Salisbury & Avon Edition 20

Community comes out in huge numbers to support Walk for Wards

A BUMPER crowd of over 2,000 people turned out to support the Stars Appeal’s Walk for Wards at Wilton House on 9 July.

Despite the weather forecast, the sun came out ready for walkers to set off on their 3k, 5k and 10k walks. It is hoped the event raised £100,000 for Salisbury District Hospital’s Charity.

After a moment of silence to remember loved ones, Martin Starke, from Greatest Hits Radio, led the countdown before Stars Appeal Ambassador, Dr Tracey Parker, along with Ian Green OBE, the chair of Salisbury District Hospital, and David Newton, from Salisbury Reds, the event’s principal sponsor, cut the ribbon to get the walk underway.

A huge number of walkers took part to thank the hospital, inspired by the care they or their family have received across various wards and departments, with some dedicating their walk in memory of a friend, parent, sibling or child. Many wore signs showcasing their personal reasons that inspired them to take part.

Dr Parker, who works on the Pembroke Cancer Unit at the Hospital, said: “Having this support from the community means so much to me and all of the doctors, nurses and staff at the Hospital and, most importantly, the thousands of local people that the money raised will help. Thanks to the funds raised at Walk for Wards for the Stars Appeal we can do so much more to help local people in hospital.”

Money raised from the event will help towards the £1million the Stars Appeal is

aiming to raise this year to fund projects including a £140,000 additional echocardiogram machine for the Cardiac Investigation Unit, support for patients with cancer, Stars Appeal Wi-Fi, and accommodation for parents on the special care baby unit and the children’s ward.

Helena Sinclair, from the Stars Appeal, who organised the walk, added: “We’ve been overwhelmed by the tremendous support for this year’s Walk for Wards from the local community.

“We want to say a massive thank you to our hosts Lord and Lady Pembroke and the team at the Wilton Estate, our principal sponsors Salisbury Reds, David Huckfield and the Rotary Club marshals, and everyone who contributed to the event, making it such a brilliant success.

“We look forward to seeing everyone again next year.”

A date for Walk for Wards 2024 will be announced soon.

https://starsappeal.org/our-work/

Care home residents celebrate community farm with art

RESIDENTS from Milford House Care Home in Salisbury have been inspired by their regular visits to River Bourne Community Farm in Laverstock to create a series of art works that celebrate the farm.

The art will feature in an up-coming exhibition at Waterstones in Salisbury from the end of August. The residents’ latest work showcases one of the fabulous Highland Cattle who live at the farm. Their colourful portrait was made using a combination of papiér maché and pieces of recycled material with stunning results.

Gemma Hicks, general manager at Milford House, said:

“Residents love visiting the farm regularly and interacting with the animals and other visitors, and these wonderful art works really are a celebration of their visits and the delight that they take from them.

“Art in all its forms is really popular with our residents and there are so many ways for everyone to join in, whatever their respective talents – be it coming up with ideas, creating the strips of fabric as in this case, choosing the colours, arranging the pieces, or more traditional painting and drawing.

“We have our own art gallery within the home so their work can be displayed for everyone to see and admire and we are so

excited that there will be the opportunity for a wider audience to admire their creativity when we exhibit at Waterstones.

“We love what they create and they are rightly proud of what they produce and we can’t wait to see what comes next.”

Talking about the experience, one of the residents said: “I love going to the farm and seeing the animals and this was a really fun way to create a bit of the farm here at Milford.

“So many people have stopped by to say how much they love it.”

Huge crowds turned out for this year’s Walk for Wards in aid of the Star’s Appeal

Credit: Simon Ward

Residents showing off their art work featuring a Highland cow

Fake fifty

Report by Tristan Ovington

MANY Salisbury residents try to live honest lives, but there are times when they encounter dishonesty as individuals try to take advantage of the compassion of others,

On the 22nd June, a man came to several shops on Winchester Street and tried to buy low cost items and pay with a clearly fake 50 pound note.

On one encounter the man was politely declined as the shop owner in question did not have enough change in their till.

However, when he entered a second shop the owner accepted the illegal tender, but quickly realised he had been exploited and ran out to find the man.

The shop owner gave the fake note back to the man and received his real money in return.

The moment the shop owner was alerted to the inauthenticity of the fake tender turned out to be the most astonishing part of the experience.

The note was hand drawn with a crudely depicted attempt at a queen’s head that was said to more closely resemble Dame Judi Dench and the word ‘POUNDS’ was misspelt as ‘POONDS’.

Suffice to say, the pounds aspect quickly became an in-joke amongst the Winchester Street retail community.

We advise all shop and stall owners in Salisbury to double check notes to avoid being exploited and keep your ‘poonds’ close to your chest for security.

State of the art collaboration centre opens at Porton Down

A £9.9 MILLION Collaborative Innovation Centre built at Porton Science Park in Salisbury opened on June 30.

The carbon neutral centre is designed to facilitate greater collaboration between academia, the health and life sciences and defence technology sectors.

With new offices, wet and dry laboratories and bespoke facilities it provides companies with the opportunity to grow. Smaller businesses and visiting researchers, academics and entrepreneurs can benefit from using the meeting spaces to exchange ideas, knowledge and skills, and help encourage stronger collaboration between organisations.

The new building was officially opened by Jonathan Lyle CB FREng, a former chief executive at the Defence Science Technology Laboratory (Dstl) whose support, direction, energy and drive were indispensable in bringing to life the notion of a science park at Porton Down. The Collaborative Innovation Centre has been named The Lyle Building in honour of his significant contribution towards the creation of the park.

Jonathan Lyle said: “I am delighted to be associated with this next step in the development of the Porton Science Park. It’s a great example of bold collaboration between government laboratories, local government and business to facilitate innovation and economic prosperity in Wiltshire.”

Cllr Richard Clewer, leader of Wiltshire Council, said: “Porton Science Park is going from strength to strength which reflects the vital role it plays in supporting the unique science and technology expertise at Porton Down.

“The first phase of

developing the site was completed in 2018 when The Beech-Allen Building opened and now we have completed phase two with the opening of The Lyle Building. The science park has the capacity to expand further, and we will work with our main campus partners, Dstl and UKHSA to attract additional investment in the future.

“This new facility will bring more highly skilled jobs and the brightest and best talent to Porton Science Park helping us to realise a key aim of having a thriving economy and the ability to attract and retain high value businesses and jobs. We are proud of all that has been achieved at the science park.”

Rt Hon John Glen MP, chief secretary to the Treasury and MP for Salisbury, said: “It is hugely exciting to see the Collaborative Innovation Centre come to fruition. Porton Down deservedly has an international reputation for the quality and expertise of the people who work there.

“The more opportunities we can create for these brilliant scientists to share, develop and commercialise their ideas, the

more attractive Porton Down will become as a crucible for success.”

The Defence Science and Technology Laboratory (Dstl) is working closely with Wiltshire Council to use a section of the Lyle Building for a new Innovation Hub; this hub will allow Dstl to engage with potential suppliers ‘outside the wire’ to assess technologies of interest and undertake collaborative work on key defence technology challenges.

Linda Knutsen, head of Dstl’s Exploration Division, said: “The Ministry of Defence (MOD) and Dstl both recognise the importance of nontraditional and SME (Small and Medium Enterprise) suppliers in developing our generation-afternext high potential concepts for defence and security – the Dstl Innovation Hub is a significant step towards accessing these resources. We are excited about this new space which has been designed with flexibility and adaptability in mind.”

The Lyle Building was part-funded by the European Regional Development Fund, Wiltshire Council and Swindon and Wiltshire Local Enterprise

Credit: Miru and McAvoy

Hanging baskets fate causes furore among opposition councillors

PLANS to create more environmentally-friendly planting schemes in Salisbury have been approved – which could see the end of the city’s hanging baskets.

On 3 July, members of Salisbury City Council’s Environment and Climate Committee considered a report detailing steps that could be taken to improve the environmental impact of displays in the city, as well as cutting costs.

Among the ideas recommended for consideration were the installation of ‘parklets’ – small, plant-rich seating areas – and replacing traditional hanging baskets with more biodiverse ‘living pillars’.

The moves are aimed at cutting the council’s current bill of around £30,000 per year to maintain floral displays, including the Gilbert the dragon display, which the report said has ‘reached the end of its life span’.

“Salisbury City Council declared a Climate Change Emergency in 2019 and is committed to making Salisbury as carbon neutral as possible by 2030,” the report said.

“Colourful displays adorn

central Salisbury every summer, bringing colour and a sense of fun to the city centre as well as an expression of civic pride.

“However, these displays are increasingly demanding in terms of costs and other resources as the summer becomes increasingly dryer and hotter, as the climate continues to change.

“For example, approximately 30,000 litres of water was used on Gilbert last year, at an estimated cost of £700. Gilbert’s frame has reached the end of its life span, with much of the internal watering pipework now failing.”

New displays could see the council increase biodiversity in the city, it went on. “These traditional displays also offer little in terms of increasing biodiversity,” it said.

“The need to consider sustainability and biodiversity is increasingly pressing. It is time for a more forward-looking approach that is more sympathetic to the environmental challenges the country is facing, and that embraces change and considers alternative approaches.

“Rethinking and/or reimagining the current approach offers some exciting new opportunities to deliver a better and more integrated approach.”

Costs ‘are escalating’, councillors were told, due to global events, supply issues

and environmental pressures, with changes to planting displays helping cut spending.

“For example, the use of drought resistant and lower maintenance planting mixes could significantly reduce maintenance/watering costs throughout the year,” it said.

“The creation of larger planted spaces, as opposed to smaller planted containers/ hanging baskets/troughs would help to reduce production costs, waste materials and energy required to sustain this traditional approach.”

Proposals detailed in the report included creating a parklet on the Market/Guildhall Square, as well as replacing hanging baskets with living pillars, which offer ‘more benefits to wildlife and require less watering’.

However, the plans have been met with some criticism. Leader of the Conservative

Top, clockwise: Eleanor Wills, Conservative opposition leader of Salisbury City Council is unhappy with the proposals; Gilbert the Dragon; an example of a living pillar (Liverpool LLC)

opposition on the council, Cllr Eleanor Wills (Con, Harnham West), called the proposals ‘virtue signalling’, ‘ideological nonsense’ and branded the council administration a ‘left-wing cabal’.

After the meeting, she said: “(The hanging baskets) are all going to become parklets and sustainable tree planters. We think it is incredibly unfortunate for a historic city with medieval routes, this is absolutely the wrong decision by the administration and we’ve had enough.”

Councillors voted to pass the recommendations.

Left: Salisbury planters Below: Salisbury hanging

Salisbury City Council signs up to civility pledge

SALISBURY City Council councillors are putting civility and respect at the top of their agenda.

There are growing concerns among local authorities about the impact of bullying, harassment and intimidation on town and parish councils, councillors and staff.

For this reason, the National Association of Local Councils and the Society of Local Council Clerks have drawn up a Civility & Respect Pledge, and councillors at Monday’s full council meeting agreed to sign up to it.

At the same meeting, the council approved a new Code of Conduct for Councillors, based on a model code drawn up by the Local Government Association, and designed “to protect our democratic role, encourage good conduct and safeguard the public’s trust in local government”.

Independent Cllr Annie Riddle, a leader of the council, said: “There is no excuse for poor behaviour, bullying or rudeness in public life. We are committed to standing up for civilised values, and the code makes it clear what that involves.”

Further details can be here: https://salisburycitycouncil.gov. uk/our-council/about-yourcouncil/

STARS ON VIEW AT STONEHENGE

The World Heritage site had some stellar visitors on 6 July when film producers Kathleen Kennedy and Frank Marshall were snapped in front of the ancient stones.

The pair’s latest film Indiana Jones and the Dial Of Destiny was released last month.

Cabinet to consider Local Plan ahead of consultation

WILTSHIRE Council will put its Local Plan to public consultation, following a cabinet review.

The Plan will set out the vision and framework for housing, infrastructure and land for employment growth for the next 15 years. Once adopted, all planning applications will be determined against the Plan, making it the most important place-shaping document for Wiltshire.

It also identifies sites for both housing and employment development until 2038. Following work to assess the number of homes needed, the number of planned homes in the Plan has been significantly reduced from its last iteration.

When the Plan was consulted on in 2021, it proposed 45,630 homes over 20 years to 2036, but the updated Plan that Cabinet will consider proposes 36,740 homes, of which over 21,900 homes have already been built or are committed.

The local plan update now requires 40% of all new housing on developments of 10 homes or more to be affordable. Greater flexibility has been added to rural exception sites to make it easier to provide affordable housing in villages where there is clearly identified demand, but those developments will still need to be proportionate to the size of a village.

The proposed plan also sets out ambitious sustainability policies, as new developments will have to meet zero carbon standards, including energy generation such as solar panels. Biodiversity will also benefit, as the plan policies set out a 20% net gain for all developments, compared to the 10% legal requirement. New developments must also have cycling and walking connections.

Cllr Nick Botterill, cabinet member for strategic planning,

said: “This is an ambitious and sustainable Plan that, if approved, will set out both where and how new developments may be built in the county over the next 15 years. It will provide for high quality, sustainable homes and a choice of new employment opportunities in the right locations. This is about meeting Wiltshire’s needs for homes and not building any more new houses than are required.

“This Local Plan is about providing for a choice of high-quality designed housing, including affordable homes, in the most sustainable locations; maximising development on brownfield sites; supporting town centres; and providing high quality new public open spaces.

“This is also the most sustainable Local Plan we’ve ever produced, as all new homes will need to meet zero carbon standards, and there must be a 20% biodiversity net gain for all new developments.

Proposals for Amesbury and High Post as part of the Local Plan 2023

“We recognise that a number of the sites identified for new development may prove contentious in some areas, but these sites have been selected because they are the most sustainable, taking account of the results of previous consultations and the gathering of evidence –and as a local council we are required to provide appropriate sites for housing, employment and other infrastructure.

“In our Business Plan, we have committed to an updated Local Plan as an effective policy framework for the sustainable growth of Wiltshire that addresses the strategic needs of the county. And if the draft Plan passes through both cabinet, and then full council, we will then be consulting with our residents in the autumn.”

To read the full report: https:// cms.wiltshire.gov.uk/ ieListDocuments.

Credit: Wiltshire Council

Care South Care Home Spells Victory During Inter-home Scrabble Competition

Residents from St Ives House, a Care South care home nestled on the edge of the New Forest near Ringwood, welcomed sister home, Alexandra House and its residents to exchange words at an inter-home jumbo Scrabble competition.

Residents started off the visit with delicious fish and chips for lunch in the Bistro before trading tiles on the Scrabble board. The two teams played on a standing jumbo-sized board, measuring over 2m tall, which was crafted by the St Ives House activities team.

After all the 100 tiles had been used, the visiting residents from Alexandra House emerged as the winning team.

Emma Cotton, Manager of St Ives House, said: “One of the great things about being part of a group of care homes is we have 14 communities of like-minded people we can spend time with. All residents loved meeting new friends from Alexandra House and can’t wait for more fun and games with them in the future.”

Georgina Powell, Manager of Alexandra House, said: “Thank you to our sister home, St Ives House, for inviting us to spend some quality time with them. Residents in our care love bonding over friendly competition and the jumbo Scrabble game was a great activity to do this.”

Joyce, one of the participating residents from St Ives House, said: “It was lovely to meet new friends and get together for a fun activity.”

For further information about St Ives House call

St Ives House has also recently hosted other Care South homes, Castle Dene and Wickmeads, for Scrabble competitions and fish and chips.

St Ives House is owned by Care South, a not-for-profit charity and leading provider of residential and home care across the south of England. The beautiful home features idyllic landscaped courtyard and gardens, accommodates 60 residents and offers residential, respite and dementia care.

or visit

County libraries launch ‘Ready, Set, Read!’ summer reading challenge

LIBRARIES around the county are encouraging families with children aged from 4 to 11 to join in the popular and free Summer Reading Challenge from Saturday, 15th July, which aims to inspire children to read as much as they can.

The challenge, produced by the Reading Agency and delivered by libraries, is to read at least six library books over eight weeks during the summer. There are rewards on offer including various fun prizes throughout the challenge, and a medal and certificate on completion.

To support children taking part in the challenge and to encourage continued book borrowing, from 4 July Wiltshire Council libraries stopped charging fines for the late return of children’s books. Existing charges for children’s books were also removed.

