controversial as the precept increase as the cost will fall on the City Council and, therefore, tax payers.

The poll will have one question: “Do you support a 5% cap on future increases to the Salisbury City Council precept and a parish consultation if any proposed increase is larger than 5%?”

The legislation surrounding the poll is different to that for an election. The key differences are:

4. Devizes

5. Malmesbury

6. Corsham

7. Trowbridge

8. Warminster

9. Tisbury

10. Sherston

For more details, visit muddystilettos.co.uk/ best-places-to-live.

City centre car boot sales return this month

● Hours of poll: 4pm to 9pm, voters cannot be issued with a ballot paper outside of that timeframe.

● No provision for poll cards, postal voting or proxy voting – electors have to vote in person regardless of whether they are usually a postal voter or a proxy voter.

● The only person legally entitled to attend the count is the proposer.

● The only statutory notice is the Notice of Poll which has to be published no later than Thursday, 13th April.

● The notice will legally include the proposer’s name and address as well as details on the poll and location of polling stations.

At the time of going to press, no further details have been released.

SALISBURY’S Car Boot

Sundays are set to run on the third Sunday of each month from Sunday, April 16, until Sunday, September 17.

The sales, in Market Place, are open to sellers from 7am and to buyers from 9am until 1pm.

“Buyers will be able to enter for free to bag a bargain,” said a spokesperson for Salisbury City Council, which organises the events.

“It costs just £5 per car on the day for sellers and £10 for vans or cars with trailers. Don’t worry about booking; just turn up on the day to be allocated your spot on the Market Place.

The first car boot of the year will be running alongside Salisbury Teenage Market. For more information, visit https:// bit.ly/3Z3idhx.

1. Salisbury

2. Bradford on Avon

3. Marlborough

Clockwise from top left; Salisbury, Frome, Sherborne and Wimborne

Paralympic champion to share experiences at MS Society event

THE SALISBURY & District MS Society will welcome world champion, Wiltshirebased paralympian Stephanie Millward MBE to its focus day event, which takes place on 15 April.

Diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis (MS) when she was 17, Stephanie won gold at Rio de Janeiro in 2016. Living in Wiltshire, Stephanie wants to help the people of Salisbury and the wider area, she said: “I am really looking forward to coming to the focus day to meet people in Salisbury affected by multiple sclerosis.

“I love telling my story and I really enjoy hearing other people’s stories and experiences. I will bring my Paralympic medals and the Olympic Torch for everyone to see and hold. It will be a great day for everyone.”

The society is especially keen to encourage young people in the area who have been diagnosed with MS to come and meet Stephanie and to hear how she

overcame worries and fears to be a champion.

Other speakers on the day will include Tania Burge, MS Trust’s head of Health Professional Programmes, who will talk about the trust’s health professional programme and in particular the success of its Advanced MS Champion scheme, which provides person-centred care for people with advanced MS.

Dr Claire Winchester will talk more broadly about the work of the MS Trust and MS Society’s head of Research, Jacqui Ann Hadley will share the society’s latest research.

The event will take place from 10am to 3pm at the White Hart Hotel, St John’s Street, Salisbury.

For more information and to book your tickets, visit https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/ ms-focus-day-2023-salisbury-and-districttickets-576481530777

Stephanie Millward MBE will be sharing her inspirational story at the event

Force hits government target as new police officers hit the county’s streets

NEW police officers are on the streets of Wiltshire after the force hit a government recruitment target.

Wiltshire Police met the government’s target to recruit officers as part of the three-year national Police Uplift Programme, aimed at restoring 20,000 staff by March 31.

The government set a target of an additional 164 police officers – over and above normal recruitment to replace officers who leave or retire – with an overall net goal of 1,189 serving police officers by the end of March.

As a result of intensive recruitment over the last three years, the target was exceeded by seven, with 1,196 serving officers at the target date, the force said.

Taking normal recruitment and the additional numbers through the Uplift programme into account, Wiltshire has recruited 459 police officers since the programme began, comprising 412 new starters and officers re-joining, with 47 officers transferring from other forces.

Gender balance has improved and today stands at 733 male (61%) and 463 female (39%)> Ethnic minority police officer numbers have doubled from 20 to 40 since 2019.

Since January, 85 student officers have begun training

Since January, 85 student officers have begun training, including 18 joining this week who swore their oath of allegiance in front of a magistrate at their attestation ceremony.

To maintain overall officer numbers at 1,189, the force is looking to bring in another 160 officers over the next 12 months. Interest in joining the police remains high, with more than 3,200 police officer applicants in Wiltshire in the last five years.

Deputy chief constable Paul Mills welcomed the news of the recruitment target success: “This is a much-needed boost for Wiltshire,” he said. “These additional officers will play a key role in delivering the more visible police service that the public want to see from their community policing teams.

“It has been a massive team effort and I am grateful to everyone who has helped us achieve that goal, and to every individual who has stepped forward to dedicate themselves to a career in public service.

“To maintain officer numbers we need more people who may not have thought about a career in policing before to contact us to discuss the opportunities. Policing is a fantastically diverse career; you can really make a positive difference to your local community.

“All new recruits receive a first-class, fully funded training package leading to a degree level qualification, plus great opportunities to specialise in roles such as CID, roads policing and firearms.”

Wiltshire Police and Crime Commissioner Philip Wilkinson

welcomed the news: “Visible, proactive, policing makes people feel safer and Wiltshire’s residents have told me they want more police officers in frontline community roles,” he said.

“Wiltshire now has its highest number of police officers since 2010 and we are starting to see those vital community-based police officers being achieved through key investment from the police precept and the Uplift programme.

“Once fully trained, these extra officers will enable Wiltshire Police to provide more stability in its neighbourhood teams and this, alongside a newly introduced command structure so local inspectors can target resources to deal with any community issues as they arise, will deliver the tangible change asked for by communities.

“Both the chief constable and I remain committed to delivering a quality policing service, which meets the needs of its communities, tackles the crimes which matter and is able to deliver justice and provide support for people when they are at their most vulnerable.”

Anyone interested in joining the force from September 2023 can register their interest at www. wiltshire.police.uk/careers.

Photo ID now required ahead of parish and district elections

FORDINGBRIDGE Parish

Council has reminded residents to take heed of a change in the law that now requires voters to suitable photo ID with them when they head to the polling stations to vote in the parish and district elections on 4 May.

On the council’s website, it offers the following advice:

● To vote in elections at a polling station you now need to show an accepted form of photo ID (see list below)

● This is a legal requirement and without photo ID, voters will be unable to vote at their polling station

● It is estimated that 95%+ of people already have a suitable form of photo ID

● There is a free voter ID for people who do not already have something suitable.

Acceptable forms of ID include:

● A UK issued Passport

● An identity card bearing the Proof of Age

● A photographic driver’s licence (including provisional)

● A European Economic Area (EEA) photographic ID Card

● A UK Biometric Residence Permit

● Standards Scheme hologram (PASS card)

● A Blue Badge

● A concessionary travel pass – for example Hampshire County Council Bus Pass. You must take the original

document as scanned images, copies or photos of your ID shown on your smartphone will not be accepted.

If the ID is out of date, but the photo is still a current likeness it will be accepted.

If you do not have any of these valid forms of ID you can register for a Voter Authority Certificate, but this will need to be done by 25 April.

Find out more, at https:// newforest.gov.uk/elections

St Ives House celebrates spring with a Food Festival for National Nutrition and Hydration Week

Residents and staff at St Ives House recently celebrated the change of seasons by taking part in Care South’s very own Spring Food Festival with various activities, including creating a delicious and nutritious soup as part of a Care Southwide competition.

The Spring Food Festival was set up by Care South to encourage a week-long series of inclusive, themed activities including an inter-home seasonal soup competition. This encouraged homes to devise their own recipes with a focus on using fresh, local ingredients and including all residents in the fun.

The Food Festival coincided with National Nutrition and Hydration Week

which is designed to help raise awareness to understand the importance of nutrition and hydration in health and social care. Good nutrition and hydration are vital parts of providing care, and all Care South homes understand the importance of nutritious, fresh produce and take pride in sourcing, where possible, seasonal ingredients from local producers. The Spring Food Festival was set up with Food, Fun and Friendship at its heart and residents across all of Care South’s homes took part in the occasion.

St Ives House residents and staff worked together following a recipe from Head Chef, Lucam with residents adding their own twist

on the traditional dish. Everyone got straight to work and the ‘St Ives Spicy Sweet Potato Soup’ was made and sampled by residents, who said that it was delicious.

St Ives House care home near Ringwood accommodates 60 residents, and is one of Care South’s homes, a not-for-profit charity and leading provider of residential and home care across the south of England. It offers activities that are carefully planned to provide mental and physical stimulation, encourage social interaction and contribute to the overall wellbeing of residents, who are able to participate as little or as often as they wish.

Chance for charities to connect with new volunteers at coronation event

CHARITIES are hoping a drive to encourage volunteering over the King’s Coronation weekend – May 6 to May 8 –will inspire more people to give up their time for their communities in Wiltshire.

Wessex Community Action, which supports charities across the county, is calling for groups and individuals to support King Charles III’s The Big Help Out, which he wants to be a springboard for people to come forward and support groups in their area.

The charity is supporting Salisbury City Council in the organisation of a Festival of Giving and Volunteering on 8 May in the Guildhall Square from noon to 4pm.

The city’s Foodie Forum, comprising the Salisbury Pantry, Salisbury Foodbank and Bemerton Community Fridge, will come together to collect and sort food donations, meet anyone interested in volunteering and showcase their services.

Other food organisations from the forum, including The Pantry Partnership, The F3 Project and the Harnham Table, will also be taking part.

The council’s communities manager, Sarah Gregson will be publicising what kind of food items the groups need before the day, which will mainly be dried and tinned food. “People will be able to drive on to the square so they can unload easily,” she said. “We want to show people the kind of work that is going on all the time to support people in food need, but is not necessarily visible.”

She is hoping other community groups will take a stand in a marquee at the event to publicise what they do and connect with people interested in volunteering. “We are working with these organisations to bring an activity or taste of what they do to the event and to publicise the ways in which people can volunteer and make a difference,” she said. “Our aim is to celebrate and grow volunteering in the city.”

Wessex Community Action has launched a King’s Coronation page on its online community platform Wiltshire Together, which lists ways people can get involved in The Big Help Out.

Volunteer and community development worker Sarah Pickering said: “The coronation weekend is a wonderful chance for the whole Wiltshire community to come

together to celebrate so we have launched this page to be a central hub for all things community related regarding the coronation.

“Volunteering and supporting charities and community groups is going to be right at the forefront of the national conversation for these few days so it is a golden opportunity to promote the work our amazing voluntary sector does and connect with people who will be inspired to help.”

The page, at wiltshiretogether.org, is aimed at charities and voluntary groups, as well as people looking for ways to give back. “If organisations are thinking about doing something for the coronation, but don’t know where to start, or have something planned and would like some help to promote it and are looking for volunteers then they can list their activity on the page,” said Ms Pickering.

“If they are thinking of offering taster volunteer opportunities for The Big Help Out to help with longer term recruitment the campaign page is ideal.”

She said by posting activities, events, and volunteering tasters, it will build a picture of how the weekend is being celebrated.

“It also gives people the chance to volunteer, where they might not have considered it before,” she said. “By getting involved, voluntary groups and charities

can promote their services and attract volunteers to have a taste of what volunteering for an organisation would be like.”

Salisbury Mayor, Tom Corbin, is backing the festival and encouraging community groups to have a stand in a marquee at the event.

“We are working with these organisations to bring an activity or taste of what they do to the event and to publicise the ways in which people can volunteer and make a difference,” said Cllr Corbin. “Our aim is to celebrate and grow volunteering in the city.”

Wiltshire Together, hosted by Wessex Community Action, is a free and easy to use community platform for voluntary groups, charities and people in the community to advertise community events and activities or search for volunteering vacancies.

To find out more about the Giving and Volunteering Festival, contact Sarah Gregson on 01225 417100 or email bhc@ salisburycitycouncil.gov.uk with the subject line Celebrate Volunteering.

Wessex Community Action volunteer and community development worker Sarah Pickering, left, and Salisbury City Council communities manager, Sarah Gregson

“No new developments of oil and gas”

THESE are not the words of extreme climate activists, but a view backed more than 700 of the UK’s leading scientists ahead of the government’s revised net zero and energy security strategy (27 March).

Sadly the evidence of science was again disappointingly ignored in the 1,000-page revised strategy which was strongly criticised as “… a missed opportunity full of ‘half-baked, half-hearted’ policies that do not go far enough to power Britain’s climate goals, according to green business groups and academics…”

Nobody is denying it is simply impossible to suddenly switch from fossil fuel to renewables. The world has been dependent on fossil fuel for transport, food production, heating and manufacturing for over a century.

However, the rate at which fossil fuel is contributing to global warming and climate change is accelerating out of control and we must simply stop developing our capacity to perpetuate that dependence.

Simultaneously expanding fossil fuel production while investing in measures to offset the damage it causes to the economy and environment is absurd.

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

Compulsion on housebuilders to fit rooftop solar to new housing and a comprehensive nationwide programme for insulation of the UK’s draughty housing stock, were two obvious and immediate options to reduce energy consumption which were notable by their absence in the review.

