Salisbury & Avon Edition 18

Amesbury playgroup celebrates two years of bringing dads together

THIS Father’s Day, a dads playgroup, run in partnership with the Nicolson Community Centre at MoD Boscombe Down, celebrated its second year of providing a community space in Amesbury for fathers to spend quality time with their little children and meet other dads.

Dadz & Kidz is the only group of its kind in the area, and welcomes around 20 dads and their children every Saturday morning. The group is run by volunteers in partnership with the Nicolson Community Centre.

The volunteers create a friendly and inviting space for dads to socialise with other dads and for their children use the indoor soft play, racing track and outdoor play equipment provided by MoD Boscombe Down.

The idea came from a group of fathers who wanted a dedicated space for dads to socialise, share their parenting challenges and build confidence.

A small voluntary donation per child covers costs and also provides a small surplus for donating to various charities including the Salisbury Hospital Stars Appeal and Great Ormond Street.

Tim Denholm, who helps run the group and has two children aged one and four, said: “Dadz & Kidz is a community group that welcomes all dads and their young children. Fathers often feel the odd one out

in most parenting groups and don’t often benefit from sharing their experiences with people in the same situation as themselves.

“We provide a space that normalises dads being the primary caregiver, and gives them the chance to relax, socialise and enjoy more quality time with their kids, and we find the mum’s enjoy getting the morning to themselves too.

“It’s a friendly group and we always welcome new dads and their kids. Every week volunteers bring snacks to share, and we sometimes organise social gatherings.

This Father’s Day is a great opportunity for new dads to try out the group and we will be running a special craft theme throughout the morning.”

Dadz & Kidz runs every Saturday morning 9.30am to 11.30am at the Nicolson Centre in Amesbury. For dads who want to go along with their children, they ask for a voluntary donation of £2.20 per child older than one-yers-old.

For more information, visit the Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/ dadsandlittluns/

Something for everyone at Salisbury Armed Forces Day

OUR Armed Forces will be celebrated during a free event in Salisbury this month.

On Sunday, June 25, the city’s Market Place and Guildhall Square will be transformed for Armed Forces Day.

Running between 10am and 4pm, the day will feature displays, stalls and more from the Army, Navy and Air Force, with organisers promising something for everyone.

Military displays are promised from organisations including the Royal Military Police and 32 Regiment Royal Artillery,

as well as representatives from military charities, who will provide information and fun activities for all ages.

Younger visitors will be able to enjoy craft make and take activities, workshops and fair rides.

“On top of this, there will be great live music throughout the day from local performers including the Salisbury City Band of the Royal British Legion and three-piece harmony band Cool Hand Uke,” a spokesperson said.

For more information visit salisburycitycouncil.gov.uk/ our-city/apply-for-events-

Toddler born with cleft lip and palate inspires family to walk for charity

THREE-YEAR-OLD Erin

Goddard, who was born with a cleft lip and palate, has inspired her family to raise money for the Stars Appeal to support other children being treated at Salisbury District Hospital.

The Goddard family are going to be supporting the Hospital’s Spires Cleft Centre and Sarum Children’s Ward at the Stars Appeal’s Walk for Wards on Sunday, July 9, at Wilton House.

Erin was born with a bilateral cleft lip and palate and has been cared for at the Spires Cleft Centre at the hospital.

The centre is a specialist unit caring for children with cleft lip and/or palate, which is a gap or split in the upper lip and/or the roof of the mouth.

Her mum, Amanda, said: “Erin was diagnosed at our 20-week scan.

“It was a very scary and stressful time full of tests and lots of scans but immediately we were offered the opportunity to speak with a cleft nurse from the team and given much needed reassurance and support.

“Erin has so far had three operations, each lasting up to six hours and thankfully each was just an overnight stay.

“She’s doing so well, her

speech is a little delayed, but it’s coming with the help of the speech therapists.”

After her operations Erin has stayed overnight with her mum on Sarum Children’s Ward.

“The caring staff took time to make us feel important and not just another patient even throughout lockdowns and staff pressures,” added Amanda, from Stalbridge, who will be doing the 5k walk with her husband Matthew and their daughters Erin and 10-year-old Faye.

“We are so grateful for all of the support we have had and will continue to have in the future.

“We continue to have amazing support from all of the cleft team and know that whenever we have any issues the support is there.”

The Stars Appeal also fund new equipment, along with enhancements to the décor and furnishings at the Spires Cleft Centre and Sarum Children’s Unit to ensure children are treated in a bright, welcoming and child-friendly environment.

It also provides accommodation and pulldown beds so parents can stay by their child’s bedside.

Amanda, who took part in Walk for Wards with her two

daughters last year, said: “It is such a great day out and being among so many others that also wish to show their support for Salisbury District Hospital in a beautiful setting is quite emotional and humbling.

“It’s a privilege to be able to show our support for both Spires Cleft Centre and Sarum Ward and feel like we’re giving back and directly helping cleft babies in the future.”

Walk for Wards is free to enter and includes lunch and entry to Wilton House gardens afterwards.

Walkers can do either the 3k,

5k or 10k route and are encouraged to raise a minimum of £20 for their chosen ward or department.

Helena Sinclair, of the Stars Appeal, added: “This year marks the 75th anniversary of the NHS and Walk for Wards is a great way to say thank you to the staff here at the Hospital by raising money for the ward or department that cared for you or your loved ones.”

To register to take part in Walk for Wards, visit: https:// starsappeal.org/event/walk-forwards/

Vehicle hit lamp post in Amesbury crash

A CAR was ‘freed from a lamp post’ by firefighters after a crash in Amesbury.

The incident happened at around 8.30pm on Monday (June 12) at Solstice Park, in Mid Summer Place.

The Dorset and Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service crew from Amesbury was sent ot the scene, with a spokesperson saying a car had ‘hit a

lamp post’.

“Crews made the scene safe by freeing the vehicle from the lamp post,” they said.

“Lamp post and pathway cordoned off using bollards and tape until the lamp post damage can be dealt with.”

It is not known if anyone was hurt in the incident.

Amanda Goddard with her daughter Erin at Walk for Wards 2022 Credit Simon Ward

Ringwood Brewery to be sold - and town depot set to close, owners says

A FAMOUS Ringwood name is set to close premises in the town and be sold off.

Carlsberg Marston’s Brewing Company (CMBC) has announced plans to sell Ringwood Brewery and the depot in the town closed, with staff informed of the move this week.

Deliveries are set to be relocated to CMBC depots at Tiverton in Devon and Fernborough in Hampshire, with support from Cardiff.

Ringwood is famous for brands including Razorback, Old Thumper, Boondoggle and Fortyniner.

The brewery was founded in 1978 and after outgrowing its original premises, moved to the current site in 1986, before it was bought by Marston’s in 2007.

Paul Davies, CEO of CMBC, said: “We are announcing our intention to put our Ringwood Brewery in Hampshire up for sale. This includes the rights for Ringwood’s well-loved ale brands.

“This is not a decision we have taken lightly – we have incredible respect for the effort and dedication of the team at Ringwood.

“However, the brewery’s location in a residential area makes expansion complicated, and as such the investment required to bring its capacity and capability

up to the level we need for our business is too great to be a viable path for CMBC.

“To ensure our future growth and simplify the business, we are looking for a new owner for Ringwood in the brewing industry, including its excellent range of local ales.

“We are confident that, by taking these actions now, we can ensure we continue to

grow, innovate and deliver great beers across the UK, putting us in the best possible position to achieve success now and in the future.

“We have informed colleagues affected by these proposals at the brewery and our priority now is to support them through this process, and to begin the search for the right buyer for Ringwood.”

CCTV appeal after football ground break-in

FOOTBALL kits were stolen, drinks and plates smashed after a group broke in to Salisbury Football Stadium.

CCTV images, right, have been released of people police want to trace after a break-in at the Partridge Way ground at around 4.30pm on April 6.

A Salisbury Police spokesperson said the offenders ‘are believed to have been on site for some time, causing damage to the venue by throwing drinks around and smashing plates and bottles of alcohol’.

“A number of Salisbury City football kits were also stolen during the incident,” they added, before the intruders were disturbed by a staff member.

Anyone with information should call 101 and quote crime reference number 54230036806, or contact CrimeStoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

The Ringwood site is set to close, but brands such as Razorback, inset, will still be available

Bids launched to protect village pubs near Salisbury as community assets

TWO pubs near Salisbury could be designated as ‘community assets’ if applications are successful.

Under government rules, a property awarded the status should be offered to registered community groups first in the event of a sale, giving them a chance to retain the asset, as well as other protections.

The system is most often used for pubs, where a community feels the venue is under threat of sale or development which would remove the ‘community asset’.

Now, villagers in Chilmark and in Pitton have applied to Wiltshire Council in a bid for the status to be applied to The Black Dog Inn and The Silver Plough, respectively.

Writing about The Black Dog, the nomination from Chilmark villagers said: “(The) Black Dog, the only pub in the

village, has been a hub for the community for generations, furthering the social wellbeing and interests of the local community, as well as serving food and drink, all within walking distance for most villagers.”

It said it has been used by clubs and societies, as well as for recreation in the form of quiz nights, bridge evenings and Christmas gatherings.

The nomination comes after a planning application was previously submitted to Wiltshire Council for homes on land around the pub, which is owned by a pension plan trust based in London and a Robert Johnson Jones, of Cerne Abbas. The application was later withdrawn.

“Although this application was subsequently withdrawn, it raised concerns for residents about the future of the pub and

its value to the community, as it would potentially change the facility which had previously been enjoyed by the village,” the nomination went on.

“Despite the fact the pub does not appear to be flourishing under current recent ownership, there is widespread confidence in the village –based on the pub’s history and previous usage – that it can be run as a successful entity, central to community life.”

Wiltshire Council will decide on the nomination, submitted by Chilmark Parish Council, by August 2.

People can find out more and submit comments on the bid online before July 5, via development.wiltshire.gov.uk/ pr/s/planning-application/ a0i3z00001AyX8Y.

In Pitton, The Silver Plough is owned by brewery, Hall & Woodhouse Ltd.

A former 18th century farmhouse, the pub opened in 1947 and is the only pub in the village and is used by groups including The Men of Pitton, Pitton Ladies and others.

“The Silver Plough is a well-renowned village pub with a reputation for good food and in the past was the Egon Ronay pub of the year,” the nomination said.

“It continues to be at the centre of social activities within the village and there is a strong support within the village for the pub.”

It has been nominated by Pitton and Farley Parish Council.

A decision will be made by Wiltshire Council before August 2 and comment can be submitted online, before July 5, via development.wiltshire.gov. uk/pr/s/planning-application/ a0i3z00001AyXXa.

Trio charged with wildlife offences over fox video

A TRIO arrested after a video allegedly showing a fox being unearthed and attacked by hounds have been charged.

The video led to the arrest of five people and three of them have been charged, with two others released with no further action being taken, Wiltshire Police said.

Aaron Fookes, 29, of Spye Park, Lacock, has been charged with Hunting a Wild

Mammal with dogs contrary to S1 Hunting Act 2004 and causing unnecessary suffering to a protected animal contrary to S4 Animal Welfare Act.

Alex Warden, 25, of Wood Road, North Bradley, has been charged with Hunting a Wild Mammal with Dogs contrary to S1 Hunting Act 2004 and causing unnecessary suffering to a protected animal contrary to

S4 Animal Welfare Act.

Stuart Radbourne, 39, of The Common, Bromham, has been charged Hunting a Wild Mammal with Dogs contrary to S1 Hunting Act 2004.

Fookes and Radbourne are due to appear at Swindon Magistrates Court on July 5.

Warden is due to appear at Swindon Magistrates Court on July 7.

The Black Dog, left, and The Silver Plough could be registered as community assets Pictures: Google

New plan revealed for allotment shop

PLANS to relocate a shop on an allotments site in Salisbury have been submitted.

The Salisbury Trading Hut, at the Fisherton Farm Allotment Site, is run by volunteers from the Allotments and Gardens Association Salisbury (AGAS).

However, the hut has had to move due to work being carried out on the nearby River Park development.

The Environment Agency loaned the group two units to move the hut, but now, AGAS has applied for permission to move the hut into three new units on a disused plot on the Fisherton Farm site.

“The three units would be owned by AGAS but situated on land belonging to Salisbury City Council,” the application said.

“Salisbury City Council have agreed to this proposal. AGAS are currently raising funds to enable the purchase of new units, which is envisaged through grant funding, events and donations.”

The new units, ‘broadly’ equivalent in size to the current temporary structures, woudl house an office to be used as the main shop building, and two storage areas

for compost and other stock.

“(The plot) of the Fisherton Farm Allotment Site is unused and is predominantly covered with hardstanding, rendering it in an unusable condition for use as a traditional allotment,” the application said.

“Its current state does, however, represent an ideal location for the allotment shop units, being conveniently located to the largest allotment site in Salisbury abd close to its former location.”

Small walls around the plots would be removed, the plan says, with some space allowed for vehicles to pull in when using the store.

“Overall, the proposed development would allow for the retention of a valued and viable community facility which

supports health, wellbeing and social interaction in Salisbury,” the application added.

For more details, and to comment on the plan, log on to www.wiltshire.gov.uk and search for reference PL/2023/04246.

The shop, inset, is on the Fisherton Farm Allotment Site

Dragons’ Den star announces train company’s commitment to nature

IF you travel on South Western Railway (SWR) this month you will hear a familiar voice coming from the tannoys. Dragons’ Den star Deborah Meaden has teamed up with the rail operator to back the Save Our Wild Isles campaign.

SWR was the first UK train operator to sign the Nature Positive Business Pledge, which forms part of the campaign led by RSPB, WWF and National Trust.

Deborah Meaden, business leader and investor, said: “Supporting the Save Our Wild Isles campaign is so important which is why I am pleased to see that South Western Railway is leading the way for rail in supporting nature and responding to the biodiversity crisis by pledging to become Biodiversity Net Positive by 2030 and also the first rail operator in the UK to sign the Nature Positive Business Pledge.”

The announcements will encourage travellers to play their part in creating habitats for nature and increasing biodiversity.

The campaign calls for an immediate halt to the destruction of UK nature and

urgent action for nature recovery, while urging companies to commit to plans to become ‘nature positive’.

To be nature positive means halting and reversing nature decline by restoring wildlife and having an overall positive impact on nature.

As one of the country’s largest train operating companies, serving customers across South West London, Surrey, Hampshire, the Isle of Wight, Berkshire, Dorset, Wiltshire, Somerset and Devon, the SWR network is home to a

wide range of animal and plant species which it aims to protect and help flourish.

During the last 12 months alone, SWR has converted the equivalent of three football pitches into biodiversity gardens with the RSPB. It has also planted 15 wildflower meadows and introduced over 40 homes for insects and birds.

As part of the pledge, SWR will map the biodiverse habitats of its network, baseline its total impact on nature – including through its value chain – and create a Nature Positive

Framework and Action Plan, to deliver a positive contribution to the regeneration and restoration of nature. This work will be completed with the support of the Nature Services team at management, engineering and development consultancy Mott MacDonald.