Wiltshire Council hopes that this will particularly help those families struggling with the cost-of-living crisis and encourage families to return to the library regularly and borrow books again.

This year’s challenge, with the theme ‘Ready, Set, Read!’, has been developed in collaboration with the Youth

Sport Trust and celebrates play and participation, encouraging children to engage in games and sports in any way that best suits them. It will also showcase how reading can be active and engaged and can itself involve teamwork and community.

The challenge is a personal one and children can choose any books of their choice and can also read eBooks or listen to audiobooks. For every child this will be different, from a child who is just starting to read, a child who might struggle or a who is looking to read more widely.

Children can register at Wiltshire Libraries and have until 9 September to complete the challenge. All participants will receive a Ready, Set, Read! folder to keep a record of their reading and for collecting stickers.

The Summer Reading Challenge is also teaming up with Nike and Rebel Girls to give away copies of their new book, Rebel Girls Kick It: World Champions Take the Pitch, and You Can Too.

This special, limited-edition book features stories and fun facts alongside original illustrations of 28 Nike athletes, Q&As with coaches and

activities to enhance football skills. The books are most suited to children aged between 7 and 12-years-old and will be given to those joining the challenge, while stocks last.

Cllr Ian Blair-Pilling, cabinet member for libraries, said: “We very much hope that children will once again be inspired to take part in this important and successful programme, proven to make a real difference to children’s reading skills and attitudes to reading.

“Last year, 85% said taking part in the challenge had improved their reading, and we received a lot of great feedback from parents and carers on the impact on their child’s reading.

“I would like to thank all the volunteers and library staff for helping to make this another successful summer of reading, through their support of listening to children’s book reviews and reading written reviews, giving out prizes and encouraging children to continue.”

Last year, 6,206 children started the challenge, an increase of 39% compared to 2021, and 3,831 completed it, an increase of 52% on the previous year.

Children can also sign up to the challenge online, where they can use the book sorter to discover new books, find fun reading activities and active challenges, play games, watch videos and write book reviews.

On each of the sticker sheets they get, children will find a code which can be used to unlock additional content on the website. A child just needs to sign into their profile and enter the code in the ‘Your badges’ box.

Children finishing the challenge early or aged up to 16 can continue their journey by joining the Story Adventurers’ Club, a challenge to read 100 books at a pace chosen by the child/young person.

Children will be given their own booklet to record and reflect on their reading.

Children can register at any Wiltshire Library Credit: Google

Children can choose to read any books of their choosing Credit: Pressfoto on Freepik

Cathedral turns blue for NHS’ 70th

SALISBURY Cathedral was lit blue on Tuesday, 5th July, to mark the 75th anniversary of the founding of the NHS.

Stacey Hunter, CEO at Salisbury NHS Foundation Trust, said: “Having worked for the NHS for 36 years, I remain exceptionally proud of everything our colleagues deliver for patients and our community.

“The NHS is all about the people who work in it, who choose to dedicate their time and expertise to support our communities at some of their happiest times, but also in some of their most difficult times.

“It has been a challenging few years but despite this, our teams continue to give their best, and every single week people write to me to tell me of the fantastic care and support they have received in our hospital.

“I wouldn’t want to work anywhere other than in the NHS, upholding the principle of

care free at the point of need for everyone, and I look forward to it continuing to thrive for the next 75 years. It is one of the finest institutions in our country.”

Commenting on lighting up the cathedral spire blue for the 75th anniversary, The Very

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Revd Nicholas Papadopulos, Dean of Salisbury said: “For three quarters of a century the NHS has been at the heart of our community, caring for us, saving lives, and preparing us for our dying.

“The cathedral likewise observes key moments in life’s journey – our beginnings, and our most momentous commitments; the cathedral too, seeks to relieve suffering through practical compassion; and as a Christian community we try to prepare for our dying in faith and with hope. God bless the NHS.”

Salisbury Cathedral lit up blue, and inset: as seen from Old Sarum

Credit: Terry Waldron

Operation Awake, partnership supports the safety of women in public life

THURSDAY, 6th July saw the launch of a partnership pilot scheme to provide additional support to local women in public life who are at the receiving end of abusive emails and social media posts.

Known as gender abuse, perpetrators in some cases threaten violence, which is often sexual and with deeply upsetting content.

Members of Salisbury Soroptimists, who have been coordinating and leading a Women’s Safety Initiative in the city, learned from female councillors that, unlike MPs, there is no bespoke reporting structure for female councillors or women who work or volunteer in public service.

Liz Batten of the Soroptimist project group said: “We are saying ‘it’s not ok’ to be personally abusive to any woman – but we believe that those women who give of their time and energy to serve their local community deserve to be better protected from this kind of gender-based abuse.

“We are pleased that Wiltshire Police agreed with us that women should be encouraged to report the gender abuse they receive so that enquiries can be made to identify the perpetrators and assess any immediate risk.”

Through Operation Awake, female councillors and other women in public life will be encouraged to telephone 101 to report any such abuse, whether written, verbal or on social media, and to quote Operation Awake to the call handler. They

will ensure that the call is dealt with through this new mechanism.

Police will then ensure that incidents and offences can be analysed to identify serial perpetrators or to inform patrol strategies. The police will also support publicity campaigns and engagement to encourage reporting.

Where appropriate these will be dealt with as crimes and investigated. Where the matter does not meet a criminal threshold for investigation the information supplied will be used to help identify patterns of behaviour and ultimately to pinpoint repeat offenders.

We hope that by building a stronger intelligence picture, the police will be able to deploy resources to proactively target

potential perpetrators and prevent offences.

This pilot is closely allied to Project Vigilant, which seeks to build trust and confidence in policing, facilitate relentless pursuit of perpetrators and create safer spaces for women and girls.

Operation Awake aims to make a positive difference to the lives of women in public life and to encourage young women to consider standing for public office and furthering their careers without the shadow of this kind of abuse. The message to abusers is clear – ‘it’s not ok’ to treat women this way!

The Salisbury Women’s Safety Initiative was initially started in March 2021 following the murder of Sarah Everard. A partnership was formed between Safer and Supportive Salisbury and Soroptimist International of Salisbury.

The project group has been working closely with the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner, Wiltshire Police, Wiltshire Council and Salisbury City Council.

Project Vigilant was launched in Wiltshire in 2021; the operation involves proactive patrols being carried out on a frequent basis to prevent violence and sexual offences against women and girls linked to the night time economy.

It aims to reassure anyone of any gender that they can enjoy their night out without fear alongside targeting perpetrators to show that Wiltshire is not a place where they can commit these crimes.

The City council’s grass cutting and other activities

AT a meeting of its Full Council on Monday, 26th June 2023, Cllr Annie Riddle, on behalf of the leaders of the Council, gave an update on recent council activity.

This included the council’s delight in seeing the beautiful Churchill Gardens used to such good effect as a backdrop for Wiltshire Creative’s stunning production of The Tempest.

The City Council’s own events were also celebrated from the coronation weekend to the recent motor show. Cllr

Riddle also spoke about the challenge of grass cutting following ideal spring grass growing conditions.

Further details of the council’s activity were provided in a report showing progress made over the last year to achieve the aims of the council’s strategic plan.

There are five key themes in the plan: A Green City; A Lively City; Your Voice Heard; Wellbeing; Looking to the Future; and a Well-Run Council.

The report showed how progress has been made over all these areas.

Cllr John Wells, who chairs the council’s Environment and Climate Change Committee, said: “The report reflects a tremendous amount of focused work by the council over the last year, and we look forward to reaching more of our aims over the next year.”

The full report is available on the City Council’s website: https://salisburycitycouncil.gov. uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/

DOC91167_SP_Reporting_ June_2023-2.pdf

The Council’s Strategic Plan 2022-2025 is available here: https://salisburycitycouncil.gov. uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/

DOC91333_Strategic_Plan_-_ Updated_26_Jun_2023.pdf

The council has provided an FAQ on grass cutting on its website: https://salisburycitycouncil.gov. uk/our-city/open-spaces/#grasscutting

Liz Batten, speaking at the Make Our City Safer conference

Scouts take to the Nadder to race the Donkey Derby in home-made rafts

THE SALISBURY & South Wilts District Scout Raft Races took place on 01 July at Salisbury Canoe Club in Newton Road, which is based on the River Nadder.

Scouts competed in timed runs over the 200 metre course in two age groups: School Years 6 and 7; and Years 8 and 9. The fastest two teams in each age group then raced each other in the finals.

Over one hundred scouts from nine local troops took part with 25 teams entered into the competition.

The scout troops represented were 3rd Salisbury Sea Scouts, Bourne Valley Idmiston, Bourne Valley Figsbury, 1st Amesbury, 4th Salisbury (Harnham), 23rd Salisbury, 10th Salisbury, 2nd Bulford and 1st Alderbury.

The scouts spent several weeks designing and building their rafts.

The Year 6 and 7 final was contested by the 3rd Salisbury and Bourne Valley Idmiston, with the 3rd Salisbury eventually winning. While, the Year 8 and 9 final was between 3rd Salisbury and Bourne Valley Idmiston, with Bourne Valley victorious.

The fastest time down the course was clocked at 2 minutes 28 seconds by the 3rd Salisbury 8&9 team.

The event also included a ‘Donkey Derby’ Race with all competitors on the water and a cardboard canoe race, which was contested by Bourne Valley Idmiston and Amesbury

Explorers – with City winning the race.

Many thanks go to Salisbury Canoe Club for hosting the races at short notice after the usual location at the River Avon at the Fisherton Recreation Ground was found to be clogged with weed.

Fayre on the Square returning this month

THE popular summer pop-up event, Fayre on the Square, will be returning to Salisbury Guildhall Square later this month.

Open from Saturday, 22nd July until Sunday, 3rd September, Fayre on the Square is a perfect summertime hangout to enjoy with friends, family and colleagues.

A mini golf course will be open from 10am to 7pm Sunday to Monday and from 10am to 8pm Tuesday to Saturday, providing fun for all the family for just £4.50 per person. Plus enjoy the games tables for additional fun nearby.

Relax and soak up the sun at Salisbury City Garden Bar, which is being run by The Immersive Group. Open throughout the day from 11am to 11pm Monday to Saturday and from 11am to 10.30pm on Sundays, you can enjoy a cool beverage with your friends, or wind down after a day at work at this laid back pop-up bar.

No need to worry about getting hungry either as great local foodies Charter 1227, Inc Events Ltd and Nole from will be serving from 11am to 7pm daily. Pick up a Greek Gringo, loaded hot dogs and fries, or cool down with an ice cream on a deck chair and watch the world go by.

Information regarding Salisbury District Scouts can be found at www.salisburyscouts.org.uk/ and Salisbury Canoe Club at http:// www.salisburycanoeclub.org.uk

cardboard canoes

Over 100 scouts from nine local troops took part in the races, culminating in the Donkey Derby, featuring home-made

All photos, credit: Mark Warner

Fordingbridge Salvation Army hosts event to mark Employability Day

THE SALVATION Army in Fordingbridge hosted two events to celebrate the achievements of local jobseekers on 3 July – Employability Day.

The church and charity’s Employment Plus service helps people who have faced obstacles to employment such as lack of education, training or life skills, mental health problems, disability, or homelessness, find and stay in work.

People were invited to visit Fordingbridge Employment Plus at The Salvation Army for cake and coffee and to see how the free confidential service can help and support people.

Cara Upham, employment development coordinator at Fordingbridge Employment Plus, said: “The Salvation Army’s Employment Plus service offers tailored support to people who have really struggled to either find work or stay in work. There can be many complex reasons as to why that is, but we believe that helping people to develop their skills and self-belief is key to getting them back into the job market.

“The work we do depends very much on the individual, but a lot of it is confidence building, CV writing, job applications, interview preparation or help accessing computers and courses to build their skills.

“We can also help with benefit applications, money management and housing issues. It’s open to anyone who needs help.

“Our help doesn’t stop when someone finds work, we continue to support them once they have that job. We were recently

able to help a young man with very low confidence find a part-time job, but as he struggled a lot with communicating, this was affecting his role.

“I was able to speak to his boss which improved the situation to the point where this young man is now thriving at work, has really improved his confidence and is looking to extend his hours. It really has transformed his life, which is fantastic for us to see.”

Across the UK and Ireland, The Salvation Army has helped 35,000 people with job support in the last 12 months. Of those,

10,000 have received a full and structured journey towards employment with almost half (43%) gaining employment.

Employability Day was created by the Employment Related Services Association (ERSA), of which The Salvation Army is a member. Its aim is to recognise the contribution of employment support organisations in helping job seekers into sustainable work.

www.salvationarmy.org.uk/employmentplus

Salisbury Rotary Club announces its new president

THE ROTARY Club of Salisbury has announced that its new president will be Michael Bell. He succeeded Jan Paterson and Pauline Oliver at the beginning of July.

Michael was born in Salisbury but worked in Abingdon for many years returning “home” in 2018 with his wife Fliss.

He became a member of Warminster Rotary Club in 1977 and was the 50th President of the Abingdon Club in 1997.

In his acceptance speech, Michael said: “Rotary operates internationally and locally and has supported many individuals and groups in and around Salisbury for over 100 years.

“Rotary is about making new friends,

engaging socially and working on a variety of community related projects and activities.

“Our members have a common purpose – to make a difference to people’s lives and have some fun at the same time.

“We are delighted that our new mayor, Atiquil Hoque, has made Rotary one of his charities (the others are the RDA and Salisbury Hospice) and we will be working with Atiquil, as part of his fund raising committee throughout his term of office.” www.facebook.com/Salisburyrotaryclub

The Salvation Army’s Employment Plus service offers support to people who have struggled to find or stay in work

Michael Bell succeeded Jan Peterson and Pauline Oliver as president at the beginning of July

Council still committed to opening City Hall as an entertainment venue

WILTSHIRE Council has reaffirmed its commitment to reopening Salisbury’s City Hall as a revitalised entertainment and cultural venue.

As previously confirmed, the council’s recent repair surveys on the existing City Hall building established that repairs would be over £2m to make the building usable, without improving the overall quality of experience for visitors to the venue.

The work required also means that the council’s public liability insurance would not be valid, and therefore it is unable to reopen City Hall in its current state at this time.

However, the council continues to investigate different funding options which could see the existing City Hall building enhanced, creating a modern entertainment venue, bringing with it wider economic benefits to Salisbury and the surrounding areas, while complementing the city’s existing and emerging cultural offer.

Cllr Richard Clewer, leader of Wiltshire

Council, said: “I know local people are very vocal and passionate about re-opening City Hall as soon as possible and, while we completely understand that sentiment, it is not a simple process. We can’t open a building which isn’t safe to allow live music to be played in.

Given the scale of the work involved we are taking a couple of months to undertake an assessment on the best solution for City Hall as an entertainment venue that is

sustainable for the long-term and to look at what degree of funding we could commit to significantly enhance the offer.

“We also have significant challenges with the building Salisbury Library is located in which has a flat roof and is going to need significant expenditure to remain fit for use.

“Part of the assessment will look at whether we can deliver on the Cultural Quarter concept of extending City Hall and bringing the library into the same building.

“I am speaking to officers regularly about this project and it’s incredibly important to me to get it re-opened safely and in a way and condition that’s befitting of Salisbury and complements the wider cultural offer the city provides.

“I would also ask decision makers in the city to work with us on this too, as I’m sure they’d agree that if there’s a chance to develop a much-improved City Hall that brings people into the city and a venue to really be proud of then surely that is the best option.”

Carer who stole from vulnerable Salisbury man is jailed

A CARER who stole around £18,000 from a vulnerable Salisbury man has been jailed.

Mahmed Javid Chichanwala, of Chapel Mews, Brighton and Hove, was sentenced to 16 months’ imprisonment after admitting theft, saying he stole the money to feed a gambling habit and to send money to friends and family.

The offences took place between May and August 2022, shortly after 43-year-old Chichanwala moved into the property in Salisbury to care for the victim – a man in his 90s who had been diagnosed with dementia.

The court heard he soon began taking advantage of the victim, using their debit card to frequently withdraw hundreds

of pounds from ATMs before depositing it in his own account.

He also directly transferred money into his own account with the reference as the victim’s name followed by ‘expense’, and also transferred substantial amounts of money to a friend to repay a debt.