The Treasury, the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero, and the Department for Business and Trade are currently not in agreement over whether or not to introduce carbon border taxes.

Once again demonstrating political will remains a significant barrier to achieving long-term energy security without reaching the tipping point and limiting global heating

to 1.5C above pre-industrial levels. We need to listen to the scientists, and in turn we need to make sure our politicians listen too.

Bolstered by a sense of urgency, organisations such as Extinction Rebellion (XR) are growing in number. Increasingly, parents and grandparents are taking to the streets to protest because they have realised it is the future existence of their children and grandchildren that is threatened by climate change.

Having spent a lifetime caring for their family they feel a strong sense of responsibility to influence what lies ahead. This demographic shift is I am sure in part responsible for the change in approach by climate activists.

Disruptive or destructive action may attract publicity but it also breeds resentment. XR for example are now advocating “…attendance over arrest and relationships over roadblocks…” They have learned they need to work towards a political solution without disrupting people’s lives and making life more difficult for everyone.

Raising awareness and persuading others to take action is the only way forward.

“GP numbers – another pledge gone”

IT has been another week of navigating the NHS for me.

My son has now added conjunctivitis to his bingo card of childhood illness (for anyone keeping count, we have had bronchiolitis, periorbital cellulitis, and now conjunctivitis in just the last three months).

As ever, I am extremely grateful to the fabulous teams in my GP surgery, at Salisbury A&E and at Sarum Ward in the hospital.

I say it often, but these are incredibly people are working under extreme pressures that should not be required.

I was shocked to read this week that there are now an eye-watering 2,100 patients for every GP in the Bath and North East Somerset, Swindon and Wiltshire Integrated Care Board area.

This is up by 12% since 2016.

As we inch closer to the next General Election, I think it is important to remind ourselves of the promises made in 2019.

Four years ago, the Conservative party promised to recruit more GPs.

However, research suggests there are

now almost 2,000 fewer fully qualified GPs in England compared to 2016 and further data has found that there are 547 fewer GP surgeries in England compared to 2019.

This includes a fall of 49 GP surgeries in the south west over that period.

In Salisbury and South Wiltshire, residents tell me they can no longer access GPs in Wilton Health Centre, Bemerton Heath, and Bishopdown Farm.

I am proud that the Liberal Democrats have pledged to recruit more GPs and enable patients to see a GP within seven days, or 24 hours in an emergency.

This would be achieved through increasing training places for GPs, a programme to retain experienced doctors and staff, and launching a recruitment drive to encourage those who’ve left the NHS to return.

This is in addition to our rescue plan for social care, including setting a higher minimum wage for carers to tackle staff shortages and ensuring no one has to sell their home to pay for care.

We need a return to proper local health services, which is what our community deserves.

But years of Conservative Government neglect has caused a GP shortage crisis, leaving people unable to see their local doctor when they need to.

The Conservatives have broken many promises in the last four years, but reneging on GP recruitment is one that impacts every single one of us.

People rely on their GP to keep their families safe and well. It is inexcusable to burden our hard-working doctors with more patients and stress.

Now, can my son fit another ‘itis’ in before his first birthday?

Stone-curlew making a triumphant comeback across England’s grasslands

THE RSPB has reported the wonderful news that the stone-curlew, a rare grassland dwelling species that had previously suffered substantial declines, has been found to be making a comeback.

The bird has bee seen in healthy numbers across RSPB nature reserves, including RSPB RSPB Winterbourne Downs, near Salisbury.

The charity thanked conservation efforts and collaboration between its members, partners and farmers that have been ongoing for decades.

RSPB Winterbourne Downs saw its highest ever number of stone-curlews last year, with 11 pairs fledging an incredible 19

young. And with a record 30 pairs counted across RSPB nature reserves in 2022, the conservation charity’s efforts are contributing towards a triumphant comeback for the rare, amber-listed species. However, the charity noted that this success story was tinged with uncertainty, … ‘as the nature of future support for Stone-curlews and other farmland wildlife through agri-environment schemes hangs in the balance’.

Stone-curlews migrate to Eastern and Southern England from southern Spain and northern Africa to raise their young. The birds are about the size of crows, have long yellow legs and are often described as

being peculiar owing to their ‘golden orb-like eyes’ which they use to find food during the night.

Breeding on farmland, sandy heaths and downland, changes to agriculture had caused a loss of suitable nesting habitat prior to the start of conservation work and the birds suffered substantial population loss.

Nesting on dry, stony, open ground and feeding on invertebrates in short grass habitats, the RSPB, together with farmers, have been restoring and protecting suitable nesting sites across Norfolk, Suffolk and Wessex. Alongside suitable farmland, nature reserves such as RSPB Minsmere and RSPB Winterbourne Downs are now providing a safe haven for the birds.

Bird watchers’ excitement rises as peregrine pair match last year’s egg count

EAGLE-EYED egg watchers (or should that be ‘falcon-eyed’ egg watchers?) have spied a third and fourth egg on the south tower balcony.

Our readers will recall our story in the last issue of the Gazette – Two eggs already laid ahead of Salisbury’s Peregrine Cam going live – with speculation mounting that the nesting pair might beat last year’s record of four eggs.

Well, a third and fourth egg have now been seen. The fourth egg was spotted by sharp eyed RSPB South Wilts member Nicola Bowes.

Incubation does not usually start until the penultimate egg has been laid, with each egg taking between 29-32 days to hatch. All eyes will be on

Peregrine Cam for the next few weeks.

News has also come in from Guernsey in the Channel Islands, where wildlife photographer Henry Rowe spotted Osmund (Blue Colour ring YK), the male falcon that

Will there be more eggs? The next few weeks promise much excitement for peregrine watchers

fledged from Salisbury Cathedral’s tower in 2020.

According to Mr Rowe, Osmund is now sporting his adult plumage.

RSPB England’s director, Nick Bruce-White, said: “The success of Stone-curlews across RSPB nature reserves and beyond shows just what can be achieved when conservation and nature friendly farming join forces to save our wild isles.

“With these enchantingly wide-eyed birds migrating to our shores to raise the next generation, we must do all we can to ensure they have enough suitable habitat to nest on. With much of our wildlife-rich grasslands and 97% of our wildflower meadows lost since the 1930s, it is only through working in collaboration with like-minded farmers, landowners and partners that we can continue to see a rise in species like the Stone-curlew here in England.”

Stone-curlews are highly sensitive birds and as such the RSPB has urged countrysidegoers to watch their step and be mindful of ground-nesting birds, as adult birds can be disturbed by human presence as much as a third of a mile (500m) away. saveourwildisles.org.uk

New Sarum WI lay hedging as part of Queen’s Green Canopy award

MEMBERS of the New Sarum WI and the Parish Environment Action Group were joined by the parish chair, Nick Baker and parish clerk Trudi Deane of Laverstock & Ford Parish Council to plant 20 metres of hedging at Norman Drive Country Park, Old Sarum on Tuesday, March 21.

Whips of hazel, blackthorn, crab apple, elder, dog rose and rowan were planted in gaps along the boundary hedge of the country park. Once mature will these will provide produce that residents can pick like sloes, hazelnuts and elderflowers

Sue Luther, group coordinator of New Sarum WI said: “The WI has a proud history of taking action to protect the environment and since Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II had a long association with the WI, we were delighted to be invited by the Parish Council to take part in this event.

“We look forward to seeing the results in the years to come.”

More than 135 saplings have now been planted in the area as part of the Queen’s Green Canopy Award. They arrived in November, from the Woodland Trust. Some have been planted as trees, while some will be

used as hedging, like the saplings planted at Norman Drive recently.

Other areas already planted include Castle Hill Country Park, the Green at Hartley Way and Bishopdown Farm.

Parish Council chair, Nick Baker, said: “Laverstock and Ford Parish Council is investing in its community spaces and has been actively working in partnership with The Land Trust, Wiltshire Wildlife and The Devenish Bradshaw Trust to ensure that community spaces such as the Laverstock Water Meadows and the Longhedge Community Garden, provide access to nature and wildlife for all residents and visitors to the parish.

“Trees from the Queens Green Canopy Award have already been planted at the Castle Hill Country Park, and we will be planting the remainder at Hartley Green in Bishopdown Farm.

“This is a great start for the Parish Environmental Action group which made the application to be a part of this award, and will ensure a lasting legacy of native trees that will add to the green canopy in our growing parish.

“We also hope that more residents will get involved in

the work of the Parish Environmental Action group.”

Hannah Bosence, countryside and greenspace officer (SW) for the Land Trust, said: “Well placed trees are hugely important. Not only do they look nice and support wildlife, but also help cool the ground. In built up areas they have been known to make a difference of 12°C to the ground surface temperature which given the heat of last summer, would be very welcome.”

Laverstock & Ford Parish Council received notification last September that its application for trees to plant at Old Sarum and Bishopdown Farm through the Queens Green Canopy Grant had been successful.

The Queen’s Green Canopy (QGC) is a unique tree planting initiative that was created to mark Her Majesty’s Platinum Jubilee in 2022.

People from across the United Kingdom were invited to ‘Plant a Tree for the Jubilee’. With a focus on planting sustainably, the QGC encourages planting of trees to create a legacy in honour of The Queen’s leadership of the Nation, which will benefit future generations.

As well as inviting the planting of new trees, The Queen’s Green Canopy will dedicate a network of 70 Ancient Woodlands across the United Kingdom and identify 70 Ancient Trees to celebrate Her Majesty’s 70 years of service.

Sue Luther group coordinator of New Sarum WI with Nick Baker, chair of Laverstock & Ford Parish Council

Bottom left: Trudi Deane, parish clerk helps volunteers dig-in

It’s the right time to aerate and scarify your lawn

ONCE the weather cheers up and things start drying out a bit many people turn their attention to their lawns.

For the most part, these run a bit wild during the winter, at least that’s how they appear to us, as we watch on from inside our homes.

That first cut of the season is always a relief. After all, we all love a uniform lawn, even if it only looks that way from a distance.

If you’ve managed to give your lawn its first trim of the year, then now is the time to pay it some closer attention.

The first few cuts should be on the highest setting, just to trim and even everything up.

As the ground dries, hopefully later in the month, you can lower the blades to get a closer crop.

If your lawn is looking patchy, now is the time to act.

You can cut out sections and lay new turf or you can sow new seed, ensuring the soil is kept moist to aid germination – you can pre-germinate the seeds to speed the process if you wish.

For a boost, you add lawn repair seed or add a fertiliser that is high in nitrogen. This is the perfect time to scarify your lawn, to remove debris and unwanted cover and worm casts that might be starving the lawn of light and air.

You can also aerate the lawn by spiking it with a garden fork. To add a little tidiness to the lawn, take some time with your lawn edges, re-cutting them or adding borders to keep them level through the year.

Win

Spring clean your washing machine Home

HOW often do you clean your washing machine? No, really? Ok, that’s probably not often enough.

With sunny days not too far off, now is the time to spring clean that kitchen workhorse before the smells start to build. And build they will, no matter how much you might want to avoid them.

It’s recommended that you clean your machine once a month, or thereabouts, to keep on top of potentially build of detergent and mould. It might seem fiddly, but it’s pretty simple.

Start with the detergent drawer. Take it out and use an old toothbrush to clean in all the nooks and crannies, including the vent in the machine you removed the drawer from (you’ll come back to this later).

Next, clean the rubber seal that prevents the water escaping through the door. A damp cloth run around the outside and inside of the seal works well. You can add some white vinegar to the cloth as well.

It’s a good idea to leave the door open after you have removed a load to allow air to circulate. This can help to alleviate the damp conditions that germs love so much.

Drain the filter, which is usually found at the bottom of the machine. Check the manual if you are unsure where it is, or how to access it.

This is where lint, hair, coins and labels tend to end up and is a prime breeding ground for smelly germs and mould.

Cleaning the drum

Even when the drum looks shiny and spotless, the chances are it is a playground for germs that will feed the smell.

It’s recommended that once a month or every two months, you run the machine on a hot cycle without detergent. Anything upwards from 60 degrees will work.

The heat will kill any germs that are lingering in all the holes found in the machine drum. It will also help to get rid of any build up of detergent that can also prove to be a breeding ground of bacteria.

Some people will advocate the use of soda crystals for these cleansing cycles. Simply add about 500ml of crystals directly into the drum and run a high heat wash cycle.

You can also choose to give your machine a clean using some household staples. It might seem that baking soda and vinegar are the answer to every problem these days, but for a smelly washing machine they are definitely your friend.

Start off by adding ¼ cup or about 250ml of baking soda to the same amount of water, mixing and adding to the detergent drawer.

Then, add two cups or 500ml of white vinegar directly to the drum and run a 60 degree cycle (obviously without any clothes). The baking soda mixes with the vinegar and the hot water to kill all the bacteria and clean the drum.

Remember to leave the door open for a while afterwards.

Rights of way registration cut-off date retained but given extension

DEFRA has announced that it will retain a cut-off date for anyone wanting to register historic rights of way.

Last year, it appeared to relax its views about how rights of way were recorded and added to the ‘definitive map’ of historic paths in England.

The move had caused much consternation among farmers and landowners who faced the prospect of claims hanging over their land for long periods.

