What’s inside this issue…
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How having a great party will help Sri Lankan street dogs
DIVA dogs and outgoing owners are being urged to attend a circus-themed charity fundraising party in Salisbury.
Lucas Helps Dogs - which helps street dogs in Sri Lanka - is hosting an event at The Anchor and Hope, in Winchester Street, on Saturday (August 31).
Paw Fest will take place in two sessions, with an afternoon featuring stalls, a barbecue, dog show, live dog painting and
more running from 3.30pm to 7pm, before an evening featuring an aerial circus show, DJ, raffle and more getting underway at 8pm.
Lucas Helps Dogs carries out spay, neuter and rabies vaccination clinics, along with emergency treatments, to help the six million dogs living on the streets of Sri Lanka.
In the past year, it sterilised and vaccinated well over 600 dogs and cats and funded
emergency treatments for many animals and cancer treatment for 25.
More than 150 dogs have been treated for painful skin conditions and carries out a feeding round for local dogs providing thousands of meals each month.
Founder, Alena Warburton, said: "We are so excited about this event. We held a successful Valentine’s event in February and this one will be bigger and better.
"We are really hoping lots of people and their dogs will turn out to support us. Every penny we raise is used to carry out our
work in Sri Lanka.
"We have an employee and vet team on the ground who carry out our spay and neuter clinics, and the regular trips we make to carry out mass clinics are completely self-funded.
"It’s a real labour of love but these are such special dogs who live a life of misery on Sri Lanka’s dangerous roads.
"We really hope as many people and their dogs as possible will turn out to enjoy our Circus Paw Fest event and support a great cause."
Visit www.lucashelpsdogs. com for more details on Paw Fest and the work of the charity
Lucas Helps Dogs work to improve the lives of animals living on the streets of Sri Lanka
Have experts solved the riddle of the Alter Stone?
A‘JAW-DROPPING’
new study has revealed Stonehenge’s massive ‘altar stone’ – weighing in at a whopping six tonnes and measuring some five metres long – came from Scotland.
For around a century, experts have known the origins of many of the great landmark’s mighty stones, with a number coming from Wales, somehow transported around 125 miles by the prehistoric people who built it.
Now, new research has revealed one of the megaliths is not Welsh, but Scottish.
Analysis of the stone – the largest bluestone on the Wiltshire site – has revealed it was dragged or floated from a north east corner of Scotland – travelling at least 466 miles to south west England, and may even have hailed from the Orkney islands.
“(This) doesn’t just alter what we think about Stonehenge, it alters what we think about the whole of the late Neolithic,” said Rob Ixer, an honorary research fellow at the University College London (UCL) who was involved in the research.
“It completely rewrites the relationships between the Neolithic populations of the whole British Isles,” he told the Guardian.
“The science is beautiful and it’s remarkable, and it’s going to be discussed for decades to come. It is jaw-dropping.”
The alter stone is largely hidden from view, lying flat and semi-buried beneath the Wiltshire land.
A number of other bluestones at Stonehenge are known to have come from
the Preseli Hills, in Pembrokeshire, Wales. But the altar stone was an outlier, prompting the new analysis.
The study, published in the Nature journal, involved experts from Curtin University in Perth, Australia; the University of Adelaide; Aberystwyth University; and UCL.
It aimed to find out more about the altar stone through analysing the stone’s chemical composition and age of minerals within it to produce a “fingerprint” to the sandstone.
Nick Pearce, a professor of geography and earth sciences at Aberystwyth and a co-author of the report, said: “With that age fingerprint, you can match it to the same
sort of rocks around the UK – and the match for the age fingerprint was a dead ringer for the Orcadian Basin in north-east Scotland. It was completely unexpected to us.”
More work is now planned to try to identify the exact site the stone came from. The experts have narrowed the area down to encompass Orkney; a triangle of land around present-day John o’Groats in Caithness; and a narrow coastal strip stretching south as far as the Moray Firth around Inverness and east to present-day Elgin.
However, the question of how the stone made it’s almost-500 mile journey to Wiltshire is unknown.
The altar stone is buried beneath two fallen sarsen stones and is barely visible to visitors Picture: Aberystwyth University
Cycle group's anger as plans to improve Amesbury route scrapped
ASALISBURY
cycling group is "bitterly disappointed" after it was announced work on a project to improve routes in Amesbury was being shelved.
The Cycling Opportunities Group Salisbury (COGS) was reacting to Wiltshire Council announcing it was putting the scheme on hold after controversial plans for the A303 Stonehenge tunnel were scrapped by the government.
The council said funding for the associated cycleway plans was dependent on the A303 scheme going ahead, so had to be cancelled.
The new cycleway, which included the installation of a pedestrian crossing on Countess Road, is part of the Wiltshire Local Cycling and Walking Infrastructure Plan (LCWIP), and part of a strategic route linking Salisbury and National Cycle Network 45 to Stonehenge.
Active Travel England allocated funding for the design and construction of the pedestrian toucan crossing
element of the scheme, with the additional funding being provided as part of the community benefits associated with the A303 Stonehenge tunnel scheme.
In response, Hadrian Cook, chair of COGS, said while funding might be uncertain in the future, initial improvements could still be made.
"There are examples of cycle infrastructure all across Wiltshire where delivery occurs in a piecemeal fashion – River Park in Salisbury provides one such example," he said.
"Funding for future phases is uncertain but useful initial improvements can be made.
"Cyclists travelling from Amesbury towards Durrington or Larkhill emerge from the A303 underpass on the wrong side of the road and are obliged to cross Countess Road.
"This crossing also forms part of National Cycle Network Route 45 linking Salisbury to Stonehenge. There is no other safe route for walkers and cyclists to reach the World Heritage Site."
But Cllr Tamara Reay, cabinet member for transport at Wiltshire Council, said the council cannot commit to the plans until funding becomes available again.
"Following the government’s decision to cancel the A303 Stonehenge project, we have taken the difficult decision to postpone our work on the cycle scheme at Countess Road in Amesbury, including the installation of the pedestrian toucan crossing," she said.
"We could install the toucan crossing now, but because the funding for the rest of the scheme is now uncertain –which is beyond our control –we cannot commit to it at this stage.
"We are reviewing all the local implications following the government’s announcement and if funding does become available for this cycle path, we have a well-developed scheme ready to take forward once again.
"Following the cancellation of the A303 Stonehenge tunnel project, we are committed to
working with our local partners in the area to find solutions to the congestion and rat running suffered by local communities."
Mr Cook has urged Wiltshire Council to reconsider its decision.
"I know Amesbury Town Council are keen to encourage tourism, so it seems extraordinary that there would be any hesitation over progressing this step towards a safe route for walkers and cyclists coming via Amesbury to visit Stonehenge," he said.
"Councillor Reay has expressed a commitment to enabling residents to live healthier lives and improving walking, cycling and wheeling routes in Wiltshire.
"I would urge Wiltshire Council to review walking and cycling access across this area, together with local stakeholders, as a matter of urgency."
n For more information on the plans, visit https://www. wiltshire.gov.uk/highways-newactive-travel-schemes.
Hadrian Cook, chair of the COGS group, inset, has responded to news the cycleway scheme in Amesbury has been shelved after the A303 Stonehenge tunnel scheme was scrapped
Disabled riding charity's bid for new school
ACHARITY
helping disabled people take to the saddle is appealing for help to replace its aging riding school.
The Wilton Riding for the Disabled Group, based at The Pembroke Centre, has launched a crowdfunding bid to raise £7,500 for the new facility.
Volunteers say the current outdoor riding school is no longer fit for use after providing thousands of hours of fun for charity visitors.
"We need to provide a safe, fun space for our riders and a comfortable and stable surface for our ponies," a spokesperson said.
Sport England has pledged £7,500 for the work - based on the amount being matched through the group's own
fundraising.
The Pembroke Centre Wilton RDA has been providing therapeutic riding for children and adults for more than four decades.
"Our riders develop their balance and co-ordination, gain muscle strength and build up their all-important core muscles," the spokesperson went on.
The Pembroke Centre at Wilton currently works with more than 200 children and adults each year, said Jackie Worrall, chair of trustees.
"We want to ensure that we can continue to provide riding for everyone," she said.
"Replacement of the outdoor arena is critical to all our riders who benefit enormously, both physically and mentally
The current outdoor RDA school is no longer fit for use
through the interaction with the ponies.
"Riders gain confidence and self-esteem while they socialise and build relationships with other riders, volunteers and ponies.
"That relationship with a pony brings incalculable benefits."
Wilton RDA is one of 500 RDA Groups across the UK that provide horse riding, therapy, carriage driving, vaulting and showjumping to 30,000 people with disabilities.
People can donate directly to the campaign via the group's website, at www. pembrokecentre.com, or through the Crowdfunder page, at https://www. crowdfunder.co.uk/p/rdawilton-outdoorschool.
Repair work will close footpaths for three months
FOOTPATHS near public toilets in Churchill Gardens will be closed for around three months as the walkways are repaired and resurfaced.
Salisbury City Council has announced resurfacing work at the Southampton Road pedestrian entrance will get underway on September 2.
The work has an estimated completion date of December 2.
"The project will involve the removal of damaged paving slabs, which will be replaced with new tarmac pathways and green spaces," a council
spokesperson said.
"The improvements will also include additional tree planting, aligning with the council's Tree & Ecosystem Strategy commitment to increase canopy cover across the city."
For the duration of the works, the paths around the Southampton Road entrance will be fenced off, they said, with no pedestrian access.
"Visitors are encouraged to
use alternative routes around the park," the spokesperson added.
"Access to the toilets and water fountain at this entrance will be temporarily unavailable
during the construction period.
"Park visitors are also advised that Kiwi Coffee will be temporarily relocated elsewhere within the park, and to check their Facebook page here for updates.
"Additionally, the Salisbury parkrun will operate a slightly modified course during this period.
"Salisbury City Council appreciates the public's understanding and cooperation as we work to improve the park's facilities."
Personal trainer and partner jailed over abuse of teenager they groomed
APERSONAL trainer and his partner have been jailed for the sexual assault and rape of an 18-year-old woman.
Winchester Crown Court heard how James Owen, 55 and his partner Ellen Rae, 52, had groomed the teenager over a number of weeks - exchanging text messages outlining their intentions.
Owen first sexually assaulted the teenager under the guise of training sessions between January and February 2021.
The court heard how the couple further conspired to sexually assault her - including inviting the young woman to their home in Salisbury for dinner in February 2021 - where they plied her with alcohol.
They persuaded her to join them in a hot tub before Owen
raped her and Rae sexually assaulted her.
At the conclusion of a nine-day trial today (August 16), Owen was convicted of
rape, two counts of sexual assault and conspiracy to commit sexual assault.
His partner Rae was found guilty of sexual assault and
conspiracy to commit sexual assault.
Owen was sentenced to eight years in custody and Rae was sentenced to two years.
Detective Constable Martyn Powell said: “James Owen and Ellen Rae conspired to abuse the trust of a young woman.
