The Salisbury & Avon Gazette 26/12/22

Mike’s mighty cycle to raise money for cancer care in memory of sister

CANCER patients in Salisbury are to benefit from a donation of more than £6,000 to the hospital’s Stars Appeal after a mountainous effort by one dedicated fundraiser.

Mike Southway was inspired by his sister Claire Hollick, who was treated for cancer at the hospital for more than 10 years and sadly passed away last month, to do a virtual Everest cycle ride to thank all the doctors and nurses who cared for her.

He raised £6,109.69 for the Stars Appeal Pembroke Unit Fund and presented a cheque, alongside his dad John, to staff at the unit on December 1.

The money raised will go to support other cancer patients at the Salisbury District Hospital’s Pembroke Unit and will enable the Stars Appeal to provide extra care, facilities and equipment.

The charity funds free aromatherapy and swimming sessions, headwear for patients

losing their hair and free refreshments, as well as prehabilitation programmes helping patients prepare for surgery and treatment as well as state-of-the art equipment and enhancements to the Pembroke Unit furnishings and environment.

“For me, this was about improving the experience for people being treated for cancer as it is a horrible experience to go through,” said Mike.

“It was important to me that the money could go to the Pembroke Unit where Claire was treated. It’s just incredible.

“Thank you doesn’t quite cover it. Thank you for looking after Claire.”

Claire, who previously lived in Salisbury, was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2003. After treatment she was in remission but in 2011, the cancer sadly returned and spread to other areas of her body.

Late last year, she was given a terminal diagnosis and sadly passed away on November 6, at the age of just 55.

Before she passed away Mike, a keen endurance cyclist, completed a virtual cycle on a static bike trainer on October 29, which saw him cycle up a virtual mountain eight-and-ahalf times – reaching 8,848 metres of ascent, the height of

Mount Everest. It took him 12 hours and 40 minutes.

The 58-year-old did his Everest cycle at Bicycle Chain in Taunton where he was cheered on by customers and supporters.

And he said he was blown away by all the generous donations received.

“I feel privileged and grateful to be able to make a small contribution to help others like Claire,” added Mike, who lives in Taunton.

Dr Jenny Bradbury, consultant oncologist on the Pembroke Unit who treated Claire, said: “We are all so touched by the efforts Mike has gone to to raise funds in recognition of Claire’s treatment here on the Pembroke Unit.

“This wonderful donation will enable us to do even more to enhance the care we provide to our patients.”

Mike Southway with his dad, John, presenting a cheque for the Stars Appeal to staff at the Pembroke Unit at Salisbury District Hospital

Mike during his epic challenge - an Everest cycle ride in memory of his sister, Claire

Next steps for City Hall venue plan outlined as funding bid wait goes on

FURTHER work is underway to find a potential operator to relaunch Salisbury City Hall as an entertainment, community and cultural venue.

In October, Wiltshire Council revealed it was seeking to work with an organisation to run the venue in a bid to secure the long-term future of the hall.

At a meeting of the Salisbury Area Board on December 1, council chiefs confirmed the work is continuing to analyse the best way forward.

They said the council has been undertaking a preliminary market consultation so it can better understand the type of arrangement a third-party operator would potentially enter into.

The council also confirmed at the meeting it has not yet heard the outcome of a bid for funding under the Government’s Levelling Up Fund.

If successful, this funding would be used to make improvements to Salisbury’s cultural offer, including City Hall and Salisbury Playhouse.

However, the outcome of the bid will not determine whether

City Hall reopens as an entertainment, community and cultural venue. The outcome of the bid should be known by the end of the year or early in 2023.

Cllr Richard Clewer, leader of Wiltshire Council, said: “The detailed preparation and research we are doing now will ensure that

when we’re formally ready to commence the procurement process we will have foreseen any potential issues and it should put us in a good position to achieve a positive outcome.

“People’s patience is really appreciated because it will be some time before the venue

reopens, but should this process prove to be successful then we’ll then be able to confirm exact timescales.

“We’re committed to reopening City Hall and we’ll continue to keep people as updated as possible throughout this process.”

Man admits manslaughter over crash

A 42-YEAR-OLD who killed a motorcyclist by deliberately driving into him has pleaded guilty to manslaughter by reason of diminished responsibility.

Paul Barrett, pictured, of White Road, Mere, appeared at Winchester Crown Court On December 20 and has been remanded in custody ahead of sentencing on a date yet to be fixed in January.

The charge relates to the death of motorcyclist Ryan Brindley, who died following a collision on the B3089 Hindon Road, in Dinton, shortly before 7.30pm on December 22, 2021.

That evening, Barrett had left an address in Mere, driving a Volkswagen Touran, to apparently travel to Wilton for a prearranged appointment.

However, dash cam footage from that

vehicle showed him driving through the village of Dinton a number of times, reaching speeds of up to 80mph despite it being a 30mph zone.

He then observed lone motorcyclist Ryan, 43, coming in the opposite direction, so turned around and followed him, driving at high speed to catch him up.

Barrett then deliberately collided with the rear of the motorcycle, carrying it along the road and causing Ryan to fall off onto the ground.

Ryan was sadly pronounced dead at the scene. Barrett was arrested and taken to

hospital for assessment before being taken into police custody.

Detective Chief Inspector Simon Childe, from the Major Crime Investigation Team at Wiltshire Police, said: “The killing of Ryan Brindley appears to have been an entirely random and unprovoked incident.

“When we were able to watch the dash cam footage from the car Barrett was driving, it was clear that he was driving around the Dinton area and then changed direction to follow Ryan when he spotted his motorcycle.

“It seems that Ryan was targeted entirely at random.

“I would like to pay tribute to Ryan’s family who have suffered such a sad loss, and thank them for the support they have shown during the police investigation.”

Salisbury City Hall is set to re-open as an entertainment venue

Picture: Wiltshire Council

New head unveiled for prestigious Godolphin School in Salisbury

A SALISBURY school has revealed a new headteacher who will take over in January.

Jenny Price will take the helm at the Godolphin School next month from current head, Emma Hattersley, who is moving to London to take on a new role.

The appointment was announced by Godolphin’s Governing Board, who said they were ‘delighted’.

Chair of Governors, Sir Nick Pope, said: “Jenny offers passion, energy, enthusiasm, spirit and drive. She also embodies those characteristics that make Godolphin such a unique school.

“She has the total support of the Governors and Senior Management Team and, with her experience, is uniquely well placed to lead the School at the

executive level from Day One.”

Having studied Music at Durham University, Mrs Price gained a PGCE from Cambridge and took up her first teaching post at Bryanston School, where she taught Music and was Housemistress of Greenleaves House.

How to protect your home from care costs

Nobody likes to think about getting old, but it is certainly worth thinking about if you value your home. That is because your house could very well be sold by the local council to pay for your care fees.

As an example, let’s say you own a home jointly with your partner and you live there until one of you dies. The surviving partner continues to live in the house until they must go into a care home run by the local authority. At that point, the local authority will assess the surviving partner for care fees. If their capital and savings are worth more than £23,250, they will have to fund their own care.

Councils place a charge on the property, which is paid when the house is sold. Alternatively, you may be required to sell the house immediately to raise the cash. Money raised from the sale of the house will fund your care until your savings get down to £23,250. That won’t leave much of an inheritance for your family and loved ones.

There are two solutions to the problem available to you. One is a will trust which protects 50% of the value of your home from care costs. The second is a living trust which shields 100% of the property. Both are relatively inexpensive to put into place. Every trust is administered by trustees, the trustees can be the partners or surviving partner and children.

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

To protect your home, contact Oakwood Wills on 07832 331594

The main thing to remember with trusts is that because you do not own the assets held in the trust in your own name, it is more difficult for those assets to be taken away from you or from the beneficiaries of the trust.

Chris Tennant, Oakwood Wills

In 2012, she moved to Westonbirt School as deputy head pastoral. Jenny said she was looking forward to leading the school through an exciting time in the coming years.

“I am thrilled to have been appointed as the next head of Godolphin,” she said.

“I am truly committed to the school and believe firmly in its values and purpose and look forward to steering the school through to its 300th anniversary in 2026 and to shaping the next chapter in Godolphin’s history.”

Mrs Hattersley stands down after nine years at the helm.

Jenny Price, inset, will take over in January

Advertisement feature

Bemerton Heath charity has big plans following government funding

YOUNG PEOPLE from the Bemerton Heath estate are celebrating again after local youth charity Rise:61 secured a grant of £47, 674 from Phase 1 of the Youth Investment Fund.

This was a £10m investment by the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sports (DCMS) for youth provisions in left-behind areas of England.

Rise:61 used this funding to buy a brand new Ford Tourneo Custom that can transport up to nine people.

The charity has used the van to take offer trips to places like Monkey World and Bournemouth beach as well as for activities like mountain biking in Moors Valley Country Park and paddle boarding in Mudeford Quay.

In July, the charity took six young people to Wales to take part in a 5k obstacle colour run. As well as life changing adverntures,

the van is also used every week to transport materials and tools to the charity’s community garden and bike hub projects.

The van was bought at Foray Motor Group’s Edward’s Ford Dealership in Churchfields who gave the charity nearly £4,000 worth of discounts, which they were able to put to good use by purchasing new mountain bikes for the children to use on trips!

Becks Crouch, creative hub manager at Rise:61 said: “The new van we were able to purchase with the funding from DCMS has been a game changer for us and allowed us to expand the horizons of our young people and help them make some great childhood memories.

“Seeing how happy they were on the way home from the trips I organised was a real highlight for me of our work in 2022.”

Alex, a young leader and member of the free after school bike club said: “The trips are fun and awesome to go on the cool van (luxury type) and the things we do at our chosen destination makes all our plans awesome.”

Rise:61 is dreaming big and hoping to apply to the second phase of

the Youth Investment Fund which could see a much larger grant being given to build a bespoke new youth hub facility on the estate.

Rise:61 is a Christian youth charity that works alongside young people in the estate of Bemerton Heath, Salisbury. It is committed to helping the young people of the Bemerton Heath estate where they live tell a different story with their lives by providing them with positive opportunities.

Through its detached work, mentoring, after school clubs

and social enterprise hubs it aims to empower young people to redirect their futures, believing that raising up a generation who will help others succeed in the years to come.

Rise:61’s vision is that Bemerton Heath will be known nationally for its creativity, community spirit and the way its young people are leaders of positive change.

You can support the fundraising efforts of the young people themselves for their new youth facility here: https://gofund.me/95d4f8c0

DO YOU know an adult who struggles to read? It might surprise you that 2.4m adults in the UK do not have sufficient reading skills to adequately function as readers.

There are many reasons why someone might have missed learning this essential life skill.

Consider how hard life must be if you constantly have to evolve strategies to manage without reading.

So if you know someone who struggles, why not encourage that person to make a New Year’s resolution to learn to read with a free, confidential one-to-one service.

Read Easy is a national volunteer organisation which can help. We match potential readers with volunteer coaches who meet with them twice a week for half an hour.

Venues are public but with some privacy for everyone’s safety. The service is entirely free.

Readers work at their own pace with no pressure or stress.

Your local team is here to help: Read Easy South & East Wiltshire –https://readeasy.org.uk/groups/ read-easy-south-east-wiltshire/

Above: The charity purchased a Ford Tourneo Custom van with the funding which has provided the means for trips such as paddle boarding at Mudeford Quay (inset left)

Salisbury Mayor Cllr Tom Corbin meets the Read Easy team

New Mexican restaurant plan for former city convenience store

A NEW Mexican restaurant could be set to open in Salisbury.

A planning application has been submitted to convert the premises currently occupied by Charlie’s Store, in Catherine Street, into a property suitable to house an eatery.

Safeline Training and Consultancy has submitted the plans, which would see the erection of an extractor flue as well as internal changes to the ground floor layout of the building.

The new restaurant would be called Mr Burrito, according to the plans.

“The business operator of Charlie’s Store is well established and had been operating at this location for a number of years as a general store and off-licence,” the document says.

“The operator has been doing well and so now there is a need for expansion in order to cope with demand.”

The store is relocating to 21 Catherine Street, it adds,

outlining the new plans for the vacated premises.

“The commercial unit will become vacant and so he would like to open a restaurant in place of the store,” it says.

“The restaurant would cater to a seating capacity of around 25-30 people and provide takeaway services, however most of the trade would be from seated customers.”

The plans relate to the installation of the extraction flue and changes to the layout to cater for seating and kitchens.

“We are not seeking to extend the property,” the application adds. “All works will be retained within the existing footprint.”

Signage would also remain consistent with the current design, allowing for the name change to Mr Burrito, according to the plans.

“Externally, the proposal retains the existing shop front, so there are no external alterations to the street scene,” it says.

“The shopping centre and

Four people injured in fivevehicle crash on the A36

FOUR people have been taken to hospital after a five-vehicle crash near Salisbury.

The incident happened on the A36 at Pepperbox Hill at around 11.37am on Wednesday morning (December 14).

Four ambulances, an operations officer and a rapid response vehicle were sent to the scene, as well as two fire crews from Salisbury.

A Dorset and Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service spokesperson said: “Firefighters carried out on scene casualty care and all persons involved were able to exit the vehicles.”

Crews worked with police and ambulance staff to help

those involved and make the scene safe, they added.

A Wiltshire Police spokesperson said there were ‘no reported serious injuries’.

The road was closed temporarily for recovery but re-opened at around 3pm.

commercial units are backing onto the rear elevation of the property, hence now windows on the opposite side.

“Internally, a new canopy and ducting system, seating area and a bar (staff served to seated customers only) will be

constructed.”

A consultation over the plans is now underway.

For more details on the plans and to comment, log on to www.wiltshire.gov.uk and search for application reference PL/2022/09235.

Charlie’s Store is set to be replaced by Mr Burrito Picture: Wiltshire Council

MP pays visit to city hub for Ukrainians

UKRAINIAN refugees and their host families in Salisbury were joined by the city’s MP for a special Christmas event.

Conservative John Glen, who is the First Secretary to the Treasury as well as being the Salisbury MP, paid a visit to the Ukraine Hub, based at the Methodist Church.

They were celebrating the festive season with carols.

“It was a joy to join Salisbury’s Ukraine Hub today for carols and fellowship,” he said. “I am very proud of Salisbury’s hosts and the wonderful way they and their guests support and care for each other through our dynamic hub.”

The Salisbury Hub was set up in April 2022 to provide a support network for Ukrainian refugees and their hosts.

“We have done this under the auspices of the Salisbury Methodist Church which has generously provided space and additional support,” a spokesperson said.

“We are here for people of any faith (or none) and for anyone from the city or surrounding areas who wishes to network with other families who are hosting, seeks assistance around the process of hosting a Ukrainian family and their Ukrainian guests, or who has their own offer of help, advice or skills.”

For more information, visit salisburyukrainehub.org.uk.

Larkhill Centre marks end of Army Basing Project

THE official opening of the Larkhill Medical and Dental Centre in Wiltshire took place recently, signifying the end of the Army Basing Programme (ABP).

The £13m facility is the first in Wiltshire to offer a shared MOD and NHS Primary Healthcare provision.

The centre comprises two GP practices (MOD and NHS) with consulting and treatment rooms.

Each practice also features a dispensary. Housed within the building is a Defence Primary Health Care (DPHC) Dental Centre consisting of 12 dental chairs with supporting equipment.

Minister for defence personnel, veterans and service families Dr Andrew Murrison said: “I was delighted to open the Larkhill Medical and Dental Centre. It is truly state-of-theart. Delivered under the successful Army Basing Programme, it rightly provides the very best primary care facilities and is a model for Defence-NHS cooperation.

