Salisbury & Avon Edition 23

Salisbury Summer Fair raises in excess of £46k for Hospice charity

FROM duck races to a hobby horse derby, a summer fair raised an estimated £40,000 for Salisbury Hospice.

The charity staged the Salisbury Summer Fair in the grounds of the Wilton House Estate on Saturday, August 5.

And organisers estimate the fundraiser brought in excess of £46,000 for the cause.

The fair was opened by the hospice charity’s new patron, The Countess of Pembroke, and featured a host of classic attractions and some new elements for all the family.

New to the event was a wellness village, known as The Retreat, provided the ultimate breath of fresh air for those seeking not only cover from the rain, but rewarding workshops, well-being and self-care talks and more.

Meanwhile, the Hobby Horse Derby saw children of all ages take on the fun and rewarding mini horse jumps in the main

arena.

And from high jumps to big splashes in the water, as hundreds of families cheered on their rubber ducks in the inaugural duck race on the River Nadder. There was also live music, arena acts, a dog show, stalls, agricultural displays, classic vehicles and steam engines.

Fighting crime with the cutest of new recruits

WHO could not like these adorable faces?

Well, in the future, criminals will be dismayed to see them, because they are the newest recruits to the Avon & Somerset and Wiltshire Police dog teams.

Goose will join Avon & Somerset, while his brother, Maverick (both pictured, right), will be in Wiltshire once they have completed their training as specialist search dogs.

A spokesperson for the team said: “We will keep you posted as they embark on their respective journeys to become specialist search dogs.

“Yes, we know they are super adorable. Both have attracted much attention,

Moyra Rowney, events fundraiser for Salisbury Hospice, said: “The day was extraordinary and in the truest British spirit, the challenging weather conditions added that little something extra to the event.

“We’d like to say a huge thank you to all the visitors who braved the elements; the kind permission of the Earl and Countess of Pembroke and the team at Wilton House Estate; to our traders and exhibitors for their support; the musicians and main arena acts who kept us entertained; all our sponsors, and particularly our headline sponsor, the Hendy Group; and finally, to our amazing volunteers who worked tirelessly on Friday, Saturday and Sunday – always smiling, always positive, always upbeat.

“Ours is a unique event with a warm, friendly, inclusive atmosphere and that is created by everyone involved. Thank you.”

As part of the event, visitors could take in the Hospice Village, run by staff and volunteers, giving people the opportunity to learn more about the vital, end-of-life services the hospice provides.

Attendees participated in some of the therapies patients experience, such as pebble painting, horticultural therapy and craft activities, while some even had a massage from one of the hospice’s experienced complementary therapists.

For more on the Salisbury Hospice charity, https://www.salisburyhospicecharity.org.uk/

Despite the weather, visitors flocked to the fair, helping to raise a record amount for the charity

A303 police road safety operation nets 18 offences in just five hours

A ROAD safety operation held along the A303 near Amesbury saw 18 offences detected in just five hours, including one driver travelling at 23mph over the speed limit.

Ten special constables from Wiltshire Police’s Specials Road Safety Team ran Operation Busline on Sunday, August 13 which coincides with the force’s commitment to make road safety a priority this summer following a high number of fatalities and serious injury collisions.

The officers utilised an unmarked mini-bus as a ‘spotter vehicle’ to help detect offences being committed behind the wheel along the stretch of the A303 between Solstice Park and Airman’s Cross Roundabout near Stonehenge.

In total, 18 offences were dealt with as follows:

● 7 x reported for using mobile phones

● 2 x vehicles seized for no insurance and drivers reported

● 2 x drivers issued a producer to prove their driving status and Insurance

● 1 x driver reported for excess speed of 93mph in the 70mph limit

● 1 x driver issued a fixed penalty for not wearing a seatbelt

● 3 x drivers issued a VDRS (Vehicle Defect Rectification Scheme) for tyre offences

● 2 x drivers reported to DVLA for Road Tax Offences

A/Insp Will Ayres said: “We are grateful to our Special Constabulary for carrying out this operation which further emphasises our commitment to making Wiltshire’s roads safer and targeting those drivers who fail to abide by the law.

“Some of these offences will no doubt seem trivial to some, but they can lead to serious or fatal collisions on our roads.

“Please ensure your vehicle is roadworthy, and give the road and other road users your full attention at all times.”

Celebrating One Year of TisTalk, Tisbury’s online community radio

TISTALK, Tisbury’s online community radio station, will be celebrating its first year of broadcasting on September 26.

Over the past year TisTalk has been broadcasting heartwarming stories and interviews from Tisbury and the Nadder Valley villages, through a weekly 20-minute podcast.

TisTalk is run by a group of Tisbury-based volunteers, led by Julie Ann Murphy and Mary Myers. To date, they have produced 38 episodes and TisTalk has been downloaded over 4,000 times.

They say they have hundreds of regular listeners from Weaveland Road to Wardour, and from Aukland to Zurich.

Friends, Julie Ann and Mary dreamed up the idea of TisTalk over a bottle of white wine, one sunny afternoon, last summer.

Julie Ann is a librarian at Clayesmore School and formerly has worked at the BBC – she has lived in Tisbury for over 30 years.

Mary also has a background in radio, having previously volunteered for Salisbury Hospital’s Radio Odstock and for Alfred Radio in Shaftesbury. Mary’s professional background

is in community radios in Africa and she has lived in Wardour for 21 years.

“We started TisTalk shortly after Covid; to continue and expand the voluntary spirit that was clear during that time,” the pair said. “Feedback shows in our first year we have encouraged people to get involved with the

Neighbourhood Plan; to vote in local Council elections and to volunteer for local charitable causes. There are so many unsung heroes in our community, working for no pay for the common good. TisTalk exists to celebrate them.”

TisTalk has interviewed many local figures: art-curator, Johnny Messum; former landlady of the

South Western Pub, Pat Ost; fundraiser, Lady Holly Rumbold; Tisbury’s post-master, Ed Rigg; young actor and singer, Kiara Holley-Paliano; local historian, Tina Richard; artist, Patricia Low; octogenarian Derek Tucker; and many more. Regular features cover gardening tips; farming, conservation and nature; health and wellness; local arts, music, theatre and films

Various friends and family members have helped with the weekly ‘What’s Ons’, the jingles and stings, leaflets and publicity posters, while at the top of every show listeners are welcomed by Harry from Tisbury Youth Group.

Tisbury’s Parish Council has given TisTalk two small grants for equipment and software.

Julie Ann and Mary’s message is: “Thanks, Tisbury and the Nadder villages, for a fantastic year of storytelling and connection.

Plans for the future include more music, sport, oral history – and don’t miss Tisbury’s ancient Yew Tree, who talks… By 2024, we hope to double our numbers to 8,000 downloads.”

https://tistalk.buzzsprout.com

Milford team member is national arts award finalist

YI-LAM ZHENG, a member of the Activity Team at Milford House Care Home in Salisbury has been announced as a finalist for the Arts in Care Homes Award at the NAPA (National Activity Providers Association) Members Awards which will be held on October 6 in central London.

Residents and colleagues were delighted to hear the news and celebrate with Yi-Lam as she was presented with flowers for this outstanding achievement and accolade.

Visitors to Milford House, who have passed through the home’s specially created art gallery will have seen the lovely work that the residents have produced in sessions led by Yi-Lam.

As reported in the Gazette, over the last few months, the residents have been working on a series of works celebrating River Bourne Community Farm, which is

also the home’s nominated charity for 2023, which will go on exhibition at Waterstones in Salisbury at the end of August.

Gemma Hicks, general manager, said: “With perfect timing, this project was completed just as Yi-Lam was announced as a finalist – so to celebrate the announcement a group of residents gathered with Yi-Lam to show off most of their completed work.

“To be chosen as one of only three finalists in this category is an outstanding achievement and, needless to say, we will all be cheering Yi-Lam on come October 6.

“So many, many congratulations from all of us.”

Milford House in Salisbury provides residential, nursing and respite care for 70 residents.

Friends Julie Ann (left) and Mary (right) dreamed up the idea over a glass of wine

Credit: Finn Murphy

Yi-Lam Zheng in front of the home’s Art Gallery

Murder probe launched after man found stabbed in Salisbury street

POLICE have launched a murder investigation after a man died after being stabbed in Salisbury this morning (August 22).

Officers were called to Gainsborough Close, pictured, at just before noon after receiving reports a man in his 20s had been stabbed.

They have confirmed that now, sadly, ‘despite the best efforts of the emergency services’, the man was declared dead at the scene.

“His next of kin have been informed and our thoughts are with his friends and family at this tragic time,” a Wiltshire Police spokesperson said.

A 25-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of murder and remains in police custody for questioning.

“We have set up scene in Gainsborough Close while we continue with our

enquiries,” the spokesperson added on Tuesday. “This cordon is likely to be in place overnight.”

Detective Chief Inspector Phil Walker from the Major Crime Investigation Team said: “This is an awful incident where a

young man has tragically lost his life.

“Officers responded quickly and, thanks to key witnesses and intelligence from members of the public, we have been able to swiftly arrest a suspect on suspicion of murder.

“He remains in custody at this time.

“We believe that the suspect is known to the victim in this incident and we do not believe there is any wider risk to the public.

“Our enquiries are ongoing and there will continue to be an increased policing presence in the area while we pursue these.

“Anyone who witnessed the incident or has any dash cam footage from the location, please call us on 101 and quote crime reference number 115 of today.”

Salisbury veteran completes recordbreaking Hadrian’s Wall challenge

AT 8AM on August 14, Ret’d

Corporal Tom Green, an Army veteran and paraplegic, set off on a challenge like no other. His goal was to complete 84 miles of Hadrian’s Wall in under 24 hours to raise money for Combat Stress, the UK’s leading charity for veterans’ mental health.

Using a hand-cranked mountain bike, Tom became the first wheelchair user to complete the route in just one day (the only other recorded attempt stands at 10 days). So far, he has raised over £1,500 for the charity.

“It’s a charity that helps veterans with mental health [needs] – a cause close to my heart,” Mr Green told the BBC.

His journey began at the wall in Bowness-on-Solway in Cumbria, and using a Bowhead RX bike – a specialist off-road wheelchair – he tackled the challenging landscape of climbs, descents and rocky terrain, before reaching his final destination at Wallsend, Newcastle upon Tyne.

And despite the prospect of punctures and managing styles, Tom told the BBC that the worst part of his recordbreaking journey was the weather. “When you’re cold and wet and regretting your decision to do what you’re doing, you have to think ‘no, we’re carrying it on and seeing it through’.

“It was pretty gruelling. But we got through it as a team.”

The challenge took place on the third anniversary of an accident that left Tom with life changing injuries. On August 14, 2020, he was cycling in a

fundraising challenge for Combat Stress when he was hit from behind by a lorry travelling at 60mph.

Tom was rushed to hospital where he underwent surgery but was left with spinal cord injuries. Since then, with the support of his colleagues, he has continued to fundraise for Combat Stress, raising £8,000 before his latest challenge.

He has astonished and inspired everyone he meets with his dedication and commitment to helping Combat Stress raise funds to deliver vital mental health treatment to veterans across the UK.

Speaking ahead of his Hadrian’s Wall challenge Tom said: “On the anniversary of my accident, it’s so important to me to continue what I started –fundraising for this incredible charity.

“I’ve always relished pushing myself to the limit, and it’s also a chance to prove to others out there that your disability does not define you. It’s what’s inside that counts. My ethos is that life is 10% what has happened to you and 90% how you react to it.

https://events.combatstress.org. uk/fundraisers/thomasgreen/ hadrians-wall-challenge

Arrests after delivery driver robbed in Fordingbridge

TWO people have been arrested after a delivery driver was robbed in Fordingbridge.

The incident happened in Beechwood at just after 2pm on Monday afternoon (August 21), Hampshire Police said, as the driver made a delivery.

He was approached by two people who are alleged to have

pushed him to the ground before stealing four packages and fleeing the area in a vehicle.

“Officers were deployed after the vehicle was located travelling along the M3 towards Junction 12 (Eastleigh),” a police spokesperson said.

“They successfully stopped the vehicle safely. One of the men attempted to flee the scene but Taser was drawn and

deployed by officers to ensure he was detained safely. While the other man was arrested inside the vehicle.”

A 33-year-old man from Harlow, Essex, and a 39-yearold man from Lewisham, London, were arrested on suspicion of burglary. They remain in police custody.

Top left: Tom training for the challenge with his son Top right: Tom beginning his recovery from his accident Left: Tom in training

Young sailor revels in encouraging World Championships performance

By Oli Dickson Jefford, Sportsbeat

SALISBURY sailor Emily Wright revelled in her Allianz Sailing World Championships experience after a hugely encouraging competition in The Hague.

