The Salisbury & Avon Gazette (31/10/2022)

Charity heading for Chelsea with big plans to create a design for everyone

A SALISBURY-based national charity heading to the 2023 RHS Chelsea Flower Show. Horatio’s Garden, which creates and nurtures accessible gardens in NHS spinal injury centres, will create its first Main Avenue garden at next year’s event.

Charlotte Harris and Hugo Bugg of award-winning landscape designers Harris Bugg Studio will design the garden, which is sponsored by Project Giving Back.

A spokesperson for the charity said the vision for the garden is of a beautiful, immersive, restorative haventhe antithesis of a busy, clinical hospital environment.

“It is designed to give visitors to Chelsea Flower Show a sense of the hope and transformative effect having access to a Horatio’s Garden can have when coming to terms with a devastating and traumatic spinal injury,” they added.

“The garden is designed with the requirements of people with mobility needs at its heart.

“The show garden will embody the special qualities found in all Horatio’s Gardens while incorporating influences from the Sheffield region, before

forming the nucleus of a new, permanent garden at the Princess Royal Spinal Injuries Centre in Sheffield. Also designed by Harris Bugg Studio, Horatio’s Garden Sheffield will be the eighth Horatio’s Garden, opening in 2024.”

Horatio’s Garden South West, designed by Cleve West, was the first garden opened by the charity in 2012 at the Duke of Cornwall Spinal Treatment Centre in Salisbury District Hospital.

Now, the charity is launching a capital appeal to raise the funds needed to create Horatio’s Garden Sheffield in 2024.

Olivia Chapple, founder and chair of trustees at Horatio’s Garden, said: “We are thrilled to be announcing our eighth garden is coming to Sheffield in 2024, where we know it will transform the lives of thousands of people.

“What better way of heralding this than showcasing the design at the worldrenowned RHS Chelsea Flower Show where Charlotte Harris and Hugo Bugg’s brilliant design will enable to us to share the important message that great design benefits the lives of everyone?”

Designer Charlotte said: “The mission of Horatio’s Garden really spoke to usgardens as restorative, lifechanging havens being the core purpose of the charity’s work.

“As designers, we believe everyone has the right to experience the benefits of nature and green space.

“Our design is about showing how meaningful, high-quality design can improve the lives of everyone in society and we want to show that functional and practical spaces do not need to compromise in terms of their beauty and aesthetics.”

For more details, log on to horatiosgarden.org.uk.

Extra week off for charity workers

A WILTSHIRE charity is closing its office for a week and giving staff extra paid leave to show its appreciation for their work during the pandemic.

Wessex Community Action will close between October 24 and 28 because chief executive Amber Skyring said she – and the charity’s trustees – felt it was the only way they could afford to reward staff for their efforts in such difficult times.

“This decision has been made to support the core staff who have been working through all the external challenges over the last two years,” Mrs Skyring said. The contribution that charities make to our communities and to wider society has been undeniable and the past couple of years have been hard –personally and professionally for everyone.”

The Salisbury charity, which works all over Wiltshire, supports smaller groups with training and guidance to help make them more resilient, represents the voluntary sector in dealings with council and health leaders and runs forums for small groups and charities to give them a stronger voice.

During the pandemic, it organised volunteers to deliver shopping and prescriptions for people sheltering in lockdowns, helped groups understand and implement changing guidance and provided support for those forced to switch their services online.

Mrs Skyring said staff all over the voluntary sector have been left exhausted by the efforts of the last two years.

“We have decided to close down to recognise the huge energy it requires to work in the charitable sector and our staff’s commitment to ensure continuation of services through the pandemic and lockdowns and beyond,” she added.

“The huge changes we have all encountered to ensure our services were accessible and that meant taking things digital and learning new ways of working without the funds to brings in skilled and experienced workers to help us do this – staff learnt on the job while juggling the increased workloads the pandemic brought.”

To find out more about the charity and its work with charities, visit its website at www.wessexcommunityaction.org.uk.

Charlotte Harris and Hugo Bugg of Harris Bugg Studio with Horatio’s Garden founder and chair of trustees, Dr Olivia Chapple, executive trustee Victoria Holton and trustee Catherine Burns pictured at RHS Chelsea Flower Show 2022 Picture: Lucy Shergold/Horatio’s Garden

Salisbury Repair Cafe celebrating three yearsand more than 500 jobs

SALISBURY’S Repair Café will be marking three years of making and mending at its next gathering.

Volunteer sewists, sparks, bike mechanics, crafters, bookbinders, bakers and more have carried out around 500 repairs since first uniting in 2019.

And they will be welcoming more items in need of some tender loving care at the Quench Salisbury community hub from 9.30am on Saturday, November 5.

“From the outset, Salisbury Repair Café (SRC) has served a need in the local community, with about 40 people on average bringing items for repair to each event,” said a spokesperson for the group.

“From clothing to children’s toys, bikes to books, jewellery to jet washers, SRC’s dedicated team have repaired an incredible 443 items for local people.”

On the first Saturday of each month, Quench Salisbury is transformed into a vibrant,

welcoming, and friendly hive of repairing activity with sewing machines, soldering irons and screwdrivers put to work fixing an unpredictable range of household items brought for repair.

Tea and cake is served by a team of hosts keeping both repairers and visitors going.

The November 5 event will be no different, organisers said, with one minor difference - at the end of the event, the volunteers will down tools for a shared ‘potluck lunch’ to reflect on three years of fixing and friendship.

A Wiltshire Council Area Board grant of £1,000 kickstarted the SRC journey but in return, volunteers have collectively given up more than 1,400 hours of their time to the community.

“Donations from the local

community help to sustain SRC’s running costs with any surplus given to local good causes,” the spokesperson added.

“In March, SRC donated £380 to the DEC Ukraine Appeal, after donating £100 to the local STARS appeal in August 2021. “Above all, SRC aims to serve the people of Salisbury and sometimes even further afield.”

One recent visitor, Pam Eaton, said she had travelled around 20 miles in the hope of securing a repair - successfully.

“It was lovely to meet you all and I am so pleased that my late mother’s chair is being repaired,” she said.

“I’ve told several friends in Pewsey about the wonderful café.”

Pam’s chair is being fixed by

skilled SRC sewist Karen Mawson, who said: “I initially started volunteering for environmental reasons, to help divert things from the bin, but an unexpected joy is being part of a devoted and warm team of volunteers, who either help people save money by their repairs or breathe new life into much loved possessions.

“I’ve learnt so much and really look forward to our monthly gatherings.”

SRC bade farewell to inspirational co-founder Benji Goehl last month after his move to Topsham in Devon.

The café is now under the stewardship of its remaining co-founder Jimmy Walker and Kathy Cininas, a longstanding volunteer organiser.

Kathy said: “As long as people in Salisbury have items that need fixing our team of volunteers will keep trying to help them.

“If you want to join our family of fixers and friends, email me at info@ salisburyrepaircafe.org.”

Political debate is welcome at Salisbury’s Democracy Café

THE Democracy Café has been running for approximately the past five years and is becoming an established part of the local political scene. It is held on the second Saturday of every month at 29 Brown Street, starting at 10am and finishing at noon.

It is open to everyone. The idea is for participants to suggest topics and after a vote, one, sometimes two, are selected and then debated.

Lively discussions have included whether we need a monarchy; how the

prime minister is appointed; do we need a written constitution and what are the prospects for a united Ireland? The café is one of the projects started by the Salisbury Democracy Alliance.

Another of the Alliance’s projects is ongoing work to establish a citizen’s jury in Salisbury. The jury’s role would be to try and improve the standard of decision making locally and to involve people in those decisions.

In May this year, the Alliance, working alongside the Salisbury RSA Fellows

Network (The Royal Society for Arts, Manufactures and Commerce), held its first ever ‘Talkshop’, which proved a highly successful and well-attended event.

This resulted in the formation of the Eco Hub which is becoming established in the city.

The Hub aims to provide a space in central Salisbury that contains resources that serve to inform and educate people about the climate crisis and what we can do about it. Attendance is free and the next meeting is on November 10.

Social supermarket appeal for help in meeting rising cost of living demand

A SOCIAL supermarket in Salisbury is appealing for help to increase supplies as demand grows. The Salisbury Pantry offers access to low-cost donated, grant-funded and redistributed food to people finding rising costs difficult to manage as the cost-of-living crisis continues.

Managed by Salisbury City Council’s Communities Team, the shop opened in Catherine Street in April 2021 and for the first six months was providing around 35 to 45 households a week with a low-cost shop. Pantry members pay £5 for their shop and their shop is worth an average of £20 to £30.

Since opening, demand has consistently grown and the pantry manager, communities team and volunteers have worked to find new food sources to keep up with the number of new members.

In September 2022, the Pantry has seen the same sort of increased demand that has been experienced by food projects and food banks nationally, and is now seeing around 90 members shopping per week. However, the Pantry has now been forced to pause new membership, as it seeks to boost food supplies in order to provide enough people with items.

Sarah Gregson, communities manager at the city council, said:

“The good news is that we have been able to help support 649 people in the last month, including 283 children.

“It is a privilege to support all those people in balancing the demands on their income and now we need to rise to the real challenge of keeping up with demand.”

The team is now aiming to increase supplies and the number of volunteers to help provide the scheme and has called on Salisbury residents to step up.

“Your Salisbury Pantry is putting a call out to the residents and businesses to work with us to extend the capacity of the Pantry this winter,” a spokesperson added.

“If you can help us with a food collection or donation in your area or place of work, please get in touch.”

Meanwhile, anyone who would like to join a pool of volunteer drivers, collecting food from across the city, can emailsalisburypantry@salisburycitycouncil.gov.uk or call 01722 417100.

The service has seen demand grow rapidly

Picture: Canva

Salisbury properties raided during operation to tackle county lines drug dealing

POLICE raided properties in Salisbury as part of a national crackdown on drug dealing.

Forces across the country shut down 172 County Lines - which see properties and people used to distribute drugs in rural communities - during a week-long national operation.

In Wiltshire, eight people were arrested, more than a £1,000 in cash recovered, £500 worth of drugs seized, and three County Lines disrupted during the operation, which ran from 3-9th October.

Officers from Wiltshire Police’s Fortitude Team were supported by officers and staff from Community Neighbourhood Teams and the Roads Policing Unit. A total of seven warrants were carried out on a number of properties in Swindon, Chippenham and Salisbury.

Eight arrests were made; six men and two juveniles aged between 16 and 52 years-old were arrested on suspicion of being concerned in the supply of Class A drugs. Three were released on conditional bail, four were Released Under Investigation (RUI’d) and a 20-year-old man from Bristol was remanded in custody.

Meanwhile, a total of £1200 in cash was seized, two knives, a home-made spear and a machete

were seized, approximately 23 wraps of drugs (heroin and cocaine) seized, as well as designer clothes and two vehicles.

