The Salisbury & Avon Gazette (27/02/23)

Giant Ukraine tribute goes on show

A GIANT symbol of Salisbury’s commitment to supporting people in Ukraine has gone on show.

Standing with Giants’ piece I Want To Live – a thought-provoking Ukraine tribute – went on display in Guildhall Square to mark the first anniversary of the start of the Russian invasion, on February 24.

The piece, which stands at over 10ft high and is made of 15mm laser-cut sheet steel, depicts the silhouette of a solider holding a baby while leading a mother and another child to safety.

It was the brainchild of Oxfordshire artist Dan Barton and has previously been on display in Oxford.

The artwork arrived at a location outside Salisbury last week, ready to be installed in the Guildhall Square in time for the anniversary itself. It will remain in the city until March 17.

Passers-by are able to make donations via QR codes listed on accompanying information boards to current charity appeals supporting Ukrainians who have not left their country including:

● The Bearr Trust – 100% of donations will go to Ukrainian and Moldovan

NGOs on the ground supporting individuals and communities.

● Salisbury Community Hub for Ukraine, aiding those that are sending medical supplies, clothes and equipment and other support to Ukraine.

Jane Ebel, organiser of the Hub, has been instrumental in bringing the installation to Salisbury. She said: “Ordinary people the length and breadth of the County have been incredibly hospitable in sharing their homes with Ukrainians.

The sculpture , the brainchild of artist Dan Barton, was previously on display in Oxford

“Now we can all show our support by standing together at this tribute and during the period of Lent reach out and show compassion to those who are suffering.”

The Hub thanked Salisbury City Council for giving permission for the art work to be hosted in the square, to the team at Rifles Berkshire & Wiltshire Museum in Salisbury Cathedral Close, who offered their forecourt for the first stage of the journey, and to Mayor Tom Corbin for coordinating the event.

Why marriage has a nice ring to it...

Advertising feature

Few people forget their wedding day. For many, it is the most important day of their life. So choosing an engagement or wedding ring is a considered process that should not be hurried.

As part of the highly personal service they offer, Salisbury city-centre jeweller W. Carter & Son specialise in independent expert advice and, with over two hundred years of trading, they can draw upon a wealth of gem suppliers and gold and silversmiths.

Wedding traditions have always reflected the times, and these are constantly changing. This year’s popular bridal engagement jewellery continues to be a balance between classic styles and contemporary designs as customers look for timeless pieces that can be worn forever according to W. Carter & Son director, Sebastian Salt.

“As diamond specialists we offer a traditional range of diamond pieces such as solitaires and stud earrings and these are ever popular. There is also a more recent trend to match halo engagement rings with a diamond set wedding band.

Metal preference is a large part of the decision making, when choosing a wedding ring. While yellow gold is a perennial favourite due to its warm tones, we find platinum wedding rings are prized for their timeless beauty and lovely patina over time,” says Sebastian.

Like the best of marriages wedding and engagement rings offer a lifetime’s pleasure if you choose carefully. And, as with most big decisions taking expert advice usually pays off!

W.

W. Carter & Son

fine jewellery since 1817

fine jewellery since 1817

3 & 5 Minster Street, Salisbury, Wiltshire SP1 1TB 01722 324 340

3 & 5 Minster Street, Salisbury, Wiltshire SP1 1TB 01722 324 340

www.wcarterandson.co.uk info@wcarterandson.com

www.wcarterandson.co.uk info@wcarterandson.com

Tickets now on sale as Vintage nostalgia returns to Stockton Park

THE VINTAGE Nostalgia Festival returns to Stockton Park in June.

Taking place across the first weekend of the month, the festival is a fun-filled event that promises live music, dance, vintage and antique shopping, classic cars, automobilia, children’s entertainment, and more.

Thousands of vintage enthusiasts and classic car owners are expected to descend on the beautiful setting and hundreds of cars will be on display ranging from the 1920s to the 1980s.

Visitors are encouraged to wear period attire. To help with the transformation Pearls Pin Up parlour will be on hand to create any style or look. To add to the glamorous occasion, glamping is available in the boutique camping area.

Style-icon visitors can enter the Best Dressed Competition, while other options include learning to jive and swing dance, sampling the finest real ale from Palmers Brewery, enjoying vintage theatrics from re-enactors, meandering through the vintage village trade stand area, or getting busy in the children’s activity and entertainment section.

If that’s all a little too energetic you could just sit back and relax with a Pimms in the vintage 1963 Leyland Titan double decker bus bar.

Music comes in the form of jazz, blues, pop, swing and rock and roll, taking in every decade from the 1920s right through to the 1980s.

Day visits are available on 2, 3 and 4 June, with camping subject to availability, from 1 June. Tickets are limited and camping is pre-book only.

www.vintagenostalgiafestival. co.uk/tickets

City police op targets driver offences

MORE than 100 drivers were caught during a police operation in Salisbury.

A total of 130 drivers were found committing a ‘multitude of driving offences’ during the crackdown on Wednesday, February 15, according to Wiltshire Police.

Officers from our Roads Policing Unit were in the city as part of Project Zero – an operation which is held every Wednesday at a different location in the county that sees officers targeting drivers committing any of the ‘fatal five’ offences in a bid to reduce the number of casualties on our roads.

The ‘fatal five’ are driving at excess speed, drink/drug driving, using a phone while driving, not wearing a seatbelt or driving in a careless or dangerous manner.

The team in Salisbury dealt with:

● 18 Traffic Offence Reports were issued for endorsable offences including mobile phone use while driving and excess speed

● 16 Fixed Penalty Notices were issued for non endorsable offences including lack of seat belts, expired MOTs and registration plate offences.

● Two minor road traffic collisions were also dealt with by the team

● The team also assisted local officers with search enquiries for two missing people Throughout the day, RPU officers were supported by members of the Special Constabulary Road Safety Unit, the Serious Collision Investigation Team, Road Safety Officers and Speed Enforcement Officers. Speed Enforcement Officers attended a number of locations throughout the day where the local community had raised concerns about speeding drivers.

These included The Avenue in Wilton,

Downton Road, and Boscombe village.

In total, they recorded 96 vehicles exceeding the speed limit.

A/Insp Will Ayres said: “The collaborative approach to Project Zero in Salisbury this week resulted in 130 drivers being dealt with for various types of offences.

“Project Zero has been taking place across Wiltshire since it relaunched at the start of the year and I hope that releasing these statistics each week is providing reassurance to the public and giving a valuable insight into the work carried out by the team of roads policing officers we have here in Wiltshire.

“While I know some people will question the importance of dealing with, what on the surface, may appear to be very minor issues, I would like to point out that it is these types of offences that have been found to be the most common contributory factors to fatal collisions on our roads.

“We will do anything we can to reduce the number of serious collisions that occur in Wiltshire, and we are fully committed to keeping our roads as safe as possible.”

£60,000 collections in 2022

BUCKETS and books helped raise almost £60,000 for a hospital charity.

The Stars Appeal, Salisbury District Hospital’s charity, raised the cash through collections at its bookshop and through bucket collections.

The amounts, collected in 2022, were revealed during a special cheque and certificate presentation attended by some of the bookshop and bucket collection volunteers, alongside Stars Appeal’s Hospital Ambassadors.

Last year, the Bookshop raised £36,481.30, which brings its all-time total since it first opened in 2003 to £597,258.58.

Meanwhile, the Stars Appeal bucket collectors at the hospital collected £20,752.27 last year.

Dave Cates, of the Stars Appeal, said: “We want to say a big thank you to all of our bookshop and bucket collecting volunteers for their incredible efforts which make such a difference, not just through the funds that they raise, but also the support they give to patients and their families

who come to Hospital, often facing difficult times.

“Thank you to everyone who donates to our bucket collectors and supports our bookshop.

“The funds raised are a vital step towards the £1 million we are aiming to raise this year to fund projects supporting patients and staff here at the Hospital.”

Projects the Stars Appeal are looking to fund for this year include a £142,000 echocardiogram machine for the Cardiac Investigation Unit to reduce waiting times for patients awaiting diagnosis, £55,000 for new scalp cooling machines to help reduce hair loss for cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy on the Pembroke Unit, a £20,000 brain function monitor for babies on the Neonatal Unit, and a £15,000 mechanical CPR machine.

These are in addition to the ongoing projects the Stars Appeal fund including support for cancer patients, a 24/7 chaplaincy service, a staff counsellor, and free wifi.

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

News

Death after A354 crash

A MAN in his 80s died after being hit by a car in Amesbury.

The incident happened on the A345 Countess Road at around 7.30pm on Sunday, February 12.

A Vauxhall Astra which was travelling south on the A345 Countess Road towards Countess roundabout when it was in collision with a pedestrian, a Wiltshire Police spokesperson said.

The man was taken to Southampton Hospital with multiple injuries but sadly died a few hours later.

“His family have been informed and our thoughts are with them at this difficult time,” they added.

Anyone who witnessed the collision or has dash cam footage should call 01225 694597, ref 54230015911.

Hospital staff and Stars volunteers celebrate the donations

Independent businesses set to benefit from launch of green eco-awards

A NEW INITIATIVE to help local independent businesses become more eco-friendly is launching in Salisbury.

Created by Salisbury Transition City (STC), The Salisbury Green Business Association (GBA) will celebrate and promote local businesses that are making positive changes for the environment while providing support for those who would like to do more.

According to the SME climate report, small and medium businesses are responsible for 44% of nonhousehold emissions.

Therefore, these businesses will play an essential role in helping to achieve the targets set by Wiltshire Council and Salisbury City Council to “make the country carbon neutral by 2030.”

The Salisbury Green Business Awards Scheme is free to take part in and will launch over the coming months.

The initiative is designed to encourage and inform businesses about simple ways to reduce their environmental impacts, helping them to make sustainable changes that support local climate targets.

Sophia, a GBA project manager, said: “The GBA project has the potential to create a shift in local business mindset, encouraging

businesses in Salisbury to ‘Think Global, Act Local’.”

Salisbury has over 200 independent businesses, including waste-free shops, second-hand shops and a Library of Things.

The Salisbury Green Business Awards will help celebrate those already taking positive action for the climate and encourage others to follow.

The project aims to create a thriving, sustainable local economy that keeps money circulating in the community –putting Salisbury on the map of eco-conscious towns.

Dan Collins, business manager at Salisbury BID said: “More and more businesses in Salisbury are looking for ways to be more environmentally conscious, but it can be very difficult to navigate the best ways to be greener.

“The awards not only promote the efforts of businesses that have already made positive changes, but also give guidance to businesses looking to be greener.”

How do the awards work?

Businesses will be asked to fill out an easy-to-complete questionnaire which will ask about their current business practices. The questions are in five main sectors: energy, transport, finance, waste and organisational practices. They

will receive a score for each section to indicate the areas they are doing well or that could be improved.

Businesses will also receive an informative toolkit containing specific actionable advice tailored to their business.

High-scoring businesses will win a sustainable award to display in their shop, window or on their website.

Those that fall short of the award will be encouraged to make some changes with the help of their toolkit and resubmit – moving them closer to achieving the accolade.

The organisers of The Salisbury Green Business Awards hope that independent businesses will benefit from local social media endorsement for being a green business,

while encouraging other companies to get involved.

Another benefit includes direct cost reductions from conserving energy, water or other resource-saving practices. It will also create new networks and increase the visibility of local community action to small business owners.

The awards will allow environmentally conscious consumers to buy confidently, knowing they are making good choices when spending their money in Salisbury.

To nominate your businesses for The Salisbury Green Business Awards, visit the website and complete the questionnaire.

https://www.transitionsalisbury. org/green-business-awards

Man injured in ‘violent robbery’ in city centre car park

A MAN suffered a suspected broken nose during a violent robbery in Salisbury.

The incident happened at around 5.30am in the Brown Street car park, right.

Wiltshire Police said a man had been approached by two males who demanded money.

“The pair repeatedly punched and kicked the victim before he handed over £20 in cash,” they said.

“The victim sustained multiple facial injuries including a suspected broken nose.

“The suspects are described white males, around 6 feet tall with one wearing a grey puffer jacket.

“The victim has also reported a car pulled up near him before the incident which could have been involved.”

Officers have called on anyone in the area at the time who saw what happened or has CCTV/dash cam footage, to contact police on 101 quoting reference number 54230018041. They can also contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Salisbury has over 200 independent shops including waste free shops

VILLAGERS have applied for a landmark pub to be named a community asset in a bid to re-open it as a ‘focal point’ for residents.

The Victoria and Albert, in Netherhampton, closed in September 2021 and villagers say it has been ‘neglected’ ever since.

The pub is currently listed for sale with the Caldecotte Group, with a guide price of £325,000.

Now, Netherhampton Parish Council has applied to Wiltshire Council to have the pub listed as an ‘Asset of Community Value’. If granted, the status would mean the community is effectively given first refusal on any option to buy the ‘asset’, so long as it would be used for ‘the community’s social wellbeing’.

“On behalf of all residents, the parish council has been engaging with a local businessman who is keen to re-establish the pub as a going concern, but the owners seem to be avoiding the discussion,” the application said.

Village pub could reopen under ‘community asset’ plan

“Our community has decided that we need to do whatever we can to protect against the danger that the pub is allowed to decay further and/or is turned to residential use,” it added.

“We have canvassed our residents on the subject. When writing in support of a reopening many residents have expressed their sadness at seeing the ‘hub of the village’ looking ‘sad and run down’.

“Others describe the pub as a ‘focal point’ and ‘the only place to meet and socialise in the village’.”

The council says residents are ‘dismayed’ the Grade 2-listed pub has been allowed to ‘sit vacant and crumble away’.

“In the past, village gatherings such as Jubilee celebrations and summer fêtes, and events at St Catherine’s Church have benefited enormously from the presence of a happy, functioning pub providing practical facilities such as loos, power and water as well as drinks and food,” the application added.

“Any village event is more rudimentary and much harder to stage with the pub closed.

“The village does not have any bus service, and in these times when we are all being encouraged to drive less, the pub was/ will be the only option for eating out within walking or cycling distance.”

It says new developments would add to the customer base of the pub and that the loss of the venue would be a ‘severe blow to the community life of our village and our parish’.

Wiltshire Council will make a final decision on whether to list the pub by April 11.

For more details, and to comment on the application, log on to www.wiltshire.gov.uk and search for application reference ACV/2023/00005 in the planning application section.

Owner of the Victoria and Albert, the Wellington Pub Company, has been contacted for comment on the plan.

Application to replace ‘unsafe’ footbridge at city hotel

Council, says a current wooden pedestrian bridge is ‘unsafe’ and needs to be replaced.

A planning application has been submitted by Greene King Ltd to replace a footbridge at the Old Mill Hotel,

The application, lodged with Wiltshire

The scheme would see a new bridge built slightly away from the building.

People can comment on the application, reference PL/2023/01187, until March 16 2023 at www.wiltshire.gov.uk.

The Victoria & Albert pub, in Netherhampton, has been closed since September 2021

A FOOTBRIDGE at a Salisbury hotel is set to be replaced.

pictured right, on the town path in Harnham.

Care home offers charity grants to help combat loneliness in city

MILFORD HOUSE care home in Salisbury is offering three grants worth a total of £30,000 to deserving local charities.

The grants are offered in the name of a former Barchester resident, Jeanette Gill, who generously donated part of her legacy to Barchester’s Charitable Foundation.

The Foundation is calling for deserving local charities and community groups to apply for these special awards.

Dr Pete Calveley, CEO of Barchester Healthcare and chairman of the foundation, said: “We were extremely touched that one of our residents donated so generously to Barchester’s Charitable Foundation.

“We thought it would be fitting to create these flagship grants in her honour and memory as a tribute to the lives she is helping.

“The charity does so much for local communities throughout the country to tackle and reduce loneliness for many people, and these grants will make a big difference to those in need.”

Named in her memory, the Jeanette Gill Special Awards are open to groups and individuals

in need, in the local community, and will be awarded to projects that enrich lives and encourage an active lifestyle through arts, music, sports and culture.

These projects need to be for older people or adults with a disability, or those that may have challenges with mental health to qualify.

This year will mark the last round of grants from Jeanette Gill’s legacy.