“It has been incredibly useful to see first-hand how this investment has not only benefited our service personnel but also the local community.”

The Army Basing Programme has delivered the government’s 2010 Strategic Defence and Security Review (SDSR) commitment to bring all UK military units back from Germany by 2020, and to move and re-role military units to implement the Army 2020 Plan, generating savings building to £240m per year.

Director basing and infrastructure, Major General Richard Clements, said: “The £1.8bn investment in the estate under the Army Basing Programme has truly made a difference to our service personnel, their families and local communities across the UK.

“Infrastructure is actually about people, not buildings, and

this facility perfectly embodies that.

“We are committed to creating sustainable environments in which all of our people can better live, work and train.”

Warren Webster, Defence Infrastructure Organisation, MPP programme director –Army, the project was the result of a lot of detailed planning.

“The Defence Infrastructure Organisation (DIO), alongside the Army, has worked closely with local authorities, the NHS and other government departments and local service providers to ensure enough housing, schooling, medical, welfare and dental provision has been made available to support the Army Basing Programme,” he said.

The centre was built on the land surrounding Stonehenge, a UNESCO World Heritage site, which resulted in a number of considerations being developed in consultation with the Planning Authority and English Heritage before work could begin.

These were incorporated into the design of the building and adjacent areas, to ensure that the sight line from Stonehenge was not affected.

Fiona Slevin-Brown, director of place – Wiltshire, Bath and North East Somerset, Swindon

and Wiltshire Integrated Care Board, said: “Since its completion in 2020, this bespoke facility has been used during the COVID-19 pandemic as a mass vaccination centre by both DPHC and the NHS.

“Now, we look forward to providing comprehensive health care to those in the armed forces, their families and the wider local community.”

Commander defence primary healthcare, Brigadier Phil Carter, said: “The facility also acts as a training practice for the MOD, supporting the training and development of all medical specialties including combat medical technicians, nursing students, foundation doctors, general duties medical officers and general practice trainees.

“The commitment to provide top quality treatment and support for those under our care is epitomised in the Larkhill facility, cementing Wiltshire’s position as a hub for future military healthcare services.”

Aspire Defence chief executive, Allan Thomson, added: “I am thrilled to be in attendance to showcase the excellent standard of infrastructure which Aspire Defence continues to deliver on behalf of the Ministry of Defence and the army.”

The centre was opened by Minister for defence personnel, veterans and service families Dr Andrew Murrison

Downton fly-tippers convicted following three-month operation

AN ORGANISED fly-tipping gang has been convicted for fly-tipping and burning waste.

The group appeared at Winchester Crown Court following a three-month covert camera operation and investigation by Wiltshire Council environmental enforcement officers.

They were caught dumping large amounts of green waste, household waste and white goods on an access road leading to a traveller site at Lode Hill, near Downton.

On November 18 at Winchester Crown Court, fines and costs were handed out to the gang totalling £14,500.

Shane Griggs of Bracken Road, North Baddesley, Hampshire; Jason Castle of Wellow Wood Road, West Wellow, Hampshire; and Daniel Whittaker of Magnolia Walk, Abbotswood, Hampshire, were convicted of depositing controlled waste (fly-tipping) with no environmental permit.

Also convicted were Luke Edwards of Verwood Road, Wimborne, Dorset, and Michael Whittaker of Meadow Close, West Wellow, Hampshire, who are directors of Romsey & Chandlers Ford Tree & Landscaping Services.

They were convicted of a more serious offence of operating a regulated facility on land without an environmental permit by burning waste, including a fridge.

Edwards, Griggs and Michael Whittaker were all residents at the Lode Hill Traveller Site, Downton, Wiltshire at the time of the offences.

The offenders were part of several tree and landscaping firms who collected waste of all types as part of their business activity.

They were filmed over a three-month period on an access road leading to a traveller site at Lode Hill near Downton.

The offenders were using the site access road as a waste dumping ground. Much of the waste was burnt, including green waste, a fridge, carpet and general waste, causing environmental damage to the surrounding area.

The council’s enforcement officers were alerted to the gang’s activities by local people, leading to regular monitoring of the area through covert cameras.

Once the required evidence was gathered, environmental enforcement officers spent many hours painstakingly going through the footage to catch the fly-tippers in action.

Council officers then joined officers from Wiltshire Police to arrest the offenders, who were interviewed under caution.

Although the prosecution began in the Magistrates Court, the case was referred for trial to the Crown Court after the defendants pleaded not guilty to the offences.

Cllr Dr Mark McClelland,

Fly-tipping, like the

cabinet member for waste, said: “This organised fly-tipping gang was prolific in destroying the local environment in this area.

“Not only were they avoiding lawful disposal costs by dumping this and not using approved waste sites, but they were also damaging the surrounding areas by burning waste including white goods, which gave off poisonous fumes.

“This successful prosecution is the result of many years of painstaking work by our environmental enforcement team. The team was tenacious in its pursuit of this gang, who claimed to have no involvement at the time.

“However, our ability to apprehend offenders by utilising cameras was key in proving that these people were the culprits in

this long-running case.

“As set out in our business plan, we have committed to pursuing further prosecutions on fly-tipping, and to help with this we have invested significant funding into more cameras and more officers to catch these environmental criminals in the act throughout Wiltshire.

“Our message to any potential fly-tippers is clear: ‘We’re Targeting Fly-tippers’ and we will prosecute anyone who thinks it is acceptable to dump their waste in our beautiful county.”

To find out more about the council’s We’re Targeting Fly-tippers (WTF) campaign, and to find out more about how to prevent fly-tipping, visit: https://www.wiltshire.gov.uk/ fly-tipping

Father and son hairdressers from Salisbury celebrate winning prestigious awards just a week apart

A SALISBURY hairdresser has been named Men’s Hairdresser of the Year at the 2022 British Hairdressers Awards.

George Smith, who works at Tony&Guy in the city, was presented with the award by

comedian Katherine Ryan in front of an audience of 1,300 at the Grosvenor House Hotel on London’s Park Lane.

On receiving the award, George said: “Thank you guys, I love you so much.”

“What an honour to stand on the same stage that both my mum and dad have – thank you so much.”

Both of George’s parents are multi-award winning hairdressers based in the city.

Days later, George’s father, Phil Smith was awarded the title of Individual Salon of the Year for Smith England, which is located 51 High Street, Salisbury at the Fellowship for British Hairdressing Awards.

example above, is a blight on rural communities Credit: Pixabay

PCC announces preferred candidate for Wiltshire Police chief constable

POLICE and Crime Commissioner Philip Wilkinson has announced Catherine Roper as the preferred candidate for the next chief constable of Wiltshire Police. Catherine is currently a Commander (Cdr) within the Metropolitan Police Service (MPS).

Announcing Cdr Roper as his preferred appointment for the role, Mr Wilkinson said he was impressed by the breadth of policing experience being brought to the county.

Mr Wilkinson said: “After a comprehensive selection process I am delighted to announce Catherine as my preferred candidate for Wiltshire Police’s next Chief Constable.

“Catherine is an exceptionally strong candidate and brings with her decades of experience within challenging policing environments alongside a different perspective and view to police delivery in the county. I am extremely pleased she has chosen Wiltshire to continue her successful policing career.

“I believe Catherine will be an inspirational leader. She has a track record of delivering a high-performing police function, fighting crime but also working closely with local authorities and partner agencies

to drive change and ensure Wiltshire Police delivers a quality policing service that our residents want and deserve.

“I look forward to working closely with her as we both strive towards the goal of making Wiltshire safer.”

The rigorous selection process included sessions with two stakeholder panels – one made up of officers and staff within Wiltshire Police and an

DANCE STUDIOS

external stakeholder panel with representatives from OPCC partners, charities and commissioned services, as well as members of the PCC’s Youth Commission.

Cdr Roper also impressed the interview panel, which featured chief constable Andy Marsh – chief executive of the College of Policing, Matt Parr – His Majesty’s Inspector of Constabulary and Fire Services, as well as the PCC and two other independent panel members.

Mr Wilkinson’s preferred appointment of Cdr Roper is now subject to confirmation by Wiltshire and Swindon’s Police and Crime Panel – this hearing is expected to take place on January 12, 2023.

Cdr Roper joined the Metropolitan Police Service in 2000 and began her career in frontline policing. Her progression has seen her take several high-profile roles including within specialist intelligence and surveillance command.

Cdr Roper has also worked within the Specialist Protection Command, responsible for the armed protection of politicians and high-profile VIPs and also spent time in Royalty Protection, responsible for armed protection of the Royal Family.

In 2022, Cdr Roper was made responsible for Central Specialist Crime, which includes tackling the most serious organised criminality including economic and cyber crime; modern slavery and organised immigration crime; online child sexual exploitation, kidnaps and the Flying Squad, in addition to a range of high profile, complex and sensitive investigations.

In addition to her MPS responsibilities, Catherine holds the National Child and Young Person (CYP) portfolio, and is a Post Incident Manager for firearms incidents, as well as previously being a Strategic Firearms Commander.

Cdr Roper added: “I am honoured and delighted to be selected as the PCCs preferred candidate to be the chief constable of Wiltshire Police. I am committed to working with the communities and partners of Wiltshire and Swindon to provide the best possible policing service, building on Kier Pritchard’s exceptional dedication.

“I very much look forward to working with the officers and staff of Wiltshire Police, together with the PCC Philip Wilkinson and his team.”

Cdr Roper was chosen as the PCC’s preferred candidate following an intensive formal application and interview process, in accordance with national regulations.

This appointment comes after Chief Constable Kier Pritchard announced in November he would be retiring after 30 years in policing in June 2023.

Holiday opening times for council recycling centres and more detailed

OPENING times at counciloperated services will vary over the Christmas and new year holidays.

All council services and facilities will be closed on December 26, 27 and on Monday, January 2.

Customer Services/hub

buildings

All customer service desks and hub buildings will be closed on December 26, 27 and January 2.

Opening times for December 28 to 30 will be 9am to 5pm. Although the main reception desks will be staffed during this period, hub staffing is likely to be limited. Opening hours will return to normal from Tuesday, January 3.

Waste collections

Waste and recycling

collections will be delayed by one day over the Christmas period, with waste collection crews not working on Monday, December 26.

Full details can be found at www.wiltshire.gov.uk/ christmas-waste-and-recyclingcollections

Garden waste collections will cease for two weeks over the Christmas period, with last collections taking place on Friday, December 23. Collections will then resume from Monday, January 9.

People who pay to have their garden waste collected can present a real Christmas tree, alongside their garden waste bin, on their first collection in January.

Household Recycling Centres

Household Recycling

Centres (HRC) will open as normal on Friday, December 23. Christmas opening hours will apply from December 24 and these can be viewed at www. wiltshire.gov.uk/HRCchristmas-opening-times.

Normal opening hours will resume from January 2. Leisure centres

All council-operated leisure centres closed from Christmas Day until to December 27, as well as on January 1 and 2.

For opening times for each individual leisure centre over the Christmas period, visit www.wiltshire. gov.uk/leisure-leisure-andsport-centres. Normal opening times will resume from January 3.

Libraries

All libraries closed from 1pm on Christmas Eve to December 27, plus January 2. Between December 28 and 30, they will open as normal, with the exception that libraries that would normally be open in the evening will close at 5pm.

All libraries will be open as normal on Saturday, December 31, with the exception of the Campus libraries at Corsham, Melksham, Tidworth and Tisbury, which will close at 1pm.

Politics

‘After a year of chaos, we deserve a new government’

AS EVENTS unfolded during 2022, the future of our country was blighted not only by catastrophic global issues, but also by a government in a permanent state of crisis, largely of their own making.

The year began under the cloud of ‘Partygate’ and the prime minister’s pathetic attempts to delay any investigations into his failure to comply with his own lockdown laws. Even within his own party, Johnson’s popularity declined as rapidly as his credibility.

The Conservative Party was about to implode. Opinion polls increasingly indicated Johnson’s popularity was waning, fuelling fears among Tory MPs of losing their seat. They eventually removed him.

The lack of leadership, vision and a plan for the future from the government was becoming increasingly apparent and now there was the additional disruption in the form of a Tory leadership battle.

Undoubtedly, the year had been tough for everyone. Then the growing postlockdown optimism evaporated almost overnight as another global crisis emerged in the form of Vladimir Putin’s military invasion of Ukraine.

The horror of the pandemic was replaced by the horror of a war within Europe and the loss of life. Our dependency on Russian fuel exposed our economic vulnerability as spiralling energy costs sent the global economy into turmoil.

Then things got a whole lot worse.

SOMETHING that has really struck me as we close off this year, is how Orwellian our Politics has become.

Take the cost of living - Salisbury Foodbank fed 800 people in Septemberdouble the previous year, and households are bracing for energy bills to go up again.

Yet, according to Conservativecontrolled Wiltshire Council, we are not in a cost of living crisis but a cost of living ‘challenge’.

There are strikes across the public sector which are bringing the country to a grinding halt. These strikes are over pay, working conditions and safety - both of staff and service users (be that rail passengers or hospital patients).

Again, The Conservative Government response is to bring forward plans to impose new anti-strike legislation aimed at making industrial action largely ineffective.

Rishi Sunak has declared war on ‘illegal

Liz Truss was thrust into the role of PM by the Conservative Party membership which ultimately turned out to be unpopular amongst many Tory MPs.

Her record breaking shortest term of office (just 44 days) will be remembered mainly for her disastrous “mini budget” on September 23 that spooked markets, sent borrowing rates up, and tanked the British pound.

Robert Halfon (Minister for State) told the prime minister her actions which caused market turmoil, an increase in mortgage bills and a collapse in political support had undone a decade’s work.

Rishi Sunak became the third prime minister this year, bringing a series of U-turns including a confused policy on renewable energy. Expanding fossil fuel production, plans to open a new coal mine, and lack of investment in renewable energy posing a threat to our long-term energy security, the environment, and our economy.

As the full impact of the cost of living crisis begins to bite, long-term lack of investment in the NHS, and finally a government refusal to even discuss pay, brought matters to a head resulting in rarely considered strike action by a nursing profession driven by a commitment to providing care for patients.

Lifting the cap on banker’s bonuses with 50,000 NHS vacancies, as public money is frittered away on agency fees and temporary agency nurses’ wages, epitomises current government thinking.

This week, Kier Starmer’s demand for non-dom residents to pay their taxes in this country generating £3.6bn revenue, provides an example of the solutions available if the political will exists.

It is the fundamental role of a government to establish the conditions required to promote the economic, mental and physical well-being of all the members of every community.

A vision for the future supported by a clear plan provides protection from inevitable threats and setbacks. We need a government to provide that plan and security. The past 12 years, the current year of turmoil and the mood in the population reflects not only a failure to fulfil that obligation, but also a lack of confidence in their capacity to do so.

With an election looming, a change of government increasingly offers hope for many people who deserve better.

Minister who is merely biding time until the next General Election.

Real leadership on the cost of living crisis would be to fully fund an emergency programme to insulate our homes, bringing down bills and improving energy security.

Strike action should not be ignored with the army brought in, but real investment into our public sector is needed along with mammoth recruitment and retention of hospital staff, teachers and railway operators.

immigrants’.

Part of his solution to the 143,000 asylum backlog is to change the threshold for what is considered a modern slave and to deem Albania a ‘safe’ country and thus reject thousands of claims.

These are not the actions of a Prime Minister of Government with a long-term plan.