His offences were spotted after a cheque from the victim’s account to a family member’s account bounced, and, following enquiries at the bank, Wiltshire Police officers were notified and Chichanwala was arrested.

He pleaded guilty to theft at the first opportunity.

At a hearing at Winchester Crown Court on Friday (30 June), Chichanwala was sentenced to 16 months in

prison. He will serve half in jail and the other half on licence.

Investigating officer DC Dominic Maidment said: “Chichanwala was put in a position of trust over the victim and immediately betrayed them for his own gain.

“He stole thousands of pounds from the victim over the

course of multiple transactions, taking advantage of the victim’s vulnerability to repay debts he owed and to fund a significant gambling addiction. I am pleased that Chichanwala pleaded guilty at the first opportunity so as not to put the victim and his family through a trial.”

Mahmed Javid Chichanwala has been jailed for 16 months

Picture: Wiltshire Police

Larkhill soldiers play key role in King Charles’ Scottish coronation

SOLDIERS from 47th Regiment Royal Artillery played a central role in the arrival of His Majesty King Charles III at the Palace of Holyroodhouse and the Ceremony of the Keys in Edinburgh.

The Ceremony of the Keys takes place at the start of the British monarch’s week-long residence in the forecourt of the palace where the sovereign is symbolically offered the keys to the city of Edinburgh.

This year, the Guard of Honour was provided by The Kings’ Bodyguard in Scotland (Royal Company of Archers) supported by the Pipes, Drums and Bugles of the 2nd Battalion, The Royal Regiment of Scotland and The Band of The Royal Regiment of Scotland.

To mark the arrival of the King, a royal a 21-gun salute was fired by 10 (Assaye) Battery, 47th Regiment Royal Artillery.

Lieutenant Hattie Sumner, troop commander, said: “I feel very lucky to take part in such an occasion, especially coming from a regiment that doesn’t work with guns on a daily basis.”

47th Regiment Royal Artillery is part of the Watchkeeper Force under

City Council signs PCC Safety at Night Charter

SALISBURY City Council has signed the Wiltshire and Swindon Police and Crime Commissioner’s (PCC) Safety at Night Charter.

The Safety at Night Charter is an initiative aiming to take practical steps to make Wiltshire and Swindon safer at night.

The City Council already plays a role in the night-time economy as an operator of an evening venue (Salisbury Guildhall) and as a provider of services that contribute to the city’s public spaces.

By signing the Charter, the City Council has shown that it acknowledges the issue and

demonstrates its intention to ensure better safety at night in Salisbury where its actions and activities are relevant.

A leader of the City Council, Cllr Ian Tome, said: “All sections of society should feel safe, secure and respected at all times of the day and night.

“With the City Council signing the ‘Safety at Night’ Charter, we hope to help Salisbury be a safer place for all to enjoy.”

Full details of the Charter can be found on the PCC website here: https://www.wiltshire-pcc. gov.uk/your-pcc/campaigns/ safer-nights-sign-up/

Joint Helicopter Command and operates the Watchkeeper Remotely Piloted Air System (RPAS). It holds a battery at high readiness to deploy around the world and has a constant presence in the US , where it runs a flight school.

Elements of 47th Regiment Royal Artillery have existed since 1755 and batteries in the regiment have been employed as coastal defence, air defence and RPAS. The regiment’s previous deployments include Northern Ireland, Bosnia, Kosovo, Cyprus, Iraq, and most recently Afghanistan, where Watchkeeper flew in support of Op Herrick.

Major Adrian Vipond, battery commander, explained: “It was an honour and a privilege to have the opportunity to support such an occasion.”

Members of The Royal Regiment of Scotland provided guard at Holyroodhouse and Edinburgh Castle.

Top: Lieutenant Hattie Sumner, troop commander with soldiers from 47th Regiment Left: 10 (Assaye) Battery fired a 21-gun salute to mark the King’s arrival

Credit: Crown Copyright 2023

Council to broadcast meetings via Teams and YouTube

IF YOU are stuck for something to do on a Monday evening, there is a new show in town that threatens to knock Netflix out of the park.

That’s right, Salisbury City Council has announced that it will be recording its meetings and making them available via Microsoft Teams (live) and YouTube (on demand).

A Teams link will be available via the Council’s website for those who wish to see the action as it happens, and for those unable to watch but want to find out what was said and by whom, the Council’s YouTube will offer a recording.

Cllr Alan Bayliss, who chairs the Finance and Governance committee said: “After trying different setups to ensure good sound and visual quality, I am pleased to say the public will now be able to view our meetings in their own home if they don’t wish to or can’t attend in person at the Guildhall.

“We have been keen to increase openness on how the council makes decisions, and members of the public can now click to view our meetings”. salisburycitycouncil.gov.uk/ council-meeting/monday-3-july23-environment-and-climatecommittee/

Salisbury Hospital invites community to its anniversary Open Day event

SALISBURY NHS Foundation Trust is celebrating a year of anniversaries, with the hospital being 80-years-old and the NHS 75, and on Saturday, 22nd July, it will be holding the first in a generation Open Day.

The event will commemorate the 80th anniversary of the opening of the US Army hospital on the Odstock site and the NHS 75th birthday.

Chief executive, Stacey Hunter, said: “Everyone at the trust is excited to welcome our community onto the site to visit and witness many of the fascinating things that go on in our hospital and find out more about what we do to provide quality care to our patients.

“We are delighted to be able to provide fun and entertainment for the whole family at what will be a most enjoyable community event.”

The event is open to everyone and will include a variety of activities on the day, with something for everyone. Several departments will be showcasing their services enabling visitors to learn more about our hospital and hospital life.

Visitors will get to see life-saving robots in action, have a tour of the hospital site,

and view the new ward being constructed. In addition, blue light services will be present with vehicles and crews to talk about their work on the front line. And there will be live music, and activities for children.

The Open Day will be held 10am to 2pm. Parking will be free.

City Council-led LGBTQ+ youth groups to re-start at new central venue

LGBTQ+ youth groups will re-launch at a new venue – The George and Dragon, Castle Street Salisbury.

Salisbury City Council’s Communities Team announced that the groups would re-start on Thursday, 13th July, 4.30pm to 6.00pm (ages 11 to 16) and 6.30pm to 8.00pm (ages 16+).

The Salisbury City Council Communities Team-led LGBTQ+ youth group started in February in response to requests from young people in search of a safe and supportive space.

At the centre of these groups, overseen and facilitated by professionally trained staff and supporting volunteers, young people can meet, participate in activities, and chat with us and each other without agenda, or judgement.

So many young people have expressed a need for space independent of home and school which is dedicated to them as they find their way through their thoughts and feelings in relation to their sexuality and sexual orientation and want somewhere safe that they can share them.

The groups will take place at The George and Dragon, Castle Street, Salisbury, welcomed by

the management at the pub, but held as a safe space for young people. Families and carers can rest assured no alcohol will be provided and are welcome to accompany their young people to the group to find support together. Supportive allies are also welcome to attend. Soft drinks and snacks will be available.

The groups will run once a month.

A mum of a transitioned daughter told the team: “If a group like this had existed when my daughter was transitioning, we would have welcomed it with open arms.”

When the team asked the community what was needed and

what they thought about the idea to create this group a young trans man responded: “That would be perfect, this event [Pride 2022] is great but it will be packed away when it’s finished and then we will be forgotten about for another year – we need it.”

Communities Officers and a team of volunteers are committed to enabling these participant-led groups. During the younger sessions, attendees can engage with activities such as arts, crafts and board games and in the older session members will forge new friendships in a chilled environment with support on hand if requested.

If you are someone with lived experience of the journey as a member of the LGBTQ+ community, or a loved one of someone who is, and feel you can be supportive by giving some time for others finding their way, please contact the Salisbury City Council Communities team about volunteering.

The team involved in this project would ask that if you know a young person who is looking for community and don’t know where to find it, please direct them to this group.

Primark to open in September, creating 100 new jobs

PRIMARK is set to open a new store in Salisbury in September.

The cut-price fashion giant will open doors to the twostorey shop, in the Old George Mall, at premises previously occupied by BHS.

Coming in at a whopping 29,700 sq ft, 100 new jobs will be created, the retailer said.

The exact opening date will be confirmed nearer the time.

Primark Salisbury store manager, Christopher Carter, said: “Our construction team has been busy getting the store ready over the last few months,

and now it’s time for the next step on our journey.

“Primark is an amazing place to work and we’re looking forward to welcoming 100 new members to the family over the coming months as we prepare for launch in September.

“We know that Salisbury shoppers have been eagerly awaiting the opening, so we can’t wait to welcome them to the store.”

The Salisbury store will be Primark’s first new store opening in England in more than two years – the chain’s 192nd shop.

The retailer will be recruiting 100 new team members for roles including retail assistants, stockroom colleagues, and visual merchandisers, with start dates as early as August to help get the store ready.

Pay rates for all roles start from £11 per hour. In addition, staff enjoy a year-round 15% discount on Primark products, as well as benefits such as an employee assistance programme and pension package.

“Each role plays an important part in creating a fantastic store experience,” a spokesperson

said. “As a retail assistant, day to day responsibilities vary from restocking the sales floor to serving customers at the tills, while stockroom colleagues are responsible for processing all deliveries in and out of the stockroom.

“Visual merchandisers are key for inspiring and enticing Primark customers by creating and displaying colourful products on mannequins and other fixtures around the store.”

Anyone interested at working in Primark Salisbury can apply, via careers.primark.com

The pub’s managers will create a safe space for the young people attending the groups Credit: Google

Tragedy on A303 near Stonehenge as 11-year-old killed in evening crash

AN 11-year-old boy sadly died after a crash near Stonehenge on Saturday, July 8.

The incident, involving a car and a lorry, happened on the A303 at around 7.30pm.

Police said a black BMW travelling westbound from the Countess Roundabout towards Stonehenge was ‘involved in a collision with a lorry which was parked in a lay-by’.

An 11-year-old boy from London was declared dead at the scene.

The driver of the car, a man in his 40s, and a passenger, a 15-year-old boy, both from London, suffered potentially life-changing injuries and have been taken to Southampton General Hospital.

The driver of the lorry was

uninjured. The westbound carriageway of the A303 was closed while investigations were carried out. A/Insp Will

Ayres, of Wiltshire Police’s Roads Policing Unit, said: “This is a tragic incident where a young boy has lost his life and two more people are in a serious condition in hospital.

“Their next of kin have been informed and are being supported by specially trained officers.

“Our thoughts are with them at this very difficult time.

“I would urge anyone who witnessed anything to please get in touch with us.”

Any witnesses, or anyone with dashcam footage, should contact the serious collision investigation team on 01225 694597, quoting log number 289 of July 8.

Witnesses can also email the team directly at SCIT@wiltshire. police.uk.

A teenage boy suffered fatal injuries while the driver and a fellow passenger were taken to Southampton Hospital with potentially life-changing injuries

Fire crews called to tackle blazes in a Harnham flat and field in Redlynch

PEOPLE were treated for smoke inhalation after a house fire in Salisbury.

Three fire crews were sent to the incident, in Richards Way, Harnham, at around 8.45am on the morning of 10 July.

A spokesperson for the Dorset & Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service said: “The occupants were still inside the property and the control

firefighter who had answered the 999 call encouraged them to make their way outside, and stayed on the emergency line providing reassurance until the arrival of our firefighters.

“The fire was located in a first-floor bedroom and extinguished by crews using two hose reel jets and four breathing apparatus.

“They employed tactical ventilation to clear the smoke.”

An ambulance crew attended to treat the occupants for suspected smoke inhalation, the spokesperson added.

Meanwhile in Redlynch, fire spread through 30 acres in a field of barley on Sunday, 2nd July.

Firefighters from Wilton, Salisbury, Cranborne, Verwood, and three crews from Hampshire were called to the blaze, in a field in Langley

Lane, Redlynch, at around 1.50pm.

A spokesperson from Dorset and Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service said: “It was believed the fire started with a combine harvester and spread through a field of barley, seeing

approximately 30 acres well alight.”

The crews were at the scene for a number of hours tackling the blaze.

Groups needed to help create a Giant piece of history

On Saturday, 5th and Sunday, 6th August, groups of all kinds from across Salisbury are invited to have an official photo taken with two very special and very old city residents.

To celebrate the year of King Charles III’s Coronation, Salisbury Museum is hoping to bring the Salisbury Giant and his friend HobNob the horse out of the museum for the first time in over 40 years.

In keeping with a long tradition of official photos, groups are invited to apply to have their portrait taken with the Giant and Hob-Nob, who are both more than 500 years old.

Some groups will even have the chance to decorate a sash for the Giant to wear for the occasion. These photos will be displayed near to the Giant, in a major new redisplay at Salisbury Museum, due to open in 2024.

Groups can be formal ones, like sports clubs or lunch clubs, or informal, so if you’re not part of a club but would like to get a group of friends or neighbours together, that’s welcomed too. Costumes

and props are encouraged.

Before they were officially retired in the early 1980s, the Giant and Hob-Nob were brought out for all kinds of landmark processions in Salisbury’s history, from coronations to the Peace Pageant of 1919, which was held to celebrate the end of World War I.

Building work taking place at the Museum offers a unique opportunity to bring the Giant and Hob-Nob out of the Museum once again. At 14ft high and more than 500 years old, moving the Giant is no small task. He is a unique survival from

medieval Britain, although there would once have been many more in Britain. His friend Hob-Nob is thought to be part-horse part-dragon, and may be even older.

“This is a really unique and historic opportunity, as well as a chance to have some fun and come away with a really special souvenir photo,” said project curator Katie Morton. “We hope to involve as wide a variety of groups as possible to get a set of photos that show 21st century Salisbury in all its diversity.”

So why are there two possible dates? If the weather is wet, or windy, it will not be possible to bring the pair out of the museum. There are two possible dates to try and catch a dry, still day.

However, with the unpredictability of the British weather there is a Plan B – to take the photos inside the museum building, with an opportunity for a sneak peak behind the scenes as a bonus.

To apply to take part in the project, contact Katie Morton at katiemorton@ salisburymuseum.org.uk or contact Salisbury Museum on 01722 332151.

Fire crews tackled a 30-acre barley blaze in Redlynch Credit: Salisbury Fire Station

Three fire crews and an ambulance attended the scene of a fire in Harnham Credit: Google

Laverstock’s re-furbished play parks given top marks at ribbon cutting

A RIBBON-cutting ceremony, saw chair of Laverstock & Ford Parish Council, Nick Baker, join four school councillors from Greentrees Primary declare St Peter’s Play Park in Bishopdown Farm officially open.

Sitting right at the heart of the community, within treelined open space on St Peter’s Road, the play facility offers young children a unique environment where they are free to play, explore and have fun.

It is one of two play parks recently refurbished by Eibe Play for the council at Bishopdown Farm, after taking over ownership from Wiltshire Council. The other play park, at St Lukes Close, features opportunities for sensory play, with a new safety surface, musical chimes, high backed swings, an accessible multi play unit and sensory planting.

Students from South Wilts joined the celebrations on the day, as work experience for their Politics ‘A’ Level, with a focus on learning about Local Democracy,

Also present were PC Rachel Gunn and PCSO John Taylor from Wiltshire Police’s Community Policing Team.

“We’ve had such a brilliant time officially launching these fantastic new play parks – and

the laughter and smiles of the local school children highlights what it’s really all about.” said Cllr Lesley Waller.

With an investment of £117,000 the two play parks are tailored for children younger than 11, with areas for sliding, climbing, swinging and multi-play.

Stuart Evans, from Eibe Play, said: “It is really important when designing a play area that we incorporate play equipment which maximises the play potential for children of all abilities, allowing children to play together, so no-one feels left-out.”

The Parish Council will shortly commence work on two further play parks at Bishopdown Farm: At Drakes Close, on behalf of Abri Housing, and a new play park on The Green alongside Sycamore Drive to ensure that children and families in the area have plenty of opportunity for creative and active play.

Top right: Laverstock & Ford Parish Council chair, Nick Baker checks the robustness of the slide

Below: Chair of Laverstock & Ford Parish Council is joined by pupils from Greentrees School, Cllrs Jones and Waller, PC Gunn and PCSO Taylor to officially open St Peters Play Park

Politics

‘Retailers to pricey for petrol and food’

WITH inflation currently running at 8%, the majority of the population are struggling with the cost of living.

In June, the prime minister said that the public will be able to judge him in ‘six months, nine months, a year’ on how he is doing and whether the economy is healthier.