There are three awards available:

● £15,000 GOLD AWARD (open to groups)

● £10,000 SILVER AWARD (open to groups)

● £5,000 BRONZE AWARD (open to individuals)

Barchester’s Charitable Foundation supports older people as well as working age adults with a learning or physical disability or mental health issue by giving grants to help improve mobility and quality of life.

The Foundation is particularly interested in innovative initiatives that tackle isolation and loneliness, and which bring sustained outcomes and positive changes for the people benefiting.

To find out more about how to apply for a Jeanette Gill Award, visit: www.bhcfoundation.org.uk.

The closing date for applications is 26 March 2023. For more information on Barchester’s Charitable Foundation contact the Grants Management Team on 0800 328 3328 or email info@ bhcfoundation.org.uk

Man duped into paying for non-existent car

A SALISBURY man was duped into paying a deposit to buy a car - only to find the ‘seller’ did not even own the vehicle.

Police are warning people to be on their guard against online fraudsters who advertise cars for sale without actually owning them.

Dorset Police said the victim, a man in his 30s, paid a deposit for a car he saw advertised on an online marketplace and after discussing the purchase online with the supposed seller.

“The supposed seller had

initially set up the advert having seen the car advertised on an online marketplace themselves,” a spokesperson said.

“They then duped the owners of the car into believing they had a genuine interest in buying the vehicle, and then asked to see videos of the vehicle and documentation relating to it, which they received.

“The unknown suspect has then re-registered themselves as the registered keeper of their vehicle, and used the videos sent to them to advertise the

vehicle as their own.

“They have then tricked potential buyers into paying deposits for the vehicle.”

DI Ian Magrath, of the Digital Investigations and Intelligence Unit, said: “I want to take this opportunity to remind people to be incredibly cautious when buying or selling cars online.

“Sellers should list the make, model and the year of the car, but never share any information about Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs), V5

documentation or anything else.

“I would also advise sellers to consider blanking the registration number from the advert as it is too easy to clone a plate, such as to avoid a congestion charge or commit a bilking (when someone makes off without paying a fare or bill).”

DI Magrath said such actions were ‘a common scam where funds are often reverse charged so the seller not only loses the vehicle but also the money’. Report scams on 101.

Jeanette Gill Awards 2022 Gold winner Veterans Woodcraft

Time to party! Community encouraged to celebrate King Charles’ coronation

Guy Ritchie estate bids for shoot cabins

THE

CORONATION of His Majesty The King and Her Majesty The Queen Consort will take place at Westminster Abbey on Saturday, May 6.

Wiltshire Council is encouraging communities to get together to celebrate and mark the occasion with local events involving as many people as possible.

A special Coronation Concert will be held on Sunday, 7th May 2023, while neighbours and communities are being encouraged to share food and fun together with the Coronation Big Lunch on the same date.

Following the allocation of an additional bank holiday on Monday, 8th May, it has been dubbed as “The Big Help Out” with members of the public encouraged to volunteer within the local community.

With the official Coronation less than three months away, residents of Wiltshire are being encouraged to get involved in this truly historic occasion and Wiltshire Council has collated useful information and guidance to help people with their arrangements.

Anyone planning an event that needs any involvement or permission from the council, such as road closures, will need to submit relevant applications to the council at least eight weeks before it is due to take place.

Straightforward applications will receive a quick turnaround (two weeks) on Wiltshire Council owned land/green spaces/parks, but due to the timescales required for statutory processes, late applications for road closures and licensable activities will not be considered.

For events occurring during the extended Bank Holiday

Wiltshire Council is encouraging residents to celebrate the coronation of HRH King Charles III

period (6-8 May 2023), applications would ideally need to be with the council no later than 12th March 2023.

People are also asked to consider what licensing applications they may require, such as for particular entertainment or to sell alcohol, and to submit any applications required as soon as possible. There will also an the opportunity to celebrate the Coronation weekend by viewing or taking part in various national events that will take place over the extended Bank Holiday weekend.

The national celebration events include:

● The Coronation Concert at Windsor Castle on Sunday 7 May

● The Coronation Big Lunch, on Sunday 7 May

● The Big Help Out, on Monday 8 May HM Lord-Lieutenant of Wiltshire, Mrs Sarah Troughton, said: “It is a real honour to be His Majesty The King’s representative in Wiltshire. I do

hope that local residents and communities will join me in celebrating His Majesty’s Coronation in Westminster Abbey, which will be a truly historical occasion.

“The Coronation Service itself on Saturday, 6th May will be a magnificent, religious and spiritual event and I hope will be of interest to people of all faiths and none.

“I want to encourage everyone to join in the celebrations by putting on their own Coronation Big Lunch events and street parties on Sunday, 7th May followed by the Big Help Out activities on Monday, 8th May, aimed at encouraging volunteering over what will be a very memorable weekend.”

Cllr Richard Clewer, leader of Wiltshire Council, said: “We are looking forward to the Coronation of His Majesty The King and Her Majesty The Queen Consort and we want to ensure that our local communities have the resources and information they need to mark this historic celebration.

“As well as the national celebrations we know that there will be lots of residents looking to hold their own celebrations, which is why we’ve created the webpage with a whole host of useful information for hosting a street party event.”

More information regarding Wiltshire Council’s plans and for more details regarding license applications can be found at: www.wiltshire.gov.uk/ highways-king-charlescoronation.

More information about the Coronation weekend in general, across the UK, can be found by visiting: https://coronation.gov.uk

THE ASHGROVE Estate –home of filmmaker Guy Ritchie – has applied for permission to remove an ‘ugly’ modern barn and replace it with a number of more traditional cabins.

TFH Reeve, on behalf of the estate, has applied to Wiltshire Council for permission to install nine cabins - six for guests, three for staff – at Ashgrove Farm, at Ashmore.

The buildings would replace an ‘ugly’ barn and act as accommodation for people attending shoots and private events at the site.

“The Ashgrove Estate, the long time home of the film maker Guy Ritchie, has always been known for its world famous shoot, and this remains the core business, but there has always been a vision that the estate should be an economic hub in the countryside,” the application says.

For more details, and to comment on the plans, log on to www.wiltshire.gov.uk and search for application reference PL/2023/00941.

Men’s Shed appeal

AMESBURY Town Council has submitted a planning application for a storage facility and workshop to be situated by the Centenary Pavilion, at Archers Gate.

If successful, the Council will commission a builder with the intent to provide the facility by the end of the year.

The workshop is intended for use as a Men’s Shed which will provide a community space to combat loneliness and isolation, centred around crafts and other activities.

Hospital parking ‘free’ after camera rollout problems see charges paused

A CAMERA-operated parking system installed at Salisbury Hospital earlier this month has been suspended less than two weeks later.

The system, which uses number plate recognition cameras to identify vehicles and apply parking fees, came into use at the hospital on Monday, February 6.

However, hospital bosses have now suspended the system amid ‘a number of problems’, meaning patients and visitors can park for free ‘until further notice’.

Salisbury NHS Foundation Trust CEO, Stacey Hunter, said: “Many patients and visitors have contacted me about problems that they are encountering with the new automated car parking system that was introduced this week.

“I wish to thank everyone who has brought these issues to my attention.

“Following investigations, a number of problems with the Automatic Number Plate Recognition ANPR cameras, and with the mobile phone app used for payment have been discovered.

“We have alerted the supplier to these problems and they have begun work to fix the issues.

“While that work is being

undertaken, the system is being suspended and there will be no parking charges for patients and visitors until further notice.” She added: “On behalf of the Trust I appreciate the support from our community and apologise for the confusion, frustration and inconvenience that has been caused by the system’s failures.

The ANPR system was rolled out at Salisbury Hospital car parks on February 6, but has now been suspended

“Please be assured that there will be full testing of the system before it is re-introduced and we have been given assurance from the company that it is working properly.”

The problems mean drivers will not have to pay fees of: Up to 2 hours £2.70; Up to 4 hours £4.50; Up to 6 hours £6.50; Up to 24 hours £8.00.

Probes into Wiltshire police officers

WILTSHIRE’S top cop says forces must ‘hold a mirror up to themselves’ after the sentencing of David Carrick - as Wiltshire Police continues to probe 13 gross misconduct allegations.

Carrick, an armed officer in the Met Police, has been jailed for a minimum of 30 years after admitting a string of sexual offences against women - including 24 counts of rape.

Now, Chief Constable Kier Pritchard, pictured inset, has reaffirmed the Wiltshire force’s total commitment to rooting out misconduct as it investigates the misconduct cases - four criminally.

“The vile actions of Carrick have, rightly, prompted extensive public conversations on how women and girls in our communities can trust the police service and have confidence they will be protected by those who are supposed to safeguard them,” he said.

“This is at a time when the service is already trying to rebuild this public trust further to the murder of Sarah Everard by

then serving officer Wayne Couzens.

“Policing is now facing a watershed moment where the public are questing why we should be trusted to keep them safe.

“The actions of the minority who abuse their positions for their own gratification fundamentally go against everything that we believe in, and our primary role in keeping people safe.

“Such cases also deeply undermine the work of the vast majority of my officers, staff and volunteers who are highly committed public servants working tirelessly and bravely to keep the public safe.”

He said officers were also facing a job in re-establishing public trust.

“We are not immune to such toxically damaging cases here in Wiltshire and we, like all other forces, must now hold the

mirror up to ourselves and ensure we root out those who so badly betray the trust the public should have in us.

“We currently have 13 ongoing gross misconduct investigations against officers and staff which are all subject to ongoing enquiries within our Professional Standards Department. Four of these are currently being criminally investigated.

“I would like our communities to know that we will continue to root out those individuals who abuse the position of trust they are in. There is no place in policing for such individuals and we will relentlessly pursue those who do not uphold the oath and values which we, as public servants, live by.”

He added: “I am absolutely committed to identifying those who look to betray the confidence we invest in them to keep the public safe.”

LGA review concludes council staff are committed to delivering the best possible outcomes for residents

WILTSHIRE COUNCIL’S members and officers are “committed to delivering the best possible outcomes for residents” according to an independent review conducted by The Local Government Association.

Feedback from the review included: “Wiltshire Council is clearly, and proudly, a values-led organisation with senior members and officers committed to delivering the best possible outcomes for residents.”

The council invited the Local Government Association to carry out a Corporate Peer Challenge in November 2022. The peer review offers local authorities an in-depth look at their service and provides a critical friend’s view of both strengths and opportunities for improvement.

Peer challenges are delivered by experienced elected members and officer peers. During their visit to Wiltshire Council the peer review team engaged with nearly 180 councillors, officers and partners across three days of interviews, and collectively spent more than 200 hours to arrive at their findings, which is the equivalent of one person spending five weeks with Wiltshire Council.

The positive feedback received, includes:

● The council’s business plan developed by the cabinet provides a clear set of objectives for the council and provides organisational focus

● The focus on improving outcomes for some of the most vulnerable in the community is none more evident than in children’s services

● A collaborative, open and transparent organisational culture has developed under the stewardship of the current chief executive

● There are examples of where the council works well to deliver improved community outcomes, such as the Wiltshire Wellbeing Hub

● Wiltshire Council is a valued partner and is working well in specific projects, such as working with the UK Health Security Agency and Ministry of Defence at Porton Down

● Constructive challenge and discourse are genuinely welcomed between senior officers and members with the shared commitment to securing the best possible outcomes for residents

● The council is excelling in work to address climate change

● A truly positive organisational culture pervades all levels of the council

● Scrutiny is well resourced, and members feel they are able to challenge and influence the policy agenda.

● The council has impressive and strong internal governance

● Staff are motivated, energetic and committed.

A series of recommendations have also been provided to the council, including:

● Reviewing the role and function of area boards so that they add maximum value

● Creating a county-wide strategic partnership board to oversee the economic strategy for Wiltshire

● Ensuring opportunities are maximised to involve the voluntary community sector (and other partners) in developing strategies and policies.

Cllr Richard Clewer, leader of Wiltshire Council, said: “It was an incredibly useful and worthwhile exercise to invite the Local Government Association to see how we work at Wiltshire Council. I’m delighted with the feedback we’ve received as it’s

reflective of where I think we are as an organisation – focused on achieving the very best possible outcomes for our residents.

“I was particularly pleased to see children’s services and climate change, two vital areas we’ve worked really hard on, highlighted for the progress we’ve made.

“I’m a big advocate for our business plan, as it underpins everything we do as an organisation, so it’s positive that it too was also recognised for the focus it provides our work and how we’ve embedded it.

“We’ve been provided some really useful recommendations, some of which we’ve already made progress on, and this sort of constructive feedback will help us continue to develop, all to the benefit of the communities we serve.”

The full report is available to read on the Wiltshire Council website.

County Hall in Trowbridge (Credit: Google)

Right: Council leader, Cllr Richard Clewer

Ancient Rule of Law celebration will be open to public for first time

FOR THE first time in living memory, part of the annual Rule of Law Celebration will be open to the public.

The event is one of the oldest and brightest examples of British tradition and one of Wiltshire’s greatest shows of pageantry.

It has been held continuously since the signing of the first Magna Carta in 1215 and celebrates law and order in the county.

This year’s event takes place on Sunday, March 12, and marks the end of the High Sheriff’s shrieval year.

The office of High Sheriff is one of the oldest in the country, pre-dating the Magna Carta and reaching back into Saxon times, when the shire reeve was responsible to the king for the maintenance of law and order within the shire, or county, and for the collection and return of taxes due to the Crown.

Today, the High Sheriffs remains the sovereign’s representative for matters of law and order and takes an active interest in the administration of justice. The appointment is honorary and there is no remuneration.

The Rule of Law celebration was traditionally held at the start of each Assizes session. The assizes were courts held in principal towns around the country where travelling judges were assigned the most serious cases put forward by local courts or quarter sessions.

As such, one role of the High Sheriff was to host and offer protection to the travelling judges and the Rule of Law ceremony was one way of demonstrating the power and

majesty of the law to the people of the county. Today, the Rule of Law celebration marks the handover from one High Sheriff to the next and is used to reflect on the good works of the office holder throughout the year.

This year’s celebration will be hosted by

the current High Sheriff of Wiltshire, the Marchioness of Lansdowne.

The full celebration consists of a civic reception in the Guildhall; a public procession through the streets of Salisbury; and a thanksgiving service in the Cathedral (to coincide with Sunday Evensong.

The public centrepiece of the event will be the procession from the Guildhall to the Cathedral.

The procession will consist of the Lord Lieutenant; the High Sheriff of Wiltshire and sheriffs of surrounding counties; Wiltshire-based judges; armed forces and emergency services chiefs; Wiltshire Council officials; and the mayor of Salisbury and those of surrounding Wiltshire towns.

They will be led by the Salisbury town cryer, and accompanied by the city beadle and traditional mace bearers.

Each member of the procession will be in full ceremonial dress, adding to the display of British pageantry.

The event normally takes place in private, in front of an audience of invited guests.

The town cryer will announce the start of the procession from the steps of the Guildhall shortly after 4.10pm on Sunday, March 12.

The procession will then make its way mainly via pedestrianised streets to the Cathedral where it should arrive at the West Door by 4.25pm.

Spectators can view at any point along the procession route. It is expected to last 10 to 15 minutes.

Bespoke bridal boutique opens in north Dorset

BRIDES OF DORSET is a new luxurious bespoke bridal boutique, opening in Gillingham, Dorset on Saturday, 25th February.

They are running a special launch offer of 5% off with any appointments booked in March.

The boutique covers the surrounding areas of Dorset, Wiltshire and Somerset and offers free allocated parking and a relaxed setting to start (or

continue) in your journey to find your dream wedding dress.

A warm welcome awaits brides and whatever your size, shape, dress style or budget, there are dresses for everyone, with gowns available in a range of sizes and budgets from £300-£2,000.

Brides of Dorset offers ex-sample, designer off-thepeg wedding dresses at half the RRP, alongside stunning designer dresses from the Louisa

Collection.

Accessories and off-the-peg Mother of the Bride/Groom outfits are also available at the boutique.