Walking access group, the Ramblers has claimed that more than 49,000 of ancient paths and bridleways have been lost from the map that allows public access throughout the country.

Many of these paths have fallen out of use and the group has actively sought to have access rights restored where they can be proven to have existed.

A Defra statement read: ‘The decision provides much-needed certainty for landowners, local authorities and users – and reflects the original intention of the Countryside and Rights of Way Act 2000 (CROW).’

Landowners and farmers had been worried that last year’s announcements could lead to the prospect of a claim being made for access through their land at any point in the future.

Although Defra announced that it will be keeping a cut-off

date for new right of way applications, it has decided to extend the original date from 1 January 2026 to 1 January 2031.

It has also announced that it will be making reforms to how these historic rights of way are recorded.

‘As part of our reforms, local authorities will have more powers to reject weakly evidenced applications, ignore irrelevant objections, and agree on appropriate modifications directly with landowners. Local Authorities will also be able to correct obvious administrative

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errors through a significantly shortened process.

‘We want to promote responsible access, protect nature, and support those who work and live in the countryside – while streamlining the process.’

A spokesperson said: “We are committed to increasing access to nature and our Environmental Improvement Plan sets out our ambition for every household to be within a 15-minute walk of a green space or water.

“We are now moving forward with plans to reform the existing bureaucratic process and make it easier and faster to update the legal record of rights of way.”

The government appeared to change its mind following lobbying from farmers and landowners, including the Country Land and Business Association and the NFU.

A statement on the NFU website, stated: ‘Such paths have often not been used for more than 70 years, with some

now passing through the gardens of family homes, working farmyards or commercial premises, but campaigners can apply for them to be reinstated, if they can produce historical evidence the route once existed.’

In response to the news of cut-off date being retained, NFU chief land management adviser, Sam Durham said: “We are pleased that Defra has reconsidered its decision.

“The NFU has been actively campaigning for more than 10 years to bring about changes to historic rights of way legislation.

“Many farmers have claims for rights of way hanging over them for long periods, which significantly impacts the farm business.

“The reinstatement of a cut-off date will remove the uncertainty for landowners, and free up the backlog of claims that local authorities are dealing with as well as allowing legitimate claims to be ratified.”

Defra wants to promote responsible access while supporting those who live and work in the countryside

University bursaries could help young people from low-income families afford university

GRANTS that could help allay the effects of the cost of living crisis for young people from low-income families going to university are available from Wiltshire Community Foundation.

The foundation’s University Bursary programme awards £1,600 for each year of university to students under the age of 25 to help bridge the gap between the maximum student loan available and what their families can afford to help support them. The grants can be used for general living expenses, course costs, travel or for books and equipment.

They are open to people aged between 17 and 24 who have lived in Wiltshire for at least two years. Applicants, or their parent/carer, must be in receipt of two meanstested benefits or two elements of Universal Credit.

The programme has been running since 2008 and has so far awarded almost £2 million in grants. Last year, over 70 students were helped through more than £350,000 in grants.

Past grant recipients have spoken about how not worrying about paying bills helped them with their studies.

Media production student Kenny Abiola only found out about the existence of the grant in his third year at Coventry University. For the previous two he had been working nights in a warehouse to

make ends meet. “It was quite tiring and there wasn’t a lot of time left for studies,” he said. “The grant was great because it gave me breathing space.”

Emily Fletcher, who studied graphic design at Portsmouth, said the grant meant not having to find a job. “I come from a single parent family and I just didn’t think there was a chance of me being able to go to university without getting a job and working quite a lot of hours,” she said. “I thought that would be quite a lot of work and I was quite worried about money.”

Cassidy Hill said the grant helped her begin her teacher training degree in Winchester, sooner that she would otherwise have been able to.

“The grant was an absolutely massive help because my mum just couldn’t afford to give me anything towards university,” she said. “I had worked for two years while I was in the sixth form but it still wasn’t enough to cover my housing and food as well.

“It sounds so silly but being able to afford food and not worry about it was really important for my mental health. It has been brilliant

and I wouldn’t have enjoyed university nearly as much, or done as well, without it.”

Wiltshire Community Foundation grants manager, Nicola Hillier, said that the cost of living crisis has made it harder than ever for young people to afford university. “Why should someone with talent and drive be denied the chance to fulfil their promise just because of the financial barrier?” she said.

“Our grants can provide some certainty and peace of mind at what can be a very stressful, daunting time. They allow students to budget and make the most of what should be a life-changing experience.”

She and the foundation’s grants team keep in touch with students throughout their course. “It’s a real privilege to meet young people at the start of their university journey and watch them blossom and move into the careers they otherwise might have been denied,” she said.

“We have seen some amazing success stories of young people achieving great things in science, music, teaching, finance and many other areas so we know these grants make a world of difference.”

More details on eligibility and how to apply before the closing date of May 15 can be found at wiltshirecf.org.uk/grants-andsupport/individuals.

Cassidy Hill used the bursary to start a teacher training degree

Salisbury reading group making great progress after first six months

READ Easy South and East Wiltshire are delighted that in their first six months they have recruited and trained six coaches who have started to teach six adult readers.

Team leader, Julia West, said: “It is really encouraging that our efforts are already paying off. We know that there are potentially hundreds of adults in the area who could benefit from this service, so we are doing our best to try to find them and convince them to give it a try. They have nothing to lose.

“Please encourage any adult you know who struggles to read to give us a ring. It is entirely confidential and free.”

Based in Salisbury, the management team covers an area from south of

Fordingbridge, the Chalke Valley, north to the Salisbury Plain and east to the Wiltshire/ Hampshire border. “We offer free one-to-one confidential coaching with trained volunteers. Readers and coaches meet twice a week in an approved venue convenient to both. Readers progress at their own pace.”

On Saturday, 25th March three of the group’s management team attended the Read Easy National Conference at Warwick University. Over 200 delegates from headquarters and nationwide groups came together to share knowledge. Contact the group via their website https://readeasy.org.uk/ groups/read-easy-south-eastwiltshire

You do not need to struggle to read, help is at hand

Directors need to document their actions amid insolvency concerns

Directors must comply with their duties as stated in the Companies Act 2006. Failure to do so can have serious consequences.

THE Companies Act 2006 imposes specific restrictions and controls on company directors to prevent them from abusing their powers. Ignorance is not bliss (and certainly not an excuse), and failure to comply could lead to financial remedies being sought against them, and/or disqualification.

These duties apply to all directors of all companies, public and private, holding or subsidiaries. In this article we look at one of the key responsibilities of directors – that of keeping accurate and up to date records and why this is so important, in particular when a company is in financial difficulties and facing the prospect of insolvency.

As Elaine Wilkins from our Bournemouth office comments: “I am having an increasing number of meetings with companies in financial difficulty where the directors are unaware of the importance of documenting their actions.

This could be as simple as sending emails to themselves and/or fellow directors stating why they are making the decisions and taking the actions they are. Such actions could make life a lot easier for directors if insolvency strikes.”

The four main directors’ duties Financial Duties; Trading Duties; Fiduciary Duties; and Administrative Duties.

All are important and all must be followed to the letter of the law. Maintaining up to date and accurate records falls into the Administrative Duties’ category.

This category also includes the need to keep evidence of any transactions to ensure they are at full value and arms-length and also keeping minutes of major decisions that are taken.

Why is keeping records so important?

First, they can provide evidence of the company’s financial position, which is essential when creditors and other stakeholders are assessing a company’s solvency and viability.

Having accurate and up-to-date records also ensures that directors can make informed decisions about how to manage a

company’s finances in order to respond effectively to the threat of insolvency.

Second, good record keeping helps ensure compliance with statutory requirements such as filing annual accounts with Companies House, which is a legal requirement for all limited companies. Failure to do so can result in fines or even director disqualification.

Third, good record keeping can be used to protect directors from the risk of personal liability if they are accused of misfeasance (wrongful or negligent conduct) in relation to their management of the company’s finances.

Fourth, having comprehensive and accurate records can help demonstrate that the directors acted responsibly in their management of the company’s finances.

Fifth, good record keeping can also help minimise the impact of insolvency if it does occur. Having accurate and up-to-date records can help make the insolvency process less complicated and costly, as well as helping to ensure that all creditors are treated fairly.

The role of Insolvency Practitioners

Often, when a company becomes insolvent, if the Insolvency Practitioner has reason to believe that the insolvency was caused by a director(s) not carrying out their responsibilities correctly, then they will investigate, as they are required to do so.

The outcome of such an investigation can lead to director disqualification, an insolvency claim or even a custodial sentence.

When an Insolvency Practitioner is appointed, they are legally bound to investigate the behaviour of the directors and report any findings that show their duties have not been carried out correctly to the Insolvency Service.

One of the first things an Insolvency Practitioner will want to see is evidence of up to date and accurate books and records. It

is an immediate red flag if these don’t exist, and the prospect of an insolvency claim, director disqualification or worse increases.

In conclusion, it is essential for directors to ensure that they keep accurate and up-to-date records and documentation in order to comply with their duties as a director and help to protect themselves from personal liability.

Doing so can also help minimise the impact of insolvency if it does occur.

How can Insolvency Practitioners help?

Directors need to make the right decisions, quickly, when their companies are in financial difficulties and facing insolvency.

These decisions need to be properly recorded. Here at Antony Batty & Company, our team of Licensed Insolvency Practitioners and Business Recovery and Restructuring Specialists can help directors to ensure they fulfil their duties with practical measures and advice that can create a framework for managing a company in difficulty.

This advice can help to ensure that the directors can avoid criticism at a later stage, if insolvency is the outcome, reducing the risk of a director disqualification investigation. Such advice can also be crucial in directors keeping control of the decision-making process, helping to prevent HMRC, banks, landlords or creditors influencing the outcome.

Inevitably, if a company is already insolvent and liquidation is the only option, then it is already too late to do anything if decisions have not been properly recorded. Therefore, directors must take advice quickly before insolvency strikes.

It is well known that the courts place great reliance on directors, when hearing the results of an investigation, who have consulted with their accountants or solicitors first.

This is even more the case when the directors under investigation have obtained professional, independent advice from a licensed Insolvency Practitioner.

Contact us or call us on any of the numbers below for help and advice on insolvency and the possible issues regarding the duties and responsibilities of directors, including director disqualification.

The initial discussion is free.

Bournemouth: 01202 923009 email elaine@antonybatty.com

Award-winning Hair Extension Cave proves a real high street success story

Words by Tristan Ovington

DESPITE several shop closures already this year, 29-year-old Molly Cook, owner of the Hair Extension Cave in Salisbury is proving that the Salisbury high street is still thriving.

Molly and her team recently won the Hair Extension Specialist Of The Year 2023 at The English Hair And Beauty Awards (Regional: London, South East and South West).

“It was amazing to hear our team announced as the winners at the black tie event at The Grand Harbour Hotel in Southampton,” says Molly.

“I was quite shocked and it didn’t sink in for a few days. The event was a lovely opportunity for all my staff to get together. And the fact that we won was just a bonus. It meant so much to us, as thousands of businesses entered, and there was only one winner. There are roughly a hundred hairdressers in Salisbury alone.”

Reflecting on why she was selected for the award, Molly reflects: “I stay on trends,

give excellent customer service and always stay one step ahead of the competition.

“We grew from a tiny shed in my back garden to a three-storey city centre salon and are growing every day from our new premises opposite the Poultry Cross.

Ten thousand buns a year proof of popularity at market bakery stall

SALISBURY has a thriving market and one of the most popular bread stalls is Pano Bakehouse. Owner, Reece Abbott started Pano in August 2021 after realising there was no fresh bread available for Salisbury residents in the city’s supermarkets.

“I enjoy baking because it is the perfect meeting point of logic and creativity,” explains Reece. “Baking is the perfect balance of tweaking recipes and methods. When someone eats a bun in front of you and says, “that’s amazing”, the instant reward is the most fulfilling thing I’ve felt professionally.

“If I ever had to miss a market day I’d lose sleep as I love baking and serving my regulars. I have lived all over the world, but I love Salisbury the most because it is a city

with everything you could need, but it feels more like a big town because there is a strong sense of community.

So what exactly does Pano Bakehouse bake for the market?

“I make sourdough loaves, Swedish buns with cinnamon, all year round, cardamom and

“We also have the onsite beauty training academy, the second floor features beauty rooms which we are renovating and will be ready, hopefully, by June to rent out to private hair and beauty specialists.”

But it doesn’t stop there. Molly is already planning for the future. “We are nominated for five other awards in 2023. “We received a highly commended in the Small Business of the Year category at the Salisbury Business Excellence Awards, which were held on 31 March and are nominated for a few more awards in the Social Media Awards and the HBA (Hair and Beauty Awards).

“We have customers and trainees from Manchester, Bournemouth and London – nearly three quarters of our trainees come to us from outside of Wiltshire. We continue to support the next generation of hair extensionists to make sure they have learnt from the best by giving them the best training possible.”

Versatile and eye-catching crockery

lemon buns in the summer, pistachio in Christmas: they are seasonal. I also make French pastries, like almond croissants and pain au chocolat.