The clock is ticking for Rishi Sunak, assuming he remembers one of his five pledges to halve inflation was made on 4 January this year.

The government is struggling to reduce inflation and the announcement made this week by the governor of the Bank of England indicated that at least one factor needs to be addressed with a bit more urgency. Andrew Bailey, accused retailers of putting “Further strain on households by overcharging consumers on petrol and other goods at a time when UK authorities are struggling to curb inflation.”

Things must be bad, even Grant Shapps has noticed. This week (ending 8 July), the energy secretary accused petrol retailers of using motorists as “cash cows” following the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) report of petrol companies “Charging more because of reduced competition.”

Cllr John Wells

Labour

doing so, to pass on costs and increase profits by avoiding a sensitive price hike that is more likely to attract the ire of customers.”

WE all have stories of relatives or friends who are waiting for medical procedures for months, or even years on end.

And stories of people who are stuck in hospital unable to leave due to a lack of social care provision for them.

There is a huge bottle-neck across the NHS with vital beds being taken by those who could be treated outside of hospital.

The word ‘crisis’ is used too freely at the moment but, on its 75th anniversary, crisis is the only word to describe our National Health Service.

Research published this week by the Liberal Democrats revealed 2,653 ‘bed days’ were lost to delayed discharges from Salisbury NHS Trust in May. Of these, the majority of bed days lost involved patients who have remained in hospital for three weeks or more.

2,653. That is over seven years of care because people are unable to leave the hospital.

For me, this is absolutely appalling and a true crisis.

Salisbury District Hospital has had to declare multiple critical incidents in the past year, in part due to ‘increasing number of

Chair

of Environment and Climate Committee (Salisbury City Council)

Food retailers obviously refute these accusations. At this week’s shareholders meeting the chair of Sainsbury’s declared “We are not profiteering and we are not rip-off retailers. We make 3p on every pound we sell.”

With rising food prices, shoppers struggle to make ends meet; there is a far more clandestine price increase creeping up on them. Food companies are regularly reducing the size of their products but not the price. Known as “shrinkflation”, retailers keep prices and size of packaging the same but reduce the quantity of the product.

According to a report in The Guardian (16.06.23): “A growing list of companies are

There is no legal requirement for food manufacturers to alert customers of a change in product size, so long as the new quantity and unit price is appropriately displayed.

Andrew Bailey also responded to increasing concerns about ‘greedflation’, whereby companies use high inflation as a cover to raise prices even further to increase profit margins.

According to Bailey this was having “very difficult effects” and called for “steps to be taken to make things fairer, and to save money for people by doing so.”

Curbing inflation has been the justification of the government’s continued stubborn refusal to negotiate an acceptable pay settlement for an increasingly demoralised workforce in schools and hospitals.

Apart from damaging morale and exacerbating long-term issues of recruitment and retention, this approach does not appear to address the immediate need to bring down inflation and threatens one of the prime minister’s other pledges, to reduce hospital waiting lists.

rewarded’

people in our community are ending up stuck in hospital when they are ready to leave, because there simply isn’t the care available for them at home or in the community.

This is causing unneeded pain and distress while piling even more pressure on our already overstretched hospitals.

patients awaiting to be discharged to another setting’.

This puts more pressure on our hard working staff and creaking system.

Delayed discharges take place when medically fit patients, not requiring hospital care, are unable to leave hospital, often due to a lack of social care.

Across the country, the NHS lost over 128,800 bed days to delayed discharges from hospital, up an astonishing 32% on the same period last year.

The conservative government has failed to tackle the social care crisis. This is having a disastrous impact on local NHS services, piling pressure on our hospital. Far too many elderly and vulnerable

Let us not forget that, while the social care sector has warned of this crisis for some time, the loss of staff caused by Brexit has had a devastating impact on an already desperate situation.

We know that the crisis in the NHS cannot be tackled without fixing the crisis in social care. The Liberal Democrats want to tackle this head on with a huge recruitment drive across the sector. We are calling for the introduction of a Carer’s Minimum Wage, set at £2 above the minimum wage, to help address the huge number of job vacancies.

Care is a worthy and vital profession. Those who choose to look after others deserve our respect and proper pay for their work. A functioning care system would give our NHS Trust space to focus on care for those who truly need it.

Victoria Charleston Lib Dems Parliamentary spokesperson for Salisbury constituency

‘Our care workers need to be

Calling Mr Glen, MP, some of your constituents want to hear from you

IN regards to the recent letters from Richard Gittings and Frances Howard, I too would like to hear from our local MP.

I suspect he is too busy these days with his Treasury gig to worry too much about whether his opposition in the seat will be influencing his prospective voters.

With such a commanding majority it might seem like we are all true blue and not for changing but the recent spate of by-elections losses and scandal upon scandal, not to mention no discernible positives coming from Brexit, perhaps a forthcoming election might prove a little too close for comfort.

Not something to leave to chance and a few walkarounds in voting week, I wouldn’t think.

I would also like to hear from some of our church leaders, perhaps a column, nothing overly religious, as that’s not my thing, but I often find they are the source of calm and reflective words that are very much needed these days. Perhaps you could ask someone to write for you? Maybe a country diary?

NAME WITHHELD Amesbury

Has democracy come to and end?

RICHARD Gittings from Fordingbridge asked why articles from the ‘left’ were not balanced by articles from the ‘right’, in the Salisbury and Avon Gazette

His concerns are the same as mine, I think, because he kindly mentioned my letter [Is low turnout a sign of disaffected voters in Salisbury, I

Fact of the fortnight...

A NEW Hollywood movie is the latest incarnation of doll royalty, Barbie.

But do you know her full name?

Well, you might be surprised to hear, it is rather traditional.

Barbara Millicent Roberts was born on March 9, 1959, when she was unveiled at the New York Toy Fair.

She was named after creator Ruth Handler’s daughter, Barbara, and later, Ken (who came along in 1961), was named after her son, Kenneth.

Barbara is from the fctional town of Willows, Wisconsin, where she attended high school.

She has gone on to prusue some 250 careers including as an astronaut, a pilot, a firefighter, journalist and entrepreneur.

She even travelled to space in 1965, four years before man walked on the moon.

wonder…].

On Twitter, when I asked if democracy had come to an end, the bot replied, “Apologies but we are still working on that question... Time for another topic.”

It is very tiresome to find local Councillors quoting surveys that might have been written by artificial intelligence, and not realising it.

FRANCES HOWARD Salisbury

History within our reach

I MUST say, what a treat it is to

have such a wonderful festival within driving distance, shorter if you are lucky enough to live in the village itself.

I am talking about, of course, the wonderful history festival at Chalke Valley.

Being new to the area and recently retired, I must admit that I only stumbled upon the event when I picked up a flyer from a local shop.

Intrigued, I persuaded my long-suffering husband that we should head along to see what was what, and I am so very glad that we did.

We were fortunate to get in the tent to see Anthony Beever

– you should have seen the queues.

The whole site was a pleasure and my husband found much to admire among the World War military vehicles and demonstrations.

I preferred the tents and some wonderful talks. And I loved the wooden tent which had something for everyone to enjoy over the week, I am sure.

I would like to thank the organisers; such a gargantuan task, and I can’t wait for next year’s programme to be revealed.

Bravo to all involved. Downton

Suppliers of quality Compost and Topsoil

Queen of cakes launches Great British Garden Party

DAME Mary Berry, president of the National Garden Scheme and the Nation’s undisputed Queen of Cakes, is championing the Great British Garden Party as it enters its fourth, delicious year in 2023 and its official event week which began on the 15 and ends on 23 July.

This fundraising event has been designed by the National Garden Scheme to share the nation’s love of gardens and get-togethers to help raise vital funds for nursing and health charities, including Macmillan Cancer Support, Marie Curie, Hospice UK, Carers Trust, The Queen’s Nursing Institute and Parkinson’s UK.

Speaking about the initiative, Dame Mary Berry said: “As president of the wonderful National Garden Scheme, I am delighted to invite you to join me in gathering friends, family and colleagues for a Great British Garden Party this year.

“We’re inviting everyone to get together in their garden, green space or office and to join in the fundraising for the vital nursing and health charities supported by the National Garden Scheme; charities that so many of us, our family and friends often rely on in times of need.

“We’ve been so inspired by previous get-togethers and the ingenious variations on the garden party theme, tailoring events to suit the outside space available and to families and friends. Some party hosts simply threw open their garden gates

and invited their neighbours for afternoon tea or morning coffee, making new friends.

“But your garden gettogether could be anything from a barbecue or family bake-off, a picnic in the park or book swap in the office or even a plant and produce sale by the front gate. It doesn’t even have to be in a garden – the choice is yours and everyone can get involved.”

George Plumptre, chief executive of the National Garden Scheme adds: “It doesn’t need to be complicated or grand, just invite some friends over, ask them to make a donation, and help make a difference.”

King Charles III, as the former Prince of Wales has been Patron of the National Garden Scheme since 2002, he said: “For me, the wonderful thing about the National Garden Scheme is its unique blend of Britishness – the marriage of nursing and gardens; the exemplary role of volunteers; the cumulative fundraising power of small events; the championing of local community activity and the celebration of what gardens can do for the benefit of us all.”

Although the official Great British Garden Party campaign week ends on 23 July, the organisers are keen for participants to choose any day across the summer (or autumn or winter) that is best for you.

Sign up on the National Garden Scheme website: https://ngs.org. uk/gardenparty

Credit: Sussie Bell/Sarah Prall

Public asked to help discover effect of extreme weather on butterflies

WILDLIFE charity, Butterfly Conservation, is today calling on people across the country to take part in this year’s Big Butterfly Count (14 July to 6 August) to help scientists understand the impact of climate change on our mostloved butterflies.

Last year’s record temperatures, heatwave and drought caused some of the plants that caterpillars feed on to wither and die. To help scientists discover what the ongoing impact of this extreme weather has been, the public are being asked to spend 15 minutes in any sunny spot and record the number and type of butterflies they see.

Butterflies are indicators of a healthy natural environment – with half of Britain’s butterfly species already threatened or near threatened with extinction, it’s never been more important to understand how our insects are responding to the changing climate and to take action to protect them.

Dr Zoë Randle, senior surveys officer at Butterfly Conservation explains: “This is a vital year for the Big Butterfly Count. We know that the previous extreme summer droughts in 1976 and 1995 took a heavy toll on butterflies and that numbers crashed the following year, taking almost a decade to recover.

“The data collected during this year’s Big Butterfly Count will give us a valuable insight into what the effect of the most recent extreme weather has been, and how we might be able to better protect our beautiful butterflies. With climate change here to stay, we need people to take part more than ever before.”

Butterfly Conservation’s Big Butterfly Count is the largest citizen-science project of its kind and is a positive way that everyone can help. As well as

contributing to important scientific data collection, taking part in the count is a great way to enjoy time outdoors, connect with nature and have fun.

Butterfly Conservation ambassador, Dr Amir Khan is one of many famous faces supporting the Big Butterfly Count. He explains: “Getting outside in nature and watching butterflies is a wonderful experience, not only does it spark joy and lower anxiety, you also know that you’re having a big impact on informing important conservation decisions.

“Spending time in nature is proven to be beneficial to our mental health, it can alleviate stress, boost mood and energy, and enhance feelings of happiness.”

Dr Khan is not alone in his advocacy of nature’s medicine, as president of Butterfly Conservation, Sir David Attenborough, has shared poignant messages in his support of the Big Butterfly Count over the years. Sir David said: “A few precious moments spent watching a stunning Red Admiral or Peacock butterfly feeding amongst the flowers in my garden never fails to bring me great pleasure.”

Other famous faces to have taken part or supported the Big Butterfly Count over the last few years include His Majesty King Charles III, Her Royal Highness Princess Charlotte, Butterfly Conservation vice president Chris Packham (who launched this year’s Big Butterfly Count), and even Winnie the Pooh.

Whether done with friends and family, or in a moment of quiet calm and solitude, the Big Butterfly Count is free, fun and takes just 15 minutes. It is open to anyone, of any age, in any part of the UK – towns, cities or the countryside. No green space is too small – a back garden, a

small terrace or balcony with some pot plants, a public park, allotment or country lane are all important spaces to explore, track and report.

Last year, almost 100,000 counts took place up and down the country, with participants spending a combined 2.5 years counting butterflies in their gardens, local parks and in the countryside.

The information gathered helps to inform conservation projects, government policies and supports other experts with their research and vital work to protect our planet.

Dr Zoë concludes by saying: “We know 80% of butterflies in the UK have declined since the 1970s. Which means there are fewer butterflies to be seen than in years gone by.

“However, even if you don’t see any butterflies during your count, we still want you to tell

Families are being encouraged to spend 15 minutes to record the butterflies they see

us. We need to know where there aren’t any butterflies just as much as where there are, so please still log your result and then pick another day or location and try again. There are no limits on how many times you can take part.”

David Forbes Nixon OBE, chairman of the DFN Foundation which sponsors the Big Butterfly Count, said: “Summer is a glorious time to enjoy the great outdoors in the UK, and so I encourage everyone to get involved with this year’s Big Butterfly Count, either with friends and family or setting off on a solo adventure to enjoy a moment of calm and reconnect with nature.

“Not only will it make you feel good, but it will also be invaluable in helping to save species of butterflies and protect our environment for future generations to enjoy.”

This year’s count runs from Friday, 14th July to Sunday, 6th August. For more information and to take part, simply visit www.bigbutterflycount.org or download the free Big Butterfly Count app.

Wiltshire Wildlife Trust urges the government to abolish sewage plans

WILTSHIRE Wildlife Trust is calling on people to contact their MPs after reports emerged in the weekend press (8 and 9 July) that the government is considering abandoning legislation to protect our rivers, lakes and coastal waters from sewage effluent.

The Nutrient Neutrality scheme was introduced as part of the new Environment Act. This seeks to stop additional pollution entering waterways as a result of development.

Every new house built results in more sewage being produced, while sewage works are already failing, with repeated discharges of raw sewage. Even when treated, the effluent from sewage works is adding nutrients, resulting in algal blooms, which can choke the river, affecting the whole ecosystem, killing fish and insects.

Most rivers and lakes in the UK currently fail the targets of the Water Framework Directive for water quality.

Meeting the Water Framework Directive standards makes water safe for wildlife and people.

The Nutrient Neutrality legislation is only trying to stop water quality in rivers, estuaries and coastal waters deteriorating further, not even improve it.

Any dilution of this legislation will lead to more pollution in rivers and more water bodies failing to meet safe standards for wildlife and people.

The government claims that one of the

reasons why its house building targets are not being met is because of the Nutrient Neutrality legislation.

Concerns about adding to the damage caused to our rivers by excessive nutrients have led to 74 councils halting developments while a solution is found. Developments can be approved if appropriate measures are taken to offset the added nutrients that would result.

The Wildlife trusts have already demonstrated a range of nature-based solutions that can take the nutrient out of the system.

Landholders and environmental organisations such as Wiltshire Wildlife Trust are in a position to rapidly invest in large, landscape-scale nature recovery schemes with funding from developers to protect and improve water quality.

Nutrient Neutrality legislation and its implementation by Planning Authorities is vital in achieving sustainable development while protecting rivers and lakes.

The Trust is asking people to contact their local MP to call for the Nutrient Neutrality scheme to be maintained and accelerated.

Council will lead nature recovery drive in the county

THE COUNTY council has taken on new responsibilities for driving nature’s recovery across both Wiltshire and Swindon.

The council is one of 48 individual local authorities who will benefit in receiving allocations from a £14 million funding pot from the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs enabling them to work with their local communities to develop a tailored nature recovery strategy for their area.

Wiltshire Council will be responsible for preparing a Local Nature Recovery Strategy for Swindon and Wiltshire, under section 105 of the Environment Act 2021.

With the best ways to support nature recovery depending on local geography, Local Nature Recovery Strategies will help communities map out the action needed in their area to restore nature working closely with local stakeholders, from farmers to school children. When put together they will be a key way of meeting England-wide nature recovery targets.

Wiltshire Council cabinet member for environment and climate change, Cllr Nick Holder, said: “We’re delighted to not only be given this funding but also the responsibility to shape this important work for years to come.

“We will be seeking to collaborate with local partners

to develop our strategy and look forward to working together on a common goal to protect and enhance the beautiful county we live in.