Rather they are the initiatives of a Prime

Illegal immigrants ought not to be vilified but treated as the refugees they are: offered safe and legal routes to combat smuggling and trafficking gangs and stop desperate people cramming themselves into small boats in search of safety.

We are facing depression and a winter of discontent. We need to start 2023 with bold plans and ambitions to pick our country up from its knees.

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

Victoria Charleston Lib Dems Parliamentary Spokesperson for Salisbury Constituency

‘We need bold plans in 2023 to pick our country up’

Passion for scent proves a success

Words and photo by Tristan Ovington

FOLLOW your nose along a scented path strewn with the aromas of lavender, sandalwood and peony. At the end of the path you will find The Scent Studio, located in Cross Keys, and you will be greeted with a smile by the owner, Anna Karina-Bobby.

Anna reflects on how she came to own her perfume and bath bomb shop. “The shop had been there for six years and I was a loyal customer under the previous owner Celia when it was called Scent & Colour.

“But in October 2021, I came one day for my perfume refills and she told me she was closing and moving to Spain within 10 days. I was devastated to hear I couldn’t get my zero-waste vegan fragrances, but also intrigued by the idea of buying the shop to run as my own business.

“A long-term health condition meant I had been in and out of hospital for the past five years. I was told I couldn’t work for the fear of my health deteriorating further, which was completely disempowering.

“But when I opened on October 5th in 2021 under the new name of The Scent

Studio my life completely changed and it gave me hope. Customers have even said, ‘I can tell this is much more than just a job for you because of your passion.”

But the smell of success doesn’t come without challenges. “Brexit has made it difficult to get the stock shipped in and then there is the cost of living crisis,” said Anna.

“I have tried to not raise my prices this year but I will have to increase them in 2023 due to the increasing prices of perfume ingredients.

“I am so grateful to my dear friend, Nicky Machin-Mitchell. I couldn’t have run the shop and served all customers during the busy Christmas period without her.

“And I am proud to have remained open for a year despite all the economic challenges.

“Hopefully, The Scent Studio will still be there for my daughter when I retire so it can sustain a living for her in future.

“I love creating custom gift baskets and spending 1:1 time with customers to ask what the recipient of the gift likes, whether it’s citrus, fruity, woody or other scents.

“We have something for everyone at The Scent Studio, from mini bath fizzers for kids, to aromatherapy bath bombs to alleviate muscle soreness.”

Anna Karina-Bobby, owner of The Scent Studio

Strum along with Sarum Guitars

Words and photo by Tristan Ovington

NICHOLAS Hyde, the owner of Sarum Guitars, the new guitar and amp shop in Cross Keys, has always loved the six-string.

“I have been playing since I was 11 and in bands since 16,” the 65-year-old recalls. “I had a serious farming accident as an adult and injured my hand so I didn’t play for a long time after that, but 25 years ago I was asked to play at a local event and from there I just went back to playing and never stopped.

“We opened Sarum Guitars at this location on December 10. We keep a lot of guitars that other people don’t and we have a lot of Japanese guitars because they are made with excellent build quality and value.

“For example, we stock Japanese guitars made by Aria and Fujigen for their affordability and build quality.

“We like the British brand Tanglewood guitars because you get more guitars for your money. Tanglewood makes as many acoustic guitars in the UK as all the other acoustic guitar brands put together. They make guitars

of any price range, from £120 to £2,500 and the build quality is second to none. We offer very fair prices for trade-ins.

“I have an amp technician, Gary Jameson, who used to repair valve televisions when they were the only type of television. He will start doing amp repairs in January and previously people have travelled across the country to have amps repaired by Gary because he is so skilled and knowledgeable on valve amps.

“The reception from the public to our opening has been fantastic. A lot of famous guitarists have already visited, such as Tich from the Salisbury sixties rock band Dave Dee, Dozy, Beaky, Mick & Tich. Jamie Donaheigh and Tom Thatcher also visited.

“We want to give people all the time they need to try instruments and play them as long as they need to. That’s why we will have a coffee pot soon for customers and we already have plenty of seating.

“As a traditional shop we will not be offering all guitars to purchase online. There will only be a few of the rarer ones online. We want to offer people

all the honest advice they need and it’s important for people to try out guitars in person.

“On January 7, we will open our teaching room, led by John Molene.

“Our students are aged from

seven to 70, so it’s never too late to learn.”

As a bonus, if you tell the staff that you spotted them in the Gazette you will receive a special offer.

Owner looking forward to bright future

Ovington

SMALL businesses have been hit hard by many challenges this year. But Rahul Sharma, director and owner of clothing and jewellery shop Sufinama is not deterred.

The shop is based in The Cross Keys shopping mall.

“We opened in August 2021,” said Rahul. “My background was an engineer and businessman but I had wanted to open a shop for a long time and eventually decided clothing and jewellery were the best products to stock.

“I got the name Sufinama from my mentor and guru. It is a divine name so I thought it

would be the best name for my shop.

“We stock unique fashion, jewellery, bags and handicrafts under one roof. It is a ‘one stop

Rahul Sharma, director and owner of Sufinama

shop’ for all age groups and a perfect place to buy gifts for loved ones of any age.

“We had a tough time during and immediately after the Novichok attack in 2018 but we have done well since then.

“Now we have been here for a number of years, people love us and we are here another year. We now have lots of regular customers, who frequently ask about our new stock.

“We are aiming to make Sufinama one of the best small independent shops in Salisbury by offering unique items and outstanding, friendly customer service.

And what will the New Year mean for the business? “We are excited to see what 2023 will bring. I would love to open more Sufinama shops in future.”

Words and photo by Tristan

Nicholas Hyde, owner of Sarum Guitars

WITH all the challenges of the year just gone, many of us would like to escape to another place, perhaps with a few puzzles in a themed setting.

Entrepreneurial and puzzleloving Claire, 45, and Charlie Pitcher, 48, offer exactly this service with Live Escape Salisbury.

Claire tells us how the escape rooms came to be.

“Charlie comes from a design background, having studied product design at Bournemouth University where we met in 1996. I studied journalism and when I went freelance with my writing career Charlie wanted to go freelance too.

“Later, when we were on holiday in Budapest with our friends we tried our first escape room experience and loved it. This was despite the fact we didn’t escape in the 60 minutes.

Afterwards, we were relaxing in the hotel and it dawned on us that we needed to open our own escape rooms.

“We designed our first room Spectre on a low budget and in a cheap space on Castle Street, opening on May 11, 2017.

“A big challenge was getting our neighbours to agree to the change of property usage but we agreed to finish our games by 7pm and sound-proof the building. It was all worth it, because we got lots of accolades and five-star reviews.

“The story for the Spectre escape room is about scientists who try to control the world’s population by nefarious methods and the team that completes the room has to stop the scientists.

“We had to close during 2020 lockdown but it made us get creative with attracting teams. We

ran an online escape room by building a spaceship-themed escape room into our dining room. Acting as people’s eyes and ears, using Zoom and cameras to show people what was in the room and then we followed their actions to solve puzzles.

So what does the future hold? “In 2023, we will be opening our new room, the Smallsbury Toy Company in the Cross Keys building where we have our pirate escape rooms.

“We have built a lot of the games already and some puzzles are at the design stage. We are going down the nostalgia road to appeal to people who were children in the 80s and 90s.

“The game will have plenty of imagery and toys from the 80s, like cartoon characters, as

well as retro sweets and even animatronics. We are aiming to have the room finished by spring this year and we will be so excited to see people enjoy it.

“We also have vouchers for our current rooms, which make great Christmas gifts.”

The Brig offers pirate escape adventures

Beating the freeze can help to ensure a good fruit crop in the year ahead

PRUNE your larger fruit trees to control their shape and size as they grow in the spring. It will also increase their productivity.

If you have limited space, you can train your fruit trees as espaliers, fans and cordons.

Many soft fruits can be planted at this time of year.

For example, thornless blackberries, gooseberries, raspberries, every colour of currant and tayberries.

If the soil is frozen you can start your soft fruit in pots, adding organic matter or compost to the soil.

If you already have some healthy currant and gooseberry

bushes, you can take 10-12” cuttings and put them in compost half buried, half exposed.

If pruning at the same time, remove dead leaves and disease-ridden stems but leave young shoots as these will bear fruit next year.

Make sure you tidy up existing fruit beds, checking the stems and supporting wires.

Rhubarb clumps can be lifted ready for forcing. Store in large boxes with roots covered in moist compost.

You want to cover the top of the box with a material that will keep out all natural light.

Field & Stream

Being late for lunch with an arctic owl is ‘snow laughing matter’

By Emily RylandLangley, director, TWO Bird Experiences

AFTER the release of Harry Potter in 1997, ‘Hedwig’ became a household name and the pure white, almost mythical, owl became a new obsession for pet keepers and hobbyists around the world.

Unfortunately, while the books did a fantastic job at getting people excited about birds, they did not do the best job at teaching people how to look after them… a bell cage is not the place to keep the largest owl in North America.

Nor can you pick one up at your local pet shop, fully trained and ready to be released over your favourite local landmark and expect them to return on command.

There are many other details from the books and films that

painted a different picture to how our Snowy owls really behave and survive in the wild.

Snowy owls are apex, Arctic predators so can be found gliding across the tundra on the northern parts of the globe. Despite having a 5ft wingspan and standing 2ft tall they are perfectly camouflaged in their environment.

The females are heavily barred which allows them to blend among boulders on the tundra floor as they protect chicks in the nest.

The males are almost pure white which allows them to hunt lemmings in the snow.

Now, wild lemmings are not quite as suicidal as certain videogames from the 90s would have you believe. They are quick, quiet and live in a maze of tunnels under the snow.

But they are no match for the Snowy owl – silent, invisible and can remain warm down to -50°C, they have two powerful

feet and eight talons at their disposal.

Add this to their pinpoint hearing and it is not surprising that each Snowy owl will catch an average of 8-12 lemmings a day.

Bearing this in mind and heading over to the falconry side of things, I think both me and

James (head falconer at Two Owls) can agree that it is ‘snow laughing matter’ if you are late for lunch with an Arctic owl – it’s the cold shoulder for you if mice are on the menu and they are not being served…‘ice and fresh… www.twobirdexperiences.co.uk

Head falconer ‘James’ flying Snowy Owl

Wildlife Trusts call on government to bin its destructive ‘Bulldozer Bill’

THE WILDLIFE Trusts have united in calling on the Government to bin the ‘Bulldozer Bill’ – officially called the Retained EU Law Bill – which threatens over a thousand laws that protect the environment.

It has been dubbed the ‘Bulldozer Bill’ because it could destroy laws which protect wild places and wildlife, as well as those ensuring minimum standards for water quality and pollution.

Getting rid of environmental protections could not come at a worse time. We are suffering from a nature and climate emergency – the subject of global discussions at COP15 right now – and the UK is already one of the most naturedepleted countries in the world.

Over 40% of species have declined in abundance and 15% are threatened with extinction.

The loss of key legislation could see the situation worsen dramatically with:

● More sewage and other pollution harming rivers, coastlines, and human health

● Precious places, such as the New Forest and ancient woodlands put at risk of being damaged – and potentially destroyed – by development

● Increased use of pesticides at a time when agriculture desperately needs to reduce its dependence on dangerous chemicals

● The loss of vital laws that protect vulnerable wild animals including otters, dolphins and bats, and precious plants such as lady’s slipper orchid.

Elliot Chapman-Jones, head of public affairs at The Wildlife Trusts, said: “This bill is an attack on nature.

“It could destroy laws that protect our most precious wild places and the species that

depend on them.

“It would be appalling if a developer could apply to build on the New Forest – and horrific if it was ok to shoot otters, a species that was nearly extinct so recently.

“It’s also an attack on people, which is why it’s opposed by the Trades Union Congress and the Institute of Directors, among many others, due to concerns for people’s health, safety and welfare.

“No matter what verbal assurances we receive from the government, this Bill will give ministers sweeping powers to water-down or revoke laws.

“This process will remove democracy from the legislative process, allowing ministers to decide whether to scrap or save legislation behind closed doors, with no scrutiny from Parliament.

“We urge the government to bin the Bill before it’s too late.”

What is the Retained EU Law Bill (REUL)?

A statement on the Willdlife Trust website reads: “If the Retained EU Law Bill is passed it will bring Whitehall to a standstill as civil servants plough through over 2,400 EU-derived laws that need to be reviewed by the end of 2023.

“Retained EU law might

sound as if it is legislation that was created by an outsider and imposed upon the UK – but this is misleading.

“Most EU laws were developed in a series of directives which were transposed into domestic legislation by UK governments over the 47 years we were in Europe, with a process in place to interpret them for the UK context, so they were more appropriate for our domestic agenda.

“These laws have become part of the way we run our society, covering issues like nature protection, working conditions and food safety.

“Now that we have left Europe there is no link between this domestic law and the EU – but these laws do still enshrine your right to paid annual leave, food labelling for allergens, equal pay for men and women, and minimum food hygiene standards, as well as imposing bans on cosmetic testing on animals and trading goods that may be used abroad for capital punishment.

“Retained EU laws also provide vital environmental protections for our air, rivers and wildlife. They helped remove the UK’s 1970s reputation of being the ‘dirty man of Europe’ by cleaning up our waters and

keeping our most precious natural sites safe from damage.

“No matter our views on Brexit, changing these laws entails extensive procedural change with little benefit for nature, and could lead to more litigation and greater costs for both developers and conservationists.

“If retained EU legislation is replaced with weaker alternatives, our natural environment will be left unprotected from those who prioritise profit over protecting the planet.

“The former head of the UK government’s legal department, Jonathan Jones, has warned that the REUL Bill risks causing legal chaos with no certainty over which laws will be kept and which will go.

“Similarly, the Public Law Project warns the bill may give rise to unnecessary lawsuits due to added uncertainty in regulations.

“The government’s own interactive dashboard of retained EU law notes that not only does it already include over 2,400 pieces of REUL, but this does not represent a final list – civil servants are still doing the work to identify how much REUL is on the statute books. This indicates the scale of the task ahead simply to assess all this legislation in little over a year.

“Opposition to the Bill has come from civil society across the UK, with groups from Unison to the RSPB highlighting the potential impact on our rights – including workers’ and environmental rights. It is hard to find anyone in favour of the REUL Bill.

“Along with the Trades Union Congress, law groups, human rights organisations and others, we have jointly urged ministers to withdraw this harmful legislation. If Rishi

Committee MPs calling for changes to bird flu compensation scheme

AN influential group of MPs has called for ‘fundamentally unfair’ rules over farmers’ compensation for bird flu to be changed.

Members of the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Committee have called for changes to how compensation is decided, as the farming community continues to deal with the UK’s largest ever avian flu outbreak.

The MPs said the outbreak has negatively affected farmers raising turkeys for the Christmas market, other poultry producers, and is impacting the wild bird population.

The MPs have written to the Secretary of State for Environment Food and Rural Affairs, Rt Hon Dr Therese Coffey, saying the compensation rules are unfair.

Currently, payment is only made for healthy birds that are culled by government vets from the Animal Plant and Health Agency (APHA).

However, because the current strain of bird flu kills birds so quickly, a large number of them die between the disease being notified by farmers and the arrival of the vets for culling.

This means that the longer farmers have to wait for their cull, the less compensation they get.

The letter from the

committee, signed by chair Sir Robert Goodwill, called on the Secretary of State to revise the rules so that compensation is paid based on the number of birds alive in an affected flock at the point farmers report the outbreak - rather than on the number of birds that are later culled.