Wright, who turned 21 during the competition on the Dutch coast, and partner Adam Billany finished in 11th place in the RS venture connect class, in the first championships that has integrated para events into the programme.

Though there was some minor frustration about missing out on a top-ten finish by the narrowest of margins, Wright was still pleased with how she and Billany performed as a fairly new partnership in the boat.

She said: “It was really amazing to go. I didn’t really know what to expect, we were a new pairing and hadn’t done much fleet racing in that boat – we’d trained a lot, but not in a fleet of those boats.

“To go out there and meet a whole load of old faces from the para world, and a whole load of new ones, get out there in a

really competitive fleet was just amazing in itself.

“We managed to perform pretty well, we had good days and bad days as there always is with sailings, but we’re pretty pleased as a new pairing to finish 11th overall. It was brilliant. There was one point between us in 11th and the pair in eighth.

Having to navigate a new partnership has not been without its complications for Wright, who is visually impaired. And

Shielding Your Home & Estate from Care Costs with a Living Trust

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 have a charge placed upon it or sold by the local council to pay for your care fees. If a person’s capital and savings, including equity in their home, is worth more than £23,250, they will have to fund their own care.

A living trust can shield your home and estate from care costs in the following ways.

Placing your main home into a living trust ring fences the property from any potential future care costs. With a living trust, you can be both a trustee and beneficiary. You can maintain control over your assets even after you pass away. You can specify how and when your assets should be distributed to your beneficiaries.

Other benefits of the trust include the avoidance of probate upon the property and the protection from both divorce & creditors for your beneficiaries. 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 a trust is that because you do not own the assets held in the trust in your own name, a charge cannot be placed upon the home.

Chris Tennant Oakwood Wills.

though she knows more than anyone that while she and Billany still have plenty to work on, there were huge signs of a growing relationship between the two when competing.

“With me being registered blind, one of the most important things is the communication on the boat,” added Wright. “For us sorting out the roles on the boat and having that really clear communication and processes, both rigging and setting up the boat – but especially when we’re out there – we’ve really come into our own.

Follow the British Sailing Team after the Sailing World Championships in The Hague, Netherlands, on Instagram at @ britishsailing

Emily (right) with her sailing partner Adam Billany, pictured at the Allianz Sailing World Championships

Council’s family team shortlisted for CYPNow children’s team award

THE CHILD, Youth and Family Voice Team is a finalist for the Public Sector Children’s Team Award, as part of the Children & Young People Now Awards 2023.

The award is for the public sector team that has made the greatest impact in improving the life chances of children, young people or families.

The Child, Youth and Family Voice Team was shortlisted after sharing the achievements over the two years since the team was launched in April 2021. This includes setting up a range of new initiatives as well as providing support to 94 children that are either in care or are care-experienced adults.

The team aims for a joint approach and actively listens to and brings about change based on the opinions and feedback of children and adults. The team also oversees the Wiltshire Youth Council, which addresses various topics ranging from the environment to education and equality.

All Child, Youth and Family Voice Team members are care

experienced which brings deeper understanding and empathy for the challenges faced by careexperienced children.

The team successfully launched during the COVID-19 pandemic, initially starting with online meetings for careexperienced children and young people to attend.

As restrictions eased, they ensured that sessions were enjoyable, interactive, and provided opportunities for them to forge friendships, acquire life

skills, and contribute to positive changes within Wiltshire Social Services.

Through organising diverse activities, the team has built trust and now engage with more than 20% of the looked-after cohort in Wiltshire.

Initiatives implemented by the team have improved services and had a significant impact on the lives of care-experienced children. These include:

● Children in Care Council

● Voice Ambassadors

● Mind of My Own App

● Young Person’s Fostering Consultation Panel.

Cllr Laura Mayes, cabinet member for children’s services, said: “This is a tremendous achievement and I want to say a huge congratulations to our Child, Youth and Family Voice Team for being shortlisted for the award.

“The team is committed to pushing boundaries, taking calculated risks, and exploring new approaches to ensure that we provide services that truly make a difference.

“They have an unwavering belief in the potential and resilience of the children and young people they work with –and being shortlisted for this award is a well-deserved recognition of their hard work and dedication.

“I would like to wish them the best of luck at the award ceremony in November.”

The awards ceremony takes place on November 23, in London.

https://www.cypnowawards. com/2023-shortlist

Pay by app to get the most out of parking in Wiltshire

PEOPLE who have access to a smartphone and wish to use digital payments are being encouraged to pay via the MiPermit app when they visit a Wiltshire Council pay and display car park to save time and effort, and so that they can access exclusive app features.

The council still accepts cash payments in its car parks for people who wish to pay with coins, but for many people, payment using the MiPermit app is quicker and easier – and there is no extra charge.

Anyone who opts to use the MiPermit app can benefit from additional features including extending your stay from the app without returning to the car

park, and the ability to book stays over multiple days and purchase season tickets.

Cllr Caroline Thomas,

cabinet member for transport, said: “Paying via the app is quick, convenient and secure. I hope people will take advantage

of these features to manage parking on the go so they can make the most of their time out and about.

“Of course, we know that many people prefer to use cash to pay for parking, and we’ll continue to support coins as a payment method in our car parks.

“People can also pay by text message if they wish. However, for many people, the app is the easiest and quickest way to pay, and that’s why we offer a range of payment options in our car parks.

“Parking tariffs are the same whether people use the app, pay and display machines or pay by text message.

The prestigious award ceremony will be held in London in November

The Central Car Park in Salisbury

Credit: Google

Hatch House to host Salisbury Hospice charity garden event

THE idyllic setting of Hatch House will be the venue for the Salisbury Hospice Charity Open Garden event next month.

On Saturday, September 2, thanks to the permission of Sir Henry and Lady Rumbold, the house will open its grounds in aid of the hospice.

Visitors will be able to savour stunning views of the Wiltshire countryside from the 17th century walled Dutch garden.

Opening from 11am to 5pm, Compton McRae will return with their barbecue, alongside a wide variety of stalls, including nearly-new glad rags, bric-abrac, fabrics, vintage furniture and more.

Meanwhile, Lady Rumbold & Mrs Vernon’s famous clothes stall will be packed with amazing finds - a magnet for

bargain hunters now boasting a tent for ladies and a tent for gentlemen.

Admission costs £5 for adults and £1 for children, with all proceeds from the event going to the Salisbury Hospice Charity.

Lady Rumbold supports the

charity with a variety of fundraising events each year, and encouraged people to do their bit for the cause.

“We badly need the support of local volunteers for Salisbury Hospice Charity, which caters for young and old alike,” she said.

“The fund-raising events are enormous fun as well as charitable. Younger blood is needed to continue the important work of supporting patients with terminal illnesses and their families.

“In the old days, community service was part of school education. We implore the Tisbury community to please assist us in recruiting dynamic folks from local schools, youth clubs, sports facilities, the churches and elsewhere, to give some time helping the cause of Salisbury Hospice Care, which does crucial humanitarian work in support of the NHS.”

For more information on the charity, and volunteering, visit salisburyhospicecharity.org.uk. And for more on Hatch House, visit www.hatch-house.co.uk.

There are now more places to leave donations for Your Salisbury Pantry

SALISBURY Pantry has announced a number of new donation points across the city, with Cookshop becoming the latest to join the scheme.

The pantry is a social supermarket run by the Salisbury City Council Communities Team for people in the city of Salisbury area who need access to low-cost food.

With two part-time managers and a team of volunteers, the pantry was created as a sustainable way to take action on food poverty and has garnered support from local businesses including Tesco Extra, Waitrose, Nicholas and Harris, Tesco Express and from local groups and organisations like Radio Odstock, Harnham Harvest Table and The F3 growing project, which grows food for the pantry shop.

Liz Edwards, one of the pantry managers said: “It has been a pleasure going out and meeting people from all these businesses, people are so willing to help.”

Anyone wishing to donate can do so at the following locations:

● Salisbury Pantry, 59 Catherine Street, SP1 2DH: Monday, 10am to 2pm; Tuesday, 3 to 4pm; and Wednesday, 10am to 12.30pm.

● Bemerton Heath Centre, Pinewood Way, Bemerton Heath, SP2 9HU: Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm.

● Castle Road Co-op, 74 Castle Rd, Salisbury SP1 3RR

● Wilton One-Stop, North St, Wilton, Salisbury SP2 0HA

● Rowlands Pharmacy (toiletries and sanitary products only, donations taken over the counter), Pembroke Rd, Salisbury SP2 9DJ

● Charlie’s Store, 18 Catherine St, Salisbury SP1 2DA

● Shopmobility, 3B Priory Square, Salisbury SP2 7TL

● Salisbury Manor Care Home Reception, Shapland Close, Salisbury, SP2 7EJ. There are also new donation points at Bishop Wordsworth School, organised by the sixth form for parents, staff and students and at Salisbury Mosque for members of the Mosque’s community to support the pantry’s work.

Angela Brenchly, also a Salisbury pantry manager, said: “Having the local business

community come together to support the Salisbury Pantry is amazing. We have applications for new memberships every week during this cost-of-living crisis. Without this support we cannot run our service.”

Cllr Victoria Charleston said: “The Salisbury Pantry is a fantastic example of the generous spirit of Salisbury: our city council staff, our volunteers, and our partners working together to support families in our community.”

According to the latest impact report (including figures from all over the country), the average pantry member saves £21 per month on their food bill which, if they are weekly shoppers, is more than £1,000 per year.

Pantry users also report: “Improved household finances, better physical and mental health, new friendships and a strengthened community.”

Salisbury Pantry has 350 active member households, with 951 family members, and provides around 420 shops per month. Any shop, organisation or workplace that would like to get involved by collecting or hosting a donation point, should contact salisburypantry@ salisburycitycouncil.gov.uk or drop in to your nearest one with a tin, box or packet of food.

Community pays tribute to popular Amesbury firefighter

A FIRE chief has paid tribute to an Amesbury firefighter who passed away suddenly on Friday (August 18).

Chief Fire Officer at the Dorset & Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service, Ben Ansell, has ‘with great sadness’ confirmed the death of Dean Hardy, a firefighter at the town station.

“It is with great sadness that I confirm, on behalf of his family, the sudden passing of one of our colleagues,” CFO Ansell said.

“Firefighter Dean Hardy, from Amesbury fire station, passed away on Friday, August 18, at his home.

“I speak on behalf of the entire service when I say that we are all shocked and saddened by this news, and our thoughts and deepest condolences go out to his family, friends, colleagues and loved ones.”

Dean joined the DWFRS in March 2023, CFO Ansell said, and was ‘a dedicated and highly valued’ colleague.

“He brought with him significant experience from his primary employment as an MoD firefighter,” he said.

“In remembrance and as a mark of respect to Dean, all Union flags at DWFRS venues were flown at half mast until 8am on Thursday (August 24), the day after Amesbury’s weekly drill night,” he added.

Left: Tributes are being paid to Dean Hardy Amesbury firefighter DWFRS

The pantry is a social supermarket for people who need access to low-cost food

Activist groups light up Stonehenge with anti-road and tunnel slogans

TWO activist groups projected anti-road slogans on the iconic Hele Stone at Stonehenge as dusk fell on August 14. The slogans included Standing for Stonehenge, Stop the Tunnel and No New Roads.

Campaign groups, Extinction Rebellion and Sacred Earth Activism, made their protest in opposition to the government’s decision to proceed with the Stonehenge Tunnel, which has divided opinion with support and opposition coming from a wide range of different groups and societies.

One of the major opponents to the scheme is UNESCO, which has warned that Stonehenge could lose its World Heritage Status (WHS) if the tunnel goes ahead.

Opponents to the tunnel claim it would damage the natural environment, including the natural aquifers that feed the chalk streams, as well as biodiversity of the chalk landscape.

Opponents also state the archaeological record of the WHS, an area that surrounds Stonehenge and some of its monuments would be threatened by the scheme, a view disputed by those who support the scheme. Stonehenge was granted WHS in 1986, since then a number of major excavations in the wider landscape have helped further shape our understanding of how Stonehenge sits within the wider landscape.

While UNESCO is concerned with the historical significance of the landscape, groups such as Extinction Rebellion and Sacred Earth Activism are concerned with the ecological impact.

Di Cross from Salisbury Extinction Rebellion, said: “The planet is experiencing the sixth mass extinction in its long history, to even consider rolling in the bulldozers to any part of this precious landscape, the home to rare and threatened species is ecocide, a crime against nature.”