Detective Inspector Sarah Champion, who led the operation, said: “Working with colleagues from other areas of policing as well as partners is a good example of successful collaboration where we are all committed to tackling County Lines and those criminals involved, as well as protecting those at risk of being exploited by unscrupulous these gangs.

“We know that the public have real concerns about the impact of County Lines in our towns, in our communities; however, I hope people are reassured by our ongoing efforts and the hard work by officers and staff across the Force in tackling this type of organised criminality.

“Not only are these criminals selling drugs to vulnerable drug

users, creating a cycle of misery and knock-on criminality, but this directly impacts our communities.

“Our work will always continue against the distribution of drugs in our county. However, we can’t be everywhere and we need the public’s help to report any suspicious activity in their neighbourhood.

“I would urge anyone who suspects drug gangs operating in their area to contact us.”

PCC Phil Wilkinson said: “Communities are destroyed by drug-related crime and antisocial behaviour, not to mention the impact this has on vulnerable people who end up being used by criminal gangs –the knock-on effects of drug dealers in communities can make life unbearable.

“Listening to residents’ concerns was key in the strategic focus given in my police and crime plan. Wiltshire Police will continue to disrupt drug supplies, robustly deal with criminals and rid our streets of drugs.”

If you suspect a crime or believe someone is being exploited, contact police on 101, report it online via the Wiltshire Police website or phone 999 in an emergency.

You can also report anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Work begins to repair damaged Poultry Cross

WORK to repair the damaged Poultry Cross in Salisbury was set to begin at the end of October.

Salisbury City Council has been given permission to carry out repairs by Historic England, with work due to get underway from Monday, 24th October.

It comes after damage to the landmark in May 2022 when a car crashed into it.

A city council spokesperson said: “The talented stone masons

from Salisbury Cathedral will dismantle and rebuild the south buttress, which contains the damaged area.

“During dismantling, individual stones will be recorded and those that are undamaged or can be restored will be numbered and used in the rebuild.

“The materials we use will be a traditional lime mortar as well as a heritage lime gravity poured grout.”

The cross was damanged in a car crash earlier this year

Picture: Google

The city council team will oversee the repair work, the spokesperson added.

Get online and try one thing

PEOPLE are being urged to ‘try one thing’ online as part of a special week-long initiative Wiltshire Council library staff have created a ‘Try One Thing’ bingo challenge sheet to encourage people to become more confident online by completing a range of tasks during Get Online Week.

Get Online Week, which runs from October 17 to 23, is a celebration of digital inclusion organised by the Good Things Foundation that inspires people to do more online and helps them learn how.

The theme this year is Try one thing.

Cllr Ian Blair-Pilling, cabinet member for libraries, said: “Wiltshire Council is committed to empowering people to live full, healthy and enriched lives and having the ability and confidence to access information and services online is an important part of enabling people to do this.

“All Wiltshire Libraries offer free access to WiFi, computers and scanners and charge a small fee for printing.

“Our larger libraries also offer ‘Tech made simple’ digital support appointments to help people to gain confidence using the library computers and their own devices.

“I would encourage people of all ages to book one of these free appointments.”

For those already online and wanting to try something new, there are also a range of online services, such as Ancestry and eBooks, eAudiobooks and eMagazines, which can be accessed by library members.

In 2021/22, 154,233 library eBooks, eAudiobooks and eMagazines were downloaded.

Contact your local library or visit the Wiltshire Council website to find out more about the computer access, online services and Get Online Week activities provided by Wiltshire Libraries atwww.wiltshire.gov. uk/libraries.

Salvation Army launches Christmas gift appeal

NOW in its 35th year, the Salvation Army is again coordinating a gift appeal that aims to provide appropriate presents for people who would otherwise struggle at Christmas.

With the current uncertain economic climate and rising living costs, the charity expects the identified need to be more widespread than ever this year.

The Salvation Army Church and community hub on Salt Lane is the focal point for the collection. Members of the public are invited to leave new unwrapped gifts for the charity to distribute in the community, perhaps making Christmas special for people who are facing financial hardship or loneliness.

“We are so blessed to be at the heart of such a kind and thoughtful area,” said Captain Martin Davison, leader of

Salisbury Salvation Army. “Each year that we have run this effort, we never fail to be surprised by how generous folk are, even children seem to understand that giving a small gift for another young person will make their Christmas better.”

How you can help

From November, the doors of Salisbury Salvation Army will be open from 10am until 2pm from Monday through to Saturday for new gifts to be left. If you are unsure what to purchase, the charity is happy to accept cash donations so they can buy the items that are appropriate to who they are supporting.

Gifts for more mature members of the community are also welcome as the Church tries to also support people living alone or in difficult

How to protect your home from care costs

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

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

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

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

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

To protect your home, contact Oakwood Wills on 07832 331594

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

Chris Tennant, Oakwood Wills

circumstances. Items of nonperishable food are also needed, especially the kind that can make Christmas special like sweets and biscuits.

“We are so grateful to the health visitors, family workers, social workers and housing officers who help us identify those people who most need support. These kind and dedicated people collect the donated items from us and take them to their client’s homes discreetly so that they can have some Christmas cheer and perhaps get a lift and some joy at this special time of year,” added Captain Martin.

The Charity abides by strict codes of safeguarding so that the donated gifts are only distributed by people who are employed by the local authority or health service to protect the

Many people and good causes have supported the gift appeal in recent years.

identity of the recipients. The doors of the Salvation Army remain open for donations until Christmas Eve.

Referendum approves Laverstock and Ford neighbourhood plan

THE Laverstock & Ford Communities ‘Neighbourhood Plan’ Parish Referendum was held Thursday, October 13.

The referendum asked residents of Laverstock & Ford the question: ‘Do you want Wiltshire Council to use the communities neighbourhood plan for Laverstock and Ford to help it decide future planning applications in the neighbourhood area?’.

The following day Caroline Rudland, the deputy counting officer, gave notice that the number of votes recorded at the referendum was: 801 votes for and 124 against, equating to 12.7% turn out.

On the same day (Friday, October 14) Michael Kilminster the neighbourhood planning manager for Wiltshire Council, also announced: “Following an independent examination and a positive referendum result, Wiltshire Council has decided on 14th October 2022 pursuant to section 38A (4) of the Planning and Compulsory Purchase Act 2004, to ‘make’ the Laverstock and Ford Communities Neighbourhood Plan (the ‘Plan’)”.

He clarified that this plan now forms part of the Development Plan and its policies will be given full weight when assessing planning applications that affect

land covered by that Plan.

Nick Baker, chair of the Laverstock & Ford Parish Council, said of the result: “This is the culmination of over five years of work and I am very grateful to all of the councillors, members of the steering group and staff who have enabled the local community to make its voice heard on the future for development within our community.

“This plan recognises the need for more good quality, environmentally sustainable homes, but also the importance of balancing this with the protection of landscape and green spaces which characterise our beautiful parish and the provision of the essential facilities which make successful communities.

“The strong support for the plan is a clear democratic mandate against inappropriate developments such as the proposed 135 houses on Church Road in Laverstock.”

Introduced through the Localism Act 2011, Neighbourhood Planning gives communities direct power to develop a shared vision for their neighbourhood and shape the development and growth of their local area.

Vic Bussereau, Neighbourhood Plan Steering

Group lead, said: “This result is great news for the Parish and is the successful conclusion to work done by the steering group in guiding the draft through the various stages of the planning process.”

Wiltshire Councillor Ian McLennan, who was present to witness the vote count, added: “This result is a credit to the team of local residents, who have given much of their time, to undertake this vast and now successful mission.”

Cllr Ian McDonald, who was a member of the Neighbourhood Planning steering committee, added: “Creating the Neighbourhood Plan has been a long and complex process. Now the work begins to apply it in the planning and development debates that will follow in the coming years.”

Across Wiltshire, many town and parish councils are developing neighbourhood plans to ensure the character and assets of their communities are not lost.

From preserving much needed open spaces and historic sites, to simply ensuring that development is balanced and sustainable.

Shaping the places where we live into safer, supportive communities with a strong sense of identity and ownership.

The referendum version of

the plan can be viewed online at: https://www.wiltshire.gov.uk/ media/9784/Laverstock-andFord-Communi- ties-DraftNeighbourhood-PlanReferendum-Version/pdf/ Laverstock_and_Ford_Communities_NP_Referendum_ Version. pdf?m=637979855237330000

Returning officer Caroline Rudland holds the official notice of the vote count

The Laverstock & Ford vote count in progress

Win a £250 Lidl shopping spree!

YOUR new Salisbury & Avon Gazette is giving away another £250 of supermarket vouchers - and here is how YOU can win.

As the cost-of-living crisis continues to bite, you could scoop vouchers to spend with supermarket giant, Lidl.

To be in with a chance of winning, all you need to do is answer the question on the form opposite, and make sure your entry reaches us before midnight on November 14, 2022.

The question is: Which of these is not a famous Salisbury landmark? Stonehenge, Woodhenge, or Brasshenge?

There are three ways you can put yourself in with a chance of scooping the vouchers.

1. You can complete the form opposite and post it at our special box at Lidl, in Hatches Lane, Salisbury.

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One winner will be chosen at random to win £250 in vouchers as part of the total £500 giveaway.

Terms and conditions: Entrants must be over 18 years of age. Entrants must be UK residents. No purchase necessary. Prize subject to availability with no cash alternative offered. Only one entry per person will be accepted. The Salisbury & Avon Gazette’s decision is final. Entries close at midnight on November 14, 2022.

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Plans for improved services include potential sites for new police station

PLANS for a potential new police station in Salisbury will be discussed at a meeting.

Wiltshire Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC), Philip Wilkinson, pictured, and Chief Constable Kier Pritchard will host a panel of senior police officers and executives to discuss improved policing services for the south of the county.

The event takes place on Monday, October 31, from 7pm to 8.30pm at Salisbury Guildhall.

The plans include a potential new police station in Salisbury.

Earlier this year, Mr Wilkinson announced work to deliver an improved policing service in the Salisbury area, which included a new station, had taken a step forward with possible locations and solutions actively being explored.

This followed an operational review the previous year which revealed that the current

Salisbury base at Bourne Hill was unfit for purpose in its current format.

“We know to provide Salisbury and the south with the police service they want, and deserve, will require compromise somewhere, be that location, configuration or simply balancing operational policing guidance with the city’s aspirations and the finances available to me,” he said.

“Both the Chief Constable and I want Salisbury’s communities to have officers who are able to operate effectively, with the ability of neighbourhood policing teams to be more visible and accessible to the public and we will work together to deliver this.”

The Guildhall event provides

an opportunity for the commissioner to update residents and other interested parties on the plans and to allow discussion to take place.

Taking part alongside the commissioner and chief constable will be Acting Chief Constable David Minty, Wiltshire Police and OPCC Chief Finance Officer Clive Barker and Wiltshire Police Superintendent Liz Coles.

A number of options have been discussed, including:

• Refurbishment of the existing Bourne Hill station – which is not considered an optimal solution due to the lack of space and because the earlier review had already determined it was unfit for future use.