“The current compensation regime is fundamentally unfair as compensation is only paid for healthy birds that are culled,” it said.

“However, due to the highly pathogenic nature of this strain of the virus, a large number of birds die between identification of the virus and the affected flock being culled.

“This means that the level of compensation received depends on how quickly the APHA can arrive to undertake the cull,

with those at the back of the queue being much less likely to receive a fair level of compensation.

“This can have a particular impact on smaller producers who keep birds in a single location and can lose their entire flock during an outbreak.”

The letter also called for other changes to help the poultry sector cope with bird flu and asked for details on what the government was doing to develop a vaccine against the disease.

Vaccination of poultry and other captive birds is not currently permitted in the UK, with many countries will not allow the import of meat from vaccinated animals.

The letter asks for a response from the minister by January 6.

Sir Robert Goodwill, chair of the committee

Home-grown food is part of UK’s ‘critical national security’, says a former head of MI5 at NFU lecture

A FORMER Director General of MI5 has told farming delegates home-grown food production is part of the UK’s ‘critical national security’.

Baroness ManninghamBuller LG DCB made the comments as she gave the NFU’s 2022 Henry Plumb Memorial Lecture.

In the current time of international crisis, with conflicts such as the war in Ukraine putting pressure on energy security and global food supply, she said the Government needs to be consistent in planning for our food supply, as it is a part of the UK’s national infrastructure.

“I believe that food is part of our critical national security, including the essential workers that grow it and harvest it, the farmers that produce our crops, meat, vegetables, fruit and even wine,” she said.

“British farmers are under immense pressure. The doubling of fertiliser prices, soaring energy costs, shortages of seasonal workers and apprehension about trade deals are all impacting the farmers that produce our food and we urgently need policy to address this.

“Unless we pay serious and thorough attention to our food security, we risk being increasingly subject to global shocks.

“We need to acknowledge that we should produce as much of our own food as possible and to be able to export what we can, both for growth in the UK economy and to help feed the world.”

NFU President, Minette Batters, said: “It was an honour to have The Baroness ManninghamBuller speak at the NFU’s Henry Plumb Memorial Lecture. Lord Plumb was a remarkable man, and it was fitting to have such a prominent speaker give a lecture in his name.

“I was pleased to hear The Baroness say what the NFU has been highlighting for a number

of years; that we must take British food security more seriously, particularly in a time when global volatility is threatening the stability of the world’s food production, food security and energy security.

“As British farmers we produce both climate-friendly food and renewable energy and we want to deliver more. For this to happen, we need our government to honour the commitments made by Prime Minister Rishi Sunak to set a target for our nation’s food security, with a statutory duty to report on domestic food levels.”

MP Sir Robert Goodwill, chair of the parliamentary

Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Committee, said: “I welcome Baroness Eliza Manningham-Buller’s contribution to the debate on food security.

“She is right to highlight the links between food security and national security, particularly in these extremely worrying times of war in Europe, high food inflation and relentless pressures on our farmers and food producers.

“The committee’s investigation into this topic is still ongoing and we will be hearing from a Defra minister in the new year.”

Baroness Manningham-Buller giving the lecture and below, NFU President Minette Batters Pictures: NFU

Farmers urged to bid for share of £12.5m Defra research fund in 2023

NEW guidelines on a competition for farming research funding have been released.

The Department for Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) has published guidance for the third round of the Farming Futures Research and Development Fund competition, focusing on agriculture and robotics.

In partnership with UK Research and Innovation (UKRI), Defra will match-fund projects which will ‘boost productivity and sustainable farming practices through the development of automation and robotic technologies on farm’.

The fund aims to bring together agri-food businesses and researchers to address strategic and sector-wide challenges through transformative solutions.

Previously funded projects have included fruit scouting robots, automated vegetable harvesters and new types of fertiliser.

Farmers, growers, businesses and researchers are being

invited to apply for a share of £12.5 million, with grants for projects worth between £500,000 and £1.5 million available when the competition opens in January.

Farming Minister, Mark Spencer, said: “This is an exciting opportunity for farmers and growers to come together with businesses and researchers to invent ingenious solutions to the problems our agriculture and horticulture sectors face.

“Automation and robotics has huge potential to improve productivity and sustainability and by supporting some of the most promising ideas to get off the ground we are investing in a successful agriculture and horticulture industry for generations to come.”

Katrina Hayter, interim executive director healthy living & agriculture at Innovate UK, added: “Innovation through automation and the use of game-changing technology is one of the central pillars of a future food system in the UK.

“The ability to plan, monitor, alert and review through digital systems brings substantial benefits to farmers and growers - from animal and crop health through to optimising harvest, waste reduction and environmental impact.

“The competition will consider ideas for bringing forward this technology, and also look at how automation can support necessary farm labour, making roles more effective and productive for all involved.

“With such opportunity, we look forward to studying the new concepts within the

applications, and to supporting some of the best and brightest ideas in bringing their projects to the next stage.”

This investment is part of the £270m Farming Innovation Programme, launched in October 2021. More than £70 million has been spent so far on industry-led research and development in agriculture and horticulture.

Applications can be submitted from January 9 2023, and project leads should be UK-registered businesses of any size, while farmers can participate as part of a wider consortium.

Inquiry launched into UK soil health

THE health of soils in the UK - and how it can be addressed - will be considered by a Parliamentary committee, it has been announced.

The Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Committee has launched an appeal for submissions to its inquiry and is keen to hear from people who can give relevant information on the issue.

A spokesperson for the committee said: “The health of soil in the UK – soils ability to function as a vital living ecosystem that sustains plants, animals, and humans –faces challenges from contamination, nutrient loss, erosion and compaction.

“The impact of this is likely to be significant through accelerating climate change, increasing the chance of flooding, reducing the productivity of farms and losing an important ecosystem for bacteria, fungi and invertebrates.

“The inquiry will look at why soil health continues to be a problem and consider how the UK Government can accelerate soil restoration in England.”

It has invited submissions on:

n How can the Government measure progress towards its goal of making all soils sustainably managed by 2030? What are the challenges in gathering data to measure soil health how can these barriers be overcome?

n Do current regulations ensure that all landowners/land managers maintain and/or improve soil health? If not, how should they be improved?

n Will the standards under Environmental Land Management schemes have sufficient ambition and flexibility to restore soils across different types of agricultural land? What are the threats and opportunities for soil health as ELMs are introduced?

n What changes do we need to see in the wider food and agriculture sector to encourage better soil management and how can the Government support this transition?

n What does UK Government need to do to tackle other stressors on soil health such as soil contamination?

The deadline for submissions, that may cover some or all of the above points, is February 5, 2023.

Advice for keeping your pets safe through the next few months

AS the temperature drops, the UK’s largest vet charity PDSA is warning owners to take extra care of their pets. Despite their fur coats our pets need a little extra TLC at this time of year.

Here are PDSA’s tips for taking care of your furry family members, so that you’re prepared whatever the weather.

Keeping safe outside

The winter season isn’t always the most pleasant for our pets so take extra care when outdoors and watch out for these common winter hazards:

Salt and grit – used on roads in winter these can irritate pet’s paws. If you end up walking on salt and grit, be sure to wash your pet’s paws upon returning home.

For an added layer of protection, you could apply a thin layer of paw butter or other pet-safe skin cream to your dog’s pads to help protect them from cracking.

Snowy paws – if it’s a white Christmas, the snow can build up on dogs’ paws and cause them discomfort, so prepare paws by keeping hair between pads trimmed, so that there’s less hair for snow to gather on.

When you get home from your snowy walk, check your dog’s paws and soak off any snow in warm water.

Antifreeze and de-icer –perfect for stopping cars icing up in winter but incredibly toxic for animals and can be fatal if ingested. If you suspect your pet may have licked some antifreeze, contact your vet and get them treatment immediately.

Never wait for symptoms to appear. Keep antifreeze out of the reach of pets and clean up any spills really thoroughly – so no one is put at risk.

Provide shelter – ideally, on very wintry nights we’d advise that you keep your dogs and cats indoors, but if your cat is determined to explore the great outdoors no matter the weather,

ensure they can get back inside your home or have a warm shelter they can go to at any time.

This is especially important if you don’t have a cat flap, if your cat flap has frozen up or if it has become blocked by snow.

Check your cars – cats often shelter under cars in cold and wet weather, or can climb inside the bonnet to take advantage of a warm engine. Always check under the bonnet for visitors who may have climbed up inside and a give good knock on the bonnet before you start the car as an additional safety check.

Storms and floods – these can cause havoc, so it’s best to be prepared for bad weather over winter. Take shorter walks to prevent a drenching. Makes sure cats can come back inside easily.

Raise hutches off the ground, move them to a more sheltered location and check for waterproofing. Loud noises can scare animals so ensure they have safe spaces, like a den, and explore whether a pheromone diffuser might be of use. .

Poisonous plants – festive favourites like holly, ivy and poinsettia are all toxic to pets if they eat them. For peace of mind, keep them out of your pet’s reach.

Winter walkies

Many dogs still love the chance to go out on adventures during the colder months:

Take extra precautions during walks when the sun goes down. LED collars, hi-vis leads and coats, as well as a torch are great for lighting the way and being visible.

Some dogs grow thick furry coats all year round, so aren’t as bothered by the chilly weather, but some shorter-haired breeds, puppies and older dogs may need extra help staying warm.

Staying active is really important, so you don’t let your pet become a winter couch potato.

Always be extra careful and

watch your step on walks, as icy surfaces can be just as slippery for our pets.

Frozen ponds may be enticing for curious canines, but they are as dangerous to our pets as they are to us.

Keep them warm, cosy and active indoors

Pets often enjoy the chance to snuggle down indoors when the temperature drops. There are a few things you can do to make staying inside more pleasant all round:

Your cat or dog may really appreciate a few extra comfy spaces to curl up in around the house, or a few extra blankets for their bed. Raise beds off the floor, so they’re not sitting in a cold draught.

It’s a good idea to provide your cat with a couple of litter trays inside, even if they always like to toilet outside. This gives them the option of keeping warm indoors.

It’s important to keep your pets active whatever the weather. If your pet is likely to miss out on vital exercise due to poor weather, ensure they have toys to keep them entertained.

Pets can start to get stiff joints and arthritis in their old age and sometimes colder weather can make this worse. Make sure you seek advice on how take good care of your older pet’s joints, especially in the cold.

Caring for smaller pets

Our small pets (such as rabbits, guinea pigs and ferrets) are very susceptible to temperature changes. A sudden drop in temperatures can be a real

shock to the system, but there are a number of things you can do to help them:

If your pets normally live outdoors, bring them into a sheltered area, out of draughts, such as a shed or car-free garage protected from rain and snow.

Pets that are used to living outside may find a centrally heated home quite a stark contrast, so a half-way house like suggested is ideal, but if you haven’t got that option, control the temperature, so it’s not too warm for them.

Make sure they have access to natural light and a run.

Keep them cosy. All small pets should have extra bedding over winter so make sure there’s plenty, that it’s dry and very deep so they can snuggle down.

If there is no option but to keep hutches and runs outside, drape a blanket or piece of carpet over the open mesh door of their living quarters to keep out strong winds and driving rain or snow. Make sure they have plenty of fresh air though.

Insulate outside walls with newspapers covered with plastic sheeting but make sure this doesn’t obstruct the ventilation. You can also get pet-safe microwavable heat pads to keep hutches warm, Check water bottles and nozzles multiple times a day to make sure they aren’t frozen. Provide other sources of water too, such as a water bowl. www.pdsa.org.uk

BOBBY

Breed: Golden Retriever Age: 3

Bobby is a handsome dog who would love to live in an adult-only household with a maximum of two people who have plenty of time for him.

He enjoys going for walks and playing with different sort of toys under supervision. His nearby environment should be rural, with low level of dogs off lead so he could continue to shine through his training and become equipped with stronger life skills.

Bobby is a very sensitive soul who hasn’t had much luck yet in finding his forever home

HARDY

Breed: Cocker Spaniel Age: 5-7

Handsome Hardy needs confident and capable owners to help him continue to reach his potential.

His main areas of further development will interactions around resources that are important to him.

Hardy will need an area he can have to be fed separately and use as a den to relax whilst there are any items around that he shouldn’t have access to.

where he feels secure, understood and guided.

He must have his own room, space his new owners could adapt to his needs and create a comfortable area for him, which is an indispensable part of Bobby’s process of settling into a new home.

DIERDRA

Breed: Crossbreed Age: 1

A lively young crossbreed who is approximately a year old.

She’s a friendly girl who has been doing really well with her basic training at the centre. She’s keen to learn and would live her new family to continue this with her. Dierdra can live with children 12 and above. She will need to be the only pet in the home but can have walking

friends.

She isn’t overly happy being left alone currently so would prefer her new owners to be around to help her settle in.

He is looking for an adultonly home with no other pets but can happily have dog friends to walk with.

Due to his ongoing training, potential adopters must be able to come and visit him multiple times at the centre.

BRODY

Breed: Cane Corso Age: 2

Brody is a playful boy who’s a bit of a goofball but requires time and patience to get used to new things; he can be easily scared and overwhelmed. He can be worried by new people and dogs and can be reactive towards them.

He would benefit from a quiet home in a more rural setting, ideally with minimal

visitors.

Brody’s new owners must be willing to continue his training, starting with confidence building.

He is on several training programmes which his handlers will be able to demonstrate during his reserve process.

Staff are also teaching him how to comfortably wear a muzzle so owners must be happy to continue this.

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.

Cryptic crossword

Across

Good change almost in loan company, say, offering approved money (5,6)

All-round competition about hospital is even for review (13)

Value highly a ruse arranged by three in Rome (8)

Head for pod content (4)

Business in concession producing a journalistic exclusive? (5)

Meat-filled dish beyond end of tray (5)

Down 2 Tree found in Skelmersdale (3) 3 Arab so in trouble gets graze (8)

4 Unusual thirst for summer clothing (1-5)

5 Square gets name in Spain (4)

6 Bring up seedy bar and see about new entrance to there clearly (9)

7 Serious division within confines of assemblage (5)

1 Good change almost in loan company, say, offering approved money (5,6) 9 All-round competition about hospital is even for review (13) 10 Value highly a ruse arranged by three in Rome (8) 12 Head for pod content (4) 14 Business in concession producing a journalistic exclusive? (5) 15 Meat-filled dish beyond end of tray (5) 19 Economic downturn that’s restricted poor part of city (4)

Economic downturn that’s restricted poor part of city (4) 20 Malfunctioning battery beginning to expose amount of computing capacity (8)

Refrain from mentioning overawed rival in a struggle (4,1,4,4)

Across 1 Good change almost in loan company, say, offering approved money (5,6)

8 Very small unwelcome plant gets cut by city (5)

Malfunctioning battery beginning to expose amount of computing capacity (8)

11 Spur on officer in Europe not half over long period (9)

Refrain from mentioning overawed rival in a struggle (4,1,4,4)

Came across British cyclist hosting party with record set of rules (11)

Came across British cyclist hosting party with record set of rules (11)

All-round competition about hospital is even for review (13)

Value highly a ruse arranged by three in Rome (8)

Head for pod content (4)

Business in concession producing a journalistic exclusive? (5)

Meat-filled dish beyond end of tray (5)

Economic downturn that’s restricted poor part of city (4)

Malfunctioning battery beginning to expose amount of computing capacity (8)

Refrain from mentioning overawed rival in a struggle (4,1,4,4)

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

hosting party with

13 All paler when moving around a line of latitude (8)

16 Plans for cycling privately (5)

17 Study again about area engaged by wine

18 Cheerful writer with posh car by yard (5) 21 Extra cut (4) 23 Victor, say, gets some greens (3)

Book tokens for Christmas? Here are some festive reads to enjoy...