“Our Business Plan states that we want Wiltshire to be a place where we take responsibility for the environment, and this opportunity allows us to lead from the front on this vital work and to hopefully bring people along with us on the journey.”

Environment secretary Therese Coffey said: “We depend on nature for everything and now nature really needs our help. Across the country, local nature recovery strategies will enhance wildlife habitats that reflect the wonderful tapestry of nature that exists on our isles.”

Natural England chair Tony Juniper said: “Nature recovery must be locally led and delivered at scale if we are to create more, better, connected nature – rich habitats that enable wildlife to recover, move and thrive.

“Through these initiatives that support a growing national Nature Recovery Network, we can create natural landscapes which will capture carbon, mitigate extreme weather events and protect the health of people and wildlife.

“Natural England is proud to be supporting local authorities and their partners to develop Local Nature Recovery Strategies that meet the needs of local people and the landscapes in which they live.”

New regulations to promote fairness and transparency for dairy sector

THE GOVERNMENT has outlined more detail on regulations set to come into force later this year which it says will ensure supply contracts in the dairy sector are fair and transparent, with farmers being paid a fair price for their produce.

Delivering on a key commitment set out at the prime minister’s Farm to Fork Summit earlier this year, the regulations will help establish stability and accountability across the dairy supply chain by enabling farmers to challenge prices, stopping contract changes being imposed on them without agreement, and ensuring they are able to more easily raise concerns.

The development of the regulations was supported by detailed discussions with key industry players, including the NFU and Dairy UK. In providing more detail, the government says that it has listened to feedback from farmers and processors to ensure the new regulations address previous concerns and provide tailored support for those in the industry.

Farming minister, Mark Spencer, said: “Farmers must be paid a fair price for their produce and these regulations will provide price certainty and stability for farmers by

establishing written milk purchase agreements with clear and unambiguous terms.

“This represents a key milestone in our commitment to promote fairness and transparency across food supply chains to support farmers and build a stronger future for the industry, and will be followed by reviews into the egg and horticulture sector supply chains this autumn.”

The regulations will mean that:

● Farmers have clearer pricing terms, with contracts setting out the factors which generate the milk price and allowing farmers to challenge prices if they feel this process isn’t being followed. The government

believes that this will be a major advance in transparency, which ensures fairer pricing and addresses historical discrepancies in the dairy industry.

● Changes to contracts can’t be imposed on farmers without their agreement, which should encourage dialogue between parties where changes do need to be made – helping to improve trust within the supply chain.

● Farmers’ contracts will include a straightforward way to raise concerns about their contracts, promoting accountability and timely issue resolution.

● Clear rules will be put in place on notice periods and contractual exclusivity, protecting the rights of both buyers and sellers. This aims to remove any ambiguity from contracts and protect the rights of both buyers and sellers.

● An enforcement mechanism will be created to guarantee the regulations are followed, which should ensure that a fully fair and transparent dairy industry is built on a

solid foundation to thrive in the future.

The upcoming dairy regulations are part of a series of supply chain interventions that were confirmed by the government at the Farm to Fork Summit. New reviews will also begin this autumn designed to help establish fairer supply chains in the eggs and horticulture sectors.

The government also announced in April that it will develop regulations to improve relationships in the UK pig supply chain.

The regulations were developed under the Agriculture Act 2020.

NFU dairy board chair, Michael Oakes, said: “These new regulations mark a significant step forward in the government’s efforts to increase fairness and transparency in the dairy supply chain.

“For a long time, unfair milk contracts have held British dairy businesses back, and these changes will give dairy farmers much needed business security and confidence, as well as helping to share risk along the dairy supply chain.

“This announcement signals that we are on the right path to building a stronger, more resilient future for the British dairy sector. We will continue to work with the government and wider industry to not only benefit farm businesses and the supply chain, but the millions of people who value access to quality, sustainable, nutritious British milk.”

The regulations form part of the government’s wider strategy to grow a thriving British food and drink sector designed to put more British produce on supermarket shelves in the UK and around the world.

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Minister takes part in tractor relay to highlight mental health in farming

AN unusual site will have greeted commuters and tourists walking near Parliament Square on 6 July.

Farming minister Mark Spencer could be seen driving a tractor around Parliament Square and into the Houses of Parliament to help raise awareness of mental health in farming and rural communities.

The trip around Westminster marked one segment of the Len’s Light Tractor Relay – which is covering over 2,000 miles from John O’Groats to Land’s End – to shine a spotlight on how mental health can affect those in rural communities and to help break down stigma surrounding mental health in the farming sector.

Len’s Light was launched in June this year by Lynda and Andy Eadon in memory of their son Len Eadon who took his own life in January 2022, and is working with the Farming Community Network, Farm Safety Foundation (Yellow Wellies) and Papyrus to raise awareness and funds to support farmers’ mental health.

The relay comes as the Farm Safety Foundation recently surveyed 450 UK farmers under the age of 40 and found that 94% of them agreed poor mental

health is one of the biggest hidden problems facing the industry today – up from 84% three years ago.

Farming minister, Mark Spencer, said: “It’s hugely important that we raise awareness of the mental health impacts in farming and rural communities and I’d like to pay tribute to all those charities and individuals, including Lynda and Andy, who are working tirelessly to bring this to light.

“I’m honoured to have played even just a small part in this goal by getting behind the wheel today, and will continue to do all I can to ensure farmers can access the support they need, including through our Future Farming Resilience Fund and ongoing work with charities such as Yellow Wellies.”

Andy and Lynda Eadon, founders of Len’s Light, said: “Len’s Light is a nationwide journey reaching out to everyone in the rural community with the message that no one in the rural community should feel isolated and alone.

“Len’s Light Tractor Relay would not have started if we had not reached out for support from Sir Jeremy Wright MP, Mark

Two new UK deputy chief veterinary officers appointed

CHRISTINE Middlemiss, UK chief veterinary officer (CVO), has welcomed the appointment of two new deputy CVOs for the UK.

Ele Brown has been appointed as the UK’s deputy CVO for national, domestic and exotic diseases and Jorge Martin-Almagro has been appointed UK deputy CVO for international and trade affairs.

Ele is an experienced veterinarian with a background in infectious disease control.

She is also the deputy director for the bovine TB programme.

Jorge is an experienced veterinarian who has worked in a number of teams across Defra and in the Food Standards Agency. He is also interim deputy director for Global Animal Health and Trade.

Christine Middlemiss said: “I am confident that they will help meet the challenges we face and provide excellent support to me and others on veterinary and technical issues.”

Spencer MP, Stephanie Berkeley from the Farm Safety Foundation, and the NFU team – especially Minette Batters and George Bostock.

“With the help of everyone, we will continue to talk about positive mental health in the rural community which hinges around talking, listening and honesty.”

Today’s relay builds on other important work to reduce stigma around mental health in farming.

Earlier this year, Sam and Emily Stables received prime minister Rishi Sunak’s Points of Light award for their work establishing ‘We Are Farming Minds’, a charity that offers a befriending service and dedicated 24-hour helpline staffed by trained volunteers, and provides funding for farmers to access

professional counselling services.

The government is investing at least £2.3 billion of additional funding a year by March 2024 to expand and transform mental health services in England so that two million more people will be able to get the mental health support they need.

Farmers’ mental health and well-being are also being prioritised and supported in the government’s Future Farming Resilience Fund, which provides free business support to farmers and land managers in England.

This includes support from in-house experts or signposting to external expert services, and the government has worked with the Farm Safety Foundation to provide advice and information on how to identify potential mental health issues and provide tools for addressing them.

NFU president, Minette Batters, said: “As an industry we’ve got to make greater strides to talk openly about our mental health and well-being. We’re encouraging the farming community to start a conversation with a neighbour, friend or family member.

“It really could make a huge difference.”

Farming profits increasing

THE government has released the latest figures for how much income farming business generated, covering 2022.

Known as TIFF, or Total Income from Farming, the figures cover the whole of England, and gives a figure for total profit ‘from all UK farming businesses on a calendar year basis’, measuring the ‘return.. for their management, inputs, labour and capital invested’.

The key figures for 2022 (not adjusted for inflation): TIFF in England was £5.7bn,

an increase of £0.6bn (12.9%) from 2021.

Agriculture’s contribution to England’s economy (Gross Value Added) at basic prices was £10.4bn, an increase of £1.2bn (13.0%) from 2021.

Total crop output was £11.4bn, an increase of £2bn (21.1%) from 2021.

Total livestock output was £12.3bn, an increase of £1.5 bn (14.2%) from 2021.

Intermediate consumption was £15.9bn, an increase of £2.6bn (19.3%) from 2021.

Hamish Ogston CBE visits Cathedral to see heritage skills in action

ON Friday, 7th July, Hamish Ogston CBE met with Cathedrals’ Workshop Fellowship students as part of his visit to Salisbury cathedral.

The Cathedrals’ Workshop Fellowship (CWF) is proud to be part of a long-term partnership with UK charity, the Hamish Ogston Foundation, which is essential for securing the future of English cathedrals and the people who care for them.

Between September 2022 and August 2025, the Hamish Ogston Foundation will award £2.3 million to the CWF, which will fund the employment and training of stonemasons, carpenters, joiners and electricians at the 11 CWF cathedrals, including Salisbury Cathedral.

During his visit, Hamish took the time to stop by the cathedral’s on-site workshop where he met with some of the CWF students. This included apprentice stonemason Joe O’Connell, who is currently studying at Level 2 in preparation for completing the CWF Foundation degree in

Applied Historic Building Conservation and Repair, and Matt Barton, who completed this qualification in March 2022, both funded by grants from the Hamish Ogston Foundation.

Joe, Matt and Hamish discussed progress on projects, such as a baluster which showcases different masonry profiles and demonstrates the many skills developed on the course.

Hamish Ogston CBE, said: “My interest in heritage skills and stonemasonry stemmed from observing the great stonework in and around Salisbury Cathedral while I was a chorister and pupil at the cathedral.

“Returning to the stone works yard to meet the apprentices we are funding through our programme with the Cathedrals’ Workshop Fellowship is a great privilege.

“Apprentices are safeguarding the future of the cathedral so that many more, children and adults alike, can enjoy the majesty of its ancient architecture for generations to come.”

Joe O’Connell, apprentice stonemason under the Cathedrals’ Workshop Fellowship, added: “I really enjoyed meeting Hamish today and expressed my thanks for his generosity.

“By funding my stonemasonry apprenticeship at Salisbury Cathedral, Hamish has enabled me to pursue my passion for medieval architecture in a practical way and develop the skills necessary for me to contribute to the restoration and maintenance of our built heritage, preserving these beautiful buildings for years to come.”

Frances Cambrook, executive director at the CWF, said: “We are delighted to welcome Mr Hamish Ogston to Salisbury Cathedral marking the partnership between the Cathedrals’ Workshop Fellowship and Hamish Ogston Foundation in developing the heritage sector.

“This collaborative project has ushered in a new era of progress and advancement, particularly within the member cathedral works departments.

Every Sunday in August 2-4.30pm

Damerham Village Hall SP6 3HN

“Mr. Ogston has witnessed the remarkable achievements of our trainees. As we approach significant milestones in the academic calendar, with students completing their

summer works, it is truly a pleasure to witness our esteemed stakeholders engaging with our talented students and observing first-hand the profound impact they are making on the acquisition and preservation of craft skills in the United Kingdom.”

The Hamish Ogston Foundation is a charitable organisation, based in the UK, but with a global reach, dedicated to three prime areas of philanthropic focus: heritage, music and health.

The foundation’s prime goals are to preserve historic buildings throughout the world by funding heritage skills apprenticeship programmes, to support and build the UK’s Choral Music Tradition, this country’s oldest living cultural heritage, including the role that organs play within this, and to work towards eliminating the disparities in both access to medical treatment and health awareness around the world by funding vital research.

To date, the foundation has committed more than £30m to the protection of historic buildings in the UK and abroad through the training of more than 3,000 people in heritage conservation skills.

CREAM TEAS BY THE RIVER IN AID OF ST GEORGE’S CHURCH, DAMERHAM

Hamish Ogston CBE visits the Cathedral workshop Bottom left: Apprentice stonemason Joe O’Connell

Hidden Secrets Of The New Forest & The Surrounding Areas

Get summer sorted at Exbury

OUR summer events calendar here at Exbury Gardens is already in full swing. Take a look at our events pages on our website www. exbury.co.uk/events to get the full picture.

There’s bound to be something there just for you.

July: Celebrating Summer Perennials

In the gardens during July, our seasonal spotlight is focused on our glorious summer perennials. We have garden tours and watercolour workshops to celebrate this glorious time in Exbury’s calendar.

August: Incredible Hydrangea Collection

In August, our seasonal spotlight will fall on our incredible hydrangea collection.

We will have a free fact sheet for visitors on the plants in the gardens and their care for those who are planting them at home. There will also be tours of this lovely collection given by a senior member of our gardening team.

Family Events

Once schools are out, our focus shifts towards a range of family events from donkey rides for little jockeys to devoted to dog days and falconry displays. We have traditional garden games, craft workshops for a

SCHOOLS OUT KICKSTART SUMMER AT EXBURY

wide range of abilities and ages and towards the end of August our hugely popular Festival of Music featuring 21st Century Queen, UK Fleetwood Mac and Motown by Moonlight.

All that as well as 200 acres of gorgeous gardens, a steam railway, woodland walks and river views, not to mention great food, snacks and ice cream.

Oh, and did we mention that we are dog friendly too!

Dive into the world of pirates at St Barbe Museum + Art Gallery

WHY not head to Lymington this summer and visit the New Forest’s only nationally accredited museum and art gallery to see our exciting ‘Pirates! Fact and Fiction’ exhibition

This is a fantastic and fascinating look into the historical world of piracy and smuggling, suitable for children and the curious of all ages. The Museum houses a

wonderful local history collection with intriguing displays about the history of local salt making, the Lymington High Street, fossils, the town’s sailing past and more.

One recent and significant must-see acquisition is our rare Celtic Coin Hoard, a precious local find comprising silver and gold coins that are stamped with beautiful designs from boats and horses to thunderbolts and gods.

On site we also have the Old School Cafe, a light and airy space with a terrace for a relaxed lunch or a slice of cake and coffee; the perfect place to rest on a day out in Lymington.

Our gift shop has an array of high quality local artworks alongside brilliant gift cards,

books, jewellery, ceramics and more. Friends of the Museum also enjoy year-round views of the exhibitions as well as access to special talks and tours. There has never been a better time to visit.

We are open Monday to Saturday, from 10am to 4pm,

and open Sundays until 3rd September. Tickets are £6 with Gift Aid or £5 for concessions; please see our website for full details. For more information please visit https://www.stbarbemuseum.org.uk/ or call us on 01590 676 969

say no to puppy yoga classes trend

THE RSPCA has sent out an urgent request for anyone considering attending a puppy yoga class to consider other alternative activities to help de-stress with dogs in a kind, compassionate way.

The practice of puppy yoga has been thrust into the spotlight following an ITV News investigation – with the RSPCA raising concerns that it is detrimental to dog welfare and could even be fuelling unscrupulous puppy traders. Shockingly, there is also no regulation specifically around it.

The sessions involve puppies – some as young as six weeks old – roaming around a yoga class and, in some cases, being incorporated in yoga poses. In recent years it has gained popularity, particularly among celebrities and influencers.

But while organisers claim it is good for the puppies’ socialisation, the RSPCA say there is nothing in the environment which it would consider to be beneficial to the health, welfare or the behavioural lifelong development of these animals.

Undercover footage obtained by ITV News showed puppies in the yoga classes being picked up while sleeping, and in one case not having access to water in case it made them ‘pee’ during the class.

The RSPCA has published five welfare-friendly alternatives to puppy yoga to help people de-stress with dogs in a way that doesn’t compromise the animal’s well-being.

The list follows the publication of the charity’s Animal Kindness Index – which revealed a behaviour gap between people’s desire to be kind to animals and the impact of their everyday choices, with puppy yoga an example of how people may inadvertently be compromising animal welfare.

Esme Wheeler, dog behaviour expert at the RSPCA, said: “If a young puppy is placed into situations where they feel overwhelmed and frightened they may start to view the things they are being introduced to as frightening, which can then lead to a negative reaction in the future and the potential development of behavioural problems.