Amy Dickinson, SWR’s head of sustainability, said: “Save Our Wild Isles is a fantastic campaign and offers simple steps we can all make both at home or at work to help the wildlife on our doorstep.

“ It’s a campaign that SWR is proud to support, as we want our network to be a place where nature can thrive, whether in our stations and depots, by the trackside or in our community gardens.

“We all benefit from biodiversity. That’s why we’ll continue to engage with our colleagues, customers and partners to support the unique habitats across the region we serve.

“Signing up to the Nature Positive Business Pledge means that our processes will be robust and we can learn together with others who are on a similar journey.”

www.saveourwildisles.org.uk

Salisbury CCTV team is looking for volunteers

SALISBURY City Council is seeking volunteers to monitor and operate its digital CCTV and radio system.

New volunteers would join what is an important team at Bourne Hill, monitoring the CCTV system at key times in the communications hub inside the CCTV control room.

They will work with many partners, including ShopWatch, PubWatch, city wardens, and the police to help make the city a safer place to live, work and visit.

Keith Jackson, CCTV manager, said: “We have recruited and trained many groups of volunteers, and they are doing a great job. We are gradually increasing our team and have places on a CCTV Operators course in October which need filling.

“If you have good communication skills, are able to work to a high standard under pressure and are committed to Salisbury’s security and public safety, then we’d love to hear from you.”

Volunteers must be able to commit to 16 hours a month. This is a substantial role which takes a high degree of commitment as there is a lot to learn, but it can be extremely important and rewarding.

You will be trained to a professional standard and work within a strict code of practice.

Jointly funded by Salisbury City Council and Salisbury BID, Salisbury CCTV has been operating the system since September 2018, when it was passed from Wiltshire Council to Salisbury City Council.

To enquire about volunteering as a CCTV Operator, contact Keith Jackson on 07849 088 205 or email kjackson@ salisburycitycouncil.gov.uk

Deborah Meaden

Amesbury British Legion welcomes Girls’ Brigade as official affiliates

ON TUESDAY 13th June the Amesbury Branch of the Royal British Legion welcomed the Amesbury Girls’ Brigade into the Legion ‘family’ as Affiliate Members; the first youth group to be invited to join since The Air Training Corps around 12 years ago.

The special occasion was celebrated in the Brigade HQ, the Methodist Church in High Street.

Amesbury RBL chairman Richard Allen, in addressing the large gathering of girls of a wide age range, discovered what, if anything, the girls knew about the meaning of the poppy, the purpose of fund raising and the importance of the annual Remembrance Sunday Parade in which many Girls Brigade already participate.

Even the little ones were

aware of the symbolism and underlying practical reasons for the annual Poppy Appeal and parade.

He spoke briefly about the significance of the family ethos linking us all, radiating from the home, through school, our

country and ultimately the human race and all living creatures. Belonging and caring were symbolised in the Certificate of Affiliation which Richard presented to the captain, Mrs Gillian Clarke MBE on behalf of the branch.

The official Legion connection will create a real sense of belonging and co-operation and will now formalise an already historic and valued relationship.

After the presentation, Richard and Paddy, the RBL secretary, spent a very enjoyable and interesting time seeing the girls in their various ageappropriate activities, talking to the leaders and the Methodist minister, Revd. Rosemary Fletcher.

The Girls Brigade became affiliate members of the Amesbury Branch of the Royal British Legion salisburyandavon.co.uk

Win 10 Family Circus Tickets

Win Family Circus Tickets

We’re giving away 10 sets of family tickets to see Jay Miller’s Circus.

Q: What was the name of the circus impresario known as “The Greatest Showman”?

A) P.T. Barnum

B) P.C. Farnham

C) P.G. Rated

SUNNYHILL CAMPSITE is a

Hidden rural gem of a campsite set in idyllic farm & woodland landscape. King Alfred’s Tower on the horizon, chickens, guinea fowl, turkeys, ducks and wild birds, chatter during the daylight & a selection of farm animals that guests often get to meet are also around. Historically Sunnyhill offered a place to rest your head, before finishing your drive on the A303 in the 60s and 70s. In the mid 80s Mobile homes were added and a shower block, but sadly the camping business was in free fall a that time people had discovered cheap package deals abroad, & then came the internet, something the senior members of the Hookins clan didn’t use. This meant the mobile homes gained permanent residents and there are still weekly enquiries from people wanting to live here, no wonder some of the people living here now have been here for decades.

The Great Outdoors

Mr William Hookins came to Sunnyhill farm 83 years ago and his family were the people who began the campsite as part of their farm. Over the years different buildings have been converted and sold with pockets of land. However the campsite remains in the Hookins family and the current Hookins generation Alex (Sandy) and Megan live at the campsite in mobile homes, with Sandys partner Stuart & 3 other households as an established peaceful community.

Sunnyhill Campsite Riding Gate is like no other campsite you will ever visit, Sandy and Megan have opened on TENs licensing under canvas for various musical events since 2020, and now in 2023 have converted a trailer to a pop up bar for the busier weekends, named the JOLLY FARMER after a racehorse that Hookins senior once shared ownership of in a syndicate with

other farmers, she is proving very popular and the campsite is in the process of applying for a premises license with the hope of offering a year round venue for open mic nights once a week and weekend drinks for the locals. Megan is a personal license holder so it combines the generations into a positive future for Sunnyhill and although Bill Hookins only visits these days he is very proud of the vision that Megan and Sandy have for the place.

Sunnyhill doesn’t conform to the usual campsite format but that is what makes her such a marmite, you either love her or hate her, most people love her with mainly positive reviews, and feedback the hope is hat she offers a local hub for walkers, visitors and musicians alike. Things here are hand made, hand painted and often upcycled. The a yurt & hut (with log fuelled hot tub by the hut) and peak season bell tents have proven very popular bringing the campsite into the 21st century as a peaceful get away. The fact that the small residential community are so welcoming and often greet you if Sandy and Megan are busy makes for a special atmosphere here year round, and with only 4 grass and 4 hard standing pitches Sunnyhill always feels intimate and friendly. The last 3 years the hay field adjacent to the campsite, a 6+ acre field has been opened under the 28 days pop up campsite bracket. She offers a more wild camping experience with a few compost toilets, no EHU and a couple of outdoor showers, the most amazing sunsets and the location for the SUNNYHILL WEEKENDER (tickets available from wegottickets.com).

This mini festival AUGUST BANK HOLIDAY with over 20 acts and only 200 MAX tickets is mainly local musicians although headlining on the Friday are 3 DAFT MONKEYS and on sat DRIVEN SERIOUS from further afield to stir up the mix….and with tickets starting from £40 inclusive of camping in the hay field its unbeatable value designed to get locals to attend and enjoy the special place that is SUNNYHILL (glamping or main site at additional fee) there is a need for volunteers and some availability for entertainers other than musicians also a pop up vegi caterer space too for a chill out or similar area. This special venue is hoping to get their profits from the Jolly farmer and the marquee bar for the WEEKENDER to keep the prices of this new event down while the whole country is struggling financially and to hopefully gain a new annual event for the BLACKMORE VALE area and BEYOND to enjoy.

Visit to Wilton Riding for the Disabled sparks happy memories for residents

A GROUP of residents, family members and staff from Milford House Care Home in Salisbury enjoyed a great afternoon at the Riding for the Disabled, Pembroke Centre in Wilton recently.

Residents got to see the facilities, meet the super friendly ponies and and enjoy a fabulous tea with home made cakes – all hosted by the volunteers at the centre.

It was a gloriously sunny afternoon for the visit and residents loved stoking, grooming and feeding the ponies, as well as getting a tour of the tack rooms

and other facilities.

For several of the residents it was an afternoon that prompted a range of memories; one of the residents had previously volunteered at the stables for around 16 years and reunited with a former colleague so this was definitely a trip down memory lane.

Others had worked with horses during their careers or been involved with them at various times in their lives.

Gemma Hicks, general manager at Milford House, said: “I think the photos say it all. The residents had such a great

Barney’s plight moves Michaela to make a positive difference

afternoon and to see the interaction between them and the gentle ponies is very special

and for many of our residents the visit brought back some very special memories.

“The ponies captivated everyone, it was hard to tear ourselves away from them and head off for a scrumptious tea.

“This is such a great initiative, put on by the centre. On behalf of our residents I would like to say a huge ‘thank you’ to everyone who made the visit possible – you made this a very special and unforgettable afternoon.”

Nominate someone for a NHS Foundation Trust Staff Award

SALISBURY NHS Foundation

Trust has begun accepting nominations to recognise and celebrate individuals and teams working at or with the Trust who go above and beyond in their dedication to providing excellent patient care and quality services.

WHEN Michaela Brown looked at the spring newsletter from Redwings Horse Sanctuary, and saw an article about a pony named Barney who was left upside down in some rubble, she was so upset that she wanted to do something to help.

Barney, as he has been named, was discovered in December, alone, in pain and too weak to stand.

This upset Michaela very much and felt she needed to help little Barney to get better, so she asked her nanny what could she do? “Why don’t you go on sponsored walk and raise some money for Barney,” her nanny replied.

It was decided that she would walk on the 31May from Amesbury, where her nanny lives, to Durrington, the next village. She started from the Wetherspoons (the Bell Inn) and finished at what was her grandad’s old shop, about three miles away.

People have been very generous in sponsoring Michaela: so far she has raised about £390 and a cheque for that amount is on its way to Redwings.

Well done, Michaela.

Chief executive Stacey Hunter said: “The Staff Awards are a significant event in our annual calendar and are enthusiastically embraced by our local community. They offer the opportunity to applaud our hard-working and committed people, and the efforts they make in providing compassionate care for our patients.”

This year one of the awards will be decided from nominations from patients and members of the public in recognition of the impact the hospital’s staff have had on so many lives in our community.

The Patient Experience Award is for the team or individual who has made a significant impact upon improving the patient experience, either for an

individual patient in their work area or for the trust.

Information on the criteria for the awards and the nomination form can be found on the trust’s website. The deadline for nominations is noon on Friday 28th July.

Stacey Hunter added: “2023 is a special year for us. The NHS celebrates its 75th birthday and we celebrate the 80th anniversary of our hospital.

“I encourage everyone who has had a great experience at the hospital to take this opportunity to tell us about it, as this feedback makes a real difference to our staff in so many ways.”

New multi-use gymnasium plan for military campus is submitted

MILITARY staff could be set to enjoy improved physical training facilities at a Wiltshire camp.

An application for a new gymnasium and sports hall at the Defence Chemical Biological Radiological and Nuclear Centre (DCBRNC), at Winterbourne Gunner, near Salisbury, has been submitted to Wiltshire Council.

If approved, a 1300sqm multi-use hall and gymnasium would be built on brownfield land towards the north east

corner of the base, to replace the current ‘disparate, inadequate, and undersized physical wellbeing assets ... scattered across several locations’.

“The new gymnasium is comprised of three functional building elements; the sports hall, the physical training area, and the ancillary support functions,” the application said.

‘Highly insulated’ walls and using locally-sourced materials where possible would make the development as sustainable

as possible, the application added.

The DCBRNC is used as a training base for members of all three UK Armed Forces.

It was first established in 1917 as a Trench Mortar Experimental Establishment under the administrative control of the war department’s ‘experimental ground’ at Porton Down.

For more information, and to comment on the plans, log on to www.wiltshire.gov. uk and search for application reference PL/2023/03935.

Volunteering opportunities for aspiring sports coaches

ARE YOU aged 18+, enjoy sport and physical activity and would like to get into coaching?

Salisbury City Council’s Activity Leaders are looking for volunteers to help them deliver their sports and activity program across Salisbury.

Volunteers will be supported to help engage participants on our low-cost or free activities to a wide array of participants throughout the city.

Whether you wish to gain experience in coaching or just want to give back to our community, volunteering is an amazing way to grow your skills and confidence.

Megan, who previously volunteered for the dodgeball project now works for the council as a community development officer.

She said: “Volunteering in the community has provided me with invaluable experience, helped me discover further opportunities available to me, made training opportunities more accessible and allowed me to meet new people.

“The experience I gained from volunteering in the community has been integral to being able to work as a community development officer, which is something I

probably wouldn’t have considered or known about if I had not been already involved in community coaching.”

Salisbury City Council will require a DBS check for applicants and an informal interview; this is to help us better support candidates and help them get the most out of their volunteering time.

On occasion, the council may be able to support volunteers into accessing training opportunities to further develop their knowledge or qualifications.

However, there is no guarantee that volunteering will lead to paid employment.

Current volunteering opportunities available:

● Monday to Friary Afterschool Club, 3.30 to 4:30pm; Ability Counts Football, 5 to 6pm

● Tuesday: Cricket 1 to 2pm; Dodgeball 4.30 to 5.30 (school years 2-4); Dodgeball 5.30 to 6.30pm (sSchool years 4-9); The Hangout 4 to 6pm

● Wednesday: Bemerton Heath Afterschool Club 3.30 to 5pm

If you are interested, email: bhc@salisburycitycouncil.gov. uk or call 01722 417100

How the proposed gym could look

A 99 flake was birthday wish come true for 99-year-old Stella

A SALISBURY care home welcomed a special visit by an ice cream van recently to make a resident’s wish come true: a 99 Flake on her 99th birthday.

Stella Parsons told carers of her wish for the crumbly chocolate treat and enjoyed it with a beaming smile in the sunshine outside Colten Care’s Braemar Lodge.

She was first in the queue when Fat Sam’s Ice Creams parked up at the Stratford Road home.

Stella told the care home’s staff: “I can’t believe you managed to get an ice cream van here for me. I love an ice cream with a flake in it.”

Behind the scenes, team members had to act quickly when the original van they tried to arrange for the sweet surprise

was unable to make it.

Customer support advisor

Tanya Williams and companionship team member

Carol Petty issued an appeal for a replacement through social media, to which Fat Sam’s was first to respond.

Tanya said: “The appeal worked, delighting Stella. And as it turned out, residents, families and staff alike were able to enjoy an ice cream. The weather was perfect, with sunshine and smiles all the way.”

Stella, whose two daughters and a niece shared the moment with her, said of the 99: “It was just what I wanted. Perfect.”

Manufacturer Cadbury’s developed the original Flake more than 100 years ago when an employee at its Bournville

factory noticed thin streams of excess milk chocolate falling

from moulds cooled into flaky ripples.

Stella Parsons, 99, was first in the queue for her 99 ice cream cone when the Fat Sam’s van visited Braemar Lodge in Salisbury

Road Run across Salisbury Plain raises over £12k for the Stars Appeal

THE BERWICK St John Country Fayre’s Road Run across Salisbury Plain raised over £12,600 for the Stars Appeal, Salisbury District Hospital’s Charity.

A presentation was held on Thursday, 25th May, at the hospital to celebrate the fundraising feat.

Representatives from the Berwick St John Country Fayre, including chairman Richard Pocock and Bruce Waight, who organised the Road Run, handed over a cheque to some of the charity’s hospital ambassadors.