“The Swedish buns are the most popular: I have made 10,000 over the last 12 months. Everything I make is completely vegan. I try to be as progressive as possible and be environmentally friendly and feed as many people with the smallest amount of ingredients to cut my carbon footprint.

“We recently scaled up and with a business like this you have to grow, you have no choice. If you sell all your bread and you run out you have to get up earlier the next day. I have recently moved units to a larger one and during this time I also had to continue baking and going to market.”

Rosina Rose Designs was founded by Rosina Rose as her full-time job in October 2020.

“As well as selling at Stuff Emporium, I do a lot of craft markets. My best sellers include soap dishes and trinket dishes, as well as coasters and tea light holders,” explains Rosina.

“People often say that my products are eye-catching because of the bright colours.

“The unique selling point of my items is that it is made of jesmonite A3730 granite material. Also, it is sealed so you can use them for food or anything else you would like.”

The team celebrates at the regional English Hair And Beauty Awards

Gazette story reveals planning application to affected residents

I WANTED to thank you for highlighting the planning application for a digital advertising board on the corner of Estcourt Road and Park St.

As it turns out, none of the residents in Park St who will be able to see it from their windows were consulted.

There are now many comments online, we feel strongly that this is inappropriate for both the street and for Salisbury.

Salisbury City Council has objected.

We hope Wiltshire Council will share the same view.

We await the final decision.

ALISON FLEET Salisbury

Hunt PC storm reveals deeper problems

IN REFERENCE to your article

‘Thousands slam appointment of hunt PC’ (Salisbury & Avon p7 March 27 edition).

The current amount of signatures on the petition currently is over 41,000 now. Also, following the demonstration and emails etc to the police, Wiltshire Police have reviewed their rural crime team – see https://www.wiltshire. police.uk/news/wiltshire/ news/2023/march/review-ofrural-crime-team/.

It is good to see that the public want impartiality from the police. How can a member of a hunt uphold the law, especially the weak Hunting Act 2004.

Fox hunting still goes on in Wiltshire as witnessed by monitors and Sab groups regularly, trail hunting is a lie invented by the Countryside

Picture of the week

Alliance after the hunting Act was enforced.

If they really meant to abide by the Act they would be clean boot hunting, which is open to all and does not involve any ‘terrier men’ on their quad bikes.

Fox-based scent is not used in clean boot hunting as they chase runners.

Thankfully, the season is nearly over for most hunts now. But hare and mink hunts still illegally operate over the summer months.

Many people are now aware that fox hunting has continued since the Act was passed in 2004. There is a national group Action Against Foxhunting that highlights the issue and campaigns against fox hunting.

I am a supporter of it and we hold outreach stalls in Salisbury, near the library in Market Walk

where further information is available

See also https://www. actionagainstfoxhunting.org or check out the Action Against Foxhunting facebook page.

PETE MATTHEWS

Amesbury

Ed:

Wiltshire Police has confirmed that, after a review, officers with links to hunts or anti-hunt groups will not be allowed to join Wiltshire’s Rural Crime Team.

https://salisburyandavon.co.uk/ news/changes-to-wiltshirepolices-rural-crime-team-afteroutcry/

Favourite comfort food recipes

I’VE enjoyed reading your food pages. They leave me

wondering about what other people cook for comfort on those days that nothing else will do and fancy doesn’t cut it.

Sadly, I am no cook, my wife will tell you that I am one of those people who could burn water, and in fact I probably have if I am honest.

I would love to read more recipes from readers, from different cultures and for various different occasions. Perhaps as I get older I get more nosey about other people’s lives, but I really do think we come together as humans through the food we share with each other.

For me, when comfort is needed, I’m an old fashioned steak pie man, perhaps a shepherd’s pie... there’s a theme there I’m sure. A HUNGRY READER Wiltshire

The children of Emmanuel Middle School in Ringwood received a standing ovation for their performance of the The Lion King

Antiques & Collectibles

Welcome to a new golden age of collecting

THE STUDY of coinage, or numismatics to give it the correct name, is an age-old pursuit.

The first coins were made in Lydia, modern day Turkey around 650 BCE. We have evidence that the Romans collected the coins of the ancient Greeks and it’s certain that the Kings and Princes of Renaissance Europe filled their cabinets of curiosities with both.

The Grand Tour of the 18th century witnessed a resurgence in collecting of all sorts. Wealthy aristocrats were hungry for mementoes of Rome and Florence and so it continues up to the present day.

In recent years, there has been something of a mini boom in the coin market and prices are strong. I bought my first

Roman coin as a 10-year-old schoolboy on Pulteney Bridge in Bath and knew from that day that I wanted to become an archaeologist.

Forty odd years later, here I am still enthused by the subject. I don’t think I’ve ever seen more interest in all things ancient.

The television is covered from channel to channel with programmes devoted to all periods of history.

It’s truly a new golden age of collecting and fascination with the past.

If you want to find out more about treasures you find hidden away in the attic or left to you by a friend or relative, now might be an ideal time to get an expert opinion or valuation.

Nick Aves – 07754 058850

WANTED

Coins and Coin Collections

07754058850

Nex t Sale

Jewellery & Watches, Coins, Objets de Vertu & Silver, and Antique Furniture & Objects

Saturday 15th April

For a full list of our specialist sales please see our website

A Chinese porcelain brush pot, Kangxi period (1662-1722), 12cm high. SOLD FOR £16,000

For free verbal valuations please contact

Station Road, Semley, Shaftesbur y SP7 9AN 01747 855122 www.semleyauc tioneers com

and South Kensington, London

WANTED

Vinyl Collections

07754058850

HOLTS

Auctioneers of Fine Modern & Antique Guns

FREE VALUATION DAY

HOLTS Auctioneers are the leading specialists in fine modern and antique guns.

Thursday 13th April

NFU Mutual

The Creamery, Station Road

Sturminster Newton

Dorset, DT10 1BD

To book an appointment, arrange a free valuation or home visit please contact:

David Thurgood - 01297 306123 westcountry@holtsauctioneers.com

upcoming auctions

The Spring Auction Art & Design post 1880

Cathedral visitors should get ready to boogie on Coronation Day

SALISBURY Cathedral will be screening the Coronation and the Coronation Procession live from 9.30am on Saturday, 6th May.

This most historic of Anglican services, which dates back to William the Conqueror (the first monarch to be crowned in Westminster Abbey) is to be shown on the big screen in the cathedral nave and two 65” TV screens in the north and south transepts.

The screening will be followed at 1pm by an afternoon of music and dancing on the West Front (or in the Cloisters in the event of rain) with music provided by Swing Unlimited Big Band.

The programme, which includes the Alcock Sisters trio, features songs made famous by Ella Fitzgerald, Glenn Miller, Count Basie and Frank Sinatra, with one or two Blues Brothers numbers to complete the list. Lindy Hop and Jive fans are welcome to join us, and a barbecue and bar will be provided.

Throughout the week of the Coronation (from Tuesday, 2nd May) the replica of Queen Elizabeth II’s coronation robe created by a team of 24 cathedral flower arrangers will be on display in St Lawrence’s Chapel.

First shown during the cathedral’s 2022 Flower

Festival, this gorgeous exhibit is made from dyed and natural pampas grass, with gilded ruscus leaves, ferns and helichrysum flowers.

Following its showing in the cathedral, the replica robe will be taken to Sandringham, where it will take centre stage during the nine-day Sandringham in Bloom show, which runs from Saturday, 3rd June and Sunday, 11th June.

Normal visitor charging will be suspended during the morning screening but resumes in the afternoon.

Before the big day… Preparations for Coronation Day begin the week before with daily bunting making activities for children and adults on the West Lawn (or in the Cloisters in the event of rain) between 10am and 3pm from Saturday, 29th April.

The finished bunting will be hung in the Cloisters on Friday, 5th May in time for the Coronation Day opening.

The Education and Outreach team are also offering crown making activities for pre-school children (younger than fouryears-old) in the south nave aisle of the cathedral from 10am to noon on Friday, 5th May, complete with a selfie throne for small kings and queens.

Crown making and the selfie throne will also be available on Coronation Day (Saturday, 6th May), when the team will be set up in the Cloisters.

There’s also a special exhibition in the medieval

cathedral library during coronation week.

‘Encounters with Kings’ features treasures that have connections to kings of the past from among the thousands of ancient books and documents held in the library and archive.

Highlights include a description of King Edward IV’s admission to the confraternity (or religious brotherhood) of Salisbury Cathedral in the Chapter House on 24 May 1470, a book by King Henry VIII for which the Pope awarded him the title ‘Defender of the Faith’ and an illustrated account of the coronation of King James II and the feast that followed.

You can also read about the legendary King Arthur in Geoffrey of Monmouth’s History of the Kings of Britain written in the 1100s.

The exhibition is open every day from 10.30am to 12.30pm and 1.30pm to 3.30pm on

Saturday, 29th April to Friday, 5th May. Opening times on Sunday, 30th April runs from 1.30 to 3.30pm only.

Entry is included in the regular cathedral admission but the number of visitors that can be accommodated at any one time in the library is limited due to space, so you may be asked to queue for entry during busy periods. Please also note that no dogs are allowed in the library, which is accessed by 37 steps up a steep and uneven spiral staircase.

King Charles III is wellknown to Salisbury Cathedral both in his capacity as Colonel in Chief of the Army Air Corps and as a champion of the Spire Appeal in the 1980s and 1990s.

Most recently, in December 2020, he took part in a service to celebrate the 800th anniversary of its foundation, during which he unveiled a specially engraved stone, carved in the cathedral work yard to mark the occasion.

Far left: The Clerk of Works account for 1688-9 which records the ringing of the bells for James II’s birthday and William and Mary’s Accession to the throne (Credit: Salisbury Cathedral Library and Archive)

Left: Music will be provided by Swing Unlimited Big Band, here seen performing in 2019

Replica Coronation Robe created by Salisbury Cathedral Flower Arrangers

Credit: Finnbarr Webster

Chamber Choir to get first female director and organ scholar honoured

DR ELIZABETH Stratford has become the first female director in Salisbury Cathedral Chamber Choir’s history.

Appointed Organist and Master of the Choristers at Arundel Cathedral in 2002, Elizabeth was also the first woman to hold this level of position in the UK and became the youngest cathedral organist in Britain.

While at Arundel, Elizabeth created places for 24 choristers in the cathedral choir along with choral scholarships for students at local universities.

The choir has embarked on tours and recordings in addition to regular services and concerts at the cathedral and have also broadcast on BBC1 and ITV.

A fellow of the Royal Society of Arts and the principal of the National College of Music, Elizabeth’s busy schedule includes teaching, examining, composing and pursuing a solo career alongside her other commitments.

In 2020 she was awarded her doctorate in sacred music.

Dr Elizabeth said: “I am delighted to be taking over the directorship of the chamber choir and joining the musicians at the cathedral.

“Salisbury is known for its music and to be given the opportunity to direct a choir in this incredible building is a great honour and responsibility.

“I look forward to starting rehearsals in May and directing my first service shortly afterwards.”

David Halls, director of music at Salisbury Cathedral, said: “We are delighted that Elizabeth agreed to join us as director of the Salisbury Cathedral chamber choir.

“She is a fine musician with a wealth of choral experience, and we feel that this marks a new and

exciting chapter in the life of our chamber choir.”

Elizabeth will direct the 20-strong choir for the first time at the 5.30pm Eucharist on Wednesday, 31st May.

Organ scholar honoured Chris Too, Salisbury Cathedral’s organ scholar has been made a fellow of the Royal College of Organists (FRCO), which is recognised internationally as one of the most prestigious qualifications for organists. He has also been appointed organ scholar at Westminster Cathedral, the leading Catholic cathedral in the country.

Chris joined Salisbury Cathedral in September 2022, a one-year post which has seen him directing or playing for daily choral services and assisting at major services.

He teaches music theory to choristers at the Cathedral School and trains the probationer choristers in basic singing technique, sight reading and chorister conduct.

When his tenure at Salisbury Cathedral ends in September 2023, he will take up his new post at Westminster Cathedral, a cathedral famed for its choral tradition.

And by way of happy coincidence the Westminster Cathedral grand organ that he will play was built by the grandson of Salisbury Cathedral’s organ builder, Father Willis.

Chris said: “It is a honour to be made a fellow of the Royal College of Organists, part of a truly specialist group of musicians, and I am hugely excited about becoming organ scholar at Westminster Cathedral – a cathedral I’ve admired since my school days.

“I cannot wait to immerse myself in the unique choral tradition, and especially to accompany the choir singing plainsong.”

In the meantime, the cathedral will continue to benefit from Chris’ musicianship for quite a few more months. He will no doubt be involved in this year’s Organ Prom in the summer.

Top: Dr Elizabeth Stanford, the cathedral’s first female director of the Chamber Choir

Right: Chris Too, who has become a fellow of the Royal College of Organists

Drama collective has stars in their eyes after competition success

LOCAL drama collective, Starcast Performing Arts, is celebrating after winning the Totton Festival of Drama.

The festival celebrates local amateur dramatic groups but also acts as a feeder competition to the All England Theatre Festival, which takes place in Frome on 7 May.

Starcast entered two groups in the competition and came away with four awards, as well as entry to the All England finals.