• A smaller community hub on land at the back of Wilton Road – not considered an optimal solution due to the nature of the education

establishment being delivered there.

• A new purpose-built policing hub at High Post, which would service the south of the county. This solution is being considered both with, and without, a custody suite attached. As part of this solution, enquiry office-style shops would be utilised in both Salisbury and Amesbury to provide a police front desk and used as touchdown points for officers.

To register to attend the event, which has 200 places available, visit https://www.wiltshire-pcc. gov.uk/your-pcc/what-i-do/ make-decisions/estates/safersouth-wilts/.

The event will also be live streamed via Wiltshire PCC’s digital channels and a recording made available. To submit a question via email, contact pcc-consultation@wiltshire. police.uk.

For your chance to win this super Salisbury & Avon Gazette competition, simply answer the question overleaf correctly, and post your completed entry to our office or in-store, or enter online! (One winner will be chosen at random)

Gritters gear up for colder weather

AUTUMN is officially here and the temperatures has taken a plunge – but Wiltshire’s gritters are ready.

Wiltshire Council’s winter maintenance teams are gearing up for the colder weather by taking the gritters out on test runs in the coming weeks.

Some of the council’s fleet of 24 gritters are set to be taken out across the county from October 25 to test that the equipment is in working order and to enable the crews to familiarise themselves with the routes. Equipment is normally deployed when the

road temperatures require them, with salting taking place whenever road temperatures near freezing.

Last year, crews were deployed 41 times and distributed 5,000 tonnes of salt across approximately 730 miles of A and B roads.

Salt is usually used on roads after the evening peak of traffic or before the morning rush, because late evening and early morning are the most likely times that frost and ice affect road surfaces.

All key routes in Wiltshire receive precautionary salting when ice is forecast,

including motorways, trunk roads and class A and B roads.

Cllr Dr Mark McClelland, cabinet member for transport and Street Scene, said: “Our winter maintenance team is ready to help keep residents and road users safe across Wiltshire during the colder months.

“The team provides a vital service, often is difficult conditions, so it is vitally important that we carry out these test runs to ensure that everything will run smoothly as and when the teams are called upon.”

Winter opening at recycling centres

RECYCLING centres in Wiltshire will be switching to winter opening hours next month – seeing them open an hour later.

Wiltshire Council is advising residents that from November 1, the opening hours of all 10 of the centres will change to from 9am to 10am through to 4pm on the days they are open.

In Salisbury, Trowbridge and Stanton St Quinton, the Household Recycling Centres (HRC) will also be closed for an additional day a week, which means they will not be

operating on Thursdays and Fridays. The opening days of the other centres will remain as they are.

The temporary changes take account of reduced HRC usage over the winter months and will last until March 31.

Cllr Dr Mark McClelland, Wiltshire Council cabinet member for waste, said: “Our HRCs will continue to be available to assist and encourage people to recycle as much as possible right through the coming months, albeit on slightly different opening hours.

“In providing the HRCs we support residents to ensure Wiltshire is a place where we all take responsibility for the environment, as outlined in our Business Plan.”

In 2021/22, the council diverted more than 176,000 tonnes of people’s household waste from landfill, which is more than 81% of the 217,389 tonnes of household waste that was managed overall.

Details of the HRC opening hours can be found at www.wiltshire.gov.uk/householdrecycling-centre-locations.

Avlaki’s Accidental Olive Oils

Deborah MacMillan and I didn’t intend to be olive farmers when we bought a small ruin on a seaside grove on Lesvos Island, Greece to restore as an escape from London. (Deborah is a painter and the widow of choreographer Kenneth MacMillan looking after his ballets with major companies around the world. I was presenting weekly broadcasts for BBC Radio.)

Every parcel of land on Lesvos is planted with olive trees: 11 million they say; we found ourselves with 1400. All pretty tired and the land starved of care. When we set to as good gardeners, the trees responded miraculously, making an excellent oil.

Lesvos oils are exceptionally light textured, never overwhelming other ingredients, so we realised they were perfect for the British palate IF you’re interested in good food! Thus started Avlaki Superb Organic Olive Oils.

Now joined by AVLAKI’s Organic OliveOil Soaps.

How to tell a good oil? The best sadly is in the olive still on the tree.

After that only ‘Extra Virgin’ comes from top quality fruit, picked and milled within 24 hours and tested for the proper taste and smell by a panel of oil experts.

which we keep separate as they have individual characteristics. Mountain grown ‘Agatherí’ is light textured with complex afternotes; lowland ‘Avlaki’ is buttery and creamy. Our 3rd oil

‘Lesvos’ is a mix of produce from colleagues - excellent for all culinary uses.

All AVLAKI’s oils are verified ‘Extra Virgin’ and certified ‘Organic’ from tree to bottle.

Most important: we only harvest in one month, December, when the fruit is

at its optimum for quality and taste. The milled oils then go straight into airtight containers.

AVLAKI keeps the true taste of the olive in their olive oils.

Buy online at www.oliveoilavlaki.com

Natalie Wheen

Avlaki looking towards the port

Community grants are giving young disadvantaged entrepreneurs a boost

GRANTS of up to £2,000 to help young people from disadvantaged backgrounds start their own business are available through Wiltshire Community Foundation’s South West Enterprise Fund.

The foundation has partnered with businessman Nick Robinson and Giles Samallwood to launch the fund, which offers young entrepreneurs aged 18 to 30 the grants to help with buying equipment or pay businessrelated rent or bills.

Applicants, who must live in Swindon or Wiltshire and either be about to start a business within six months or have been trading for less than two years, have to present a business plan and answer questions about their ambitions at an interview.

Mr Robinson approached the community foundation with the idea after he realised that although there is a lot of support and advice for young people trying to launch their first venture, there is virtually nowhere to get the cash injection they often need.

“We’ve both set up businesses; I set up mine when I was almost 30 and had saved up to prepare for that,” he said. “That gave us the confidence and enabled us to buy the kit we needed. We are not looking to support the next genius healthcare app, we just want to support young people who are setting up straightforward

businesses or to help them buy a piece of equipment.”

The founders have been impressed by the applications received so far. “It’s inspiring to see all of the different businesses being proposed and hearing their plans is a really fun part of the process,” said Mr Robinson.

The fund has already supported a number of businesses, including interior designer Hania Southwell, awarded £990 for design software. “It’s a huge help. I can work much more quickly with the software and with kitchens you really need it to price them up as you go,” she said.

She found the interview process enjoyable and was delighted to learn she had been awarded a grant. “I was very excited to get the grant and it means I don’t have to worry about paying the bills to begin with. It will help set me on the right path,” she said.

The 29-year-old, who owns HLS Design in Salisbury, said grant has boosted her confidence. “It was reassuring to get the money because you definitely get moments of doubt when you are almost down to the zeros on your bank balance and you question whether you are okay at doing this,” she said.

Tiger Watts has been awarded £2,000 for a new camera and laptop as she makes her way as a freelance film photographer. The 23-year-old, who graduated last year from the London Film Academy, has found work taking behind the scenes pictures and publicity stills of the cast on three short films and a feature film.

“I wasn’t sure if it was something they would invest in but they were really interested and encouraging and I was so thrilled to get the grant,” she said.

“It’s nice to see how many people around me are encouraging me and now succeeding in the job feels like it’s a real possibility so I’m going to aim for it as hard as I can. There’s more production companies willing to take people on than there’s ever been. There’s still a lot of competition but it is promising and I feel confident.”

Wiltshire Community Foundation joint chief executive Fiona Oliver said the fund is an example of the foundation’s ability to shape a grant programme to meet the needs of a donor: “Nick and Giles had a very specific goal and we are delighted we were able to work with them to design something that suited their needs,” she said.

“It’s wonderful that they have put their faith in us to find some fantastic young people for whom this is exactly the boost they need. We have already funded some brilliant businesses and we look forward to watching them blossom.”

To find out more, go to wiltshirecf.org.uk/grants-andsupport/individuals or call 01380 729284.

Hania Southwell was awarded for software to help her design business

Tiger Watts has been awarded £2,000 for a new camera and laptop

Noonans Auctioneers of Mayfair are back in Shaftesbury...

Specialist London Auctioneers, Noonans of Mayfair, will be returning to Shaftesbury for their next FREE

DAY at the Shaftesbury Arts Centre, giving local people the chance to get an up-to-date valuation on their Jewellery, Watches, Coins, Medals and Banknotes.

Frances Noble, Head of Jewellery and Associate Director: “We are delighted to be returning to beautiful Shaftesbury. As market leaders in our specialist fields, our experts having unrivalled experience on all aspects of medals, numismatics, paper money, tokens, ancient, antique and modern jewellery, wristwatches and pocket watches. Our monthly visits to Shaftesbury give the opportunity to personally meet members of our team, have a coffee and a chat, and to consign to our forthcoming London auctions.

The current auction market is going from strength to strength. Recent highlights of jewellery and watches consigned through our Shaftesbury Valuation days include a stunning Cartier aquamarine cocktail ring,

circa 1940, complete with its original pencil and watercolour design on waxed paper, with the impressed Cartier stamp, designed for the vendor of the ring back in the 1940s; This beautiful ring sold at our Mayfair auction rooms for the hammer price of £20,000. Also consigned locally, a lady’s Rolex gold automatic wristwatch, circa 1996, with its original red leather and tapestry inset presentation box, selling for £3600.

Do take this opportunity to visit us at the Arts Centre for a free no obligation valuation - your pieces may be worth more than you think.!”

Noonans specialists will be at Shaftesbury Arts Centre, Bell Street, SP7 8AR on Thursday 10th November 10am-2pm. Please ring 0207 016 1700 or email jewellery@noonans.co.uk for an appointment.

A lady’s gold Rolex automatic wristwatch with date and bracelet, Ref. 69178, Datejust, circa 1996.

Sold 14 Sept 21, £20,000

An Art Deco aquamarine cocktail ring by Cartier, circa 1940. Sold 14 Sept

£3,600

Salisbury Cathedral picks up top tourism accolade

The ancient pub embracing modern ways

Words and photo by Tristan Ovington

SALISBURY Cathedral has been handed a top accolade by a national tourism body.

VisitEngland has announced winners of its 2021/22 Visitor Attraction Accolades, judged during Quality Scheme assessments by inspectors.

The cathedral was handed a ‘Best Told Story’ accolade for the quality and diversity of the experience on offer.

It came following a major revamp of the cathedral’s interpretation display, undertaken in 2021 during lockdown with support from the Culture Recovery Fund, a fund set up to help the visitor economy recover from the impact of the pandemic.

The interpretation project, commissioned in autumn 2020, was led by Dr Polly Richards, an interpretation and masterplanning consultant, and was implemented by staff with support from volunteer guides.

The changes focused on the main Cathedral floor experience, ensuring the Cathedral and Christian stories were shared

engagingly and inclusively. New objects and archive materials were introduced, and new signage including videos accessed by QR codes, commissioned.