People turned out in force at the Road Run on 2 April, showcasing a variety of tractors and 4x4 vehicles of all shapes and sizes.

Louise Hall, the secretary of Berwick St John Country Fayre and member of the Stars Appeal Fundraising Committee, said: “The Stars Appeal is such a fantastic local charity that helps hundreds of people every day at the Hospital in direct, practical ways. That is why we’re so proud to support it and present this donation. I would like to thank everybody who helped organise and took part in the road run for their marvellous support.”

The money raised will go towards one of the Stars Appeal’s projects for 2023, the provision of an additional echocardiogram machine for the Cardiac Investigation Unit.

An echocardiogram shows a detailed image of a patient’s heart which can help diagnose any abnormalities or conditions affecting the heart. Having an additional machine will help reduce waiting times for patients awaiting diagnosis.

The machine will cost £142,000 in total and around £40,000 has already been raised in direct donations towards it.

Consultant Cardiologist and Stars Appeal Hospital Ambassador, Dr Tom Jackson, who attended the presentation, added: “This is a fantastic donation towards this muchneeded piece of equipment. On behalf of all the heart patients

that will benefit from their support I would like to extend my thanks to everybody involved in this Road Run event and the Berwick St John Country Fayre Committee for their ongoing support, which has done so much to enhance care at our hospital here in Salisbury.”

To date, Berwick St John Country Fayre and associated events have raised over £320,000 for the Stars Appeal.

Main pic: Members of the Berwick St John Country Fayre Committee presenting their donation from the Road Run to Stars Appeal Hospital Ambassadors

Credit Spencer Mulholland

Inset: One of the tractors at the Road Run across Salisbury Plain

Credit: Donald Capewell

The next country fayre will take place on 14 and 15 September 14, 2024.

Follow the Fayre and their other events on Facebook or via www. berwickstjohncountryfayre.co.uk

To find out more about projects the Stars Appeal are looking to fund visit https://starsappeal. org/what-were-fundraising-for

Witness appeal after man charged with intent to commit a sexual offence

WILTSHIRE Police are appealing for witnesses after a teenage girl was assaulted in the Stratford-sub-Castle area of Salisbury on Thursday, 1st June.

Police officers were called to Mill Lane in Stratford sub Castle at 11am on the day and now officers want to talk to anyone who might have been in

the area around the time the incident took place.

William Thomas, 28, of Macklin Road, Salisbury, has been charged with committing assault occasioning actual bodily harm with the intent to commit a sexual offence and possession of a bladed article in a public place.

Charity aims to INSPIRE others to seek holy grail of medical advances

By Faith Eckersall

IT’S ONE of medicine’s holiest grails – the ability to mend a broken spinal cord so successfully that its owner can walk again.

But, while we await this miraculous situation, what about the 55,000 British people who are having to live every day with the effects of spinal cord injury (SCI)? Indeed, every four hours, someone is paralysed by a spinal cord injury.

For them, the inability to stand can be the very least of their worries. They’d rather re-gain control over their bladder or bowels, or see the sometimes horrific pains that can come with this injury, mitigated or stopped.

Explaining this is just one of the missions taken on by former Army officer Stephen Croft, new director of the Salisburybased INSPIRE Foundation, the leading British charity funding research into SCI injury.

“Back in 1985, a group of in-patients who were undergoing SCI rehabilitation at Odstock, now Salisbury District Hospital, identified the need to raise funds for research,” says Stephen. “Their focus wasn’t on the actual repair of damaged spinal nerves – often referred to as ‘the cure’ – but on practical solutions to the everyday problems they experienced.”

These problems can be summed up in three words: pee, poo and pain.“With SCI you lose the ability to control your bladder, something that most of us take for granted, but as well as being distressing, it can be lifethreatening,” he says, explaining how the inability to empty a bladder properly can lead to infections which then spread.

Bowel difficulties are self-evident but, says Stephen, many people with SCI suffer horrible and debilitating spasms of pain.

This can come as a surprise because they may have assumed that paralysis or complete loss of feeling – which accompanies the severest form of SCI – means that pain goes too. “Essentially, you can’t control the nerves that are still in your legs and there is no warning that the pain is coming,” says Stephen.

He explains that the spinal cord is around 45 cm long and about 1 to 1.5 cm wide and is contained within the vertebrae or bones of our back. In the past, SCI was frequently referred to as a broken back. While broken vertebrae or bones can and do mend, SCI at its worst involves the complete severance of the spinal cord, the neural superhighway flying messages up and down from our brain to pretty much everything else in our body.

Even if the cord only receives a severe pinching or jabbing, this can cause a serious interruption of its ability to carry those messages, says Stephen.

A further complication is the location along the cord of the damage – basically, the higherup the injury, the worse the implications.

“Our whole aim is to fund research which improves the quality of life for people with SCI,” says Stephen. To achieve this, there are three sections to the charity’s administration, starting with its National Scientific Committee, which sifts research proposals, which could be about anything from the efficacy of medical devices or a new way to help anticipate pain in people with SCI.

Which projects receive the research money is decided by the charity’s trustees, who include highly-qualified medics, including some with SCI.

From a standing start in 1985, INSPIRE now funds research projects in the Salisbury-based Duke of

Cornwall Spinal Treatment Centre, as well as all 11 of the spinal treatment centres right across the country, with links in Belfast, Glasgow and Wales. The latest project, working with the Institute of Neurosciences Kolkata (Calcutta) India, has taken them global.

This work represents an investment of around £1.4 million but, says Stephen, they could do much more if they had more money. “We receive no money from the government or the NHS. Everything we spend has to be raised by us.”

And that’s where he and the charity’s patrons come in. Not just as ambassadors but people who have experienced SCI and can talk about it from that perspective.

Most SCI is caused by accidents: motorbikes, car accidents, rugby, falls, cycling and riding, and many of INSPIRE’s patrons participate, or have participated in, these sports. One of these was the late Baroness Masham of Ilton, who became paraplegic in 1958 and later, a Paralympian and House of Lords champion for people with SCI.

One of their most popular current patrons is the jockey Freddy Tylicki, who was treated

for almost an hour at Kempton Park racecourse in 2016, before being flown to hospital following a ’four-horse pile up’ and a serious injury to his spine.

He hopes to appear at Salisbury Racecourse on Wednesday, 28th June for the INSPIRE Race, sponsored by Whitsbury Manor Stud.

“Thanks to WMS, every penny we raise from this we’ll keep,” says Stephen.

They are also planning other fund-raisers, including the INSPIRE Stall at Salisbury Market on Tuesday July 11 and the Autumn Supper and AGM on Thursday, 23rd November. Sadly, the annual INSPIRE Polo Match has had to be cancelled for this year.

However, they need more visibility and more volunteers and big donors to come forward to raise the money for even more research projects to be funded.

“We need INSPIRE to shine more brightly so that more people are aware of us, and will donate to us or decide to support us,” says Stephen. “If we had more, we could do more.”

If you’d like to help or know more about INSPIRE Foundation visit inspirefoundation.org.uk/donate/

Harry in an iCycle; inset: Stephen Croft, director of INSPIRE Foundation

Police chief welcomes new report

WILTSHIRE’S top police officer has welcomed a new report which calls for officers in England and Wales to get back to basics.

Chief Constable Catherine Roper, pictured, has repsonded to the State of Policing 2022 report by His Majesty’s Chief Inspector of Constabulary Andy Cooke.

In the report, Chf Insp Cooke says that in order for police forces to repair public trust, they must prioritise the issues which matter the most to our communities and focus on getting the basics right in investigations.

Chf Con Roper said: “I absolutely agree with the report that rebuilding public trust and confidence is critical to ensuring effective policing and it must be a priority.

“I also agree that further investment in neighbourhood

policing is essential.

“Within the first few months of taking up the role of Chief Constable, I established three key priority areas for operational delivery: Safer Public Spaces, Violence and Burglary.

“These priority areas respond directly to the concerns of our communities and are to ensure

people feel safe both inside and outside of their homes. They are also key features of the Police and Crime Plan as set out by the Police and Crime Commissioner for Wiltshire and Swindon.

“My ambition, above all else, is Keeping Wiltshire Safe.”

Last year, Wiltshire Police was placed into special measures after it was branded ‘inadequate’ in a HMICFRS PEEL inspectionin the areas of the ability to respond to the public, protect vulnerable people and strategic planning.

The inspection report made a series of recommendations of how the service could be improved and Chf Con Roper said work was continuing.

“We remain utterly committed to making the improvements necessary to be trusted to consistently provide the highest possible standard of policing for the people of Wiltshire and Swindon,” she said.

“We are focused on delivering all improvements in line with the HMICFRS PEEL inspection and our Engage status. Our emphasis is getting the foundations right - including improving the standard of service victims receive, the quality of investigations and how we identify and respond to those most vulnerable in our communities.

“We are committed to transparently sharing our improvement journey with the public. This includes us publishing updates to our communities about our progress on our website.”

FASHIONS & LINGERIE

£128,000 grant buys new ambulance service vehicles for the south west

SIX new first responder ambulance vehicles are on the streets of the south west thanks to a £128,000 grant.

The money, from NHS Charities Together, volunteers with the South Western Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust (SWASFT) Community First Responders team will using six new Dacia Dusters response vehicles.

The vehicles were officially presented to the ambulance service at an event at Buckfast Abbey in Devon on Friday (June 9).

The volunteers operate across the south west, attending emergencies in their local communities ahead of an emergency ambulance.

In the last 12 months, Community First Responders were mobilised around 24,000 times to emergencies such as cardiac arrests, chest pains, breathing difficulties and patients who had fallen.

Each of the new cars has been converted and equipped with a full Community First Responder kit including a defibrillator and observation equipment.

Each car also carries a Raizer lifting chair to assist patients who have had a fall.

Will Warrender, chief executive of SWASFT, said: “The funding received by the South Western Ambulance Charity is enabling us to better support our volunteers, who, in turn provide incredible support to the communities they serve.

“The six cars that are being provided through the charity will enable Community First Responders to respond to emergencies across a wider geographic area and support the training of new volunteers through observer shifts.”

Zoe Larter, head of South Western Ambulance Charity, said: “We would like to thank NHS Charities Together for awarding us this grant. It’s really going to make a

huge difference and help improve the patient care delivered by our dedicated volunteers.”

And Ellie Orton OBE, chief executive of NHS Charities Together, said: “NHS Charities Together is the national charity caring for the NHS, and we’re delighted to support South Western Ambulance Charity with this project.

“Our ambulance services are facing pressures on a colossal scale, and CFRs provide vital support when every second counts. We hope these new response vehicles will help them reach vulnerable patients even faster in emergency incidents – and ultimately help save lives.”

SWASFT has more than 500 active volunteers who support the service in patient-facing and non-patient facing roles.

To find out more, visit www.swast.nhs. uk/welcome/community-first-responders/ volunteer-recruitment.

Volunteers wanted to keep a camera eye on the city

VOLUNTEERS are being sought to monitor CCTV in Salisbury.

The team, based at Bourne Hill, keeps an eye on the cameras at key times.

They will work with partners including ShopWatch,

PubWatch, City Wardens and the police in Salisbury.

Keith Jackson, CCTV manager for the city council, said: “We have recruited and trained many groups of volunteers, and they are doing a great job.

“We are gradually increasing our team and have places on a CCTV Operators course in October which need filling.

“If you have good communication skills, are able to work to a high standard under pressure and are committed to

Salisbury’s security and public safety, then we’d love to hear from you.”

Volunteers must be able to commit to 16 hours a month..

Contact Keith on 07849 088 205 or email kjackson@ salisburycitycouncil.gov.uk

‘We have been able to really enjoy the sunshine here at Pitton Primary’

PITTON Primary School is enjoying a busy summer term.

With all the outdoors space available here at Pitton we have been able to really enjoy and make the most of this beautiful sunshine and have been preparing and enjoying a busy summer term.

Mid-June we welcomed our new Reception pupils starting in September with Get to Know You and Stay and Play sessions held outside in the shade.

These were a great opportunity for the children to meet their future classmates, get to know the teachers and for parents to raise any questions in a relaxed environment.

Our Year 3 and 4 class recently enjoyed a trip to see the Mary Rose at Portsmouth where they were able to look round the museum, ask questions and participate in workshops.

The Year 5 and 6 pupils attended their residential trip at Tile Barn where they enjoyed a range of activities, including archery, climbing, orienteering and shelter building.

They have also been having swimming lessons as part of their summer timetable.

As a school we have also celebrated the baptism of four of our pupils with a wonderful service at St Peters and a celebration on the school field afterwards.

We have also had a whole school photograph, sports day and a music concert to finish off the busy school year.

We would like to wish our Year 6 pupils good luck as they transition to their new schools and extend a big welcome to those joining us in September.

For further information or to book a school tour, please email the office at admin@pitton. wilts.sch.uk

Fact of the fortnight...

IT’S the time of year when lost of us are planning holiday trips and for those lucky enough, and exciting plane trip could be part of the journey.

But, rather than the two- or four-hour flight usually associated with a trip to Spain or Greece, have you ever wondered what the shortest commercial flight is?

Well, it’s shorter than you think - and close to home too.

E-SCOOTERS

DEAR Newsdesk Team, we have really enjoyed the revival of local news in Salisbury, the Journal has become increasingly useless over the years.

In your last edition there was an article missing a very fundamental piece of information.

Edition of 5th June, page 7. The article about e-scooters being banned by South West Rail failed to mention the fact that e-scooters are still illegal in public in this country.

They are only permitted to be used in certain places as part of

It is believed the shortest available commercial flight is in Scotland. Travelling between Westray and Papa Westray in the Orkney Islands, the flight takes just two minutes, covering 1.7 miles. That’s hardly time to cover the safety briefing!

If you do fancy enjoying the trip, tickets cost around £23 per person, on a six-seater BrittenNorman Islander aircraft.

government schemes.

Salisbury does not have one of these schemes, so there should never be an e-scooter anywhere near Salisbury station.

LAURA SHAPLAND Salisbury

CORRECTION

I just wanted to get in touch to amend an error in the story about farmers and growers being invited to join a new skills and careers platform [Issue 15, page 31].

Janet Swading should be Janet Swadling OBE. https://salisburyandavon.co.uk/

news/farmers-and-growers-areinvited-to-join-new-skills-andcareers-platform/

JENNIFER MCMURRAY

THANKS

I’ve been really enjoying the recent issues of the Gazette. It’s great to get such quality for free. What I’d like to see more of really, is sports results. I remember growing up, we’d always get the local papers to find out who had won or lost, who had their named mentioned in a report, see the league tables etc. Perhaps I’m out of touch?

Politics

Our MP voted against sewage ban

POLLUTION hit the front pages recently amid increasing concerns over high levels of raw sewage entering our rivers.

Local MP John Glen predictably reeled of the usual stream of government platitudes about “a clean water supply and the way we deal with our waste is critically important,” and “strong signals to the industry.” His claims that water companies will be pressed into action by “hard targets for them to meet and sanctions with pretty significant fines,” are far from convincing.