Brides of Dorset, Unit 4 Kingsmead Business Park, Gillingham, Dorset SP8 5FB (Behind Aldi, next to the Orchard Garden centre)

Facebook: @bridesofdorset

Email: Tracey@bridesofdorset. co.uk

The Rule of Law celebration dates back centuries and will be open to the public for the first time

Inspector to rule on plan for 86 new homes on ‘visual blot’ village site

A PLAN for 86 homes and a care home on village land branded ‘a visual blot’ is to be decided by a planning inspector.

The scheme would see the homes built on the former Station Works site, in Tisbury.

It was submitted to Wiltshire Council by Intelligent Land, on behalf of Tisbury Community Homes, in October 2021 - but has not been decided by the authority.

Now, after the delay in making a decision, the applicant has lodged the plan with the government planning inspectorate to consider.

The inquiry began hearing evidence on February 21.

The original application said the almost five-acre site had become ‘a visual blot on the landscape and townscape of Tisbury’ and the development would bring ‘much-needed housing and jobs’.

“The Station Works site was originally part of the railway,

forming sidings and a goods yard for Tisbury, as well as a small gas works and machinery factory on part of the site,” the application said. “These various uses had ceased by the late

1960s, and the site was subsequently developed for employment use, with the building of a large factory in the mid-70s, part of which is still in existence today.

“Latterly, however, the site has fallen into low use, with part derelict and part in use by local storage, commercial and manufacturing businesses with a number of existing large buildings, structures and associates hard surfaces, all of which are in poor condition.”

Bids to develop the site were previously rejected, however, Tisbury Community Homes says the new scheme would be ‘viable and sustainable’.

However, Wiltshire Council said it would have rejected the application - which it deemed was not sufficient to come before councillors or officers for determination - on five grounds.

They were access concerns, potential flooding, a lack of affordable housing, a lack of evidence for the proposed care home and insufficient evidence over the scheme and whether it would be in keeping with the ‘scale, density and character of the surrounding area’.

Care home plans a year of fundraising to support River Bourne Community Farm’s valuable work

RESIDENTS AND staff were delighted to welcome Ben Parker, Chairman of River Bourne Community Farm to the home recently.

Ben told the residents all about the history of the farm, how it has developed, plans for the future and of course the funding needed to keep the farm going during these challenging times.

A much loved local venue, which is just a couple of minutes away from Milford House in the heart of Laverstock, it has been a regular place for residents to go and meet the animals and have a cup of coffee, and during 2023 the home will be fundraising for them to help the farm continue

to provide such a valuable community resource so close to the heart of Salisbury.

Gemma Hicks, General Manager said: “To get the ball rolling, residents were delighted

present Ben with a cheque for £240 which was raised over the Christmas and New Year period.

“Each month the home will be undertaking an in-house fundraising activity for the farm

and there will also be some larger events during the course of the year which will be announced as we go forward.

“Residents will also be enjoying regular monthly coffee mornings at the farm, the first one being on 9 March.

“We can’t wait and are looking forward to catching up with Ben again then.’

The former station works site is described as a ‘visual blot’ on the landscape

‘Sort it – or your bins might not be picked up’, council campaign warns

‘SORT it out!’

That is the message of a new campaign aimed at increasing recycling rates in Wiltshire, as residents are warned their bins may not be collected if not sorted properly.

Wiltshire Council has launched the ‘Recycling - Let’s Sort It!’ awareness campaign to provide people with more information about what can and can’t be recycled using its kerbside collection services.

The drive follows an increase in items that can’t be recycled through the council’s kerbside scheme being put in blue-lidded bins.

As well as highlighting recycling services, the campaign also looks to raise awareness of how to dispose of potentially hazardous items safely, following a recent explosion at a waste facility in Wiltshire caused by a partially full aerosol can that had been placed in the recycling bin.

Waste crews have stepped up visual checks of recycling bins and will advise residents if their bins cannot be emptied due to the wrong items being place in the recycling bin.

From February 20, they will attach an amber hanger to any contaminated bins they come across, advising people their bluelidded bin had the wrong items in it, but it will still be emptied on that collection.

Then, from Monday, March 6, crews will

begin rejecting more heavily contaminated bins and will attach a red hanger that explains why the bin has not been emptied.

In these cases, residents will need to remove the contamination ready for their next scheduled collection.

Cllr Nick Holder, cabinet member for waste, said: “It’s really important that people put the right things into their blue-lidded recycling bins, or it may not be recycled.

“We know people are keen to do their bit, but some of what is put in blue-lidded bins cannot be recycled and these items are then contaminating items that could have been recycled.

“We really need people to check what they chuck, as this helps to protect the environment, which is a key aim of our Business Plan, and increased recycling also

helps to generate income for the council, which we can invest into vital services.

“Most of the general waste we collect from households does not go to landfill but is sent to waste treatment facilities where it helps generate energy, so putting items that are not suitable for the blue-lidded recycling bin in the general waste bin still has an environmental benefit.

“We hope this campaign will help to inform and educate people so their good efforts and intentions do not go to waste. With everyone’s support to help improve recycling, we can sort it.”

Common items incorrectly placed in blue-lidded bins include:

• Carrier bags and bin bags – put these in the general waste bin for energy recovery.

• Hard plastics, such as toys and plant pots – take these to a household recycling centre for recycling; or put in the general waste bin for energy recovery.

• Scrap metals – take these to a household recycling centre for recycling.

• Nappies – put these in the general waste bin for energy recovery.

More details of what can be recycled in the blue-lidded kerbside recycling bins can be found at www.wiltshire.gov.uk/ recycling, while information on what can be placed in general household waste bins can be found at www.wiltshire.gov.uk/ household-waste.

Man scammed out of £15,000 by courier fraudsters

A MAN in his 80s handed over £15,000 to phone scammers posing as police, prompting a warning from officers.

The victim, in the Salisbury area, was called over the course of three days on January 20, 21 and 24, and asked to withdraw the large sum of money to assist an investigation in relation to his bank account.

A man then attended his home address to collect the cash.

Wiltshire Police is now investigating and would like to hear from anyone who may have seen a suspicious vehicle in the Winterbourne Gunner area on the evenings of these dates.

Anyone with information should call 101 and quote crime reference number 54230009641.

A Wiltshire Police spokesperson said: “Courier fraud occurs when a fraudster

contacts victims by telephone purporting to be a police officer or bank official.

“To substantiate this claim, the caller might be able to confirm some easily obtainable basic details about the victim such as their full name and address.

“The caller may also offer a telephone number for the victim to telephone or ask the victim to call the number on the back of their bank card to check that they are genuine.

“In these circumstances,

either the number offered will not be genuine or, where a genuine number is suggested, the fraudster will stay on the line and pass the victim to a different individual.

“On this occasion, the fraudster claimed to be an officer from the Metropolitan Police and told the man his card had been compromised.

“He told the man to withdraw money to help with the investigation.

“These individuals are very convincing and have various different tactics to gain your trust.”

For advice on how to identify and prevent fraud, visit www. actionfraud.police.uk.

Link for Equity: International Women’s Day event in Salisbury’s Market Square

FEARLESS AND Salisbury

Soroptimists are inviting residents to join hands and create a ring around the Market Square on Wednesday 8th March at 1pm, in celebration of International Women’s Day.

This year’s theme is all about embracing equity and everyone is welcome, any age, any gender. You are encouraged to wear something purple which is used as a symbol of the movement against domestic abuse, and/or orange, which is the colour of the UN’s campaign to end violence against women – Orange the World – which is promoted every year by Soroptimists International.

FearLess in Wiltshire brings together services for victims of Domestic Abuse and Sexual Violence and their families, providing a full range of services with a single, easy to use access point: https://www.

fear-less.org.uk/refer/wiltshire/

Jessica Gay, head of fundraising at FearLess said: “Every year FearLess supports over 3,500 adults and children across Wiltshire who are experiencing domestic abuse.

Last year, we saw an unprecedented 14,000 referrals across all of our south west services. Despite affecting so many people, with often lifelong impacts, including PTSD and depression, abuse is still such a taboo topic.

“This International Women’s Day, 8th March, we wanted to do something special to celebrate the day and raise awareness of how domestic abuse impacts women and girls of all ages.

“We are working with the fabulous ladies at Salisbury Soroptimists and encouraging every local resident and business to join us in Salisbury Market Square at 1pm to link

hands and fill the square to raise awareness of and celebrate International Women’s Day.

“Anyone is welcome to join. We hope with your support we can fill the entire square and make this a day to remember.”

“We will meet at 1pm in the square ready to assemble the ring of people. We envisage the ring will be held for half an hour from 1:15 to 1:45pm. The event will be finished by 2pm.

“There will be information about FearLess and their work within the city, and an opportunity to learn about Salisbury Soroptimists. This event is organised by Fearless and supported by Salisbury Soroptimists.

“If you are not able to attend the Market Square event, consider holding a coffee morning at home or in your workplace to raise

awareness of people experiencing abuse and much needed funds for Fearless. Details and fundraising packs can be found at https://www. fear-less.org.uk/support-us/ events/international-womensday-coffee-morning-in-aid-offearless/.

Young entrepreneur has future business plan firmly in her sights

Words and photo by Tristan Ovington

ENTREPRENEURS seem to be getting younger and younger. Some entrepreneurs start as early as 12-years-old, such as by Phoebe Finnerty who already runs her own hairdressing business, FeebObraids from her family garden.

Phoebe’s family were a big part of honing her skills and being motivated to succeed. She practised on her sisters, aged 9 and 11, to hone her skills. Her mother’s support also ensured she had no challenges on her journey: “When people

put me down, mum was always by my side encouraging me.”

On 15th of February this year, Phoebe’s mother, 33-yearold Samantha Stokes took Phoebe to a hair extension course at Belle Academy in Finchley, London to gain the skills she needed.

“The course is usually two days,” explains Samantha, “but because of her age, Phoebe needed 1:1 tuition so they did it all in one day.”

And was the long day too much for Phoebe? “No, even though we got up at 5:30am and got back at 9pm, it was

brilliant,” replies Phoebe. “It was the first time I was old enough to remember going to London and I loved every minute. I was so proud when they said I learnt more quickly than lots of adults who do the course, as I already knew so much.”

Samantha has helped Phoebe convert a horse box in the garden to allow her to welcome customers and dress their hair, but Phoebe already has plans to open her own salon when she is old enough.

If you are a young entrepreneur or know someone who might be one day, Phoebe has some advice for you: If you have a dream, never give up!

Phoebe Finnerty with her hair extension certificate

Salisbury’s sense of community spirit is helping Arman’s to thrive

Words and photo by Tristan Ovington

SALISBURY is a proudly multicultural city and there is no better example than the Turkish owner of Arman’s Cafe, 55-year-old Arman Akbay.

The cafe was opened in 2018 at The Maltings, Salisbury, but on 7 February this year, Arman was excited to announce that she opened a second venue, t. Arman started the cafe in the Maltings by selling traditional Turkish, handmade mosaic lamps, ceramic bowls and dresses, as well as wanting to have a cafe for shoppers to relax as they browsed her goods.

“However, especially during Covid-19, the cafe section was used less due to the necessity of people tending to take away their coffee more and wanting to sit outside more,” adds Arman.

“Meanwhile, for those who chose to sit indoors, the atmosphere of our shop with mosaic lamps was highly appreciated. They often commented on the peaceful environment accompanied by Turkish instrumental music.

“In addition, our fresh

baklava varieties, Turkish appetisers, delicious Turkish wines, Turkish coffee and tea offered something new to the residents of Salisbury.”

However, the day before her new cafe-shop was due to open, tragedy struck in Arman’s home country, as on February 6th Turkey was turned upside down by a huge earthquake.

“Some of my family were in the areas affected, but luckily, everyone is safe,” says Arman.

“However, it’s still an uncertain time. Let’s hope the future brings great things for everyone in Arman’s as I want to create a sense of community and support for everyone.”

Although it took Arman a little while to find the perfect city for her business, she is now here to stay.

“I visited eight other towns before deciding on Salisbury and I’m so happy to have settled in this beautiful city.

“Of course, the most important thing is my customers in Salisbury, as well as most of my friends.

“Several wonderfully friendly people embraced me as

soon as I arrived here and I have learned a lot of good things from many people.

Salisbury is just right for me and I thank all my customers for being so welcoming to me.”

Immersive group takes over Wilding restaurant site

Words and photo by Tristan Ovington THE LOCATION previously occupied by Wilding restaurant, 19-21 High Street Salisbury is reopening its doors after a new owner has taken charge.

Over the past few days, branding for Immersive Group – which already has several other locations in Salisbury – appeared on the windows of 19-21 High Street. This follows Wilding’s closure in November 2021 after only a year and three months since it opened.

The Immersive Group is a boutique collection of unique brands, each offering

one-of-a-kind services and experiences… “with the common mission to provide immersive, engaging and visceral

experiences for all”.

The group includes Tinga, the Mexican restaurant on Salt Lane, Caboose on South Western Road, Deacons on Fisherton Street, and the seasonal Frost and Salisbury City Gardens bars.

One of the group’s directors, Dave Hancock, confirmed the takeover of the premises to the Salisbury and Avon Gazette, and said he will reveal more details, such as what type of venue will be opening and when the doors will reopen, soon.

Arman Akbay, owner of Arman’s Café and the recently opened Arman’s Handcrafted Shop, Wine and Coffee House on Silver Street

The former Wilding site now has Immersive Group branding

Artisanal wine shop busier than ever

Words

by Tristan Ovington

ELIZABETH COOMBES and Simon Hill opened Artisan Wine And Spirit Co two years ago and find themselves busier than ever.

But business is nothing without customers. “The best part of the job is chatting with our customers”, says Elizabeth. “I have been in the wine trade for 27 years and can’t imagine doing anything else. We have some incredible customers who have now become firm friends.

“I absolutely love all of our events, but I think the most rewarding times are when someone literally pops their head around the door to say, ‘Just wanted to let you know, that bottle of rum you recommended the other day was absolutely delicious, thank you!’”

When asked about the events

she has hosted in the past, Elizabeth doesn’t know where to begin.

“Wow – where to start! The most recent was our Love In The Square Valentines Walk in February. This latest in our series of history walks and drinks started and ended at The Old Ale & Coffee House.

“We started with a drink, then a couple more on the walk and ended with something hot and hearty to eat back at the pub. Timezone Tours did a fabulous job guiding us on a Valentine’s Day tour to find out about the meaning and history of Valentine’s Day.”

So what does the future hold for Artisan Wine And Spirit Co?

“An exciting event we have coming up is The Big Spring Tasting, where there will be around 20 suppliers and all sorts of new wines and spirits that we’ve been busy hunting

down – watch out for the English Sambuca!

“These tastings are massively popular because they’re an absolute bargain. There are up to 200 different things available for you to try (we wouldn’t suggest you aim for all of them. We’ve been doing this for years and we’d be hard pushed to do that).”

Elizabeth and Simon are

proud to have won the “Best UK Newcomer 2022” award within less than a year of opening.

The future is really exciting for the Artisan Wine And Spirit Co and, as Elizabeth says, “the possibilities are endless!”

and photo

Elizabeth Coombes and Simon Hill, Artisan’s owners

Credit: The Wine Merchant Magazine

Politics

More at stake than companies’ profits

HARD to believe but true, given the record-breaking profits generated by energy companies over the past 12 months, there is currently legislation in place that will allow oil, gas, and coal companies to sue governments for huge sums of money over policies that could affect future profits.

The Energy Charter Treaty (ECT), a secret court system, made news this week, not because of the outcry over energy companies profits (although that would be justified) but because over a 100 academics wrote to Grant Shapps, the secretary of state for new Department of Energy Security and Net Zero, urging him to withdraw from the treaty over concerns prolong the UK’s dependence on fossil fuels.

Investors have already brought cases against countries for phasing out coal fired power stations, banning the exploitation of oil and gas near their coastline, and requiring environmental impact assessments.

Oil, gas and coal firms have already been awarded more than $100bn (£82.5bn) by ECT tribunals. “There is also evidence that countries are shying away from introducing new legislation for fear of being challenged

in claims under the ECT,” the academics said. The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) 2022 report was clear that the ECT risks blocking the phase out of fossil fuels.