"Their horrendous actions were fuelled by their own selfish desires, without for a moment considering the long-lasting consequences that this abuse would have on their victim.
“I would like to pay tribute to the bravery of the young woman who worked with us to help bring these two offenders to justice and hope that she is able to find some solace in the lengthy custodial sentences that have been handed down today.”
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James Owen, left, was jailed for eight years, while Rae was handed a two-year sentence Pictures: Wiltshire Police
Looking on the bright side of life helps see Edna celebrate turning 100
ALWAYS look on the bright side of life. Or so the song goes.
And for Edna, it has proved a positive mantra, which she puts down to helping her reach the grand old age of 100.
A resident at St Ives House, in Horton Road, Ringwood, Edna marked the big day with friends and family from across the country at a special celebratory lunch, followed by tea and birthday cake with the other residents from the care home.
She took great delight in opening a host of cards,
including a keepsake card from King Charles and Queen Camilla, as well as looking through the bunches of flowers given to her by friends and loved ones.
"I enjoyed my birthday party very much," she said. "I have had a good life and I’ve travelled a lot. My favourite place was Acapulco."
Edna was born and grew up in London, where she worked as a secretary for an engineering office.
While there, she met her future husband, Tom, who was managing director of the
business and together they travelled the world for Tom’s work, before welcoming three sons - Steven, Anthony and Richard.
Edna now has seven grandchildren who she enjoys spending time with.
Emma Cotton, home manager at St Ives House, said: "Edna is a joy for the team to support and care for. She always looks for the positives in life and appreciates everything we do to enable her to live a happy, fulfilled life, so we were thrilled to help her to celebrate her 100 birthday with all her family.
Bus firm announces changes to Salisbury stops from September 1
COMMUTERS are being warned of changes to which services stop where at the Blue Boar Row bus stops in Salisbury. Salisbury Reds has warned travellers of changes involving the M and N stops "in order to make journeys as reliable as
possible", coming into effect on Sunday, September 1:
The Red1 to Salisbury District Hospital remain on bus stop O, whilst the Red14 to Harnham Hill and evening services after 1900 on Red2 & Red5 are not affected and will remain on bus
stop M.
For the 201 service, all journeys towards Amesbury will leave from New Canal bus stop S, then stop at Castle Street Tesco bus stop K. This service will no longer start journeys from Blue Boar Row.
She added: "At Care South, we love to get to know the likes, dislikes, hobbies and passions of the residents to ensure that we tailor the care we deliver and the events we organise to their interests.
"For Edna, we know that she loves to dance and have fun at a party, so it was lovely to facilitate her family getting together to celebrate with her."
However, despite reaching 100, Edna is not quite the oldest member of the community at St Ives House, with fellow resident Nin celebrating her 107 birthday earlier this year.
Positive-thinking Edna celebrating her 100th birthday
Cheers to the humble brew
NATIONAL
Afternoon Tea Week was celebrated in style by residents at a Salisbury care home.
Milford House Care Home hosted a range of events to toast the celebration - with the humble brew at their heart.
Among activities was a creative session making works of art out of teabags, producing some interesting results.
First, participants took their teabags and, after dunking and letting them dry out, set about decorating and incorporating their teabag into colourful works.
The results were then displayed in the home's conservatory, providing a colourful background to a range of other activities celebrating the national drink, including a tea tasting afternoon, followed by a traditional tea service.
General manager at Milford House, Aga Musial, said: "I
shall never look at a teabag in the same way again, and I am in awe of what the residents produced with such a surprising, everyday object by simply being creative.
"It just shows what can be done and we are loving having the works on display in our gallery area following on from our tea celebrations."
when we started out with our teabags, but I love the results and have been amazed at how many people have commented on our work and love the colourful pieces as each one is unique.
"I can't wait to see what we can create next."
Quick news
Group tried to steal boy's bag in city park
A SCHOOL boy was approached by a group of four young men on bikes in a Salisbury park who surrounded him and attempted to steal his bag.
Police said the incident took place on July 29 in Queen Elizabeth Gardens.
A Salisbury Police spokesperson said the boy managed to get away but was "left frightened" by the incident.
One resident said: "I wasn't sure how this would end up
Milford House care home is run by Barchester Healthcare and provides residential and nursing care for 70 residents.
Anyone who saw what happened, or can help with police enquiries, should call 101, quoting reference number 54240089244.
The event is a major fundraiser for Alzheimer’s Support
Imitation firearms and drugs seized in raids at four Wilton properties
IMITATION firearms and suspected drugs were seized in police raids at four Wilton properties.
Five men were arrested on suspicion of drugs offences after the raids, which involved up to 40 officers, including the Wiltshire Police armed response team and the dog unit.
A total of 10 people were initially detained during the operation which was carried out on Friday morning (August 16).
Five people have now been arrested on suspicion of being concerned in the supply of Class A and C drugs and concerned in the cultivation of Class C drugs.
The arrests included one man who was wanted after being recalled to prison.
Suspected drugs, imitation firearms and several knives, including zombie-style knives
were seized during the raids, said Inspector Ricky Lee.
“(These) warrants were undertaken after we received reports about a significant County Lines drug issue in Wilton,” he added.
“During the searches, on these properties, we found several knives, drugs and imitation firearms.
“(The raid) has been a success – we have made arrests and also confiscated weapons and drugs which can no longer do harm on our streets.
“This is a good example of us responding to the concerns from local people who have reported these issues, coupled with the intelligence gathered by our officers about possible County Lines activity.
“Wilton is a nice, small, safe community and we will never
The site before being cleared, left, and after, right, a move welcomed by Cllr Nick Botterill, inset right
tolerate the illegal drugs trade nor the anti-social behaviour which usually accompanies it.”
Around 40 police officers were involved in the raids at properties in Wilton. Picture: Wiltshire Police
Around 40 police officers were involved in the raids at properties in Wilton. Picture: Wiltshire Police
He urged anyone who suspects drug dealing in their area to report it via the Wiltshire Police website, or on 101. Reports can also be made anonymously through Crimestoppers, on 0800 555 111.
Officers executing the warrants this morning were joined by Wiltshire’s Police and Crime Commissioner, Philip Wilkinson, who said: “(This) proactive policing operation highlights the excellent work of the recently re-established and expanding neighbourhood teams.
but also the serious violence which often goes hand in hand with organised criminals bringing drugs across borders and into Wiltshire.
“The weapons seized in addition to the drugs, will cause serious harm if used against an individual and I’m pleased that Wiltshire Police has now removed them from our streets.
“The impacts of county lines in our communities is far reaching, not only in terms of substance misuse and addiction
“The hard work of Wiltshire Police’s neighbourhood teams and the significant intelligence which has led to these warrants being executed this morning is testament to the Chief Constable’s determination to ensure more visible policing that is better connected to Wiltshire’s communities.”
Empty cathedral the perfect setting for 'spiritual' Holst performance
ARECORDING
of a performance of Holst's "deeply spiritual" The Planets recorded at an empty Salisbury Cathedral is set to premiere next month.
On September 18 at 8pm, the cathedral's YouTube channel will show The Planets: Out of Darkness for free.
Arranged for the organ and performed by John Challenger, assistant director of music at Salisbury Cathedral, and filmed by Salisbury-based Ben Tomlin, the full-length filmed performance was recorded at night in the empty venue.
John said he believes there is something special about combining the majestic setting with the famous Father Willis organ and Holst’s deeply spiritual music.
"It is at night time that I find the
Cathedral especially remarkable," he said.
"It is not the pipe organ alone, but the stones which surround it, the feelings evoked when such music emerges from the shadows, that contribute to the overall effect.
"These meditative moments - a job perk for the very lucky organist who gets to practise at the dead of night - is something I have long wanted to share through the medium of film."
Written between 1914 and 1917, each of The Planets' seven movements relates to the character of a planet from the Solar System, most famously Jupiter – The Bringer of Jollity, Mars – The Bringer of War and Neptune – The Mystic.
The latter features ethereal voices, in this
recording sung by the choristers of Salisbury Cathedral.
The film and recording are the conclusion of a two-year long community project, initiated by John and aimed at sharing the music creatively with young people.
Working with the cathedral’s Education team and music charity La Folia, the project has included a concert performance to a packed cathedral audience and music workshops with four schools, including Exeter House School, Salisbury’s school for children with severe, profound and multiple learning difficulties.
An accompanying audio recording of the performance will also be available for purchase as a CD and download.
Man due in court over dead animals dumped at shop
JASON Kempster has been charged over an incident which saw dead animals dumped outside a village shop.
The 37-year-old, of
Marchwood Road in Totton, has been charged with possessing live or dead wild birds or parts, as well as criminal damage.
The charges come after
around 50 dead hares, a kestrel and a barn owl were discovered outside Broughton Community Shop, in the High Street, on the morning on March 15.
Kempster is due to appear at Southampton Magistrates Court on Tuesday, September 10.
The film was made at an empty Salisbury Cathedral
Council provides new outlet for Salisbury FC merch in the city
VISITORS
to Salisbury
- and fans of the city football team - are now able to pick up merch in a new shop.
Salisbury City Council’s Information Centre and Salisbury FC have signed a new deal that means the store is stocking the club’s replica kits and other merchandise.
Located at the rear of Salisbury’s Guildhall, the shop now has home and away shirts in various sizes, as well as SFC scarves available to purchase directly from them.
Other merchandise, including T-shirts, caps and beanies, will be added in the near future.
The partnership began when Vicky Goodwright, customer service manager at the Information Centre, approached the football club to see if a partnership was possible.
In a short time, stock was delivered, and the first shirts had already been sold.
"We are keen to support Salisbury Football Club as they start their new season in the
Vanarama National League South, and we will be cheering on the team and watching their progress this upcoming football season," said Vicky.
"Enabling Salisbury football fans to pick up their team’s kit in the centre of Salisbury has been our priority this summer."
The signing was endorsed Callum Hart, assistant manager at The Whites, who said: "We’re delighted that the city council and Tourist Information Centre will be supporting the football club.
"It’s huge for us as a football club that the local community are supporting us, and as we grow on the pitch, it’s really important that we keep growing off the pitch.
"We want to see as many people in the local area as possible with Salisbury FC shirts on."
Salisbury mayor, Councillor Sven Hocking, added: "I think in this day and age, partnerships are key to everything.
"It’s very difficult for a single
organization to do everything by itself.
"So, you know, in the case of the Tourist Information Centre, it’s an opportunity to sell some merchandise as another revenue stream for the club.
"So you need to take advantage of all the opportunities you can with all the partners around you. That relationship should pay off financially and socially within the city."
Jim Ayres, Salisbury FC's business manager, said: "This is something that we have been looking to do for a while, so when Vicky from Salisbury City Council approached us, we thought it was the ideal time, especially as we have a new kit design.
"Hopefully, this is going to be the start of a successful partnership, strengthening the relationship between the club and the city."
Asa Thorpe, chief executive at the city council, added: "This is our city. This is our football
club. It’s really important to support local businesses.