“Sadly, as the ITV News piece showed, these puppy yoga classes are detrimental to the puppies and we’re really glad that it has had national coverage this week as it may make people think twice before attending one.

“You might think it is cute to be able to cuddle a puppy while doing yoga but would it be ‘cute’ if you knew that doing so is actually not benefiting the dog at all?

“We know many people attending puppy yoga classes want to be kind to animals – but won’t have realised the implications these classes can have for dogs and their welfare.

“Fortunately, there are loads of other great ways people can interact and de-stress with dogs in a fun, social and welfarefriendly way.”

Anyone who has concerns about a puppy yoga class should get in touch with their local council, as many animal business activities seeking to make a profit require licensing by the local

authority. Alternative activities involving dogs that benefit both the mental well-being of owners and dogs include:

Volunteering with dogs

Animal centres across the UK are always looking for volunteers and this can include helping to look after puppies who need lots of TLC.

Looking after a rescue dog in an environment where they feel comfortable can really enhance both your’s and the dog’s well-being. You can find out about how to volunteer with an RSPCA centre on the charity’s website.

Mindful dog walking

Walking is known to be stress-busting and an excellent form of exercise for dogs too. Take a lovely slow walk where the dog gets to decide the route and they are allowed to sniff for as long as they want.

Not only is this relaxing for the dog but it’s also the perfect opportunity to practise mindfulness at the same time.

Enjoy classical music

Numerous studies over the years have shown that listening to classical music can be relaxing for both dogs and humans. So stick on some Bach or Beethoven and relax with a pooch.

Gardening

Being outdoors does wonders for mental health – and gardening is a great mindful activity which promotes relaxation. And it’s also good for dogs too – there are plenty of enrichment-promoting smells outside for them to enjoy. Having a canine companion while gardening is good for both of you.

Perfect your downward dog

Regular yoga classes without puppies are excellent ways to relax – you don’t need puppies running around to feel the benefit. Find your inner dog and focus on doing the downward dog move instead, before catching up with your canine companion back home afterwards.

https://www.rspca.org.uk/

Visitors will head into Uncharted territory at the Vanner Gallery

by Katrina ffiske

THERE is a new exhibition at the Vanner Gallery which is a perfect summer exhibition for residents and visitors to Salisbury.

Uncharted is a collection of work by five, very different, artists: Susanna Lisle, Robin Sewell, Catherine Richardson, Julia Atkinson and Jenny Morse.

It is a bold decision to exhibit so many artists in a small gallery, but a decision that gallery director David Christie has expertly pulled off. This is a vibrant, bright, colourful and dynamic show which has something for everyone.

“We started collaborating with the artists over 18 months ago,” David told us in his welcoming speech. “There was no name for the exhibition, so it will come as no surprise that our code name for the exhibition was ‘Colour’. This tells a story of five different artists coming together. Robin approached us with an idea for a group exhibition and we jumped at the chance.”

There was a buzz of enthusiasm and energy in the air at the preview on Thursday, 29th June. Each artist was so inspired by being part of a new group. “We have only known each other for 18 months,” said

Catherine, who has a studio in Frome. “We all get on so well and bounce ideas off each other. Many artists want to have a solo show, but I must confess it has been much more fun working as a group – you don’t get the same energy when you work alone.”

“We would go and look at each other’s studios,” Susanna said. “You learn so much from seeing how other artists work and what mediums they use.”

“All the works here are new works of art,” Robin told me. “One of the criteria of the show was that we couldn’t get an old

piece of artwork from the back of the cupboard and put it on show.”

David explained how the title of the exhibition, Uncharted, refers to the way in which the artists engage with the physical world. “Their approach is investigative and playful, primarily concerned with the dynamics of visual language, as each artist experiments with their own chosen materials and techniques.”

There is geometry and pattern in Susanna Lisle’s paintings. Bright splashes of dry compound acrylic from Robin Sewell. Catherine Richardson’s

paintings are inspired by ancient geology from the Arctic and Eastern Iceland. Julia Atkinson has collected things since she was four years-old, and here she places a charming mixture of bizarre and natural objects in Perspex cases.

Jenny Morse specialises in one-off colourful pieces combining painting and screen printing, often including motifs found in nature.

Uncharted runs until July 29 2023

www.vannergallery.com

Salisbury group of Artists’ summer exhibition features 120 originals

SALISBURY Group of Artists Summer Exhibition 2023 at Gallery 4, The Central Library, Salisbury will run from 4-29 August, during library opening hours. Entrance is free.

More than 120 original artworks will show the latest pieces by our members in a wide variety of media; paintings, pastels, textiles, ceramics, photographs and wood sculptures.

There will be a special ‘Exhibition of Small pictures’, and there will also be over 50 prints for sale. Annie George, the Curator, said: “Come and pay us a visit and see our members latest work. You may find a ‘gem’ to take home and you might like to vote for your favourite piece in ‘The People’s Choice’ vote.”

SGA has around 230 members from Salisbury and surrounding towns and villages, from experienced professional artists and teachers to members who have

• House Tours

found or rediscovered their artistic muse during the Covid lockdowns.

As well as frequent chances to exhibit during the year, the group runs monthly Art workshops with professional artists in various media.

The group’s ‘Salisbury Sketchers’, sketch together around Salisbury from Spring through to autumn.

The popular Friday Art is a weekly Friday afternoon social painting session, with tea and cake.

Members also have a chance to take part in the ArtScene SGA Gazebo and other affordable art sale events from time to time and receive an action packed monthly newsletter to keep them updated.

Membership is £20 p.a. or £30 per family.

www.salisburygroupofartists.co.uk

A journey through time, beautifully preserved.

Our tours take in all aspects of life in the manor house from the state rooms to intimate living quarters, social spaces and function rooms.

• Farm Shop & Countryside Museum

Tuesdays - Sundays including BH 10.00am to 4.30pm

• Upcoming Events

Breamore’s Historic Weekend: Saturday 8th of July 2023 & Sunday 9th of July (10.00am – 5.00pm)

Situated in the beautiful Cranborne Chase and West Wiltshire Downs Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) at the edge of the New Forest and just north of Fordingbridge. Breamore House is a magnificent Elizabethan Manor House, built in 1583 and appearing much as it would have done 400 years ago. The house looks

out across the Avon valley and is set in its own estate which includes ancient trees and parkland, dotted with characterful cottages and farmsteads.

The Breamore Estate welcomes visitors and our range of activities include; house tours, farm museum, tea rooms, mizmaze, woodland walks, conservation, agriculture, commercial, residential, village hall, events, including wedding events, private functions and hire.

For further information please visit us at; www.breamorehouse.com or to arrange a tour of the house please telephone; 01725 512858 or email us at; team@breamoreestate.com Breamore, more than just a home.

‘Sunrise’ by Becky Ames.

A Sense of Place, inspired by teenage years on Cranborne Chase

FISHERTON Mill is hosting a celebration of the landscape of the Cranborne Chase in paintings, drawings and prints from Saturday, 5th August to Saturday, 2 September.

Nigel Murray is a London based artist whose work is rooted in a deep love of drawing, especially from direct observation. This leads to a constant search for evocative shapes, patterns and colours that capture a sense of place or mood.

Nigel spent his formative teenage years in the tiny hamlet of Tollard Royal. He spent many hours walking the landscape, “forming an artistic obsession with the distinctive shapes of the hills and valleys, and especially the clumps of trees seemingly adrift in the fields.”

He was constantly sketching and trying to capture the essence of the surroundings; the shapes, patterns and forms of this very English topography of ancient woodlands and chalk downlands.

Following his artistic training at Salisbury College of Art, Nigel went on to study at Harrow and Camberwell. He first worked as an illustrator of children’s and educational books and then as a teacher of art and design, whilst continuing his own artistic practice.

Nigel has exhibited his work at various places, including the RA,

the Mall Galleries (New English Art club and the Pastel Society) and the Sydney Cooper Gallery. He was one of the artists on

Sky Landscape Artist of the Year 2023 from Blackpool

Pleasure Beach, broadcast on 1 February, 2023.

Over the years he has returned regularly to the Cranborne Chase and it has remained one of his artistic obsessions. The current exhibition comes out of a renewed engagement with this wonderfully inspiring landscape. It is hoped that visitors to the show will enjoy the variety of approaches made through different media and may also experience a ‘sense of place’.

If you want to find out more about the inspiration behind this latest collection of work, Nigel will be in the gallery on 5, 15 and 17 August and 1 September between 11am and 3pm. Admission is free.

Two of Nigel Murray’s Cranborne Chase landscapes that are due to feature in the exhibition

Arrow words

Wordsearch

Across 1 Elastic material (6)

4 Dominions (6)

8 Online video device (3)

9 Camouflaging (9)

11 Not here (4)

12 Interval (8)

15 Flattening (9)

18 Formal (8)

19 Agenda point (4)

21 Victims (9)

23 Any whatever (3)

24 Freshest (6)

25 Planetarium (6)

Crossword Sudoku

Down

1 Ethnological (6)

2 Via (2,5,2)

3 Comfort (4)

5 Dynamic; thrilling (8)

6 Garland of flowers (3)

7 Translated for the deaf, perhaps (6)

10 Restore to a former position (9)

13 Bad dream (9)

14 Comes through (8)

or aunt’s child (6)

16 Uncle’s or aunt’s child (6)

17 Malodorous (6)

17 Malodorous (6)

20 Slavic monarch (4)

22 More than one but less than several (3)

20 Slavic monarch (4)

22 More than one but less than several (3)

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

Brain chain

Locally consigned guns exceed estimates on the international market

Thursday 3rd & 31st August

NFU Mutual

The Creamery, Station Road

Sturminster Newton Dorset, DT10 1BD

David Thurgood - 01297 306123

Wilton Antiques Fair

Michael Herbert Memorial Hall, South Street, Wilton, SP2 0JS

Saturday 29 July

30 September & 25 November 9am - 4.30pm

A wide range of Decorative, interesting and unusual items. Antique Furniture, Silver, Jewellery, China and Glass, Militaria, and Motor memorabilia.

FREE ENTRY & FREE PARKING

WE WILL ALSO BUY Refreshments: Tea, Co ee and home made cakes.

Contacts: Carol 07870 432805 or Steve 07915 663251 carolfentum@gmail.com salty280@aol.com

Find us in Antiques Atlas - https://antiques-atlas.com/dbevents/

HOLTS, one of ‘the leading auction houses for fine modern and antique guns and militaria worldwide’ has for many years sold items consigned by local clients on the international market.

Currently auctioning close to 20,000 lots per annum, often well exceeding estimates.

Holts would be pleased to give auction estimates on items, from a ‘best’ London gun to a loft find.

Recent good examples would be a W.W. Greener 12-bore ‘Royal’ hammerless ejector shotgun which sold for a very satisfying £3,900 against an

estimate of £2,000- 3,000.

Or a rare example of a Kolibri, the world’s smallest central fire semi-automatic pistol, selling for £3,100 against an estimate of £1,200-1,600.

David Thurgood, Holts’ west country agent holds regular local valuation days, including at Sturminster Newton and Charmouth.

To find out more about the next ones in the area or to discuss a valuation or a home visit, David can be contacted on 01297 306123 or via email westcountry@holtsauctioneers. com

www.holtsauctioneers.com

Auctioneers

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

• Large 3,000 square footage of French & English antiques.

• Large stock of items suitable for homes & gardens, architectural and property restoration.

• Pine tables, chest of drawers, French beds, mirrors, cabinets, garden table & chairs.

• Benches, wardrobes, garden planters, doors, newal posts etc.

• Lots of items available for upcycling.

• Small items available, collectibles, cards, kitchenalia, large selection of fireside pieces etc.

Too much to list and many hidden gems. Please check website www.frenchlifestyleantiques.co.uk

Open 7 days a week to both Trade & Retail Discounts for quantity or enquiries for complete stock.

Please phone Jon anytime 07796 53100

For Sale & Wanted

OLD BOOKS BOUGHT

Also old photographs and postcards. We have been buying in Wiltshire for 50 years.

We are happy to call by appointment entirely without obligation.

Bristow & Garland 01747 855666 or 07392 602014.

We have moved to new premises –ready to welcome new and old customers. I have a large private collection of French and English antique furniture, antique architectural items, interesting antiquities and objects d’art for home et gardens. I return to Dorset monthly with fresh items from my collection. Open 7 days, but please check as I may be away on delivering. I look forward to your visit!

Next Sale

Pictures, Books, & Prints, Stamps & Ephemera, and Antique Furniture & Objects

Saturday 8th July

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

The hidden prince of the Woodfords

By Katrina ffiske

ROBERT Glasbury grew up through the 1970s in Herefordshire: a normal farming family with a normal background, or so he thought.

After the death of his grandmother, Rose Powell (Davies) in 1998, he learnt that his grandfather was the late Duke of Windsor (at this time he was the Prince of Wales, in the 1930s).

“It was quite a shocking revelation, that my grandmother had had an affair with the Duke of Windsor,” Robert told me. “It’s amazing to think that my father had also kept it a secret until his mother died. It was a relief for him to tell us that he was actually the son of Edward VIII, later known as the Duke of Windsor. He wanted his story told, but only once he had passed away.”

Robert now lives in the Woodford Valley, with his wife Suzan, and has recently published The Hidden Prince (The Non-Royal Royal)

“There was a lot of local chit-chat in the area, and he was keen to record the historic events for his children, grandchildren, and future generations to give everyone the facts.

“The book is based on the memoirs of his father, Roy Albert, and grandmother Rose. It also includes evidence from letters and the diaries of Jean Hughes, who was a fellow seamstress at the Palace.

“My grandmother was an excellent seamstress,” Robert told me. “She lost her first husband in a drowning accident and as it was very hard to get another job if you were a widow, she returned to her maiden name, Davies.

“The family lived on a farm in Herefordshire; King George V used to shoot in the local area and was a familiar figure, so it seemed a natural step for Rose to ask the Palace for a job as a seamstress. Taking her first train

trip to London, she had an interview at the palace, met the staff and spent an afternoon doing samples of her

embroidery. She was offered a short-term position. Leaving her son, Jim, in Herefordshire with her parents, Rose left to work

with a small team on Queen Mary’s dresses.”

Arriving at Buckingham Palace, Rose was told there was a problem with the servant’s sleeping quarters so they had to sleep at York House, St James’ Palace, the residence of Edward, the Prince of Wales.

“Rose was a beautiful, confident, young woman,” Robert said. “She found a good friend in Jean Hughes who she worked closely with, telling her all of her adventures, which Jean recorded in a detailed diary. Not one to obey rules, Rose would wander around York House and sneak around the corridors and by chance met the Duke of Windsor one night. Obviously intrigued by this pretty bumptious girl, she was invited back to his room.”

Jean’s diaries describe a girl who fell madly in love with the Prince. Rose would sneak to his room almost every night and on her return would chat about the intimate details of that evening with Jean. The affair lasted a short time within which Rose fell pregnant. Many girls might have disappeared and kept the pregnancy a secret. “Rose approached the Prince and asked him what he was going to do about it. At the time she believed that he was madly in love with her, so it was hard when she was ignored.

“Rose had to leave her position and return home, but before leaving she had approached Major Hardinge, private secretary to the Prince, who agreed that Rose would be helped.”

With the return home came money from the Palace; there is no evidence of Rose having to sign a contract with the Royal Household to keep quiet, but this fund encouraged local

Left: Author, Robert Glasbury Below left: Photos of Edward VIII (left) and his grandson, Robert Andrew Glasbury (right) Photos courtesy of Robert and Suzan Glasbury

farmer Arthur to marry Rose and take on her first son, Jim, and Roy Albert. It is a fascinating read hearing how Arthur battled with the Palace for extra funds to pay for the child and upkeep.

The Duke of Windsor’s son, Roy Albert, continued to be quietly acknowledged with finances and gifts. “My father told me how four times a year, a tall, slender man in a dark suit, and bowler hat would visit the house,” Robert said.

“He would pull up in a big fancy car, park it on the road and with his head held high, walk towards the house in a military fashion. The man handed Rose an envelope and said he would see her again in four months’ time. When my poor father asked what was in the envelope he was slapped sharply across the face. ‘Just remember the only thing you will ever be is Arthur’s son,’ she said.”