However, speaking to the BBC in 2020, Anna Eavis, from English Heritage which

looks after Stonehenge, said the scheme would ‘restore the ancient landscape’ around the monument. Returning the surface to a more natural chalk grassland environment, linking Stonehenge to related sites to the south of the current A303.

Plans submitted for 5G phone mast at train station

PLANS have been submitted for a 5G mobile phone mast on land at Salisbury train station.

Infrastructure firm Cornerstone has applied to Wiltshire Council for permission to update the current technology on land at Churchfields Road.

The upgrade would see a 17.5m-tall mast replaced with a mast measuring 20.1m in order to ‘maintain and improve 2G, 3G and 4G network coverage while also providing new 5G connectivity and services with the Salisbury station area’, the application said.

Credit: Google

It said the changes would benefit ‘all those customers that live, work and travel there’.

Cornerstone has submitted the plans in a bid to establish if it needs fresh planning permission to upgrade the site.

“The intention is for the proposed base station to provide new and improved network services to those living, working and travelling in the local area,” it said.

The plan says parts of the mast would be obscured by advertising hoardings, while trees would also provide some ‘natural screening’.

For more information on the scheme, log on to www.wiltshire.gov.uk and search for application reference PL/2023/06707.

Extinction Rebellion and Sacred Earth Activism shone messages on the Hele Stone, including Stop the Tunnel

Cyclists raise over £30,000 after completing 100-mile challenge

A GROUP of cyclists who travelled over 100 miles from Wiltshire to Devon have raised over £30,000 for the Stars Appeal, Salisbury District Hospital’s Charity.

Readers will be familiar with the Unlikely Cyclists journey. William Warden, John Matthews, Andy Hillier, Matt Oakes, Mike and Elaine Davis, Nick Cordel, Matt Hurley, Alistair Fenwick, Wayne Davis, Tristan Warden and Chris Combe, completed the challenge over two days.

William, from Devizes, came up with the idea of doing the challenge after his wife Sarah was diagnosed with breast cancer last year and cared for at the Stars Appeal funded Breast Unit. After telling friends of his plan, they were keen to support him, and the Unlikely Cyclists were formed.

Explaining more about what spurred him on to fundraise for Salisbury District Hospital’s Charity, William said: “Sarah was diagnosed with Breast Cancer in late 2022 and while

sitting in Salisbury Hospital’s Breast Unit, one grey and damp morning, I read through the list of companies and individuals who had donated to fund the unit to provide a calm and peaceful atmosphere for treatment, and felt I would like to do something to help. The care Sarah received from the dedicated team of nurses was faultless.”

Members of the group visited the Breast Unit at the Hospital on Monday, August 9 to present

a cheque to staff and to talk about the charity’s work.

The group, whose ages range from under 30 to over 70, set off from Marston near Devizes on Thursday, July 13 where they overnighted at Axminster, before heading to Mortonhampsted on the edge of Dartmoor the next day.

William said: “When we got to Axminster we were fairly tired, but we all made it. The weather on Friday was a big

challenge. Everyone was glad they did it,” adds William, who had initially set up a JustGiving page with a target of £5,000 and was “amazed” as the fundraising total continued to grow.

“We never envisaged getting anywhere near that amount. To get over £30,000 we were astonished. We hope it will make a difference to a lot of people.

“We can’t thank everyone who supported us enough.”

The Stars Appeal aims to raise over £1m each year to fund projects offering direct, practical support to patients, their families, and the hospital’s staff.

Dave Cates, director of fundraising at Salisbury District Hospital Stars Appeal, said: “We are so grateful to William and Sarah, and all of the cyclists and their supporters, for raising such an incredible sum for our charity. It will enable us to continue our work enhancing care for thousands of patients every week at Salisbury Hospital and supporting their families and the NHS staff that care for them.”

Man jailed after assaulting woman Typhoons in the skies on exercises

A 51-YEAR-OLD man has been jailed for 18 months and banned from driving for drink driving and assaulting a Wiltshire woman.

Matthew Ponchaud, of Bournemouth, pictured, was sentenced at Salisbury Crown Court on August 11.

He pleaded guilty to the intentional strangulation of a woman in Tisbury and common assault.

It follows an incident at an address in Tisbury on November 12 last year.

Ponchaud then made several phone calls to his victim, in breach of his bail conditions, and on January 9 threatened to kill her if she did not drop the charges.

Further to this, on March 7 he was stopped on the High Street, Hindon, and blew 74 at the roadside (the legal limit is 35) and was arrested for drink driving.

Local Crime Investigator for Wiltshire Police, Martin Batchelor, said: “I want to pay tribute to Ponchaud’s victim who despite intimidation continued to bravely speak to us about what had happened so that we were able to bring him to justice. We would always urge anyone who has been the victim of abuse, no matter when the offences occurred, to come forward and speak to police. We have specially-trained teams to

investigate these types of crimes and we will deal with your report sensitively.”

For driving over the alcohol limit and two counts of assault, Ponchaud was given a custodial sentence of six months, ordered to pay a surcharge of £187 and disqualified for holding or obtaining a driving licence for 27 months.

For intentional strangulation and another count of assault Ponchaud was sentenced to a further 12 months in prison, ordered to pay £187 surcharge, given a restraining order not to contact his victim, and given a further two months in prison to run concurrently.

IF YOU were outside in the early evening on August 17 you may have noticed a low and constant roar in the sky above.

If you looked up you may have noticed two planes flying parallel and fairly close together and wondered what was going on. If you live near Boscombe Down and Amesbury you might have caught a close-up of two RAF Eurofighter Typhoons taking part in a training exercise.

While the two made quite a sight and a fair bit of noise, the fighters couldn’t quite match the sight of a B2 bomber flying low over Gloucestershire during the same week.

William Warden with his wife Sarah and fellow Unlikely Cyclists presenting a cheque to staff on the Breast Unit at Salisbury Hospital Credit: Spencer Mulholland.

The Green Gram Community Shop expands to bigger premises

A GREEN community initiative helping people ‘reuse, refill and recycle’ has launched a new share scheme after moving to larger premises.

The Green Gram opened in May 2022 offering refills of foods, cleaning products and toiletries.

Staffed by volunteers, in its first year the store helped customers prevent more than 16,000 containers - the equivalent of 372kg of plastic - being thrown out, by refilling the containers they already owned.

The Community Benefit Society – which is owned by members of the public – has been so successful that it is moving to larger premises, the former Harrison’s building at 23 High Street, Fordingbridge.

The new premises are more easily accessible to all, with a level entranceway and near the pedestrian crossing.

Committee member, Jo Anderson, said: “We’re moving to new premises so we can offer more products, help more customers reduce their impact on the environment and save money too.

“We opened The Green Gram as a Community Benefit Society with a share offer, allowing members of the community to invest both physically and emotionally in the shop.

“We’ve now launched our second share open to existing and new members to help fund

the move.”

The group is hoping to raise £15,000 from the option, with shares available from £10, with a minimum buy-in of a single share, and an upper limit of 250 (£2,500 investment).

“Our first round of share funding went extremely well,

and we are hoping that people will be able to give again and help us grow,” Jo said.

“With sustainability and the environment as a key focus and our motto of ‘Reuse, Refill and Repeat’, we know our work makes a difference to our local community – as well as being more cost-effective than a throwaway society.”

The more shares sold, the more The Green Gram will be able to offer in the new premises, she said, with a proportion of profits used to support local environmental and social projects through grants, which members can vote for at the Annual Members’ Meeting.

The share offer is now open and people can find out more - and buy - at www. thegreengram.org. It closes at midnight on September 17.

The Green Gram shop is staffed entirely by volunteers (pictured, above and below) Inset right: the shop and its staff members will be moving to 23 High Street, Fordingbridge

Louise and her eagles finally conquer the English channel for charity

REGULAR readers will remember from the last issue that Salisbury swimmer, Louise Campbell, was waiting to swim the channel in aid of Aspire charity.

The original swim date (July 31) was postponed due to poor weather and we left Louise waiting for the go ahead.

Well, the day finally arrived on Sunday, August 20, and Louise and her team of six, the Aspire Eagles, swimming in relay, conquered the channel in 14 hours and 53 minutes.

A delighted Louise said: “The actual swimming in the channel was the easy part. The hard part was dealing with all of the unknowns – setting off in the dark, how to swim by a boat, diesel fumes, changeovers – until you do it, nothing can

prepare you for it.

“I swam three times; the first

time was to set us off in the dark and it was quite choppy

still at that point. Conditions levelled off and the second swim was still lumpy but my final swim was glorious – calm water and sunshine, and it felt like I had only been in for 10 minutes.

“ Looking back on it now, the best bit was starting us off. I had been really worried about it leading up to it and was really scared. But once I got on with it, it was ok; it was as bad as I expected but I coped.

“Landing in France was huge. We all got to go in together which is rare. We weren’t allowed to overtake the last swimmer but we were all so excited I almost did.

“Swimming the channel was just an awesome, scary and mind blowing, but amazing experience.”

Even the camera got a soaking... Louise and the Aspire Eagles having arrived in France

In brief

Author event in aid of Palestine AWARD-winning author, Beverley Naidoo, well-known to young people for her stunning and enlightened storytelling, including her latest, Children of the Stone City, will be reading from her latest book on Saturday, September 9 at Salisbury Methodist Church.

Designed to appeal to all ages, this author event leads on from the recent joint meeting with Amnesty that focused on apartheid today. Books will be on sale for cash buyers. The event runs from 2-4pm.

Counterfeiter clamped

A WOMAN who listed counterfeit Louis Vuitton designer items for sale on Facebook has appeared in court.

Chantelle Harrison, of Orchard Court, Verwood, appeared before Poole Magistrates’ Court on August 18, charged with three counts of listing fake goods for sale on the social media site, and one count of possessing the items, intending them for sale.

The 38-year-old previously indicated a guilty plea, on July 20. She was ordered to carry out 90 hours of unpaid work and to pay a victim surcharge of £114 after admitting the offences.

Parts stolen from yard CAR parts were stolen during an overnight raid at a Salisbury yard. The incident happened at Deacons Truck and Trailer Yard, at Rollestone Crossroads, some time between 6pm on August 5 and 8am the following morning.

“It is believed the suspects were disturbed by a member of the public at around 11.30pm on August 5 – they are believed to have been travelling in a white Mercedes Sprinter van which was seen in the area at this time,” the spokesperson added.

Anyone with information should contact police on 101 and quote crime reference no: 54230082512. Or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

Commissioner expects force to be out of special measures by spring

IN THE run up to the second anniversary of his appointment as the Police and Crime Commissioner for Wiltshire, Philip Wilkinson told BBC Radio Wiltshire that he expects the force to be out of special measures by March 2024.

The force was put in special measures, or Engage, last year, with Her Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary critical of a number of Wiltshire Police’s functions, including crime prevention, investigation and support for victims.

Reflecting on his almost two years in office, a statement from Mr Wilkinson on the Wiltshire PCC website, read: “The Inspectorate’s report was sobering reading and so disappointing – being a police force effectively in special measures meant victims of crime and vulnerable people weren’t getting the service they needed, and our communities deserved better.

“My scrutiny of Wiltshire Police, informed by residents’ feedback, and coupled with my office’s strategic assessments of performance delivery meant there was real urgency to my challenge and support of the Force: it needed to better focus and support the frontline and to re-orientate support staff to enable improved operational delivery.

“Throughout my two years in post, I have discovered there were, and still are, many highly-dedicated and professional officers, staff and Specials out there on the frontline trying to tackle crime and keep Wiltshire safe – and there is a real willingness to improve and deliver for which I am grateful.”

One of the key moments of his tenure so far has been the appointment of experienced

chief officer Catherine Roper to the position of Chief Constable. He said it was, “a conscious decision on my part to bring in an outsider to drive those necessary improvements and, despite being in post for only six months, her vision for Wiltshire Police is coming to fruition.

“There has been a defined focus on quality of service, on driving performance, an increased focus on victims and quality of investigations to boost outcome rates.

“We have seen a determined effort by the Chief to encourage leaders within the Force to take control and drive up standards and for our communities to receive more visible, proactive policing.

“Of course, we are both aware the scale of work required cannot be resolved in a short amount of time. There isn’t a quick fix to sustained performance improvements across all areas and time is needed. The Chief and I are also acutely aware there will be challenges ahead for some time yet but the important point is: the right steps are being taken.”

Mr Wilkinson told the BBC that one area was proving more

difficult to address than others, however: “We’ve got one area which is proving tough to fix, our response to the public through the control room and communications centre.”

September will see the release of the annual report which will set out the progress and achievements of Wiltshire Police over the last year.