Jane Morgan, director of external relations and visitor experience, said: “We are thrilled that the work undertaken by Polly and our team has been recognised by VisitEngland. Heritage buildings like the cathedral are an important part of our region’s history, in particular here in Salisbury, where it is woven into the city’s story and has its roots in Old Sarum.

“The hardest thing is moulding that rich seam of information into interpretation that is concise and accessible. It has certainly been well received by our visitors.”

VisitEngland director, Andrew Stokes, said: “It’s so exciting to see our brilliant attractions providing outstanding experiences for visitors and to recognise and showcase the variety and quality across the country.

“England has unmissable visitor attractions and experiences that deliver world-class customer service.

“They also provide the warmest of welcomes and unforgettable storytelling that connects the whole experience, including retail and food and drink offers that exceed expectations.”

Introduced in 2014, the accolades are available to VisitEngland’s Visitor Attraction Quality Scheme participants across a wide range of tourism experiences in England from museums and galleries, farm attractions, historic houses and gardens to churches, cathedrals and country parks.

Attractions are supported by a network of highly trained and experienced assessors who advise them on improving and promoting the quality, accessibility and sustainability of their offer.

The Winchester Gate has come out of lockdown in good health, according to manager, Jamie Lillycrop. “Lockdown was both devastating and a blessing for us.

In November, we managed to get a portion of the money from the Cultural Recovery Fund. This money allowed us to build the tent stage at the back of the pub.”

Customers described the pub opening up again as “feeling like they were returning home”.

“The Winchester Gate is important for people because some guests don’t come to buy alcohol, just to chat. One guy comes every Friday and says we are the only people he speaks to all day.”

Change is important for Jamie. “We recently swapped the cocktail machine for two craft ale taps. As a pub, you must look at what people are drinking and adjust what you offer.”

On the business front, Jamie has embraced the need to diversify to meet the needs of customers. “We have been able to tap into a whole different market for children to help guests see that a pub can be a family-friendly environment. That’s why we have artists like Rock The Tots who specialise in gigs for kids.”

So what does the future hold?

“The Winchester Gate has been a pub since 1654, but we need to be accessible for today’s market. We are always looking to host more diverse acts and to make people of any age feel welcome. And we have a lot planned for Christmas.”

Salisbury Cathedral and inset, Andrew Stokes of VisitEngland Picture: Salisbury Cathedral

Man of steel works industrial look into custom-made interior design

JAMS Interiors is an interior design shop offering custommade metal lamps, reupholstered antique furniture and vintage antique prints. The owner Andrew Parker opened JAMS on January 15th, 2022.

But where did the name JAMS come from? “J.A.M.S uses the first initial of each of my family: J for my youngest daughter Jade, A for me, M for my eldest daughter Michaela; and S is my wife, Sarah.”

Andrew’s professional background gave him the idea for starting a business: “I was a steel fabricator for 30 years. Roughly 10 years ago, I noticed the industrial look was gaining in popularity and so I started restoring vintage industrial items, which were very familiar to me because of the mostly metal construction.

“I started selling my work at vintage markets, mainly in the London area, before moving on to exhibitions such as Grand Designs Live and the Ideal Home Show.

“At these markets, Lawrence Llewelyn-Bowen and Kevin McCloud came to see what we offered and were both impressed. When the lockdown ended last year, we decided to look for a permanent base and open a shop.”

JAMS stocks Andrew’s items along with a selection from other producers in the area:

“There are a few items from other local makers and some affordable art, most of which is street-art style or vintage movie posters. One of the most popular prints I have had is a limited edition of 100 titled The Curve Of Your Lips Rewrite History. It has hidden images of strong women in the design, such as Frida Kahlo, Marie Curie, and Jessica Ennis.

“I have had three of these prints, all sold within a week of displaying, and we sold each to a mother buying a present for their daughters who were either finishing university or starting a new career. Each of the mothers told me how much their daughter loved the gift.”

Andrew remembers the most explosive item he ever created.

“A few years ago, a couple of antique dealers travelled to the UK with a truck full of items. I purchased two spent bombshells from them and made a one-off pair of lamps. They looked very striking and were so rare and unique that I will never have anything like that to work with again.”

And Andrew is keen to work with other businesses in the local area to create a community shopping experience. “We hope to collaborate with other

Winchester Street businesses over Christmas to help promote the area. Keep an eye out for updates on Instagram @ winchesterstindies.” jamsinteriors.co.uk

Local MP opens new offices for car lease specialists

Car lease specialists Wessex Fleet has moved into its brand new office space on Milford Street, Salisbury. The office space was officially opened by Salisbury’s MP John Glen. The location brings the business closer to the local community and provides its staff with a better environment in which to work.

The office itself has recently undergone extensive refurbishment and has been designed with input from the company itself so that it works for all of its

departments as well as its hybrid working solution which currently offers 30 hotdesking workstations.

There are two full sized meeting rooms for both internal and client meetings and new kitchen and break out areas where employees can eat their lunch and relax.

The business has focused on becoming more sustainable and reducing its environmental footprint and the move has allowed it to implement a number of ideas that will help reduce its emissions.

Wessex Fleet director Tim McNally said of the office move: “We’re delighted to have moved to an office that brings the whole team together in a very professional environment.

“Being located centrally means we can feel much more a part of the city as well as reducing our environmental footprint through better transport links whilst also being able to take advantage of the many amenities and services Salisbury’s city centre has to offer.”

Words and photos Tristan Ovington

Andrew started out by restoring vintage industrial items,

Captivating worlds of wonder on draw the attention on Crane Street

Words and photo by Tristan Ovington

ANYONE who passes Captive Worlds on Crane Street, Salisbury, would need to pause to marvel at the gallery-like window display.

Various beautiful and exotic plants are arranged in their slick glass terrariums. All plants are displayed in an aesthetically pleasing, minimalistic style, placed on a simple teak table in the front window. It is easy to see that this is shop owner John Arnold’s passion.

Remembering how it all started, John says: “To be honest, my house was getting too full up with fish tanks,” he admits with a laugh. “Then, when the pandemic hit, my contract work as an IT engineer stopped.

“Like many people, this was a chance to sit back and think about things. So I thought I’d open a shop instead of doing a boring job I didn’t enjoy.”

But why terrariums and aquariums?

“I started with a basic aquarium and then got into aqua-scaping, which was developed by Takashi Amano in Japan, revolutionising how we put together the contents of aquariums.

“It’s all about the aesthetics of how you place wood, rocks and plants, aquatic soil, and fertilizer into the tank. Even, sometimes, CO2, depending on the plants. Once I got into this aesthetic, it all just sort of escalated!”

John offers many different accessories, such as crystals. “I have a friend with a shop in Glastonbury who specialises in crystals and jewellery.

“At Captive Worlds, we have pink quartz, fools gold, and many other crystals. Most of them look great as part of a landscape in a terrarium or as stand-alone ornaments.”

The customer base of Captive Worlds is always expanding. “People come from far and wide to visit us. We have had customers from all across the UK and Denmark, Germany, and

America. The American gentleman said he would send me some beautiful driftwood to use in my tanks. When I asked how much money he wanted, he said I could have them for free.

“I now do two Sunday morning workshops every month for groups of five which always get fully booked up. They are very popular, and everyone has a great time.

“I had a home education group of kids with parents who learnt a lot and enjoyed it. I show people how to create the landscape in the glass tank, and I make sure they create something beautiful to leave with.

“Creating a terrarium is a therapeutic and relaxing experience and the workshops are usually an hour and a half, though some finish more quickly than others. We are always running new workshops, and info can be found on our website.”

https://www.captiveworlds.co.uk/

Fraudster warnings over self-assessment tax returns

SELF ASSESSMENT

customers who are starting to think about their annual tax returns for the 2021 to 2022 tax year are being warned to guard against fraudsters.

HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) is warning people to lookout for scammers after responding to more than 180,000 referrals of suspicious contact in the 12 months to August 2022. Of those, almost 81,000 were scams offering fake tax rebates, the department said.

Criminals claiming to be from HMRC have targeted individuals by email, text and phone with their communications ranging from offering bogus tax rebates to threatening arrest for tax evasion, HMRC said. Contacts like these should sound alarm bells.

Fraudsters target customers when they know they are more

likely to be in contact with HMRC, the department said, which is why Self Assessment customers should be extra vigilant to this activity.

There is a risk they could be taken in by scam texts, emails or calls either offering a ‘refund’ or demanding unpaid tax, thinking that they are genuine HMRC communications referring to their Self Assessment return.

Customers who have not done a return previously might be tricked into clicking on links in these emails or texts and revealing personal or financial information to criminals.

Myrtle Lloyd, HMRC’s director general for customer services, said: “Never let yourself be rushed. If someone contacts you saying they’re from HMRC, wanting you to urgently transfer money or give personal

information, be on your guard. HMRC will never ring up threatening arrest. Only criminals do that.”

Anyone contacted by someone claiming to be from HMRC in a way that arouses suspicion is advised to take their time and check the advice on gov.uk. Customers can report any

suspicious activity to HMRC by forwarding suspicious texts claiming to be from HMRC to 60599 and emails to phishing@ hmrc.gov.uk.

Any tax scam phone calls can be reported to HMRC using the online form on gov.uk.

It’s all about the aesthetics at Captive Worlds

Care home takes possession of keys

Wilton Place is a step closer to opening after the keys to the building were handed over to general manager Antoinette by Colin Johnson, group operations director of Acheson, the company responsible for its construction.

Wilton Place is run by Barchester Healthcare, one of the UK’s largest care providers. It will provide residential and dementia care for 66 residents from respite care to long-term stays and is due to open to its first residents in December 2022.

Wilton Place has been specifically designed to provide high-quality elderly care, including residential care, as well as care and support for individuals living with dementia.

Its specialist Memory Lane Community utilises a careful blend of skills and techniques developed by leading experts in

the field of dementia care, incorporating person-centred design in its use of colour and cues to help individuals navigate through the home.

Thoughtful interior design features, such as specially adapted crockery and tableware, will assist with reminiscence. Communities will be broken up into small units with a family atmosphere so that people can feel safe and comfortable.

Services will be based on independence, dignity and choice, supported by a personcentred approach to care.

Staffing levels reflect needs and people living with dementia are offered a range of activities to help preserve life skills, support interactions and retain a sense of purpose and selfhood.

Antoinette described the moment as: “A very proud day for everyone involved.”

For information about open days and prices, contact Carol

Brewster 07747 248586 / 01722 656740

Salisbury Arts Centre café closed

FALLING numbers in a post-pandemic world will see a popular café in Salisbury close, it has been announced.

The cafe at Salisbury Arts Centre will shut on October 31, along with displays of visual arts and some classes which take place at the venue.

Wiltshire Creative, which runs the facility, said the decision was made ‘in light of the prevailing economic conditions and the ongoing impact of the Covid-19 pandemic’ and was taken after a review of the viability of all its activities.