The group’s entries were:

● Brainstorm, from an original play script by Ned Glasier, Emily Lim and Company, which featured a cast aged between 11 and 14-years-old. This told a unique story about how teenagers’ brains work and why they have been designed by evolution to be the way they are.

● A cast of 14 to 18-yearolds performed

Too Much Light Makes the Baby Go Blind by Greg Allen. This was an ensemble experiment in presenting 30 plays in 55 minutes, where the plays were performed in a random order with an interactive audience.

The comprehensive collection of prizes went to

Too Much Light Makes the Baby Go Blind, which was voted overall winner.

The production also took home the awards for Best Youth Production, Best Direction (Peter McAuley) and Best Youth Supporting Player – which was jointly awarded to Starcast’s Alfie Flynn and Rosie Fielder.

Audition date announced for this year’s Playhouse panto

WILTSHIRE Creative has announced that applications are now open for the Young Company of this year’s panto production, which will be Dick Whittington.

Twelve young performers from the local area aged 12 to 17-years-old will be chosen from the auditionees to join Dick Whittington on his quest for fame and fortune in this year’s pantomime,

The role will primarily involve dancing and acting with

singing required in the larger ensemble numbers. This is a great opportunity for all young people who love to act, dance, or sing to work and perform with a professional acting company and production team.

Auditions will take place on Saturday, 1st July 2023 at Salisbury Playhouse.

The panto will run from 25 November 2023 to 7 January 2024. It has been written by which has been written by Plested, Brown and Wilsher.

The audition applications will remain open until 5pm Monday, 26th June 2023 which

The Young Company performing during last year’s Cinderella

can be submitted via: https:// www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/ DWYCPANTO

Clockwise from top: Rosie Fielder, Alfie Flynn, Starcast collective, Pete McCauley

Credit: The Other Richard Photography

Brief Encounter at the Playhouse will linger long in the memory

Review by Brian MacReamoinn

THIS PRODUCTION of Brief Encounter at Salisbury

Playhouse is based on the hugely successful 2007 adaptation by Emma Rice which weaves Noël Coward’s one-act play Still Life with the screenplay of the David Lean film version.

It’s the first stop on a tour of several major provincial theatres and the Salisbury audience rapturously received this dazzling revival and wholeheartedly approved of the novel take on what is, after all, a much-loved classic.

Witty and fast-paced, the show re-imagines the romantic drama in a series of short scenes, involving rapid costume changes, interspersed with bursts of song – some of Coward’s wellknown tunes, including Mad About the Boy, as well as snatches of Rachmaninov, whose Piano Concerto No. 2 is indelibly associated with the film.

The stage is dominated by a huge circular diaphanous curtain (design: Jess Curtis) which is drawn back and forth on rails to reveal the various settings.

In the original play (written in 1936), the action takes place entirely within the railway refreshment room. The 1945 film opened out the story for cinematic purposes; and this interpretation adds yet another element with live music intertwining with the sparkling humour and romantic tension.

In this co-production between Wiltshire Creative and New Wolsey Theatre, in association with Yvonne Arnaud Theatre, the music is arranged by Tom Self. He is one of a sextet of amazingly versatile actor-musicians who take on multiple roles in the story, as well as playing an assortment of instruments including piano, trombone, and double bass.

All this brilliant musical virtuosity on display punctuates a gripping tale about two ordinary people who find themselves falling in love with each other when they’re not supposed to, at least according to the rules of society.

Alec (Jammy Kasongo) and Laura (Hanora Kamen) meet by chance at a train station and, despite both being married, embark on a forbidden journey. The leads expertly convey the lovers’ conflicting feelings, their passion and reserve, their desperate longing for escape and their sense of doing what’s right.

Although the adaptation doesn’t update the pre-war setting to modern times, it shortens the timescale, reducing the length of the affair from the play’s months to a few weeks, as part of making the whole thing move faster and adding more urgency to the couple’s actions and motives.

The flirtatious relationships between the minor characters provide much light comedy to offset the tragic nature of the central illicit affair. These are given full rein in some delightful song-and-dance sequences. When Alec and Laura are at their most carefree and have dinner together at a smart establishment, the musical troupe kitted out as bellhops provide a wonderful soundtrack to the couple’s joyous dancing.

The railway station echoes with the rumbling, ominous sounds of approaching and departing trains (sound designer: James Cook), adding to the atmosphere, and there are some striking video effects (Daniel Denton), especially the recurrent motif of waves crashing on the shore, thrillingly representing the turbulent emotions of Laura.

This thoroughly entertaining evening is a tribute to the lasting

quality of Noël Coward’s unique “talent to amuse” and the tour itself marks the 50 years since Coward’s death in 1973. The source play began life as part of Tonight at 8.30, a 10-piece collection performed by the master himself, along with his favourite actress, Gertrude Lawrence.

Interestingly, the playwright is quoted in a recent edition of

the collection as not being in favour of putting on previous work, calling it “cooking his cabbage twice”. Nevertheless, he surely would have made an exception for this fantastic revival.

Brief Encounter runs at Salisbury Playhouse until 22 April.

To book tickets, visit: www. wiltshirecreative.co.uk

All photos: Marc Brenner

Arrow words

15

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

Brain

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

Killer sudoku

Across

Cryptic crossword

Across

7 Second person in derisive mode ignoring cold railway compartment (6)

7 Second person in derisive mode ignoring cold railway compartment (6)

8 Pass by section of sign or exhibit (6)

9 Brass instrument, source of warning to drivers? (4)

10 Peer’s son garbled answer (8)

Down

8 Pass by section of sign or exhibit (6)

1 Tiny measure taken before exam? That’s wrong (7)

9 Brass instrument, source of warning to drivers? (4)

2 Hide second family (4)

10 Peer’s son garbled answer (8)

3 Unexciting part of cricket gets rehearsal

11 Insane topic, misjudged example of subject under discussion (4,2,5)

11 Insane topic, misjudged example of subject under discussion (4,2,5)

4 Complete failure provided in turn by a Glaswegian, say, endlessly (6)

14 Having in mind comedian with appearance in headwear officially at first (4,1,4,2)

14 Having in mind comedian with appearance in headwear officially at first (4,1,4,2)

18 Row between couple and servant (8)

19 Sell bit of flimsy wood (4)

20 Sister I placed in firm as messenger (6)

5 Proclaim a part of speech in Northern church (8)

18 Row between couple and servant (8)

6 Refuse put in front of these spots (5)

19 Sell bit of flimsy wood (4)

20 Sister I placed in firm as messenger (6)

21 Striking mistake exposing fellow as bandit (6)

21 Striking mistake exposing fellow as bandit (6)

7 Second person in derisive mode ignoring cold railway compartment (6)

8 Pass by section of sign or exhibit (6)

9 Brass instrument, source of warning to drivers? (4)

10 Peer’s son garbled answer (8)

11 Insane topic, misjudged example of subject under discussion (4,2,5)

14 Having in mind comedian with appearance in headwear officially at first (4,1,4,2)

18 Row between couple and servant (8)

19 Sell bit of flimsy wood (4)

20 Sister I placed in firm as messenger (6)

21 Striking mistake exposing fellow as bandit (6)

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

12 British artist from now first off getting distinction (8)

13 Cushioned seat in extraordinary Middle country (7)

15 It’s currently fashionable to track fast food (3,3)

16 Carrier of infection over ground around Connecticut (6)

17 University in shape as place for debate (5)

1 Tiny measure taken before exam? That’s wrong (7)

2 Hide second family (4)

19 What’s inevitable in outdoor function, it’s said (4)

3 Unexciting part of cricket gets rehearsal (3,3)

4 Complete failure provided in turn by a Glaswegian, say, endlessly (6)

5 Proclaim a part of speech in Northern church (8)

6 Refuse put in front of these spots (5)

12 British artist from now first off getting distinction (8)

13 Cushioned seat in extraordinary Middle East country (7)

15 It’s currently fashionable to track fast food (3,3)

16 Carrier of infection over ground around Connecticut (6)

17 University in shape as place for debate (5)

19 What’s inevitable in outdoor function, it’s said (4)

Arts Society members recall fond memories of the Festival of Britain

THE ARTS Society Salisbury March lecture was given by Marc Allum.

The subject of Marc’s talk was the 1951 Festival of Britain and he quickly found himself amazed to find that no fewer than 21 members of the society had visited the festival.

One recalled that it seemed like a different world; another had recently qualified as a teacher and accompanied her first class; another recalled the special stamp issued by the Royal Mail.

The year was chosen to celebrate the centenary of the 1851 Great Exhibition but also to give post-war Britain a morale-boost. It was ‘a tonic to the nation’, showing its abilities in design, architecture, construction, etc, but was also a showcase to the world.

The centrepieces were The Dome of Discovery (a futuristic building, echoes of which may be found in the O2 Millennium Dome) and Skylon.

Both were destroyed at the end of the festival with Skylon being toppled into the Thames. The original model may be seen at the Museum of London.

The festival took place nationwide. Displays were installed on HMS Campania, which travelled around the coast of Britain, stopping at different locations. There were local pageant parades and street parties.

The Pleasure Gardens were a huge leisure attraction to Londoners, being free and open daily until 11 pm, receiving 8.5 million visitors.

In addition to Royal Mail commemorative stamps,

visitors to the festival could buy souvenirs, such as a Wedgewood mug, jigsaw puzzles, a site model and Skylon Biros.

Marc commented that the festival achieved its aim in

pushing Britain forward. It was a beacon for change after the food shortages and bomb sites, and helped to revitalise the nation while remaining apolitical.

Its legacy may be seen in fabrics, furniture, art and architecture.

The Royal Festival Hall is the only surviving building that was built specifically for the festival, but if you find yourself walking along Oxford Street in London and reach number 219, look up and you will see a number of friezes.

The building was designed by Ronald Ward and the friezes depict the festival logo, the Festival Hall and the alienlooking Skylon among other lost architectural heritage.

The Arts Society Salisbury’s next talk will be given by Christopher Bradley on Tutankhamen and the Splendours of Ancient Egypt at 1.55 pm on April 11 at St Francis Church, Beatrice Road.

The opening of Tutankhamen’s tomb by Howard Carter and Lord Caernarvon and the discovery of 5,000 precious objects uncovered some of the world’s most iconic art.

If you would like further information, visit www. theartssocietysalisbury.org.uk. The Arts Society Salisbury is also on Facebook.

Guests are welcome to attend a meeting, £7.

Love your local theatre campaign comes to Salisbury

WILTSHIRE Creative is taking part in the Love Your Local Theatre campaign.

The campaign has been organised by the National Lottery and Theatre Tokens initiative.

It allows anyone who buys a National Lottery game or

scratchcard to claim a free theatre voucher worth £25.

Although the voucher must be used within three weeks of being issued, it can be used to book any show on sale including those currently running..

The Love Your Local Theatre campaign has been made

possible by funding worth £1 million from the National Lottery.

In total, more than 300 theatres are taking part nationwide and vouchers can be redeemed at any of the participating venues. To get your £25 voucher and to see

which theatres are involved, visit www.loveyourlocaltheatre. com and enter your details.

Once you have a voucher, contact Wiltshire Creative on 01722 320 333 or ticketsales@ wiltshirecreative.co.uk, quoting the voucher number.

The offer runs until 25 June.

Inset: Marc Allum on the set of Antiques Roadshow

Above: Skylon at night with the Dome of Discovery on the right, 1951

Credit: Bernard William Lee/Heresy0uk, CC BY-SA 4.0

International Arts Festival and summer festival season programmes revealed

WILTSHIRE CREATIVE has announced the programming for its Summer Festival Season, which this year incorporates Salisbury International Arts Festival 2023.

Highlights of this year’s Salisbury International Arts Festival include:

● The festival’s centrepiece will be Wiltshire Creative’s outdoor, site-specific production of The Tempest in a re-imagining of Shakespeare’s classic tale in Churchill Gardens from 24 May to 4 June

● Returning to the festival’s classical roots, vocal ensemble Siren will present Doomsday, performed beneath and inspired by St Thomas’ medieval Doom painting, exploring themes of chaos and uncertainty at St Thomas’ Church on 7 June

● Opera della Luna returns to the festival with Gilbert and Sullivan’s much-loved HMS Pinafore at Salisbury Playhouse in a hilarious recreation of the original hit on 8 June

● The Lord Chamberlain’s Men return in their outdoor, all-male production of Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet, performed at Rack Close on 9 and 10 June.

Salisbury International Arts Festival includes a range of music events for the whole family, including With The Beatles, celebrating the 60th anniversary of The Beatles’ performance at Salisbury City Hall in 1963 in collaboration with Salisbury History Festival. Tweed-clad 10-piece ensemble Old Dirty Brasstards will perform their cross-genre eclectic party covers, while blues and jazz sensation Elkie Brooks will perform her numerous hit singles at the Playhouse.

Artistic director of La Folia, Howard Moody returns with a

transporting evening of Bach’s Musical Offering on violin, flute, cello and harpsichord, in collaboration with Best Foot Music, which will be interwoven with music and poetry from across the world at St Thomas’ Church on 14 June.

Motionhouse will present the new circus production for all the family, Starchitects, incorporating gravity-defying choreography and digital projections at the Playhouse on 14 June.