In his statement, he added: “Chief Constable Roper is driving performance hard and providing the necessary focused direction and support. As a result, we are seeing improvements across many areas of my Police and Crime Plan.

“But I will always want Wiltshire Police, and my office, to be able to do more and provide a better service to Wiltshire’s residents. Neither the Chief Constable, nor I, are people who will be completely satisfied no matter how much we improve.

“I am a strong believer that complacency is the enemy of professionalism and progress.”

The next PCC election is due next year and Mr Wilkinson has already been confirmed as the Conservative candidate.

New Salisbury Police Station decision imminent

In his BBC Radio Wiltshire interview, Mr Wilkinson also revealed that an announcement on the much-awaited new Police Station site would be imminent.

“We’re now negotiating the final detail of a contract and I don’t want to say where that site is until the ink has dried,” he said.

He did, however, go on to confirm that there would be space to build the city a custody suite “should the chief constable wish to have it”.

Mr Wilkinson

Hoping the Tories come to their senses

FIVE weeks after leaving the government in frustration at Rishi Sunak’s “apathy” towards environmental issues, Conservative peer and former climate cabinet minister Zac Goldsmith said he was, “desperately hoping the Conservative party comes to its senses.”

The PM’s apparent commitment, not only to perpetuate dependency on the source of energy almost entirely responsible for the climate crisis, but actually expand the production of that source of energy by granting over 100 new drilling licences in the North Sea, has upset others within the party who share Goldsmith’s frustration and concern. The potential loss of votes in the next election is also coming into play.

This is a decision that will continue to generate record-breaking profits for the energy companies to fill shareholders’ pockets while offering extremely limited investment in the production of renewable energy.

Furthermore, the Guardian (August 17) reported the impact of new Treasury rules on windfarms as likely to “stifle energy generation and keep bills high”. Energy Secretary Grant Shapps has suggested this week it is unlikely the government will step in to protect households from rising energy bills this winter. The government scheme to support households with energy payment ended in June along with a £400 household

support scheme from October last year. Slick timing Grant. Nobody will notice the impact of that in the middle of summer.

Shapps said: “We don’t want to be in a position of having to constantly pay energy bills.” We all understand how you feel Grant. In a further enlightening statement he came up with this gem: “We’re having to tax people in order to pay it back to people… that money doesn’t come from nowhere.” Errr… tax the energy companies perhaps Grant?

In The Times, Kier Starmer in reference to the climate crisis, criticised “those from the left and the right – who want it to be an ideological identity issue.” Indeed, the climate crisis requires universal solutions and co-operation within and between countries. Sadly, however, the way forward requires a consensus on the amount of emitted carbon

the planet can tolerate, and decisions about how it is to be divided up to accommodate differing interests have inevitably become a political issue. Anti-green factions are rarely completely frank about their motives, often presenting respectable-sounding arguments about the affordability of climate policies. Nobody dares to say they don’t care about the long-term future of the planet, or that short-term profits are more important.

Pro-climate politics success surely depends on convincing everyone that life would be better in some respects with fewer emissions. The USA (with the world’s highest levels of CO2 emissions per capita at 15.32 tons, which is almost double that of China at 7.44 tons) are presenting some encouraging ideas. Biden’s energy adviser John Podesta recently wrote, ‘President Biden sees action on climate change as an opportunity to lower [energy] costs for all Americans, create good-paying union jobs for workers and address the cumulative impacts of pollution on disadvantaged communities.”

He believes fossil fuel capitalism is so socially and environmentally damaging that winning over voters to an alternative should not be impossibly hard. Climate change is an opportunity. Now there’s a thought. We could certainly do with an injection of that kind of optimism in the UK.

Salisbury MP backs keeping the ECHR

SALISBURY MP John Glen has said he does not support the UK leaving the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR), after hundreds of people crossed the channel on ‘small boats’ on August 10.

More than 100,000 migrants have entered the UK via that route in the past five years, according to the Home Office.

It has led to calls in some quarters for the UK to leave the convention – which it helped formulate in the 1940s before it was established in 1950 – to negate rules over the treatment of those seeking asylum.

But Mr Glen, a Treasury minister, told LBC he did not back the move, as government legislation aimed at ‘stopping the boats’ was still making its way through parliament.

He said: “This is a Europewide problem. We’ve had a 30%

increase in illegal immigration across Europe, but we’re working with Turkey, a new arrangement with them last week, with France, with Albania.

“The arrangements with France have led to 33,000 fewer crossings – also tougher fines for employers and landlords. We’ve got the professional enablers taskforce, we’re working with media companies as well.

“So, this is a multidimensional approach as well as the immigration (bill) which of course many criticised us for and it was a real battle to take through the Houses of Parliament. But we’ve got a legal challenge waiting on that, but I believe in plan A and we will see that come to fruition in the autumn.”

The comments came after immigration minister Robert Jenrick said pulling out of the

ECHR was included as he vowed the government would do ‘whatever is necessary’ to ‘stop the boats’ – a central pledge of Prime Minister Rishi Sunak.

Previously, the government said it could prevent the crossings while remaining in the ECHR.

Later the same day, Mr Glen told Times Radio he did not want to “speculate about alternatives” to the government’s policy.

“I think it’s important to recognise that there are many

dimensions to the policy,” he said. “But we’ve got to understand is this phenomena of illegal migration of criminal gangs taking people across Europe and across the Channel, we have seen a 30% increase in Europe as well over recent months.”

He added he was confident legal challenges to the plan to ‘offshore’ migrants to Rwanda would be unsuccessful, and that the legal process should be allowed to play out before considering alternative measures – such as leaving the ECHR.

“We believe the actions we’ve taken... including the legislation which hasn’t yet been fully enacted... will work and we stand by that,” he said.

“I don’t want to speculate about alternatives until we’ve exhausted the process that we think will work.”

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

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Beekeepers call on the public to help fight record Asian hornet invasion

THE BRITISH BEEKEEPERS’ ASSOCIATION (BBKA) is calling on the public to help fight a major threat to honey bees and other pollinators –Asian hornets.

Numbers of the destructive insect are rising rapidly this summer and more have been detected in the UK this year than in the previous six years combined.

BBKA chair, Diane Drinkwater, said: “At this early stage of the Asian hornet season, which goes on into the autumn, it is extremely worrying to see so many cases and so early. We must act now to stop them from getting established in this country.

“Reports from Europe and Jersey indicate that this is an exceptional year for Asian hornets with record numbers of queens and nests.

“We urge the public to join forces with beekeepers to protect our honey bees and other pollinators from this voracious predator.”

More than 1,000 beekeepers across the country are part of elite teams trained to provide emergency support to the National Bee Unit’s (NBU) hornet hunters.

Hornet sightings are filtered by the NBU, part of Defra, and teams of bee inspectors deployed to track hornets back to their nests which are then destroyed.

But the help of the eagleeyed public is essential to spot the hornets which may be devouring insects or feeding on fallen fruit or ivy flowers.

Asian hornets (Vespa velutina) are slightly smaller than native European hornets, have yellow legs, an orange face and brown body with one yellow stripe.

This summer, beekeeper Mick Brian discovered an Asian hornet in his garden in Plymouth which eventually led

to the destruction of two nests: “We watched in stunned silence as the insect singled out a honey bee, carried it to a nearby leaf, and began to dissect it.”

Just one Asian hornet can hunt down and eat 30 to 50 honey bees a day and their habit of hawking (hovering) outside the hive stops the bees from

collecting nectar and pollen to feed themselves.

Diane added: “Asian hornets are wreaking havoc in Europe and we fear if they get a foot-hold in the UK our honey bees and many other insects will be decimated here, too. They are the greatest threat to beekeeping since the Varroa mite was discovered more than 30 years ago.”

BBKA trustee Julie Coleman, who lives in Kent where many of the hornets discovered this year have been found, said there are likely to be several reasons behind this huge rise in cases:

“The fact that we seem to have a cluster around the coast in Kent, also Dorset, Plymouth, Weymouth and Hampshire makes me think they are coming across on the wind.

“And there could have been an overwintered nest in Kent which has sent out hibernating queens in the autumn.“

It is important to take care not to approach or disturb a nest. Asian hornets are not generally aggressive towards people but an exception to this is when they perceive a threat to their nest.

People who suspect they have seen an Asian hornet should report it immediately using the phone app ‘Asian Hornet Watch’ or the online form at https://risc.brc.ac.uk/ alert.php?species=asian_hornet

Top: The Asian Hornet (not to be confused with the Asian Giant Hornet which hasn’t been sighted in this country

Credit: Freepik

Middle left: For comparison, the European Hornet, notice the different colouration on the body and abdomen

Credit: Philip Cohen, CC BY 2.0 via Wikimedia Commons

Left: Asian Hornets seen entering a nest

Credit: Creative Commons

GREEN WORKS The clock is ticking ...it’s time to act

Join the eBike Revolution!

Scrace Architects: The Ongoing Journey of Sustainable Practice

Since inception the Salisbury-based creative consultancy Scrace Architects has put green living at the forefront of design and business. By prioritising a green agenda and developing a client climate pledge, they are now spearheading a new way to see space differently. Tapping into their environmental consciousness Scrace Architects are continually making changes to their approach and adopting an even stronger commitment to green living. Recently presented a 'Silver' Green Business Award, they have been recognised for their sustainable practice and innovative solutions. Take their "Summer House" project for example. This transformation of a shed into an eco-friendly haven highlights their ethos. Through the use of 70% recycled and repurposed materials they not only respect the environment but in incorporating both sheepswool and even caravan parts showcase inventive construction methods and approaches. Visit www.scracearchitects.co.uk/summer-house/ to find out more. Whether it's a small-scale or large-scale project, you can be sure that sustainable design is at the heart of everything Scrace Architects do. From day to day office practices, through to signature projects or community engagement, they are keen to champion a new style of practice. Embodying their vision of seeing space differently, team members Tim Scrace and Louise Tunnard are currently exhibiting their environmentally inspired artworks at The Vanner Gallery in Salisbury.

Make sure to pay a visit to the “Summer Invitation” before 16 September. Follow them on Instagram @scrace_architects and get in touch on 01722 658048

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GREEN W RKS

Vinyl Collectors and Sellers this year celebrates its 25 th year in business, initailly as a pure online seller of music related items around the world, later as a physical store.

CROSS KEYS SHOPPING CENTRE, QUEEN STREET, SALISBURY, SP1 1EY

Tel: 07872 105502

email: info@vinylcollectorsandsellers.com

www.vinylcollectorsandsellers.co.uk

Please check our website or Facebook page for current opening times We always have a large selection of records, CD’s and cassette tapes available in store

Check out our online sales channels at www.vinylcollectorsandsellers.com - we ship worldwide or click and collect is available from our store.

Scan QR code to go to our online sales channels

Check out our website at www.vinylcollectorsandsellers.co.uk to find links to out social media which will keep you up to date with all of our news and latest stock.

We buy good quality vinyl collections for cash or direct money transfer to your bank account, please contact us on the above number, email us with details or call into our shop to discuss on our open days. ( Please do not bring stock to our shop without a previously booked appointment as our buyer is not always about).

NUNTON FARM

The Martin family have been dairy farming at Nunton since 1929 and farm in partnership with Longford Estate near Salisbury. Our lovely Friesian and cross bred cows graze on rich grass and clover pastures within sight of the cathedral on Salisbury's famous water meadows. The team at Nunton dairy work hard, every day of the year to look after our cows and provide fresh local milk to the community. We have vending machines surrounding Salisbury at the following locations Whaddon (The Three Crowns, SP5 3HB), Wilton (South Street, SP2 0JS), Old Sarum (Salisbury Rugby Club, SP1 3SA), Downton (The Bull Hotel, SP5 3HL), and Nunton (The Radnor Arms, SP5 4HS), where we sell our high-quality, farm-fresh milk to the surrounding area. We see our vending machines as mini 24/7 farm shops and are pleased to provide a place for our customers to buy locally sourced and produced essentials. We hope locals can also try something new and discover local brands when they pick up their milk. We've worked with Lyburn Cheese for a while and often have local honey available in our machines. We have newly partnered with Fluffetts Farm for eggs, Harth Chocolate for hot chocolate, and Forest Edge Roasting Co for coffee. You can also find our milk in many local cafes and farm shops, with about ten local, independent businesses using our milk. Your average supermarket milk can take days and days of holding, go through multiple processes, and travel miles before reaching the shelves. Picking up a glass bottle from our vending machines is an easy, tasty eco swap. We opt for the greenest farming wherever we can, working with flora and fauna we're lucky enough to have on the farm. We focus on sustainability, ensuring that all projects we undertake are evaluated considering the environmental impact. You can find out more about Nunton Farm and see behind the scenes by following us on Facebook or Instagram. And remember to stop by one of our vending machines!

www.instagram.com/nuntonfarm/ www.facebook.com/nuntonfarm

In August 2016 they opened their physical store in Cross Keys Shopping Centre in Salisbury extending their trading of quality pre-owned records, CD's cassettes and music memorabilia to the local and wider area. Shop owner Paul Smith is very proud to have recieved a green award for sustaining his business based on selling 95% second hand items which in the past could have ended up in landfill. The Business also has many other green attributes which includes investing in new Hydrogen technlogies to help with reducing carbon emissions for both energy supply and transport. All stock for the shop is sourced locally from people wishing to sell music collections most of which is brought into the shop by the sellers, this keeps transportation to a mininum and the need for manufacturing is nil so eliminationing all the energy and transportation emissions in relation to that often involving air freight further adding to the businesses green credentials. If you have unwanted music collections to dispose of then contact Vinyl Collectors and Sellers for further details, if you collect music then do check out their store which contains 1000's of items across vinyl, CD, Cassette and memorabilia.