It said: “To that end, for the foreseeable future, the café at Salisbury Arts Centre will cease its current operations effective as of October 31, 2022. In addition, the regular displays of visual arts and some classes will be suspended.

“Patrons should rest assured that all live performances at Salisbury Arts Centre will be unaffected by these changes, and the bar will operate as normal.”

Executive director of Wiltshire Creative, Sebastian Warrack, added: “No one wants to take decisions of this nature. However, these are necessary to ensure that Wiltshire Creative remains a resource for everyone now, and for generations to come.”

Wiltshire Creative, a registered charity, was formed from a merger in February 2018, combining the artistic outputs of Salisbury Playhouse, Salisbury International Arts Festival and Salisbury Arts Centre, and creating a cross-platform arts hub for the region.

“Since its creation, the company has faced a series of challenges – first the two Novichok incidents in March and June

The café at Salisbury Arts Centre will close

2018, then the global pandemic,” a spokesperson added.

“The combined impact has had a negative effect on audience attendance across the organisation, putting significant pressure on financial revenue.”

For more information on events at the Salisbury Arts Centre, log on to www. wiltshirecreative.co.uk/whats-on/salisburyarts-centre.

General manager, Antoinette, handed keys to the home by Colin Johnson, group operations director of Acheson

We should not have families living on the breadline in this day and age

I AM chair of Bemerton Heath Residents Association. With my disabilities, I had to give up work five years ago. So I turned my attention to becoming a voluntary support worker for the wider community.

Covid was hard, but so are the circumstances people find themselves in today. Families, whether single parents or couples, working or on benefits, are all struggling to pay their bills and pay for their shopping.

When I championed The Community Fridge at St. Michaels, Bemerton Heath, it was to help with food waste. Companies were throwing billions of pounds worth of food away. We received food from major supermarkets and from smaller shops.

Coming out of the Covid lockdown period, it had become an essential life line. Unfortunately, rules changed and we started to struggle to have enough food to cope with demand. The volunteers and Rvd Kevin Martin have been wonderful and are

number of families as is our pantry in the city centre.

The pantry came about through an initiative from Salisbury City Council which has seen a rise in residents using these facilities. The pantry’s officers and dedicated volunteers collect food to redistribute to those in need.

Recent events in parliament and with the budget will make things harder. Inflation is up, while wages and benefits are not tallying keeping pace. The rich are getting richer, and there is such a divide. We should not have families living on the breadline in this day and age. We should not have to rely on voluntary provisions like food banks and the pantry.

We vote for a government to govern, not play games with decisions that will affect every single one of us. If you are struggling, help is out there, please don’t suffer in silence. Look out for neighbours, friends and families as we all need to pull together to get through this.

It is unacceptable that people in our area need help of food banks to eat

LAST Tuesday, I visited the Salisbury Pantry, a membership initiative run by Salisbury City Council to provide affordable and nutritious food to local residents who are struggling to pay bills.

The Pantry is open each Tuesday from 10am, yet I often see the queues begin before 8am when I am doing the nursery run.

When I visited at 1pm, three hours after opening, the shelves were looking thin. It’s unacceptable that people in Salisbury need the support of such a scheme to afford basics: bread, fresh produce, cereal. It is heartbreaking to see baby formula on the shelves, knowing there are parents worrying about how they will feed their babies.

Many households in our community and across the country are struggling to cope with rising food and energy prices and turning to initiatives such as the Pantry to make ends meet. It has reached the point where the Trussell Trust has declared an emergency: for the first time ever they are now giving out more food than is being donated.

And while families struggle to buy school shoes, struggle to pay bills, and worry about the impending increase in their mortgage, the

latest iteration of Conservative government (at the time of writing) saw fit to remove the cap on bankers’ bonuses and scrap the 45p tax rate for top earners – before u-turning (again).

The ideological fanaticism of Liz Truss to free market economics sent our economy into a

tail-spin, with long-term and direct consequences for households in Salisbury, south Wiltshire and beyond.

One would have thought that such a catastrophe would focus Conservative MPs on finding a way to pull the economy out of this appalling nose dive. Instead, their solution is to downgrade the Cost of Living Crisis to a ‘Cost of Living Challenge’ and tell people that the next iteration of a budget, originally due to be published on October 31, will be delayed by another Conservative leadership contest.

How is it right in the 21st century that a tiny cabal of Tory party MPs and members –the same people who just months ago thought Liz Truss was the person for the job – will yet again decide on who leads the country?

While families and households across Salisbury and south Wiltshire wait to see who is going to have their turn next at running the country, I urge you to join me in donating to Salisbury Foodbank, to ensure that everyone in our town has the food they need.

At the same time, I urge you to push for a change of government, so that food banks become a thing of the past, not a vital part of our present.

Victoria Charleston Lib Dems Parliamentary Spokesperson for Salisbury Constituency

passionate in doing what they need to. Food banks are also dealing with an increasing

Cllr Jenny Bolwell Labour City Councillor for Fisherton Bemerton Ward

Top Treasury job for Salisbury MP

SAILISBURY MP John Glen has been appointed as Chief Secretary to the Treasury - one of the most senior positions in Number 11.

The Conservative, who was elected to Parliament in 2010, was an early and strong backer of Rishi Sunak as he campaigned to take over from Liz Truss, who resigned last week.

Mr Sunak has been unveiling his cabinet, which includes Jeremy Hunt as Chancellor, who will be Mr Glen’s direct boss at the Treasury.

Mr Glen said: “This is a tremendous honour and I recognise the enormous responsibility that comes with this position, particularly as I will now be attending Cabinet.

“Although I will be very focussed on my new role in the Treasury, I remain unwavering in my commitment to Salisbury and will continue maintain a

high level of engagement with constituents and the concerns they raise.”

The promotion is not his first role at the Treasury, as he was Economic Secretary to the Treasury from January 2018 to September 2021, and from September last year to July 2022 was a Minister of State (Economic Secretary).

Previously, between June 2017 and January 2018, Mr Glen was a junior minister at the Department for Culture, Media and Sport.

And prior to that, from July 2016 to June the following year, he was Parliamentary Private Secretary (PPS) to thenChancellor, Philip Hammond.

His new role will see the Salisbury MP responsible for public expenditure, including spending reviews and strategic planning, infrastructure spending, housing and planning and transport policy.

We Will Remember Them.

As the country builds up to November 11 – Armistice Day – all our thoughts turn to the sacrifices of those who have fought for our country.

From the First World War to the Falklands, the Battle of Britain to Baghdad and beyond, our Armed Forces are the best of us all.

Remembrance activities in the UK – and here in the South West – are led by the Royal British Legion.

The RBL supports the Armed Forces community in a myriad of ways, with hundreds of thousands of volunteers doing what they can to honour not only the fallen, but those still serving – and their families.

We want to show our respect, and give something back. Your Salisbury & Avon Gazette is publishing your messages to our Armed Forces.

For a donation of £10 or more – all of which will go to the RBL – we will publish your message of up to 25 words. It can be dedicated to one of The Fallen, a veteran, serving personnel or our brave forces in general.

“We are passionate about supporting our Armed Forces, as we know the people of Wiltshire are too,” said publisher David Armishaw.

“This is one way we can show our appreciation of those who take care of us each and every day – and we are proud to do so.”

Simply follow the instructions below to place your message, and we will remember them.

Remember them, and support the Royal British Legion

On November 14, the Salisbury & Avon Gazette will publish your messages of remembrance and dedications.

For a donation of £10 or more, your message will be published in our remembrance feature, in print and online, with all donations given in full to the Royal British Legion.

To place your message, up to a maximum of 25 words, please call 01963 400186 and place your message with Lizzie, or place it online at www.salisburyandavon.co.uk/remembrance

Salisbury MP John Glen

Picture: UK Parliament

Holistic education puts an emphasis on the whole child

FAMILIES looking for an holistic education environment for their young children are well accommodated in West Tytherley.

Nestled in a wooden cabin at Norman Court, Free Spirits offers education for early years children (aged three to five), home educated children (three to eleven) and primary school children during school holidays.

But what exactly is holistic education? “Holistic means the whole of something, and not just a part,” explained owner Gemma Gannon.

“Unlike traditional education – which prioritises academic achievement and children ‘keeping up’ with expected levels of development – holistic education seeks to develop children’s physical, social, emotional, moral, intellectual, artistic, spiritual and practical skills equally, i.e. the whole human being.”

Gemma, a Primary School and SEN Teacher for many years,

Letters

who is currently training to be a Steiner Waldorf teacher opened Free Spirits to provide natural learning experiences for up to 12 children per day.

“It will respect them as individuals, cater for all aspects of development and allow learning at each child’s pace through play and exploration in an aesthetically pleasing,

ergonomic environment. We teach manners as much as maths, reverence alongside reading and creativity over conformism.”

Fees for children aged three to four are covered by the LA free hours entitlement. Snacks and hot meals are chargeable.

For more information visit www.freespiritseducation.com/

Former student inspires SWGS speech day

SOUTH Wilts Grammar School students, parents and teachers gathered together in Salisbury Cathedral recently to celebrate its 94th Speech Day.

The event was a chance to celebrate the students’ achievements of the past year, both academic – GCSE and A Level results , including Exceptional Achievement Award in recognition of exceptional grades – and pastoral – commitment, progress and community –prizes were also given for subjects including

The Cathedral celebration had added significance this year because it was the first time that the school had been able to congregate there since events such as these were made impossible by COVID-19.

The evening event began with the school song being sung by its senior choir. There followed further performances including a hymn. It was a fitting venue with the Cathedral’s natural amplification and resonance helping the choir to showcase their talent.

FIRST, may I welcome your new publication. Having lived until 2014 in Shaftesbury we relied on the Blackmore Vale Magazine for much of our l ocal information.

Now as a resident of Salisbury, I would like to pose a question to your readers.

We have a remarkable representation of a Spitfire to commemorate the secret Spitfire workers of Salisbury, which is mounted on a post in the north east corner of the sports field at Hudson’s Field on the A345.

I drive past it regularly and I would really like an answer to

the following question: ‘Why was it placed where it is and facing in the direction that it does?’

It can really only be seen properly as one drives north on the road towards Old Sarum. Driving South, it is almost entirely hidden by a tree.

This means that this spectacular installation is really only well seen tail first which would seem entirely wrong !

I quite understand that relocating the Spitfire by moving it to the South, so that it is in the middle of the field boundary, where it could be

seen from both directions would be very expensive.

However, I wonder whether it would not be a good idea to turn the Spitfire round on its mounting so that it faces South. This would give passers-by a much better view of it.

Would anyone support a request to the council to consider making the change?

David Willoughby East Harnham

I would like to say that I enjoyed the first edition of the magazine – thank you.