Bearing these statements in mind, it is hard to understand why our local MP, along with 264 of his fellow Conservative MPs voted against a ban on dumping raw sewage into our rivers and the sea in October 2021. John Glen’s empty rhetoric lacks credibility under the current operator self-monitoring (OSM) process where companies are asked to test their own treated sewage.

An article published (23.02.23) by the Times, ‘Illegal river pollution goes unspotted under flawed testing’, exposed the weakness and potential abuse of the process which has contributed to the current abhorrent state of our rivers and coastal waters.

The Environment Agency (EA) specifies optimum times for effective monitoring water

quality but there is no means of ensuring this ensues. For example, in 2020 OSM samples were taken from the Chelmsford sewage works, run by Anglian Water, but only between about 10am and 2pm.

Using FOI laws, Professor Peter Hammond, of Windrush Against Sewage Pollution (WASP) accessed and used water company data to detect thousands of spills of untreated sewage, including many that were illegal and not picked up by the EA.

A £56bn investment is set to be spread over the next 27 years! Defra, The Water Services Regulation Authority, and Rebecca Pow MP announced in April over £1.6 billion of new investment will be directed into vital infrastructure to improve the water quality of

our rivers, lakes and coastal waters and secure future water supplies.

Where is this money to be found? Fines, are dependent on companies continuing to pollute, so hopefully that revenue stream will rapidly dry up. Shareholders in water companies will apparently fund initial investments, although incredibly the industry announced investment will be recouped from customers through unspecified bill increases determined by regulators, a move that would add further pressure to household costs.

With consumers struggling to pay bills, annual bonuses paid to water company executives rose by 20% in 2021 – bosses paid themselves £24.8m, including £14.7m in bonuses, benefits and incentives. Generous financial rewards in spite of continued high levels of spillages and leakages! Worth also noting, of the 82% of investors traced, 72% of the industry is controlled by firms in 17 other countries, while UK firms own 10%.

Clean water is an essential commodity. . Once again the dependency of the population on an essential commodity is being exploited for commercial gain by a small but wealthy elite. Please bear that in mind before deciding where to put your cross on your ballot paper box in the next general election.

still pushing for that change now”

With the latest whirlwind in politics, I wanted to take a moment this week to highlight some of the circus we have experienced in the last few months.

18 months ago, I wrote about Boris Johnson’s shocking behaviour during lockdown, and how it proved he was unfit for office and needed to resign. I wrote: “Across Salisbury, across Wiltshire, across England, millions were left to grieve in isolation after the loss of family and friends, celebrate weddings and births in isolation, and worry about the future without the support of loved ones.

“Once again, we are shown that our sacrifices are not the sacrifices of all, and even worse, our sacrifices are laughable to those at the heart of this Conservative government.”

Yet Conservative MPs chose to keep him as their leader and our Prime Minister.

Last summer, I wrote again, calling for Conservative MPs to do the right thing and oust him as leader. His cabinet members and ministers were resigning left, right and centre, and we were watching the government fall apart. Back Away from the Westminster Bubble in Salisbury and south

Wiltshire, however, families were facing a cost of living crisis fuelled by inflation. Finally, Boris left. But in a demonstration of just how inept the Tories had become, we then had to endure Liz Truss. Again, beyond the headlines comparing her tenure to that of a lettuce, it must not be forgotten that the ironically named ‘mini-budget’ sent us hurling into a domestic financial crisis, the pound dropped to its lowest-ever level against the dollar, and mortgage costs soared for millions. This bonkers budget added £30bn to the national debt.

Jump forward to today, and here I am still talking about the appalling impact the Conservative government has had on our lives. Boris Johnson’s latest resignation is dominating public discussion, with speculation on whether he will come back, where he will stand, and if he will form a new party.

And once again, this is a side-show from the real issues facing our country. The focus ought to be on food prices, mortgage rates, the promised hospitals that have not been built, the climate crisis which appears to be being ignored. The social care crisis, the NHS crisis, the mental health crisis.

People are struggling. We need a grown up government, devoid of the squabbles of the Conservative Party. People need a government that is going to focus on the crises and issues that matter in their lives, not whether or not the latest Conservative Prime Minister interfered with Boris Johson’s honours List.

18 months ago, I wrote: “The sleaze of this Government is beyond reproach. I for one am ready for change.”. I am still pushing for that change now.

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

Coming up: Open garden events

Shrewton Open Gardens

Weekend

Approxinately 11 gardens will be open in Shrewton on Saturday, 24th and Sunday, 25th June from 2pm to 5pm.

The gardens open are mostly quite small but with a varied approach to planting. Vegetables are taken nearly as seriously as flowers, and there will be some beautiful borders on show.

£5 with all proceeds going to support St. Mary’s Church in Shrewton. Tickets can be bought on the day from any participating garden.

https://www.opengardens.co.uk/ open_gardens.php?id=2566

Chilbolton, near Stockbridge

A wide variety of gardens will be available to visit in this pretty village in the heart of the Test Valley on Sunday, 2nd July from 2 to 5pm.

These will include cottage gardens with shrubberies and herbaceous borders, vegetable gardens, a walled-garden, a wildlife garden, specimen trees, ponds, a wildflower meadow and woodlands.

Teas and home-made cakes will be available in one of the gardens.

£6 with all proceeds going to Hampshire Air Ambulance and Chilbolton Parish Council Community Fund. Tickets will be on sale on the day next to the Abbots Mitre pub. https://www.opengardens.co.uk/ open_gardens.php?id=2548

Broughton, near Stockbridge

A selection of gardens will be open in Broughton on Sunday, 9th July. Many of the gardens feature the Wallop Brook which flows through the village.

The village church and dovecote will also be open. Afternoon teas will be available in the village hall from 3.00pm.

£10.00 on the day, £8.00 in advance, accompanied under

16s free. All proceeds will go to Tickets can be bought on the day at the Village Hall from 1pm, or in advance from the village shop.

https://www.opengardens.co.uk/ open_gardens.php?id=1663

Teasel at Wilsford, near Amesbury

On Sunday, 2nd July, the gardens at Teasel will be open to the public. They were originally laid out in the 1970s by James Mitchell the publisher who made his fortune from the worldwide best seller ‘The Joy of Sex’.

The gardens have been the subject of extensive restoration and new landscaping during 2020. This includes tropical gardens around the swimming pool terrace, long herbaceous borders, a lake and a half-mile riverside walk.

Home-made teas will be available to buy.

£7 adults, children free. Open from 11am to 5pm. Tickets can be booked online: https://bookings.ngs.org.uk/

Horatio’s Garden

Horatio’s Garden South West is opening in support of the National Garden Scheme on Sunday, 2nd July 2023 from 2 to 5pm.

Horatio’s Garden South West is a private garden for people affected by spinal injury, so this is a rare opportunity to visit a beautiful, accessible, restorative garden created by awardwinning designer Cleve West.

There will be refreshments, cake and plenty of plants on sale that have been chosen from the charity’s ‘Best in Show’ garden at RHS Chelsea Flower Show.

£5 adults, children are free. https://www.horatiosgarden.org. uk/fevents/horatios-gardensouth-west-national-gardenscheme-open-day/

RHS and The One Show launch competition for community gardens

THE RHS and BBC’s The One Show have launched a new community gardening competition to find community groups who are transforming green spaces and encouraging local people to try gardening for the first time.

They are particularly keen to hear about projects that involve a diverse range of people. The organisers define this as: ‘diversity isn’t just about visual difference, it’s about celebrating individuality’.

The competition entry pages states: “We would love to hear from those who are traditionally under-represented in gardening and have really benefited from starting to garden or having a new outdoor space to use.”

Judges will be looking for:

● Projects that clearly demonstrate the transformation that has taken place. “We would love to know what the space was like before you started, what work was needed, what (if any) challenges you had to overcome, and who volunteered to help.”

● People who are new to gardening, and who have been making use of the transformed space. “We would love to know who they are, and how they got involved, how easy it was for them to participate, what activities they have been doing, and whether they joined in one-off activities or have become regular volunteers.”

● “We want to understand what the newly transformed space means to your group and your local community. We would love to know what makes it special and why it is important to your group, and how it benefits the local community and the local environment.”

Which groups can enter?

The organisers have added the following eligibility criteria:

● The lead community group applicant must be aged 18 years or older at the time of submitting your entry

● Entrants must be a community group of three or more people that is not profit-making (e.g. their activities are not for the financial benefit of any individuals or owners)

● Entrants must not be a school, education or childcare provider (however, an educational space may be the transformed space, and schoolchildren or students may benefit from or participate in the community garden)

● The entry must be in the UK. The competition is open to all eligible community groups in England, Wales, Scotland, Northern Ireland, the Channel Islands and the Isle of Man.

● To enter the competition, the community gardening group must have created a community garden in the UK that:

○ transformed a previously under-used space

○ is open to the public and available for use by the local community, either all or most of the time (e.g. the space may be locked at night, but it must be generally accessible)

○ is not used for the purpose of generating a profit (however, selling products to generate funds to reinvest in the community garden or not-for-profit is acceptable)

○ is not used for the purpose of promoting a religion or a belief (incorporating information about a religion or belief in the community garden is acceptable, so long as the local community are able to use it freely, regardless of their religion or belief)

○ must have secured permission from the landowner and any other relevant permissions before work started

○ enabled people who are not a main participant or leader of another gardening group to take up community gardening for the first time

○ followed sustainable gardening practices

(examples of which can be found on the RHS website)

○ was transformed within 18 months before the competition opening date

○ is intended to be in existence for a minimum of 12 months after the winner is announced.

If you have any questions about entering or whether your project is eligible, please send us an email communities@rhs.org.uk

And for the winner?

Although every entry will receive a certificate, the overall winner will also receive £500 in National Garden Gift Vouchers and a plaque.

The “most outstanding” runners-up will each receive £50 in National Garden Gift Vouchers and plaque. Winners and outstanding entries may be filmed by The One Show. The deadline for entries is 6pm on Tuesday, 11th July, with results announced on the BBC’s The One Show on Monday, 23rd October 2023.

https://www.rhs.org.uk/getinvolved/community-gardening/ news/articles/inspiring-newgrowers-competition

Almost half of adults are unaware of changes to cat microchipping laws

THE RSPCA has issued an urgent reminder to pet owners in England that they will soon be breaking the law if their cats aren’t microchipped – with nearly half unaware that they could unwittingly foul of the law.

As of 10 June 2024 failing to have your cat microchipped could result in a hefty fine.

The animal welfare charity’s warning comes following the results of a survey they conducted at the end of last month. Data showed that almost half (47%) of adults in England were not aware of the new cat microchipping law.

In addition to this, the RSPCA has reported that 83% of cats brought into its animal centres across England and Wales in 2022 were not microchipped.

Under the new legislation, which was announced in March this year, from 10 June 2024 it will be a legal requirement to microchip pet cats after they reach 20 weeks of age.

Owners will also be required to keep their contact details up-to-date on a pet microchipping database.

Those owners found not to have microchipped their cat will have 21 days to get one implanted or may face a fine of up to £500.

Samantha Watson, scientific officer and cat welfare expert at the RSPCA said: “The countdown is truly on to get your cats microchipped and steer clear of those hefty fines.

“This month is also National Microchipping Month, so what better time to get your cat chipped and make sure your friends and family are aware of the incoming law too.

“Microchipping is an absolutely essential component of being a responsible pet owner. This new law means that lost cats can be easily identified and reunited with their owners, rather than being handed to rehoming charities who are struggling with overflowing waiting lists.

“Microchipping dogs has been mandatory for many years, so to finally see the same law and protections being applied to cats is a huge step forward for feline welfare.

“We have seen countless stories of non-microchipped cats that have been hit by a car or strayed who never get reunited with their owner, as well as the happy stories where cats have been reunited with their owners by our dedicated RSPCA officers thanks to this tiny chip. We feel positive that – thanks to the change in the law – now we will see many more happy stories than sad ones.

“We are hopeful that alongside increasing the number of lost or injured cats reunited with their owners, the new law will help to tackle other common welfare issues for cats, including abandonments.”

The RSPCA survey also found that there was overwhelming public support for the new microchipping laws, with over three-quarters of adults in England agreeing that this is a positive development for cat welfare.

Samantha added:

“Microchipping is a very easy and painless procedure which involves a tiny microchip being quickly and simply inserted under the animal’s skin and this then gives the pet their own unique code.

“The microchip can be scanned and matched to the owner’s contact details which are kept on a database. We believe the optimum time to microchip a cat is when they are neutered as a kitten at around four-months-old and under anaesthetic.

“If an owner moves house or changes their telephone number they must also make sure that they tell the database they are registered with so that they have up-to-date contact details. If the information on that database is old and out-of-date then the chip is useless.

“Telling your vet does not automatically update the details on the database but this is something you can do yourself online.”

Microchipping in England will not be compulsory for unowned or feral cats.

The first of this year’s juvenile peregrines fledges from Cathedral

THE FIRST of the three peregrine chicks hatched on the Cathedral Tower this year has fledged.

Rex, who was ringed and named just over three weeks ago, took his first flight off the parapet wall (nearly 70m up) on 7 June. Leaving his two sisters Rose and Lily, the male juvenile took to the air at around 11.28am, returning shortly afterwards.

Meanwhile, the RSPB Date with Nature team has set up telescopes on the cathedral lawns. The telescopes and RSPB peregrine experts will be on hand for the next month or so, giving visitors the opportunity to watch Rex honing his flying skills up close and learning to catch prey from the adults.

Hopefully, he’ll be joined shortly by his siblings Lily and Rose.

Rex can be identified by the large orange plastic Darvic ring on his left leg, which bears his unique two-letter ID.

Each chick wears a Darvic ring so that they can be monitored and tracked, providing important insights into the secret lives of these magnificent birds.

Anyone with sharp eyes, binoculars or a telescope can identify the falcons and let the BTO know where they saw them and how they were.

EU Law Bill disappointment

THE National Trust has tweeted of its disappointment that “sensible amendments” which had been proposed to the Retained EU Law Bill by the House of Lords, were rejected by the House of Commons.

“Nature needs our help more than ever – the UK is now one

One amazing tracking story comes courtesy of Barry Trevis, warden of Lemsford Springs Nature Reserve in Hertfordshire.

Barry and colleagues have been monitoring Flo (Orange ring TND), a female that fledged from Salisbury Cathedral’s tower in 2021, after reported sightings in Hertford.

In May, he contacted the cathedral peregrine team to let us know that Flo had moved on and established a nest on the top of Welwyn Garden City’s iconic former Shredded Wheat silos, designed by Louis de Soissons

of the 10% most naturedepleted countries in the world,” the Trust tweeted.

“We urgently need laws that ensure that protections are strengthened, not weakened – with proper Parliamentary oversight – before it is too late.

“We urge our government, MPs and our Peers to do whatever it takes to stand up for nature and pass pragmatic amendments widely supported

in 1926 to encourage the American company to set up base in the town.

Barry Trevis said: “Flo has clearly deposed the original female, which had bred there for three years, raising 10 young, but until the end of May we couldn’t be entirely certain because the building is in a poor state and too dangerous to enter.