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Our Vision

Our vision is to be a leader in sustainable business. Since our beginning in 2019, Downton Distillery has benchmarked ethical and sustainable pioneers within our industry, setting a target of where we believe the distillery should be. e commitments we have made to our community and our customers have shaped the way we do business.

Large-scale farmers’ group is helping developers unlock house building

THE ENVIRONMENTAL Farmers Group (EFG) has been set up by a group of farmers in Hampshire, Wiltshire and Dorset to deliver highly assured, co-ordinated environmental projects on a catchment scale.

The cooperative currently comprises over 230 farmers covering 116,000ha (over 1% of England’s farmed area) and is growing quickly in other parts of the country including North Lincolnshire, Northamptonshire, Devon and Yorkshire.

Legal requirements to offset environmental impact of developments can delay house building as it is often difficult for developers to find farmers with an appropriate land parcel. The EFG model provides one professional point of contact, through its partner Natural Capital Advisory (NCA), with access to 100s of farmers willing to provide nutrient and Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) offsets and other environmental services, in locations across England.

The EFG has an excellent understanding of natural capital markets and issues facing housing developers and Local Planning Authorities (LPAs). It has successfully completed phosphate offset agreements and has a pipeline of requests

for nutrient and Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) offsets at various stages of completion. This means the required processes and documentation are already in place, speeding up the delivery of solutions.

EFG chairman and managing partner of Fordingbridge-based Allenford Farms, Rob Shepherd, said: “The farmers in the EFG have an impressive record of landscape-scale conservation successes and command the respect of conservation and government agencies.

“Our aim is for developers and planners to see EFG as the ‘go-to’ platform for environmental trades.”

Arriving at a valuation of credits that is fair for both its

members and the developer/LPA is a core objective of EFG. On the one hand, there have been cases where developers have been charged excessive prices for offset projects. On the other hand, there are examples of farmers receiving insufficient funding to cover the costs of providing the required environmental services, which is not in the long-term interest of either party.

Thanks to its fair funding structure and high standard of assurance, the EFG has been endorsed by central government and regularly engages with Natural England, Defra and the Environment Agency at the highest level.

As a result, it was recently

highlighted in the government’s Green Finance Strategy as a model for how farmers can help meet national targets for clean water, biodiversity recovery and carbon net zero.

Ready-to-go options

44 farms within the EFG have already completed biodiversity baseline audits using Natural England’s Biodiversity Metric. This was match-funded by Defra and carried out by a team of qualified ecologists.

EFG is also in the process of completing a catchment-wide feasibility of all suitable locations for nutrient offset solutions from its members. This is enabling the identification of a wide range of deliverable environmental projects on the farms with a calculated number of biodiversity units or nutrient credits, giving developers ready-to-go options, suitable for a variety of offset requirements.

As well as these long-term projects, EFG is developing temporary nutrient reduction solutions, using cover cropping or fallow-land management on farmland to unlock house building in the short term. These schemes generate bridging-credits for developers while they wait for longer term offset schemes such as wetlands to be constructed.

‘They have done extremely well’: A Level results day across the region

THE AREA’S A-Level students received their results on Thursday, August 17.

Much was made in the press about this year’s results, with an expected national move back toward 2019 performance levels, which began last year, after Ofqual announced a change to pre-pandemic grading standards.

As such, grades have been lower in the past two years than during the period 2019-21 when different grading standards applied. Of course, this does not mean this year’s students have in any way underperformed, simply that they have been graded differently.

Wiltshire Council was quick to offer its congratulations to students and staff.

Cllr Laura Mayes, cabinet member for Education and Skills said: “Congratulations to all the students who are finding out their A Level and Vocational Technical Qualification (VTQ) results across Wiltshire today.

“It really is a culmination of the years of hard work and dedication that they've put in, and students should be proud of their achievements.

“I also wish to extend my congratulations and thanks to the teachers, and other school staff for the support and hard work that they have put in to help students achieve their results.

“Also to the families who are there supporting students through what can be challenging times.”

Bishop Wordsworth’s Grammar School

A statement on the school’s website read: “Given the advance media coverage both early this morning and during the past week you could be forgiven for thinking that this year’s A level cohort were on the edge of a cliff waiting for a considerable drop.”

Before reasoning: “The move back towards the top line performance numbers established back in summer 2019 has continued nationally, but of course it is the individual that matters on such a morning… but of course for the vast majority of our students there is no edge of the abyss as they have done extremely well.”

The grammar school published the following figures:

Over 75% of the grades were at A*-B; at 190 this was our biggest year group yet. Our students secured 20 places to study at Oxford and Cambridge.

Some 52 of our boys and girls gained all of their results at A*/A grade, and an extraordinary 13 at the top of

the year group passed every A level paper that they took at A*.

The statement concluded: “Two years ago this year group were entering new territory.

They had not been tested fully at GCSE, they were by some way our biggest coeducational year group so far and the environment for study was still blighted by the aftershocks of the pandemic.

“They have worked well and, supported by parents and challenged by teachers they have had a wonderful two years learning and maturing here in the heart of The Close. I am hugely proud of them all, and it’s so very exciting to see and hear about their plans for what is to come next.”

South Wilts Grammar School

“We are delighted that our students have achieved such superb results once again.

“A majority of our students stay on in the sixth form as part of a seven-year journey through SWGS, achieving truly exceptional results. We are also extremely proud that the students who joined us in the sixth form from other local schools achieved excellent grades.

“The vast majority of students are going on to their first-choice universities or degree apprenticeships, including students with offers for medicine, veterinary science or from Oxbridge.

“We are particularly proud of the achievements of this year group who, as a result of COVID-19, had a hugely disrupted education and for whom their A-Levels represent their first set of external exams; they richly deserve their excellent results.

“This year’s success is a result of students’ hard work, high-quality teaching and the support of parents.

“The SWGS co-educational Sixth Form is bigger than ever and continues to go from strength-to-strength, combining academic excellence with a nurturing environment.

“As we wish our outgoing

A Level results at Wellington Academy

Above: Charlotte and Charlotte Right: Keeva and Brooke

cohort all the very best for the future, we look forward to welcoming a new generation of sixth form students in the forthcoming weeks.”

Salisbury 6th form college

“Today has been one of those days when you feel so privileged to work in education.

“I am delighted with the students at S6C who have gained some excellent results this summer. It is worth remembering that COVID has caused a huge disruption to their education, but our students have risen to this challenge and flourished.

“The evidence of this success is in their progression to the next steps in life. With the majority of students going to university, including many Russell Group Universities, to study a wide range of courses including Oceanography, Geography, Philosophy and Midwifery to name just a few. We have had over 95% of students who applied for University secure a place.

It has also been a pleasure to hear time and time again from parents how much they value the all round support from our hugely dedicated staff who consistently go above and beyond to ensure that the students' experience at the college really is ‘All about you’.”

Wellington Academy

“Wellington Academy are delighted to report on the fantastic outcomes of our Sixth Form students.

“We are extremely proud of the students’ hard work and dedication over the last two years to their studies and they leave us well equipped for the challenges of the future.

“The TWA6th students will now be moving on to a range of fantastic opportunities in a variety of areas.

“In line with previous years, we have the majority of our students moving on to their selected university courses (including a high percentage of Russell Group Universities).

“There are also an increasing number of students taking up apprenticeships with the rest of the cohort moving into full time work or taking a Gap year to decide which path to take next.”

Mr Bissington, head of 6th Form, said: “This is the 12th results day I have now been a part of at The Wellington Academy and one of the days I am proudest of.

“Having seen their GCSE exams cancelled in 2021 they have responded fantastically to the challenges of level 3 qualifications and have completed their courses to their best possible standard.

“The range of destinations and vocations demonstrates that students really can move into any field they set their heart on and I know all students are well equipped for whatever challenges may come their way moving forward.”

Mr Paddock, headteacher said: “I take my hat off to each TWA Year 13, they have come

through extremely well as a group after developing core skills of working at pressure with their first set of exams since their experience in GCSE’s during the pandemic and through developing key traits around independence, ambitiousness and inquisitive thinking they are well set for great futures of their own choosing irrespective of their next chosen path.

“Well done all.”

Burgate

A statement on the school website read: “Results were broadly in line with prepandemic levels and the emerging national picture for this year, with the vast majority of students gaining their first-choice place at university.

“There are also students moving on to work with training and apprenticeships with the qualifications they have gained.

Headteacher, David Pover

said: “I am so pleased that our students have achieved a great set of results which has enabled them to go onto their destinations of choice.

“Having overcome a challenging educational journey, for students to get their grades and celebrate with their friends, families and teachers was a joy to see.”

Head of Sixth Form, Helen Costello, was equally thrilled: “We are so proud of all our students who have risen to the occasion and delivered their best performance. They can move forward with their heads held high and we wish them every success for their future.”

The school highlighted a number of notable results:

Ned Woodley achieved A*A*A A B and is going to Cambridge University to continue their studies in Psychology: “I am so happy with my results and really looking forward to going to Cambridge. Exciting times.”

Ellie Bailey achieved A* A* A: “I am so thrilled and a little shocked. I am grateful for everything Burgate has done to help me.” Ellie is off to Exeter to study History and Philosophy.

Ellie Patterson achieved A A B and is “thrilled and delighted” and off to study Forensic Science at Kent.

Ivan Godfree achieved A* A* A* A: “Thank you to everyone at Burgate, I’m so chuffed, it really couldn’t have been any better.” He is now planning on going to read Mathematics at Warwick.

Ed Humber with A* A* A will be reading Law at Exeter.

Arthur Crowley with A A Distinction* will be reading History at Kings College, London.

“We are incredibly proud of all our students and wish them all the very best whether they are going to university, undertaking apprenticeships, entering the job market or taking a gap year.

“Thank you to the staff and parents who supported them on their journey.”

Natalie, Oorvi, Mackenzie and Emma receive their A level results at South Wilts Grammar School

Match day volunteers needed as Amesbury FC aims for promotion

AMESBURY TOWN Football

Club has begun the new season in the Wiltshire Senior League with a new management team, a new set of players and ambitions to gain promotion to the Wessex League.

The club plays its home games at Bonnymead Park in Amesbury and as part of its promotion bid is looking for volunteers to help out on match day.

Committee member Richard Taylor said: “The club is run by an enthusiastic, friendly team and new faces are always very welcome. We’re looking for Match Day volunteers so if you would like to help, you’ll be made very welcome. Come along to a match and support your local football club. No previous experience necessary.”

New manager Robbie Skeates was appointed in June, after four years managing Andover New Street Swifts. Early results have seen a loss to Pewsey Vale and a 3-0 victory over Calne Town Reserves.

The new manager is hoping to build on what was a successful previous campaign. “We came third in our first year in the Hampshire Premier League after promotion from Division 1 the season before. We also won a cup, so a very good season.”

Such is the nature of football at this level, that personnel changes within a squad are almost inevitable, bringing its own set of challenges for the new management team.

Was there anything in particular you worked on during pre-season?: “Gelling a brand new squad together and finding a style of play that suits what I want, whilst matching the qualities of the players in the squad.

“It’s a brand new side here with only three players remaining from last season, and time is required to gel and get the team to where everyone involved with the club wants us to be, the Wessex league.”

With that in mind, which games is Robbie looking forward to the most this season? “Trowbridge, after winning it last season we know they will be a good outfit. Also Ludgershall, love a local derby.”