Sadly, Rose and Arthur’s marriage was a loveless one. It is as if Rose had met her one and only true love, a Prince, and happiness could not be found after him. “She became quite a hard, strong-willed person, it

must have been very difficult for her to live with her secret. My poor father was brought up to feel shame and he never understood why. Rose had four more children and my father was always the odd one out. It

seemed so unfair, it was because of him the family received money which enabled Arthur and Rose to buy the farm with a large house.”

“The Royal family were always very kind to Rose and Roy Albert,” Suzan told me. “We believed that it was Queen Mary who sent the money and gifts. Rose even sent a picture of Roy Albert’s wedding (in 1956) to the Duke of Windsor. Edward replied in a letter, saying how nice it was to see the picture of Roy Albert and his young bride, and after the wedding the funds did come to an end for Rose.”

In a photograph of the wedding, Rose is seen wearing the fur coat that Edward gave her during the weeks of the affair.

We will never know the complete truth of what happened, but the book reveals many more intriguing facts: including details of a visit to Roy Albert’s farm in the 1960s from Lord Mountbatten; how the family received a title from the King; and how Roy Albert managed to speak to his father over the telephone.

There is even a photograph of a letter from King George V recognising the Duke of Windsor’s “mischief” with Rose.

Suzan and Robert showed me an extraordinary heartwarming photo album put together by Roy Albert. Beside family photographs of himself and his family are photographs of the Duke of Windsor on his own, with family or with Wallis Simpson. It is unclear where these photographs came from.

The Hidden Prince (The Non-Royal Royal) by Robert Glasbury is available from chalkstreambooks.com, on Amazon, Waterstones, and the local library.

Old Sarum, Pitt-Rivers and famous mosaics: local insight at the Chalke Valley History Festival

ANOTHER successful year for the Chalke Valley History Festival, saw thousands of people flock to a valley in Broad Chalke to witness one of the UK’s, if not the world’s best events dedicated to history.

From hard hitting talks with the biggest names working in, or publishing about, history, to re-enactments and living history, the phrase ‘there really is something for everyone’ seems somehow too slight.

My working week meant I could only choose one day and so I plumped for Thursday (29 June) and a number of talks featuring local landmarks and personalities.

Alex Langlands, once of Time Team fame, is a landscape archaeologist whose enthusiasm

for his subject is enough to get anyone excited in ditches and excavated drains.

For a number of years he has been conducting research into Old Sarum, its development from Iron Age fort to Norman stronghold and beyond.

For someone who walks there regularly, Alex’s talk revealed secrets and new ideas that will make me look at the place anew next time I visit.

The director of Salisbury Museum, Adrien Green, then presented a fascinating talk alongside Alice Plunkett, about General Pitt-Rivers, for many, as the talk’s title suggested, the father of modern scientific archaeology.

The Pitt-Rivers family’s estates stretch across the

Cranborne Chase, where Pitt-Rivers developed his passion and his methodologies that still define much of archaeological practices to this day.

The family’s estates stretch further west into Dorset at Hinton St Mary, where a famous mosaic was discovered in the 1960s.

Thought by some to be the earliest depiction of Jesus Christ, by others to a Christian Emperor, Peter Guest (pictured) revealed the latest thinking amid new excavations at the site that aim to answer a number of very important questions.

Among them, what buildings were at the site (it was thought to be a villa, but now seems unlikely) and what else is there, which could help to answer the question as to why the famous

mosaic was placed there in the first place.

The talks are just one part of the experience and you can spend a day simply walking around the site and taking in the demonstrations and meeting the fascinating people who help to keep (and bring) history to life.

And if you were there on Thursday and witnessed the gun firing… have your ears recovered?

Rose, photographed not long before she left to work at the Palace

Photos courtesy of Robert and Suzan Glasbury

Education department ranks Tops 12th best apprenticeship employers

TOPS Day Nurseries, a leading provider of high-quality childcare and early education, has been listed 12th in the prestigious Top 100 Apprenticeship Employers in the UK list published by the Department of Education.

This recognition highlights Tops Day Nurseries’ commitment to nurturing talent, fostering professional growth, and providing exceptional apprenticeship opportunities.

The group’s training provider, Aspire Training Team, stated that it “couldn’t be prouder of Tops Day Nurseries, it is through Aspire’s hard work and training that Tops is able to hire apprentices, so this achievement is a testament of all the great work Aspire do”.

The Department of Education’s Top 100 Apprenticeship Employers initiative celebrates organisations that go above and beyond in their dedication to apprenticeship programs.

Tops Day Nurseries’ placement at 12th reflects its consistent efforts to develop a supportive and engaging environment for apprentices, offering them the chance to gain valuable skills and kick-start their careers in the childcare and education sector.

With over 30 nurseries across the south and south west, Tops Day Nurseries is renowned for its outstanding provision of early years education, prioritising the well-being and development of children in their care.

By extending their commitment to excellence, the nursery group has successfully created a thriving learning environment for its apprentices, enabling them to acquire hands-on experience and to receive comprehensive training from industry professionals.

Cheryl Hadland, founder and chairwoman at Tops Day Nurseries and Aspire Training Team, said: “It brought tears to my eyes to hear the stories from our apprentices and our new CEO’s inspiring words.

“I’m very proud to be chair of Tops and Aspire and look forward to even more

success with our apprenticeships in the future as we learn more about the needs and aspirations of each new colleague and try to reduce or remove any blocks to each individual person’s success and inclusion in our organisation.”

Tops Day Nurseries’ apprenticeship programs offer a structured pathway for individuals seeking to enter the childcare and education sector.

Through their partnership with local training provider, Aspire Training Team, the organisation ensures that apprentices receive comprehensive training, tailored to their specific career goals.

This collaborative approach provides apprentices with a well-rounded education, equipping them with the knowledge and skills necessary to excel in their roles.

Recognition as the 12th Top 100 Apprenticeship Employer by the Department of Education solidifies Tops Day Nurseries’ position as a leading provider of quality apprenticeships.

The company remains dedicated to nurturing talent, supporting personal and professional development, and providing a platform for individuals to thrive in the childcare and education industry.

For more information about Tops Day Nurseries, visit www.topsdaynurseries.co.uk and www.aspiretrainingteam.co.uk

Trafalgar School receives bronze Healthy Schools Award

THE TRAFALGAR School at Downton was among a number of schools that were recently awarded a Healthy Schools award from Wiltshire Council.

The Healthy Schools programme was designed to effectively address the health and well-being of children and young people, with schools winning awards for encouraging healthy lifestyles and well-being. Schools were visited by youth councillors who provided feedback on progress being made against the award criteria.

The Trafalgar School at Downton received its bronze

award for wide-ranging work which has included: a new well-being website for support, a refurbished restaurant with more efficient service, as well as work to further promote pupil voice and challenge discrimination.

The youth councillors who visited the school said they were warmly welcomed. They were also impressed by the strong pastoral support and options the students were given for extracurricular activities.

But most of all they felt the teachers and students they met seemed safe and happy with their school overall.

Using the whole school approach and teaching Personal, Social, Health and Economic (PSHE) education, schools can build on previous developments to actively promote learning and healthy lifestyle choices. Support provided aims to build the capacity of schools to deliver effective and sustainable interventions for all children.

Schools can apply for accreditation at three levels: bronze, silver or gold, starting with bronze level. Currently, 70 of the county’s schools hold the accreditation, with 14 receiving an award this term.

Cllr Laura Mayes, cabinet member for Children’s Services said: “Our Healthy Schools programme recognises the hard work of our school communities to create a healthy space for pupils to learn and grow.

“We have some amazing initiatives from schools who have considered what would really make a difference and these have had a positive impact on pupils and the whole school community.

“I’m delighted so many schools have received this award and I encourage more to come forward.”

It’s placement so high on the list reflects the group’s consistent efforts to develop a supportive and engaging environment for apprentices

A caring village school in Britford

LONGFORD Primary School

is a caring, village school, situated on the outskirts of Salisbury in the village of Britford.

It has been a glorious summer term, with trips linked to learning and now it’s time for us to say goodbye to Year 6.

There are so many memories: a residential trip to Hooke Court complete with challenge and adventure, a day out at Harry Potter World.

Closer to home, a study of the unique chalk grassland at Throope Manor and a wonderful day at the Chalke

A new discovery every day!

Valley History Festival.

More memories will be made at our end of year show, written by Colin Martin, about the history of Salisbury. The cups are waiting to be awarded at our end of year Leavers’ Service.

We are very proud of the children’s achievements. Their exquisite writing still hangs on the walls. There are not enough cups to go round! So much to celebrate, as we wave them goodbye and wish them well. Come and see us to find out more.

Pupils thriving at St Nicholas’ Primary School, Porton

A PLACE where staff provide love and care alongside a stimulating curriculum – that’s the verdict of parents and carers on St Nicholas Church of England school in Porton.

It’s a view shared by education watchdog Ofsted, whose inspectors visited the 141-pupil primary in May and concluded that it continued to be a good school.

The inspection report said: “Pupils thrive at this friendly and welcoming school. They are well cared for by staff, who take the time to develop respectful and positive relationships with pupils.”

Ofsted commented on the strength of the new leadership team and the way that they had prioritised staff and pupil well-being. “The new headteacher has brought about positive change. She is ambitious and has high expectations of staff and pupils.”

Inspectors were impressed by St Nicholas’ global explorer curriculum, which they said was well-constructed, rich and engaging, and loved by pupils.

“Leaders carefully weave big ideas such as being ‘creative’ and ‘worldly’ throughout subjects to make learning memorable,” they said.

“Leaders place reading at the centre of the curriculum.

Teachers use a range of carefully chosen texts, including Shakespeare and poetry, to motivate pupils to read and write. As a result, many pupils

become avid readers,” they reported.

Teaching of maths and phonics was commended, as was support for children with special educational needs and disabilities. The inspectors also liked the ‘wizard warm-ups’, which help knowledge stick in pupils’ memories.

Leaders were praised for bringing the curriculum to life by organising trips, events and experiences. Pupils at the school broaden their cultural awareness, sing in the cathedral, perform in plays and learn musical instruments. Various sports clubs, from mini marathons to rugby, keep pupils active.

“The ‘big ideas’ curriculum days are a highlight for many,” the report noted.

Inspectors also noted the emphasis on children’s personal development, highlighting the way the school’s Christian

values were used to guide pupils in their behaviour and conduct and respect for others.

“Pupils discuss and debate important themes such as disability and tolerance with compassion,” Ofsted reported.

Headteacher Lucy Hill, who took up her post in April, said: “I am delighted that the inspectors recognised the hard work that has gone into developing our curriculum and our inclusive classroom practice. We aim to provide memorable experiences that ignite curiosity, inspire ambition and build confidence.

“This report is a testament to the hard work of our whole school community and provides a strong foundation from which we can move forward. We are looking forward to joining the Diocese of Salisbury Academy Trust in the autumn, where we can learn from others as well as sharing our successes.”

More businesses recognised for their sustainability efforts by eco group

SALISBURY Transition City has announced five more winners of the Salisbury Green Business Awards, which recognise local businesses’ commitment to sustainability. This free local award scheme celebrates businesses that have adopted eco-friendly practices while providing the knowledge required to go further on their sustainability journey.

“It’s fantastic to discover that so many businesses are already making efforts to become more sustainable, we would like to take this opportunity to celebrate and recognise their achievements,” said Sophia Karlberg, a project manager for the Green Business Awards: “We have had very positive feedback from business and residents and we hope the scheme will continue to help shoppers to make ecofriendly decisions.”

Mark Jones Eye Care has achieved a Gold Green Business Award. “Their commitment to eco-conscious practices set a shining example to the world of optics. They are proactively engaging with their suppliers to encourage broader change in the optics sector, advocating for industry-wide improvements, they ensure most brands they stock share their values (e.g.. frames from recycled plastic), they are dedicated to recycling and repurposing frames, recycling of contact lenses, and offer ‘bottle for life’ free refill of lens cleaning solution. In addition they are with an ethical bank and green website provider.”

Downton Distillery has achieved a Gold Green Business Award. “Downton Distillery is powered by renewable energy and its water comes directly from a local spring. They offer a convenient refill option, encouraging customers to reuse and refill their gin bottles.

“They have their own herb garden and are planning to grow their own Juniper trees. Green waste from the distillery gets composted on site. They actively source other ingredients as locally as possible, to support the local economy while reducing their carbon footprint.”

Scrace Architects have achieved a Silver Green Business Award. “Their architectural designs are focused on retrofitting and incorporating recycled materials, they guide clients toward sustainable solutions and ensure that their buildings are designed to exceed current thermal efficiency standards.

“They go beyond their architectural work

and actively promote climate consciousness in the local area by hosting IGNITE Workshops. They also make sure their staff pensions are invested in ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) funds.”

The Pantry Partnership has achieved a Bronze Green Business Award. “They are a local not-for-profit organisation run by dedicated volunteers, combatting local food wastage and supporting those in need.

“They transform around 1,000kg of food surplus monthly (from local supermarkets) and turn it into delicious meals which get redistributed to other local organisations. In addition, they also use a sustainable energy provider and ethical bank, their equipment and crockery is all secondhand and they compost any green waste.”

Vinyl Collectors and Sellers has achieved a Bronze award. “For their dedication to the circular economy as almost all of the vinyl they sell is secondhand. In addition to their reductions in electricity and water usage, they offer a vinyl cleaning solution refill service to reduce single use plastic.

“They keep old vintage audio equipment out of landfill by offering a repair service. They engage in sustainable commuting habits and their pensions are actively funding new hydrogen projects.”

Previous winners of the Salisbury Green

Business Awards include; Salisbury Escape Rooms, Indigo Landscape Architects, Webbed Feet, Equilibria Massage, Muse Hairdressing and Casa Fina.

Salisbury Transition City encourages all independent businesses in the area to engage with the Green Business Awards, wherever they are on their sustainability journey. After completing the questionnaire, which can be found here www. transitionsalisbury.org/green-businessawards.

Businesses can assess their current sustainability practices, receive useful information and guidance on how to make their business more environmentally friendly, and save money.

Clockwise from top left: Downton Distillery; We Love Vinyl; Scrace Architects; Mark Jones Eye Care; The Pantry Partnership

Stuff Emporium celebrates first birthday following successful year

MANY new shops are quickly turning into Salisbury institutions and Stuff Emporium, which sells items made by local artisans, is a good example.

“We’ve just had our first birthday as our first day of trading in Salisbury was the 4th of July 2022,” explains owner and founder, Kellie Gently. “Prior to this I owned a shop in Wilton shopping village for three years with a similar setup. However, with Stuff Emporium I am focusing on supporting local artisans by promoting their hand-made products as I saw a gap in the market.”

So why did Kellie move from Wilton? “I needed to expand, especially my footfall as it was more limited in Wilton. I’ve done markets in Salisbury for a long time and I knew that it had the right audience for the shop. And since I moved to Salisbury, time has gone very quickly and I’m looking forward to the next few years here, continuing to grow our customer base and products.”

Kellie quickly noticed there is a growing community made up of the other shops in Winchester Street, such as Compleat Artist art supplies and JAMS hand-made furniture.

“To allow us to support each other, I held an Indies shopping trail with 11 other shops during December. It was free and encouraged customers to visit all the shops but also helped us network between us. We

held little competitions with prize bags made up of items from each of our shops.”

But Kellie’s collaboration with other organisations doesn’t stop there.

“Since February, we’ve had a charity space within the shop supporting the local charity Cat Watch Rescue Shelter, where you can purchase a range of cat-related products with all money going to the charity.

“We held a bake sale and raffle which customers loved, so I would love to do another. I’ve got a collection pot for Stars

Appeal at the till and have a couple of local, self-published authors who also donate a percentage of their sales to Stars Appeal.

“I am always looking for new artisans to rent shelf space. I love the variety of different products, from crochet to crockery, jewellery to photography. So whatever you make, pop in for a chat and I’m sure your hand-made, locally produced items will look beautiful and attract shoppers on the shelves of Stuff Emporium.”

Stuffemporiumsalisbury on Facebook

Yoga Stuff shop on Maltings closes

Words by Tristan Ovington

THE YOGA supplies store, Yoga Stuff, previously located in The Maltings, has closed. The owner Ilona Coryndon Burns didn’t give the reason for the closure when she announced it on social media.

“This post makes us very sad… but due to circumstances beyond our control, as of this evening, Yoga Stuff has ceased trading. Thank you so much to our fabulous customers and friends who’ve supported us. We love you all and it’s been amazing getting to know you and be part of your journeys. Namaste (the sound bath this Friday at Rafiki is still running).”