The European Commission said this week that remaining part of the treaty would “clearly undermine” climate targets and that an exit by EU countries appeared “inevitable”. Seven EU countries, including France, Germany, Spain and the Netherlands, have already said they will quit the ECT.

The ECT was introduced over 30 years ago in the context of the end of the Cold War when there was less understanding and

consensus of the impact of energy usage on climate change. It does nothing to help the UK to achieve increased energy security. Other major suppliers of gas and oil, including the USA, Russia, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates are not members.

A government spokesperson said: “The UK is closely monitoring the situation surrounding the energy charter treaty’s modernisation process, including the positions taken by other [member nations].

“We have been a strong advocate for updating the treaty to ensure it is aligned with modern energy priorities, modern international treaty practice, and international commitments on climate change.”

Agreement on modernisation was due in November but has been delayed until at least April. (Guardian 10.02.23)

What exactly is Grant Shapps monitoring? How much revenue energy companies can generate by suing governments for attempting to reduce production of fossil fuel?

It is time for leadership and decisive action, but our government again appears to be adopting a ‘wait and see’ strategy instead of taking control of our future.

‘Community policing needs to return’

I READ this week about the terrible case of a local man who tragically took his own life just hours after being released from police custody.

There are so many things wrong with this story it is hard to know where to begin.

Firstly, we have a policing system in which a vulnerable person, in poor mental and physical state, was first placed in custody and then released without appropriate support. More on this another time.

Secondly, did the lack of custody suite in south Wiltshire contribute to this tragic ending?

The Conservative Police and Crime Commissioner for Wiltshire and Swindon has repeatedly promised a new police station for Salisburyboth with and without a custody suite. It is almost two years

since Mr Wilkinson won his by-election (after the election was re-run to the tune of £1m due to the ineligibility of the previous Conservative candidate) and yet a site has not even been identified.

In the meantime, we learn this week that the Melksham custody suite is being closed for

at least eight months for refurbishment. This means that people will be held as far away as Swindon.

A quick internet search says that via public transport, assuming you have £30, it will take over three hours to get from Swindon to the south of the county. If you are released

in the evening it could take up to six hours.

Vulnerable people need support in their community, not 30 or 40 miles away.

When we add in that there has been a 19% decrease in Police Community Support Officers (PCSOs) across Wiltshire since 2015, one is left with the impression that the Conservatives in Swindon, Trowbridge and Westminster have forgotten our communities.

We need a return to proper community policing, where officers are visible, trusted and known personally to local people. And we need appropriate infrastructure in the South of Wiltshire; we need to build communities where people are safe - and feel safe, too.

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

Home & Garden/Gardening

How to tackle unwanted garden pests using nature’s own defences

SPRING IS really trying to spring at the moment. I noticed this when visiting family a couple of counties along. They had daffodils on all of the roadside verges, whereas we had none.

The weather has become noticeably milder and gardens are going to be really coming alive very shortly, if they haven’t already.

And yes, I am aware that the weather in this country is unpredictable and that we could spend the next three weeks under snow, but I’m remaining hopeful… (despite seeing reports of snow forthcoming).

Now, this time of year can be a mixed bag in terms of weather. How often have you stood in the garden with the sun on your back, early March, only for a searingly cold wind to jolt you to your bones?

Then again, I remember the first lockdown in 2020 and just how warm it was. You can never really tell.

If you go by folklore, you might be thinking, if March comes in like a lion it will go out like a lamb, and maybe that will be the best way for things to pan out.

Certainly, it will give you a little more time to get your garden ready for spring sowing.

Remember, bees will be hibernating in your garden soil while the outside temperature is still cold, so be careful if you decide to dig.

Another benefit of a colder beginning to the month is that it might just keep slugs at bay for a little while longer. Not that they ever really stop or go away, but the colder weather slows them down. Warmer, wetter weather is when they really thrive.

What to do about slugs?

The RHS offers the following sobering advice for gardeners

wishing or hoping to rid their flower beds of slugs for good.

“Slugs are so abundant in gardens that some damage has to be tolerated. They cannot be eradicated…”

That’s right, there’s no getting rid of them. They’re here to stay. And short of finding a Pied Piper who operates in the gastropod business, containment or management is the only way forward.

You can do this either naturally or chemically. Here, we’ll look at nature’s own defences, but first, let’s look a bit more closely at the slugs in our gardens (it’s okay, we won’t look too close).

Slugs are gastropods, which are single-shelled (not always evident), soft-bodied animals, which are part of the molluscs group. Some estimates suggest the average British garden contains up to 20,000 slugs and snails. Yes, that is a lot.

There are 44 species of slug in the UK. Here’s the thing, only some of them damage plants. Most feed on dead and decaying matter, which makes them really useful in the garden.

They are most active at night or when it’s been raining. A warm, wet night is party time

for slugs, at least it is in our garden.

Slugs cause damage to plants by using their ‘rasping tongues’ to make holes. Especially at this time of year, when seedlings and the soft shoots of certain plants are particularly vulnerable.

With greater awareness of the ecological impact of pesticide use, many gardeners are seeking biological and natural ways of controlling garden pests.

The RHS suggests using tiny eelworms to control slugs. The nematode can be watered into the soil where they (squeamish alert) find their way into the bodies of slugs and infect them with bacteria that will eventually cause death.

The eelworms work best in warm, well-drained soil and may be less effective on clay soils. You may need to wait until the soil temperature warms from its winter coldness.

These biological warrior worms will ever only infect slugs, which means other soil dwelling bugs and animals will be perfectly safe.

Of course, talk to any seasoned gardener and they will tell you a hundred different ways to prevent slugs reaching your lovely plants.

Beer traps, copper-bottomed pots, crushed egg shells, scooped out citrus fruits… perhaps they worked one time, but as Science Focus magazine revealed recently, there really is no evidence that they do.

If you fancy heading out on night patrol, you can don your wellies, grab a torch and literally pick those pesky slugs off one by slimy one. What you do with them is up to you, but if you were kind you could redirect them to a compost pile.

To take the stealth guerilla mode further, try and encourage natural predators to your garden. You can do so by feeding them or by providing a safe harbour, but also by not using anything that could kill them off or scare them away.

The following birds should be encouraged: thrushes, blackbirds, robins, starlings, gulls, jays, magpies, seagulls and owls.

Encourage natural predators such as ground beetles, toads, newts, hedgehogs, badgers and hedgehogs. Create habitats for these creatures so that they can snack and snooze.

At the same time, remove loose bricks, big stones and logs that offer shelter to slugs. If you rake fallen leaves during the winter, birds and other predators can find slugs and their eggs.

Certain plants help to deter slugs: Astrantia, wormwood, rue, fennel, anise, acanthus, antirrhinum, corydalis, digitalis (foxglove), forget me not, fuchsia, hardy geranium, Japanese anemone, nasturtium, oriental poppy, sedum and rosemary are all said to naturally deter slugs.

You can resort to chemical means, if you wish, no judgement here, but always be aware of what you are putting into the ground or spraying onto plants and what wider effects it might have.

Government announces action on support for off-grid energy users

THE NFU has scored a victory in its campaign to have the government help households which rely on alternative fuels.

Ever since the launch of the EBSS (Energy Bill Support Scheme) last year, the NFU campaigned for support to be extended to off-grid homes which rely on alternative sources of fuel such as tanked gas, heating oil or solid fuel.

This included meeting with Defra to highlight the impact it would have on farmers at a time when they are already facing increasing costs such as the ‘almost 250% increase in the average price of heating oil’.

The NFU also engaged with BEIS over a period of months to ensure farming families can access the payments which are due to them.

The government has announced support for such households which include thousands of farmhouses that were left out of the original scheme.

It includes a EBSS AF (Alternative Funding) £400 discount that will apply to members who don’t have a domestic electricity supply separate to the business supply to their farms.

In these circumstances, members will need to apply to receive the payment through an

online portal that will launch across all local authority areas in Great Britain

by February 27.

From February 6, households across the country who don’t use mains gas for heating will have started receiving £200 towards their energy bills,

High Quality 5 string meadow hay bales available £35 available Bales of paper shredding, ideal for 07714 289400

following the launch of the Alternative Fuel Payment (AFP) scheme.

Nearly two million households who use alternative energy sources such as heating oil, biomass and liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) to warm their homes will receive the support, which was doubled to £200 last year.

BEIS also conducted research into non-domestic buildings, including agricultural businesses, who are dependent on alternative fuels, with a view to the results informing future support schemes.

From 8 February 2023, energy suppliers will be able to start making payments to businesses that use alternative fuels to heat their buildings.

A credit of £150 will be provided to eligible customers across the UK through the Non-Domestic Alternative Fuel Payment scheme (ND-AFP).

Suppliers will deliver this support up to March 10, with most customers expected to receive it later in February. There is no need to contact your supplier.

NFU President Minette Batters said: “Like many people across the country, farming families are feeling the pinch as the cost of living crisis continues.

Many farmers living in rural areas, especially those who live off-grid, were worried that they would be overlooked when it came to energy support, and it’s a relief to know that this scheme will deliver for all farming households.

“The NFU has worked closely with BEIS to provide this support for farming families. While this support will be delivered automatically for most, many farming families will need to apply and we are pleased that they will now be able to do so this month.

“We will continue to work with BEIS to try to ensure this application process works smoothly for those that need it.”

Credit: Hannah Smith/Unsplash

Bovine TB vaccine moves closer

A BOVINE TB vaccine has moved a step closer.

The Animal and Plant Agency (APHA) has announced field trials for a cattle vaccine and new skin test for bovine tuberculosis (bTB) will continue.

A spokesperson said if the second phase is successful, experts will be closer to being able to vaccinate cattle against the disease. Eventually, it is hoped the combination of CattleBCG vaccine and the Detect Infected among Vaccinated Animals (DIVA) skin test will be deployable in the next few years.

The second phase of the field trials will assess the safety of the CattleBCG vaccine and the safety and performance of the DIVA skin test in vaccinated cattle.

So far, laboratory studies have indicated that the vaccine and DIVA skin test are safe and that the test performs well, under controlled APHA facility environments.

The field trials are taking place on commercial livestock farms across the country and are due to be completed in 2023.

with 600 animals participating, 300 of which will be vaccinated with CattleBCG, while the remaining half will receive a placebo.

In July 2021, APHA began Phase 1 of trials in England, which focused on the safety and performance of the DIVA skin test in unvaccinated animals. Performed on 10 farms with 524 participating animals, Phase 1 was completed in May 2022 and analysis of the results is in progress.

Dr Phil Hogarth, APHA’s lead scientist for TB, said: “I am pleased that we have progressed to the next phase of the field trials for a cattle vaccine and DIVA skin test for bovine tuberculosis.

“This next step represents a significant

milestone, building upon many years of research, and APHA will continue to be led by science, and work tirelessly in the fight to eradicate this disease.”

In a joint statement the Chief Veterinary Officers from England, Scotland and Wales said: “Bovine TB represents one of the most difficult animal disease challenges the world faces today.

“We are making substantial progress in developing an additional tool to help eradicate this disease with the new cattle vaccine and DIVA skin test - and are very grateful to the vets and farmers taking part for their efforts in making this work on the ground.

“If this next phase is successful, this project takes us one step closer to a vaccine to be used in conjunction with other measures to tackle this insidious disease which impacts livestock farmers across the globe.”

Bovine tuberculosis (bTB) costs taxpayers in England around £100 million each year. More than 38,000 cattle in England and Wales were slaughtered in 2021 to tackle the disease.

Tree planting funding schemes have re-opened, government confirms

FUNDING schemes aimed at encouraging the planting of hundreds of thousands of trees across England have reopened.

More than £14 million will be allocated to successful applicants across the funds, which will support tree planting efforts and contribute to Government commitments to treble tree-planting rates across England by the end of this Parliament.

The scheme hopes to see 30,000 hectares of land planted with trees to meet net zero ambitions.

Round 3 of the Local Authority Treescapes Fund (LATF) will see local authorities drive an increase in non-woodland tree planting.

Local authorities are encouraged to bring together residents, schools and environmental groups to restore trees in areas outside woodlands, where treescapes are often highly degraded due to neglect or disease.

They are particularly valuable trees to society as they can provide the greatest levels of ecosystem services, including wellbeing benefits, and connectivity to support biodiversity.

Meanwhile, Round 5 of the Urban Tree Challenge Fund (UTCF) aims to level up access to nature across the country, planting trees in socially deprived urban areas with low canopy cover, in proximity to healthcare and educational facilities.

The UTCF supports planting of large ‘standard’ trees and street trees.

Forestry Minister, Trudy Harrison, said: “Trees improve people’s quality of lives and are vital to our ambition to reach net zero by 2050.

“This funding will continue to level up people’s access to nature, which we committed to doing in our recently published

Environmental Improvement Plan. We want to see inspiring projects that plant more trees across England.”

Forestry Commission chief executive, Richard Stanford, said: “The Urban Tree Challenge Fund and Local Authorities Treescapes Fund will help to promote resilient treescapes in England, support tree planting efforts and improve the urban environment for future generations.

“It will see thousands of trees planted in socially deprived urban areas with limited numbers of trees. Research is clear that streets with trees in them leads to better wellbeing and health outcomes for residents as well as providing important biodiversity in our towns and cities.

“The same applies to green spaces in or close to towns and cities and we need more people to have access to quality woodlands and green spaces.”

Developments for the new rounds to help increase applications include:

• This round of LATF welcomes individual applications from borough,

district and city councils, as well as county councils, unitary and metropolitan boroughs. Previously, these local authorities needed to form groups with each other or county councils in order to apply. This change opens the fund up to many more local authorities.

• The UTCF will now provide 80% funding of standard costs for planting large trees and their establishment costs for three years following planting, compared with funding 50% of standard costs in previous rounds. UTCF will now only require 20% matchfunding by the recipient in either money or labour.

• Both funds are now open year-round, responding to feedback on the challenges of meeting application windows previously.

The Forestry Commission still strongly encourage applications during the spring/ early summer so successful applicants can start their planting later this year, and funding will be allocated to successful applicants on a first-come-first-served basis.

Differences between the Local Authority Treescapes Fund and the Urban Tree Challenge Fund include:

• The Urban Tree Challenge Fund specifically funds projects planting new, large ‘standard’ trees, whilst Local Authority Treescapes Fund projects can plant trees of any sizealthough ‘standard’ trees in urban areas can only be planted where they are replacing trees that have been lost, for example due to disease.

• While both funds support tree planting in urban areas, the Local Authority Treescapes Fund also supports the planting of trees outside of woodlands in rural areas.

• All projects supported through the Local Authority Treescapes Fund must be led by a local authority. The Urban Tree Challenge Fund is also open to projects led by charities, community groups and other organisations.

For more information and to apply, go to www.gov.uk/ guidance/local-authoritytreescapes-fund and www.gov. uk/guidance/urban-treechallenge-fund.

‘Lumberjills’ appeal for exhibition

MODERN-day ‘Lumberjills’ are being sought to celebrate women in forestry.

The Forestry Commission, Forestry England and Forest Research are calling for the public to submit photos of women working in the sector to create a People’s Picture.

The images, dubbed a first of its kind celebration of women in forestry, will go on display at the forthcoming Women in Forestry, The Lumberjills Story exhibition at Grizedale Forest this May.

The People’s Picture aims to illustrate the connection today’s women have with forests and woodlands by inviting them to submit photos showing themselves at work.

Women who don’t work in forestry are also being asked to submit photos of themselves in a favourite forest spot or woodland space.

The exhibition will also celebrate the contribution of the WWII Lumberjills: a group of women who played a vital role in maintaining the supply of timber during the Second World War. People who have pictures of working Lumberjills from WWII are also invited to submit their pictures for display in the exhibition.

A spokesperson for the scheme said:

“Women have long played a role in modern forestry but are underrepresented. As tree planting across the country increases, so does the demand for a larger skilled domestic forestry sector to deliver Government tree planting and net zero ambitions. There are a wide range of careers in forestry available for women from all backgrounds, from being a forester, ecologist, or tree surgeon, to working in conservation to scientific research. There are also lots of exciting wider roles, from business planning and management to leisure and tourism.”