“Fortunately for us the Herts Constabulary team agreed to put up a drone in order for me to establish breeding success – as well as the captured shots of two chicks up on the silos.”

by civil society, consumer and legal groups.”

The Lords had sought to insert a clause that ensured that any regulation introduced did not:

(a) reduce the level of environmental protection arising from the retained EU law to which the provision relates;

(b) conflict with any relevant international environmental

Generally, only a third of peregrine juveniles will make it through their first year, making the recent news about Flo very special.

Anyone wanting to learn more about these extraordinary birds can visit the Date with Nature team. They will be at the cathedral with their telescopes from 11am to 4pm on the following days:

● Monday, 19th to Friday, 23rd June

● Monday, 26th to Friday, 30th June, except the Wednesday.

agreements to which the United Kingdom is party. And that prior to any regulation being made or changed that had an impact on the environment, the government would seek advice from independent but relevant individuals and organisations and produce a report explaining how the change would protect environmental standards.

This clause was rejected by the House.

Rex took to the air at around 11.28am on 7 June from his perch above the nest on the Cathesdral Tower, leaving his sisters for a short flight

Challenge trail launched to encourage exploration of region’s chalk streams

The Wessex Rivers Trust, Laverstock and Ford Parish Council and the Devenish Bradshaw Charitable Trust have launched a Chalk Stream Challenge Trail along the River Bourne and its water-meadows in Laverstock.

The trail has been developed by the charities with funds from the Parish Council and is one of a series of Chalk Stream Challenges the Wessex Rivers Trust has been establishing on chalk streams across southern England.

The trail activities have been designed so that youth groups and families can have plenty of fun, from spotting fish and wildflowers to playing pooh sticks or watching how fast the river is flowing in different places.

The trail starts in the Parish Council’s Whitebridge Spinney, passing by a pond that vanishes then reappears through the seasons before heading on through mysterious wet woodland. It then ventures on to the section of Laverstock Water-meadows owned and managed by Devenish Bradshaw Charitable Trust volunteers.

Expect to see trees and songbirds in the river, drifts of wildflowers in the meadows and the first beginnings of a new wild wood, before venturing back to the start along Church Road and more glimpses of the crystal-clear waters of the River Bourne chalk stream.

Tracy Standish, education officer for Wessex Rivers Trust, said: “It’s been great fun developing this Chalk Stream Trail with Devenish Bradshaw Charitable Trust. As it is so close to Salisbury and the schools in

Laverstock I am hopeful it will become one our most popular Chalk Stream Challenges.

“The challenge was dreamt up by two enthusiastic volunteers as part of the National Lottery Heritage Funded Watercress and Winterbournes Landscape Partnership Scheme on the headwaters of the Rivers Test and Itchen, and they are delighted that we’ve been able to develop their badge further by creating routes on other chalk streams and rivers.”

Amy Whetstone, trustee for Devenish Bradshaw Charitable Trust said: “We are thrilled to be hosting the first Chalk Stream Challenge Trail for the Salisbury Avon on our precious stretch of the River Bourne SSSI.

“Our land and river is brimming with the chalk stream wildlife as displayed on the spotter charts and other challenge activity sheets.

Bullheads and buttercups are waiting to be discovered by the challenge competitors.”

Nick Baker, chair for Laverstock and Ford Parish Council said: “I was so honoured to officially open the Chalk Stream Challenge Trail on the bank of the River Bourne at the Devenish Bradshaw Trust’s new Nature Study Area.

“We came armed with our spotter charts and got a head start on completing the Chalk Stream Challenge. I am formulating a plan to set up some water vole rafts along the river to help our chances of spotting signs of a vole or two.”

Being involved in nature has never been more important. Being outdoors has proven benefits for people’s wellbeing and helps them to understand the important function rivers, plant and wildlife biodiversity has on their local environment. This challenge is a fun way to introduce young people and families to the wildlife on their doorstep.

There are 30 free cloth badges courtesy of the Devenish Bradshaw Charitable Trust available for the first 30 group members who successfully complete the challenge this year.

GUNS WANTED FOR CASH

ALSO GUNS FOR SALE

The River Bourne at Laverstock

Credit: Richard Avery via Wikimedia Commons

Over £30m for new equipment to boost sustainable food production

THE GOVERNMENT has made £31 million available for equipment and technology to boost farm productivity, increase environmental sustainability and help slurry management.

Successful applicants can now claim for grants under the Farming Equipment and Technology Fund (FETF) Productivity and Slurry budget to help cover the costs of over 90 pieces of equipment, from rainwater harvesting tanks to reduce water scarcity for farmers in the summer; tree shears to help stop the spread of pests and diseases; to equipment to minimise grass contamination and ammonia emissions when spreading slurry.

The FETF provides funding to farming businesses so they can invest in the tools they need to improve sustainable production across agriculture, horticulture and forestry.

Productivity and Slurry grants will specifically support the procurement of equipment and technology that will help farmers use fewer inputs, reduce emissions and cut waste.

With over 3,000 applications received for the FETF 2023 Productivity and Slurry grants, the government is matching this high demand by increasing the total funding offered from £17 million to £31 million.

Twenty-one additional items have been added under the scheme in 2023, including camera-guided inter-row sprayers to help reduce

herbicide usage, and mulchers for forestry, orchards and vineyards to help reduce input costs and improve carbon retention in the soil.

This will ensure as many farmers as possible can claim for the equipment they need to run a profitable farming business that delivers for both food production and the environment.

Secretary of State for Food and Farming, Thérèse Coffey said: “The tremendous interest shown in the FETF 2023 Productivity and Slurry underscores the determination of our farmers to drive ever more productive and sustainable farming practices to keep food on our plates whilst protecting our important landscapes and habitats.

“By empowering farms to invest cash in new kit, we are ensuring our farmers, growers

and foresters have the equipment they need to embrace innovation, protect the environment, and contribute to a thriving and sustainable agricultural sector.”

Items applied for in the FETF 2023 Productivity and Slurry budget include:

● Direct drill with fertiliser placement for precision drilling of arable and cover crops to help reduce crop establishment costs and increase efficiency of fertiliser usage. 250 applicants to be offered this grant worth £6.25m.

● Robotic drill and guided hoe – an autonomous robotic vehicle which can precisely place seed in the ground and return to mechanically weed – this helps to reduce herbicide usage and associated costs. Ten applications accepted with a value of £250,000.

● Rainwater harvesting tanks with a minimum capacity of 5,000 litres which will help to reduce water scarcity for farmers in the summer months. This equipment will now benefit 86 recipients

with a value of £110,802.

● Tree shears with the capacity to fell 300mm diameter trees to stop the spread of pests and diseases across our woodlands. This funding helped 113 recipients with a total value of £363,747.

● Dribble bars with a minimum working width of 6m designed to apply slurry to the soil surface as accurately as possible to minimise grass contamination and ammonia emissions. This equipment was made accessible to 94 farmers, amounting to a value of £403,200.

● Direct drills with a width of 3m to conserve moisture and reduces soil erosion. This initiative assisted 129 applicants, totalling £1.555m in value.

The FETF 2023 forms part of the government’s wider manifesto commitment to invest £2.4 billion per year in farming for the rest of this parliament. In 2023 alone, £168 million is being made available to increase farming productivity through 16 different grants and competitions themed around productivity, research and innovation.

The FETF 2023 is made up of two themes: Animal Health and Welfare; Productivity and Slurry. The Animal Health and Welfare FETF 2023 has been given a separate portal to streamline the application process and has seen 66 new items added to its books.

“We intend to offer further rounds of FETF funding. Meanwhile, our larger grants offering will support further investment in water storage and improving irrigation slurry infrastructure, as well as funding for automation and robotics,” Ms Coffey added.

New survey to assess impact of rural crime on Wiltshire communities

A NEW survey aims to explore how crime is affecting rural communities.

Police and Crime Commissioners (PCC) across the South West have come together to launch the poll, which they hope will help them understand how crime impacts residents in rural areas.

Wiltshire PCC Philip Wilkinson has joined his counterparts in Devon and Cornwall, Avon and Somerset, Gloucestershire and Dorset to launch the survey.

In 2018, the National Rural Crime Network ran a similar survey which found rural communities were living in fear of crime, unhappy with the police and felt isolated and vulnerable.

In the five years since, a lot has changed, and police forces across the South West have shown an increased commitment to tackling rural crime, the PCCs said.

Forces have worked together to target criminals who cross each county’s rural borders and to seize stolen goods and return the items to their rightful owners, they added.

Recently, in Dorset, the Rural Crime Team worked alongside other forces to recover over a million pounds worth of stolen farm machinery and vehicles.

The team has also been investigating animal cruelty and puppy farms and working jointly with neighbouring forces to conduct proactive patrols for poaching and hare coursing.

Wiltshire PCC Mr Wilkinson said: “In an agricultural county like Wiltshire, it’s so important to keep on top of how Wiltshire Police are responding to and dealing with all forms of rural crime.

“A lot of work has gone into improving this as a police force and I included it in the priorities set out in my Police and Crime Plan.

“I’m keen to understand what improvements have been made since the National Rural Crime Network ran a similar survey in 2018, and what we still need to put more resource into.

“By taking a couple of minutes out of your day to complete this survey you will be helping me to understand

how I can continue to make Wiltshire safer.”

Dorset PCC, David Sidwick, said: “A lot of work has gone into improving the service our rural residents receive from their police force.

“It is important that we take a moment to take stock of how far we have come and note where we still need to improve.

“This survey will do just that by allowing us to compare to the 2018 survey data and uncover how rural residents are feeling now.

“As the voice of the public in policing, I am very keen to better understand my

constituents’ views on these issues and will be urging as many people as possible to respond to the survey.

“I would be delighted and very grateful if Dorset’s rural residents would participate in this survey and tell me what they think.”

The survey asks rural residents if they have been the victim of any crimes in the last 12 months, as well as asking what rural crimes concern them the most.

You can take the survey online at www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/ RuralDorset.

Exeter House seeks new governors

EXETER

House Special School

in Salisbury is looking for new governors.

The school currently caters for approximately 177 young people between the ages of 4 and 19 who have Profound and Multiple Learning Disabilities (PMLD), Severe Learning Disabilities (SLD) or Complex Needs.

A significant number of students also have a diagnosis of autism.

The school is looking for highly motivated, positive individuals to take on what is an important role, someone who wants to be part of the ongoing development and evolution at Exeter House.

Exeter House has a special place in the Salisbury community. Its spacious site on Somerset Road includes a hydrotherapy pool, jacuzzi, sensory room, soft play spaces, library, vocational kitchen and Forest School.

Exeter House governors support, question and scrutinise how things are done. They are a friendly and committed team, working with the senior leaders at school, to ensure there is a clarity of vision, ethos and strategic direction.

They hold executive leaders to account for the educational performance of the organisation and its pupils – as well as the performance management of staff. Governors also oversee the financial performance of the school – making sure money is well spent.

Volunteering as a Governor at Exeter House provides an

excellent opportunity to broaden your horizons and be a part of your local community.

Exeter House is part of the Somerset Road Education Trust: a unique collaborative multiacademy trust, formed in partnership with St Mark’s CofE Junior School and Wyndham Park Infants’ School who share its campus.

The school also has an offsite vocational centre for our older students and a Resource Base at each of our partner schools. Visits to the school are warmly welcomed.

Please contact the Governance Clerk at clerk@sret.uk to arrange this and for further information.

Aspirations raised at Chilmark Fonthill Bishop school

JUST before the May half-term, Chilmark Fonthill Bishop Primary held its first Aspirations Day. The children came dressed as their future selves and it was lovely to see such a range of different career ideas.

Oak and Sycamore classes enjoyed visits from a shepherdess and a fireman to talk about their chosen careers in farming and the emergency services.

Elm Class visited the careers fair, based in the school hall, where a variety of parents spoke about the careers, what their job entails and the potential pathways into that field of work.

Tracey Rennard, admin officer at the school, said: “The school would like to extend our thanks to all the parents who supported this event as this has given the children a fantastic insight into what their futures could hold.”

The school is looking for highly motivated, positive individuals who want to be part of the ongoing development and evolution at Exeter House Credit: Google

The school hosted a fair in its hall where parents talked to the children about their careers

FUEL programme seeks new groups for summer after provider pulls out

COMMUNITY groups are being asked to register their interest in putting on summer activities as part of Wiltshire Council’s FUEL programme.

The call follows news that Learn By Design had ceased trading and would not be able to fulfil its plans to provide activities.

The council is already having conversations with potential providers but is equally asking any registered activity providers, schools and other appropriate community organisations throughout the county to come forward and advise if they can put on activities during the summer holidays.

FUEL (Food Unity, Energy, Laughter) is a Wiltshire programme funded by the Department for Education to help young people who are eligible for benefits-related free school meals to access free activities and nutritious meals during the school holidays.

The FUEL programme in Wiltshire has provided hundreds of children with activities and nutritious meals during school

holidays.

Cllr Ian Blair-Pilling, cabinet member for Public Health said: “We have had to rapidly review what is possible for the summer holidays as we received this news only a few days ago and know how important this programme is to eligible families.

“Responding swiftly, we brought together different sections of the council, and have a plan, which we hope will ensure a range of activities at venues this summer.”

Cllr Laura Mayes, cabinet member for Children’s Services said: “We are already approaching providers and we are now extending that to registered activity providers, schools and community providers.

“We would like interested parties to read the FUEL community funding information pack and application form and respond by Friday, 16th June.

“If we are successful with recruiting providers we hope to have a range of provision available for the summer.

“It may be different to

previous years but we’re working hard and going out

proactively and will keep everyone updated.”

Coombe Bissett

WOULD you like to help make a positive contribution to children’s education?

Could you use your workplace skills in partnership with our headteacher to promote the continuous improvement in the performance of the school?

If so, the governing body of Coombe Bissett Primary School would love to hear from you.

Governor’s play a strategic role in the school. They work as part of a team, setting the aims and objectives of the school.

They also help set the policies and targets to meet these aims, and

Primary School

looking for two foundation governors to help it achieve objectives

to monitor and evaluate the progress the school is making towards achieving its aims and objectives, while also providing a source of challenge and support to the headteacher.

Coombe Bissett is looking for two foundation governors to join its team. These governors represent the interests of the Diocese of Salisbury by supporting and promoting the Christian foundations the school is built upon.

If you would like to apply, please email the Clerk to Governors at clerk@coombebissett.wilts.sch.uk.

Governors will help to support and promote the Christian foundations the school is built upon

The FUEL programme offers children access to a range of activities, as well as nutritious food

Shared passion for wildlife leads to South Wilts Grammar eco club

Words and photos by Izzy Fry, a 17-year-old aspiring wildlife conservationist living in south west Wiltshire

I am currently studying ‘A’ Levels at South Wilts Grammar school in Salisbury and would love to share the work we are doing in our eco group to make the school more wildlife and nature friendly.

At school I have always struggled to find people with similar interests to me in regards to wildlife and conservation, but one person who I did share my passion with was my form tutor Mr Lawrence. We always gave birding updates and shared our weekend ventures during our form time sessions.