Farm Yard Circus, a familyfriendly farmyard-inspired eclectic mix of acrobatics, juggling, theatre and live music, will be at Rack Close on 11 June.

Gyles Brandreth and Susie Dent bring their award-winning comedy podcast Something Rhymes with Purple to the Playhouse stage on 17 June, with other comedy events from Marcus Brigstocke and Lucy Porter.

The festival will also feature exhibitions and films across the city.

Summer Festival Season outside of the Arts Festival, include Musical Theatre Salisbury’s production of Legally Blonde, returning to the Playhouse stage in July, as well the hugely popular Beerex festival, returning for its 41st year at the Arts Centre from 7-8 July.

Artistic director of Wiltshire Creative, Gareth Machin said: “We have mapped out another marvellous programme for Wiltshire Creative’s summer season. It’s hugely exciting to be creating the festival centre piece, The Tempest, here in Salisbury working with incredible professional artists alongside many members of our local community.

“Churchill Gardens will be re-imagined as Shakespeare’s island in our biggest, boldest event yet. Elsewhere, music, dance, circus and spoken word

events will fill our stages, bringing world class talent to our audience here in Salisbury.”

Clockwise from top: Dime Notes; Moon Moon; Flamenco Origenes; Starchitects; Elkie Brooks

More than 300 runners gather for Salisbury parkrun number 333

SALISBURY’S popular parkrun has marked its 333rd edition.

The event, which has been running since 2015, has attracted more than 14,000 different runners since it launched.

More than 300 runners gathered for the milestone morning run around Churchill Gardens.

The regular group run starts at 9am every Saturday, come rain or shine, frost or snow.

Parkruns are popular all around the world. They take place on Saturday mornings and always over a 5km distance. The idea is that the runs are friendly, fun and free.

There are hundreds of parkruns organised around the UK, but only seven in Wiltshire and one in Salisbury.

Over the years, the 14,000 different runners in Salisbury have covered more than 600,000 kilometres altogether.

This was Salisbury’s 333rd parkrun and there were 322 striders, power-walkers, joggers and runners. They were of all ages, from eight to 80, with

even a few infants in strollers pushed by energetic parents.

“We try to cater for everyone,” said Jef Hutchby, the event director. “We have locals, of course, and regularly have runners from as far away as Australia and North America. Some are fast elite runners, but most are here to keep fit and have fun.”

He paid tribute to the volunteers who turn up each week to help organise and steward the run.

“We could not exist without their help,” he said. “We have had 972 volunteers since the start in 2015 and between them they have volunteered 10,797 times.”

Register for the free run at parkrun.com and arrive in the park, where there is free parking, before the 9am start.

Mr Hutchby said: “There is no need to book a place, and there is always room for a few more runners.”

Since 2015, more than 14,000 runners have clocked up 600,000km during Salisbury parkruns

Harry Smith retains Salisbury 10 crown with PB

THE PREMIER race in Salisbury’s road racing calendar took place on Sunday, 26th March. On a day that started out wet and overcast, the race took runners out into the Woodford Valley.

By the time the race started, however, it was cold and dry – ideal conditions for a 10 mile race.

Harry Smith ran a superb race from the start. He led the chasing pack of 827 runners around the Woodford Valley and in doing so he repeated his 2022 triumph. His time of 52:17 was 57 seconds quicker than his 2022 victory and nearly two minutes ahead of the second placed runner.

CoSARC runners enjoyed all-round successful race: Kieron McManus 1:10:43

(which beat his previous personal best by 50 seconds), Katie Clements 1:15:09 (also a personal best), Jane Tucker 1:28:11 (which beat her personal best by one minute), Carol Chlebowski 1:29:36 (who smashed her personal best by 5 minutes and 46 seconds) and Lynda Keech 1:37:30 (another personal best).

Meanwhile, at the 333rd Salisbury Parkrun, there was double joy for the Gervais family. Matthew Gervais was the first person to finish the course, with his dad, David not far behind in second place, clocking a personal best of 18:27.

There were also personal bests for Freddie Bosworth 19:03 and Art Mitchell 19:10, who still had the energy to finish 1 (Freddie) and 2 (Art) 24 hours later at the

Churchill Gardens Junior Parkrun. Olivia Barnett also bagged herself a personal best in a time of 7:40.

Harry Smith in action during Salisbury 10 race

Legislation to make microchipping for cats compulsory by June 2024

LEGISLATION to introduce compulsory cat microchipping was put before Parliament on 13 March, making it easier for lost or stray pet cats to be reunited with their owners and returned home safely.

There are over nine million pet cats in England, with as many as 2.3 million unchipped, meaning that it would be very difficult to reunite them with their owner if they get lost or stolen.

The new microchipping rules follow the government’s call for evidence and consultation on the issue in which 99% of respondents expressed support for the measure.

The introduction of compulsory cat microchipping was a Conservative manifesto commitment and an Action Plan for Animal Welfare pledge.

The new rules mean cats must be implanted with a microchip before they reach the age of 20 weeks and their contact details stored and kept up to date in a pet microchipping database.

Owners must have their cat microchipped by 10 June 2024 and owners found not to have

microchipped their cat will have 21 days to have one implanted, or may face a fine of up to £500.

Chief veterinary officer Christine Middlemiss said: “I am pleased that we are progressing with our requirement for all cats to be microchipped. “It is by far the most effective and quickest way of identifying lost pets. As we’ve seen with dog microchipping, those who are microchipped are more than twice as likely to be reunited with their owner.

“By getting their cat microchipped, owners can

increase the likelihood that they will be reunited with their beloved pet in the event of it going missing.”

Cats Protection’s head of advocacy, campaigns and government relations, Madison Rogers, said: “Cats Protection is delighted that pet cats in England will be given the same protection as dogs when it comes to microchipping.

“The charity regularly reunites owners with their much-loved cats, and in most cases this is only possible thanks to microchips. No matter

how far from home they are found, or how long they have been missing, if a cat has a microchip there is a good chance that a lost cat will be swiftly returned home.”

It will not be compulsory for free living cats that live with little or no human interaction or dependency, such as farm, feral or community cats.

Owners with cats that are already microchipped should ensure their details are up to date.

www.cats.org.uk/about-cp/ cats-report-2022

Chocolate poisoning in dogs can cost up to £300 to treat

AS Easter approaches PDSA, the UK’s largest vet charity, has issued a chocolate warning for all pet owners, after a one-yearold crossbreed dog ate a whopping 1kg of mini eggs.

At the beginning of March Labrador cross Staffordshire Bull Terrier, Charlie, was discovered by her shocked owners with a chewed empty packet, which originally contained mini eggs. Charlie had managed to jump the stair gate and get her paws on the chocolate.

Once her family found her with the empty packet and appearing very subdued, they

knew something was seriously wrong and immediately called PDSA.

Before they made it to Bournemouth PDSA Pet Hospital, Charlie had vomited five times at home, and continued to be sick during the short car journey, leaving her owners incredibly worried about her.

PDSA Vet, Clare Sparks, said: “Chocolate contains a substance called theobromine, which is perfectly safe for humans, but toxic for dogs, cats and rabbits. The seriousness of chocolate poisoning depends on how much chocolate your pet

has eaten, how big they are, and the cocoa content of the chocolate – the darker the chocolate the more toxic it is for your pet.”

Thankfully, Charlie, made a full recovery.

Clare adds: “Symptoms of chocolate poisoning usually appear within two to four hours but can take up to 12 hours. In severe cases, toxicity can cause: fast breathing or panting, shaking, trembling and tremors, high temperature (fever), seizures, a fast heart rate, high blood pressure.

“The most severe cases of chocolate poisoning in pets can

lead to heart failure, coma and even death.

“At our Pet Hospitals, Apomorphine, a treatment used for chocolate and raisin toxicity sees an average increase in use of 23% around Easter. It can cost as much as £300.40 to treat a dog for chocolate poisoning. On average it costs £40.00 to treat a small size dog, such as a miniature dachshund, and £200 for a medium sized dog for chocolate poisoning.”

If you are concerned your pet may be suffering from chocolate poisoning, keep the packaging and call your vet immediately.

Famous Porton bus service takes one more trip down memory lane

Words and photo supplied by Terry

Grace

AN OUTING on a restored 1960s bus kicked off celebrations for the 100th anniversary of a very famous much loved local bus service: Silver Star Motor Services of Porton Down.

Steve Webster, part owner of the bus, organised the day out for the few remaining ex-staff of Silver Star, along with an additional 50 or so interested guests.

On a trip down memory lane, the guests travelled the familiar routes of the service which plied its trade through the Bourne Valley. Starting at Idmiston, the bus picked up passengers at Porton and Gomeldon, where spectators emerged, cameras in hand.

From there, the bus journeyed through the Winterbournes and under St Thomas’s bridge towards Salisbury.

Many more passengers climbed aboard and conversations turned to reminiscences of the once highly appreciated and admired bus service.

A trip back to the old turning point at Allington brought back more memories and much photography.

On the way back the bus stopped in Boscombe to pay tribute to David Pennells who recently died.

David was a lifetime admirer and collector of Silver Star memorabilia and

photographs dating back to the earliest days of the service.

The bus then headed back to Salisbury where passengers enjoyed a spot of lunch and a chat before re-boarding and heading out through Amesbury where more passengers joined the journey.

The journey then took in Salisbury Plain

before the time came to drop everyone off on the way home.

Silver Star Motor Services operated from a garage on Ministry of Defence land at Porton Down for 40 years until June 1963 when the company was sold to the rival Wilts and Dorset Bus company.

A history of the Silver Star company is available in the book, Remembering Silver Star (by Terry Grace), which is available online and from The History Book Shop, Fisherton Street, Salisbury.

The picture (left) shows the four remaining members of staff of the Silver Star Company.

From left to right they are Mary Dixon who worked in the office, Jack Parsons who together with his late wife managed to save this bus from the scrapyard and restored it to its present glory.

Next is Yvonne Allen who also worked in the office but was also part of the White family that owned the business.

Finally, Dave Ashburner, who was a driver for the company and who actually collected the very bus used on the day from the factory as a drivable chassis in 1962 before the body was built.

It is hoped the other two surviving Silver Star coaches will be able to make an appearance at another meeting during the 100th anniversary celebrations.

Blue plaque for Frances Hale set to be unveiled

SALISBURY Civic Society and Salisbury Soroptimists will be unveiling a blue plaque dedicated to Frances Hale on 13 April outside the Cosy Club on New Street.

There are currently many blue plaques around the city but only four celebrate women, this will be the fifth.

Frances Hale’s life was researched as part of Salisbury Soroptimists’ project, Her Salisbury Story.

The project also inspired the current exhibition at Salisbury Museum.

Frances Hale inherited the building business that her father had passed to her husband.

Once widowed, Frances’ management of the company expanded the workforce from less than two dozen to over 400.

She built several notable buildings around Salisbury, including the Cosy Club, formerly the Literary and Scientific Institute, and the corner of High Street and Fisherton Street, which is now used by Barclays Bank but originally housed Richardson’s Wine Store.

She restored Britford Church and built part of St Peter’s Church in Bournemouth, extended St Paul’s Church and built the Congregational Church on Fisherton Street.

As an aid to recruitment, Mrs Hale used to make sure that newspapers reported the summer outings she organised

for her workforce. The firm also had a cricket team playing in local competitions.

The plaque unveiling will be followed by a visit to the museum exhibition and a tea reception at Arundells for invited guests.

The blue plaque dedicated to Frances Hale will become the fifth dedicated to a woman in Salisbury, the other four are:

● Dorothey Sayers (unveiled 2011) at Godolphin School

● Charlotte Cradock (unveiled 2017) in the Close

● Agnes Bottenham (unveiled 2017) Rai D’Or public house

● Dorothy Brooke (unveiled 2020) Malmesbury House.

The four remaining members of Silver Star Company staff: (l-r) Mary Dixon, Jack Parsons, who restored the bus shown with his wife, Yvonne Allen and Dave Ashburner

The plaque will unveiled outside the Cosy Club, a building Francis Hale built

Salisbury museum decants ahead of lottery funded restoration project

By Katrina ffiske

THE SALISBURY Museum is undergoing a big change, Project Forward is a £5 million National Lottery Heritage Fund supported project which is updating and restoring the museum.

Lucy Bridal, chief operating officer, said: “This project is restoring the Grade I listed building, updating and improving the accessibility of our displays of Ceramics, the History of Salisbury and Natural History.”

Before the building could begin, all items in the galleries needed to be packed away, which is quite an undertaking – it has taken 20 volunteers and two members of staff six months.

To find out more I chatted with volunteer Ian Dixon: “Moving and packing away items in a museum is called Decant. All interested volunteers were offered Decant training during which we learnt how to take artefacts from displays and carefully pack them away for storage and how to record them for future use.

“About 20 volunteers were trained – I saw it as an exciting opportunity to be involved in and support a once in a generation project.

“Handling precious items was nerve wracking to begin with, it felt like a huge responsibility as some of them are unique. Decanting with John, my regular ‘buddy’ volunteer, was very helpful because we developed a careful routine and would check with each other that we were happy with the packaging and had completed all the records/ labels appropriately.”

Once packed the boxes of artefacts are stored elsewhere on site for re-display, or transferred to the museum’s off-site storage facility. Other volunteers are trained to enter each artefact’s details onto a museum database for future

reference. The whole system is meticulously designed to facilitate future access.