Forestry Minister Trudy Harrison said: “I know women will play an important role in forestry as we increase tree planting to help

nature’s recovery, grow the UK’s timber provision, combat the effects of climate change and reach net zero by 2050.

“We must create a diverse and inclusive sector, and open up even more careers for women – from foresters to ecologists, woodland officers and business planners. I’m encouraging women from all backgrounds join this growing sector.”

Forestry Commission director of forest services, Anna Brown, added: “Women are a key part of the forestry workforce and I have been lucky enough to have had a varied and exciting career in the industry.

“I encourage anyone interested in a career in forestry to take advantage of the options available today and help expand, protect, improve and connect our forests, woods and trees. From the Development Woodland Officer Programme to the Forestry Training Fund, the Forestry Commission hosts accessible and valuable resources to help people build and diversify their skills in forestry, offering training in essential skills.”

To take part in the People’s Picture, submit a photograph by Friday, March 31, via https://thepeoplespicture.com/forestryengland.

‘Keep your distance’: Horse riders’ warning to drivers

MOTORISTS are being urged to check the recently-updated Highway Code after a number of incidents on Vale roads involving the overtaking of horses.

A number of riders have contacted your Salisbury & Avon Gazette claiming drivers appear to be unaware of updated rules in the code, which state vehicles passing people riding horses should do so ‘at speeds under 10mph’, leaving them ‘at least’ 2 metres of space.

The changes were part of a number of updates to the Highway Code, which came into force in January last year.

They state: “You may cross a doublewhite line if necessary (provided the road is clear) to overtake someone cycling or riding a horse if they are travelling at 10mph or less.”

Notes released ahead of the changes added: “There is updated guidance on safe passing distances and speeds for people driving or riding a motorcycle when overtaking vulnerable road users, including:

“leaving at least 1.5 metres (5 feet) when overtaking people cycling at speeds of up to 30mph, and giving them more space when overtaking at higher speeds

“passing people riding horses or driving horsedrawn vehicles at speeds under 10 mph and allowing at least 2 metres (6.5 feet) of space

“allowing at least 2 metres (6.5 feet) of space and keeping to a low speed when passing people walking in the road (for example, where there’s no pavement)

“Wait behind them and do not overtake if it’s unsafe or not possible to meet these clearances.”

Elsewhere, changes to the code include drivers giving way to people ‘waiting to cross at a junction’ and that ‘people driving,

riding a motorcycle or cycling must give way to people on a zebra crossing and people walking and cycling on a parallel crossing’.

For more details on the changes visit https://www.gov.uk/government/news/ the-highway-code-8-changes-you-need-toknow-from-29-january-2022.

Arrow words

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

Brain chain

SALISBURY & AVON GAZETTE

Cryptic crossword

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

sudoku

Across

8 Weather conditions in Lima etc proving volatile (7)

9 First person given backing of number in charge of Greek order (5)

11 Vatican City is kept in terribly poor condition (7)

Across 8 Weather conditions in Lima etc proving volatile (7)

Down

1 Salesperson’s first to manage range (5)

9 First person given backing of number in charge of Greek order (5)

2 Cover with decoration and paper wife detained by a prig possibly (4-4)

10 Untidy place found by volunteers once for bread (5)

3 A fellow wearing Indian dress in exotic trek

10 Untidy place found by volunteers once for bread (5)

11 Vatican City is kept in terribly poor condition (7)

4 Head away from inferior mound (4)

5 Note instant appeal in sensitive plant (6)

12 Distinct utterance confused nautical tiro (12)

6 One against workman titivating houses (4)

16 Party with militia interfered with fairness (12)

7 A titled figure, it’s said, in story (7)

12 Distinct utterance confused nautical tiro (12)

20 Son gets to fall and slip (7)

16 Party with militia interfered with fairness (12)

20 Son gets to fall and slip (7)

23 Beam in gaggle amusedly (5)

24 Cease holiday entitlement (5)

Across

8 Weather conditions in Lima etc proving volatile (7)

25 One with expertise in canines? (7)

9 First person given backing of number in charge of Greek order (5)

10 Untidy place found by volunteers once for bread (5)

11 Vatican City is kept in terribly poor condition (7)

12 Distinct utterance confused nautical tiro (12)

16 Party with militia interfered with fairness (12)

20 Son gets to fall and slip (7)

23 Beam in gaggle amusedly (5)

24 Cease holiday entitlement (5)

25 One with expertise in canines? (7)

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

13 Academic institution as one (not half!) (3)

23 Beam in gaggle amusedly (5)

24 Cease holiday entitlement (5)

14 Article in Iran I suspect is vaguely prevalent (2,3,3)

25 One with expertise in canines? (7)

15 Leading liberal over year principally (7)

17 Spell of card-playing with tough substance

18 Special person’s motto (6)

1 Salesperson’s first to manage range (5)

2 Cover with decoration and paper wife detained by a prig possibly (4-4)

19 Worker in metals put mass amid this rubbish (5)

3 A fellow wearing Indian dress in exotic trek (6)

21 Run away from country river (4)

4 Head away from inferior mound (4)

22 Fool losing head in whirlpool (4)

5 Note instant appeal in sensitive plant (6)

6 One against workman titivating houses (4)

7 A titled figure, it’s said, in story (7)

13 Academic institution as one (not half!) (3)

14 Article in Iran I suspect is vaguely prevalent (2,3,3)

15 Leading liberal over year principally (7)

17 Spell of card-playing with tough substance (6)

18 Special person’s motto (6)

19 Worker in metals put mass amid this rubbish (5)

21 Run away from country river (4)

22 Fool losing head in whirlpool (4)

For the solutions, turn to page 55

Stonehenge special access hosts shortlisted for tourism award

A FANTASTIC team of English Heritage staff who welcome people to Stonehenge early every morning and late into the evening for special stone circle visits has been shortlisted for a Tourism Superstar Award.

Organised by VisitEngland and supported by The Mirror, the Tourism Superstar competition recognises the dedication and passion of those working in the tourism industry.

The competition invites members of the public to vote for their favourite Tourism Superstar.

English Heritage, the charity which cares for Stonehenge is now leading a campaign to encourage people to vote for the Stone Circle Experience Hosts, using the social media hashtag #TourismSuperstar

Scott Ashman, English Heritage head of historic properties for Stonehenge said: “For 10 months of the year, visitors can book a visit to go into the stone circle, in the

Events

mornings before Stonehenge opens to the public and in the evenings after it closes, accompanied by an English Heritage Host.

“The hosts welcome people as early as 5am in the summer months, and wow visitors from around the world with their extraordinary knowledge, enthusiasm, and passion.

“Their commitment to making sure everyone who visits the monument has the experience of a lifetime is why we think they are Tourism Superstars, and we would love to see people vote for them.”

Fiona Errington, Visit Wiltshire said: “To make the shortlist is a great achievement, especially as a team, as it highlights the high standard of service and enthusiasm, they give to visitors to ensure they have the best possible experience they can have while visiting one of Wiltshire’s top iconic sites.

“The inner access tour is unique and unforgettable as is the team that delivers the experience. VisitWiltshire is supporting their nomination by calling on all Wiltshire tourism and hospitality businesses and our national and international travel industry contacts to vote.

“#VoteStonehenge. We wish them every success.”

Voting closes on 20 March and the winning Tourism Superstar will be announced on 25 March at the end of English Tourism Week 2023.

Voting is easy, just visit https://bit.lytonehengeSuperstar.

A great day out for all art lovers!

ENJOY the relaxed atmosphere of Salisbury Arts Scene’s outdoor events in beautiful surroundings of the Market Square.

Talented artists from Salisbury and the surrounding area set up their galleries for the day to showcase their amazing skills!

Unique paintings created in oils, acrylics, watercolours, charcoal and pen are on display along with collages, photography, sculptures and stone carving, wood turning, glass, textiles and hand-made crafts and jewellery.

Meet the artists, chat to them about their style of art and love for what they create. It’s the perfect place to find that unique gift for someone special or for yourself!

A variety of food is provided by the many cafés, pubs and restaurants around the square; all enhanced with wonderful music from local musicians!

Whether you’re an artist, maker or lover of art, a warm welcome awaits you at Salisbury Arts Scene.

salisburyartsscene.co.uk

Rihanna Harris and Chris Burdon welcome visitors to Stonehenge for special early morning and late evening visits

TV antiques expert offers Brave New World lecture to Arts Society

THE ARTS Society Salisbury is delighted to welcome back Marc Allum to present its March lecture. Marc Allum has appeared regularly since 1998 on The Antiques Roadshow. On March 14, he will give a lecture entitled Brave New World – The Festival of Britain.

This meeting is just one of the 10 lectures booked for the 2023 programme, covering different aspects of the arts and all presented by lecturers who are experts in their field.

The 1951 Festival of Britain was an inspiring event that had been designed to put Britain back on its feet after the ravages of the Second World War. Marc will look at the festival’s legacy and its effect on post-war Britain through the development of design, architecture and art.

With over 10 million paid visitors to the South Bank attraction and a further 8.5 million visitors to the Battersea Pleasure Gardens, the festival was an unparalleled success which, to this very day, has left a lasting legacy.

Funded mostly by the government, with a

budget of £12 million, the festival’s aim was to give the British people a feeling of successful recovery from the war’s devastation, as well as promoting British science, technology, industrial design, architecture and the arts. In addition to the exhibition on the South Bank, related events took place in other cities.

Marc Allum is a freelance art and antiques journalist, writer and broadcaster based in Wiltshire. He has been a miscellaneous specialist on the BBC Antiques Roadshow since 1998 and has appeared on numerous television and radio programmes. He derives his ideas, style and taste from a broad and diverse range of sources that make up his varied collections of antiques and collectables. He has his own unique style with interests ranging from

prehistory to modern design and is a self-confessed collectaholic.

Marc has a passion and reputation for divining the unusual; ‘a desire to connect with history through the interpretation and pursuit of objects and their origins’.

Lectures start at 1.55 pm at St Francis Church, Beatrice Road, Salisbury, SP1 3PN. There is always a raffle ahead of the meeting – this month’s will include a copy signed by Marc Allum of his and Paul Atterbury’s book, Antiques Roadshow – 40 years of Great Finds. Tea and coffee is served after the meeting.

For those coming to this meeting as a guest, the cost is just £7 and we would ask that people are in their seats by 1.50pm.

The Arts Society Salisbury can be found on Facebook or via its website: theartssocietysalisbury.org.uk.

Brahms’ Requiem kicks off society’s centenary year

SALISBURY Musical Society begins its centenary year with a performance of the heartwrenching and beautiful Brahms’ Requiem in Salisbury Cathedral on Saturday, 25th March at 7.30pm.

100 singers celebrate 100 years

SMS will be joined by soloists

Brittany King (soprano) and Bozidar Smilijanic (baritone), and the Chelsea Opera Group Orchestra conducted by Salisbury Cathedral’s director of music, David Halls.

David has composed a celebratory short anthem, The Beauty of Holiness, to be

premiered during the evening. 100 years ago when the SMS inaugural concert took place, on a Wednesday afternoon in March 1923, approximately 3,000 people flocked to the cathedral to hear Brahms’ Requiem. This was

probably an “early-closing” afternoon in Salisbury. Health & Safety regulations would limit this number now.

Of course, 100 years ago, attending a live concert was the only way audiences could hear

large scale works such as the Requiem. Radio broadcasting had only started in 1922.

Tickets £10-40 online or on the door. Students with ID and children £5 side aisle seats. salisburymusicalsociety.org.uk

Marc on the set of the Antiques Roadshow Below left: An original poster for The Festival of Britain

The Wessex Case: Patricia Low invited to create installation

By Katrina Ffiske

THE WESSEX Gallery of archaeology at the Salisbury Museum, has one case, The Wessex Case, set aside for local artists’ installations.

Presently, Ansty-based artist and ceramicist, Patricia Low, has filled it with her work and a carefully chosen curation of artefacts from the Museum’s collection.

I went to meet Patricia and Adrian Green, director of Salisbury Museum, to hear more about the installation.

“We love to invite local artists to exhibit alongside our collection of archaeology discoveries that tell the story of Salisbury and the surrounding area from prehistoric times to the Norman Conquest,” Adrian said.

“I have been an admirer of Patricia’s work for many years, and knowing how inspired she is by the museum, it seemed natural to invite her to do something in the Wessex Case. It is wonderful to see her work sit alongside pieces that were created many, many years ago.”

Patricia produces large, bold pots, painted expertly with birds, animals, fish and patterns. The installation shows the creative process behind the works including a stark, plain, biscuit-fired pot, each coil and carefully placed thumbprint clearly visible; on the wall hangs two impressive watercolours of flying owls.

“The animals or birds are first painted on paper before being transferred onto the pot. My subjects come from my surroundings and I try to imagine what it would be like to be a particular animal, create their energy in watercolour, then transfer this to the pot.

“The fur or the plumage of the animal becomes the pattern on the vases.”

Small sketchbooks show how patterns are created; small tiles

show how colours are mixed. Together with Adrian, Patricia chose Bronze Age thumb pots and beaker pots, a flint arrowhead and a collection of gold jewellery, all around 4,000 years old, plus one tiny, Roman, thrown pot also of great beauty. It is mesmerising seeing work from thousands of years ago sit alongside modern pieces.

“This is where man first started using his hands,” Patricia commented. “The methods have not changed in all these years. There is an underlying thread connecting the works.”

She recalled how she was inspired by pottery at a young age: “When I was 16, a friend and I went from Marlborough to Avebury in a pony and trap. There was this tiny museum showing Bronze Age thumb and beaker pots.

“These simple, beautiful crafted pots went straight to my heart. Later in life I became an artist and an art teacher and forgot this love of pottery until I spent a weekend with friends who suggested spending the day making coil pots.

“From that moment on I was a lover of pottery. There is something so therapeutic about the simplicity of making coil pots. My training as an artist at Swindon and Chelsea Art School and career as artist and teacher, have proved invaluable for my work now.”

Patricia is happy to take commissions. One of her most memorable requests came from theatre producer Cameron Mackintosh, who wanted his dog painted.

To save Patricia going to London, the Rhodesian Ridgeback was sent down in a taxi for a day’s sitting. The final product was an immense pot with three images of Cameron’s dog wrapped around its body.

This is a wonderful installation and particularly inspiring seeing pots from 4,000 years ago, alongside the grand, stunning works of a local artist. The installation is on display until 20 March 2023.

Main pic: Patricia Low with Adrian Green in front of the Wessex Case Inset left: Turtle Inset right: Rhino

The Inward Eye’s monoprint collages will cast its spell over the Mill

‘THE INWARD Eye’, an exhibition of monoprint collages by Mylene O’Connor, inspired by the shape, line, colour and texture of land and seascape will visit the gallery at Fisherton Mill from 18 March to 15 April.

Mylene’s collages offer an exuberant abstract and semi abstract response to the pleasure of countryside and coastal walks.

They are inspired by natural and man-made pattern and line such as: rock striations, the barks of trees, the spattering of lichen on a rock, ploughed fields, tractor tracks, the twist of wool on a barbed wire fence.

These marks become the monoprint vocabulary from which the finished work emerges.

The exhibition showcases a body of work begun during the solitude of lockdown and inspired by daily walks in and

around the New Forest and by the sea. The title is taken from Wordsworth’s poem, ‘I Wandered Lonely as a Cloud’, where he talks of the image of daffodils flashing “upon that inward eye which is the bliss of solitude.”

In the studio, drawing on the inspiration of her walks in nature, Mylene makes monoprints to produce a vocabulary of shape, texture and colour which she collages to form the landscapes and abstractions that take shape upon her ‘inward eye’.

Mylene will be in the gallery on Saturday 18th and 25th of March, and Saturday 1st and 15th of April from 11am to 3pm. She will be available to talk about her work.

For more information either send an email admin@ fishertonmill.co.uk or visit www.fishertonmill.co.uk

Salisbury Group of Artists presents spring exhibition with affordable art available for every budget

SALISBURY GROUP of Artists

(SGA) will be presenting their new Springtime Exhibition in Gallery 4, upstairs in the Library from Friday, 3rd March to Saturday, 1st April 2023.