We got talking about creating an eco club to encourage a love

for nature and wildlife in more students and this year, alongside another teacher, Mrs Briton, we have brought that idea to life.

We started the eco club at the beginning of the year and have brought more sixth form students on board as eco ambassadors. We collectively run the club at lunchtimes weekly and put on a range of different activities.

During winter, we started by building our own bird boxes using the design tech rooms and equipment. So many students from all year groups got involved with the sawing, drilling and painting process of the boxes and in the end we produced 14 sturdy boxes. We installed these around the school site in various different areas, including the big trees at

the front of the school, as well as on wooden fences and around the athletics track.

Outside of school, I volunteer a lot of my time to wildlife organisations. For example, I am a young ambassador for the Wiltshire Wildlife Trust where I work to engage more young members. I get involved with monitoring and surveying for the PTES and other organisations and I created my own group, called Young Nature Watch, where we organise events and activities to connect young people with their local wildlife.

I have a blog and social media pages to inspire a love for nature in more young people and I am also a trainee bird ringer for the BTO which all helped me in being a finalist for the BBC Countryfile Young Countryside Champion award last year.

During my surveying work, I got involved with monitoring the tit nest boxes around the woodland on my family’s farm. So during one lunchtime, after the nest boxes had been installed at school, Mr Lawrence and I went round the site to check our boxes.

We were so excited to find lots of boxes

being used mainly by blue tits but also by a big brood of hungry great tits too. It was brilliant to see a large number of the boxes being used and a great reward for all the students who helped make them.

During our eco club sessions, we have created our own allotment on the school field. We all helped fill some big planters with soil and have planted lots of different vegetables, including radishes, courgettes, peas and potatoes. We can’t wait to get together at the end of the season to harvest the goods that we have grown.

Throughout the year we have put on a range of different activities, such as building a big bug house out of old wooden pallets from the canteen, organising sunflower sales, second hand clothes swaps and taking part in the Big School Birdwatch.

I wanted to share the work we do, and to praise the school and our eco and sustainability leads Mr Lawrence and Mrs Briton. The club has provided so many opportunities for the students who come along and should be used as an example of how other schools can get involved too.

Left: Students enjoying potato planting

Below: Mr Lawrence installing a bird box

Clearway Pets expands in former gallery space as business booms

Words and photo by Tristan Ovington CLEARWAY Pets on Winchester Street is expanding into the space previously occupied by Gallery 21.

Directors Emily Adamson, 24 and Michael Adamson, 28, gave the low down on the expansion and how it will help the Winchester Street retail community thrive.

“Customers are still seeking the best for their pets,” explains Michael, “and general knowledge of what is best for their pets seems to be getting better and better, meaning people are looking for the best quality and most healthy options, and of course the best value.

“In the two years that we have been open, we have been adding more and more ranges and have finally hit full capacity and physically cannot fit anything further in the store, we do not want to stop bringing in new products, so we simply need to expand.”

But the expansion hasn’t been without hurdles to overcome. “The biggest

challenge I think we will face is integrating the extension with the current theme of the shop, as we love our more boutique look and wouldn’t want to lose that aesthetic.”

So, what will Clearway now be able to offer that they couldn’t before?

“We will be able to provide a much wider range of products, including an enormous range of beds for all budgets, we will also be expanding our collar, lead, coat and harness selections and will even have a

secure fitting room so our customers’ dogs can be relaxed and safe while trying new products.

“We also intend to make our selection for cats far greater, and have more interactive sections for products so that our customers can see, feel and try products out.

“We have some exciting new brands coming, including William Morris, George Barclay Beds, Julius K9 and many more. Not to mention our biggest ever range of Joules products.”

There seems to be a really good energy around the extension and it is important to point out that Gallery 21 is not closing, it is located in a beautiful showroom next to wildwood. Clearway Pets is simply merging into their old unit.

“We would love to hear any suggestions from our customers about what they would like to see brought into the store, as we will have plenty of space to accommodate new products.”

Riders complete epic 48-hour journey

Words by Tristan Ovington

THE ROYAL School of Church

Music (RSCM) director and assistant director rode a tandem bike 96 miles in 48 hours, from Croydon to Salisbury. They started on the 10th of June to raise money for the RSCM on its 96th birthday.

The RSCM is a “church music charity that has supported music in worship for nearly 100 years. Encouraging and resourcing churches, musicians, and church communities, with a network of thousands of affiliated churches, schools, other institutions, and individual members, the RSCM provides vital work for the flourishing of church music.”

RSCM director Hugh Morris and assistant director Paul Hedley aimed to raise £9,600 to

kick-start the RSCM Centenary Fund. The money raised will provide congregations with resources and training to encourage children and young people to join their choirs and enable churches to reinvigorate ones that shrank during COVID.

Hugh Morris describes the importance of RSCM during Covid. “RSCM helped churches see the importance of allowing Salisbury residents to access church music safely, whether that was with remote musical interaction. These experiences help people feel a sense of community and positivity despite challenging times.”

Considering the reasons for wanting to do the cycle ride,

Hugh explains that, “the RSCM wanted to launch its centenary appeal in style, so when I realised that it was 96 miles from Addington Palace in Croydon, where we were based for over 40 years to our current offices in Salisbury, “I had an idea. Paul is a keen cyclist, so I suggested we launch our centenary appeal in our 96th year with a 96-mile sponsored tandem ride.”

Paul Hedley adds further detail by stating that, “for generations, the hymn ‘And Can It Be’ has been known by choristers as ‘The Cyclists’ Hymn’ because it includes the line ‘My chains fell off.’ We didn’t have that problem when we did the bike ride, but Hugh and I were encouraged to continue pedalling when we heard our supporters singing it.” Supporters of church music can still donate through the RSCM website (below) or by sending a cheque (clearly marked Director’s Challenge and payable to the RSCM) to the Development Team at RSCM, 19 The Close, Salisbury SP1 2EB.

The new space, waiting to be filled

Celebrate Voice Summer Gala returns to the grounds of Little Durnford

TICKETS are now on sale for A Summer Serenade at Little Durnford Manor for the Celebrate Voice Festival.

The celebrated gala show presents an evening of opera and show songs, amidst the stunning rolling countryside of the Woodford Valley, on Saturday, 15th July, from 6pm.

The event is the first of the Celebrate Voice 10th festival season. It has become a prominent musical and social date of Salisbury’s summer calendar, taking place just three miles from Salisbury.

Guests are invited to picnic in the beautiful grounds, enjoy performances from international singers and browse the art exhibition presented by Plain Arts Salisbury. And audiences never fail to delight in the parade of camels during the extended picnic interval.

As darkness falls, the backdrop of the Manor House is spectacularly lit, creating an unparalleled ambience with music and nature.

Joining festival director Lynsey Docherty and co-host Philip Smith, are familiar and new names to Celebrate Voice supporters – Nick Dwyer

(baritone), Hannah Pedley (mezzo), Anthony Flaum (tenor) and Lara Müller (soprano), with David Gostick as musical director.

Celebrate Voice are delighted to make a return to the magical venue, courtesy of the Earl and Countess of Chichester. Director, Lynsey Docherty said: “Our summer celebration is a breathtakingly beautiful musical

extravaganza in a most perfect English countryside setting – it is no wonder the event sells out every year.

“I am excited to be sharing with our audience during the evening our incredible plans for our 10th festival.”

Tickets (£40, £35 in advance, plus booking fee) are now on sale at www.celebratevoice.co.uk

Celebrate Voice will return to Salisbury’s Guildhall in 2023 for its 10th Anniversary Season following its acclaimed sell-out seasons in 2021 and 2022.

Anyone wishing to get involved as supporter, volunteer or business sponsor is encouraged to email the team at info@ celebratevoice.co.uk to support the festival.

Salisbury Baroque to join choir to perform Bach

BOURNEMOUTH Sinfonietta Choir and Salisbury

Baroque will be combining their resources on Sunday, 9th July in a performance of Bach’s Mass in B minor at Wilton Parish Church.

Many regard the Mass as the finest choral work ever written – a summation of Bach’s extraordinary genius.

There are four vocal soloists, Hilary Cronin, Martha McLorinan, Daniel Thompson and Edward Price; the orchestra will be led by baroque specialist Julia Bishop and the performance will be conducted by David Gostick.

Tickets are now on sale and full details can be found on the website: www.salisburybaroque.org.uk.

The gala presents an evening of opera and show songs in the ground of Little Durnford Manor House

Members of Salisbury Baroque

Legally Blonde at the Playhouse

MUSICAL Theatre Salisbury (MTS) will be performing the fabulous show Legally Blonde at Salisbury Playhouse in July. Based on the movie, this award-winning musical is actionpacked and exploding with memorable songs and dynamic dances.

The home of Country House opera in South West England featuring renowned soloists, a full orchestra and a large chorus of emerging young artists

Marquee bar | Picnics | Formal

It follows the transformation of Elle Woods as she tackles stereotypes and scandal in pursuit of her dreams.

Elle appears to have it all, however her life is turned upside down when her boyfriend, Warner, dumps her so he can attend Harvard Law.

Determined to get him back, Elle charms her way into the prestigious law school. With the support of some new friends, however, Elle soon realizes her potential and sets out to prove herself to the world.

This wonderfully uplifting show is running from 4 to 8 July with a matinee on Saturday, 8th. Tickets are from £15 and are available from Salisbury Playhouse or from Wiltshire Creative. wiltshirecreative.co.uk

Sung in French with English surtitles 26, 27 July at 19.00 | Matinée: 29 July at 14.00

Sung in Italian with English surtitles 25, 28, 29 July at 19.00 | Matinée: 27 July at 14.00

Coade Theatre, Bryanston, Blandford Forum

Box Office: dorsetopera.com

07570 366 186

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Original design by Augusto Ferri for the first Italian production of Le roi de Lahore in 1878

Archivio Storico Ricordi

Dining

Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart

The Lord Chamberlain’s Men put on the greatest love story ever told

WITH a history stretching back to Shakespeare himself, it was fitting that Salisbury International Arts Festival favourites the Lord Chamberlain’s Men took advantage of the recent warm, summer evenings to put on the timeless and classic love story Romeo and Juliet on 9 and 10 June.

The company’s history stretches back to Shakespeare himself.

And with this year marking the 400th anniversary of the printed publication of the First Folio of the bard’s play, which contained the story of the doomed lovers from warring families, what better time than to perform this passionate play, packed with poetry, in the open air with an all-male cast and Elizabethan costumes, music and dance.

The Salisbury dates mark the start of an extensive tour that takes in stunning castles, cathedrals and stately homes, ending on September 3rd before the company takes to mainland Europe.

Ahead of the performances, artistic director and producer, Peter Stickney, said: “Seeing a production from The Lord Chamberlain’s Men is a unique experience. Sitting under the

same stars that Shakespeare did and seeing his plays performed as he first saw them – with an all male cast, in the open air and with Elizabethan costume, music and dance – is intoxicating.”

If you were lucky enough to catch the performance, we’d love to hear a review.

Downton Band wants to hear from former members

DOWNTON Band is celebrating its 150th Anniversary this year and as part of the band’s celebrations it is asking former members to come back and play in a reunion band for a special one-off concert on Sunday, 9th of July.

Downton’s Centenary Gala Concert will be held in the village’s historic Moot Gardens with appearances from Downton’s beginners, training

Williams said: “We already have a number of former players signed up to perform in this special concert, but it would be lovely to have more to make it a huge event.

“We are delighted to say that one of the band’s former conductors, Roland Wright, will be conducting the reunion band. All we need now is our former players to come back

and celebrate 150 years of brass playing in the village.”

The band has some spare instruments for those who need to borrow one and they will be having a rehearsal beforehand 2 July.

To register to play, please email Paul@DowntonBand.org. uk stating what instrument(s) you played and the rough dates of when you played for the band.

band, senior band, and the special reunion band. Managing director Paul

Will Beynon as Touchstone and Lewes Roberts as Audrey

Lewes Roberts as Duke Senior with Andrew Buzzeo as Orlando, Ben Lynn as Rosalind, Laurie Scott as Silvius, Lawrence Haynes as Phebe, Will Beynon as Oliver and Jonny Warr as Celia

Andrew Buzzeo as Orlando with Lewes Roberts as Charles and Laurie Scott as Duke Frederick

Jonny Warr as Celia disguised as Aliena with Ben Lynn as Rosalind disguised as Ganymede and Andrew Buzzeo as Orlando

All photos: Jack Offord

Art, Liberty and the Law – talks and art tours at Salisbury Cathedral this summer

THE SUBJECT of freedom and civil liberties remain high on the agenda at Salisbury Cathedral this summer as a series of art tours and specialist talks celebrating The Cathedral’s latest exhibition, To Be Free, get underway.

The upcoming talks, which will be given by two of this country’s most influential lawyers, both women, start with Art and Liberty, a conversation between The Rt Hon. Baroness Chakrabarti CBE, former director of Liberty and exshadow attorney general for England and Wales, and The Dean of Salisbury, The Very Reverend Nicholas Papadopulos on Thursday, 13 July at 7pm.

If you search through the hundreds of words that make up the astonishing 13m artwork by Cornelia Parker (currently on show in the Cathedral as part of the To Be Free exhibition) you will find the words ‘Charter of Liberties’, a small but significant phrase handstitched by Baroness Chakrabarti herself.

The words are symbols of Baroness Chakrabti’s lifelong commitment to human rights and civil liberties, as are other phrases embroidered by other public figures, prisoners, campaigners and politicians. This interplay between art and debate are part of the artist’s original concept.

Artist Cornelia Parker said: “I conceived the embroidery back in 2014 as a means to raise questions about where we are with the principles laid down in the Magna Carta ahead of its 800th anniversary. Eight years later those intentions remain as strong, allowing us to consider the challenges to all kinds of freedoms that we face in the digital age and at this current time.”

The conversation in Art and Liberty is expected to be wide ranging. Most recently Baroness

Chakrabati championed an amendment to the controversial Public Order Bill that ensured the protection of journalists and others who observe or report on protests from abuses of police power. She has also spoken out about how we might build solidarity with migrant communities protecting those who are most vulnerable in society.

The Very Revd Nicholas Papadopulos, Dean of Salisbury said: “I am very much looking forward to exploring some of the challenging issues we face today with Baroness Chakrabati. The barge that will house around 500 migrants in Portland is to be docked just under an hour away from this cathedral, bringing the current immigration debate right to our doorstep.

“These are the sorts of conversations we should be having both as a Cathedral, a church and the custodians of one of the most influential legal documents in British history.”

Tickets for Art and Liberty with Baroness Chakkrabti are £10 can be booked from the cathedral website. All profits from this event will go towards The Art Fund.

The following month The Rt Hon. the Baroness Hale of Richmond DBE will consider

life and the law after Magna Carta in The Legacy of Magna Carta, a lecture on Wednesday, 9th August at 7.15pm.

In 2019, Lady Hale made headlines when the Supreme Court ruled that the then Prime Minister, Boris Johnson, acted unlawfully when he advised the Queen to suspend parliament.