Eileen

Headteacher, Mrs Chilcott, then highlighting and commended the hard work of all students over the past year, before special guest speaker. Emma Scrivener, entertained the audience with anecdotes from her own school days at the grammar school and her subsequent career path that led her to the Civil Service and her involvement with the government’s Covid taskforce during the pandemic, working with senior figures such as Professor Chris Whitty.

It was then time for celebrating the hard work of the students as prizes were awarded in each year group. An interlude during the prize giving was wonderfully filed with a violin recital from a Year 12 student. Well done all involved.

Flo the falcon on the roam, 90 miles from home and in the mood for love

FLO the Falcon, one of the peregrine chicks that fledged from the Cathedral tower in 2021, has been spotted 90 miles away from home as the crow flies, in Hertford, Hertfordshire.

British Trust for Ornithology (BTO) ringer, Nigel Jones contacted the Cathedral peregrine team to let them know that Flo (named for Florence Nightingale to mark the work of the NHS during the pandemic) had taken up residence on some prime real estate in the centre of the Hertfordshire county town.

Pictures of Flo captured on September 16th by Kevin Garrett and September 17th by Rose Newbold, plus a subsequent sighting by birdwatcher Tracey Burrows, all indicate that Flo has moved onto All Saints Church Tower. She was identified by her orange colour ring with the initials TND.

There were other potential sighting earlier in the year, in May, two miles down the road in the Lee Valley area.

According to local Hertfordshire BTO ringer Barry Trevis, Flo also has a mate and is the right age to start breeding. He has installed a nesting tray on the church to encourage the peregrine pair to settle. So, watch this space – or nest box

– maybe next year Flo the Falcon will lay her first clutch.

Flo’s mate is ringed with a metal ring but does not carry a colour ID ring. The metal rings are somewhat harder to read from afar.

This is not the first time Flo has been in the news. In 2021, her first attempt at fledging on June 6th ended with a crash landing in the Salisbury Museum café gardens. Luckily Kate Barker, one of the museum staff, called in the Cathedral Peregrine team – nature conservation adviser Phil Sheldrake and clerk of works Gary Price – and was on hand to photograph and film Flo’s ‘rescue’. The fledgling was duly returned to the tower balcony to start all over again.

Flo is not the only Cathedral peregrine to have been spotted ‘abroad’ in the last few years. In 2017 Peter (blue ID ring GX), who fledged in 2014, was discovered in a Hampshire quarry where he had established a nest and raised a number of chicks.

In the same year Aveline (blue ID ring SC), who fledged in 2016, was caught on camera by wildlife photographer and blogger Ashley Beolens around 80 miles as the crow flies from Salisbury, in Floodplain Forest Nature Reserve, Old Wolverton near Milton Keynes.

In April this year, Osmund (blue ID ring YK), who fledged in 2020, was spotted on the coast of Guernsey over 100 miles away from his birthplace in Salisbury.

Nigel Jones, who rings the Cathedral falcons, said: “It is great to see the colour ring system working so well. It allows us to discover where the fledglings go and whether they survive. Around 70% of young peregrines die in their first year, so every success story is welcome.”

The peregrines usually settle on the Cathedral’s south tower balcony around March, but are often in evidence during the winter months, just keeping an eye on things. So far, 27 chicks, including a once adopted orphan chick, have fledged from the tower since 2014, when the peregrines returned after an absence of just over 60 years.

Osmund, another of the Cathedral’s falcons was spotted in Guernsey, photo by Carl Jones

Flo in Hertford, Photo by Rose Newbold

‘Time to maintain hedgerow havens’

by Tria Stebbing

With the sheep happily grazing, it is time to turn our attention to the security and maintenance side of the field. We plan to keep the ewes on autumn grazing in the next village for as long as there is good grass. This gives us time to look carefully at the hedges in our own field. How boring…but it’s nice work in the wintery sun, and far better to have it sorted before the sheep come back. It is also a great social activity, and so many people stop to ask how to lay hedges.

Him indoors, or in our world ‘him outdoors’, has been working hard laying the hedges on our boundary. Hedgelaying is a craft that has been practised for hundreds of years. It allows the hedge to slowly increase in size and stay healthy, as well as providing a stock barrier and dense habitat for wildlife. If you see a hedge that looks as though it has been plaited or woven at the bottom rather than harshly cut across the top, the chances are that it has been laid. In different parts of the country there are even different styles of laying.

When you lay a hedge, you bend or partially cut through the shrubbery and arch the stems without breaking them so they can be intertwined, forming a dense base from which shoots

will form future height.

Pleaching is the term used to describe the partially cut stem, which is laid over. Sap will continue to rise through this small piece and will force the plant to regenerate, shooting new life from its base. This is nature’s own mindfulness, to sit in the sun, pleaching and weaving the ‘liggers’, knowing that you are making a hedge secure, thick and a haven for nature.

Don’t confuse the delicate art of hedge laying with the work of the huge machinery currently flailing the hedgerows next to our roads. These hedges can

only be cut back at certain times of the year – flailing is not allowed between 1 March and 31 August to protect nesting birds. It looks barbaric at times, but flailing is necessary to maintain light levels and to prevent the hedges encroaching into the fields or the roadside. Sadly, it’s simply not practical for a farmer to sit basking in the sun laying his hedge by hand, hence those big tractors crawling along with their huge arms spread out – usually when you are in a hurry!

Our sheep also do an amazing job of keeping the hedge back. One, who we call

black nose, is often found on her back legs working her way along the hedgerow picking her way through the leaves.

There are other jobs too. The stock fence will need tensioning, because one of the lambs had a fascination for putting her head through it last spring – the grass always being greener on the other side of a fence. The field will be safer for this essential maintenance and when I am walking the perimeter in the dark and mud next spring trying to put the sheep to bed I will at least be confident that they can’t escape… I hope!

Insurer moves to support farmers better

Farming insurance specialist

Cornish Mutual is extending its range of services to better support farmers in an increasingly challenging climate.

“Farmers are going through a period of extraordinary challenge with the removal of farming subsidies and changes to environmental schemes, alongside pressures of climate change and high input prices,” said managing director Peter Beaumont.

“While the classic insurance

response would be to diversify into other sectors we are doing the opposite and instead are increasing our commitment to the farming community.”

He added that results from a recent risk survey carried out by Cornish Mutual highlighted many farmers are deeply concerned about upcoming changes and unsure where to turn for information and advice.

Expanding its services beyond insurance products to help farmers manage risk would therefore assist businesses to

build profitability and resilience, increase natural resources and protect people.

Partnerships with technology companies would enable Cornish Mutual to give members access to cutting edge products. An early example is a collaboration with Quanturi to provide members with the HAYTECH probe which can reduce the incidence of haybarn fires and protect hay quality.

Advice provision will also play an important part. The organisation’s new health and

safety guide offers free advice and a template for farmers and farm managers to create risk management policies for their businesses.

Those needing more in-depth advice and support can access paid-for services which include farm visits and provision of policies to cover all aspects of health and safety including risk management and recordkeeping.

To find out more visit

Cornish Mutual’s website www. cornishmutual.co.uk

Measures introduced to prevent the spread of bird flu as cases soar

NEW measures have been introduced to stop the spread of bird flu as cases soar.

Chief Veterinary Officers in England, Scotland and Wales have declared an Avian Influenza Prevention Zone (AIPZ) across Great Britain to mitigate the risk of the disease spreading amongst poultry and captive birds.

From midday on Monday (October 17), it became a legal requirement for all bird keepers in Great Britain to follow strict biosecurity measures to help protect their flocks from the threat of avian flu.

Implementing the highest levels of biosecurity measures on farm is the most effective way to reduce the risk of disease spreading within flocks, according to the Department for Environment Food and Rural Affairs (Defra).

The introduction of the AIPZ comes after the country has faced its largest ever outbreak of avian flu, with 190 cases confirmed across the United Kingdom since late October 2021 – more than 30 of these confirmed since the beginning of the month.

The East of England has been particularly badly hit with outbreaks in poultry and captive birds, although there have been outbreaks in the south west and in wild birds at multiple sites across Great Britain.

Now, keepers with more than 500 birds will need to restrict access for non-essential people on their sites, workers will need to change clothing and footwear before entering bird enclosures and site vehicles will need to be cleaned and disinfected regularly to limit the risk of the disease spreading.

Backyard owners with smaller numbers of poultry including chickens, ducks and geese must also take steps to limit the risk of the disease spreading to their animals.

The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) advises that the risk to public health from the virus is very low and the Food Standards Agency advises that avian influenzas pose a very low food safety risk for consumers.

Properly cooked poultry and poultry products, including eggs, are safe to eat.

In a joint statement the Chief Veterinary Officers for England, Scotland and Wales said: “Bird keepers have faced the largest ever outbreak of avian flu this year and with winter brings an even more increased risk to flocks as migratory birds return to the United Kingdom.

“Scrupulous biosecurity and hygiene measures is the best form of defence, which

Although the east of England has been worst hit, cases have been seen in the south west and keepers are required to follow strict biosecurity measures

is why we have declared an Avian Influenza Prevention Zone (AIPZ) across Great Britain, meaning that all bird keepers must take action to help prevent the disease spreading to more poultry and other domestic birds.

“The introduction of an AIPZ means regardless of whether you keep a few birds or thousands, you are legally required to meet enhanced biosecurity requirements to protect your birds from this highly infectious disease.”

The introduction of an AIPZ follows a decision to raise the risk level for avian influenza incursion in wild Birds in Great Britain from ‘medium’ to ‘high’.

For poultry and captive birds, the risk level has been raised from ‘medium’ to ‘high’ at premises where biosecurity is below the required standards, and from ‘low’ to ‘medium’ where stringent biosecurity measures are applied.

The AIPZ, now in force across Great Britain, does not include a nationwide requirement to house birds. However, this is being kept under constant review, the

authority said. It does mean that all birdkeepers must:

• Keep free ranging birds within fenced areas, and that ponds, watercourses and permanent standing water must be fenced off (except in specific circumstances e.g. zoo birds)

• Clean and disinfect footwear and keep areas where birds live clean and tidy

• Minimise movement in and out of bird enclosures

• Reduce any existing contamination by cleansing and disinfecting concrete areas, and fencing off wet or boggy areas

• Keep domestic ducks and geese separate from other poultry

• Ensure the areas where birds are kept are unattractive to wild birds, for example by netting ponds, and by removing wild bird food sources

• Feed and water your birds in enclosed areas to discourage wild birds

Keepers should familiarise themselves with the avian flu advice and report suspicion of disease to APHA on 03000 200 301. The rules will be in place until further notice.

Farming

Best of breed on show at open day

MORE than 60 cattle breeders gathered at a Vale farm to talk all things farming - and to view some spectacular cattle.

Breeders and farmers, including members of the Devon Cattle Breeders’ Society, were at Lower Mere Park Farm in Mere on October 9 for an open day event, where visitors had the chance to see the rare breed up close at the home of an award-winning herd.