"But this is a focal point for the whole community. So whatever we can do to support this great team, do what it can in the league, get up there a little bit further and put Salisbury on the map for all the right reasons.
"What an opportunity. The only retailer of merchandise for Salisbury Football Club in the entire city. Come in. Come and have a chat with our staff. You know, you’re not greeted by machines. People that know, love, and care about this city. Some great products on offer and a wonderful insight into our city."
n Shirts are available at the Salisbury Tourist Information Centre, on Fish Row, from 9am to 5pm from Monday to Friday, 10am to 4pm on Saturdays, and from 10am to 2pm on Sundays and Bank Holidays.
The waste dumped in Bentley Wood, West Tytherley, Salisbury
Picture: Wiltshire Council
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Club members get a special River Park tour and insight into site art
MEMBERS of Salisbury
Rotary Club got a behindthe-scenes look at work on the new river park during a visit.
Members and friends visited the site with Andy Wallis, project lead for the project with Wiltshire Council and Salisbury City Council, for a special tour.
"From what was initially a large area of mud and water during the winter months, the site has now been transformed," a club spokesperson said.
"Parts of the site are already open to the public and other major parts are due to be open soon, so we were able to identify the key features of the development.
"The tour took us from the toilet block by Sainsburys with its fishy decorations, along the river to the coach park with its own decorated toilet block.
"We passed another piece of imaginative
artwork based on dragonfly wings, on our way to the newly widened and re-surfaced Coldharbour Lane and Fisherton recreation ground, including along part of a boardwalk not yet open to the public.
"Andy explained that the principal purpose of the project was to reduce the risk of future flooding, but to do it in such a way that would enhance the whole area for the benefit of residents and visitors.
"The work has also improved the environment for the local fauna and flora, particularly in the river."
After the tour, the group visited the library to see an exhibition of the River Park artwork.
"Community librarian, Philip Tomes, who is an Honorary member of Salisbury Rotary, kindly arranged for an explanatory talk to be given by their art curator, Dr Emily Dunbar, which put much of what we had seen into perspective, and provided a fitting end to the tour," the spokesperson added.
Work is progressing on Salisbury River Park
Vape shop closed down after probe
AVAPE
shop in Salisbury
has been ordered to close after an investigation revealed criminal behaviour taking place.
The probe, by trading standards officers, showed criminal activities occurring at Red Power Market Ltd, in Minster Street.
On August 10, the premises was served a closure notice by Wiltshire Council Trading Standards officers, under the Anti-Social Behaviour Crime and Policing Act 2014.
The request came following a number of complaints, several seizures of illegal tobacco and vapes, plus a test purchase of a vape resulting in a sale to a child.
A court hearing was held at Salisbury Magistrates’ Court on Monday (August 12) and a three-month closure order was granted.
Only those who are named habitual residents and authorised persons are now permitted to enter the address.
Anyone else entering the premises is committing a criminal offence and on conviction may be sentenced to 51 weeks imprisonment and/or a fine.
Since opening in October 2023, Red Power Ltd has also been the subject of three separate seizures of illegal tobacco and vape products.
Despite seizures and advice, reports into the sale of illegal/ non-compliant disposable vapes and illicit tobacco products have continued, together with numerous reports of sales of vapes to children.
Cllr Dominic Muns, cabinet member for environment at the
The Red Power shop in Salisbury has been ordered to close Picture: Google
council, said: “The investigation into this premises gathered evidence of some very concerning breaches and incidents, resulting in a closure order being applied for by our officers.
“We have seen an increase in the number of complaints of vaping products being sold to children. Unfortunately the products are frequently sold at pocket money prices and manufactured in bright packaging and in flavours which
young people find appealing.
“The underage sales, plus the criminal behaviour taking place at the store were causing distress to parents and local residents, plus having a negative impact on surrounding businesses."
Red Power Market Ltd’s sole director, Niaz Ali, has been resident in Iraq since the business opened in October 2023 and has never visited the shop. He was not in court for the hearing.
Exam joy at South Wilts Grammar School
Sophie, Zoe, Rebecca, Blythe and Lauren were celebrating their A Level results, alongside Sophie Llewelyn, below left
STUDENTS at South Wilts Grammar School (SWGS) have been praised by the school for their hard work following A Level results day (August 15).
A total of 177 students sat A Level exams at the school this year, and leaders said they were “exceptionally pleased” with their results.
Some of SWGS highest achievers also gave their tips to future students - and thoughts on the school.
High achievers included Sophie Llewelyn, who achieved 4 A*s, who is going to study maths at Warwick University, Blythe Sharman with 3A*s and 1A, who will now go on to study biology
at Durham, and Lauren Hughes with 3A*s and 1A in further maths.
Joe Gallagher also received 4 A*s (maths, further maths, psychology and chemistry) and will now go on to study maths at LSE.
A SWGS spokesperson said: "His advice to students is to practice little and often. He said he enjoyed SWGS sixth form, the friendly teachers and the great maths department."
Harry Ogg received 3A*s (maths, biology, chemistry) and 1A in AS further maths. He is now going on to study chemistry at Imperial, including a year abroad and a year in industry.
salisburyandavon.co.uk
"His advice to students is ‘brute force practice’. Harry remarked on the great community and the excellent teaching at SWGS," the spokesperson said.
Fenella Ferguson received A* (history), A* (art) and A (English Lit) and is now going to study history at Cambridge.
"Her advice was to organise, prioritise and know what you are capable of," the spokesperson went on.
"She said she has thoroughly
enjoyed her time at SWGS, loves all her teachers who have been incredibly supportive, especially with interview practice and UCAS preparations."
Annie Johnson is going to study Natural Sciences at Cambridge, the spokesperson said.
"She worked hard, feels lucky to have studied at SWGS, felt well supported and is very grateful to the SWGS team," they added.
Summing up the results, the spokesperson said: "Our students continue to excel, and the results were an improvement from the strong results we saw in 2023.
"A high proportion of our students were accepted onto their first-choice universities or degree apprenticeships, including six students with offers for medicine, two for veterinary science and 100% success for those with Oxbridge places.
"This year’s success is a testament to the students’ positive approach to their studies and sheer hard work.
"The SWGS co-educational Sixth Form continues to go from strength-to-strength, combining strong academic excellence alongside a friendly, nurturing environment.
"As we wish our outgoing cohort all the very best for the future, we look forward to welcoming a new generation of sixth form students."
Fenella, Joe and Harry, above, are heading off to university
Niamh was smiling after her results
Medics Harshita, Anika, Ella and Poppy
All pictures: SWGS
Grants now available for low-income students heading to university in 2025
YOUNGpeople looking to go to university could receive a grant of up to £1,600 a year if they are from a low income family.
Students will be finding out their A-Level results this Thursday, August 15 with many hopeful of attending university. But some may also be worrying about how they will be able to fund living expenses during their studies.
Wiltshire Community Foundation’s University Bursary programme awards £1,600 for each academic year of their degree to students under the age of 25, to help reduce the gap between the maximum student loan available and what their families can afford to support them.
The grant funding can support general living expenses, course costs, travel, as well as books and equipment. People aged 24 and under who live in Wiltshire or Swindon and they or their parents/guardians are receiving two elements of Universal Credit are eligible to apply.
According to the National Student Accommodation Survey 2024, the average monthly rent for students is £550, with those living in university accommodation paying on average £596 a month.
Similarly, the Sutton Trust Cost of Living survey, conducted in January 2023, reported that 33% of students from a lower socio-economic background reported skipping meals.
The programme has been running since 2008 and last year awarded £348,000 in grants to 68 young people from across Wiltshire and Swindon.
The Wiltshire Community Foundation said that recipients have made a “real difference” to ease financial worries and allow students to focus on their studies.
Kathryn Gadd, a recipient of our
University Bursaries, studied a higher national diploma of Film and TV at New College Swindon.
She said: “It has helped massively, to be honest because I don’t have a car, I don’t have a driver’s licence, a moped, anything! So, I have to rely on buses which can get really expensive.
“Although I did receive some money from student loans to cover course fees, my job didn’t pay enough for me to consistently be able to travel to and from the college and get to the different places that I needed to.
“The process was really simple, it was easy to apply, and then once you put through your documents, the communication between me and one of the members at Wiltshire Community Foundation was really good, whatever I didn’t give or forgot to give they let me know.
“The grant has made a complete difference to me; I wouldn’t have been able to attend higher education otherwise. Knowing that I could have that support at the start made me motivated to actually go in and try.”
Wiltshire Community Foundation grants manager, Nicola Hillier, said: “We are so proud of our University Bursary programme, as it allows us to make a difference to so many young people’s lives in our community every year.
“It is absolutely heart breaking that so many young people miss out on the
chance to go to higher education and fulfil their dreams, through situations out of their control. These grants are here for them to be able to access these opportunities that were previously just out of reach.
“In our latest round, we had a success rate for applicants being awarded grants of 84.5%, and usually average between 80% and 90%, so we encourage all those who are eligible to apply. We are here to support with the application every step of the way.”
To register your interest in the University Bursary programme for the 2025/26 academic year, visit wiltshirecf.org.uk/ grants-and-support/individuals.
Talk on 'overwhelming' time in the Middle East
THE experiences of three months in East Jerusalem will be discussed at a talk in Salisbury on September 11.
Between January and April this year, the Very Reverend Nicholas Papadopulos volunteered in the Middle East with the World Council of Churches’ Ecumenical
Accompaniment Programme in Palestine and Israel (WCC/ EAPPI).
In what he described as "an overwhelming experience", he monitored human rights, visited holy sites, worshipped in different churches, spoke with many people and many organizations, lived through the
Muslim observance of Ramadan, and celebrated Holy Week and Easter in the city where Jesus died and rose again – all against the merciless backdrop of the war in Gaza.
He will tell the stories from his time in the Middle East from 7pm at St Thomas' Church. What is daily life under
occupation really like, what are the implications for human rights and international law and what can be done to promote a just peace in Israel-Palestine?
Nicholas will be familiar to many as Dean of Salisbury.
Entry to the talk is free, with donations being encouraged to EAPPI.
Have your say on new Wiltshire traveller sites
PEOPLE are being urged to have their say over plans to allocate sites in Wiltshire for Gypsies, Travellers and travelling showpeople.
Wiltshire Council has launched a consultation on the proposed Gypsies and Travellers Development Plan Document, which runs until 5pm on Friday, October 4.
All Local Planning Authorities must plan for all members of the community, including Gypsies and Travellers, including providing solutions for accommodation needs.
The document will identify and allocate sites to meet the need.
Cllr Nick Botterill, cabinet member for strategic planning, said: "The draft Gypsies and Travellers Development Plan Document sets out how we propose to plan growth for the housing needs of Gypsies, Travellers and travelling showpeople in Wiltshire up to 2038.
"At this stage in the process, it’s very important that we get feedback and comments from everyone with an interest in the plan."
To enable people to ask questions and find out more, the council is holding five in-person drop-in events, as well as one online.
Meanwhile, people can read the Gypsies and Travellers Development Plan Document and supporting consultation documents on the council’s website and at the main council offices at County Hall, Trowbridge, Monkton Park, Chippenham, and Bourne Hill, Salisbury.