Words by Francesca Tyer

BOOK vouchers for Christmas?

Or just planning on spending some time relaxing and looking for recommendations.

Here are four brilliant publications from 2022:

Murder Most Royal by S J Bennet

A warm, witty and mysterious tale perfect for fans of Agatha Christie and Richard Osman. A severed hand near

Sandringham, a second murder, an attempted hit and run and the queen herself playing a ‘Miss Marple’ type role.

Harper Collins

Twas The Nightshift Before Christmas by Adam Kay

From the creator of This is Going to Hurt comes a new story about the mad life of a junior doctor during the festive season.

Hilarious and heart-breaking, festive and poignant, Kay’s 25 tales of shocking and fascinating festive incidents are brilliantly entertaining.

Pan McMillan

Let It Snow by Beth Moran Moran’s

best-selling novel

follows the trials and tribulations of local weather girl Bea Armstrong as she heads to her family home for Christmas.

It is a quirky, feel-good story all about choices, selfdevelopment, family and love.

The Haunting Season

Although first published in 2021, this collection of ghostly and gothic tales comes with a new blue and gold cover for 2022.

Eight bestselling authors, including Natasha Pulley, Bridget Collins and Kiran Millwood Hargrave, present a series of nightmarish and suspenseful stories.

And remember, while Amazon is a brilliant service, please support your local bookstore if you can.

The sounds of yesteryear

WITH an unparalleled reputation across the UK, Europe and beyond, for over 50 years the Pasadena Roof Orchestra have been re-creating the sounds of a golden era of music from the 1920s and 1930s to widespread acclaim.

Our City in watercolour

AN exhibition exploring Salisbury through watercolours is drawing to a close.

The Timeless CitySalisbury Through Watercolour is a display of works by Andrew Lucas and is on show at the museum until December 31.

Andrew, who grew up in the city, said he was delighted to be

exhibiting.

“I hope (it) will capture the essence of this historic city, and through familiar scenes that I have very fond memories of,” he said.

The exhibition is on show during the museum’s opening hours.For more details, log on to salisburymuseum.org.uk.

Enjoy beautifully arranged songs from Irving Berlin, Ray Noble, Cole Porter and their contemporaries and re-live the electrifying hot jazz from Fletcher Henderson and Duke Ellington.

Presenting the show, and putting on the top hat and tails, is the suave singer and band leader Duncan Galloway.

So pack up your troubles, come on get happy, and experience an evening of superlative live music, with more than a dash of wit and humour.

The orchestra will be at the Salisbury Playhouse on January 26, starting at 7.30pm. For details and to book, visit wiltshirecreative.co.uk.

Explorer inspires through adventure

SIR Ranulph Fiennes, named by the Guinness Book of Records as ‘the world’s greatest living explorer’, is heading to Salisbury next month.

On January 20, the intrepid adventurer will be at the Playhouse with his Living Dangerously show.

A spokesperson for the event said: “Sir Ranulph Fiennes has spent his life in pursuit of extreme adventure, risking life and limb in some of the most ambitious private expeditions ever undertaken.

“Among his many recordbreaking achievements, he was the first to reach both Poles, the first to cross the Antarctic and Arctic Ocean, and the first to circumnavigate the world along its polar axis.

“In Living Dangerously, Sir Ranulph offers a personal journey through his life, from his early years to the present day.

“Both light-hearted and strikingly poignant, Living Dangerously spans Sir Ranulph’s childhood and school misdemeanours, his army life and early expeditions, right through the Transglobe Expedition to his current Global Reach Challenge - his goal to become the first person in the world to cross both polar ice caps and climb the highest mountain on each of the seven continents.

“Sir Ranulph Fiennes’ many endeavours have pushed his endurance levels to the very limits, inspiring generations and making him a pioneer of exploration with an unparalleled story to tell.”

Tickets to the show, which gets underway at 7.30pm, cost from £18. For more information, and to book, log on to wiltshirecreative.co.uk, or call 01722 320333.

Sir Ranulph Fiennes is in Salisbury next month

Picture: Playhouse

Salisbury City Council launches youth bursaries grants scheme

SALISBURY City Councillors have approved the trial of a new grants scheme to support one of the council’s key community priorities: ‘Improving Opportunities for Young People’.

These grants will be available to any organisation or business that runs any activity, class, course or club of any kind for young people aged 11 to 19 (and up to 25 for people with special educational needs or disabilities) if they meet the grant eligibility criteria.

Over the last year, the council’s communities manager has been working with Salisbury Youth Provision Forum, a network of local youth organisations, to identify the key issues for young people in the city.

With the support of colleagues in Wiltshire Council and The Bridge Youth organisation, a consultation with young people took place in early 2022 from which a focus group was formed.

One of the key issues for young people was an inability to access activities available for them, because of the cost.

A youth focus group member said: “There are loads of things to do if you can

afford them. We talk about safe spaces all the time. They are there, just not everyone can go to them.”

The recent quarterly youth provision forum survey showed that the cost of living has now also emerged as one of the top three concerns member organisations hear about from young people.

In response, Salisbury City Council is allocating £5,000 of the current youth budget to trial these youth bursary grants for the first time.

Cllr Victoria Charleston, said: “We are delighted to be offering grants this year to organisations and businesses who provide high-quality activities and learning for our young people.

“Importantly, how we spend this budget will be led by the voices of young people in our city. It is their needs and concerns we want to help address and we will continue to work with them on this.”

If you are a youth activity provider or youth organisation and would like to join the Salisbury Youth Provision forum, email bhc@salisburycitycouncil.gov.uk

Full details of the Youth Bursaries Grants, eligibility criteria and how to apply,

Howl at the heights at an evening without Kate Bush

EVER fancied Howling along with the Hounds of Love and dancing on the moors above those Wuthering Heights?

Then you need to head to Salisbury Arts Centre this spring to catch smash-hit cabaret-style homage, adored by critics and audiences alike, is set to tour the UK in Spring of 2023.

An Evening Without Kate Bush pays glorious tribute to the music, fans, and mythology of one of the most influential voices in British music. Performed by Sarah-Louise Young the show was created in collaboration with Russell Lucas.

The Daily Telegraph gave the show five stars and described it as spellbinding. The Times called it joyful.

Following its sold-out, critically acclaimed Edinburgh Fringe runs, two Soho Theatre seasons and 2020-2022 UK tours, An Evening Without Kate Bush will tour the UK’s towns and cities in thr spring.

You can catch it in Salisbury on March 18 at the Arts Centre. www.wiltshirecreative.com

can be found on the council website: www.salisburycitycouncil.gov.uk/ responsibilities/community-development/ community-development-grant-fund

Catch Alice in January

GOOD news for all those who love pantomime, the season is continuing into January. At the Studio Theatre the Salisbury & South Wilts Scout & Guides are putting on the pantomime, Alice in Wonderland.

Producer, Tracey Waters, said: “We hold a pantomime each year at the Studio Theatre, giving all cubs, brownies, guides, scouts and leaders within the local guiding and scouting groups the chance to be a part of a community event, while having fun and learning new skills.

“The children have the opportunity for large or small acting parts – for some of them just to appear on stage is enough. Every child who auditions gets a part and we have children that have come back year after year who have enjoyed being part of the cast

and have grown throughout the process which helps take them on all paths of their journey into their future.”

Previous cast member, Cassia Woolley, is directing having written and directed last year’s panto.

Performers range in age from 11 years-old to 14 years-old and this year’s cast is set to be the largest yet.

Tracey is an assistant Beaver Leader and obviously loves what she does. “It is obviously a challenge, but we all love being part of it. It brings local families together.”

The panto runs from Wednesday 25 to Saturday 28, January. Tickets cost £6, either from Salisbury Information Centre or online at: ticketsource.co.uk/ salisburyscouts

Sarah-Louise Young brings her critically acclaimed tribute show to the Arts Centre in March

Cllr Victoria Charleston wants to help address the concerns and needs of the city’s youth

Ofsted praises values and standards at ‘transformed’ Wilton school

‘ASCHOOLTRANSFORMED’

– that’s how Ofsted inspectors have described Wilton CE Primary School near Salisbury, after visiting the school in November.

The school, led by headteacher Richard Boase, has seen significant change since joining the Diocese of Salisbury Academy Trust in 2018 and was praised by inspectors for the high aspirations and expectations staff have for the children.

In delivering a verdict of ‘Good’, the inspection report said: “Leaders have transformed the school since joining the trust. Staff morale is high and they share the same ambitious vision. Leaders have high expectations of pupils and staff.”

In recognising the values the school holds, the inspectors said: “Pupils, regardless of their background, flourish at Wilton. The Christian ethos of courage, kindness, love, perseverance and respect runs like a stick of rock through the school.

“Parents speak highly of Wilton and its staff. They appreciate the many changes that leaders have made. One comment, typical of many, said, ‘The school have been incredibly supportive in

building my child’s emotional well-being and helping with their learning’.”

There was also praise for the way staff recognise strengths and areas for development in pupils and ‘work quickly’ if the high standards expected are not met.

The inspectors noted that pupils are happy at Wilton CE Primary School, stressing that the behaviour policy works very effectively.

“Pupils feel safe and happy. Leaders have ensured the behaviour policy, ‘The Wilton Way’, is clear and understood by staff and pupils. As a result, pupils behave well in class and at social times,” the report said. “Pupils show kindness and tolerance towards each other.”

The academic side of school was also a strength, with effective teaching beginning with the youngest pupils.

The report said: “Children in the early years learn to read from the moment they start school. Staff establish clear rules and routines. This means children are engaged and ready to learn.”

School dates for your diary

Leehurst Swan

Exams for entrance into Year 7 and Year 9 for a place starting in September 2023 take place on Friday, 20th January.

Call 01722 333094 for more details. www.leehurstswan.org.uk

Godolphin

Godolphin senior school spring term snapshot mornings will take place on Friday, 13th and Friday, 27th January 2023.

The deadline for the 13+ Assessment for September 2024 entry is Friday, 3rd February 2023. www.godolphin.org

Salisbury Cathedral School

The next open morning is scheduled for Friday, 3rd February, 2023. You can register your interest here: www.salisburycathedralschool. com/Open-Day-Form/

It added:

● Leaders have ensured that all staff are trained in the teaching of phonics. They have clear systems for identifying pupils who fall behind in reading.

● Teachers read regularly to pupils from a carefully planned selection of books. This means that pupils are exposed to a wide variety of themes and genres over time.

● Pupils say these sessions develop their own love of reading. Some say it has inspired them to read more of particular authors.

● In mathematics, teachers ask pupils routinely what they have learned in the past. This ensures that they identify gaps in knowledge swiftly.

● Pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) experience the same broad and balanced curriculum as their peers. They enjoy opportunities beyond the classroom to develop their character, such as residentials and productions.

The inspectors added that there is a ‘strong culture’ of safeguarding at the school.

Headteacher, Mr Boase, said: “This fantastic report is the culmination of months and years of effort by the staff team here, working closely with families and the local community, and our school is one where everyone enjoys a collective sense of pride.

“We know our pupils both enjoy school life, thrive and are happy and this was clearly recognised by the inspectors.

“We try to give the very best for all pupils – those joining us in reception right up to those leaving us each summer for the next part of their education journey.”

“Of course, we will never stand still and see this as a stepping stone to even greater things in the years to come.”

Trust chief executive, Mark Lacey, said: “We are so proud of everyone at Wilton. Since becoming part of our Trust in 2018, the staff team have worked tirelessly to make huge improvements which have been noted in this report.

“It is especially pleasing that the ethos of the school is so evident and this will serve them in good stead as they move forward.”

Pupils at Wilton CE Primary School celebrating the school’s latest Ofsted report

Sport

Point to point racing fixtures return to Larkhill on New Year’s Day

RACING returns to Larkhill on New Year’s Day, weather permitting. Larkhill Racecourse offers a Point to Point course in the spectacular setting of Salisbury Plain.

On the day, three will be seven competitive races, with the first scheduled for 11.30am.

Entry is only £15.00 for adults, under 16’s go free and there is no charge for parking.

Racing has been taking place at Larkhill since 1947 and it is considered one of the best courses in the country.

The previous race, due to be held on December 18, was abandoned because of the frozen conditions.

“We are very fortunate to have a wonderful team of volunteers and professional supporting services, such as vets, horse welfare teams, doctors and paramedics who will be on duty and we look forward to an exciting day of racing,” said clerk of the course, Roly Rickcord.

“We hope for a good entry and wish for a good attendance

at the home of Military Racing.”

It is a departure for a local point to point to run on New Year’s Day and it is to be hoped that a good crowd will attend following the Christmas Holidays.

It is an excellent opportunity to enjoy the splendid course at Larkhill on Salisbury Plain but do ensure if you attend that you are suitably dressed with warm clothing.

Salisbury Women FC seeking extra goalkeeper

THE MANAGEMENT of Salisbury FC Women is looking to add a goalkeeper to its current squad. The advert calls for a ‘reliable, committed individual with knowledge and experience of open age goalkeeping’.

The successful player will benefit from training under a dedicated goalkeeping coach.

The coach will focus on player development and strengthening the goalkeeper’s skillset, giving them dedicated time during training and ensuring a high level of fitness.

The team train Wednesday and Thursday, 8-9pm at Sarum

Academy during the winter, and play matches on Sunday with a 2pm kick-off time.

The club is enjoying a successful season in tier 7 of the Wiltshire Premier League and has ambitions to gain promotion in the coming seasons.

A high level of fitness is expected, in return, successful applicants will be part of an established squad, with good funding and established ground.

Email with your name, contact details and previous footballing experience. All applicants must be 16+. sfcwomen@salisburyfc.co.uk

As well as the racing there will be trade stands, food and drink outlets, and bookmakers for those who wish to use them.

All Larkhill Racecourse fixtures count towards the Larkhill Specialist Awards, these are:

● Best Horse: The Larkhill Specialist Cup and a head portrait of the winning horse by leading equine artist Nina Squire.

● Best Trainer: For the Tom

Inglis Memorial Cup and £50 voucher kindly donated by Halifax Hats.

● Best Jockey: For the Richard Noyce Memorial Trophy and an enlarged framed photograph of the winning jockey in action at Larkhill.

● Best Owner/Trainer: For the West of England Bookmakers Association Cup and a free £20 bet at every race meeting held at Larkhill in the following year.

● Best Owner/Rider: For the Elektrik 11 Challenge Bowl, kindly presented by Mr Jeremy Robb.

Points are allotted as follows:

● Open Races: Winner 10, Second 5, Third 3.

● Other Races: Winner 7, Second 5, Third 3. The course is signposted off the A345, the Amesbury to Marlborough Road.

Information and Tickets can be found at: www.larkhillracing.com

Derby tops festive fixtures

OUR local football teams saw their fixtures adversely affected by the cold spell at the beginning of December.

In the Pitching In Southern League Premier South, an improved run of form has seen Salisbury FC move up to eighth in the table and will see the team tackle festive and New Year fixtures against Winchester City and Poole Town (January 2, at home) with renewed confidence.

In the Wessex Premier Division, the festive season sees a big local derby as Bemerton Heath Harlequins travel to Laverstock FC on December 27. A recent draw left them 4th in the table but with three

games in hand on the teams above them.