Now retired, Lady Hale has enjoyed a varied career as an academic lawyer, law reformer and judge, before becoming the United Kingdom’s first woman law lord.

She has held the post of both deputy president and president of The Supreme Court, and legislation resulting from her time at the Law Commission includes the Children Act 1989, which established a new family justice system that worked in partnership with families instead of in opposition to them, the Family Law Act 1996, widely regarded as one of the most radical and far-reaching reforms of family justice in the past century, and the Mental Capacity Act 2005, which

placed the individual at the heart of any decision-making about an individual’s welfare and stating that capacity to take a decision was to be presumed unless proven otherwise.

The Very Revd Nicholas Papadopulos, who is a former barrister said: “Lady Hale, as one of this country’s preeminent lawyers, has for decades ensured that empathy and objectivity are balanced in the law. More than qualified to examine the history and lasting impact of Magna Carta, she has been a trail blazer and an inspiration to all in the legal profession.”

Tickets

for The Legacy of Magna Carta talk given by Lady Hale can be booked by the Cathedral website.

The Rt Hon the Baroness Hale of Richmond DBE (Credit: Roger Harris); Magna Carta An Embroidery by Cornelia Parker in the North Transept of Salisbury Cathedral (Credit: Finnbarr Webster); The Rt Hon Baroness Chakrabarti CBE

Arrow words

Crossword

Ancient Greek Map

Brain chain

Cathedral holds Discovery Day to round of its Volunteer Week events

WITH a volunteer team of nearly 600, covering 770 different roles across 27 groups, and with ages ranging from 16 to 90, there’s no typical volunteer at Salisbury Cathedral.

For the final day of volunteer week, the cathedral held a Discovery Day, to give potential volunteers a behind-the-scenes look at what goes into caring for the building, its contents and its visitors.

Set up as part of The Big Help Out (an initiative launched on coronation weekend to celebrate and encourage volunteering) the Discovery Day was both a tribute to the cathedral’s volunteers and an exploration of its life and history, with artefacts, displays, photos, screens and live flower

demonstrations in the south and west cloisters.

Salisbury Cathedral volunteers manager Christine Keegan said: “When we started to plan the day, even staff were amazed by how huge our volunteer brief is and how many skills are involved. We cover literally everything from the very visible roles of guide, concert and service stewards, flower arrangers and servers who participate in worship, to behind-the-scenes roles like specialist holy dusters, library and archive volunteers, educational volunteers and embroiderers.

“We’re actively looking for tower guides at the moment, but there is always room for more.”

Eleven of the cathedral’s 22 volunteer groups exhibited at

the Discovery Day, including students from Bishop Wordsworth and a couple of the cathedral’s costumed interpreters.

Rodney Targett, an education volunteer who specialises in playing King John for school groups, relishes making his public appearances: “I first played King John 20 years ago as part of the activities involving Magna Carta, and I’ve reprised the role countless times over the years.

“There is something very therapeutic about being a very cross and thwarted monarch – and the children love it. On one occasion I was stopped by a child who asked why I didn’t get a proper job – to which I could easily reply, because this one is more fun.”

Speaking ahead of the volunteer celebration, the Dean of Salisbury, The Very Revd Nicholas Papadopulos said:

“As well contributing to the practical work of the cathedral, our volunteers look outwards with compassion and interest, listen attentively to what they hear, and stretch out welcoming hands to all: they are invaluable to our community’s life.”

Clockwise from top (from 2022’s event): Tomb Duster Veronica Armstrong; Volunteers sewing room with Stole laid out for repair; Chaplain Bill Smith talks to visitors; Helen Trudgeon and Richard Keller Volunteer Guides

Credit: Salisbury Cathedral

Credit: Salisbury Cathedral

Credit: Finbarr Webster

Credit: Finbarr Webster

Council to offer free swim teacher lessons with waiting lists soaring

THE INSTITUTE of Swimming has launched a free Swimming Teachers’ Academy with Wiltshire Council in a bid to increase its swimming teacher workforce and tackle the ever-growing list of children on swimming lesson waiting lists.

The call is part of a nationwide crisis, with Swim England, warning that half a million children in England are currently missing out on learning to swim due to staff shortages, which have been exacerbated through Covid and Brexit.

A Swim England survey of pool operators, owners and swim schools found more than four in five are still struggling to meet demand for swimming lessons, with the nationwide shortage of swimming teachers standing at 6,200 at the start of 2022 and the demand for swimming lessons still increasing.

Wiltshire Council is looking to train and recruit up to 35 new swimming teachers across its pools to expand its aquatic offering to the local community.

The council currently has a significant number of children

on its swimming lesson waiting lists, which at some points has been in excess of 2,000; and due to staff shortages, cannot expand its learn to swim programme or its national curriculum school swimming programme. It also struggles to cover existing staff holidays and sickness.

An additional 35 swimming teachers would enable quicker movement from the waiting lists into swimming lesson programmes and would also help reduce the number of cancelled classes due to staff absence.

The Academy will offer local people the chance to retrain for free (with only a one-off £85 administration fee) and embark on a career as a swimming teacher. Training historically cost individuals £1,000.

There are no educational requirements for applying, nor do you have to be an ‘elite’ swimmer. Once fully qualified, swimming teachers can expect to earn between £15.59 and £16.79 per hour.

Lessons will be available in a number of local swimming pools, including:

● 5 Rivers Health and Wellbeing Centre, Salisbury

● Durrington Swimming Pool

● Tidworth Leisure Centre. Charlotte McGuffog, aquatics lead, Wiltshire Council said: “We want every child in Wiltshire to have the opportunity to learn to swim, but this can only happen if we have enough qualified swimming teachers.

“By offering free training opportunities through the recruitment academy, we aim to find passionate people who wish to embrace a career in swimming teaching.”

Swim England’s data shows 96% of UK swimming teachers love their job and love giving back to the community to support children in developing an essential life skill.

In addition to the training, applicants will need to volunteer for 20 hours to give them pool-side experience. Anyone interested should complete an online form by the closing date, 28 June.

www.swimming.org/ios/ course-information/wiltshireswimming-teacher-recruitmentacademy

Kaitlin the cream of the crop as juniors perform well in the heat

IT was CoSARC’s turn to host the Wessex League last weekend. The club was ably represented by a squad of 67 junior athletes. There were many excellent performances. However, the standout performance of the day came from Kaitlin Miller, representing the U17 Women. In the 200m she came 1st in 26.9 secs, 1st in the 300m in 42.7 secs, and 1st in the discus with a throw of 35.60 metres. Kaitlin bagged a PB by over three metres, and equalled the CoSARC U17 and U20 record. She also achieved the National Schools entry standard.

Sophia Trompetas did exceptionally well when she

triumphed in the javelin. Elara Jacobs won the U13 Girls 1,500m, shattering her PB in 5:22:06. The girls squad ran vey well to win the 4 x 100m relay.

The mens and boys teams were awash with victories and PBs after several brilliant performances in the blazing heat.

There were victories for Thomas and Joseph Holme in the U17 Mens 100m hurdles and long jump ‘A’ and ‘B’ events.

Kieran McCullam and Joseph Holme triumphed in the ‘A’ and ‘B’ high jumps, with victories for Charlie Coles and Oliver Parkes in the ‘A’ and ‘B’ 1,500m. Will Miles and Mykhailo Dovhan won the ‘A’ and ‘B’ 800m.

In the U15 Boys, Jacob Earle won the shot and discus with PB throws. PBs also going to Freddie Bosworth in the 800m and Ollie Whitehead in the 1,500m.

For the U13 Boys, Archie Martyn triumphed in the high jump, with Samuel StanfordJason winning the discus.

In a hard fought match under the beating sun, CoSARC’s juniors and quadkids sweated buckets as they ran, jumped and threw all day long.

They did outstandingly well to finish second overall in the main match behind Bournemouth, with the quadkids in 5th place. Overall results for each age category were: U13 Girls – 3rd, U13 Boys

– 5th, U15 Girls – 1st, U15 Boys – 4th, U17 Women – 4th and U17 Men – 1st.

Vicky Wiseman earned a Parkrun PB with a time of 20:44.

English Heritage conservation van to offer hands-on workshops

ENGLISH Heritage’s Conservation in Action Van will stop at Stonehenge for nine days this June and July while touring the charity’s historic sites.

Workshops on offer include a range of outdoor hands-on activities to inspire visitors about the care of England’s historic buildings.

Visitors will discover how experts use masonry, stone shaping and paintings conservation to protect historic sites, with everything provided from the van free of charge. This year marks the conservation van’s third annual tour, with more English Heritage favourites, including Dover Castle, Wolvesey Castle and Bayham Abbey on the van’s map.

Visitors can book a session as they arrive on the day, and volunteers will show them a range of practical skills including caring for masonry, artefacts and interiors, as well as stone shaping and painting conservation.

English Heritage head of Collections

Conservation Amber Xavier-Rowe said: “We are offering a range of practical activities where visitors can get really hands on and start to understand some of the concepts behind the conservation of our properties, collections and landscapes.

“We’ve designed them in a way for families, so young and old, to interact and think about the decisions behind the conservation of our monuments.

“And our visitors will be able to actually do a bit of it on some practical examples to get insight into the careful thinking and craft skills that are behind the conservation of our monuments.”

The van will stop at Stonehenge from 22-25 June and 29 June to 3 July. It will also stop at other English Heritage sites throughout the summer, including:

● Fort Brockhurst, Hampshire (22 July, 12 August)

● Wolvesey Castle, Hampshire (15 August).

Summer Solstice at Stonehenge: all you need to know to celebrate safely at sundown and sunrise

THIS year’s Summer Solstice at Stonehenge will be celebrated from 7pm on Tuesday, 20th June to 8am on the following day.

The sunrise will be live streamed on the official English Heritage YouTube channel. If you are planning to travel to Stonehenge for the Summer Solstice, the English

Heritage website has an information page that details all you need to know about what you can and can’t bring, and what is permitted on site.

The measures in place are designed so that everyone attending feels safe and that no damage occurs to the World Heritage site.

For example, no amplified music is permitted in or around the monument field. No alcohol is permitted and will be confiscated. And, of course, no illegal drugs. Police will be on site and anyone behaving in a drunken or disorderly way will be asked to leave. No glass is permitted on site. No standing or climbing is

The conservation van will offer hands-on activities that will provide an insight into conservation

permitted on any other stones, whether they are standing or have fallen.

Camping equipment, fires, Chinese lanterns, fireworks, candles, tea-lights or BBQs, sleeping bags and sharp objects are not permitted at Stonehenge, in the Solstice Car Park, or anywhere in the surrounding National Trust land.

Note that only small bags will be allowed on site and searches will be carried out before entry.

Drones or any type of remote-controlled flying devices are not permitted at Stonehenge or in any of the Solstice Car Parks.

On the day

The last normal day of admissions to Stonehenge is on Tuesday, 20th June at 1pm and the site will close at 3pm in preparation

For Sale & Wanted

for Summer Solstice Managed Open Access.

Stonehenge is closed on Wednesday, 21st June and will re-open at 9am on Thursday, 22nd June (check English Heritage’s social media channels for updates).

History

The Solstice car park will open at 7pm on Tuesday, which is when access to the stones is permitted. Sunset is estimated to be 9.28pm with sunrise at 4.49am on Wednesday.

Monument field will close at 8am and all vehicles need to have left the car park by 12 noon.

Admission to the event is free of charge, however, there is a charge of £15 per car, live-in vehicle and non-commercial minibus (up to 19 seats) in the car parks during the Summer Solstice. Motorcycles will be charged £5, while commercial vehicles will need to contact English Heritage before travelling.

For full admission information, visit: https://www.english-heritage.org.uk/visit/ places/stonehenge/things-to-do/solstice/ conditions-of-entry/

Antiques & Collectibles

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.

The sun rising over Stonehenge on a previous June solstice

Credit: Andrew Dunn 2005, Creative Commons

My weight loss journey with Slimming World: from member to consultant

By Trudie Hardy

IT all began in 1999 when I took the first step towards transforming my life. That’s when I joined Slimming World as a member, determined to shed the excess weight that had been holding me back.

And let me tell you, it was quite a journey.

I poured my heart and soul into this endeavour, and it paid off in ways I couldn’t have imagined. Over time, I managed to lose a staggering 6 stone 3lbs, reaching my target weight of 10 stone just in time for my wedding in 2001. Can you believe it? It was a dream come true.

But my achievements didn’t stop there. Along the way, something incredible happened. I was nominated as ‘Miss Slinky’ in the member competitions. The recognition I received was beyond anything I could have anticipated. It was a reminder of how far I had come and the strength I had within me.

Life took another turn when I became a mother to a wonderful son who is now nearly 17-years-

old. And throughout this journey, I managed to stay at my target weight, even after losing the pregnancy weight.

Slimming World’s approach, with its flexibility and versatility in Food Optimising,

truly proved to be a gamechanger for me.

Seeing the positive impact it had on my life, I couldn’t help but want to share this gift with others. I wanted to be a source of inspiration and support for those seeking their own transformation. That’s when I made the decision to become a Slimming World consultant.

Starting with my first group in Laverstock – the response was overwhelming and soon I expanded my services to include another group in Harnham.

But I wanted to do even more, so I took a leap of faith and left my full-time job. Now, I proudly run a new group in Downton, with sessions held on Thursdays at 5.30pm.

Helping others reach their weight loss goals and embrace healthier lifestyles has become my passion. I’ve seen firsthand the transformative power of Slimming World, and I’m committed to empowering others on their own journeys.

If you’re curious and want to know more, don’t hesitate to get in touch with me. You can reach out to me through text or phone call at 07734855569. I also invite you to check out my business page on Facebook – “Slimming World with Trudie, Salisbury”.

Remember, your own weight loss journey can be just as incredible as mine. Together, let’s make those dreams a reality

Before (left) and after (right) photos of Trudie, showing her weight loss that inspired her to help others

Spring into a Slimmer you this summer

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

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

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

who genuinely care about their success. Group isn’t just a place to learn new healthy eating a habits and behaviours. Nicola Hamblin who attends Trudie’s Laverstock group says “Having joined Slimming World 1 year ago, I’ve benefited hugely from the support which has helped me lose nearly 4 stone and has had a massive impact on my physical and mental well-being, in particular helping me control my lymphoedema”. “The support by Trudie and other people within group has really helped me and I’m inspired and humbled on a weekly basis”

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

In our recent study, 98% of Slimming World members said receiving and giving support has been important to their weight loss success and 97% said feeling that being helped to succeed by their Slimming World group has been important to them successfully losing weight.

No need to make an appointment, pop in for all your eyewear needs

SALISBURY Eyewear was first started in 1979 by Martyn, and his father Frank Sales, as Sales Optical Services, a spectacle lens manufacturing business. Martyn has continued to run the business to the present day.

The retail shop was opened in the early 1980s as part of Sales Optical Services and became Salisbury Eyewear in 2017.

Although we do not do eye testing, you can bring in your latest prescription and view our vast range of frames on display.