The club has four home games in September, beginning with a visit from Shrewton Utd, the other side of Stonehenge:

● Tuesday 5 v Shrewton Utd, 7.30pm

● Saturday 16 v Odd Down (Bath) Development, 3pm

● Saturday 23 v Kingsdown, 3pm

● Tuesday 26 v Frome Collegians, 7.30pm

Admission £4, seniors £2 and under 16s free.

The club can be contacted on twitter @AmesburyFC.

For news and information: amesburytownfc.weebly.com

a narrow 0-1 loss to Pewsey Vale FC

Left: Manager Robbie Skeates Top: The team walks out for the first game of the season,

Above: Action from the game

Vanner Gallery: Summer Invitation

by Katrina ffiske

SUMMER is traditionally a time for group art shows. At the Vanner Gallery, Salisbury, gallery director David Christie decided instead to bring together 19 artists by invitation.

The preview of this exhibition was on a warm balmy evening on Thursday, August 18. There was quite a crowd of people: a wide selection of artists bringing together a wide selection of art lovers.

People spilled out onto the road, taking it in turns to step inside to admire the art which includes paintings, sculptures, ceramics, installations and photographs.

In between welcoming artists and placing red dots on works of art David told me how the exhibition had come together.

“Some of the artists have shown with us before, while others are new to the space. We started to plan it at the start of

2023 to make sure the artists had a good lead time.

“Most of the pieces in the show have been produced this year, some of them specifically for the exhibition. Some artists submitted a few works of art for us to choose from or we visited them in their studios to select artworks.”

The summer exhibition at the Royal Academy is renowned for every piece of wall being crammed with artwork. Here at the Vanner Gallery, David and co-curator Dina Bulavina boldly leave large amounts of white space for pictures to breathe, with each area in the space having its own atmosphere.

“Dina is highly skilled at creating a compelling flow in a diverse body of works,” David said. “There are two main themes in this show – at the front and in the middle of the gallery the works are very minimal, simple and calming.

“Further into the gallery, the colours are progressively bolder, and landscapes and figures appear and become more recognisable. Across all the spaces, sculpture and ceramics are placed to complement the works surrounding them on the walls.”

David explained how the show had been a joy to conceive and put on.

“It is a lovely group of artists, some of whom have known each other for a while and others who have made new friends in the group. It’s great to see these new connections being

made and the works of each artist inspiring the others.”

There was certainly a warm friendly buzz at the preview and wonderful to see so many local artists come together under one roof.

Artists exhibiting: Nichola Bendall, Dan Bilton, Dina Bulavina, Harry Chrystall, Emma Cowley, Fran Donovan, Ruth Dresman, Sarah Foat, Mirka Golden-Hann, Patrick Hallissey, Bethany Kohrt, Jonathan Loxley, Kieran Marsh, Simone Moolman, Steve Neville, Lois Oakes, Tim Scrace, Debra Sweeney, Louise Tunnard

Summer Invitation | 2023, runs until September 16. www.vannergallery.com

Clockwise from top: Debra Sweeney; display; Bethany Kohrt (all credit:Katrina ffiske); figurine; pot (both credit Ash Mills)

Be inspired to write this autumn

By Katrina ffiske

LOCAL Salisbury author, Jayne Woodhouse, is starting two new creative writing courses for beginners in September.

If you’ve ever wanted to write, but never thought you could, this course is a very good place to start. Over the years, Jayne has run many courses inspiring many to write and even carry on to have their work published and performed.

“I’ve wanted to be a writer for as long as I can remember,” Jayne told me.

“I consider myself extremely fortunate to be doing my dream job. I find there’s always something more to learn and new stories to tell. Being an author is a very solitary life, so I love running these courses, meeting people and sharing with them my passion for writing.

“I set exercises that

encourage people to notice their surroundings or take inspiration from a picture. You don’t have to travel the world to find something to write about.

“I’ve found so much inspiration from living in Salisbury. I have a favourite walk along the Avon valley, it’s beautiful and peaceful there –the perfect place for ideas to come into my head.

“I also love watching and listening to people; sometimes a story will come from something I’ve overheard, or from imagining what a person I’ve seen might be doing next.”

Jayne’s book of short stories, Getting Away, includes The Tower Tour, inspired by her visiting and watching life at Salisbury Cathedral.

“I heard how members of past groups have been successful in writing

competitions, performed at storytelling events, and published their own novels and short stories.”

Claire, based in Wilton, told me how the course inspired her. “I was the classic person who always wanted and thought I

could write, but would leave it for tomorrow. Jayne gave me the confidence to sit and scribble away.”

Jayne has been a professional writer for more than 30 years. Her work includes: a trilogy of novels for children and a collection of short stories for adults, Getting Away.

She is also a successful playwright with her own small theatre company: Loosely Based Theatre Company.

Three productions have been performed at The Chapel, Salisbury: Owls; Classified; and Lost Souls.

The writing groups are five weekly sessions beginning on Tuesday, September 12 to October 10.

Morning group: 10.30am to 12.30pm, or the evening group, 6.30pm to 8.30pm.

wwww.jaynewoodhouse.com

Luke Bowen on playing Bertie Wooster

By Katrina ffiske

LUKE BARTON is playing Bertie Wooster in Jeeves & Wooster in Perfect Nonsense, beginning on September 1 at the Salisbury Playhouse.

The play is written by David and Robert Goodale based on the 1938 novel The Code of the Woosters by PG Wodehouse.

Luke, pictured, is presently in the middle of three weeks of intense rehearsal with director Marieke Audsley and fellow actors Patrick Warner (Jeeves) and Alistair Cope (Seppings).

Luke took time out, early one morning, before rehearsals began to chat about what it is like to take on the role.

“It’s an honour to be playing this much-loved character, who can be daft, clumsy and generous and willing to help his friends.” Luke said, and admitted that he too can be clumsy and forgetful so it might help him play the part.

“Wodehouse is a master of comedy, every day we learn more about what a genius he is

with words and language and all Wodehouse fans will be pleased to hear that this adaptation stays true to his writing.

“The director, Marieke Audsley asked us to learn our lines in advance as it allows more freedom to rehearse, not having to hold a script all the time.”

Luke is fortunate that he is playing only one part. Alistair and Patrick are playing many others.

“There is one scene that is only three pages long but with perfecting repartee and costume and character changes it can take three hours to rehearse.

“We do have enormous fun and one of the most challenging things is not spending all our time laughing. It’s our job to make the audience laugh, so on the night it is important for us to keep a straight face.”

Farce is all about timing, I wondered if actors have to be fit before agreeing to act in a play swimming with it?

“Speed is the essence of farce, it is crucial to work on your fitness, both physically and mentally. You certainly cannot afford to feel tired half way through a performance.”

It must be quite intense spending so much time together during both rehearsals and performance time?

“It’s always a big challenge to choose three actors and hope they get on together,” Luke said. “Congratulations to the director, Marieke, as we all get on so well, have enormous fun and are dedicated to making this work.

“Every morning we have a warm up to get us ready for the day. It is a brave thing taking on

comedy,” Luke confessed. “Each person has to expose themselves to possible humiliation. It is important to take risks, try things you think are funny and not be offended when they don’t work.”

Luke has been an actor for 10 years, leaving the Oxford School of Drama in 2013. He has performed in many plays over the years but his highlight was acting in One Man, Two Guvnors in Ipswich and Southampton.

This is his first time performing in Salisbury.

“I love being here. Salisbury is so lucky to have such a dedicated and wonderful team behind the Playhouse.

“I am looking forward to when the performance begins and hope that everyone will come and have two hours of pure fun and laughter.”

Jeeves and Wooster in Perfect Nonsense, Salisbury Playhouse, runs from September 1 to September 23.

Jayne Woodhouse, with one of her book, The Stephenson’s Rocket, one of a trilogy of children’s books she has written

Film noir gets High Contrast twist

By Faith Eckersall

IF HUMPHREY Bogart at his gritty best or Barbara Stanwyck going full femme fatale is your idea of a great movie, then look out for a new cinema evening, coming to Wimborne’s Allendale Centre next month.

High Contrast Cinema was started by four film fans, who decided to make their movie dream come true – by showing classic film noir the way its makers intended – on the silver screen.

Jo Sibley, who is one quarter of High Contrast, says the idea came earlier this year, at a Bournemouth comedy club attended by the friends.

“After Covid, when we were all trapped at home, I think we were looking for something to get us out of the house,” said Jo, who lives near Wimborne.

The group decided to see if they could run a local cinema night featuring: “Movies that are rich in cinematic history.”

They decided that film noir –the name given to a number of movies made in the late 1930s and early 40s – would be right for their screenings.

“The term film noir was used after a string of movies were made with a darker aesthetic, physically and in their story,”

explains Jo. “They were not cheaply made but were far less expensive than films that required big battle scenes, or special effects.

They tended to be shot with less light – hence the noir description – and with a smaller cast and everyday sets.”

The smaller sets often made for more intense stories, which suited the acting style of people like Humphrey Bogart, who appears in The Maltese Falcon, which is their October screening.

“We realised that most people today have only seen these movies on their television or laptop and we wanted to give audiences the chance to see them as they were always intended,” said Jo.

High Contrast is supported by a grant from the British Film Institute, which also gave the group training in how to run cinema nights.

The first screening, Double Indemnity, tells the tale of an insurance salesman who is beguiled by Barbara Stanwyck into a murder plot which sees her attempting to kill off her husband for his life insurance money.

It will be shown at the Allendale Centre in Wimborne on September 15, with The Maltese Falcon on October 20 and The Big Heat on November 24. Further screenings are planned for 2024. https://www.facebook.com/profile. php?id=100087652227678

Choral Society offers love, peace and hope this September

THIS COMING September sees preparations well under way for what is anticipated to be one of the most spectacular concerts of recent years at Fordingbridge Choral Society.

The choir is to be joined by leading professional players of the Edward’s Ensemble, who feature in one of the greatest musical outpourings of love ever written, Siegfried Idyll by Richard Wagner, written for his newly-wed Cosima and famously performed for her on Christmas morning in 1870.

Brahms and Mendelssohn make up the rest of the programme with Brahms’ Song of Destiny, described as one of his greatest choral works

together with his German Requiem, which he adapted to conclude with a blissful return to hope after its earlier desperation and futility.

Mendelssohn’s Hymn of Praise, the choral element of his 2nd Symphony, contains some

of his most remarkable choral writing, arguably surpassing his popular Elijah, with vibrant choruses and evocative solos, notably his masterstroke ‘Watchman’ scene.

The concert on Saturday, November 25 is to be

conducted by music director Nigel Edwards (inset), a former St Paul’s Cathedral chorister and principal BBC violinist.

Rehearsals are held in Fordingbridge on Wednesdays and will recommence on September 6.

Singers of all voices are always welcome, details can be found at fordingbridgechoral. org.uk or from the secretary on 01425 656348 or on the Facebook link facebook.com/ fordingbridgechoralsociety.

Arrow words

Crossword

Across 1 Decision-making power (3-2)

Across

4 Lap (7)

Wordsearch

Breeds of Horse

2 Off the cuff (2,3)

Down

3 Highest singing voice (7)

1 Decision-making power (3-2)

9 Sheep protector (8)

4 Lap (7)

10 Go quickly; hurry (4)

9 Sheep protector (8)

11 A stanza of eight lines (6)

12 Self-respect (5)

10 Go quickly; hurry (4)

13 Weapon supplies (4)

11 A stanza of eight lines (6)

12 Self-respect (5)

15 Confess to something: up (3)

16 Jokes; teases (4)

13 Weapon supplies (4)

15 Confess to something: up (3)

16 Jokes; teases (4)

17 Involuntary muscle contraction (5)

19 Adequate (6)

21 The main room in a palace (4)

22 Collar (8)

23 Wordy (7)

24 Writes with a keyboard (5)

Brain chain

5 Self-rule (12)

2 Off the cuff (2,3)

3 Highest singing voice (7)

6 Short-legged breed of dog (5)

5 Self-rule (12)

7 Alternatively (7)

6 Short-legged breed of dog (5)

8 Housing estates (12)

14 Error (7)

7 Alternatively (7)

16 Lumpy (7)

8 Housing estates (12)

18 Speak without a script (2-3)

14 Error (7)

20 He lives in a lamp (5)

16 Lumpy (7)

18 Speak without a script (2-3)

20 He lives in a lamp (5)

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

Next Sale

European Ceramics & Glass; Clocks & Instruments; and Selected Antique Furniture & Objects

Saturday 16th September

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

Roman busts to Banksy prints

DUKE’S is inviting consignments for its flagship fine art and contemporary auctions, both of which are always well received by international buyers.