“It is quite nerve wracking dealing with rare items,” said Ian. “We were advised that breakages would happen and not to worry about it.

“Some artefacts are already incomplete or damaged and need special care. An example of that would be a medieval spur found in the original Salisbury drainage system which, although it appeared to be whole, comprised two pieces.

“The Decant was an exciting project to be involved in a unique and memorable opportunity for all those who were involved.”

Not all of the objects will be redisplayed in the new galleries. “It will be an opportunity to showcase more of the museum’s collections that have not been seen before,” Lucy said.

“Museums are very much icebergs when it comes to the

vastness of our collections, only the tips are on display. Certain types of objects also need a ‘rest’ from display from a conservation point of view.”

Megan Berrisford and Elizabeth Turner oversaw the packing and were very pleased to complete the process before the deadline to hand over the emptied galleries to contractors.

“The Salisbury Museum volunteers have certainly been invaluable during this time,” Lucy said. “As a charity, we rely on support from all areas and the

benefit we receive from those willing to give up their time and skills is one we could not do without.”

The renovation work has started at the museum, and the Wessex and temporary exhibition galleries remain open to visitors. The museum is aiming to be open fully by late spring 2024.

If you would like to volunteer at the museum, contact: Kate Stubbings: katestubbings@ salisburymuseum.org.uk 01722 332 151

Volunteers carefully packing items in the museum’s galleries ahead of the building restoration work

Health & Wellbeing

Mindfulness and Somatics: could be the key to a more peaceful life

By Claire Sankey

IN TODAY’S fast-paced world, stress and anxiety are on the rise. Whether it’s due to work, relationships or simply the constant barrage of information from our screens, many of us struggle to find moments of calm and relaxation.

Fortunately, there is a solution, one that is gaining popularity: mindfulness and somatics.

Mindfulness and somatics are practices that work together to help individuals manage stress and find greater peace and contentment in their lives.

Mindfulness

Mindfulness involves growing in awareness of our thoughts and feelings, and cultivating attitudes of kindness, acceptance and non-judgement.

Somatics

Somatics involves growing in awareness of our bodies and our nervous system state and then using tools such as breathwork and movements to help regulate our emotions when needed.

Combining practices that work with the mind downwards

(like mindfulness-based cognitive therapy) and from the body upwards (like breathwork), is a powerful way to manage stress.

The practices are designed to send cues of safety into the body, using the language of the body (movement and sensation), as Steven Porges, originator of the Polyvagal Theory*, notes: “Cues of safety are the treatment.”

This can help to regulate the nervous system and create a sense of calm and relaxation, which can help alleviate stress-related symptoms.

The benefits of mindfulness and somatics are numerous. Regular practice can lead to improved mood, increased resilience to stress, and greater self-awareness.

It can also improve overall physical health, by reducing blood pressure, heart rate and stress hormones.

By dedicating just a small amount of time each day to these practices, you can reap the benefits of mindfulness and somatics and find greater peace and contentment in your life.

If you’re interested in

experiencing these benefits for yourself, consider signing up for Claire’s eight-week mindfulness and somatics course, starting on May 1st 2023.

This unique course combines the gold standard of mindfulness practices with somatic practices, offering participants a comprehensive approach to managing stress and improving their overall well-being.

Find out more and book your

Somatics involves using tools such as breathwork and movements to help regulate our emotions

Credit: Madison Lavern

place at www.clairesankey.com/ course

* Porges’ theory revolves around the idea that our nervous system influences our behaviours and how connected we feel to ourselves and others. And that by listening to our bodies we can help move ourselves away from stressed states to calmer, safer states.

Charity says there is still time to register for the Breast Walk Ever

IF YOU are looking to do more to help others or if you feel like a fresh challenge?

There is still time to register to take part in Against Breast Cancer’s Breast Walk Ever event in Hampshire on Sunday, May 7th. The charity is also calling on volunteers to step forward and help out on the day.

With full and half marathon options, as well as a 10k walk, Breast Walk Ever Hampshire has plenty of choice for anyone looking for a local walking challenge.

The routes, all starting together just outside Winchester, follow waymarked trails including the Clarendon, Itchin and Pilgrims Way.

All three walks let you trek in the footsteps of King Charles II on the Monarch’s way, following

the route he took after suffering defeat to Cromwell in 1651. Against Breast Cancer’s Breast Walk Ever walkers have raised well in excess of £100,000 over the years to help research into secondary spread Breast Cancer.

“We are delighted to offer a Breast Walk Ever event in Hampshire. To have an event close to where our research takes place has been a long-standing ambition and one we cannot wait to fulfil,” said the charity’s event manager, Richard Martin.

“The routes look stunning and it’s a great chance to get out in the fresh air with family and friends to make a real difference”.

Over 370 men are diagnosed with Breast Cancer each year as well as over 55,000 women. Breast Cancer is statistically the most common form of cancer in the UK. Against Breast Cancer fund vital research into secondary spread of the disease, the main cause of breast cancer related deaths.

Entry fees range from £12 to £28, depending on distance.

There is an early bird offer for teams of four who will receive a 20% discount when signing up before the end of January.

Walkers can expect wellstocked support stations, cheerful marshals and a complimentary massage at the finish to go with their hard-earned medal.

All walkers are asked to raise funds with an initial target of just £75. There is free parking at the event HQ in Hursely.

breastwalkever.org

Raise funds for Secondary Spread Breast Cancer research at the University of Southampton.

with feed stations. refreshmentsMedal,and massage at the finish. Dogswelcome.

Contact detail changes for young people’s mental health services

THE NUMBER for Children and young people who want support with mental health issues changed on 1 April.

The new number 0300 247 0090 (option 4) will be available for families and children and young people to call for mental health support including advice and information, arranging therapeutic activities and therapy/counselling.

Wiltshire Children and Young People Wellbeing

Service is commissioned by Wiltshire Council to provide information, advice and well-being support for children aged 5-18 who live in Wiltshire or are registered with a Wiltshire GP. HCRG Care Group has taken on the contract from Barnardos.

The service provides early mental health and well-being support including advice and information, arranging therapeutic activities and therapy/counselling. The service is designed to help children and young people avoid reaching a crisis point.

The service delivers three separate elements:

● Advice and Information,

including signposting, management and promotion of the ‘on your mind’ website as well as onward referrals to other services

● Therapeutic Positive Activities, examples of which include visits in the community, making homemade insect hotels, baking groups etc.

● Therapy and Counselling – individual and group therapeutic interventions with trained and accredited counsellors.

HCRG Care Group already provides a number of community health services for children and young people in Wiltshire and will be operating these services alongside its other initiatives.

The group will work with Oxford Health which provides the Child and Adolescent Mental Health service (CAMHS) to organise referrals and create care pathways for children and young people.

Cllr Laura Mayes, cabinet member for Children’s Services, said: “We want to be there for children and young people who are finding it hard to cope. This

service provides early support and advice and a range of help designed to address those early fears and struggles.

“Being there early means preventing longer term issues which can have a devastating impact on a young person’s life.”

The early intervention service will form part of the THRIVE framework within Wiltshire.

THRIVE is an integrated, person-centred, and needs-led approach to delivering mental health services for children,

young people and families.

Val Scrase, regional director at HCRG Care Group, said: “Our purpose is to change people’s lives by transforming health and care, and the children, young people and their families that we work with are at the centre of everything we do.

“We’re delighted to have this opportunity to support more children and young people to get the right support, at the right time and go on to live happier, healthier lives.”

Free counselling for adults affected by cancer in Salisbury

CANCER counselling charity

We Hear You (WHY) is launching a new one-to-one counselling service in Salisbury.

The service is open to anyone over 18 who has been affected or bereaved by cancer, or any life-threatening condition. This includes the friends, family members and colleagues of the person diagnosed.

We Hear You has supported residents of Somerset, Bath and North East Somerset and Wiltshire since 2005, but this is the first time a clinic has been available in Salisbury. WHY clinical manager Cath Wilkins

said: “We’re delighted to be offering counselling for adults affected by life-threatening conditions in Salisbury.

WHY supports around 700 people in the south west every year and we know how vital it is to have emotional support when you’re impacted by cancer, and how difficult it can be to find it.

“This is particularly true for those who cannot afford to pay for private counselling, or who might not be eligible for other services. WHY supports the patient, but also their friends, family members and anyone connected to them, who feels

the need for support.”

A recent client said of the service: “There is nothing more helpful than sitting in a room and telling them your story and it just being accepted.

“She wasn’t telling me what to do, she didn’t provide me with

the solutions, she helped me process it and helped me work through it and cope with it…

“I do feel hopeful now and I feel happy. I have a different outlook on life. Counselling helped me be present again and be part of life again and to see life in a completely different way.”

The Salisbury service will operate from the Practice Rooms, Catherine Street SP1 2DF.

To find out more about We Hear You, visit wehearyou.org.uk.

To refer yourself for support, call 01373 455255 or email info@wehearyou.org.uk.

The service provides early mental health and well-being support

Recruitment

PRODUCTION OPERATIVE

Warminster 45hrs. Up to 36k PA. If you like physical work, don’t mind getting dirty and have a FLT licence send your CV to us:jobs@lemondothr.com

2xPART TIME DEBT ADVISORS

Faithworks is recruiting 2xPart time Debt Advisors (full training given) to work alongside the Foodbanks in Wimborne & Blandford. For further information go to: https://faith-works.org.uk/get-involved/jobvacancies/ or call Nick Bold on 07743386908

STAFF REQUIRED

Staff required for ice-cream business near Blandford

Call Richard on 07966276612

PRODUCTION OPERATIVE

Due to retirement we have a position available in the production of coffins. Requires the ability to use circular saw. Permanent position. Telephone 01963 362095 or email colin@turnermanufacturing.co.uk

Recruitment

Pipefix Supervisor

Successful water services company operating in the south-west of UK seeks enthusiastic, well organised and diligent individual to undertake supervisory work on the delivery of water and sewerage services. Previous supervisory experience is essential, but water industry related training can be provided.

Contact recruitment@pipefix.co.uk

With CV, highlighting ability and experience, or for more information

Pipefix Limited, Unit 3A, Mellstock Farm, Cuckoo Lane, Higher Bockhampton, Dorchester, DT2 8QJ

ACCOUNT MANAGER – FIELD SALES –HYBRID ROLE - SALISBURY

We have vacancies for full time Field sales to join our team. You will be joining a friendly team selling advertising into our very popular and successful local magazines to local customers. You will be someone who likes success and can work to deadlines.

A varied role working with our team, a great bunch in the office and out on the road. Talking to existing and new clients for all sections of the magazines, no two days are the same.

You will need to be:

Target Driven

Great on the phone

Work well under pressure

Passionate about your local area

Sales experience preferred.

Your perfect job? Please get in touch and send your CV to debi.thorne@blackmorevale.net

Closing date for applications is Friday 14th April 2023.

We are looking for experienced Welder / Fabricators or steel erectors to join our team building all new custom-made Commercial Vehicles.

We are also looking for people from the caravan or mini-bus conversion industry to construct new 3.5 tonne vehicles. Perhaps you are skilled at DIY and are looking for a change of career? The company would be willing to train suitable candidates in all relevant areas.

Please contact Chris Chaffey on 01202 862187 or email your CV to chris.chaffey@hortoncommercials.com

Horton Commercials Ltd. 3 Cobham Road, Ferndown Ind Estate, Ferndown , Dorset BH21 7PE

Wessex Vehicle Services Ltd, Compton Mills SP3 5DW

Commercial Body Builders

Have the following positions available

Auto Electrician Skilled:

Duties to Include:

Vehicle Wiring

Wiring of Internal Vehicle Body Lights

Fitting Tail-Lifts

Full UK Driving Licence required

Self Employed Fibreglasser:

We Require a Self Employed Fibreglass TechnicianPart time basis

The ideal candidate will have a minimum of 2 years’ experience working with fibreglass, be technically minded

Working on all types of Vans and Trucks

Hours: As required

Please contact Nigel Mustill for more information on 01722 714545

Or email CVs to:

nigel@wessexvehicles.co.uk

£400 million funding for electric vehicle infrastructure announced

FUNDING for more electric vehicle charging points has been announced by the government.

The extra cash is part of a series of new measures aimed at supporting the shift to electric vehicles (EVs) as part of the UK’s wider plans to transition towards net-zero.

A new £381 million Local Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (LEVI) fund has been introduced, alongside an additional £15 million for the On-Street Residential Charging Scheme (ORCS).

The funding will support the installation of tens of thousands of new chargers across the country, increasing EV infrastructure.

Transport Secretary, Mark Harper, said: “Transport is one of the most important sectors for achieving net zero by 2050 and so we must accelerate our efforts to decarbonise how people get from A to B, while growing our economy and supporting thousands of green jobs.”

Alongside the funding, the Government has unveiled new proposals for a zero emission vehicle mandate.

From 2024, parliament will set minimum annual targets for the percentage of new car and van sales that must be zero emission.

The announcement comes as data showed almost 17% of new cars sold last year were zero emission.

Technology and Decarbonisation Minister, Jesse Norman, said: “The government is doing more than ever to help the UK move away from petrol and diesel and towards electric vehicles.