The plan will also be available in many Wiltshire Council libraries.
People can share their views through the council’s online portal, and anyone without internet access can visit a library to use the computers, or contact the council to get a written copy of the representation form and find out how to view the documents.
Below is a list of the in-person consultation events, while anyone who wishes to attend the online event must sign up beforehand.
For more details, visit www.wiltshire.gov.uk/planning-gypsytravellers.
September 3 - 6pm-7.30pm: Online
September 4 - 4.30pm-7pm: Five Rivers Health and Wellbeing Centre, Hulse Road, Salisbury
September 5 - 4.30pm-7pm: Devizes Library, Sheep Street, Devizes
September 9 - 4.30pm-7pm: Olympiad Leisure Centre, Sadlers Mead, Chippenham
September 11 - 4.30pm-7pm: Royal Wootton Bassett library, 11 Borough Fields, Royal Wootton Bassett
September 12 - 4.30pm-7pm: Atrium, County Hall, Bythesea Road, Trowbridge
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Volunteering
Phyll can't resist an adventureeven in her 100th year!
WHATdo you envisage spending your time doing should you reach your 100th year?
More time in the garden, perhaps, or relaxing with friends and family?
Well, for one Salisbury woman, her 100th year is rather more target-led.
Phyll Babb is intending to complete 100 walks, each of one mile, to raise money for a city homelessness charity.
She will walk from her home, round the famous Cathedral Close and back again, using a Rollator aid of the type made famous by Captain Sir Tom Moore.
All money she raises will go to Salisbury Trust for the Homeless (STFH), which helps local homeless people get their lives back on track.
"I only decided to do this very recently," said Phyll, who was 99 on July 13.
"I was at the annual Salisbury Trust for the Homeless fundraising summer party and I thought, 'Here am I
having a lovely time, and still fit and healthy. I can do something to help those less fortunate than I am'."
She plans to complete the walks – which take about 45 minutes – twice a week over the next year so she can finish the last one in time for her 100th birthday - July 13, 2025.
"STFH has helped such a lot of people who have been in its houses retrain and get back to normal living," said Phyll, a former chair of the Trust and a long-time volunteer for the charity.
Gordon Pardy, head of fundraising for STFH, said:
"We are so grateful to Phyll for undertaking this typically gutsy fundraising project in her 100th year.
"Our charity does not receive any financial support from central or local government and so we are very much dependant on the generosity of the public in Wiltshire and further afield."
Born in Bideford, north Devon, Phyll went to Exeter University before working as a teacher.
In 1949, in perhaps an indication of the adventurous spirit se evident now, she travelled by sea alone to Jamaica where she taught in a
girl’s grammar school for three years.
After a brief spell in England, she took off again to Vancouver, western Canada, before returning to the UK to look after her disabled mother.
Back home in Bideford, she carried on teaching, but was also a keen member of the local yacht club, becoming secretary and then Rear Commodore.
In 1986, she retired and the following year moved to Salisbury, where she became involved in a range of voluntary work – the Probation Service, Victim Support and U3A (University of the Third Age), for which she undertook senior roles at national level and was placed on the U3A Roll of Honour. She first got involved with STFH in 1998 and was chair from 2004 to 2009.
Now, she is once again pursuing an adventurous task, and is asking people to make donations to STFH via JustGiving, via www.justgiving. com/page/phyllbabb-1722779310016.
Phyll Babb is walking 100 miles in her 100th year to raise money for STFH
Phyll in Jamaica in 1952, left, and later on-deck in England
'Unsafe' listed building demolished
AN‘unsafe’ listed building in Warminster town centre has been demolished.
The move came after legal action was taken against the owner of 3 High Street by Wiltshire Council over the “decline in its structural integrity and the dangerous state of its scaffolding”.
The council said the building had been a “long-standing safety concern” for the Building Control team.
In November 2023, the owner was served notice under Section 77 Building Act 1984, which required for the immediate dangers to be mitigated.
A subsequent court order from Swindon Magistrates Court ordered the owners to remove all the herbaceous growth from the front and side
elevation; reinstate the plywood hoarding to the scaffold to prevent access to the scaffold and the building; remove all loose masonry from the front
FUNERAL DIRECTORS
and side elevations; and ensure a structural assessment is undertaken by a specialist.
However, the owner instead elected to demolish the building, which has now happened.
Work to demolish listed buildings is allowed in ’emergency situations’, where ‘works are urgently required in the interests of public safety or the security of the building’.
Wiltshire Council said consent for the demolition was given due to the poor condition of the building and due to there being no further safe opportunity for temporary works, scaffolding, propping or shoring that could make it safe.
Cllr Nick Botterill, cabinet member for development management and strategic planning, said: “I’d like to praise the Building Control
officers involved in seeing this case through to its conclusion.
“It has been a very challenging, time-consuming case, with the building having been an ever-increasing concern since October 2014.”
Yet, Cllr Botterill acknowledged concerns the long-standing legal battle had, ultimately simply led to the demolition of a building that was protected.
“As our Business Plan states we have a duty to deliver professional building control services and enforce breaches of planning control in order to protect our residents,” he added.
“While we know it is disappointing for the local residents and councillors that ultimately the building has been demolished rather than restored, we had a duty to ensure that the site was made safe.”
now-empty site in Warminster High Street, top, and above, how the building looked before demolition Pictures: Wiltshire Council/Google
manager, Antoinette Roberts
ACHEF
is celebrating three decades of cooking up a storm for care home residents - including creating creative birthday cakes!
Hayley Dibden, head chef at Wilton Place Care Home, in Wilton, has worked for Barchester Healthcare for 30 years.
She joined Milford House Nursing Home, in Milford, as a kitchen assistant in 1994, moving up through the ranks until reaching the position of head chef in 2002.
Over the years, Hayley has become a well-respected member of staff and a familiar face to many of Milford House’s residents.
In 2023, it was time for a change, so she transferred to Wilton Place.
"As head chef at Wilton Place she uses her talents to create delicious and nutritious meals for the residents," a Barchester spokesperson said.
"They also enjoy themed evenings with various culinary accompaniments.
"She is renowned for her wonderfully creative birthday cakes too."
Residents and team members at the home joined in congratulating her on receiving her long service award from general manager, Antoinette Roberts, who presented her with flowers and gifts.
"We are all in awe of Hayley’s achievement," Antoinette said.
"She is a valued member of the Wilton Place team and we are delighted to have her working alongside us providing the best possible experience for our residents.
"Here’s to the next 30 years Hayley!"
Hayley, right, was presented with flowers and gifts by general
cakes are renowned among staff and residents
Founder's farm at the heart of plan to transform land and drive nature's recovery
ANEW, ground-breaking partnership is set to transform a Wiltshire farm in a bid to create a "thriving hub for nature's recovery and regenerative farming".
The National Trust and Wiltshire Wildlife Trust have joined forces for a project at Great Chalfield Manor - including on land once owned by one of the WWT's founders.
It marks a new chapter for the historic estate, which has been in the care of the National Trust since 1943, when the manor and part of the estate was gifted to the heritage and conservation charity.
Around 20,000 people visit the medieval manor and garden each year.
Alongside the announcement of the partnership, the National Trust has acquired a further 33 hectares (82 acres) of land to ensure the countryside setting of the farm is protected for decades to come.
An additional collaboration with the Great Western Community Forest will see 11,000 trees planted in a way that integrates them into the farming system as woodland blocks, agroforestry and wood pasture for climate resilience.
The farm and estate are currently cared for by the original donor’s grandson, Robert Floyd, and his wife Patsy, who have also farmed the land for several decades in a nature friendly way.
Due to their upcoming retirement from farming, the National Trust has acquired this farmland to extend the wider estate within its care and has today announced plans to lease 138 hectares (340 acres) to the Wiltshire Wildlife Trust.
This partnership is particularly meaningful as Robert Floyd's father, Charles, was one of the Wiltshire Wildlife Trust’s founders.
The aim for the land is to develop a learning hub where farmers and landholders can learn how to develop a range of nature-based solutions.
This will include the creation of speciesrich grassland and hedgerows, wood pasture and ponds to tackle the nature and climate crisis and access new markets for environmental services as part of a regenerative farming system that prioritises soil health.
It will also allow the two charities to
demonstrate how farmers can unlock new sources of Green Finance like Biodiversity Net Gain by integrating nature-based projects in their farming system creating new income streams for landowners and farmers while also regenerating the soil, improving climate resilience and supporting nature’s recovery.
The manor and garden will continue to open to visitors, welcomed by Robert and Patsy on behalf of the National Trust.
Robert said: "My late father used to say - ‘It all starts with the plants’ - so this is a wonderful opportunity now to create positive interaction between nature and our farming communities.
"This new partnership will demonstrate how cost effective arable and livestock farming can flourish alongside creating and caring for resilient habitats and increasing biodiversity.
"This will build on the work we’ve been doing for half a century where we have created and maintained wildlife corridors and habitats on the farm.
"With sustainable farming initiatives, there will be opportunities to generate
income through biodiversity net gain, and to plant more trees and hedgerows, where appropriate, but especially trees on the poorer, less productive land which will help absorb carbon, and create new homes for nature."
Ian Wilson, National Trust director of operations for Wiltshire and Dorset, said: "We are excited to be working with Wiltshire Wildlife Trust and the Great Western Community Forest to find a new future for Great Chalfield.
"By working in partnership with Wiltshire Wildlife Trust, we will be able to create more space for nature, address the climate crisis and demonstrate how through a partnership such as this we can deliver for people and for nature.
"Great Chalfield will become a place where nature can continue to thrive, where tree planting will help address the challenges of climate change and where people will be able to come to see first-hand how our land can be managed for nature and food production."
Wiltshire Wildlife Trust’s plan is to balance the needs of nature’s recovery, climate resilience and food production at Great Chalfield, and to support farmers to understand the new incentive framework for nature-friendly farming.
The Trust believes only farmers can lead the way to nature’s recovery in a farming county like Wiltshire and restore the abundance of much-loved farmland birds like skylarks, yellowhammers, lapwing and grey partridge.
Joanna Lewis, chief executive, said: "We’re delighted to be taking on the management of this land as part of this exciting collaboration with the National
Part of the Great Chalfield Manor estate, left, is set to be transformed thanks to the new partnership. Above is a tree corridor on farmland, while below left is an aerial view of the farmland set to be part of the project
Trust and Great Western Community Forest.
"This collaboration brings Wiltshire Wildlife Trust back to the family home of our former Chair, whose father was one of the Trust’s founders.
"Great Chalfield has always been a special place, where space is made for
nature in the farmed landscape.
"One of our aims is to create a learning hub for nature-friendly farmers, showcasing how nature and trees can be an integral part of a regenerative farming system, and how green finance can help make that profitable too."