The spring sale saw a bronze maquette Sir Winston Churchill by Oscar Nemon reach £250,000 and a marble bust of Admiral Horatio Nelson, £50,000.

The autumn auction and Art & Design post-1880 sales encompass pieces over a long period, from Roman marble busts and 18th century old master oils to the works of artists such as Banksy.

An already consigned oil scene of goats, chickens and chicks in a farmyard by Edgar Hunt carries a pre-sale estimate of £2,000-£4,000 and a fine model ship by Richardson, Duck & Co, Stockton-on-Tees,

Duke’s is inviting entries for its October fine art sale and art and design post-1880 auctions

£8,000-£10,000.

A Thames view by the English painter Christopher Wood is a highlight of the post-1880 sale. After meeting Augustus John at university, he was convinced to become a painter and later trained at the Académie Julian in Paris.For more information or to organise a free valuation for auction visit Duke’s website, www.dukesauctions.com, or call its office on 01305 265080.

An amethyst, moonstone & enamel necklace, circa 1890, by Carlo Giuliano.

SOLD FOR £27,000

For free verbal valuations please contact and South Kensington, London

Station Road, Semley, Shaftesbury SP7 9AN 01747 855122 www.semleyauctioneers.com

Community event at the Playhouse offers free tickets to first 100 people through the door

WITH Jeeves and Wooster in Perfect Nonsense set to open the autumn season on Friday, September 1, Wiltshire Creative will be holding its Autumn Season Welcome Morning at Salisbury Playhouse on Saturday, September 2 from 10am-1pm.

The first 100 people through the door will receive free tickets to Jeeves & Wooster in Perfect Nonsense (see opposite page). The free community event includes activities for children, insight into programming for the autumn season, a look at the work Wiltshire Creative does as a charity and opportunities to win tickets for the much-loved pantomime, Dick Whittington

The autumn season sees the company increase its work as a producing theatre, with three in-house productions on the Salisbury Playhouse Main

Stage. Perfect Nonsense production with Octagon Theatre Bolton, opens the autumn season on September 5, with thriller based on the bestselling novel by Paula Hawkins and DreamWorks’ film running from October 19 to November 11.

The season culminates with Dick Whittington from November 25, 2023 to January 7, 2024.

Following the success of last year’s production of which included a UK Pantomime Award for Jasmine Triadi, writing trio Plested, Brown & Wilsher return with another pantomime for the festive season.

https://www.wiltshirecreative. co.uk/events/welcome-morningpresentation

‘Modernising ticket offices should not mean that you exclude people’

I AM writing to highlight the proposed closure of rail ticket offices that will have a devastating impact on blind and partially sighted people’s ability to travel independently: stopping people getting to work, health appointments, and seeing friends.

Ticket offices are not just about selling tickets.

They provide a reliable first point of contact for many kinds of staff assistance such as arranging sighted guidance through the station and safely on to the train, to advising on any changes to journeys.

Modernisation of our railways doesn’t just mean apps and touchscreens; modernisation means inclusivity and not leaving anyone behind.

These proposals must be scrapped.

PATRICIA JACKMAN Wiltshire

A big ‘thank you’

I WOULD like to thank the off-duty paramedic and first aider at Wilton Garden Centre who came to my aid last week when I fainted.

Their care was much appreciated.

ANN DAWES Salisbury

Stonehenge threatened by future dangers

LAST month, you wrote a substantial article concerning the intended road works on the A303 around Stonehenge (SAG, Issue 21).

When one views the current unnecessary destruction associated with the minor road widening scheme on the A303 between Podimore and Sparkford, one can only fear for the future of Stonehenge itself.

Large areas of land have been

Fact of the fortnight...

STANDING at a massive 8,849 metres (29,032 feet) tall, Mount Everest is the highest mountain above sea level on Earth.

A peak in the Himalaya mountain range, Mount Everest is found between Nepal and Tibet.

So, considering where it is, why does it have a distinctly western-sounding name?

It all goes back to the nineteenth century - and colonial Britain...

At that time, Britain - in particular the East India Company - installed people to map and document the lands in which they operated, or colonised.

One such person was Welshman George Everest, who worked in India from the age of 16, documenting much of the meridian arc from the southernmost point of India, to Nepal - around 1,500 miles.

He was made Surveyor General of India in 1830, before retiring back to Britain in 1843.

In 1865, the Royal Geographical Society decided to name Peak XV, which had recently been confirmed as the world’s highest.

Rather than bother themselves with choosing from one of the local names for the mountain, they instead opted to rename it afresh - Mount Everest - in honour of George.

The Tibetan name is Chomolungma, which

resumed without any good reason, thus forcing several useful, long-standing businesses to close.

These local services will not be replaced, thus forcing local residents to travel further to use the dreaded supermarkets.

All around, local small businesses are under threat. For example, the long established local stores at Mudford has closed.

As is usual in these circumstances, it is the less wealthy and the elderly that suffer.

With the passing of time,

means ‘Mother Goddess of the World’, while the Nepali name is Sagarmatha, which has various meanings.

Put forward by his protege and successor in India, Andrew Scott Waugh, George himself objected to the move, as he had nothing to do with discovering the peak, and also that ‘the locals’ would have trouble pronouncing his name. However, Everest it was, and remains for much of the world.

there has increasingly developed in this country, a culture of institutionalised incompetence associated with any civil engineering works.

When one compares the almost effortless way in which Holloway Brothers built visually pleasing power stations around London in the 1930s, and the drama that now attends any new building construction, one is forced to accept that all forms of what was common sense have been extinguished in this country.

The road building companies before the War, such as Val de

Travers and Lake Trinidad Asphalt Company, would have efficiently completed the current works on the A303 weeks ago, without the considerable collateral damage to the surrounding countryside and local infrastructure.

They were certainly not slow in fixing damaged roads during the War.

One can only hope that the spirits of past druids can combine in unity to protect Stonehenge, because future dangers lurk all around.

MICHAEL TARRANT Somerset

MOT garage in Coombe Bissett set to be replaced with modern facility

AN aging MOT garage could be demolished and replaced with one ‘up to modern standards’.

The current structure, on the Pinewood Business Park Centre in Coombe Bissett, was built in the 1950s and has operated as an MOT bay ever since, an application to Wiltshire Council said.

“The MOT bay is, however, no longer compliant and to continue operating needs to be brought up to modern standards,” it said.

The application seeks permission for the demolition of the current garage, to be replaced with a building ‘of similar construction to the other existing buildings on the site’.

“The proposal is driven by the success of the existing MOT centre and desire by the owners to replace the existing inadequate garage with one that is larger and inclusive of a motorcycle MOT station,” the application went on.

“The existing structure is a poor-quality construction with limited/no insulation and poor access.”

It said the current building is in ‘poor condition’ and ‘partially overgrown with vegetation’.

“It is thought the proposal will allow the existing business to continue operating and also allow the business to naturally expand and better serve its customers,” the plan added.

For more information, and to comment on the plans, log on to www.wiltshire.gov.uk and search for application reference PL/2023/07028.

https://development.wiltshire.gov. uk/pr/s/planning-application/ a0i3z00001BM1cuAAD/ pl202307028

Top: The current garge was built in the 1950s but is no longer deemed fit for purpose Right: Plans have been sbmitted to create a modern MOT facility on the site

Salisbury Office offers a work space away from home

Words and photo by Tristan Ovington COVID-19 completely changed the face of office work, and many of us began working at home.

Now that the lockdowns are over, many large companies are encouraging their staff back to work. However, while many freelancers (such as journalists) cannot return to an office, many would like a respite from home, perhaps working away for a few days a week.

56-year-old Marcus Reynolds, co-owner and manager of the Salisbury Office seeks to offer a service to bridge this gap.

“We provide six individual and three double office spaces in the heart of Salisbury,” explains Marcus. “They are rented on monthly contracts, usually 6-12 months, and all our offices come fully furnished with full fibre broadband, a kitchen, and toilet facilities.

“The Salisbury Office was designed to be a bespoke and personal space for small businesses and individuals. We sit in the more relaxed end of the office rental

market, so feel we offer something different from others.”

So, what kinds of businesses does the Salisbury Office currently cater to?

“We have all kinds of businesses: IFA (financial advisors), psychologists, counsellors, nurse recruitment, property developers, children’s book suppliers, US real estate, and children’s speech therapy.

“We only have one available office at the moment.”

When he considered how the Salisbury Office came to be, Marcus says that “the concept was born out of not wanting to see another empty shop front on the high street and coming up with a business model that could invigorate the space.

“It was during lockdown that we created the Salisbury Office at a time when many people were working from home, so we tried to give them an affordable alternative that would have a positive impact on mental health as well as productivity.

“As we met more people just looking to get out of the house, our clientele grew, and more people wanted a space to call their own.”

Marcus says the advantages of using the Salisbury office are that it is your own space with a lockable door to call your own, furnish as you like, and come and go as you like. It is also within a relaxed community atmosphere that can benefit all business types.

The Salisbury Office is just off Market Square, on Endless Street, a prime location in the centre of Salisbury, and is priced at a highly competitive level.

Aerial photos giving an insight into war-time Wiltshire released online

A UNIQUE insight into war-time Salisbury - and much of Wiltshire - has been provided by new photographs released as part of an online archive.

Thousands of images, dating largely from 1943 and 1944, have been digitalised by Historic England.

They were taken by United States Army Air Forces (USAAF) Photographic Reconnaissance (PR) units stationed at bases around the country during the Second World War.

Now, more than 3,600 black and white images showing England from the air are available to the public for the first time in an online, searchable map

The collection gives a bird’s-eye view of the impact of war on the country, capturing a wide variety of locations in detail.

Duncan Wilson, chief executive at Historic England, said: “Our USAAF Collection records changes taking place in England as a result of the Second World War, as well as capturing fascinating incidental detail, like American troops playing baseball.

“Our collection of USAAF wartime photographs were taken in England by the pilots and aircraft of squadrons that provided intelligence for the eventual defeat of Nazi Germany. This came at a cost, with many pilots killed in the line of duty.

“We are making these images available to the public for the first time online, giving people access to this remarkable collection of historic photographs.

“They help to highlight the vital role aerial reconnaissance played in the Second World War.”

STONEHENGE

The photos also feature a shot of Stonehenge, taken on Christmas Eve, 1944.

Much of the landscape looks much the same, as you would imagine, although the route of some roads and paths have been changed.

The footpath around the monument has also moved back from the

stones.

RAF IBSLEY, BICKTON & HYDE

Among the sites revealed are a host of RAF bases that have since been lost, as many were decommissioned after the war, such as RAF Ibsley, near Fordingbridge, where the airfield is now largely consumed by gravel pits and lakes.

The former watchtower can still be found on the site, with The Landmark Trust planning to restore the building in the coming years.

BOSCOMBE DOWN

Another location caught on camera in December 1944 was Boscombe Down, which is now the longest military runway in the UK.

Although civilian operated, it is still used to support aircraft development.

The modern technology is a far cry from the planes pictured on the ground in 1944, with no obvious ‘strip’ in sight.

n View the archive https:// historicengland.org.uk/usaaf

RAF Ibsley, Bickton and Hyde caught on camera by the USAAF in May 1944.

Picture: Historic England Archive/USAAF Photography

Much of the landscape around Stonehenge remains unchanged.

Picture: Historic England Archive/USAAF Photography

Boscombe Down, without a visible airstrip, on Christmas Eve 1943 and a much more developed site in 2023.

Picture: Historic England Archive/USAAF Photography

Probus Club of Sarum hears all about Franz Schubert’s life in music

THE PROBUS Club of Sarum heard the life story of Franz Peter Schubert at its latest meeting in a talk given by committee member Andrew Scarf.

Franz Schubert was born 1797 in the Himmelpfortgrund suburb of Vienna, Austria, during a time when the city was the epicentre of classical music. The youngest of 14 children, Schubert’s family recognized his musical talent early on, ensuring he received formal music education.

His father taught him the basics of violin, while his older brother provided instruction on piano. By the age of seven, Schubert was receiving lessons from the local church organist, and by 11, he had earned a spot in the Imperial Court Chapel choir and the Stadtkonvikt, an established boys’ monastery-school, where he studied music, including under Antonio Salieri, a renowned composer of the era.

Schubert’s genius truly shone when he began composing. By his late teens, he was already producing masterpieces, such as the song ‘Gretchen am Spinnrade’ (Gretchen at the Spinning Wheel).

Throughout his life, though not always well-received in his time, he created a staggering amount of work, including over 600 lieder (songs), nine symphonies, numerous chamber works, and piano compositions. Some of his most iconic works include the ‘Unfinished Symphony’, the song cycle ‘Die Winterreise’, and the piano quintet ‘The Trout’.