“That means investing in charging infrastructure and giving a clear direction to manufacturers, so they can roll out new electric vehicles faster and more efficiently.

“Overall, the UK is leading the way in decarbonising transport, a sector that is one of the biggest contributors to greenhouse gases.”

Previously, the Government committed to ending the sale of petrol and diesel cars and vans by 2030 – and from 2035, all new vehicles must be fully zero-emission.

Following the announcement, RAC electric vehicles spokesman Simon

Williams, said: “Extra funding for charging infrastructure is welcome as we know around a third of all homes in the UK don’t have a driveway for a chargepoint to be installed, which makes switching to an electric vehicle less straightforward.

“With the Government imposing a mandate for zero-emission vehicle sales on manufacturers, it seems logical that this should be matched by targets for local authorities and charging networks to install a certain number of chargepoints, to meet demand from the expected increase in electric vehicles on the road.”

Meet Your Motor Dealer

Familiar faces in the Purbeck car market talk to us about themselves, their business and their role in it

What was the start of your interest in Classic Cars?

I had rebuilt a couple of old motors, a damaged Ford Pop and a Morris 1000 pick-up and the profit from these bought my first car, a 1946 Rover 14, at 17 which I passed my test in.

I wanted to get into the motor trade and I became an apprentice panel beater, because they were paid more than mechanics. That was at S. E. Hamblin Ltd of Sherborne.

At 19 I restored an MGA fixed-head coupe and then rebuilt a write-off Mini Cooper Mk 1.

How did you get started in business for yourself?

I started a panel-beating business in 1969, and built it up to seven employees.

How did your interest in racing begin?

During my apprenticeship at Hamblin Ltd, the foreman, Gerry Helson, spotted my interest in motor sport and took me along to Goodwood motor

race events, where I saw greats like Moss, Clark, Brabham, Salvadori, driving Ferraris, Aston Martins, Lotus Cortinas and Jaguar Mk IIs.

I had raced bicycles before, but my first car speed event was VSCC Prescott in 1971. I had got the bug...

How did Dorset Vintage & Classic Auctions begin?

I felt there was a definite need for a professional specialist auction house in this area.

I started DVCA in 2005, and I would say that we are now the leading auction house for historic vehicles and automobilia in the West Country.

Which aspect of the vintage and classic trade do you enjoy most?

You never know what car, motorcycle or other item you are going to see next, or who you are going to meet – and I have certainly met some interesting characters!.

It is also satisfying to have built up a reputation for good service over the years.

Of all the cars that have passed, or could pass, through your hands which would you most like to buy yourself?

I would love to own an Aston Zagato or a Ferrari 250 SWB Berlinetta. My pre-war car? That would be a Monza Alfa.

Share the story of Brutus please Brian

When I was still an apprentice at Hamblin’s there was a customer, Jim Kennard, who was often seen around Sherborne in a burbling 4.3-litre Alvis, Brutus. I was 16, and I thought ‘What a car!’ I never dreamt that I would own that very car in 1979, and the success we would have on the track.

I raced a Scimitar, MGC, MGB GT V8 and a Jaguar 420, but I had most success in Brutus, at speed events, circuits races and in the Isle of Man, winning 35 times and making top four about another 50 times.

01963 363353

info@dvca.co.uk www.dvca.co.uk

BRIAN CHANT Owner

Dorset Vehicle & Classic Auctions

Alderbury Village Hall to host trekkers pre-loved fashion event

ALDERBURY Village Hall will be the venue of a pre-loved fashion event on 22 April. It is being organised by Lynne Rose to raise funds for Salisbury Hospital’s Stars Appeal.

Lynne has gathered together a number of sustainable businesses from the Salisbury area for the event, including Sisters Wardrobe, Made by SJP, Sustainable Style Boutique, Lulu and Boo Jewellery, The Green Gaff and Aspiga Wilton.

As well as selling a range of vintage, pre-loved and sustainable fashion and accessories, they will be showcasing some unique and one off pieces during a fashion show during the event.

Lynne is part of the Salisbury Hospital’s Stars Appeal

Trekkers who are fundraising ahead of their next trek to The Lost City in Colombia.

She will be joined at the event by fellow trekkers Colin Ford, Jo Maslen, Corinne Whillock, Anita Goddard and Viv Grant who will have their own ‘preloved boutique’.

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.

They have all seen first-hand the difference the facilities and equipment the Stars Appeal

families and staff at the hospital. The event runs from 10am to 4pm with the fashion show scheduled for 12 noon.

The hall will host an event café and there will be a prize

showcase how buying pre-loved can not only help the planet and reduce landfill but also provide an opportunity to be creative with your fashion choices.

Lynne said: “Part of the fun of an event like this is the hunt for that one of a kind item, something that’s unique but perfect for you.

“I think our fashion show will also give real inspiration too, showing buyers how secondhand and pre-loved items give you an opportunity to be creative with your fashion choices and re-imagine styles and combinations that you may not have tried in the past.

“It’s great to be able to support sustainability and raise funds for the Stars Appeal. It

1st Amesbury Scouts take top prize at table top challenge competition

THE SALISBURY & South Wilts District Cube Competition took place on Friday, 3rd March at Chafyn Grove School with 22 teams and 120 scouts taking part.

In total, 10 scout troops were represented: 23rd Salisbury; 3rd Salisbury Sea Scouts; 4th Salisbury (Harnham); Bourne Valley Idmiston; Bourne Valley Figsbury; 10th Salisbury; 1st Amesbury; 2nd Bulford; 1st Laverstock; 1st Alderbury.

Each team was set the challenge of achieving the best score possible in each of the three-minute table top challenges.

The winners, with the best score overall, were 1st Amesbury, with the 23rd Salisbury in second and 4th Salisbury (Harnham) in third.

The challengers were as follows:

● How many cups can you get off the ground in 180 seconds – pyramids or other shapes allowed. Scouts had to take it in turns to stack a single cup before joining the back of the queue. The stack was counted at the end of the 180 seconds.

● How many balls can you throw into cups in 180 seconds – the cup had to remain standing with the ball inside for it to count (it could then be removed). Scouts took one turn before joining the back of the queue.

● How many times can a troop hit a ping pong ball into the air without it touching the ground. Scouts took turns to hit the ball to the person standing next to them. If the ball touched the floor the sequence was broken.

● Bottle flip – how many times could the troop land a bottle flip in 180 seconds. There was only one bottle and scouts took turns.

● Cheerio chopsticks – how many cheerios could be transferred from one bowl to another using only chopsticks in 180 seconds. Cheerios dropped were not counted. Only two scouts could use chopsticks at any time.

● Card order – how fast could the troop order a deck of cards into suits and numerical order.

● How many levels could a troop make a card pyramid in 180 seconds – only one scout at a time was allowed to place either a single or double card.

● Dominoes – in 180 seconds, the scouts had to stand as many dominoes as they could to then allow for them to sequentially tumble over. At the end of 180 seconds, the patrol leader started the tumble, but how many fell over?

● How many sit ups could the team do in 180 seconds – this number was then divided by the number of scouts.

● Memory chain – how many words can the team remember in the correct

order from a pre-set list. Each scout had to answer in turn.

● Hula Hoop – using a stopwatch, how long could the troop keep a hula hoop off the ground for, at the same time.

● Orders – using a stopwatch, how long did it take a troop to get into height order, then age order, then birthdate order.

● 2p coin stack – the largest number of 2p coins a team could stack on top of each other. Scouts took it in turns and could only add one coin at a time.

● Rubber band shooting alley – using rubber bands, how many plastic cups could the troop knock over in 180 seconds. Only one scout was allowed to fire at a time.

● Kim’s game – 60 seconds to remember items, 120 seconds to recall those items.

● Shove penny – how many pennies could the team shove

to land in the scoring zone? Only one scout was allowed to shove at a time.

● How many badges could each team name?

● Alphabet – for each letter of the alphabet, the team had to list a boys name, a girls name, an animal and a sport.

● Spicy/saucy – from smell alone, the scouts had to try and name sauces and spices. No tasting allowed.

● Balloon Shooting – each scout was given a balloon to blow up. Taking turns, they then had to use the air from their balloon to blow a plastic cup along the length of a table to see how many they could get to the end in 180 seconds.

Clockwise from top left: 1st Amesbury (winners); cup stacking; dominoes; 4th Salisbury (Harnham) third place; 23rd Salisbury, runners up

What happens to personal guarantees when a business becomes insolvent?

Local builders using Personal Guarantee Insurance to insure against business failure hits a new high.

MOST sectors of the economy are struggling right now. In a past article, for example, we have commented on the rise in closures of pubs and restaurants.

In this article, we will take a look at the local builders’ sector, quoting data from Purbeck Personal Guarantee Insurance, which shows that businesses in that sector are struggling to get loans without personal guarantees (PG).

As a result, Personal Guarantee Insurance (PGI), to cover the guarantors personally should insolvency strike, has hit a new high. We conclude by looking at how insolvency practitioners can help those businesses without PGI if they become insolvent.

Applications from local builders for PGI were up 135% in 2022

The number of local builders applying for Personal Guarantee Insurance (PGI), to protect their personal assets if their business becomes insolvent, hit a new high in 2022.

The specialist PGI provider, Purbeck Personal Guarantee Insurance, recorded a rise in applications from local building firms of 135% in 2022 versus 2021, representing a new high, as directors/ owners took on new finance just to help with the day-to-day costs of running their businesses.

The average personal guarantee-backed loan rose to over £174,000 in Q4 2022, up from £156,900 a year earlier.

The danger with personal guarantees is that they put the personal assets of the loanee at risk. Lenders will ask for a personal guarantee when there are not enough assets in the business to repay the loan if the business fails.

Given the current economic difficulties, it is not surprising, therefore, that we are seeing such a big increase in PGI.

Todd Davison, MD of Purbeck Personal Guarantee Insurance, pointed out that their findings uncovered the personal risks that many small builders have taken on in the last 12 months so that they can keep their businesses from becoming insolvent.

He said: “Many builders in need of new finance not only find that there is a poor choice of loan products, but when they are able to find the right loan, they have to take on a big chunk of risk themselves as security for the lender.

“This means if the firm fails, the lender could use the builder’s personal estate such as their home and savings to settle the debt.

“A rapidly growing number are, therefore, taking steps to protect their personal assets should their business become insolvent.

“Small builders are feeling the impact of inflation and economic uncertainty on all sides and we know a growing number of construction companies are in ‘critical financial distress’.

“It makes perfect sense, therefore, that they are doing what they can to bring some certainty in very uncertain times.”

Our advice

In recent months, just like Purbeck, we have seen an increase in the number of directors of local building companies contacting us to ask about the merits/risks of taking out a personal guarantee or what their exposure is to claims under personal guarantees, and how they should respond to such claims.

Elaine Wilkins, at our Bournemouth office comments: “… in the month of February 2023 alone we had four enquiries from local builders, which is well up on the average.”

Inevitably the rise in building material costs is a big issue in this sector, with quotes quickly becoming out of date, and we would certainly recommend the use of a credit check on suppliers to minimise the chances of supply issues in the event of supplier insolvency.

These enquiries, however, are across the board, and not just from builders.

If no Personal Guarantee Insurance is in place, and the company is unable to pay its debts and fulfil its obligations to the lender, the lender can then sidestep any formal insolvency process the company may enter (as well as limited liability protection) and look to recover the debt from the guarantor personally, by calling in the personal guarantee.

The risks associated with personally guaranteeing company loans can result in serious consequences for the guarantor, including significant equity decreases in the family home (which might even need to be

Small builders are feeling the impact of inflation and economic uncertainty on all sides. Many are in financial distress Credit: Emma Houghton/Unsplash

sold) or, in the most severe cases, bankruptcy.

Whenever a company is in considerable financial difficulty, and is struggling to pay its debts, the directors should seek help from a Licensed Insolvency Practitioner. We will provide detailed and expert advice as to the best course of action.

If all, or some of the company’s debts are secured by a personal guarantee, the director(s) are liable to repay the debt personally and it is likely that creditors will try and call on the guarantee. That’s where we come in – we will work towards a solution that all parties can accept.

Perhaps the most important thing Insolvency Practitioners can do is try and ensure that the guarantee is not called in and that means seeing if we can we find a way to save the business.

Two options could be ,either:

● A Company Voluntary Arrangement

● A Company Administration.

If, however, the company is not viable and cannot be saved the option may be to go into liquidation.

Puzzle solutions

We can then help directors talk to the creditor who has insisted on calling in the guarantee, and try to come to some sort of negotiated settlement.

Talk to us if facing insolvency and Personal Guarantees are involved

If your company is struggling to pay its debts and is facing insolvency, the sooner you talk to us the better, especially if a personal guarantee is involved.

If the personal guarantee has been properly legally drafted, then the only options are: to take action to put things right before the guarantee is called in; come to an agreement to pay it; or in the worst case go bankrupt.

As always, the sooner action is taken the more options there are available and the better the chance of a good outcome.

Please contact us or call any of our offices, below, for a FREE initial discussion on the ‘phone or over a coffee.

Bournemouth: 01202 923009

Email elaine@antonybatty.com

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Arrow words

Brain chain (hard)