E James Speller, Great Western Community Forest director trees for Climate Programme says: “Securing this land on behalf of the National Trust with Trees for Climate funding demonstrates Great Western Community Forest’s commitment to working with landowners in achieving sustainable and productive environmental objectives and goals. It is anticipated that this way of farming at Great Chalfield will be a benchmark of how farming methods can integrate trees back into the agricultural landscape.”
The first steps for the site will be for the team to assess the land to ensure the charities understand the history, existing biodiversity and agricultural value.
Work will include soil testing to understanding the sites hydrology, tree surveys and assessing grazing rotations.
In partnership with the Great Western Community Forest, Wiltshire Wildlife Trust will immediately start work on the treeplanting initiative.
Group welcomes pledge to halve violence against women and girls
ASALISBURY
women's
group has given a cautious welcome to the Government's plan to halve cases of violence against women and girls.
The pledge was announced as part of the recent King's Speech, the first by the new Labour Government.
It came as the National Police Chiefs Council and the College of Policing issued a report which said violence against women and girls should be treated as an epidemic - a national emergency.
The Salisbury Soroptimists, who have been running a Women’s Safety Campaign over the last three years, has given a cautious welcome to the announcement.
Nationally, Soroptimist International is asking the Government to work with Civil society groups to create an inclusive plan for action within the time frame of this parliament.
It is estimated annually more than two million women are
victims of violence perpetrated by men – 1 in 12.
"The police are already implementing better training and resourcing to tackle this problem, but they cannot work in isolation," a Salisbury Soroptimists spokesperson said.
"It is a problem involving the whole of society. Here in Salisbury, the local Soroptimist group have already held a conference to bring together a wide range of community groups to work on a project 'Making our City Safer' which has a main emphasis on women and girls.
"This led to an audit of street lighting in the city to identify dark places. The Area Board subsequently commissioned a report to address some of these findings.
"Sports groups and some communities were offered self-defence training, and by-stander training has been publicised – this training is to enable anyone to safely intervene if they see an incident
happening. It can be accessed free online via the Suzy Lamplugh Trust."
Salisbury Soroptimists have also organised School Forums to inform young people about healthy relationships, consent, the dangers of online pornography and the importance of language in shaping attitudes.
President of the Salisbury Soroptimists group, Michele
Smith, added: "We call on all women to report incidents of violence so that the true picture is evident.
"We also call on men to speak out to friends and colleagues, about attitudes and language used about women.
"Everyone has a mother – would you wish her to be abused either verbally or physically?"
Care home residents enjoy special wine tasting session
RESIDENTS at a Salisbury care home enjoyed some English tipples during a special wine tasting session.
Wilton Place Care Home, in Wilton, enjoyed the English wine tasting adventure, hosted by Ways with Wine.
Experts from the Wilton firm provided the evenings’ entertainment with expert knowledge and a range of wines.
The tipples were accompanied by a range of English snacks, including homemade sausage rolls, mini Cornish pasties, Jersey potatoes and cheese, courtesy of Wilton Place's chef, Richard Amey.
General manager, Antoinette Roberts, said: "This is the third time Paula from Ways with Wine has shared her wine knowledge and enthusiasm with us, another great evening.
"We are always keen to collaborate with other local businesses so the event ticked the box on a number of levels.
"The only problem is, we can’t decide which country to taste next."
Is Pierre's colour putting people off?
PIERRE
has been looking for a forever home for nine months - but staff at the RSPCA Ashley Heath Animal Centre believe he is being overlooked for one simple reason - the colour of his coat.
The loving lurcher has a brindle coat, which animal care assistant Hollie Jones believes his colour may have something to do with his prolonged stay at the centre.
"Pierre is such a wonderful dog; he’s a smart, active, playful dog who absolutely loves to spend time with people," she said.
"He came into our care in November 2023 with another dog who has been successfully rehomed and now, sadly, Pierre has been left on his own still searching for his forever home.
"We don’t understand why no one seems to want him as we know he’ll make such a
wonderful pet.
"Sadly, we do tend to find that brindle dogs take us longer to rehome and the RSPCA has found, previously, that brindle dogs are the colour of dog who spend the longest with us."
The 18-month-old is looking for an active home where he can enjoy lots of exercise and mental stimulation.
He’d excel at new activities, games and training, and would love a private, secure garden where he can play and run around, Hollie added.
"Pierre is such a goofball. But he’s very smart and focused," she said.
"He absolutely loves his treats and is very eager to please so he has been a delight to train.
"He has a real zest for life but had, at
CCTV appeal after stamps stolen
STAMPS worth £500 were stolen from a business in Salisbury.
Police have issued a CCTV image of a person they would like to trace in connection with the theft, which happened at around 9.50am on July 27.
The collectible stamps were taken from a business in Fisherton Street and police are keen to hear from anyone who recognises the person pictured.
A spokesperson said: “Do you
recognise this man?
“We would like to speak to him in connection with the theft of collectable stamps from a business on Fisherton Street, Salisbury.
“We believe this man may be able to help with our enquiries."
Anyone who recognises the person pictured, or has information about the theft, should contact police on 101, quoting reference number 54240085914.
first, struggled with socialising with other dogs so we’ve been working on this with him.
"He’s been able to make some good doggy friends and is now much calmer when meeting new people, but we’d love his new owners to continue this training in his new home.
"He’s spent some time with our staff at home and has really thrived away from the kennels. He loves snuggling on the sofa and going out on new adventures.
"Pierre will make such a wonderful companion and a really fun pet so we’re hoping there’s someone out there who will fall in love with him, brindle coat and all."
Pierre is looking for a home with no other pets and could live with older children.
RSPCA staff think lovable lurcher Pierre's coat colour might be putting people off...
'Rejoice! The disastrous tunnel plan is dead'
NEWSthe disastrous plan for a tunnel near the Stonehenge has been cancelled should be welcomed by any self-respecting devotee of anything great about our world. It may sound dramatic, but quite frankly, we have one of the world's great landmarks here, on our doorstep, and what do we want to do? Build a ruddy great tunnel nearby. Unbelievable.
Before we even consider what we might be disturbing beneath the surface, were we seriously putting the needs of people driving cars above thousands and thousands of years of history?
When you think about it, it's just unbelievable, that we would think it's okay to desecrate this piece of land - which was clearly held in such reverence by our forefathers - because we want to get to work, or the seaside, 20 minutes faster?
I've been asking myself these questions ever since the shocking plan was revealed what feels like decades ago.
Now, I can finally rest easy that a spot so appreciated for so
long, will not have to endure years of disruption - all in the name of convenience.
I'm sure whchever Gods were worshipped there are rejoicing now - and I am happy to join them.
P WALDER
by email!
Doyou ever feel nobody is talking to you or they make no sense? Does the cashier at the supermarket speak clearly? Do you need subtitles on the TV but don’t want everyone else to get annoyed?
You are not alone. There are lots of us who cannot hear as well as we used to. Like me, get some help. I went to lipreading classes in Salisbury and my world changed.
I still can’t hear everything but I can understand a lot more. Deafness is the most isolating disability where communication is the key element.
Lipreading classes in central Salisbury take place on Wednesdays, catering for beginners and more experienced
students.
Lessons cover a multitude of topics. You will meet others who suffer similar problems.
Discover how to overcome the frustration and embarrassment and rekindle your enjoyment of social occasions, your hobbies and clubs again.
For the deafened person, learning new skills to maintain and enhance communication can be a huge bonus when among family, friends and in everyday situations.
Each lesson lasts for about 30 minutes with a break. The next block starts in September.
Get your life back. No one can fail a lipreading classeveryone is a winner!
Find out more by emailing Michelle on tutor. wordofmouth@gmail.com
MICHELLE BARTHOLOMEW
IAGREE
with Name and Address Supplied ('Sir Kier - earn more in Wiltshire!', Letters, July 29) about the excessive salary of the chief executive of Wiltshire Council.
Factoid of the Fortnight
YOU may find yourself reading this on a lovely day, enjoying an extra day off - the August Bank Holiday. But don't count yourself too lucky - we used to have 33 bank holidays each year in the UK.
That was the case up until 1834, when someone in authority deemed it too much, and reduced it to just four.
And this bank holiday - in Augusthasn't always been on the last weekend of the month.
Up until 1971, it was always scheduled on the first Monday of August, but was moved due to clashes with factory shutdowns, common at the time.
Bank holidays are named for exactly
what they describe - holidays for banks, days when our money holders were allowed to shut.
But did you know they were actually made legal by a banker - Liberal politician (and banker) Sir John Lubbock?
Sir John - pictured right - a hero to us all for his efforts I'm sure, as well as for his absolutely admirable beard work, authored the Bank Holidays Act, which made our beloved days off official. Indeed, so revered were his efforts by the people of the United Kingson, bank holidays used to be called St Lubbock's Days, but unfortunately, the name didn't stick.
Sor John, we salute you.
As he or she points out, it is significantly more than that of the Prime Minister; and almost as much as a High Court Judge (£195k).
The latter is a prestigious part of this nation's constitution; whereas the chief executive of Wiltshire simply runs a council, generally regarded as underperforming.
For example, despite its clear legal duty to house homeless people, a homeless man I knew in recent years was told they could do nothing for him as, having not just come out of prison, he was not "priority need".
The council has a reputation, unfortunately, for its efficiency level leaving something to be desired.
As you report ('New chief Lucy set to start at Wiltshire Council', July 25), the salary of the new incumbent is to be £184k.
The public, such as your correspondent, will inevitably question why she needs to be paid such a vast annual sum.
TOM CURR Salisbury
Fibre firm joins forces with New Forest charity
THEarrival of superfast broadband in parts of the New Forest is being accompanied by a charitable gesture by the firm behind it.
Customers in Sway and Brockenhurst are now being connected to Wessex Internet’s full fibre broadband, as the firm announces its support for SPUD, a New Forest-based charity that engages communities through a broad programme of art, design, ecology and architecture.
Rural towns and villages in the New Forest are benefitting from a £14 million Project Gigabit investment awarded by the government to Wessex Internet last year, which will see more than 10,500 properties connected to faster, more reliable gigabit-capable broadband.
Homes and businesses in Sway and Brockenhurst – two of the larger areas covered by the project – are now going live, including SPUD’s workshops, studios and galleries.
Hector Gibson Fleming, CEO of Wessex Internet, said: "Alongside our passion to
connect rural communities that are often overlooked, other big differences between Wessex Internet and traditional providers are that we work in partnership with the communities we will connect before we even build our network, and that we seek to support organisations that make an ongoing impact in those communities.
"During our early meetings with the Parish Council and residents to explain how we would bring ultrafast broadband to Sway, we became aware of SPUD, who are based in the village but engage across the whole New Forest, especially with young people, marginalised individuals, and groups who haven’t got involved with arts and cultural projects before.
"Their inspiring and eclectic SPUDWORKS base in Sway hosts exhibitions by a range of local, national and international artists; has workshops used by community groups including dementia support activities, art taster sessions and youth projects; provides affordable
studio space for emerging artists; and houses their small team of staff.