Lower Mere Park is farmed by the Armishaw family and farmers from across the county and beyond took the opportunity to view the Red Ruby Devon Cattle on show, as well as talking about wider farming issues and catch up after a difficult few years during the pandemic.

But the breed itself was the focus of the day.

“Devons can be used for conservation and are ideal for the new environmental schemes being put forward because they’re low input, who will finish on grass,” said Ruth Armishaw.

“They are a medium-sized carcass and get amazing,

marbled meat, fed only on grass.”

A Devon enjoys a snack of some berries

“They are a beef animal, grown for their beef, and it’s beautiful beef,” said Lisa Weaver, breed secretary of the society.

“They are designed to thrive in this country - and while certain animals are not allowed on conservation ground, they are.

“Red Devons have great big feet, which stop them causing so much damage.”

And Ruth said she was delighted to show off her herd, which features last year’s best cow, Mere Park Jubilee, and this year’s best young bull.

“My cattle can be seen out there, doing their job clearing both woodland and scrubland for the National Trust,” she said.

“Devons are lovely cattle, very gentle, particularly the bulls. They’re famous for their wonderful nature.”

And Lisa said the day had been a big success.

“There were well over 60 people there. It was a lovely day and they are lovely hosts,” she said.

“Many of those attending members of the Devon Cattle Breeders Society and we like to get together as much as we can.

“Farmers can become very isolated and the last two years have been very difficult, obviously. But on the day, the hospitality was really, really lovely and it was a wonderful chance to get together. A great success.”

If anyone would like to know more about this lovely breed can contact Ruth by email.

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Easy flower styling ideas to inspire you ahead of the Christmas period

Words and photos Sarah Williamson-Jones

Some of Pod & Pip’s favourite flowers are the ones available during the festive period and are super easy to style and dress the house with, giving you a hassle free Christmas on the floral front. Here are some of Pod & Pips top picks and tips on how to style them.

Amaryllis

With their huge trumpet-like blooms and long stems look great in a vase on their own, or cut short with some mixed eucalyptus foliage.

The red and white varieties are hugely popular but our favourite varieties are burgundy in colour or slightly speckled, adding something a little different.

Cyclamen

These will look great in baskets or pots to add a touch of Christmas to a corner of a room, table or windowsill. Keep to the same colour palette if mixing plants, there are plenty of bright pinks and reds available but the white cyclamen will always give you a classic, smart look.

Dutch tulips

These will start to become available during December. A huge bunch of white or white/ green tulips (30-50 stems) this Christmas is easy to just drop into a vase to give an instant luxurious look.

White hyacinths

Again, these are super easy to plant up into a bowl, basket or pot and adds some instant detail, scent and floral styling to a room.

Hellebores

These plants are definitely one of our favourites, from the classic pure whites through to some decadent muted pinks and deep maroons. They look great in baskets for dressing the outside of the house or doorstep to give a lovely rustic look this Christmas. Keeping it simple at Christmas definitely saves you time but gives you an instant classic look. Pod & Pip have a lovely range of these plants available through the festive period.

Top: Amaryllis brighten up every room; Below and right: Hellebores give your home a classic look

Date for the diary:

Pod & Pip will be running its Christmas shopping event on Thursday 17th November from 10am to 4pm.

The shop will be packed with Christmas decorations, inspiration for dressing the Christmas table and home, carefully selected gifts from small and local business we love to stock and support, as well being able to pre-order Christmas wreaths, wreath kits, festive bouquets and flowers.

The cafe will also be open during the event for some festive drinks and light lunches.

Address for the event: Ebble House, Stratford Tony, Salisbury, SP5AT www.podandpip.co.uk

Autumn seemed to come quickly this year and the recent weather has certainly been wet, wild but still mild. But winter is coming so we need to make sure our gardens are prepared for what lies ahead.

Clean your pond of falling leaves at this time of year. Keep ponds clean to ensure the water is healthy for the wildlife that relies on it.

If you could see the state of some of my potted plants after this week’s weather you will understand when I say that this next tip is pretty crucial. If you can, raise your pots off the ground. Not only will this aid drainage, it will prevent soil freezing when the temperature drops. If you can, it is also worth insulating containers and pots from frost. Bubble wrap is a good option.

Spare a thought for next year because now is the time to plant bulbs. Tulips are obviously popular and will provide a welcome and colourful display in the spring. Dahlia tubers need to be lifted after the first frost has bitten. You can clean them

and store them in dry compost, somewhere frost-proof but cool. It’s a good time to order seed catalogues. Winter is a good time for planning from the warmth of your home.

Roses need to be pruned to prevent them from suffering wind-rock. If any fallen leaves have been affected by blackspot, make sure these are picked up and binned, otherwise you find next year’s roses will be affected by the disease.

Winter bedding can be planted out. Grease fruit trees around the trunk to stop moths causing damage through the winter. Clear annual climbers such as sweet peas from their supports and poles. Cut down perennials if they need it and mulch the surrounding soil with compost.

If you are going to have a bonfire to help clear leaves and other debris, please do check for wildlife that might be sheltering under any piles that have accumulated.

Before things really take a turn for the worst, plant out bare-root hedging, trees and roses.

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Pets

Helping your four-legged friend cope with fireworks on Bonfire night

Words by Dogs Trust Salisbury

As autumn approaches, firework season will soon whizz-pop into our lives. Dogs Trust Salisbury has issued advice to dog owners to help our canine companions navigate the Halloween, Diwali and Bonfire Night period, who might be scared by the unexpected bangs and bursts of fireworks.

Claire Rowe, Dogs Trust Salisbury manager said: “Dogs have approximately four times more sensitive hearing than humans, so the loud cracks and bangs of fireworks can often be a terrifying and confusing experience for them. Fireworks tend to be sudden, unpredictable and bright. This combination can be distressing and have a lasting impact on dogs.

“There are many things dog owners can do to help make fireworks less stressful including having a clear plan, ahead of time, to help their dog cope. Dogs will respond to fireworks in different ways, some will want to find a cosy hiding place, whilst others will want reassurance. It is important to recognise the individual needs of your dog, whilst also letting your dog do what makes them feel most comfortable.”

The charity urges owners to visit its website – http://www.dogstrust.org.uk/ fireworks – for full guidance on how to help dogs stay safe and settled during fireworks. The top tips include:

Adapt your routine – to avoid taking your dog out when fireworks have started, gradually change their routine in the weeks leading up to events. For example, it may be a good idea to start walking them earlier in the day alongside gradually changing their feeding time to allow them time to exercise, eat and toilet before dark.

Plan ahead – ensure you are aware of any local firework displays and make arrangements so your dog is not left alone. Prepare their environment in advance, close curtains, turn on the lights, and turn on the television or some music to help block the outside noise.

Keep your dog safe – make sure your house and garden are secure.

Recognise the needs of your dog –fireworks can spark varied reactions from dogs, some will appear relaxed and unbothered by the loud bangs; others will show signs of anxiety or fear. They may show subtle signs, such as panting or licking their lips, finding somewhere to hide or seeking attention from their human family. Or they may show more obvious

signs, such as pacing, barking or even toileting in the house. While these signs can be directly related to fear of noise, they can also indicate underlying health problems so please contact your vet as early as possible.

Enable their preferred response by letting your dog do what they feel most comfortable with. Some dogs will benefit from having a safe place to retreat to should they feel worried by fireworks. Introduce this safe place well in advance and encourage them there by building up positive associations with their new ‘den’.

Other dogs will cope best by seeking reassurance, so give them attention and comfort if they seek this out. Some dogs may not seem worried, and it’s best to keep them occupied with their favourite toys or activities to reduce the likelihood of them becoming anxious – experiment before the firework season begins, and slowly introduce them, to find out what they enjoy the most. It is important to remember, fear of fireworks can appear at any time and any age, so it is essential to support your dog throughout their life.

Seek guidance from your vet – they can help with advice, refer you to a clinical behaviourist, and may also prescribe medication if deemed necessary to help your dog cope. Medication can be extremely useful where dogs are fearful as it can not only help them cope during the fireworks event, but also stop their fear escalating after each event. Give any prescribed medication well in advance of events starting.

Claire adds: ‘We recommend noting down how your dog reacted during the fireworks and what worked well to help them cope in preparation for the next firework event. The following day, after an evening of fireworks, we would also advise returning to a normal routine to help dogs settle down. If you find that they appear worried during fireworks, it is a good idea to seek professional help before the next firework season starts.”

If you are planning a firework display at home, please consider: Letting your neighbours know well in advance, so they can prepare their dogs. Limiting your display to 30 minutes or less. Opting for quieter, lower decibel fireworks.

For those who have welcomed a puppy into their life recently, check out the free sound therapy programmes – https://www. dogstrust.org.uk/dog-advice/understandingyour-dog/sound-therapy-for-pets – that can help to gradually expose puppies to different noises in a positive way, so they can perceive them as normal

More detailed advice on preparing your dog for fireworks season visit www. dogstrust.org.uk/fireworks

Dogs Trust recommends dog owners to seek veterinary advice for any concerns. They can check if there are any contributing medical problems, and if necessary, refer you to a clinical behaviourist. Advice on finding a qualified behaviourist can be found at https://www.dogstrust.org.uk/ dog-advice/understanding-your-dog/ finding-behaviour-and-training-support

Pets

Could yours be a forever home for one of these potential best friends?

Aitch Breed: American Bulldog Age: Three Sex: Male Aitch is a three-year-old American Bulldog who is full of character.

He enjoys the company of his human and dog friends and could potentially live with another playful, large breed dog pending successful introductions.

Bentley Breed: Cane Corso Cross Age: 2-5 years

Sex: Male

Bentley is looking for a family who has plenty of love, time and patience.

When he gets to know you he will give you tons of kisses

Charlie Breed: Collie Cross

Age: 5-7 years

Sex: Male

Charlie is looking for a special forever home with a predictable routine.

He will need to go to a house situated in a quiet, preferably rural area with access to very quiet walks. This is because Charlie can be reactive to people and other dogs when out and about.

The home must have a medium/large secure garden

and cuddles!

He needs a family able to dedicate time and effort to continuing the training started here at the centre.

New owners will need to be used to, as well as confident and comfortable with larger breeds of dog.

He would best suit a home with older teenagers aged 16 and over and would love patient

owners happy to continue with his training.

and be set back from roads and paths. Charlie will also need his home to be non-open plan or able to keep him separate from the front door.

Hardy Breed: Spaniel (Cocker) Age: 5-7 years

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

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

He is learning to make appropriate decisions followed by alternative behaviours around things he finds round the home. Hardy will need an area he can have to be fed separately and have as a generally den to relax. Hardy is looking for an adult only home with no other pets but can happily have dog friends to walk with.

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Princess of punk to narrate Prokofiev to close this year’s organ festival

Salisbury Cathedral is excited to announce that the actress and singer Toyah Willcox will narrate Prokofiev’s Peter and the Wolf on Saturday, 5th November. It will be the last concert of this year’s successful 2022 Organ Festival.