This is a new venture for SGA and is in addition to its annual Summer Exhibition at Gallery 4 in August this year.

“It’s been a busy and creative year in painting, drawing, textiles, needle felting and pottery.”

Always recruiting new members, Salisbury Group of Artists now numbers nearly 200 members across Salisbury and the surrounding area.

“Even in the darkest winter months we have been producing what we feel are bright and fresh pieces and indeed there will be a wide range of art for everyone to enjoy, including a ‘Small Picture Exhibition’ packed with small original works to buy at very affordable prices.

There will be an opportunity to ‘Meet the artists’ from 2pm-4pm on Saturday, 4th March where you will be able to talk to them about what inspired their work. The exhibition will be showing a wide variety of original artwork across a variety of media. Attendees can also take a look through the browsers for unframed prints and originals. Members of the public will also be able to enter “The People’s Vote’ for a chance to win up to £150 worth of pictures from the exhibition.

www.salisburygroupofartists.co.uk

Two of the collages being exhibited. Red Sky (top) Summer Forest (bottom)

Top: The Gift by Irene Colquhoun

Left: Plain II by Karen Walsh

Coombe Bissett drama group seeks new and younger cast members

COOMBE BISSETT Drama

Club is celebrating 50 years of plays, pantos and revues this year with a hog roast and dance in April.

Formed in 1973 in the newly built village hall, fully equipped with stage and lighting facilities, the club has staged 94 productions over that time with a 95th planned for May 2023.

Local amateur groups have reported difficulty in recruiting younger members, particularly men, and Coombe Bissett is no exception. For the play to be performed in May, two younger male actors who can play roles in the 25-35 age group are needed.

The play, “Life on the Landing” is set on the first floor landing in a house of multiple occupations. Rickie, an unemployed graduate, and his girlfriend, Carol, share one room; Sandy and Jules another. Rebecca, lives in a third. Rickie decides to have an impromptu

party to celebrate the first moon landing. The landlord is less than cooperative.

Auditions will take place on 3 March at 7.30pm in Coombe Bissett Village Hall. Budding young actors who are interested

should contact the director, Chris Chelu, on 01722 718 351.

Past performances have included Sandcastles (top) and Field Day (right)

A case of double Vision for the deputy mayor

COUNCILLOR Atiqul Hoque, deputy mayor of Salisbury opened the latest exhibition at Fisherton Mill entitled ‘Double Vision’ recently.

Featuring photographs and kiln formed/cast glass sculpture by local artists David Walker, Scarlet Leatham and Geraldine McLoughlin, the works will be on show in the Main Gallery until 11 March during normal opening hours Monday – Saturday.

Pictured here with the three artists, councillor Hoque said: “I thoroughly enjoyed the evening and looking at the vibrant and colourful art on display.

“I was also amazed to find that one of the photographs on show was taken just around the corner from where I lived in London which made the event especially personal.”

The three artists are members of Plain Arts Salisbury and have all exhibited locally in the past but this is the first time they have presented works together.

David Walker said: “Fisherton Mill is such a great venue in the heart of Salisbury, and as a group we are excited to have the opportunity to work with the team here and

Local professional actors wanted

WILTSHIRE Creative has sent a call out for local professional actors to attend general auditions for upcoming productions.

The auditions will take place on Thursday, 2nd March and Friday, 3rd March at Salisbury Playhouse.

hopefully we may be invited back!”

During the course of the exhibition there will be ‘Meet the Artist’ days as follows: Saturday, 18th February –Scarlet Leatham, Saturday, 25th February – Geraldine McLoughlin and Saturday, 4th March – David Walker from 11am to 4pm on each day.

Auditions will last 20 minutes during which actors will be asked to perform two monologues, one classical and one modern.

You will also be asked to sing a short unaccompanied song. Actors with additional musical skills will be encouraged to play their instrument/s.

To book your audition, please contact casting@ wiltshirecreative.co.uk

Ayckbourn shows us how the other half laughs and loves at the Playhouse

Review by Brian MacReamoinn

ALAN AYCKBOURN : the name immediately guarantees a great night of escapism at the theatre. It conjures up a very recognisable world of suburbia and the ongoing, un-winnable battle between the men and women who live there.

The tragicomic domestic conflict that lies at the heart of a lot of Ayckbourn’s work is a rich seam he has mined with unparalleled success, and fresh nuggets are still being extracted.

A new play out later this year will almost be his 90th in what must rank as one of the most prolific careers in drama.

But tonight we are time travelling back some 50 years for a revival of a much earlier comedy, How the Other Half Loves. Appropriately, The Gazette saw it on February 14, a perfect occasion to witness love’s vicissitudes as well as its valentines.

The play, first seen in Scarborough, had its première in London in 1970. Ah, the 1970s: flock wallpaper and avocado for starters, brown corduroy jackets and dry sherry, sideboards and sideburns.

It’s a milieu familiar to quite a few members of the Salisbury Playhouse audience, though not all – the age spread was surprisingly wide.

Oddly, only one of those relics has survived, but is now available in a bewildering variety of ways and is certainly advocated by the millennials in the theatre.

Though perhaps they were shocked at the amount of casual sexism and sense of male superiority on display, whereas those who grew up then simply winced at the idea that this was accepted behaviour at the time.

Of course, Ayckbourn punctures and ridicules that male self-importance as well as having the female characters rebel against the dreadful chauvinism.

But he does it all with the lightest of touches as the plot and the characters’ actions grow increasingly farcical.

The comedic chaos is set in motion by a simple phone call. Fiona Foster rings Bob Phillips the morning after a late night out together – without their spouses.

When Fiona’s husband, Frank (who happens to be Bob’s boss), and Bob’s wife, Teresa, voice their suspicions, the two lovers independently invent spur-of-themoment alibis involving Bob’s new work colleague, William Featherstone, and his wife, Mary.

However, the unwitting pair then find themselves suddenly invited to not one, but two dinner parties. So the scene is set up perfectly for more skirmishes in the marriage wars.

The master puppeteer Ayckbourn lets us witness these two inevitable disasters at the same time: the set (designed by Michael Taylor) cleverly encompasses both the successful, well-to-do Fosters’ elegant, spacious dining area and the struggling,

down-at-heel Phillips’ messy, cramped sitting-room.

In this parallel dinner party universe, the three couples take part in a mad dance of hilarious misunderstandings and confusion.

The cast of six – Sam Alexander (William), Sherry Baines (Fiona), Philip Bretherton (Frank), Rebecca Cooper (Mary), Haydn Oakley (Bob), and Joanna van Kampen (Teresa) – wonderfully embody these classic Ayckbourn archetypes and perform the dual dinner scenes with Swiss-watch timing under the sure directorial hand of Gareth Machin, the Playhouse’s artistic director.

The constant laughter doesn’t lie. Once again, Alan Ayckbourn delivers another great night at the theatre.

How the Other Half Loves runs at Salisbury Playhouse until March 4. To book tickets, visit:

www.wiltshirecreative.co.uk

The cast of six wonderfully embody classic Ayckbourn archetypes and perform the dual dinner scenes with Swiss-watch timing Credit: The Other Richard

Lasagne: the ultimate comfort food that can be tailored to all seasons

HAS IT seemed like a long year to you? We’ve not yet left February behind us and although the milder weather has been welcome, it can sometimes feel like time is dragging.

Or is that just me? With spring days bringing a wild range of temperatures and weather patterns that span the year, from ice-cold winds to balmy days, it can be hard to know whether to go salad-fresh or full-on roast when it comes to main meals.

It’s at this time of year that I revert to the ‘staples’, the family-friendly meals that can be tailored to all seasons.

Lasagne is one such dish. It can be the ultimate comfort food – hands-up who loves lasagne with chips (calm down food snobs, you’re not impressing anyone), or garlic bread, or all three.

And yes, both my hands were up in the air. You can also serve it with a crunchy, fresh salad on warmer days. It’s delicious either way, of course.

The beauty of the beast is that you can take your lasagne in any direction you want. Beef, roasted veg, lamb, quorn all work well. You can pretty much turn anything left over in the fridge into a lasagne and reap the rewards.

Here’s a fun fact from the Mobile Cuisine website: “Originally, in Italy, the word ‘lasagna’ did not refer to a food… [it] referred to the pot in which the food was cooked.

“It is thought that the word… is derived from the Greek word for chamber pot. The earliest lasagna recipes known are dated from the thirteenth century.”

So it’s got history. And it’s delicious. And you can spell it with ‘a’ or an ‘e’.

Go online and you’ll find a million variations served up by everyone from celebrity chefs to home cooks. The one that

caught my eye and got my taste buds drooling recently was a recipe by Rosie Birkett on the BBC Good Food website.

It’s a ‘leeks and greens’ lasagne, serves four, with total cooking time of around 95 minutes. The full recipe can be found here: https://www. bbcgoodfood.com/recipes/ collection/march-recipes

Jamie Oliver has a variation that uses one pot and a novel approach to layering the pasta sheets. He calls his ‘Scruffy Veg’ lasagne. Quite.

This version is more traditional but still super tasty. The recipe does contain walnuts, but these can be left out if you are serving anyone with an allergy.

What you’ll need:

● 3 tbsp olive oil, plus extra for greasing the tin

● 50g butter

● 1 bay leaf

● A rosemary sprig, leaves picked and roughly chopped

● 3 leeks, cleaned and rough green ends discarded (1 finely sliced and 2 cut into medium slices)

● 40g plain flour

● 500ml milk

● Some fresh grated nutmeg

● 100g cheddar, grated

● 30g parmesan, grated

● 2 garlic cloves, crushed

● ½ green chilli, sliced (adjust according to taste)

● 400g mixed green leaves, such as kale, chard and spinach, roughly chopped

● 100ml dry white wine

● 100g walnuts

● 280g jar preserved artichoke hearts in oil, drained

● 100g ricotta

● 6 dried lasagne sheets

Making the lasagne

Start by heating your oven to 200C/180C fan/gas 6. Then, heat 1 tbsp oil with the butter over a medium heat.

Add the bay leaf, rosemary and finely sliced leek. Season to taste and cook for a few minutes or until the leek has softened.

Make a roux by adding the flour and cook for an extra minute. When the roux smells nutty. Take off the heat, slowly pour in the milk and whisk out any lumps.

Return to the heat and whisk slowly until thick and smooth. Season well with the grated nutmeg, then add 3/4 of the cheddar and parmesan and heat until they are melted.

Set aside.

In another pan, heat 2 tbsp of oil over a medium heat and fry the garlic and chilli (if using) for a couple of minutes until they smell aromatic/good. Add the rest of the leeks, season and fry until softened, then add the mixed greens and season a little more. Cook through until the greens have wilted, stirring all the time, then pour in the wine and cook until it evaporates.

Oil a medium roasting tin (about 20cm square) and tip half the greens into the tin. Dot half the walnuts over the top, and nestle in a third of the artichoke hearts. Then dot over half the ricotta. Remove the bay leaf from the leek bechamel and pour over a third of it.

Top this with three lasagne sheets to create a layer, making sure everything is covered.

Repeat the process, then cover the top layer of lasagne sheets with the remaining bechamel and artichokes and scatter over the remaining cheese (you could add extra cheese for extra indulgence).

Bake in the oven for 30-40 mins, until golden and bubbling.

Rest for 10 mins before serving (salad or chips, your choice). Enjoy.

Wilfrid Shon from Shroton Fair Gin® tells the Gazette that the company’s refill scheme has now gone live.

GLASS IS one of the most recycled materials in the UK, with roughly 72% of bottles and jars ending up in the correct bin and sent for remoulding and recycling.

As well as reshaping glass into new bottles, other uses for recycled glass include housing insulation or ‘glassphalt’ – the latter used instead of sand to build new pavements.

It is also much more energy efficient to break down recycled glass than to create it from scratch. The ‘recycle’ element of ‘reduce, reuse, recycle’ is on track to reach the glass industry’s target of 9 out of 10 bottles recycled by 2030.

reuse, recycle..... for

Despite these uses for recycled glass, what if your bottle did not actually need to be recycled in the first place?

Why send your discarded containers to be melted down in an energy-guzzling furnace when the glass itself could be reused?

Inspired by another Dorset business, Meggy Moo’s Dairy and their amazing milk station –we have now launched our own Shroton Fair Gin® refill scheme! Simply bring us any clean 70cl bottle and we will refill it with our luxury local gin for £5 off.

We’re open every Friday and Saturday, 9am-12, Ash Farm Courtyard, Stourpaine, DT11 8PW. Or email: hello@ shrotonfairgin.co.uk if you’d like to arrange another time.

Artistic students rise to open theme as showcase returns to Salisbury

By Katrina Ffiske

DURING February students from 10 schools in and around Salisbury exhibited their artwork at The Young Gallery, Salisbury.

The Salisbury and Avon Gazette was delighted to attend the preview on February 10.

The exhibition area was packed with students, parents, teachers and organisers.

Each wall was crammed with artwork, while cases were filled with sculptures, ceramics and design.

Students exhibiting came from a range of schools: Leehurst Swan School, Warminster School, Salisbury Sixth Form College, Burgate School, South Wilts Grammar School, Bishop Wordsworth’s, Sarum Academy, Appleford School, Moyles Court School and The Cathedral School.

The ages of the students involved ranged from 10 to 18-years-old.

The exhibition was curated by Eva Gimenez, head of art and design at Leehurst Swan. Talking at the preview show, she told the Gazette: “The exhibition has been going for 10 years,” Eva said.

“After a gap we are thrilled to have the exhibition back. I normally set a theme for the students but this year we wanted to be more inclusive and have an open theme.”

The work really was very impressive and included all types

of medium. One wall was taken up with a three-dimensional montage of birds, animals, poetry – a dramatic message to the viewer, encouraging them to look after the planet.

Another wall was an ode to Food Glorious Food, including a large muffin and squares of bold, graphic liquorice allsorts and many other sweet treats.

One school submitted bold black and white prints created from letter forms. One case displayed a collection of bugs created from plastic bottles, wire and tin cans.

Fran Holtby, from Warminster School, was pleased to have a photograph of a mushroom in the exhibition.

“I took the photograph as part of an ‘A’ level project,” Fran said. “I am intrigued by mushrooms and enjoying taking photographs of them.”

The photograph is a stunning detail of a mushroom, shining out from a black background, every gill clearly visible.

Clockwise from top left: Bug display; Liquorice Allsorts; Detail of a mushroom, photo by Fran Holtby; Seascape

A lost masterpiece in your loft

WE all dream of turning up to the Antiques Roadshow with a family heirloom we’ve uncovered while rooting through the loft that turns out to be a rare and extremely expensive surprise.

A forgotten Picasso maybe, a handwritten note by Edward VIII, a flawless diamond as big as an apple.

But imagine finding out you had been looking at one of only 20 surviving paintings by Leonardo Da Vinci. Sadly, this didn’t happen in the Gazette area. But verifying work by a famous artist can be fraught with problems.

To date, the world’s most expensive painting ever

auctioned, was Da Vinci’s Salvator Mundi.

The ‘lost masterpiece’ was first put up for auction in a small sale in New Orleans. It was authenticated in 2008 and unveiled for he first time by the National Gallery in 2011.

Christie’s in London put the painting up for auction in 2017, where it sold for $450million. It was bought by Mohammed bin Salman, crown prince of Saudi Arabia with the intention of hanging it in the Louvre Abu Dhabi.

However, some experts think the work should be attributed to a notable Da Vinci imitator, Bernadino Luini.

Win £150 to spend

Wild Coast Silver... Jewellery handcrafted with recycled Sterling Silver, responsibly sourced gems, and sea glass gathered along the Jurassic Coast

The dangers of vegan cat owners feeding their pet a meat-free diet

WITH INCREASING numbers of people turning to a vegetarian and vegan diet, the question often arises as to whether pet owners who have given up meat can make the same choices for their pet cats.

The question used to be answered by an unequivocal no.

Cats are what are known as obligate carnivores, which simply means they need meat to form a major part of their diet.

The reason has nothing to do with choice, but evolution and biology. Cats evolved in desert terrains, where their major sources of food were small animals, whether rodents or birds.