"It was clear to us that their busy site - which includes digital screens and artists working with video footagewas stifled by a slow and unreliable traditional internet connection, so we have provided them with a full fibre business package for a nominal £1 per month, saving them £1,200 each year, as well as providing this cutting-edge connectivity that will support all their artists and initiatives for years to come, we are also sponsoring some of their upcoming events."
SPUD events being supported by Wessex Internet in 2024 include a video project made by young people that launched on August 17, the Art Angels Showcase in September - where amateur artists who have attended workshops at SPUD over the year will share their work - and a joint initiative with the New Forest National Park Authority to support SPUD’s flagship Open Exhibition in December, which
will attract work from artists across the region.
Mark Drury, director of SPUD and a Fellow of the Royal Society of Arts, said: "Improved, high-speed connectivity will help those working at the SPUDWORKS base in Sway to work on a range of digital initiatives, especially audio and visual work.
"It also allows us to video conference with partners and artists around the world and bring our work to a wider audience.
"We are delighted to have the support of Wessex Internet with a number of upcoming exhibitions that celebrate our local community of artists at SPUDWORKS and hope we can develop a strong partnership for the future."
Wessex Internet has also started to connect other residential and business customers in Sway and Brockenhurst, while work to extend their ultrafast network to communities in Hordle, Setley, Bisterne and Tyrrell will soon be finished.
Wessex Internet has connected SPUD in more ways than one
Birdsong heading to Playhouse
REHEARSALS
are underway for an upcoming production of Birdsong.
The First World War story of love and loss will be at the Salisbury Playhouse from September 6 to 14, with a brand-new production marking the 30th anniversary of Sebastian Faulks’ best-selling novel.
It is being presented by Original Theatre and JAS Theatricals, in association with Joshua Beaumont & Huw Allen, Birdsong Productions & Wiltshire Creative.
Max Bowden (EastEnders) will play Jack Firebrace and James Esler (Litvinenko) will play Stephen Wraysford, alongside Charlie Russell (The Goes Wrong Show, And Then There Were None (BBC)) as Isabelle Azaire.
They are joined by Joseph Benjamin Baker as Evans/Levi, Raif Clarke as Tipper, James Findlay as Brennan, Dave Fishley as Turner, Gracie Follows as Lisette, Sulin Hasso as Marguerite, Tama Phethean as Shaw/LeBrun, Natalie Radmall-Quirke as Jeanne, Roger Ringrose as Bérard/Barclay and Sargon Yelda as René Azaire/Gray.
Birdsong, which tells the story of one man’s journey through an all-consuming love affair and into the horror of the First World War, is adapted by Rachel Wagstaff and directed by Original Theatre’s artistic director, Alastair Whatley.
Design is by Richard Kent, lighting by Jason Taylor, music composition by Sophie Cotton, sound by Dominic Bilkey, and casting by Ellie Collyer-Bristow (CDG).
The producers of Birdsong are working in partnership with the Royal British Legion during the tour. See birdsongplay.com.
For more details, visit www.birdsongplay.com.
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Field &
‘Where have all the butterflies gone?’
WHEREhave all the butterflies gone?
Some of us may have noticed the days of discovering the front of the car splattered with insects following a summer journey have long since gone.
The decline in the number of insects has been well documented in recent years but by many has gone largely unnoticed. This year however the absence of butterflies has been attracting a lot of attention.
“I’m a bit alarmed by how few butterflies there are.
Something is afoot,” noted recent recruit to the farming community, Jeremy Clarkson.
Farmers, people living in villages, walkers and gardeners have become the most acutely aware of this phenomenon. The most obvious reasons for this sudden and noticeable decline are reduction in habitat due to human activity, the unusual increase in rainfall, and lower
‘Enough
IHAVEjust got back from a stunning week in Cornwall, right down near Penzance.
We camped on a farm, walked, visited the Minack theatre, and ate our weight in ice cream, it was idyllic. Of course, we also went to various beaches and played in the sea.
For the first time before visiting a new beach, I felt the need to check the Surfers Against Sewage website to confirm the water where we wished to paddle was clean enough.
Their free Safer Seas & Rivers Service allows you to check for sewage pollution alerts in real-time.
Not a service I ever thought to have to use but I am so glad it exists
The state of our rivers and coastlines remains a pressing issue for many people and rightly so. Water companies are
spring temperatures.
2024 count data suggests butterflies have had their worst year on record. In 2022, records revealed a third successive year of record lows (2023 proved an unexpectedly good year).
Butterflies are a drop in the ocean in terms of insect species – there are only about 60 species of butterfly in the UK, but more than 24,000 insect species.
We know they are very sensitive to environmental changes. They are the best
Cllr John Wells Labour chair of Environment and Climate Committee (Salisbury City Council)
indicator of how the rest of our insects are thriving.
The climate crisis is changing the natural rhythm of the seasons, to which insects are finely tuned and makes extreme events more likely.
While one bad year is not an indication that things have changed long term, unusual weather conditions are increasing in frequency.
So what can we do to help?
• Encourage bee-friendly wild flowers.
• Let the grass grow long.
• Avoiding pesticides will help all insects.
• Create variation within a garden so insects can protect themselves against extreme conditions.
• Get out a spade and creating a mound of earth, so that on hot days they have shady sides to keep cool.
That variation helps buffer species from the most extreme temperatures.
A shaded slope relative to a sun-facing one can be 5C cooler. Under mature canopies of woodland it can be 10C cooler
The bigger challenge is tackling the climate crisis to reduce the frequency of extreme weather events.
“We don’t need to stop climate change to save the butterflies. We need to stop climate change to save ourselves,” says ecologist Dr Richard Fox.
is enough: Clean our waters’
continuing to discharge sewage into our waterways despite the public outcry against it.
While I accept change takes time, I was shocked to read that sewage discharge breaches in 2023 were higher than in 2021 and 2022.
A Freedom of Information request by the Liberal Democrats revealed that there were almost 700 permit breaches by England’s water
Victoria Charleston Lib Dem Parliamentary spokesperson for Salisbury constituency
companies in 2023 alone.
That is 700 times sewage has been discharged onto our beaches and into our rivers.
Even more shockingly, 255 of those breaches relate to sewage discharges when there was no rainfall or snow melts to cause overflow problems.
Liberal Democrats called for the last Conservative Government to take action on this national scandal,
demanding that the government crack down on water companies who are found guilty of breaching their environmental permits.
We called for water company exec bonuses to be banned for any firm found to breach permits.
Last year, water company executives earned £51 million, including £31 million in bonuses.
Now is the time for the new Government to act. Labour has no time to waste in holding these disgraced firms to account.
Liberal Democrats are continuing to call for an immediate ban on all exec bonuses, but also complete reform of the water industry. Enough really is enough, this scandal needs to end for the sake of our environment and all who enjoy it.
William Golding's Lord of the Flies gets the graphic novel treatment...
LORDof the Flies - written by former Salisbury teacher William Golding - has had a makeover for the first time ever.
The book has been adapted into a graphic novel by Aimée de Jongh, which is set to be released on September 12, published by Faber.
Although he produced 12 volumes of fiction throughout his life, Golding achieved fame with his debut effort, Lord of the Flies - which tells the story of a group of boys left to govern themselves after being stranded on a desert island.
Covering themes including morality, chaos and the human condition, the novel, first published in 1954, is now common on the curriculum at schools such as Bishop Wordworth's, in Salisbury, where the author taught.
He took up a role at the school in April 1940. He joined the Navy in December that year, serving until 1945, when he returned to Bishop Wordsworth's, teaching English, philosophy, Greek and drama
until 1961.
A blue plaque is in situ at Bishop Wordsworth's School, detailing Golding's role as a schoolmaster.
He was awarded the Nobel Prize for Literature in 1983 and knighted in 1988, before he passed away in 1993, aged 81.
Now, his seminal story has been reworked into a graphic novel, a popular format in modern literature.
Aimee, a renowned graphic novelist in her own right, has developed the book, which will be followed by a new hardback edition of Golding's original story in November.
"Originally published in 1954, William Golding’s beloved novel, one of the BBC’s ‘100 Novels that Shaped Our World’, has been at the heart of literary culture ever since," a Faber spokesperson said.
"Now, for the first time, comes a stunning graphic novel adaptation of this classic story, by the acclaimed artist Aimée de Jongh.
"Loyal fans and new readers alike will be spellbound by this gorgeous, full-colour volume.
"Faber will also publish a beautiful new hardback edition of Golding’s perennial classic, in November 2024."
Lord of the Flies has had an
impact around the world, selling millions of copies and being translated into 45 languages.
Horror author Stephen King has said it was the "first book that reached out of the pages
and seized me by the throat", while Ian McEwan said it "thrills me with a power a fiction can have".
But it was rejected by numerous publishers when Golding first touted the storythen titled Strangers from Within.
It was eventually picked up from a 'slush pile' by a young Faber editor called Charles Monteith.
The rest, as they say, is history, with the work being cited as influences up to the modern day, including for novels such as The Hunger Games, which has gone on to become a hit Netflix series.
Meanwhile, Lord of the Flies will again be adapted for the screen, with the BBC set to commence shooting this month in South East Asia for a four-part series written by Jack Thorne and directed by Marc Munden.
The graphic novel will be available in hardback from September 12, published by Faber, costing £20.
Lord of the Flies by William Golding, inset centre, has been adapted as a graphic novel by renowned novelist, Aimée de Jongh, left Pictures: Bob Bruyn/Faber
Trio set for Fisherton Mill exhibition
ARTISTS
Scarlet Leatham, Geraldine McLoughlin and David Walker are making a return to the Main Gallery at Fisherton Mill next month.
From Sunday, September 7, to Saturday, October 5, visitors will be able to enjoy a collection of work the trio hope will "both excite the viewer's interest and highlight the variety and joy of
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art". Entitled 'Triple Vision', the display reflects their own deeply personal and individual views of the world through photography and glass.
David combines his passions of photography and travel to reflect sensitively on the social infrastructure of many cultures, focussing on the extraordinary development of street art and how it grows organically within existing environments.
"I love walking around the streets of London or New York (my favourite city in the world and truly a photographers paradise) and stumbling on some of the most amazing images you could imagine," he said.
Scarlet has always celebrated colour, light and form, especially in relation to nature and architecture.
She enjoys observing subjects from a different viewpoint, looking for details in
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her surroundings both natural or man-made.
"I am a firm believer that you can find beauty or interest in everything around you if you only take the time to look closely enough," she explained.
Geraldine McLoughlin's glass works are influenced by conservation, earth patterns and water in all of it's forms.
Her works can be placed inside or out.
She likes to challenge herself, pushing the boundaries of her work through temperature control and experimentation, with her current focus on working with kiln-formed and cast glass, which she says
"provides an unmatched opportunity for innovation".
Admission to the gallery is free, open between Monday and Friday from 9.30am to 5pm and on Saturdays between 9am and 5.30pm.
For more information on the exhibition -and the mill - email admin@fishertonmill.co.uk, or log on to www.fishertonmill.co. uk.