As everyone is watching the pennies due to the cost of living crisis, we are able to put new lenses into existing frames at no extra cost. This is dependent on the condition of the frame and

is at your own risk, but we shall advise accordingly.

We make single vision, bifocal and

varifocal lenses and are experienced with difficult and high prescriptions. We make prescription sunglasses, sports glasses, swimming goggles and diving masks, and can also supply prescription safety glasses.

We offer a repair service but can do adjustments and often small repairs on site while you wait.

We are a small, friendly team, always happy to discuss and give advice on your needs and requirements. We pride ourselves in our personal service and aftersales care.

We are located just outside of the city centre and have free parking on site.

There is no need to make an appointment.

Salisbury Eyewear is a family business run by Martyn Sales. Martyn is an experienced lens maker and has been manufacturing lenses for the trade and supplying glasses to the public at discount prices since the late 1970’s. Our showroom and factory are located on Ashfield Road Trading Estate, Salisbury. Some of our key services that we offer are:

• A friendly team only to happy to help, just bring in your latest prescription.

• We have a large selection of frames and sunglasses, which you can browse at your leisure.

• The lenses are made in our factory onsite enabling a quick turn around.

• Some repairs are done in-house, such as nose pads and screws.

• More complex repairs can be done, they are sent away.

• We will put your new prescription lenses into your existing frame (condition of the frame dependent).

• With Martyn’s experience, we are able to produce more complex prescriptions and requirements.

Salisbury Eyewear can put new lenses into your existing frames

Protect your home from Care Costs & Inheritance Tax with a Living Trust.

A Living Trust, also known as a revocable trust or inter vivos trust, is a legal arrangement that allows you to protect your assets, including your home, from care costs and potential inheritance tax implications. Here are a few key points to consider:

1.Asset Protection: By transferring ownership of your home and other assets to a living trust, can help protect them from certain creditors and potential claims, including care costs.

2. Care Costs: Placing your main home into a living trust can ring fence the property from any potential future care costs. Thus, protecting your inheritance.

3. Inheritance Tax Planning: A living trust can be part of an estate planning strategy to minimize inheritance tax liability. By placing assets into a trust, they can be excluded from your taxable estate upon your passing, potentially reducing the amount of inheritance tax your beneficiaries would owe.

4. Revocable Nature: One of the advantages of a living trust is that it is revocable, meaning you can make changes to the trust or even revoke it entirely during your lifetime. This flexibility allows you to adapt to changing circumstances or wishes.

5. Trust Administration: When you establish a living trust, you typically designate yourself as the trustee, thus maintaining control over the assets and allowing you to continue using and managing them as you did before. You can also name successor trustees to take over the administration of the trust upon your incapacity or death.

The effectiveness of a living trust in achieving your specific goals will depend on your individual circumstances. Oakwood Wills offer a free consultation in the privacy of our own home. Tel 07832 331594 email: info@oakwoodwills.co.uk

Getting your financial worries in order. You are never too young or old to set the ball rolling.

Take a break at St Ives House this summer and enjoy an abundance of Food, Fun and Friendship

St Ives House care home, nestled on the edge of the New Forest near Ringwood, is welcoming new residents and their families and friends to enjoy lots of Food, Fun and Friendship this summer. The Care South care home is the perfect choice for a respite break this summer. If you provide care for a loved one it can be difficult to take a break, even if it is just to stay at home and enjoy some time to yourself. St Ives House offers residential, dementia and respite care and its caring, expertly trained staff offer the highest quality care for all levels of need. A respite stay at St Ives House care home offers complete peace of mind that you or your loved one are getting the best care in a home-from-home environment. Respite breaks offer a chance to enjoy a change of scenery, meet new people and try out some new activities and experiences as there is always something happening for residents to take part in as much or as little as they wish. Often, respite breaks do wonders

for loved one’s confidence and self-esteem, as they know trained staff are around if their friend/relative needs support. The home has a variety of charming communal lounges, a library, hair salon and an on-site café which is perfect for relaxing in with family and friends. Outside, the beautifully landscaped courtyard and gardens are the perfect place for the Activities Team to set up an activity on a warm sunny day for residents to take part in, or to simply sit and enjoy the wonderful outdoor surroundings.

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 care home near Ringwood accommodates 60 residents, and offers residential, respite and dementia care.

For further information about St Ives House call 01202 712410 or visit www.care-south.co.uk

Complete care solutions

Fancy a break?

Caring for a loved one can be an incredibly rewarding experience, but it can also be challenging and exhausting. As a caregiver, it is essential to take a break from time to time and give yourself the opportunity to recharge.

Booking respite care at one of our care homes offers numerous benefits to both caregivers and their loved ones. It allows caregivers to take a break and focus on their own health and wellbeing. Respite care can also benefit the person receiving care in many ways. Not only from enjoying the comprehensive range of engaging, person centred activities and social events we offer, we also offer likeminded company to those who may be suffering from feelings of isolation and loneliness. Our experienced carers and catering team are dedicated in providing excellent care and delicious meals.

By booking respite care at one of our care homes, caregivers can rest assured that their loved one is in the safest of hands and receiving high-quality care, while they take the time they need to recharge.

Designed to provide a warm and welcoming environment, our homes are sensitively restored and tastefully converted former country residences. They have been carefully adapted to make them comfortable, luxurious, and safe. Elegant ensuite bedrooms, beautiful walled gardens, relaxing spaces, engaging activities, delicious food, and most importantly real loving care in a real home from home environment.

Less negative outlook for housing market but more pain for renters

The latest UK residential survey from Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) – May 2023 – shows a slightly more positive outlook than for the past year, at least in sales and demand.

This is evidenced by the least negative return in these metrics for 12 months. However, it warned that “recent upward shift in interest rate expectations, prompted by disapointingly high consumer price inflation data, may place renewed pressure on the sales market in the months ahead”.

The positive outlook is tempered by demand still being negative for most metrics, just slightly less negative than previously. For example, new buy enquiries were said to be -18%, which although it doesn’t sound that good, is better than the -34% that was being registered last year.

The overall sales expectation net balance stands at 2%, which RICS believes is consistent with

‘a generally steady sales outlook’. New instructions continued this positivity, rising to a net balance of +14% breaking “a run of 13 successive negative monthly readings” and marking “the strongest reading for the new listings metric since March 2021”. Average stock levels on estage agents books is currently 38, which is an increase on recent months, but down on the five year average of 40.

In less positive news, respondents cited a further fall in national house prices during May. However, to find a glimmer of hope among the gloom, there has been an overall improvement since February. Regionally, London prices remain steady, with “an uplift in both Scotland and Northern Ireland”. Prices continue to fall, however, in most other English regions, with the East Midlands and the South East fairing particularly badly. The forecast, however, looks set for a steady

period, with the south west predicted to see a marginal increase in prices.

The outlook doesn’t look very good for people looking to rent, however. Demand has increased from tenants (+44% in May across survey respondents), at the same as the number of new landlord instructions falling (-23% in May).

Two-thirds of survey respondents reported an increase in the number of buy-to-let landlords looking to sell their properties, and a decline in the level of interest from UK-based and overseas buy-to-let investors. Fuelled no doubt by reforms proposed in the government’s Renters Reform Bill.

All this, the report makes clear, is likely to see rental prices rise by a net balance of +53%.

RICS Senior Economist, Tarrant Parsons, said: “The latest RICS UK Residential

Survey feedback indicates a modest recovery in the sales market activity during May, with generally less negativity compared to the end of 2022.

“However, it seems storm clouds are gathered, with the UK’s stubbornly high inflation likely undermining the recent improvement in activity by prompting the Bank of England to take further action through interest rate rises, leading to higher mortgage rates and ultimately reducing affordability and buyer demand. The banking sector appears to expect this with many banks and building societies already introducing products with higher interest rates.

“Interest rate rises are also impacting the rental sector and combined with looming reforms proposed in the government’s Renters (Reform) Bill, landlords are increasingly deciding to leave the sector and sell up property, causing further constraints to lettings supply.”

Wage rises fuel interest rate concerns

UK wages have risen at their fastest rate in 20 years - raising expectations that UK interest rates will have to rise.

Regular pay excluding bonuses increased by 7.2% in the three months to April, although it still lags behind rising prices due to inflation, according to the latest data from the Office for National Statistics (ONS).

It has increased fears among homeowners interest rates could rise again, meaning higher mortgage repayments for households, as the Bank of England seeks to reign in inflation.

The Bank of England has previously warned big pay rises are contributing to the UK’s still-high rates of inflation, and has put up interest rates 12 times since 2021 to try to slow price rises.

Higher interest rates are good for savers, as the interest on their money rises, but it means higher repayments for mortgage holders - and large increases for those seeking to renew their mortgage after enjoying a lower fixed rate in previous years.

The mortgage market has seen disruption

DRIVERS WANTED

amid the figures, with many lenders withdrawing mortgages amid uncertainty over rates, with many predicting they could raise as high as 5.5%.

On Tuesday, the government’s borrowing costs - which directly impact mortgage rates - rose to their highest rate since last year’s mini-budget.

ARMISHAWS REMOVALS LTD are currently looking to recruit experienced class 1 (Class C+E), class 2 (License cat C) and 7.5t, (C1) Removals drivers to join our teams in Salisbury SP2 8RA.

Driving our 18 & 21 ton rigid lorries and smaller vehicles as required, as well as being involved with the packing and loading / unloading of your vehicle.

Experience in the removals industry is desirable although consideration will be given to drivers with the right aptitude. The job also involves some working away from home during the week.

* Salary on application

* Monday to Friday working with very few weekends

* Opportunity of Progression

* Opportunity of overtime

* Guaranteed hours (following probation)

Tel John on 01963 34065

Or email transport@armishaws.com

Darren Morgan, director of economic statistics at the Office for National Statistics (ONS), said in cash terms, basic pay is now growing at its fastest since current records began, apart from the period when the figures “were distorted by the pandemic”.

“However, even so, wage rises continue to lag behind inflation,” he added.

The Blackmore Vale Ltd is looking for an experienced Sales Executive to join our team.

About You

• You’ll need to be target driven.

• Have a proven track record of B2B sales.

• Have the ability to work independently sourcing your own leads, through competitive media, online and social media.

• An understanding of both print and digital advertising.

• The personality to build a strong customer base.

• Your own transport is a must with mileage paid. This is a full time role.

• You’ll be joining a friendly, supported team, where you’ll be selling across a range of regional magazine titles.

• We DON’T do hard sell, these are local magazines, supporting local communities, success is key, but we’re also building a reputation we’re proud of.

• We DO recognise and reward success especially team members who exceed their targets. Be nice, but be successful!

• You’ll need to be based within and familiar with the Blackmore Vale area.

• You’re welcome to work from our Wincanton office or work from home within Dorset, Wiltshire or Somerset.

For more information or to apply, please contact; debi.thorne@blackmorevale.net

Car parks could struggle with weight of new cars, says report

CAR parks need to evolve to cope with bigger, heavier cars, new guidance says.

The Institute of Structural Engineers said the design of multi-storey car parks should be ‘carefully considered’ amid concerns over the growing popularity of larger style SUV vehicles, EVs, and cars with more tech and safety equipment than in previous decades.

Many car parks across the country were designed when cars were smaller and fitted with less technology – and there are now growing concerns multi-storey car parks built in the 1960s to the 1980s could be a safety hazard for drivers.

Experts at The Institute contributed to the guidance, which highlighted that modern vehicles are considerably heavier and that an alarming number of car parks are now potentially a hazard.

Fellow, Chris Whapples, one of the leading experts, told the Telegraph many of

the 6,000 multi-storey car parks could be struggling under the growing weight of modern vehicles.

He said: “Potentially if we just ignore this issue then we could have a partial collapse. I’m not trying to create any scaremongering – not all car parks will have to close, only the very old ones, built in the 1960s and 70s, which are in a very poor state of repair and have weakened over time which will probably need to have some work done to them.”

Whapples lead a team of 10 to review the issue and report back on their findings.

The experts proposed car park owners should have their infrastructure reviewed by engineering firms to see if it needs to be strengthened.

However, this may not be the option that many of those owners would choose.

“I think a lot of old owners will opt for imposing a weight limit rather than paying

for strengthening measures,” Chris said.

A report in 2022 showed the increasing weight of cars is an issue that has been on the rise since the start of the century.

“The latest data collected by JATO shows an increase of 21% on the average curb weight of cars sold in Europe between 2001 and 2022,” the report said.

“According to the data, the average weight of a car sold in 2001 was 1,328kg. This total has increased almost every year up to 1,600kg today.”

Other causes for the increase in weight have been put down to the rise of EVs, and the rising popularity of SUVs.

It is not just car parks that are suffering under the strain of modern vehicles.

In March 2023 Green NCAP revealed ‘the current and continuous trend towards larger and heavier cars, significantly increases the negative impact on climate and energy demand’.

Motoring

Daring survey on landmark motorway stretch

DRIVERS on a landmark stretch of the M5 in the south west may have wondered why people were abseiling down nearby walls recently.

BUt far from being alarmed, those using the motorway between junctions 19 and 20 should be reassured, as engineers are carrying out safety checks at the Wynhol Viaduct, in Somerset.

The work is part of the 10-year maintenance check on the slopes of the split-level motorway section, with a team of more than 20 specialist rope operatives from BAM Ritchies and WSP carrying out surveys high above the traffic.

The Wynhol cuttings were blasted from the hard rock of the Gordano Valley and the viaduct, constructed soon after as part of the M5 section between the Avonmouth Bridge

and East Brent, marks its 50th anniversary this year.

And included in the survey work, at heights of up to 38 metres (125 feet), new, cuttingedge sensors have been installed and existing sensors checked across a mile of the cutting to monitor bolts, anchors and rock strength.

The surveys will inform National Highways whether anchors, bolts and netting will need updating, and during the work more than 800 identification plates were screwed into rock faces.

As part of the survey, ditches have also been cleared and loose stone removed, along with invasive vegetation from the slopes and crest.

Before work started, more than 45 landowners were consulted, and a state-of-the-art drone survey was carried out to capture the cuttings – at over two miles (3.5km) the longest drone overflight of live motorway in the country.

The drone gathered point cloud and photogrammetric information, which helped the teams to plan access, price the works and record the condition of the rock.

Overnight maintenance work and surveys were also carried out along the northbound median section, some 10 metres below the southbound carriageway, while ongoing ecology surveys are also being

carried out across the viaduct and cutting, and ecological teams have also been monitoring and assisting with the geotechnical surveys.

Jon Durnell, principal engineer for National Highways’ Geotechnical Asset Management Team, said: “Given the location of the cutting and the criticality of the M5, a lot of planning and design was undertaken, along with the requisite safety management, and thanks to the collaborative work with BAM Ritchies and WSP, we will now have a lot more information to take us forward for the next 50 years.

“Construction of the Wynhol Cuttings and Viaducts remains a very impressive piece of engineering, with the cuts blasted from the rock in the hillside.”

Puzzle solutions (from pages 38-39)

Brain chain (hard)