The team begins the New Year with a trip down the A30 to Shaftesbury.

Laverstock FC’s first team is 11th in the table ahead of the local derby.

In the Wessex Football League Division One, Amesbury Town begin the New Year by welcoming Whitchurch United to Bonnymead Park.

Downton FC begin the New Year with a home fixture against Andover Town, the team that sits one place above them in the table. After an excellent first half of the season, the team is currently in third place.

Larkhill Raceource point to point fixutres are popular events

Healthy drinks to help you start the year refreshed

YOU might have over-indulged, whether on food or drink or just good times, so what better way to get yourself back in the groove than a healthy drink.

Adding cucumber or mint, or both, to any drink makes it instantly more refreshing. You’ll also benefit from some added nutrients and antioxidants, vitamin A and K in cucumbers case, which benefits your skin and muscles, for a start.

Mint is well-known for its digestive benefits.

You can simply add cucumber slices and mint leaves to a glass of water. Or you can add them to a jug of water and leave them to do their thing for a while.

You can take this basic drink up a notch by using sparkling water, or if you aren’t so fixated on health, they are good additions to lemonade.

The EatingWell.com website has a recipe for cucumber juice, which adds apple for sweetness. You’ll need two large cucumbers, peeled, seeded and chopped. A small Granny Smith apple, peeled and chopped, a cup of pure unsweetened coconut water and ice cubes for serving.

Blend the cucumber, apple and coconut water until smooth. Strain through a fine mesh into a jug. Fill two glasses with ice and divide the juice between the two. Simple, delicious and healthy.

A pie in a pan that’s the perfect post party panacea

MANY of you will cook a ham at this time of year, or buy one from a butcher.

The cooked ham in our house had a unique part to play in the Christmas feast. Never really the main event, it found its way into many meals between Christmas and New Year.

Waitrose offers a number of delicious recipes for using up leftovers and I couldn’t resist this sumptuous looking pie.

This one-pan pie can be made on Boxing Day and either cooked straight away or chilled or frozen until ready to use.

You can freeze the sauce before or after adding your chosen filling depending on what you have to hand and your occasion’s requirements.

So, if you have a lot of leftover turkey and ham and you know this is going to be a winner, then why not make two or three?

If using leftover meat, the total weight needs to be about 650g. Then it’s just a matter of

topping with ready-made pastry and baking.

As an alternative, you can replace the pastry topping with cut up leftover roast potatoes and halved sprouts.

This serves 6, takes 20 minutes to prepare and an hour and 10 minutes to cook.

You’ll need

3 leeks, halved lengthways

50g unsalted butter

A pinch dried thyme

4 clove/s garlic, thinly sliced

3 tbsp plain flour, plus extra for dusting

2 tbsp apple cider vinegar

500ml stock

150ml pot double cream

1½ tbsp wholegrain mustard

2 tbsp finely chopped fresh soft herbs (tarragon, dill or parsley)

For the meat filling

250g cooked ham/gammon/ ham hock

400g cooked chicken or turkey in bite size pieces

For the pie topping

320g ready-made puff pastry 1 egg, beaten

Method

Finely slice the leeks. Then, in a large pan, melt the butter over a low heat. Add the leeks and thyme with a pinch of salt and cook gently, stirring every so often, for 10 minutes.

Add the garlic and cook for a further 5 minutes or until the leeks have softened and are starting to colour. Stir in the flour and cook for a couple of minutes, then stir in the vinegar and cook for a minute more.

Gradually add the stock, a little at a time, stirring constantly, then add the cream, turn the heat up and bring to the boil, but still stirring.

Simmer for a couple of minutes until you have a thickened sauce. Take off the heat and stir through the mustard, herbs and the meat.

Season (the ham will already be adding some salt) and set aside

to cool to room temperature. You can cover and chill this for up to three days or freeze it for up to six weeks.

Preheat the oven to 200ºC, gas mark 6.

Spoon the filling into a 1.5-litre pie dish. Dust the worktop with flour, then unroll the pastry onto it, rolling it out a little widthways.

Lightly brush the edge of the dish with a little beaten egg, then lay the pastry over the top. Press down the edges and trim. Crimp to seal.

You will need to make two little holes in the middle of the pastry to allow steam to escape. Brush the top of the pastry with beaten egg.

Shape any scraps of pastry into decorative shapes and place on top of the pie making sure these also get brushed with egg.

Put the pie on a baking tray and bake for 40-45 minutes, until the filling is piping hot, and the pastry risen and golden. Stand for 5 minutes, then serve.

Christmas leftovers might just be the best thing about Boxing Day

EVEN in these more frugal times, Christmas is guaranteed to leave you with leftovers. What might traditionally be seen as food waste, we now see as food opportunity.

Most families will have their staple, post-Christmas Day recipes. These tend to be comfort foods, whether that’s a turkey curry or a ham and turkey pie, we’re not bad at ensuring our festive excess gets eaten.

One great Boxing Day food is bubble and squeak. You will have your own relationship with this sometimes overly maligned staple, but it can prove a hard sell year after year.

My kids will not touch it. I suspect this has much to do with the year of the carbonised sprout. Let me explain.

My dad has really got home-made chips down to a fine art. They are much sought after and boxing day is really just an excuse to find foods to accompany those delights.

Usually this involves bubble and squeak, cold meats, nut roast, pickles and cheeses. A

smorgasbord of everything that is good. Umami on a plate.

Except one year my mother forgot about the bubble and squeak. Most of it was rescued, and it was served, but the carbonised sprout has become the bogeyman of our children’s Christmas.

It wasn’t just that this one sprout was burnt (a crime against food), but that it was burnt in such a way that you could still see every leaf in great detail.

But there are so many other wonderful things you can do with pretty much any bit of food that found its way back to the fridge on Christmas Day. Here’s a few ideas:

Turkey

Sandwiches are an easy and obvious solution to leftover turkey. Whether it’s plain or

with some cranberry sauce, or even with something a little spicier, they are low cost and delicious.

It’s not too hard to up your game at this time of year. This recipe idea comes from Tesco:

French dip turkey sandwich recipe

This only takes 20 minutes to prepare and cook – and significantly less to eat.

It serves four and uses up leftover turkey, cranberry sauce, stuffing, gravy, sprouts and cheese.

The original recipe calls for reblochon cheese, but you could substitute this for any soft, creamy cheese like brie or camembert (dare I say, even a mixture) if you have some to hand.

Ingredients

110g Brussels sprouts, cooked and finely sliced

2 tbsp cider vinegar

4 white sub rolls or equivalent

4 tbsp lighter mayonnaise

4 tbsp cranberry sauce

40g baby spinach leaves

200g turkey breast, cooked and sliced

200g stuffing balls, cooked 140g reblochon cheese, thinly sliced 175ml gravy Method

Preheat the oven to gas 6, 200°C, fan oven 180°C.

Mix the sprouts, cider vinegar and seasoning in a bowl and set aside.

Split the rolls lengthways, then open out. Spread the mayonnaise over the bottom halves and cranberry sauce over the top halves.

Divide the spinach leaves

Christmas dinner, turkey with all the trimmings, often results in lots of food left uneaten Credit: Waitrose

between each roll, then top each with turkey and stuffing. Scatter over the sprouts and place your cheese on top of each.

Close the rolls and gently press the top halves down to keep everything together.

Put on a lined baking tray and bake for 5-7 mins or until the cheese has melted. Meanwhile, make or reheat gravy.

Serve the sandwiches with the gravy in bowls for dipping.

https://realfood.tesco.com/ recipes/french-dip-turkeysandwich.html

Potatoes

To think there might be some roast potatoes left over hurts my brain, but not everyone will have the same capacity for ingesting those crispy, fluffy gems as me, so it’s worth having a go-to recipe to hand so that none of those glorious gems go to waste.

I said earlier that bubble and squeak was not an option in our house, but roast potato hash is definitely a winner and can be served as breakfast, brunch or lunch.

You can really add what you want, in whatever quantities you have available.

A recipe on the I Love Potatoes website (my new favourite) suggests 6-8 leftover roast potatoes, roughly chopped, 200g leftover Sunday lunch vegetables roughly chopped, 150g leftover roast meat (beef, lamb, pork, gammon, or make it vegetarian) shredded, 1teaspoon horseradish sauce (or mustard), 1 sprig fresh rosemary finely chopped, oil for frying, 1tablespoon plain flour and fried or poached eggs, to serve.

You can either combine everything together and form into patties and fry, or roast everything together in the oven.

Cranberries: surprisingly

WHETHER you make your own or save time by buying it from a shop, you are guaranteed to have some cranberry sauce left over.

You may think of putting it back in the fridge and using it on another day, which is the right attitude but you won’t be alone in finding it lurking unused and unloved some (many) months later.

Cranberries are not just for Christmas so don’t let this year’s sauce suffer the same

fate, after all, it is a surprisingly versatile condiment.

You can combine it with any slightly stale croissants you might normally throw away to make an indulgent version of a bread and butter pudding.

You can add some to your morning porridge or bake them into your favourite muffin recipe (try using them instead of blueberries).

Try adding some to a breakfast bar recipe, or to an ice cream mix.

History

Finding the stories behind the image

By Salisbury Museum Volunteer, Alan Clarke (all photos courtesy of The Salisbury Museum)

THE Salisbury Museum image archive contains nearly two million images.

Some of these images are of sports teams. Many are of football teams; often two photographs; one for each team that has just played a match.

It is very unusual for the archive to contain a list of the names of the team members. In most cases even the final score is not recorded, let alone the highlights from the match.

But we do usually have the date, within a few days, and the team names.

Take the example here from 1951 [top right]. This image is from a scanned glass plate. The only information is that from the board, with the four cups, which says Downton Football Club.

Are there two teams here? It is probably too long ago for anyone to be able to name any of the men in the photo?

But we had better luck with the two images on the right which were described solely by the four words “Earl Gowrie at Museum” and the date 27th April 1984.

As this is a transcription of handwriting, the spelling can often be wrong, especially concerning names.

However, in this case, putting “Earl Gowrie” into the Google search engine brings up an article in the Irish Times

entitled ‘Earl of Gowrie obituary: Dublin-born Tory NI minister and arts maven’.

This 2022 obituary gives many details about Grey Gowrie.

There is an old photograph as well and it matches the person in the Salisbury Museum image archive photographs.

But I recognised the other person – none other than a young Peter Saunders, the former director of The Salisbury Museum.

Even better, on contacting Peter, he told me: “I do remember this because it was, I think, the day of Yvonne Fletcher’s funeral in the Cathedral, and Lord Gowrie had to get Mrs Thatcher’s approval to come to the museum owing to security concerns. Gowrie was Arts Minister then.”

Yvonne Fletcher was the young police officer shot and killed outside the Libyan Embassy that year.

The museum does have a number of

Clockwise from top: Downton FC; Earl Gowrie at Salisbury Museum; a print showing a butcher’s shop and the reverse giving detsils of Allan Pritchett and M Calia Selby

Credit: Salisbury Museum Archives

photographs of her funeral at Salisbury Cathedral.

An important task for The Salisbury Museum image volunteers is to look at the archived images and to try to find the stories behind them.

This information could be the names of people, what the event was, where the event was, and anything else the volunteer can determine. We then store this with the image computer file itself as metadata.

You might like to try your skill with the image at the end here [top left].

We do have some clues as this was scanned from a print, the reverse of which appears to say [bottom left]:

Allan Pritchett

B 1876 D 1934

M Calia Selby d 1922

Shop Christmas Display

H.M. REWSE Photo. Artist

Summerlock Bridge Fisherton Street, SALISBURY

CLARKE’S Auctions at Semley would like to wish its clients a happy Christmas and is looking forward to seeing them at its three-day auction on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday December 28, 29 and 30. Some 2,200 lots of exciting and interesting items will be on offer with something for everyone from collectables, ceramics and glass, objects of vertu, silver and jewellery to furniture, fabrics, textiles, books and paintings, with estimates starting from £10 into the

locomotive is estimated at £3,000-£5,000 and a scratchbuilt model of HMS Nelson, built by British engineering firm Vickers Armstrong, could make £2,000 to £3,000.

Jewellery includes more than 100 lots of rings, 50 pairs of earrings – including a fabulous Carl Faberge-style green enamel and diamond orb form drop earrings estimated at £1,400£1,600 –bracelets, bangles and necklaces, and a vast collection of costume jewellery from a deceased estate.

A pair of early Victorian giltwood and gesso Pier mirrors with ribbon decoration are estimated at £200-£400

colour catalogue is available at the-saleroom.com and easyliveauction.com

Clarke’s is taking entries for its sales in 2023 and enquiries for consignment, probate and insurance valuations, and part

or full house clearances should be made Richard Clarke or Karen Marshall on 01747 855109 at the main offices on Kingsettle Business Park, Station Road, Semley, Shaftesbury.

Clarke’s Auctions

League of Friends shop celebrates 10th anniversary of finding a new way

Words by George Todd, vice chairman of the Salisbury District Hospital League of Friends

Towards the end of 2011, Salisbury Foundation Trust (SFT) advised the League of Friends that a W.H.Smith outlet was going to open in the main foyer of the hospital.

This had major implications for the league’s shop, also in the main foyer, as it sold many items which would compete with W.H.Smith.

The league’s trustees were told that the shop had either to close or come up with a viable alternative.

One of the trustees, Trevor Grant, with over 40 years’ experience in the confectionery business, suggested we could sell hand-made confectionery which he could source.

SFT agreed, and during the summer of 2012 the site of the existing shop was converted to make two shops – one for the League of Friends and one for the Stars Appeal’s bookstall. The fact that both of the hospital charities were to work side by side seemed particularly appropriate.

Mark Bell, another trustee, erected the shelving, drawers and cupboards for the new shop and his wife, Dawn, set about ordering all the necessary items to ensure the smooth running of the shop – a task she carried out brilliantly.

She also took on the role of shop manager which, most importantly, involved organising a rota of volunteers.

Fortunately, many of those who helped in the previous shop were only too happy to help in the new one – the paid staff being taken on by W.H.Smith.

Therefore, after four months, and with over two hundred varieties of sweets and chocolates as well as a wide range of sugar-free sweets, the newly designed and refurbished League of Friends shop was opened on the 19th November 2012.

Over the years since then, the shop has expanded the range of goods that they sell. Chief amongst these is the knitwear.

The League of Friends is extremely fortunate to be supported by groups of ladies who provide the shop with really lovely items – little jackets, hats, gloves, blankets, soft toys and even Christmas decorations. These are arranged very efficiently and priced by Jenny Goodship, one of the volunteers.

The shop also sells cards – some hand-made again by Jenny. It is also the outlet for My Trusty products – hand and face cream, body butter and oils – the supply of this is organised by Nicola Coombs.

For the last few years the shop has, during the preChristmas period, sold a wide range of Christmas cards which come via the league’s parent organisation, Attend, and which are very competitively priced.

I took over the running of the volunteer rota when Dawn left, and the current numbers are adequate, although we could always use more.

As I am now standing down, Nicola has taken over this role as well.

Most importantly, however, the mainstay of the shop is the continued sale of confectionery and, in this, Trevor has been joined by Rita Taylor.

Their work over the years has resulted in profits ranging from £20,000 to £40,000 a year, which the league has been able to pass on to the hospital.

Obviously, Covid [and the lockdown periods] affected these profits recently and, indeed, the shop had to close for over a year.

Nevertheless, business has bounced back this year and we are on target to reach well over £25,000 in profit, so we have been able to celebrate a very happy 10th anniversary.