The Summer Brocante
Advertising Feature
The perfect way to end the summer with a visit to this beautiful home and lifestyle fair hosted by The Dorset Brocante at Moyles Court, nr Ringwood. We are delighted to be hosting this event in the sublime setting of Moyles Court in the New Forest.
With some of the very best Exhibitors offering French Brocante, vintage wares, decorative antiques, textiles, jewellery, stationery, slow fashion, plants, flowers and artisan homewares. Local artisan foodies will be serving fresh coffee and delicious food all day.
The gates open at 10am on Bank Holiday Monday 26th August, where you’ll find the stalls set out on the lawns and in the historic courtyard. Entry is £7:50 for adults, U14 free. Tickets can be bought in advance or on the gate. Dogs on leads are welcome and there is free parking on site and accessible facilities.
Moyles Court is located between Ringwood and Salisbury just off the A31 and A338.
For more details or to book advance tickets, please visit www.thedorsetbrocante.co.uk
A piece by David Walker
Arts & Entertainment
Full steam ahead for popular country fayre in aid of Stars Appeal
THOUSANDS of people are expecting a fun day out at a fundraising fayre being held next month.
All ages are welcome at the Berwick St John Country Fayre on September 14 and 15, which is raising money for the Stars Appeal, Salisbury Hospital’s Charity.
Attractions on offer include steam engines, vintage tractors, dog show, rural crafts, beer and tea tents, heavy horses and classic cars, as well as a live auction held by Southern Counties Auctioneers.
The bi-annual event, run by volunteers and residents, attracts huge crowds from across the country and even further afield.
Show secretary, Louise Hall, said: "The Fayre is a fantastic weekend full of things
to see and do for all ages.
"From steam engines, military vehicles, classic cars, motorbikes, trucks, to trade stands, live music, dog shows, a bar selling local cider and more, as well as a lovely tea tent with homemade treasures, a great selection of food stalls and rural crafts, there is something for everyone.
said: "We are thrilled to once again be the beneficiary of this marvellous traditional country fayre and express our thanks to the committee and all the other volunteers for making this possible.
"The Stars Appeal is a fantastic local charity and we are so proud to support its work enhancing the care of hundreds of people every day at Salisbury Hospital which so many of us involved in the Fayre and the local community have benefited from."
and
The Berwick St John Country Fayre has been running every other year since 1992, raising hundreds of thousands of pounds for a wide variety of charities over the years, including the Stars Appeal, before committing long-term support to the charity in 2012.
The fayre in 2022 raised £63,117.18 - the largest amount of money raised in its 30-year history.
Dave Cates, of the Stars Appeal,
"The money raised will help provide the very best care for local people being treated at Salisbury Hospital, from premature babies to our oldest patients.
"We encourage all our supporters to come along and enjoy a fabulous fun-filled day out in the heart of the Dorset countryside."
Money raised will go towards the £1 million the Stars Appeal aims to raise this year to fund new equipment, enhancements to buildings, and ongoing projects supporting patients across Salisbury Hospital.
The charity is also fundraising for six high-definition video scopes to help diagnose head and neck cancer more quickly, costing £115,000, and £50,000, to provide 36 ‘by your side’ sleeper chairs so that vulnerable patients and those at the end of their lives can have a loved one stay by their side in comfort.
Gates at the fayre open at 10am. Entry is by donation with all profits going to the Stars Appeal.
Ahead of the main fayre, there will be live music and a beer tent on Friday, September 13, from 6pm to 11.30pm.
For more details, log on to www. berwickstjohncountryfayre.co.uk.
Gallery hosting an evening with artist Matthew
VISITORS to an event in Wilton will have the chance to hear directly from an artist about how their situation feeds their creativity.
The Ground Gallery Wilton will host An Evening with Matthew Hayward on Friday, September 13, from 5.30pm to 7.30pm.
"This is a great opportunity
to hear from Matthew about gritty oysters, the unfortunate beauty of unbearable things and his compulsion to paint in spite of it all - alongside this major solo show of his work BORN," a gallery spokesperson said.
"Matthew suffers from MS and his open and honest, often surprising, attitude to how this has affected his process and
style since diagnosis is an inspiration to artists and sufferers alike."
For more information on the event and exhibition, and the gallery in general, log on to www.groundgallerywilton.co. uk.
Come & Sing Mozart in Tisbury 26-27 October with Cherubim Chamber Singer s & Orchestra. Requiem, Don Giovanni, Magic Flute. £70. cherubimtrust.org/tkts
Steam engines
more will be on offer at the fayre Pictures: Donald Capewell
Nex t Sale
European Ceramics & Glass; Clocks, Barometers & Instruments; Selected Antique Furniture & Objects
Saturday 14th September
free verbal valuations please contact and South Kensington, London Station Road, Semley, Shaftesbur y SP7 9AN 01747 855122 www.semleyauc tioneers com
We had a very successful Book Sale on the 7 August. The star lot was a Charles Darwin 2nd Edition 5th 1000 edition which sold for £1922 including commission. We are inviting entries for our next Book sale, date TBC.
We are inviting entries for our next Fine sale at the end of September
Collectors buzzing as first King Charles III £1 coin is issued
NEW £1 coins, the first to bear the image of King Charles III, are entering circulation this week.
Around 3 million of the coins have been issued to banks and Post Offices across the country, the Royal Mint said.
And there is a buzz among collectors, with the coins also featuring an image of bees, paying homage to the new monarch's love of nature.
Rebecca Morgan, director at the Royal Mint, said: "It is an honour to reveal that King Charles III’s £1 coin is now in circulation.
"We know there’ll be a buzz of excitement among collectors and the public to get this special piece of history in their change."
The coins themselves pay homage to the King's love of nature, with the image on one side featuring a pair of bees, one of eight designs set to be introduced in the coming months - according to demand - from the 1p to £2 coins.
Other designs - which were revealed in October last yearfeature images such as the red squirrel and the capercaillie grouse.
Phixius Auctions:
Reflecting on Success and Looking Ahead
We are excited to announce the resounding success of our recent Specialist Book sale at Phixius Auctions. A highlight of the event was the sale of an exceptional 1860 Second Edition Fifth Thousand of Charles Darwin’s groundbreaking work, “On the Origin of Species,” which fetched an impressive £1922. This remarkable result not only showcases the enduring value of knowledge in the world of literature but also cements our commitment to offering rare and significant items to our valued clients.
As we move forward, we are gearing up for our Autumn Quarterly Sale at the end of September, where we anticipate showcasing an exquisite collection of fine antiques. Among the top highlights for this upcoming sale are the breathtaking EDO Period Large Japanese Temple Jars and Charger, each piece representing the rich history and artistry of classical Japanese design. These stunning artifacts are sure to capture the attention of collectors and enthusiasts alike.
We cordially invite you to take part in this exciting opportunity by consigning your Fine Antiques to our autumn sale. For more information on how to consign your items, please reach out to our team at Phixius Auctions. As always, we strive to deliver an outstanding auction experience, and we look forward to making the Autumn Quarterly Sale yet another unforgettable event. Don’t miss the chance to be a part of it!
A Victorian burr walnut tulipwood & ebonised kidney shaped desk, a few losses.
First sale in new showrooms is hailed a big - profitable success!
CLARKE’S Auctions held their first sale in their new showrooms last weekend and what a difference it made!
With more space and light they were better able to display the classic pieces of period furniture they had on offer which included an 18th century country house cupboard on chest, a beautifully inlaid Victorian walnut and rosewood crossbanded Credenza and an early 19th century walnut chest-on-stand.
They held a Grand Opening Viewing evening the week before which was very well attended with the Mayor of Gillingham, Roger Weeks and Councillor Fiona Cullen attending along with member of the public from Gillingham interested in seeing the new local venture.
They are busy with their upcoming September 13 and 14 sales and already entered is a private collection of Chinese ceramics and works of art, along with some fine pieces of period furniture,
including a Charles II oak court cupboard and an 18th century burr walnut kneehole desk.
Already consigned for their Classic Vehicles & Automobilia sale (September 13) is a 1930s Francis Barnett Cruiser motorbike, a rare Stevco two-gallon petrol can, enamel signs and other vehicles and interesting man cave items. For consignment into any of their future sales or for probate valuations, house clearances or any other queries, please phone either Richard Clarke or for Vehicles & Automobilia queries speak to Matthew Whitney, on 01747 685592, at The Old Glove Factory, Gillingham, SP8 4QF.
An original Fry & Sons 'Fry's Pure Concentrated Cocoa' enamel sign which sold for £1,600
Indiana Jones' fedora sells
for a whopping $600,000
INDIANA Jones' iconic fedora has been sold - for a whopping $630,000.
Harrison Ford's legendary archaeology professor is adored by movie buffs around the world, so anticipation was high when part of his iconic costume went under the hammer last week through online memorabilia firm, Propstore.
The brown felt hat was worn by Ford in the 1984 film Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom, the second instalment of the franchise, and had an estimate of between $250,000 and $500,000 at the auction.
It was part of the private collection of the late stunt performer, Dean Ferrandini, who stood in for Mr Ford during filming - as well as sharing it with the actor for his scenes.
Made by the Herbert Johnson Hat Company in London, among the unique features of the iconic headwear were foam pieces, inserted to help make it more comfortable, and to keep it on during action=packed sequences.
The auction featured a number of notable pieces from Hollywood history, including a white helmet worn by an Imperial scout trooper in seminal 1984 Star Wars movie, Return of the Jedi, which sold for $315,000. A ghost costume worn by stars in the 1996 movie Scream went for $270,900.
&
& Collectibles Sale Friday 9th & Saturday 10th August
offer free verbal
and home
& Collectibles Sale Friday 13th & Saturday 14th August Now accepting
An original Fry Sons ‘Fry’s Pure Concentrated Cocoa’ enamel sign. Sold for £1600
An original Fry & Sons 'Fry's Pure Concentrated Cocoa' enamel sign. Sold for £1,600. Clarke’s Auctions o er free home visits and verbal valuations. Now accepting items for this and future sales e Old Glove Factory, Buckingham Road Gillingham, SP8 4QF 01747 685592 enquiries@clarkesauctions.co.uk
Units 1 & 2 Kingsettle Business Park, 01747 855109 enquiries@clarkesauctions.co uk
Picture: Clarke's Auctions
Idverde staff put in hard yards to boost garden
ACCESS has been improved to a Wiltshire garden - thanks to efforts of idverde staff and Wiltshire Council.
When the Wiltshire Wildlife Trust (WWT) was investigating improving accessibility at the Harbour Garden - a Trowbriidge space for WWT's Wild Transitions course designed to support veterans connect with nature to improve their mental health - they approached landscaping firm idverde for assistance.
The firm, with an office in Trowbridge, was already familiar with WWT's work and eager to contribute to the community.
Following an initial site visit to assess the scope of the project, idverde and Wiltshire Council offered to provide all necessary materials, labour, and machinery to complete the project.
Within a week of the agreement, the idverde team was on-site, working tirelessly through one of the hottest weeks of the year to complete the project to a high standard.