Over the course of their evolution, their digestive systems have adapted to this diet to enable them to extract all of the vital nutrients, vitamins and minerals they need to be healthy.

Essential amino acids can only be sourced from the diet. Some of these, such as taurine can only be found in animalbased proteins, i.e. those from meat and fish.

Taurine is essential for eyesight, heart function, growth and immune system. Unlike cats, humans and dogs can synthesise taurine from other dietary sources.

Other nutrients, such as vitamin A, arginine, and arachidonic acid also derive from meat. And while these can sometimes be gained from other sources, it is much harder to extract the nutrients.

Cats have evolved to process a diet high in fat and protein. It means they have a relatively short digestive tract compared to a dog’s that can happily process more fibrous material.

It also means they lack the enzymes to produce many essential nutrients themselves.

One such enzyme is amylase, which is vital for breaking down

the carbohydrates that are more prevalent in plant-based diets.

Cats have less amylase than humans and dogs which makes it harder for them to extract nutrients from diets that are predominantly or high in plants.

What would happen if a cat stopped eating meat?

A cat’s health will start to deteriorate without meat as various parts of the body struggle to function.

It can take from two months to five years for the effects of taurine deficiency to show. For example, photoreceptor cells in the retina of the eye require taurine to work correctly.

As a result, prolonged taurine deficiency will lead to blindness. Cat heart muscles also require taurine for optimum functioning, affecting blood flow and leading to heart disease.

A taurine deficiency can also lead to developmental problems and suppression of the immune system.

As such, all cat food manufacturers registered with the Pet Food Manufacturers

Association will ensure the required levels of taurine are present in their foods.

Are there any circumstances to go vegan?

Despite the advice of the veterinary world a small percentage of cats do choose to feed their cats a vegan diet.

A study published in BMC Veterinary Research, conducted by Ontario Veterinary College, at the University of Guelph in Canada (as reported by VetTimes), suggested that cats fed a plant-based diet were actually in better health and less likely to suffer from obesity than their meat-fed peers.

However, the study was based on feedback from pet owners and so is not entirely scientific in nature.

A number of vegan cat foods are entering the market, most of which are fortified with a synthetic taurine and other essential nutrients.

The onus is very much on the pet owner if they choose a vegan diet to ensure the food and any supplements they are

Cats digestive systems are designed to process protein and nutrients from a predominantly meat-based diet

giving their cat has all of the nutrients needed for their cat to remain healthy.

It is also important that cats are not fed food in human form because they will not be able to process it.

If in any doubt whatsoever, always consult your vet who will be able to advise you on the best foods and supplements for your cat, to ensure they live happy and healthy lives.

I’m vegan, am I compromising my beliefs to feed my cat meat?

In short, no. Cats have no choice in what you feed them. But they do have biological needs that need to be met to maintain health.

You are not compromising your own vegan beliefs by feeding your cat the diet its body needs. Instead, you are doing what every pet owner should aspire to, that is, ensuring your pet is healthy and happy.

DAISY

Breed: Foxhound

Cross Age: 2

Daisy is a beautiful two-year-old foxhound. She’s a lovely girl and has settled well at Salisbury.

Daisy would suit a home where someone is around for the majority of the time as she struggles when left alone.

We feel she would also benefit greatly from living with another playful, tolerant dog. Once comfortable with another dog, Daisy can be quite persistent when she wants to play!

Daisy can live with sensible children aged 13 and above pending successful introductions here at the centre. She does have a worried side, so any children in the home must be able to read Daisy.

FRANKIE

Breed: Crossbreed

Age: 11

Frankie is a handsome Spaniel. He is looking for a understanding adult only home, due to him becoming anxious in some situations.

Frankie enjoys going for a walks with his four-legged friends and would love for some dog walking friends in his home.

Although Frankie is dog-friendly, he does prefer his own space and due to this we do feel he would be better suited as the only pet in the home.

Further training would be needed for Frankie in his new home, the behaviour team here would be very keen to show you and support you with how we have been making progress with his training here at the centre, this will help with settling Frankie in and setting expectations for him.

BRUNO

Breed: German Shepherd Age: 10

Bruno is a gentle, distinguished older boy with a sweet disposition, who loves nothing more than lounging around with his best buddies after a quiet morning country stroll.

His perfect day would consist of a tasty breakfast before heading out to explore, followed by a snooze and some downtime with his human friends before heading back out for an afternoon walk.

He is very happy to travel in vehicles so trips to scenic locations would be good.

In the past Bruno has had canine walking buddies but has become less inclined.

It’s important that his new owners are confident and comfortable in handling him, which the training team will help with.

CoSARC runners enjoy success at ‘ferry’ hard Ryde 10 Mile Race

COSARC (City of Salisbury Athletics and Running Club) made the short hop “overseas” to the Isle of Wight for the Ryde 10 Mile on 5 February.

The race was run on a bright and sunny winter’s day, which helped keep the runners cool on their 10 mile journey.

Harry Smith was first home for CoSARC and finished an impressive 2nd overall from a field of 480 in a time of 0:55:39.

The club’s other finishers were: William Pannell 0:57:09; Harry Pannell 1:01:01; Richard Davidson 1:03:40; James Mills

1:05:07; Craig Weatherburn

1:09:27; Mark Goulding

1:13:40; Edward Cane 1:16:11; Mark Wilde 1:16:45; Katie Clements 1:18:41; Nick Lay

1:18:41; Charlotte Boardman

1:22:29; Andrew Makin

I would pay an annual admin fee in place of my free bus passes

I AM writing following the letter published recently regarding buses and their reliability [Plea over buses, January 30, 2023].

I’m not sure if others would agree, but for a long time I’ve thought it would be an idea for those travelling with free bus passes, to pay an annual admin fee of perhaps £10 to the bus company.

If that were to happen, then perhaps more bus services could be retained rather than being cut and hopefully reliability improved, thus affecting so many who travel free.

Personally, I would rather contribute something than have

1:24:39; Heather Hitchens 1:28:42; Vicky Pearce

1:39:34; Candus Ward 1:56:25; Helen Carlton

1:56:41.

Taking place on the same day, but in the north of Wiltshire, Royal Wootton Bassett Hounds Running Club pulled out all the stops with their aptly named Lungbuster – a nine mile cross country race on private farmland.

The 177 runners who started were rewarded with magnificent views as they trudged through mud and over lung busting hills.

Finishing times were for CoSARC runners were: Richard

Results round-up

SALISBURY Town FC sit in 14th place in the Southern League Premier South after a 3-0 win away at Hanwell Town.

Salisbury Town Women’s FC are currently 3rd in the Wessex Premier after a rain interrupted month saw the team victorious in its only fixture.

In the men’s Wessex Premier, Bemerton Heath Harlequins hit impressive form with five wins and a draw during February. The team is currently third.

Laverstock & Ford sit mid-table after a mixed set of results from a hectic schedule.

Larcombe 01:16:21; Steven Mitchell 01:22:42; Di Mattingly 01:29:58; Mike Mattingly 01:31:41; Vicky Robinson 01:39:33; Linda Robson 01:39:39; Lisa Milner 01:39:45.

At the most recent Salisbury Parkrun, Paul Brown bagged himself a hard earned PB with a time of 26:20.

Salisbury Men’s Hockey 1st team drew 3-3 against Bournemouth 2, while the Men’s 2nd team sit lost to Portsmouth 2 last time out.

The Ladies 1st team are currently 3rd following a 4-1 win away to Winchester 1st, while the Ladies 2nd team are also third after a 6-1 win away to Basingstoke 4s.

the alternative of a reduced – or no bus service at all.

Name and address supplied

It’s time for the community to save Victoria and Albert pub

I USED to visit this great pub. It was sad when the door closed at the Victoria and Albert Pub in 2021. I was thinking about buying it.

When the doors shut at the Victoria and Albert I was given the historic bronze bells, aka time at the bar and last orders, but I think the main bells were brass. I also have an antique and other ornaments I was given over the years.

I am happy to meet up and share matters and hopefully help

get the pub opened even if by community or crowd funding.

PS: Thank you for the Remembering City’s Secret War Hero’s feature. My dad’s brother F.E Sturmey was killed age 21 on 6/6/44 at the D-Day Normandy Landings – RIP.

Darrell Sturmey

Where’s all the good news

I wasn’t surprised to hear the news about the decline in the number of people declaring to be Christians in this country.

Many people will look around to apportion blame, led by an increasingly right-wing and emotionally detached government.

It used to be, at times like these, that people would flock to their spiritual leaders but their voices are increasingly

drowned out. I guess bad news is good business.

Name and address withheld

CORRECTION

THANKS to John Wells for pointing out that the last sentence of his Politics piece in the last issue was missing from the final publication. For this we apologise and have reproduced the last two sentences, below:

“... Unfortunately we have a government which avoids accountability by every means possible through vague planning and an apparent reluctance to measure progress.

The resulting inevitable outcome is a failure to deliver...”

On the way back from Ryde

Zelensky drops in to south west with PM Rishi Sunak during UK visit

UKRAINIAN President

Volodymyr Zelensky was in the south west this month.

Following an address to MPs at the Houses of Parliament and meeting with King Charles III on Wednesday, February 8, the war leader visited Lulworth camp, where Ukranian soldiers are being trained in use of the Challenger 2 tanks.

Flanked by Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, Mr Zelensky presented medals to some of the troops who will soon be sent to the frontline, with tanks

provided by the UK.

The pair held a press conference at the camp, where Mr Sunak said ‘nothing was off the table’ when asked about Ukraine’s request for the provision of fighter jets to help their fight against the invading Russian army.

Warplanes were ‘part of the conversation’, the Prime Minister told reporters.

Lulworth Camp, near Wareham, is home to the Armoured Vehicle Gunnery School.

President Zelensky in Dorset with Prime Minister Rishi Sunak

Pictures: Office of the Ukrainian President

The leaders travelled to Dorset from London by helicopter

Health & Wellbeing

Relieving the pressures and stresses of everyday life through reflexology

by Katrina Ffiske

DURING THESE Winter months it is important to look after ourselves, eat well and take exercise.

Even with dry January and healthy eating, I still felt very tired and seemed to be having regular headaches.

A friend suggested I have some reflexology as it had helped her when she suffered from fatigue.

How can someone touching pressure points on my feet possibly help? There was only one way to find out – I made an appointment with Harriet Coombes at Reflexology Salisbury.

Harriet has a practice room in the beautiful village of Compton Chamberlayne, 15 minutes from Salisbury. The room is light, warm and welcoming. Harriet takes notes on my health and concerns.

Feeling like a novice, I ask for a simple explanation of how

reflexology works. Harriet tells me that: “There are reflex points on the feet that are linked to every part of the body.”

She shows me a clear diagram of all the points on the feet and where each point is linked to.

“By putting pressure on these areas, it is possible to alleviate pain and stress. Daily stressors can resonate through the body creating headaches, pain and general fatigue. Reflexology encourages the body to function properly.”

Reflexology is not something that can be picked up overnight.

I am reassured to hear that Harriet trained in 2007 and has been practising in Salisbury and London ever since.

She also gives lectures and talks on the benefits of this treatment.

The curtains are closed, music turned on, shoes and socks taken off and I lie back in a comfortable reclining chair.

Harriet begins by pressing firmly on the soles of each foot. For someone who hates having their feet touched I actually find the next 40 minutes both relaxing and surprising.

Surprising, because as Harriet works on the head reflex on my foot it is initially slightly painful, but slowly I feel a release of pressure and eventually feel calm and relaxed with a warmth engulfing me.

How amazing that a small press on the foot can resonate throughout the body.

At the end I ask if Harriet can help if someone has genuine pain? “I always check that my clients have had a proper investigation with a medical practitioner,” Harriet says. “For example, a client had consistent

pain in her lower back and came to see me alongside seeing a doctor. After a course of treatment her symptoms were relieved.”

Medical issues with each client are taken very seriously.

Over the next few days, I genuinely felt better: I slept well, had a clearer head and I definitely had more energy.

Since that first visit I now pay Harriet monthly visits to help keep on top of the daily stresses of life.

Harriet also has specialist training in women’s health, supporting them through cycle difficulties, fertility issues and the lows of menopause.

Head Reßex

© Harriet Combes design.

Top: Harriet Coombes practices out of Compton Chamberlayne.

Left: Refloxology points on the feet, with the ‘head’ areas marked

How yoga helps to slow you down

By Ilona Coryndon Burns

‘We know the world only through the window of our mind. When our mind is noisy, the world is as well. And when our mind is peaceful, the world is, too. Knowing our mind is just as important as trying to change the world.’

Zen Monk, Haemin Sunim

AS A yoga teacher, I am often asked, ‘how can I turn my brain off?’. This is frequently paired with a statement like, ‘I’m always feeling tired/rushed/ drained’.

When yoga students sit down on their mat, practice follows and, after a final relaxation, I love to see their calmness, the blissful expressions and slower, more considered movements which are so different to the

often stressed, nervous energy they arrive with.

Why is that?

It is because they slowed down. Yoga, along with similar practices such as Pilates, Tai Chi and meditation force you to slow down.

Even when you are doing intense physical practice, your mind is able to let go. Remove the distractions – phones, email, social media; all the things that normally demand your attention, and suddenly, the mind can breathe.

We are bombarded by information constantly, both consciously and subconsciously. This can result in a reduced ability to focus, increased irritability and low mood.

Be honest, when was the last time you completely disconnected, and were present

moment to moment? When did you last leave your phone in a different room, and didn’t feel the need to check for notifications or likes?

It’s no accident that many great inspirations and breakthroughs have happened when a person has been daydreaming or allowing their mind to wander.

Your mind needs downtime to process and work through problems. There are things you can only see when you slow down; and you can add moments of downtime to even the busiest day.

So, next time you’re walking, waiting for the kettle to boil, or the shower to heat; put the phone away, take out the headphones and try this simple breathing exercise:

● Take a long, slow breath in counting to four in your head

● Hold that to a count of four

● A long, slow exhale out to a count of four

● Hold the breath for a count of four

● Repeat at least twice more, or up to 20 rounds

That simple act will slow your heart rate, reduce your blood pressure and give your brain a break. Your mind, and body will thank you.

Ilona Coryndon Burns runs Yoga Stuff Ltd in Salisbury

Wiltshire marks the anniversary of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine

THE Ukrainian flag flew at Wiltshire’s administrative base last week to mark 12 months since the beginning of the Russian invasion.

Since the war began, on February 24 last year, a total of 1,345 Ukrainian guests have arrived safely in the county under the Homes for Ukraine scheme.

More than 440 Ukrainian children have started at Wiltshire schools – with 220 primary and 224 secondary aged children settling into their new settings.

Wiltshire Council’s Family and Community Learning team has been offering adults ESOL (English for Speakers of Other Language) courses, with more than 200 learners enrolled to date.

As families have become more settled, guests have been looking to find more permanent surroundings, with around 125 families moving into their own private rented accommodation.

The Homes for Ukraine team has also helped to facilitate 53 rematches into new host accommodation.

Charities and volunteers have been a backbone of the Wiltshire support with around 18 community hubs and support groups across Wiltshire, including Salisbury, Devizes, Marlborough and Trowbridge.

Regular meetings, events and activities

take place so Ukraine guests feel a part of their local community and to ensure refugees and host families can access support as required.

Cllr Richard Clewer, leader of Wiltshire Council, said: “This is a difficult anniversary to mark as we know the last 12 months have been the hardest for Ukraine families who have left their homes and had to make new lives elsewhere.

“Last year we welcomed Ukraine guests knowing our residents would step up and provide the welcome they deserve.

“Wiltshire responded to the situation in Ukraine and so many welcomed the guests into their homes and helped them to settle into the county.

“Our teams, communities and partners

have worked hard to try and ensure that this has been an easier transition with the right level of support for those who have needed our help.”

Cllr Clewer said many were now laying down roots in the county, but more volunteer hosts would be welcomed.

“We are now at a point where some families are moving out of sponsor homes into their own homes and into employment and laying foundations in Wiltshire with the continued support of our teams,” he said.

“The Homes for Ukraine scheme relies on the generosity and goodwill of Wiltshire residents, and while some guests are moving on to their own homes, we are still in need of more sponsors.