Have your Christmas tree collected and benefit local charity

THE EVER-popular Salisbury Hospice Charity Christmas tree collection and recycling initiative returns for the New Year.

The charity says it will deal with the hassle of disposing of your real Christmas tree in an environmentally-friendly way.

Between January 13-15, if you live in the postcode areas SP1, SP2, SP3, SP4, SP5, SP6, SP7, SP9 and (new for this year) SP11 7, SP11 8, SO20 6, SO20 8 it will collect and recycle trees in return for a donation.

Collected trees will be turned into chippings or compost, with the help of a team of volunteers.

The chippings will then be donated to local farms, where they are used as animal bedding and even feed.

By registering a tree, not only are residents helping patients and families in need of vital end of life care, they are also supporting the environment and the wider community.

Registration for the scheme closes at midnight on January 8.

After costs, 90% of monies raised through the initiative will go to Salisbury Hospice Charity.

The remaining 10% will be distributed to charities in the Salisbury community, the hospice said.

Charityxmastreecollection.com

Credit: Clay Banks/Unsplash

The League of Friends together in the ‘new’ shop

Music of the heavenly spheres comes to the Cathedral in the New Year

SALISBURY CATHEDRAL has announced details of two big musical events that will take place in the early months of 2023, including a performance of Holst’s The Planets that will feature poetry from local schools.

Sunday, 22nd January 2023

Epiphany Devotion at 5pm

A special service to celebrate the Feast of the Epiphany, which marks the coming of the Magi, takes place on January 22.

During the service, parts 5 and 6 of Bach’s Christmas Oratorio will be sung in German, accompanied by period instruments.

Soloists include soprano Caroline Halls, a former chorister, along with adult members of the choir.

The collegiate style seating (facing into the nave) and candlelight will lend an intimate atmosphere to this early evening service.

Saturday, 4th February

The Planets by Gustav Holst at 7pm

Another treat from Salisbury Cathedral’s music team. Take a

musical journey across the galaxy with Holst’s sublime masterwork, The Planets, Op. 32, a seven-movement orchestral suite transcribed for organ by John Challenger, assistant director of music and principal organist at Salisbury Cathedral.

This exciting interplanetary voyage includes poetry written and performed by Martin Figura, using words and ideas that he has gathered during workshops with local schoolchildren.

Participating schools include Exeter House School and Salisbury Cathedral School supported by La Folia, as well as primary students working with Salisbury Cathedral’s education team.

A live video-link to the organ loft, visible on the cathedral’s big screen, allows the audience behind the scenes to see the organist at work and, at times, will take concert goers up into outer space all within the atmospheric surroundings of the 800-year-old building

“I have always wanted to make an arrangement of The Planets (originally written for orchestra) for this spectacular organ,” John Challenger said. “Holst’s highly evocative suite

Letters

We quite agree, the spitfire needs sense of movement

WE TOTALLY agree with your correspondent regarding the Spitfire flying into the trees [Would anyone else support the idea of flying Salisbury’s secret spitfire across the road, David Willoughby, 31 October, 2022]. In our opinion it would look much better facing south, maybe with one wing dipped

slightly to give some impression of movement.

At the same time it would be wonderful to have the two spelling mistakes corrected on the information board.

Clue: they both appear in the third paragraph.

has captivated me since I was a child, and I am always looking for new ways to share the joys of our very fine pipe organ too.

“It is a truly special experience to be in the Cathedral at night listening to great music and hearing the incredible sounds of this instrument resonate from every corner, and I am so thrilled that this very personal project has extended beyond the performance to local schools and students.

“It fired my imagination as a child and has fired the imaginations of so many others. I cannot wait to share it with everyone on February 4.”

Holst’s The Planets was written between 1914 and 1917,

Holst’s The Planets premiered in 1918. It has been arranged specially for the pipe organ by John Challenger

Credit: Freepik.com

and premiered in 1918. Each movement is named after a planet and depicts its supposed character – for example, Mars the bringer of war or Venus the bringer of peace.

Martin Figura has taken these themes and worked with children in his workshops to create ideas and phrases to incorporate into his poetry.

Tickets for Gustav Holst The Planets are now on sale via the cathedral website. Tickets: £20 for adults and £5 for children under 18 years.

JUST WANTED to say that the Salisbury and Avon Gazette is such a good read. Local and informative and packed.

Well done – it’s what The Journal used to be years ago. Thank you

Sam

Balshaw

Jenny and

Bob Norman Salisbury

Left: One of our contributors spotted this wonderful example of guerilla knitting in Salisbury’s market square recently

Credit: Tristan Ovington

Why seasonal affective disorder: is more than just the ‘winter blues’

AT THIS time of year, you might hear people talking about seasonal affective disorder, or SAD for short. More than simply the ‘winter blues’, SAD is a form of depression that affects people during a particular season.

Although people suffer from SAD in the summer, typically it is more prominent during the winter months.

Symptoms

People suffering with SAD might exhibit a number of the following symptoms:

● Persistent low mood

● A loss of pleasure or interest in normal everyday activities

● Irritability

● Feelings of despair, guilt and worthlessness

● Feeling lethargic (lacking in energy) and sleepy during the day

● Sleeping for longer than normal and finding it hard to get up in the morning

● Craving carbohydrates and gaining weight

● Difficulty concentrating

● Decreased sex drive

● Becoming less sociable.

For some people, these symptoms can have a significant and detrimental impact on their daily life.

The GP surgery

According to MIND, if you also suffer from other mental health problems, you might find that things get worse at times when you’re affected by SAD.

You should contact the GP if you think you might have SAD and you’re struggling to cope, or if you are worried about your health. The GP will carry out an assessment that will include checking your mental health.

You may be asked about your mood, lifestyle, your diet, patterns of sleep and how your thoughts and behaviours change with the seasons.

They may also ask whether your symptoms prevent you from carrying out normal activities and whether there’s anything in your personal or family history that may be a contributory factor, such as a family history of depression.

Causes

There are no exact answers to why people suffer from SAD during the winter. One theory suggests the lack of sunlight can have an adverse effect on the hypothalamus, stopping it from functioning properly.

This might lead to an increase in production of a hormone called melatonin, which controls your sleep/wake cycle and is responsible for making you feel sleepy.

Lack of sunlight might also decrease production of serotonin. As this hormone affects your mood, appetite and sleep, it is thought this reduction can lead to feelings of depression.

It can also affect your circadian rhythm, your body’s natural ‘clock’ may not function properly, which can result in symptoms associated with SAD.

Treating SAD

It is not always easy to diagnose SAD. The main indicator is if the symptoms have occurred at similar times of the year for at least two years or more, and if periods of feeling well follow the periods of depression.

There are a number of treatments available. The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) recommends that SAD should be treated in the same way as other types of depression.

Your GP will talk you through the options and decide which ones are best suited to your particular circumstances.

Lifestyle changes –exercising regularly can be beneficial, and if you do it

outdoors you will increase your exposure to sunlight.

Counselling – talking therapy such as cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT).

Medicine – your GP will talk you through what is available should they feel you would benefit from taking a course of antidepressants, such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs).

Be clear on possible side effects and how long it takes for the medicine to begin working.

Light therapy – this uses a special lamp, or light box, that is designed to simulate exposure to natural sunlight.

Although light boxes are very popular, NICE is undecided on their effectiveness in treating SAD. Light boxes will not be suitable for everyone, so ask your GP for advice.

Living with SAD can be very difficult. If you suspect that you or someone you know may be suffering from SAD, as well as visiting the GP, there are a number of things you can do at home to help with your symptoms.

For example, you can try and get as much natural sunlight as possible, whether through exercising outdoors or even going for regular walks.

Try and bring as much natural light into your home as you can and sit near windows

whenever possible. Try different methods of de-stressing and learning to relax. Find one that works for you.

Be open with your friends and family. Explain to them how you feel and how your feelings and behaviours change during the winter months. Articulating your feelings can help you understand yourself better and it will help the people close to you offer better support.

Eat a healthy and balanced diet, avoiding overloading with carbohydrates. Where possible, learn to recognise and avoid stressful situations.

Keep a diary. This can be helpful in the short-term as a means of recognising the signs that you are struggling, but long-term it can help with diagnosis and working out what helps alleviate your symptoms.

If you need to talk

Samaritans – call 116 123 or email jo@samaritans.org.

SANEline – support for people experiencing a mental health problem or supporting someone else. 0300 304 7000 (4.30pm–10.30pm every day).

Campaign Against Living Miserably (CALM) – 0800 58 58 58 (5pm–midnight every day).

Contact Mind’s Infoline on 0300 123 3393

Ask your GP for details of support groups.

Care home and eyecare specialists take a closer look at dementia

NOT-FOR-PROFIT care provider

The Orders of St John Care Trust (OSJCT) and eye care specialists Haine & Smith have joined forces to raise awareness of dementia among staff in their optical practices across Wiltshire.

Tim Wright, a customer relationship manager based at OSJCT Goodson Lodge in Trowbridge, ran four sessions to raise awareness of dementia which were open to all 160 staff across the 20 branches of Haine & Smith, as well as staff working in the company’s head office.

Wright explained: “OSJCT care homes are very much part of the community and we have been delighted to partner with Haine & Smith.

“From collecting donated old pairs of glasses within our homes for re-use, to delivering Alzheimer’s Society Dementia Friends information sessions, we enjoy forging meaningful partnerships like the one with Haine & Smith.

“Partnerships like this enable our residents to continue to be part of their communities, but also assist partner organisations with awareness-raising about dementia and how to support those living with the condition as well as their loved ones.”

Janet Hartwell, clinic & ECP manager at Haine & Smith Opticians, said: “Our staff take up of the Dementia Awareness sessions offered by OSJCT was incredibly encouraging and feedback has been very positive.

“It’s been invaluable just to understand the basics, such as the fact that dementia is a disease that can affect anyone at any time, it doesn’t only affect older people.

“Also, the greater awareness of some of the symptoms will positively affect how we treat patients when they come into our practices.

“The sessions were extremely informative, and we are proud to let the public know we are ‘Dementia Friendly’.

Taking care of our mental health over the festive season

Wiltshire Mind offers advice for looking after our mental health at this time of year

CHRISTMAS can feel like a very busy time for many of us, but it is important to try and find time to take care of our well-being too.

We recommend using the ‘Five ways to Wellbeing’ as a prompt. This includes:

● Connecting – spending time with people in a way that feels connecting and energising for you

● Be Active – take time to be active, even if just a short walk each day to get some fresh air. During the winter, it is especially important to get outside in the daylight.

● Take Notice – try to be

mindful and focus on the current moment rather than worrying about the past or future. Even just a few minutes of focusing on your breathing can help.

● Learn – spend some time learning something new, even just listening to a short podcast can help keep your mind active.

● Give – helping others can help give you a sense of purpose. This might include supporting a friend, volunteering in your community or just being kind to others when you are

doing your Christmas shopping.

Remember to treat yourself with the same kindness and understanding as you treat others. Be patient with yourself and others, and know that this

time of year can be challenging for many of us, especially during a pandemic.

Be mindful of what you need and try to communicate this to the people around you, including setting any relevant boundaries such as topics you don’t want to talk about or events you don’t wish to attend.

Consider talking to a friend or loved one about how you are feeling.

For information about what to do in a mental health crisis, or for details of other organisations who provide immediate support, visit Wiltshire Mind’s support page: www.wiltshiremind.co.uk/ core-services/information-andsupport/

“We would certainly recommend anyone to take part in one of these sessions and are

very grateful to Tim at OSJCT for sharing his time and knowledge with us.”

Haine & Smith staff took part in dementia awareness training with OSJCT (L to R) Zoie Izatt, Sophie Patel, Emma Lee, Ben Lack, and Janet Hartwell

Strep A fears prompt surge in GP appointments, health group says

GPs across the south of England have been inundated with worried parents following the increase in cases of Strep A and scarlet fever in children.

The update comes from Wessex Local Medical Committees (WLMC), which represents GP surgeries across the south, which says in some cases requests for appointments have more than doubled.

Joint chief executive of WLMC, Dr Laura Edwards, pictured, said the surge is putting huge pressure on the NHS.

“It’s really important people check whether their children’s symptoms require urgent attention but equally use reliable resources to decide when they don’t,” she said.

“If you are worried, look on the Healthier Together website which has clear information about what to look for, and when to be worried about your child, laid out in a traffic light

system.

“At the same time, we are asking other patients to be understanding if their routine appointments have been cancelled because of the increased numbers of patients seeking urgent attention coming forward.

“My thoughts go out to the loved ones of the children who have died as a result of Strep A infections, and understand parents will be worried, but death and serious illness as a result of this remains incredibly rare.”

In the vast majority of cases, Strep A causes mild infections and can sometimes lead to scarlet fever.

In a very, very small number of children it can develop into invasive Group A strep where children can become incredibly unwell after the infection spreads into the bloodstream, joints or lungs.

“Most practices have seen

requests for emergency on the day assessments rise by at least 50 per cent, and in some cases practices have seen an increase from 100 calls per day to 250,” she added.

“.One practice reported to us they have seen nearly 20% of their population in the past week.

“We understand parents will be worried, but we simply do not have enough GPs to cope with that level of need.

“The vast, vast majority of children will only have mild illnesses, but if your child does meet any of the most severe symptoms listed on the

Healthier Together website including breathlessness, blue lips and a rash which doesn’t disappear with pressure, then do not wait for your GP – go to A&E.

“With so many requests for appointments, our GPs are being challenged to find the very sick children amongst the ones who do not need urgent care.”

Dr Edwards said the knockon effect of the increased requests for medical attention is that some people may find pre-arranged appointments with their GPs are cancelled, because surgeries do not have the capacity.

“Our teams cannot continue to operate at these levels,” she said.

“We need to make sure our doctors and clinical staff have sharp minds and aren’t physically and mentally exhausted. We need them to be safe for you to be safe.”

GPs told to lower antibiotics threshold

THE UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has written to GPs, ‘given the unusually high level of GAS (group A strep) and viral co-circulation in the community’ and asked them

to have low threshold for prescribing ‘antibiotics to children presenting with features of GAS infection, including where secondary to viral respiratory illness’.

GPs should maintain a low threshold for prompt referral to secondary care of any children presenting with persistent or worsening symptoms, the agency said.

It also recommended that parents of children with viral infections such as flu or chickenpox should be given advice about signs that could suggest secondary bacterial infection.

Strep A is a bacteria sometimes found in the throat or on the skin which can cause a range of illness that are usually mild, including strep throat and impetigo, but it can also cause scarlet fever as well as a much rarer illness called invasive Group A strep (iGAS).

The number of recorded deaths in the current high

period is already higher than during the last equivalent period.

Investigations are also underway following reports of an increase in lower respiratory tract Group A strep infections in children over the past few weeks, which have caused severe illness.

Although now official advice has been offered to schools, the Early Years Alliance has added a guide to Strep A infections to its Winter Toolkit for childcare providers to share with parents and carers.

Currently, there is no evidence that a new strain is circulating, with the UKHSA suggesting the increase is most likely related to high amounts of circulating bacteria and social mixing.

Are you aware of Raynaud’s - a condition worsened by the cold?

AS the south west continues to endure frezzing temperatures, people are being urged to be aware of a little-known condition brought on by the cold.

The charity Scleroderma and Raynaud’s UK (SRUK) is urging people to look out for signs of Raynaud’s - a painful condition that affects blood circulation and is triggered by the cold.

SRUK says many in the UK are unaware of Raynaud’s, despite around one in six people living with the condition.