The team mowed and prepared pathways, conducted thorough risk assessments, excavated and filled in pathways, resurfaced the area beneath the wooden gazebo to accommodate wheelchair users, and tidied and connected various areas of the site for a seamless experience.
Cryptic crossword
Place 1 to 9 once into every black-bordered 3x3 area as well as each of the 54 rows indicated by the coloured lines. Rows don’t cross the thick black lines.
Killer Sudoku Pro
Across
1 Quiet sister after treatment to continue steadfastly (7)
5 Swindle namely by Welsh politician (4)
10 Old Republican round court with award in part of autumn (7)
11 Husband with female relative making visit (5)
12 Volume on Irish poetry (5)
Killer Sudoku Pro
13 Northern Arab with argument that’s limited (6)
Down
2 Apple in festival with sun out (5)
3 Urban set near works operating underground (12)
4 Move at speed showing editions back to front (6)
6 Measure of charge for all to see with line by fantastic combo (7)
7 Partner in room at exhibition (4)
15 Comment about gospel writer (6)
17 Bachelor entertained by Canadian singer in glass dome (6)
19 Martial arts actor with cold close to some risk (6)
20 Store and house on a road (5)
23 Eccentric came to tour Cuba, much-visited place (5)
24 Special thing that indicates finch-like bird (7)
25 Large basin in armed vehicle (4)
26 Whole number at home recalled film by German (7)
Place numbers 1 to 9 once each into every row, column and bold-lined 3x3 box. No digit may be repeated in any dash-lined cage, and all the digits in any cage must add up to the value shown in that cage.
8 Change right-winger with green in Paris
9 Entire trade show mentioned in public way (12)
14 Rental property on hill brings disappointment (3-4)
16 Second chain after renovation offering distinctive hairstyle (7)
18 Reduce period in school, we’re told (6)
21 Reach accord with engineers in time (5)
22 Leave out award with computing etc (4)
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Warning over car park QR code scam
DRIVERS
are being warned to be on their guard against QR code scams at car parks.
A spate of incidents involving fake QR codes being stuck on payment machines across the UK have been reported - including in neighbouring Somerset.
Now, the RAC is advising drivers to be "very vigilant" and only pay with cash, card or official apps to avoid falling victim to scammers.
Criminals are catching out unsuspecting drivers by placing fake QR codes over councilowned parking machines, in what’s being dubbed as ‘quishing’.
The false codes are leading people to enter their card details into fraudulent websites set up to steal payment information,
which criminals then use to spend money from their bank accounts.
RAC head of policy, Simon Williams, said: "A car park is one of the last places where you’d expect to be caught out by online fraud.
"Unfortunately, the increasing popularity and ease of using QR codes appears to
Puzzle solutions
Edition 49
have made drivers more vulnerable to malicious scammers. For some, this sadly means a Quick Response code could in fact be a ‘quick route’ to losing money.
"As if this quishing scam isn’t nasty enough, it can also lead to drivers being caught out twice if they don’t realise they haven’t paid for parking and end up getting a hefty fine from the council.
"The safest course of action when paying for parking at a council-owned car park is to avoid using QR codes altogether.
"Most of these councils don’t
even operate a QR code payment system, so if you’re in any doubt, steer well clear and only pay with cash, card or via an official app downloaded from your smartphone’s app store.
"This advice should also be applied to any mode of transport where you can pay via a QR code, including electric vehicle charge points and private car parks.
"This new wave of criminal activity is case in point for why the UK is in dire need of the National Parking Platform, which will allow everyone to use one app of their choice to pay for parking."
projects
of life scrap vehicles
of £200 paid for complete vehicles. Call Ryan on 07474 737577
Crossword
Red Rubies set for auction
REDRuby Devon cattle are famed for their beautiful deep rich red mossy coats, their calm temperament, high fertility, plentiful milk, marbled connoisseur beef and outstanding ability to graze environmentally enhanced pastures commonly found in our most beautiful local landscape.
These attributes first attracted the current owners when looking for a beef herd to graze their farms at Mere, just off the Wiltshire Downs.
Their decision to buy Red Ruby Devons coincided with a major reduction of the celebrated Kingston Lacy Herd - the property of The National Trust which had been established in the 1890s by the late WR Banks and gifted to the Trust in 1981 by HJR Banks.
Farmer Ruth attended the sale and bought well, securing the best on offer to establish the Mere Park herd.
Stock bulls have come from the worldrenowned Whitefield herd and latterly the prize winning Rocknell herd.
The herd has been skillfully developed to maintain and enhance the qualities the couple first fell in love with and now the painful decision has been made to dramatically reduce the herd to a more manageable size for the septuagenarian couple.
The sale takes place at Larkinglass
Farm, Motcombe, SP7 9HY on Thursday (August 29) from noon, where approximately 100 head will go under the hammer including cows and calves, served heifers, steers and bulls.
Joint Auctioneers Symonds & Sampson and Andrew Lane are delighted to have been appointed to conduct the sale.
Andrew Lane, who is also president of the Devon Cattle Breeders Society, said that having sold Ruth her foundation cattle at Kingston Lacy it is a privilege to have watched the Mere Park cattle grow and develop into the well-respected herd it has become today.
The herd features two outstanding stock bulls in Whitefield Unbelievable EX91 winner of the DCBS two-year-old bull of the year in 2023 and Rocknell Quarrylad EX95, both of which are leaving quality offspring including a son each in the sale which could be your next herd sire.
The cattle on offer have deep pedigrees, outstanding confirmation and are a must have for both pedigree and commercial breeders alike.
Viewing dates and catalogues are available from the auctioneers.
1000 CUBIC METERS OF TOPSOIL from development site on outskirts of Salisbury available. Good access for HGV’s Contact david@armishaws.com for more information
Chilthorne Domer
Guide: £525,000
46.89 acres (18.98 hectares) of productive level arable land situated to the north of Yeovil. For sale by Formal Tender as a whole, closing Wednesday 31st July 2024.
DORSET | DEVON | SOMERSET | HAMPSHIRE | WILTSHIRE | CORNWALL | LONDON
Yeovil | 01935 382901
An update on Rural Grants and SFI
Chilthorne Domer
Foyle Hill, Shaftesbury
Guide: £525,000
46.89 acres (18.98 hectares) of productive level arable land situated to the north of Yeovil. For sale by Formal Tender as a whole, closing Wednesday 31st July 2024.
Yeovil | 01935 382901
Foyle Hill, Shaftesbury
Salisbury | 01722 334323
Guide: £150,000
12.37 acres (5.00 ha) of undulating pasture land boasting spectacular far reaching views over the surrounding countryside. Suitable for agriculture, equestrian and amenity uses. For sale by Informal Tender, closing Wednesday 7th August 2024.
Guide: £150,000
Under the Sustainable Farming Incentive (SFI), farmers and land managers, including those submitting applications for the first time, have access to an increased number of offerings. Animal health, precision farming, and Agroforestry are included, as are expanded offers for upland farmers and tenants on short-term contracts. Rural Partner Lucy Carnell summarised the offerings.
12.37 acres (5.00 ha) of undulating pasture land boasting spectacular far reaching views over the surrounding countryside. Suitable for agriculture, equestrian and amenity uses. For sale by Informal Tender, closing Wednesday 7th August 2024.
Salisbury | 01722 334323
The Sustainable Farming Incentive (SFI) pays farmers and land managers to adopt or maintain sustainable farming and land management practices that protect and benefit the environment, support food production, and improve productivity. Under the “expanded” SFI offer, farmers, growers, and land managers can choose from 102 application actions.
Nr. Sturminster Newton
Bagber Common
Guide: £1,350,000
An extremely versatile detached family house with over 3300 sq ft of accommodation and a lovely west facing garden, set in a peaceful rural
Nr. Sturminster Newton
Sturminster Newton | 01258 473766
Guide: From £375,000
A traditional farmyard development of just nine bespoke dwellings in a delightful rural location close to Sturminster Newton. Open Day 20th July, 11 am – 3 pm. Please call for an appointment.
Guide: From £375,000
A traditional farmyard development of just nine bespoke dwellings in a delightful rural location close to Sturminster Newton. Open Day 20th July, 11 am – 3 pm. Please call for an appointment.
Sturminster Newton | 01258 473766
From the Summer of 2024, there will be a controlled rollout of the new SFI offer for those applying for the first time (i.e., those who have never claimed BPS). Payments will include options for precision farming, Agroforestry, a new and expanded offer for upland farmers, and more actions for tenants on short-term contracts. More than 50 simplified actions from Mid-Tier Countryside Stewardship will merge into SFI to streamline the application process, including several where durations have been reduced from five years to three years to align with the needs of tenant farmers.
The expanded scheme will also offer the actions from SFI 2023, some of which will have been updated to reflect the feedback from the farming industry.
As part of SFI, farmers who keep cattle, sheep, and pigs can also apply for funding to pay for a vet to visit their farm and carry out an “Annual Health and Welfare Review” of their livestock.
Marnhull
Marnhull
Stinsford
specific environmental benefits for:
Guide: £400,000
Capital Grants are open for applications all year round. These grants are standalone capital grants that can be used to support and complete SFI actions, existing Countryside Mid Tier options,
Guide: £400,000
A detached 3 bedroom house with private garden on the edge of the village built in 2019, Apple Tree Cottage encapsulates old cottage charm with modern fittings. CTB E. Sturminster Newton | 01258 473766
A detached 3 bedroom house with private garden on the edge of the village built in 2019, Apple Tree Cottage encapsulates old cottage charm with modern fittings. CTB E.
Sturminster Newton | 01258 473766
• Boundaries, trees, and orchards
A 3 bedroom Grade II listed property forming part of a converted manor house, having links to Thomas Hardy, in a small hamlet on the edge of Dorchester.
Stinsford
• Water quality
Dorchester | 01305 261008
Guide £450,000
A 3 bedroom Grade II listed property forming part of a converted manor house, having links to Thomas Hardy, in a small hamlet on the edge of Dorchester.
• Air quality
Dorchester | 01305 261008
• Natural flood management
There are 70 capital items available, including:
• Planting new hedges - £22.97 per m
• Hedgerow laying - £13.52 per m
• Cattle fencing - £6.34 per m
• Sheep fencing - £7.47 per m
• Concrete yard renewal - £33.64 per m²
• Roofing - £72.50 per m²
Some items may need approval from a Catchment Sensitive Farming Adviser.
Maperton, Wincanton
Maperton, Wincanton
Guide: £420,000
Guide: £420,000
An attractive 3/4 bedroom house situated in an accessible location within the Blackmore Vale countryside, and with ample off-road parking. CTB C. Freehold.
For further details on Rural Grants, please do get in touch with Lucy at Symonds & Sampson’s office in Yeovil office on 01935 382901 or one of our grants experts in your nearest Symonds & Sampson Office.
An attractive 3/4 bedroom house situated in an accessible location within the Blackmore Vale countryside, and with ample off-road parking. CTB C. Freehold.
Sherborne | 01935 814488
Sherborne | 01935 814488
Guide £450,000
Higher Tier, and wildlife offers. Capital grants are three-year agreements offering items to achieve