“Becoming a host is a big commitment for those involved but makes a massive difference to the Ukrainian people coming into Wiltshire.

“Anyone who thinks that this is something they might be able to offer, I would encourage people to sign up as potential hosts at Homes for Ukraine, via www.gov.uk.”

A national moment of reflection took place at 11am on Friday to mark the start of the invasion, with Cllr Clewer saying the flying of the flag at the council offices in Trowbridge was ‘a tribute to the courage of the Ukrainian people’.

you for supporting our family’

ONE Homes for Ukraine guest, Daria Shypitsyna, said the people of Wiltshire had been a great support.

“In July 2022, my sister, her family and I arrived in Trowbridge. The war, the loss of your usual life and moving to another country caused very serious stress,” she said.

“A different language, different culture, different values, everything is different, even the direction of traffic on the roads is different than we are used to in Ukraine.

“We have incredibly good sponsors who help us as much as possible. We call them our English parents, because they really care about us as their children.

“We registered for an ESOL course at the college and the children went to schoolthey are really happy now. I have a job and I also volunteer at the Library every Saturday.

“When I was accepted as a volunteer, I

was happy, because it was my first success in a new place. I’m very thankful that they believed in me and gave me this opportunity to help at the library.

“Helping out there made me more confident, made me feel like a part of the community and made me happy when I could do something for it.

“I am so happy when people come up to me and ask me something, and I can understand them and help them.

“I am very pleased to see books in Ukrainian being added to the library, and that my knowledge of Ukrainian can also be useful. For me personally, the time spent in the library is always a time of relaxation, where I forget about the outside world and the stress I face.

“Thank you for helping our people, thank you for supporting us, thank you for trying to make our integration into a new life as comfortable as possible.”

People can find out more about the ESOL courses by going to familyandcommunitylearning@wiltshire. gov.uk or by calling 01225 770478.

Ukraine has been battered during the war 0 forcing millions to flee

‘Thank

Daria came to Wiltshire in July 2022 and now works at Trowbridge Library

Aldi jobs on offer – for up to £63k

ALDI has announced it is looking to hire 115 workers in Somerset - with salaries of up to £63,000 on offer.

The supermarket chain is looking for people of all levels of experience to fill roles across the region, includes full and part-time positions such as caretaker and store assistant, all the way up to store manager.

Somerset stores looking to hire include Bridgewater and Clevedon, as well as in Chippenham and Melksham in Wiltshire.

People can also register their interest for roles in Weymouth and beyond in Dorset.

The recruitment push forms part of Aldi’s nationwide expansion drive, with the supermarket opening a number of new stores across the UK in the next year.

Aldi is also currently recruiting for 450 jobs at its 11 Regional Distribution Centres up and down the country.

Giles Hurley, chief executive officer at Aldi UK, urged people

to apply.

“Demand for Aldi has never been higher as more and more people realise they can make significant savings on every shop without compromising on quality,” he said.

“It’s more important than ever that we are making it even easier for more people to shop with us – including by opening dozens of new stores.

“Our success is dependent on the amazing work that colleagues do, day in and day out, and we’re looking forward to welcoming thousands more colleagues to Team Aldi throughout 2023.”

Store assistants at Aldi receive a starting pay of £11.00 an hour nationally, rising to £11.90, and £12.45 rising to £12.75, within the M25, with

the supermarket also paying for breaks.

Meanwhile, Aldi recently increased pay rates for around 7,000 warehouse workers, with warehouse selectors now receiving a minimum starting salary of £13.18 per hour. For more details - and to apply - visit www. aldirecruitment.co.uk.

92% of firms keeping four-day week

MORE than 90% of businesses involved in trialling a four-day week for employees are keeping the scheme in place.

A pilot scheme was held at 61 companies between June and December last year, with employees working an average of 34 hours across four days, while earning their existing salaries.

Of those, 56 companies - 92% - opted to continue like that, 18 of them permanently.

The trial covered 2,900 staff in total, ranging from finance company Stellar Asset Management, to digital manufacturer

Rivelin Robotics and a fish-and-chip shop.

Staff said their well-being and work-life balance had improved while data showed employees were much less likely to quit their jobs as a result of the policy.

“This is a major breakthrough moment for the movement towards a four-day working week,” Joe Ryle, Director of the 4 Day Week Campaign, said in a statement.

Previously, companies including Microsoft have trialled a four-day week.

The technology company’s trial, in Japan, was hailed a success, with Unilever

also carrying out a trial in 2019.

However, a survey by the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD) last year showed few employers expect to move to a four-day week in the next three years.

Two thirds expected no change in the next decade.

But companies who took part in the trial said the move gave them a ‘competitive edge’ when recruiting and retaining staff, as well as boosting productivity and employee wellbeing.

Motoring

EU law bans petrol and diesel sales

A NEW EU law will effectively ban the sale of new petrol and diesel cars on the continent from 2035.

The European Parliament has formally approved the law, designed to accelerate the switch electric vehicles (EVs) and help tackle climate change.

As a part of the change, car makers operating within the EU must achieve a 100% cut in CO2 emissions from new cars sold.

As a result, this would make it impossible to sell new fossil fuel-powered vehicles.

The law change will also set a 55% cut in CO2 emissions for new cars sold from 2030 versus 2021 levels.

Also, new vans sold within the EU must comply with a 100% CO2 cut by 2035, and a 50% cut by 2030.

Previously, the levels were set at 37.5% – but lawmakers have now shifted the speed in which

they want the 27 member states to see more EVs on the roads.

Dutch MEP Jan Huitema, and the EU Parliament’s lead negotiator on the law changes explained the reasonings for the change to other members in Brussels, Belgium.

“This regulation encourages the production of zero and low-emission vehicles,” he said.

“It contains an ambitious revision of the targets for 2030 and a zero-emission target for 2035, which is crucial to reach climate neutrality by 2050.

“These targets create clarity for the car industry and stimulate innovation and investments for car manufacturers. Purchasing and driving zero-emission cars will become cheaper for consumers and a second-hand market will emerge more quickly. It makes sustainable driving accessible to everyone.”

Although the EU member states had previously agreed the

deal with lawmakers in October 2022, it still needed to be made official through a vote.

In total, 340 MEPs voted in favour of the ban, while 279 were against it and a further 21 abstained from the process.

The final approval is expected in March, where the official documents will be signed into law.

Following the vote, the EU announced that it would create an official methodology by 2025 for analysing and then reporting on C02 emissions for new internal combustion engines before the 2035 deadline.

The end goal for the EU is to be ‘climate neutral’ by 2050, which involved net zero greenhouse emissions –highlighting the importance of the legislation.

Currently, transportation accounts for a quarter of all C02 emissions in the EU.

Although most car manufactures in Europe have announced investments in making the switch to EVs, there has been some opposition at the timescale given to the industry.

As a result, the final law will include a clause where smaller carmakers that producing less than 10,000 vehicles per year can negotiate weaker targets for a further year.

Even though the Great Britain is no longer a part of the EU, the Government has already set out its own automotive targets for 2030 –reducing the time scale from 2035.

Sole Aston Martin Heritage Dealer in the South West

We remain proud of our factory appointed Heritage dealer status and respected worldwide reputation.

Meticulously caring for the post war models right through to the very latest

System helps us identify problems quickly and efficiently.

A family run business spanning over three generations, every car is

to major full restorations of the classics. Forever at your disposal, our services are designed with you in mind as well as your Aston Martin.

OUR EXTENSIVE SERVICES INCLUDE:

n Parts Manufacturing Service Workshop for annual maintenance through to major restoration

n Technical knowledge and advice

n Over 4,000 individual parts in stock for the Feltham era cars alone with more being added every month, all made to the original drawings

n Genuine Parts for all Aston Martin & Lagonda cars

n Original build records

n 89 years of marque specific knowledge

n Full Aston Martin Diagnostic System capabilities

Motoring

More than 300 new electric vehicles for National Highways teams

MORE than 300 electric and hybrid vehicles are being added to the National Highways fleet.

A total of 307 vehicles, often used by traffic officers on motorways and major routes around the country, are set to cut around 250 tonnes of CO2 emissions a year and will come into service over the coming months.

The new vehicles include 31 fully electric zero-emission new Hyundai Kona used for general maintenance and inspection pool cars and 65 ultra-low emission KIA Xceed Plugin Hybrid Electric Vehicles (PHEVs) to replace some existing vehicles used to conduct structural surveys.

More than 180 ultra-low emissions PHEVs for traffic officer operations across the country have already been introduced, with another 24 on the way.

Maintenance and inspection vehicles allow staff to search for defects, monitoring the progress of ongoing maintenance activities and repairs, ensuring these have been completed to the correct standard whilst supporting our commitment to smooth and reliable journeys for our customers.

The PHEVs for traffic officers provide 4x4 capability and support a target to clear 86 per cent of motorway incidents within one hour, while reducing the company’s carbon footprint. Finally, the company has also introduced Kia Xceed PHEVs to

replace some of its existing diesel vehicles used by teams to conduct surveys of gantries, bridges and other structures across the Strategic Road Network (SRN).

Steve Elderkin, director of environmental sustainability for National Highways, said: “We are delighted to be modernising our fleet with the 307 state-ofthe-art vehicles that will not only reduce our emissions but also ensure that journeys are smooth and reliable.

“As a company, we operate more than 1,300 vehicles so introducing so many new electric vehicles and plug-in

hybrids really helps accelerate our journey to net zero, drastically cutting our emissions.

“Our net zero plan has laid out how we want to hit net zero for our own emissions by 2030, with a commitment that our non-traffic officer vehicles will be 100% electric by 2027 and traffic officer vehicles to be 100% electric by 2030.

“This is a huge step towards that commitment, and we will continue to invest in green and electric vehicles as the technology becomes available, meeting the Government’s Road to Zero strategy.”

Andy Butterfield, National Highways’ operations customer service director, added: “Our fleet supports the safe operation and ensures the network remains in a good condition.

“Our front-line operational teams provide a 24/7, 365 days a year service and play an integral part of our operation.

“These vehicles will not only withstand the rigours of the role but are also cost effective, versatile, reliable and greener.”

For more on National Highways’ net zero plan, visit nationalhighways.co.uk/ netzerohighways.

Rise in drivers who admit speeding on country roads

THERE has been a significant rise in the proportion of drivers who admit to speeding on 60mph rural roads where more deaths occur than on any other road type, according to the RAC.

Nearly half (48%) of the 3,102 drivers questioned for the RAC Report on Motoring say they have driven faster than the limit in the past year on these roads – up from 44% in 2021 and matching the highest

figure ever seen by the firm, in 2016.

Eight percent confess to having done this frequently while 40% say they have done it occasionally on up to half of their journeys on these roads. In 2021 514 people were killed in a total of 11,827 collisions on 60mph non-built-up roads – a fatality rate of 4%, which is higher than on motorways.

On motorways and high-speed dual carriageways, the UK’s fastest roads, as

many as 60% of drivers say they have broken the 70mph limit, either on most journeys (16%), or on up to half of their trips (43%) in the last 12 months.

This is up by five percentage points compared to 2021 when 55% admitted to having exceeded the limit. The 60% figure is the biggest percentage seen by the RAC since 2017, when 66% owned up to the same.

Symonds & Sampson

Merley House near Wimborne is the venue for Symonds & Sampson’s first property auction of 2023 to be held on 2nd March and with a diverse and impressive catalogue of property and land spanning an area from Bournemouth to Cornwall.

The benchmark is high following a 100% success rate at our December sale, but auctioneer Mark Lewis is confident. “The media might try to talk the market down, however the reality for many types of property and land is that demand is high. The lure of building or renovating your own home is as strong as ever, which bodes well for the many properties for renovation we have in the catalogue.

Woodland and agricultural land attract interest from local buyers, those looking for their piece of English Countryside, and investors.”

Of particular note is Wesper Farmhouse in Sturminster Newton. Built in 1947 and believed to be the first house built in the town after WWII, it’s now on the market for the first time in 96 years! The 3-bedroom house in 2.17 acres has wonderful views to Hambledon Hill to the rear and is a very exciting prospect for a buyer with imagination.

Similarly, a substantial detached Edwardian house in private grounds of 0.54 acres in Broadstone is a rare opportunity to modernise a wonderful character property.

Properties for modernisation in Dorset, Devon, Somerset and Cornwall are entered in the auction, which also contains a first for Symonds & Sampson, a barge. ‘La Perniche’ is a 40m steel vessel built in France in the 1930’s, which has seen service as a commercial barge, a river cruiser in Burgundy, and most recently as a restaurant berthed in Falmouth.

Head to our website to see all the lots entered, or call into your nearest Symonds & Sampson office to collect a copy of the catalogue, graced with a beautiful painting by Angie Rooke.

1 Merriefield Drive

La Perniche

Wesper Farmhouse

Land and Woodland at West Moors

Mortgage rates fall and options increasing, according to new figures

MORTGAGE rates are falling and product choice is increasing as the market continues to stabilise, according to property agent Zoopla.

The firm said a total of 4,341 different deals are currently available, up from 3,643 in January, marking the first time product choice has risen above 4,000 since August last year.

The average interest rate charged on both two-year and five-year deals has also fallen for the third month in a row, according to financial information group Moneyfacts.

The typical cost of a twoyear deal is now 5.44%, down from 5.79% in January, while interest on five-year fixed rate

mortgages has dropped to 5.20%, from 5.63%.

The latest fall puts the cost of both products back where they were in October 2022, despite the Bank of England Bank Rate rising by 1.75% during the same period.

The average amount of time a mortgage is available before it is withdrawn has increased to 28 days, the highest level since March 2022, and up from just 15 days in January.

Mortgage lenders withdrew products and hiked their rates in the wake of former Chancellor Kwasi Kwarteng’s mini-Budget in September last year.

The turmoil caused by the mini-Budget led to a steep rise

in government borrowing costs, which in turn impacted the rate at which lenders borrow money for fixed rate deals.

As a result, banks and building societies pulled products for repricing, with the number of different mortgages available dropping to just 2,258 at the beginning of October.

But the market has been recovering steadily since Jeremy Hunt took over as Chancellor and reversed nearly all of the measures in the mini-Budget.

As a result, mortgage rates have been on a downward trend, despite the Bank Rate moving in the opposite direction.

Mortgage availability has

increased across all deposit levels. The biggest rebound has been for people with a 40% stake in their home, with 606 products now available, the highest level for three years and up from 484 in January.

There is also good news for first-time buyers, with 149 mortgages on the market for people with only a 5% deposit and 539 for those with 10%.

Rates are also falling across the board, with the average cost of a five-year fixed rate product for those with 40% to put down back below 5%, while two-year fixed rate deals for people borrowing 95% of their home’s value are averaging 5.99% and five-year ones are 5.53%.

March ‘best time to sell’, says agent

MARCH is the best time to put your house on the market, according to property website Rightmove.

As the winter months draw to a close, the arrival of springtime and longer days can kick-start home-moving plans for many.

More people start their search for a new home in spring, Rightmove says it starts seeing more properties listed for sale.

Over the past five years, the company says research shows March has been the best time of the year to sell a home.

“The number of buyers enquiring about homes for sale on Rightmove is usually highest at this time of year,” a spokesperson said. “We see more buyers looking to move in March than in any other month of the year. Competition between buyers for the homes available is traditionally at its peak.

“And the good news is that buyers have more homes to choose from in March than at the start of the year, as the number of properties for sale tends to also be highest. There are more homes being listed for sale this year compared with last year.”

One possible reason is lots of home-

Puzzle solutions

hunters are keen to move into a new home before the start of summer, with things like gardens and outdoor space at the top of many home-movers’ wish-lists.

So, if you’re thinking of putting your home on the market this spring, it could mean you’ll have a better chance of selling, and sooner, because more buyers are looking to move, and there’s more

Edition 10

March is the time to sell, according to Rightmove

competition for every available home.

Rightmove property expert Tim Bannister said: “For any sellers who might be conscious of coming to market at a time when the number of new listings has traditionally been high, the data shows us that demand in March means sellers are most likely to be met with a potential buyer for their home.”

(from pages 26-27)

Cryptic crossword