While he was prolific, Schubert

Credit:

struggled with the business side of music. Often, he lived in near-poverty, relying on the generosity of friends and patrons. Though he did have a circle of artistically-minded peers and was wellregarded within this group, Schubert was not as widely recognized or as financially successful as some of his contemporaries.

Personal life and untimely death Schubert’s personal life was marked by both companionship and solitude. Due to his poverty he was unable to marry. While there’s been speculation regarding his relationships and sexuality, concrete details remain elusive. What’s evident,

however, is that his social circle was integral to his well-being. The informal gatherings known as ‘Schubertiades’ were musical evenings where friends would gather to perform his works.

Tragically, Schubert’s life was cut short. By 1822, he began showing symptoms of syphilis, a then-incurable disease. While he continued to compose remarkable music during this period, his health steadily declined.

On November 19, 1828, at the age of 31, Franz Schubert passed away, leaving behind an unparalleled legacy of compositions that would only gain their full recognition posthumously.

Legacy

In the years that followed, Schubert’s works were championed by notable figures such as Robert Schumann, Johannes Brahms, and Franz Liszt. Today, he is celebrated as one of the pillars of Western classical music, with his songs, in particular, being hailed for their emotional depth and beauty.

Schubert’s ability to capture the nuances of the human experience, coupled with his unique melodic gifts, has solidified his place as a timeless composer, whose music continues to touch hearts around the world.

Probus Club of Sarum meets every second and fourth Friday of the month at the White Hart Hotel. Its members are retirees who value intellectual stimulation as well as a sociable atmosphere. Guests and new members are always welcome. 01722 392 043

History Centre re-opens after four years with Her Amesbury Story

AFTER exactly four years of waiting, Amesbury History Centre has finally reopened after being completely rebuilt in a brand-new building. The centre reopened on Tuesday, August 22, and will be open Tuesday to Sunday, 10am to 4pm.

The first phase of the reopening will be an exhibition called Her Amesbury Story, highlighting the lives of 25 women throughout history with links to Amesbury, including Queen Eleanor of Provence, who lived in Amesbury Abbey and is believed to have been buried here in 1291.

The new building includes a Tea Room, which will provide light refreshments, and a Gift Shop showcasing books, artwork and small gifts from local authors, artists, and artisans.

Phase two will tell the whole

story of Amesbury’s past and will be open to the public early next year.

Since the town council acquired Melor Hall in 2011, the goal was to have a History Centre that would showcase the importance of Amesbury, which

has been claimed as the oldest continuous settlement in the United Kingdom.

A statement read: “The new building was built using S106 Funds, and a lease was signed in May to our charity, Amesbury History Centre CIO. We aim to showcase all the new discoveries to a wider audience and attract tourists from Stonehenge to Amesbury town centre. We have been overwhelmed with the amount of public support so far and are looking forward to finally being open.”

Franz Schubert by Josef Kriehuber (1846)

http://www.portraitindex.de/documents/obj/ oai:baa.onb.at:3497549, Public Domain, Commons. Wikimedia

Well Natural shop moves a few doors down Queen St

Words and photo by Tristan Ovington

THE COST of living crisis has seen several shops in Salisbury close; some remain successful, while some adjust to the changes by changing location. Health food and nutritional supplements shop Well Natural is an example of the latter, having recently moved to 15-16 Queen Street.

Although the move is not far, just a few shops along, it is significant, because the Well Natural store was located in its original spot for over 35 years, and was previously named Salisbury Healthfoods. The current owner, Sanjay Patel, explains that the owner before him changed it to Well Natural and carried out a major refurbishment during his ownership of the store.

The café was already there when Sanjay took over, but the new store will not have one. “Customers are understanding about the loss of the cafe,” Sanjay explains. “But now the shop has a cosier feel to it. I aimed to create a ‘health hub’ for Salisbury and the surrounding area, providing the best

Recruitment

DRIVERS WANTED ARMISHAWS REMOVALS LTD are currently looking to recruit experienced class 1 (Class C+E), class 2 (License cat C) and 7.5t, (C1) Removals drivers to join our teams in Salisbury SP2 8RA. Driving our 18 & 21 ton rigid lorries and smaller vehicles as required, as well as being involved with the packing and loading / unloading of your vehicle.

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

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quality products with the least impact on our planet.

“I also work with local health practitioners so they gain more clientele via our customer board, which allows them to look for a service for their needs.”

Sanjay ends his interview with a word of thanks. “I want to say thank you to all our lovely customers who have stuck by us and those who haven’t yet visited, please do come along and see us in our new store.”

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

About You

• You’ll need to be target driven.

• Have a proven track record of B2B sales.

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

• An understanding of both print and digital advertising.

• The personality to build a strong customer base.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Well Natural has moved to a few doors down the road to a new home in the Cross Keys Shopping Centre

The Silver Salisbury programme brochure 2023 is ready to go

By Irene Kohler

THE 2023 Silver Salisbury programme brochure, that so many people have been asking for is about to go to print.

It will be available for people to pick up from a number of locations, including Shopmobility, The Information Centre, Five Rivers Health and Well Being centre and from the libraries in Amesbury, Downton, Durrington, Wilton and Salisbury. It will also be available from the mobile library service and can also be downloaded from our website www.silversalisbury.co.uk.

This year we have made some changes in that the main brochure includes information about ongoing groups and activities, most of which will continue into the new year.

If you are aged 60 or over, this is your opportunity to meet new people and try something new as nearly all groups and activities offer a free taster session.

There is a separate Festival Fortnight programme listing one-off events and activities from Saturday 23, September to Saturday 7, October, in celebration of International Older People’s Day.

Silver Salisbury’s main activity is to deliver a three week programme of activities and events in celebration of International Older People’s

Day, on 1st of October each year. It is full of things that older people are involved in, contribute to and enjoy.

There are activities to support people in maintaining their independence and opportunities for those who would like to be getting out and about more but do not know where to start.

Silver Salisbury is a chance to try different things, join new groups and make new friends.

People aged 60 and over are all welcome. Our special day at the Guildhall will be Tuesday, September 26 and will include a coffee morning, a concert and a talk by well-known and loved, local historian, Frogg Moody.

Starting in 2018, this is now Silver Salisbury’s fifth programme as we had to skip a year because of Covid. We are delighted to announce that we have been awarded a grant by the Community Fund “Awards for All” programme, to support our work in Amesbury, Downton and Wilton, as well as Salisbury and the surrounding villages.

We are now seeking one or more people who know their local area well, to work a few hours each week, to help us reach more older people from all communities.

We need help to support and encourage people to take the step and get out to meet new

people and try something new. www.silversalisbury.co.uk or silver.salisbury@outlook.com.

Silver Salisbury is recruiting to reach more older people.

• Do you know Amesbury , Downton, or Wilton and the villages surrounding Salisbury?

• Do you participate in community events and can get around easily by car or public transport to visit the key points in your community?

• Are you able to engage with older people of all communities, face to face, individually and in groups?

• Do you have NI nu mber and/or work permit?

• Do you have or are willing to get a DBS check?

If you can answer yes to all the above you might be the right person to help Silver Salisbury support their volunteers and to reach many more vulnerable and isolated older people of all communities living in Amesbury, Downton, Durrington, Wilton and the surrounding villages as well as Salisbury. We want to contract one or more people for between 15 and 60 hours per month at £15 an hour, initially until the end of March 2024.

For further details email silver.salisbury@outlook.com. Expression of interest with CV to reach Irene Kohler by12.00 noon on Friday 8th September, 2023.

Above: Dance Six-0 encouraging older people to dance with them Top right: Irene Kohler, Salisbury Older People’s Champion

The Land & Farms Market 2023

SINCE the Truss/Kwarteng mini-budget, the ongoing war in Ukraine, increases in the cost of living and persistent interest rate rises, the residential and commercial property markets have been constantly adjusting with guide price reductions becoming frequent in less desirable urban areas.

However average land values across England grew by around 10% in 2022 and expectations were for this to continue in 2023 with demand remaining strong.

A wet spring meant several launches were delayed and since then supply has increased with 5% more land available than in 2022.

Demand is being driven by landowners and farmers, with capital to rollover from, selling often large blocks of land for development. We may see this reduce with a small slowdown in volume and pressure on developers’ margins.

Institutional and private investors and charities are becoming more active. There is much talk of the increase in natural capital buyers as another class of investor and we are certainly registering more such buyers, however, premium prices are difficult to extract.

Farmers, still the dominant buyers, are being more cautious if borrowing, therefore purely commercial farms or blocks of land need to be priced correctly to generate interest.

Our highlight of instructions in 2023 is the 952-acre Preston Farm near Blandford (pictured), the largest farm in Dorset this year. Offered in nine lots, the farm attracted huge interest nationally and locally with

several offers resulting in a sale being agreed over the £14m guide.

In April, 130 acres of arable land and woodland near Somerton were sold to three investor buyers, achieving an average of £11,500 per acre. In early summer, we agreed the sales of several ‘best-in-class’ residential and equestrian farms in excess of the guide.

However, it has not been all

plain sailing with some residential weighted farms generating good interest but still available.

If you are considering selling or buying, Symonds & Sampson’s dedicated farm agents can offer a national coverage and unrivalled local and industry knowledge to help. Contact Andrew on 01258 472244 or our dedicated farm agents in your nearest office.

Four-in-10 are ‘guppies’, research shows

MORE than four in 10 (42%) British adults under the age of 40 who do not currently own a home are now ‘Guppies’ – young people who have ‘given up on property’, according to new research.

Many of them have professional careers and big salaries, but stand in stark contrast to the ‘Yuppies’ of the 80s and 90s – young urban professionals with a good salary and no issues buying a home.

A new survey of 2,000 adults under the age of 40 by Zoopla revealed that even among those earning more than £60,000 per year, 38% have given up on affording a home in the next decade.

Overall, just one in five (21%) say they will ‘definitely’ be able to afford a home in the next decade, while 14% are currently planning to buy one, or are in the process of doing so.

The vast majority of Brits under the age of 40 in the UK do not already own a home – just 22.5% of those aged 25-34 and 1.4% of those aged 24 or under do.

In fact, non-home-owning under 40s in the UK are now more likely to be living with their parents than be planning to, or be in the process of, buying a home (14.4% vs 14.1%).

Those who have given up on a home in

the next decade cite 3 main reasons:

● The cost of living crisis (64%)

● Increasing house prices (51%)

● Higher mortgage rates (49%).

Of those who are planning to buy, or who are in the process of buying their first home, 85% say they have made financial sacrifices to do so.

Over a third 34% have given up holidays, and 30% have had to give up socialising.

A quarter (25%) have stopped saving for their future and one in 10 (10%) have even given up dating or being in a relationship in order to afford a home.

Andrew Tuffin, partner and head of Farm Agency at Symonds & Sampson reports that land values are currently defying the trend of most other property assets.

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RAC: drivers want action on excessive exhaust noise

THE RAC has issued a report that suggests 58% of drivers want action taken on illegally loud exhausts and excessively revved engines.

Those in favour said they would be in favour of ‘noise cameras’ being more widely used once the findings of the Department for Transport’s trials, which began last October and have cost £300,000, are revealed.

The cameras are triggered by microphones that can pinpoint any vehicle exceeding the current 74 decibel legal noise limit as they pass.

Pictures of vehicle number plates, together with recordings of the vehicle noise, can then be used by local police to identify and fine drivers.

According to the RAC, trials have already taken place in

Bradford, Great Yarmouth, Birmingham and South Gloucestershire, near Bristol.

A third (34%) of those who took part in the RAC study said they regularly hear loud revving engines or excessively loud exhausts.

The number was highest in London (47%) and Wales and Scotland (40%). Half of all drivers (51%) questioned said they occasionally hear one or more vehicles with particularly loud exhausts.

The government estimates the annual social cost of urban road noise, including lost productivity from sleep disturbance and health costs, is between £7-10bn, equivalent to the cost of road traffic accidents.

RAC head of policy Simon Williams said: “Our research

with drivers shows there is a very strong desire to put an end to the scourge of excessively noisy vehicles that disturb the peace all around the country.

“It’s plain wrong that those who have fitted their cars with modified exhausts, some motorbike riders and supercar owners can currently just get

away with making an unacceptable amount of noise. Fortunately, the Department for Transport’s recent noise camera trials may provide the solution. We hope the findings are positive and that the technology can be quickly and costefficiently rolled out to the worst affected areas.”

Puzzle solutions (from pages 34-35)

Brain chain (hard)

Edition 23