According to the charity, more than one in two UK adults don’t know any of the signs and symptoms with millions likely to dismiss symptoms rather than visit their GP.

The charity is also concerned that high energy prices are preventing many from properly heating their homes, meaning those living with Raynaud’s are likely to spend Christmas suffering in silence.

What are the symptoms?

For someone with Raynaud’s, cold temperatures and stress can cause painful

flare-ups, also called Raynaud’s attacks.

This is when the blood temporarily stops flowing to parts of the body, most commonly the hands and feet.

Signs of Raynaud’s include:

• Colour changes to the skin in areas such as the hands or feet, often in response to cold conditions

• Cold and numbness in the affected areas, such as the fingers and toes

• Tingling or pain, especially as the circulation returns to the affected areas.

The condition can also be extremely painful, preventing many from carrying out

everyday tasks like handling bank cards and house keys, unbuttoning a coat and even driving.

Sue Farrington, chief executive of SRUK, said: “Winter is well and truly upon us and we know that people with Raynaud’s can find this time of year extremely difficult.

“We all get cold hands and feet when the temperature drops, but for those affected by Raynaud’s the impact can be seriously debilitating, so it’s important not dismiss it and seek advice and support.”

For around 300,000 people with Raynaud’s, the condition can be a sign of a serious underlying condition, such as the autoimmune diseases lupus and scleroderma, which is why SRUK is urging people in the South West to visit their GP if they think they may have Raynaud’s.

The charity also has an online test people can take to check if they may have the condition. This is available at www.sruk. co.uk/testme.

British Association of Removers Eco Friendly Removals

Flexible working would become ‘default’ position under new plans

THE right to request flexible working will become available from ‘day-one’ of employment, the Government has proposed. A consultation over potential changes to employment law was launched in September 2021, running until December of that year, to establish whether changes should be made.

It came after a pledge in the 2019 Conservative Party manifesto committed to ‘encourage flexible working and consult on making flexible working the default unless employers have good reasons not to’.

More than 1,600 responses to the consultation were received and the Government has now issued guidance on which proposals it will take forward.

On making the right to request flexible working the ‘default’ position, the report said: “On the balance of the evidence provided ... the Government believes that making the right to request

flexible working apply from the first day of employment is a proportionate step to take.

“There is no ‘one size fits all’ approach to work arrangements and it is important that the legislation remains a right to request, not a right to have.

“The Government believes that early conversations about flexibility in the job design, recruitment and appointment phases should be encouraged – and this measure will directly support that goal.”

In response to the consultation, The Phoenix Group said: “If we give this right to request flexibility from day one, we open up our culture at all entry points and can stimulate a change in the way we think about working hours as a whole.”

The consultation also asked for views on whether reasons to reject a request for flexible working should be altered, but based on feedback, it decided against recommending that.

Sarum West Primary Care Network are looking to recruit an experienced Elderly Care Facilitator to work across their region.

The region covers seven practices but would be working predominantly in the East of the PCN which would include Wilton and West Lavington.

Working with local practices and the PCN to carry out detailed clinical assessments on nominated patients within professional boundaries.

30 hours pw preferable but flexible working is available. Ability to work alone or as part of a team essential.

Reports to the PCN manager and clinical lead.

Responses to Ian.hall20@nhs.net

Closing date of 15th January but may close sooner if the right candidate is identified.

“While an overall majority of consultation responses supported a reduction in the list of business grounds for rejecting a flexible working request, no clear picture emerged of an obvious way forward,” it said.

“There was a clear difference between the views of individuals and employers, with concern expressed in relation to how the reasons are used rather than what they specifically state,” it added.

“This in turn supports the need for a conversation between the employer and employee about the reason(s) applicable in any specific case and therefore how flexible working might sensibly and practically be available to an employee, if at all.

“For these reasons, coupled with the strong arguments for maintaining the current position put forward in some

consultation responses, the Government will retain the current list of business reasons and not make any changes.”

However, the proposals did include changes that would require employers minded to reject an application to discuss it with employees in a bid to encourage finding a workable compromise.

Lloyds banking Group said: “It is important that the shift to flexible working by default is seen as an improvement in the maturity of conversation between employee and employer, and changes to the regulations are introduced in a way that contributes to this.

“Getting to ‘flexible by default’ for us means that regular conversations take place between colleagues to explore whether the way they are working is delivering the best outcomes for the business, our customers and the individual.”

Flexible working could become the ‘default’ position under the new proposals

Recruitment

looking for an experienced

Manager You will be managing a regular client base as well as generating new business selling into various magazines. Previous sales experience is required and you should be hungry for success.

The role is a hybrid of working from home/office and out and about within the Dorset, Somerset and Wiltshire areas. You must own your own vehicle – a mileage allowance is paid. Previous

Hours are Monday to Friday 9am – 5.30pm. Salary is dependent on experience.

If you’ve got what it takes to be part of this fantastic team, please send your application to debi.thorne@blackmorevale.net

Closing date for applications is Friday 27th January 2023.

Cold snap brings busiest day of breakdown recoveries on record

BREAKDOWN recovery firm the RAC had its busiest day on record during the recent cold snap.

The firm revealed that on December 12 around 12,000 drivers needed help in freezing conditions.

RAC Breakdown spokesperson, Rod Dennis, said the record number of calls was down to a series of factors which combined to create a ‘worst-ever winter breakdown cocktail’.

“(December 12) was officially our busiest day for breakdowns on record, with around 12,000 drivers needing help, the equivalent of eight every minute of the day.

“Even our busiest day during the infamous Beast from the East in 2018 didn’t see as many people breaking down.

“We believe two key ingredients have combined to create the worst-ever winter breakdown cocktail – a sustained period of cold weather with an absence of widespread snow that would otherwise keep people indoors, and a big rise in the number of drivers who can’t afford to maintain their vehicles as we well as they’d like to due to the pandemic and the cost-of-living crisis.”

He said the remainder of the week was also busy, with rail strikes likely forcing more people onto the roads. With the harsh winter weather continuing to cause havoc across the UK, the RAC is warning drivers to be prepared for the weeks ahead leading up to Christmas.

Dennis added: “Hazardous road conditions are continuing. Those who have to use more

rural roads that haven’t been gritted will need to exercise great care, delay, or even abandon their plans.

“Before setting out, allow some more time to de-ice and de-mist your vehicle thoroughly. We urge drivers who have to make essential journeys to leave extra space behind the vehicle in front, reduce their speeds to give plenty of time to stop.

“Anyone still wondering if it’s worthwhile carrying an emergency winter pack with them should imagine how it must have felt for drivers stuck on the M25 for eight hours recently. Carrying warm clothing layers – including a waterproof jacket – as well as a blanket, sturdy footwear, a flask of hot drink and power bank to keep phones charged are all extremely important.”

17 million in Christmas getaway caused traffic problems for drivers

ALMOST 17 million cars were expected to hit UK roads over Christmas.

The AA was predicting high levels of traffic over the Christmas period, with millions setting off for Christmas on December 23 and Christmas Eve, causing lengthy jams at traffic hotspots.

A survey of more than 12,000 drivers revealed which days could freeze plans over the festive period with bumper-tobumper traffic.

Planned Network Rail strikes added to the getaway mayhem as staff planned to walkout on Christmas Eve.

Almost a quarter planned to travel for work on December 15 and 16, after which businessbased travel dropped off until the New Year.

driving to do their Christmas shopping on Saturday, December 17, with one in 10 (12%) opting to use Christmas Eve as their final shopping day.

thing especially if drivers have been partying the previous evening.

This year, the main days for celebrating with friends and family were Christmas Eve, Christmas Day and Boxing Day, the survey said.

While the big day was set to be one of the quietest days on the road, of those driving almost two in five (39%) were meeting up with their loved ones.

Edmund King, AA president, said: “While December 23 and Christmas Eve were set to be the busiest travelling days, planned industrial action by rail service staff led to increased levels of cars on our roads.”

A fifth (20%) said they were

He added: “New Year’s Day will be the quietest day on the roads which is probably a good

“Drivers can still be breathalysed and lose their licence for driving over the limit the morning after. So, remember if you are going to drive, don’t drink, and if you are going to drink, don’t drive.” 2018

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Motoring

‘Work needed on smart motorways’

WORK is needed to improve the safety of ‘smart motorways’, according to a new report.

The findings, from the Office of Rail and Road (ORR) say National Highways is set to achieve its overall safety target for the Strategic Road Network in England, though urgent changes are needed to improve safety on smart motorways.

Stopped Vehicle Detection (SVD) technology is radarbased technology that is on every all-lane running (ALR) smart motorway, where the hard shoulder has been permanently converted to a live traffic lane.

The ORR reports that National Highways had SVD technology in place on every existing ALR smart motorway by the end of September 2022.

However, there has been widespread criticism of the scheme this year, with the safety of the roads being

Farming

brought into question.

Their mass rollout across the motorway network was paused in January 2022. At the start of 2021, there were 369 miles of smart motorways in England, including 168 miles without a hard shoulder.

According to ORR’s report, the actual performance of stopped vehicle detection is falling short of the performance requirements.

A main challenge has been that false detection rates on ALR smart motorways across all National Highways’ regions, which are substantially above the required maximum.

The company’s specification states that false alerts may not constitute more than 15% of all alerts but performance ranged from 63.8% to 83.5% across the regions.

As a result, National Highways are seeking to make

improvements to the SVD technology to achieve the required performance levels by the end of June 2023.

ORR chief executive, John Larkinson, said: “Our previous work on smart motorway data has shown that these roads are as safe as the motorways they replaced but the number of live lane breakdowns are higher.

“Having the SVD radar detection equipment in place sooner than planned has helped to reduce the duration of these breakdowns more quickly but it’s not working as well as it should.

“While it is still too early to have robust data, it’s clear National Highways needs to urgently improve its performance in this area.”

RAC head of roads policy, Nicholas Lyes, said: “While this assessment shows progress with improving safety is being made

we are keen to see National Highways get on top of teething problems they have had following the installation of stopped vehicle detection technology.

“Breaking down in a live lane is terrifying enough but drivers must have confidence that the infrastructure is detecting them quickly so authorities can immediately close the lane.

“We also urge police forces to use the equipment provided to enforce ‘red X’ closed-lane signs as we think that this will reduce those flouting the law and putting drivers and roadside workers in unnecessary danger.

“But when all is said and done, it remains to be seen whether these changes result in drivers feeling any more confident on motorways where the hard shoulder has been replaced with a running lane.”

Making the most of what is under our feet

Could your farm’s soil hold the key to increased productivity, environmental benefits and long-term resilience?

Local soil management experts believe so. Speaking to the Cornish Mutual Future Farming programme, they explain more about making the most of what is under our feet.

“Feed soils like you feed yourself –with a balanced diet. This builds soil biology,” said Tom Tolputt, Founder and Technical Director at Terrafarmer, a regenerative farming consultancy in which Cornish Mutual has recently made a significant investment.

“Increasing biology in the soil provides more nutrients which, over time, reduces the need to add them artificially. As well as improving the soil, this has a positive financial impact on a farming business.”

An increasing focus on soil health is also echoed by the government in the opening phase of the Sustainable Farming Incentive (SFI).

“SFI is not about taking land out of

production,” said Tom Lewis from DEFRA. “It’s about working with farmers to achieve environmental sustainability alongside productivity with payments for providing public goods. The first of these ‘public goods’ is soil health.”

However, the benefits of good soil health go beyond productivity and resilience. The Future Farming Programme also spoke to the Farm Carbon Toolkit about the link between soil health and carbon sequestration, and to the Farm Net Zero project about their trial exploring land management practices and carbon sequestration.

To

the Cornish Mutual Future Farming page: https://www.cornishmutual.co.uk/ cmfuturefarming/industry-insightscase-studies/environment/

Tom Tolputt, Founder & Technical Director at Terrafarmer

Housebuilding targets to be relaxed amid rebellion of MPs: Reports

HOUSING targets for councils will be relaxed amid a rebellion of Conservative MPs, it has been reported.

Ahead of a vote on the Levelling Up Bill in Parliament, nearly 60 rebels had pledged to back a plan to ban mandatory targets in England - including in areas such as Dorset and Somerset - saying they were excessive.

Now, it is being reported Housing Secretary Michael Gove has offered councils more flexibility over meeting the targets.

Meanwhile, the public accounts committee said the government is unlikely to meet its housebuilding targets.

Not enough socially-rented homes are being built, the committee added.

The Department for Levelling Up said the targets would become a “starting point”

for development, with new flexibilities to “reflect local circumstances”.

The targets are incorporated into long-term hosuebuilding plans by councils, usually over a 15-year period.

Councils that fail to meet them can have their power to block new developments curbed.

In September, Dorset Council reports showed the county had failed to meet targets, for reasons such as overall availability of land and the complexities of development.

Meanwhile, another issue being addressed in Parliament is reported to be the introduction of registration schemes for holiday lets, while a consultation will also be launched on making homeowners get planning permission to convert their homes

for tourist use.

Rebel MPs also said Mr Gove has agreed councils with an up-to-date housebuilding plan won’t have to set aside a rolling five-year stock of land for future development.

The government has a target of building 300,000 homes each year by the mid 2020s, but MPs on the public accounts committee said meeting it was unlikely.

A committee report showed housebuilding totals are 32,000 homes short of goals set in 2016 and 2021 for affordable homes.

Committee chair Dame Meg Hillier said: “The human cost of inaction is already affecting thousands of households and now the building programme is hitting the challenges of increased building costs.”

What

HOUSE prices could drop by two percent in 2023, according to property website, Rightmove, in a boost for buyers.

The year 2022 started with months of record-breaking house price increases, huge levels of demand from buyers and homes selling more quickly than ever before.

As the year progressed, the market settled down after an exceptionally busy two years, and looked set to return to the kind of conditions seen in the years prior to the pandemic.

However, interest rates started to increase, and some buyers put their moving plans on hold as mortgage rates also climbed.

So how could the events of 2022 affect the property market next year? Here’s how things are looking right now, according to Rightmove experts.

prices do in 2023?

What could happen to house prices in 2023?

This year we saw asking prices in Great Britain rise by 5.6%, to an average of £359,137.

This was almost £17,000 higher than in 2021, when prices increased by 6.3%.

In 2023, Rightmove is forecasting average asking prices will drop by 2%, which means prices will still remain higher than they were after the incredibly busy home-moving period of 2021.

One of the main drivers of the house price growth seen over the past two years has been the imbalance of supply and demand, with far more people looking to move than there were homes available for sale.

And in a more settled housing market, buyers will have the time and space to make

sure they find the right home for them, the firm said.

As a result, they said they anticipate the time it takes to sell a home will increase to what would be expected in a more ‘normal’ housing market, of around 60 days.

Property expert at Rightmove, Tim Bannister, said: “After two and a half years of frenetic activity, it’s easy to forget that having multiple bidders immediately lining up to buy your home was the exception rather than the norm in pre-pandemic years, and there will be a period of readjustment for home-movers

as properties take longer to find the right buyer.”

Are people still looking to move?

After the uncertainty brought about by interest rate rises and high inflation, Rightmove says it is seeing signs that some buyers are ready to get started with their home moves as we head into the New Year.

This month, views of homes for sale on the site are up 11% when compared to the same period in 2021, suggesting 2023 moves are on the cards for those who are able to do so.

Tim added: “We’re heading towards a more even balance between supply and demand next year, but we don’t expect more significant price falls in 2023.

“This is reflected in our prediction of a relatively modest average fall of 2% next year.”