Salisbury residents expressed their sadness and sympathy, with one stating: “Devastated!! Salisbury is losing its best shop!” And another declaring: “Oh my gosh… no. I’m so sorry to read this. I wish I

was just a little closer to having been popping in more often! Sending so much love. I know how much work you put into it all.”

A journalist from the Salisbury and Avon Gazette also observed many hopeful shoppers try to visit Yoga Stuff on Sunday, only to be disappointed by the sign informing them of the closure.

The decision came as a shock to many as the shop had proved popular since opening in October 2022 [Yoga Stuff open and already proving a serenely successful business]. More recently, the owner had recently opened up a studio space – as covered in a previous issue of the Gazette –that was proving very successful.

The owner was not available for comment.

The shop opened in October 2022, followed in April this year by the launch of Studio 1

Sarum Academy’s Jennifer places second at School Chef of the Year final

JENNIFER Brown, of Sarum Academy, placed second in the 2023 LACA School Chef of the Year national finals on 6 July. She was competing against 10 other chefs, all of whom won regional events in June.

The Sarum Academy chef had wowed the judges at the regional event, held at Weston College, Weston Super Mare, with her main course of ‘In fine

fettle fish supper’, including a baked pollock and spinach fishcake, sweet potato fries and crushed minted peas with a tangy curry sauce dip.

Her winning dessert was golden banoffee profiteroles, with choux buns filled with butterscotch and banana, drizzled with chocolate sauce and banana dust.

Speaking after the regional event, Sarah Robb, marketing manager, at sponsor Premier Foods added: “Congratulations to Jennifer Brown, the first finalist who really impressed the judges today.”

The national finals were held over two days – Wednesday 5th and Thursday 6th July – at the Hilton Birmingham Metropole. The overall winner was Raheem Morgan, from Torridon Primary School, Lewisham.

Head judge, Louise Wagstaffe from Premier Foods, said: “We’ve seen amazing standards and very high level skills. We’ve seen a great use of ingredients on a tight budget… Lots of healthy fruit and vegetables – a healthy plate is a part of the judging criteria.

“These chefs have a massive influence on the food our children are eating and to see such great tasting food full of nutrition and innovation has been brilliant. There are some fantastic, scalable ideas here which we will be sharing with our schools.”

Sarah Robb, added: “It’s so important to support the education catering industry which is what this competition is all about – showcasing the amazing talent in the industry – our chefs have been cooking amazing food.

“School meals are so important for children to eat, socialise and try different foods together. Chefs have so much influence on the children they cook for, giving them the opportunity to try new flavours and really understand nutrition and healthy eating.”

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Shops sign up to make Salisbury a safer place for those needing support

SAFER and Supportive Salisbury has recently relaunched the Safe Places scheme in the city.

Safe Places are shops, cafés and other venues where anyone who feels frightened, distressed, disorientated or at risk while they are out and about in Salisbury can go to ask for support and help straight away.

There are now a total of 25 Safe Places signed up to the local scheme including: Salisbury Cathedral, Salisbury Library, Salisbury Playhouse, Fisherton Mill, A Plan Insurance, Salisbury Journal offices, Tesco, Sainsbury’s, Boots and Waterstones.

The scheme’s first 24/7 Safe Place is the White Hart Hotel where both daytime and night staff are aware of the scheme and will provide support to anyone who needs help.

Scheme lead, Liz Batten, said: “We are delighted to be working in partnership with Salisbury Reds, Salisbury BID and to have received support from Salisbury Area Board of Wiltshire Council to enable us to refresh and relaunch this local scheme.

“We all want the same thing – to make Salisbury a safe and supportive place to live, shop and visit.”

Managers of Safe Places are asked to display the Safe Places logo prominently in their window or front door so that it is clearly visible. Supplies of the Safe Places stickers and a resource pack explaining the scheme are handed to staff at the Safe Place whenever a new place joins the scheme.

Originally set up in Salisbury 10 years ago, members of Safer and Supportive Salisbury have revamped and relaunched the scheme in 2023, which, thanks to funding from Salisbury BID, is now part of the National Safe Places Network.

A free downloadable app is available from app stores which will automatically direct users to the nearest open Safe Place. If no Safe Place is located within a 15 minute walk, it will automatically offer to call the non-emergency number 101 to get help over the phone.

Funding from the Salisbury Reds Community Fund has enabled the group to produce a ‘users’ leaflet, available free in public spaces across the city to raise awareness of the scheme.

Digital advertising on Salisbury Reds buses will promote the city’s Safe Places.

More Safe Places are welcome and venues in the Salisbury area wishing to sign up to the scheme should be able to provide somewhere comfortable and safe for an individual to sit in a public place.

Managers or owners will be asked to train staff as a ‘first line’ level of support to an individual in distress. Suggested

training advice is provided as part of a resource pack which includes useful contact numbers to have readily to hand and Safe Places stickers for display. The current list of Salisbury Safe Places:

● A Plan Insurance

● Bemerton Heath Centre

● Boots the Chemist

● Bourne Hill Offices (Wiltshire Council/Wiltshire Police)

● Coffee #1

● Downton Library

● Fisherton Mill

● Five Rivers Health and Wellbeing Centre

● Franklins

● G & T World of Cards

● HSBC

● J Sainsbury’s

● My Comic Soda Bar

● O2 Shop Salisbury

● Salisbury Cathedral

● Salisbury Information Centre

● Salisbury Journal

● Salisbury Library

● Salisbury Playhouse

● Salisbury Shopmobility

● Tesco Stores Ltd

● The Borough Café, Downton

● The Chapel Nightclub

● Waterstones

● White Hart Hotel.

To apply to join the Safe Places scheme, contact sassalisbury5@ gmail.com and representatives of Safer and Supportive Salisbury will call to brief you on the scheme.

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Salisbury Information Centre was among the initial group or shops to sign up for Safe Places

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Recruitment

Uni students ‘working more hours’

UNIVERSITY students are working their way through their course as their studies are affected by the cost-of-living crisis, according to a new survey.

The 2023 Student Academic Experience Survey, published by the Higher Education Policy Institute (HEPI) and Advance HE, saw more than 10,000 people respond to questions on their academic experience - and

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Authors Jonathan Neves and Rose Stephenson said the survey showed students are ‘working harder, have more assignments and are spending more time being taught and in independent learning than last year’.

The cost-of-living crisis is overshadowing the perceptions of their academic experience, they added.

Key findings from the survey showed:

* 76% of students feel the cost of living crisis has affected their studies. 50% state that their studies were impacted “a little” and over a quarter (26%) state that their studies were affected “a lot”

* There has been a major increase in the number of students in paid employment, from 45% to 55%

* The average number of

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hours per week spent in class, fieldwork or studying independently, has risen from 30.7 to 33.4

* The proportion who would choose the same course and institution again remains similar at 58%, compared to 59% in 2022

* 37% of students said they received good or very good value for money

* The proportion of students whose experience exceeded expectations increased from 17% to 19%

With the very clear rise in the number of students in paid employment – from 34% in 2021 to 55% in 2023 – the report authors said it is reasonable to infer this will have bearing on their academic experience.

For example, of students not in paid employment, 65% would choose the same course and university again; while of

those in paid employment of one to nine hours per week, only 52% would do so.

In considering leaving university, a total of 8% cited financial difficulties as the reason – a result double the number in the 2021 SAES report.

Alison Johns, Advance HE’s chief executive, said: “It’s clear that the cost of living crisis is holding their experience back, and all stakeholders will be keen to look at ways to mitigate this and achieve and sustain high value in the long term.”

And Nick Hillman, director of HEPI, added: “There are many positives in this year’s results, which show the postpandemic recovery is well under way in higher education.

“But the survey also shows the cost-of-living crisis is not just shorthand for rising prices – most students are being affected in adverse ways.”

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Cash is king for businesses in distress

Cash is the most important thing to a business in distress. Here are some key activities to create a strong cash culture.

FOLLOWING the reaction to the recent interest rate increases by the Bank of England to levels not seen since 2008 you could be forgiven for thinking that the UK really is in store for a ‘storm of insolvencies’.

It is true to say that many companies are just about surviving, following energy price increases, rapid inflation and supply chain problems.

Debt funding is now more expensive and with debt and equity funding being harder to raise, working capital – cash –is the cheapest form of liquidity. In other words, cash is still king when it comes to the survival of a business.

This article explains why and looks at some key actions that companies should take to build-in a cash culture in order to improve their cash flow and their future prospects.

Cash and cash flow: isn’t it obvious that they are Important?

Yes, it is pretty basic and obvious really, but that doesn’t mean to say it isn’t true and also crucial to success. It’s also true that many businesses are not all that good at managing their cash and cash flow.

All accountants and insolvency practitioners will tell you that if a business doesn’t already run one, then a cash flow forecast must be prepared. There are many advantages a cash flow forecast brings, but the key ones are: control and prediction.

This is because when managers of a business really buy into producing a cash flow forecast, they start to understand how important good credit control is and where potential pinch points are in the business’s working capital.

Once a manager has accurate cash flow information, then they are in a position where they can consider taking the right action to overcome a problem, either by reducing costs or negotiating delayed payments to suppliers/ creditors in the most effective manner.

In other words, if you understand your business’ pinch points you can talk to suppliers or other key creditors (the bank or HMRC, for example) ahead of time and with an understanding of where the business is and where it will be over the coming months. This will impress them, and, in our experience, make it easier to negotiate agreed time scales if the business is going through a period of distress and needs a breathing space.

A cash flow forecast gives a business discipline because it makes a manager consider profitability on every payment because cash flow is in essence the business’ profit and loss account in terms of cash.

This is just as true in the good times as it is in the bad times. And a cash flow forecast can help a business predict a bad time more quickly than otherwise, and work with its advisors, including insolvency

practitioners to turn things around.

What sort of cash flow forecast is needed?

The gold standard of cash flow forecasts is a rolling 13-week fully integrated cash flow. Why rolling? It stays current and becomes historic, so you begin to predict the future, record the present and understand the past.

Why 13 weeks? It’s a quarter of a year. Fully integrated? The cash flow links to the profit and loss account (as it must) and the business’ balance sheet as it should.

Can a cash flow forecast save a business in distress?

Businesses become insolvent for many reasons, and there are times when not a lot can be done if the reason is because of some sort of unpredictable external shock or rapid change in tastes/demand.

However, we also see a lot of businesses become insolvent due to a lack of information about the business and, therefore, lack of control.

So, even if there are many distressed businesses around, it’s a fair bet that a good proportion of them could go a long way to improving their

future outlook by focusing on cash flow.

That doesn’t mean that all you need to do is have a cash flow forecast: it’s what you do with it that counts, and that can be tough.

Generally speaking, we recommend that the following are considered and taken into account to embed a cash flow culture into a company:

● Take specialist professional advice from an accountant or an insolvency practitioner

● Make a plan and ensure cash becomes the business of everyone in the company

● Nothing is sacred or not on the table

● Produce the numbers you need (cash flow)

● Control all spending and introduce effective cash reporting

● Effective management of banking and other financing facilities

● Ensure all collections of money owed are made as per contractual terms

● Understand and share your minimum cash thresholds with all departments

● Make decisions based on facts and information not emotion

● Talk to your key creditors early and get their support if there is a problem

● Don’t give away or sell assets off cheaply

● Treat all creditors equally especially if they are family.

● Talk to our insolvency practitioners for help and advice

Insolvency practitioners are not just here for the times when liquidation is the only option.

Often we play a big role in helping businesses in distress take the action needed to turn things around. Cash flow forecasting is just one of those tools. Contact us or call us on Salisbury: 01722 512001 or Bournemouth: 01202 923009 for a free initial consultation with one of our team.

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New RAC app aims to help drivers find cheapest petrol in their area

A NEW app gives drivers the ability to find the cheapest petrol in the UK – at the touch of a button.

The RAC has launched what it says is ‘the most up-to-date, freely available fuel finding app in the UK’.

The myRAC Fuel Finder, which the firm says stands to save users up to 6p a litre – or as much as £3.30 for every full 55-litre tank – is available for anyone to download and use, not just RAC members.

However, while anyone can use the app, RAC members can also quickly and simply report their breakdowns using the feature.

The RAC’s analysis of possible savings found that by using its app a litre of diesel could be bought for 6p cheaper than the local average price,

while petrol could be found at 5p less.

These examples would see diesel drivers who fill up once a

week save up to £172 a year using myRAC, while those with petrol cars could benefit to the tune of £143. Those who only head to the pumps every fortnight could save £86 a year on diesel and £71.50 on petrol.

The myRAC app can be downloaded from the App Store or Google Play.

Once they have done this, they will be able to make up to five searches a day over a two, five or 10-mile radius from their chosen locations. The app will then show them the five cheapest sites near them.

RAC fuel spokesperson, Simon Williams, said: “Having been monitoring the price of fuel for years, we know how much prices can vary from one forecourt to another, so we were determined to give drivers an easy way to make sure they get the best deal possible at the pumps.

“The myRAC app can help drivers save up to 6p a litre compared to the average prices in most areas.

“And savings can often be far greater than that, particularly with diesel which has been overpriced on so many of the country’s forecourts this year due to its wholesale price being

lower than petrol’s for the last three months, with many retailers sadly not passing this on to their customers.

“We firmly believe that having access to a free app like myRAC, which is always up to date, can be the difference between feeling ripped off at the pumps and satisfied you’ve got the best deal possible near you.

“The more people who seek out the lowest prices using it, the more likely we are to see other retailers nearby lower their prices to compete.

“And, as we know, proper competition is often lacking in UK fuel retailing everywhere but in Northern Ireland where prices are considerably cheaper than on the other side of the Irish Sea.

“We strongly urge every driver to download the free app and start saving money the next time, and every time, they fill up.”

Everyone who downloads the myRAC app can set up reminders for their vehicles’ MOT, servicing, insurance and tax.

Members can also save time by reporting their breakdowns via the Rescue Me feature in the app.

Motoring

Recycling plant plan for used tyres

A NEW plant is set to be built to recycle up to 20,000 tonnes of used tyres each year.

A partnership will see SUEZ Recycling and Recovery UK join forces with Pyrum Innovations AG to build the UK’s first plant using pyrolysis technology for recycling end-of-life tyres.

Pyrum’s patented technology is designed to extract reusable parts of scrap tyres – that can then go back into creating new tyres.

The one-year partnership will lead to the creation of a new plant to carry out the work, with a location and planning to be secured in a first stage.

As a result, the new facility will comprise three pyrolysis reactors with a recycling capacity of around 20,000 tonnes of end-of-life tyres per year.

In the UK, more than 50 million tyres are disposed of every year. This partnership is aiming to reduce the waste caused by this trend.

Out of those that are sent to waste facilities across the country, only 13.4 million of these are used as alternative fuel,

with the remaining tyres shredded and ground into a new material called crumb which is used on sports pitches or playgrounds.

The remaining tyres are sent for energy recovery or to landfill sites.

The innovative technology sees reactors recover high-quality raw materials from tyres, saving up to 72% of CO2 emissions in the process when compared with current recycling methods.

During the process at the new facility, tyres will be separated into their raw materials – oil, carbon black, and pyrolysis gas. The carbon black is re-used in the manufacturing of new tyres. The oil is then recycled into new products.

Then the pyrolysis gas taken from the old tyres will be used to power the plant itself.

According to SUEZ, more than half of the tyres used by British cars are not currently recycled.

John Scanlon, chief executive officer at SUEZ Recycling and Recovery UK, said:

“This agreement marks an exciting milestone for SUEZ as leaders in the development of a more circular, resource efficient UK economy.

“With our expertise in delivering new infrastructure, SUEZ are the natural choice to pioneer this innovative technology in the UK, which will see a vast improvement in the recycling of end-of-life tyres, and a significant reduction in CO2 emissions compared with current tyre recycling technologies.”

However, the technology is not without opposition. A study by Loughborough University in 2019 challenged the impact of pyrolysis.

Study leader Dr Andrew Rollinson concluded: “This paper shows that selfsustaining pyrolysis, creating energy from waste, is thermodynamically unproven, practically implausible, and environmentally unsound.

“The result is we are putting more CO2 into the atmosphere by recycling waste via pyrolysis than if we simply burnt it.”

Puzzle solutions (from pages 38-39)

Edition 20

Brain chain (hard)

Arrow words

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