Cunningly timed to complement fireworks displays taking place later in the day, the concert starts at 14.00.

No stranger to the area (Toyah and her husband Robert Fripp lived in Broad Chalke in the 1980/90s), Toyah will tell the story of the heroic Peter, a small boy who takes on a fearsome wolf, accompanied by a duck, a bird and a cat.

The performance promises to be an adventure for all ages, but particularly children, as Toyah and John bring to life the fearless boy Peter and the ferocious wolf and his victims. It’s also a fun way for youngsters to discover the story-telling power of music, as Toyah well remembers.

Toyah Willcox said: “When I heard it as a child I was captivated by the way that the orchestra became the cast of animals and I’m really looking forward to seeing how John achieves that on the organ. I have been practising being the wicked wolf and the heroic Peter at home and I can’t wait to play the parts when I get to the Cathedral.”

John Challenger, assistant director of music at Salisbury Cathedral takes on the musical role in this performance. His challenge is to realise Prokofiev’s orchestral work on the 140-year-old Father Willis organ, which will involve a deal of experimentation ahead of the concert. Also in the programme is the final movement of Saint-Saens Third Symphony, used in the much-loved film Babe, which tells the story of a brave little pig that wanted to herd sheep, and The Swan from his Carnival of the Animals.

The evening will be compéred by the well-known local choir director and singer, Steve Abbott. Steve heads up the Cathedral’s Youth Choir and is

musical director of the St. John Singers. He began his career as a Cathedral chorister and now sings counter tenor in the Cathedral Choir.

Tickets are already on sale: Adults £10 (free carer tickets available) and Children £5.

Salisbury Arts Society brings like-minded people together

The Arts Society Salisbury meets at St Francis Church, Beatrice Road on the second Tuesday of the month from October to July at 1.50 pm. Everyone is welcome to join and enjoy the illustrated talks on such topics as painting, pottery, architecture and music.

The Society, which is a branch of the national Arts Society, holds a variety of walks and visits where you can meet interesting people who share a passion for art in all its forms.

Speakers at the Society’s meetings are experts in their field. In November, the Society will take a look at how JMW Turner designed a

rural retreat at Sandycombe Lodge, Twickenham. Turner is widely admired for his oil and watercolour paintings but less known for his long standing interest in architecture.

Membership of the Society comes with an annual fee of £45 (pro rata during the year). Members can bring a guest to one meeting for £7.00. Each lecture lasts around 90 minutes with visual and audio support in the form of large screens and a t-loop. Further information can be found here: www.theartssocietysalisbury, or by calling 01722 331216 or 504295, or info@theartssocietysalisbury.org.

Toyah has been practising the role at home, photo by Gary Clutterbuck

Festival organiser and assistant director of music John Challenger pictured in the organ loft, photo by Ash Mills

Brown

Salisbury bar, food and entertainment venue Brown Street welcomes Irish trio, CUA, on Wednesday, 9th November. Band members, John Davidson, Shane Booth and Ros O’Meara conjure dynamic and contrasting instrumentation and vocal arrangements.

The group (pictured) delivers an expansive acoustic soundtrack blending guitars, fiddle, bouzouk, percussion, and three-part harmony arrangements.

All of the band members are multi-instrumentalists and are inspired by many aspects of the musical spectrum including roots, blues, gospel, jazz fusion, traditional, bluegrass and more.

Tickets are £12.50 with £2.50 from each ticket going to Salisbury Hospice and £10 to the band. Brown Street is open for food from 5pm on the night.

Arts

welcomes Irish

everyday heroes – in the workshops, garages, garden sheds of Salisbury and across Wiltshire. Introduced by its star, wartime spitfire engineer Norman Parker.

Beginning at 7pm, tickets cost £10 from https://www. fatsoma.com.

Tickets can be obtained from: https://www.wegottickets.com/ event/557211

Brown Street has a diverse programme of events booked for the next few months.

On November 3, ‘From The Book’ returns. Hosted by Jamie Lingham, the multi-arts event

encourages people to share poetry, music and comedy with an attentive audience. Tickets from www.brownstreet.biz/.

On the 7th, the venue hosts a screening of Secret Spitfires. The film tells the incredible true story of how the ‘planes that halted Hitler’ were built by

Bare Jams & Gypsy Jukebox bring their lively mix of pop, reggae, dub, soul and rock to the venue on November. 12 The six-piece guarantee an energetic live show, armed with catchy, sing-a-long choruses and big vibes. Tickets start at £9 from, also from www.fatsoma.com.

A change of pace on the evening of the 15th as the venue plays host to a bottle jar terrarium workshop.

Tickets are £48.50 with more information available from https://www.botanicfolk.co.uk

It’s never to early to make plans for Salisbury’s Christmas festivities

Tradition is set to continue in Salisbury this Christmas with a festive offering bringing Cinderella, carol singers, reindeer and festive cheer to the city.

Salisbury BID, Salisbury Cathedral, Salisbury City Council and Wiltshire Creative have come together to make sure the festive period is full of magic and merriment for all ages. Here, Experience Salisbury offers some of the highlights:

Christmas begins at the Market Place

The countdown officially begins on Friday, 18th November with celebrations organised by Salisbury City Council. This festive treat marks the first day of the twinkling Christmas lights as well as the opening of Christmas on the Square and the Salisbury Christmas Trail.

The evening of family-friendly fun in the Market Place runs from 4-8pm and will feature reindeer, The Grinch, carol singers, fair rides and other fantastic activities. The Deloreons, will be on hand to provide the soundtrack with some festive singalongs.

Christmas on the Square

The same day marks the opening of Christmas on the Square in front of the Guildhall. Festivities will include a destination bar with cosy fire pits, a food area serving up festive treats and the magical Santa’s Grotto.

Step behind the scenes of Santa’s magical workshop and enjoy a Christmas story, a Santa selfie, a festive postcard and a wrapped gift. Pre-book Santa’s Grotto on the Experience Salisbury website for just £5.

Christmas Trail

From 18th November until 2nd January the city’s medieval streets will be festooned with magical decorations and Christmas characters.

Pick up a copy of the trail map on the Experience Salisbury website or the Information Centre and see what surprises you discover with your family and friends this Christmas.

Panto at the Playhouse

Pantomime is back in Salisbury with a spectacular production of the greatest panto story of all, Cinderella. Tradition returns on Saturday, 26th November with a show packed with singalongs, adventure and laughs. This rags to riches tale will be a festive treat for all the family. Tickets are on sale now from the Wiltshire Creative website.

Christmas at Salisbury Arts Centre

Whether you are looking for theatre, music, comedy or workshops you can find it all at the Arts Centre this Christmas.

On Tuesday, 6th December, make your own angel or Christmas tree tea light holder to decorate your home ready for Christmas. Laugh your way to the big day on Friday, 16th December as Barnstormers Comedy returns

with three top acts from the London Comedy Circuit – this time with a festive twist.

Between Thursday, 8th and Saturday, 10th December enjoy a classic Christmas treat as Dickens’ festive fable; A Christmas Carol, comes to life. Dance the night away as the clock ticks down to midnight on New Year’s Eve as popular Salisbury band The Deloreons provide the ultimate celebratory soundtrack.

Star-studded window displays

Thanks to Salisbury BID, the stars of the BBC’s ‘Interior Design Masters’ return to Salisbury to give three businesses a festive makeover. Join us from the November 18 to see the unveiling of festive window displays created by Fran Lee, Amy Davies and Dean Powell.

Eat, drink, shop Salisbury is a city of independents with a tradition of hospitality and Christmas is the perfect time to explore what they have to offer. Browse big brands

or beautiful boutiques for that special gift this Christmas.

Book your cosy Christmas dinner in a medieval pub, festive drinks in a classy cocktail bar or a New Year’s Eve night out. Kick-start your festivities with a visit to the Experience Salisbury website.

Festive Sunday Markets

It’s not just the city’s shops offering unique Christmas gifts this year. There will also be the chance to shop for that perfect present at the Festive Markets happening every Sunday from November 27 until December 18 in Salisbury Market Place.

Let it snow!

Whatever the forecast it is going to be a white Christmas in Salisbury. Courtesy of Salisbury BID, it will be snowing across the city. Keep an eye on the Experience Salisbury website for weather updates on where and when it will snow next.

Find all the inspiration you will need this festive season at www.experiencesalisbury.co.uk

There’s Much ado about Nothing at the Playhouse

Ramps on the Moon’s production of Much Ado About Nothing will be staged at Salisbury Playhouse from 8-12th November.

William Shakespeare’s popular comedy tells the story of besotted young couple Claudio and Hero who have fallen in love and become quickly engaged. Not everyone finds romance so straightforward – Benedick baulks at the very thought of it and Beatrice agrees with him, on that if nothing else.

But somewhere in this world, there’s someone for everyone, even if they’re right under your nose. Shakespeare’s raucous play will be directed by Robert Hastie (Coriolanus, A Midsummer Night’s Dream).

The cast includes Daneka Etchells as Beatrice. Guy Rhys as Benedick, Taku Mutero as Claudio and Claire Wetherall as Hero. A five star review in the Guardian said Etchells, played the ‘script like a maestro, somehow finding new notes in lines that are four centuries old’, adding that she was the ‘most compelling Beatrice you might ever see’.

Ramps On The Moon is the pioneering initiative committed to putting deaf and disabled artists and audiences at the centre of their work. Every performance at the Playhouse will feature the use of integrated creative sign language, audio description and captioning.

Directing the British Sign Language element of the play will be Emily Howlett with audio description direction provided by Chloe Clarke.

Sarum Chronicle annual lecture

Anyone interested in the history of Salisbury and the surrounding areas will be familiar with the Sarum Chronicle. The annual journal was first published in 2001 with each issue helping local history research reach a wider audience in the form of articles and book reviews

The Chronicle’s annual lecture has become an established event in Salisbury’s historical circles. Taking place every autumn, the lecture is given by a well-known historian, who uses their recent research to speak on a topic that is timely and with local relevance. The aim of each lecture is to enlighten, enthuse and entertain.

This year’s lecture will be given by John Chandler, publisher of Hob Nob Press’ local history books, who will talk about ‘Ralph Vaughan Williams in South Wiltshire’.

The lecture will take place on Thursday, 3rd November in Salisbury Museum’s lecture theatre. The evening begins with drinks and nibbles at 6.30pm for a 7pm start.

Entrance is subject to purchase of the latest edition of the Sarum Chronicle.

Ah, go on now, you’ll be heading to the Arts Centre, you will

The Arts Centre welcomes The Boulevards on Thursday, 3rd November at 8pm. The band plays a greatest hits set of 1950s rock and roll. From Elvis Presley to Chuck Berry; Cliff Richard to Little Richard; they deliver an authentic, uncompromising and electric performance of the greatest feel-good music of all time. Their barnstorming set is guaranteed to thrill both young and old, and leave you rocking and rolling all the way home.

On Saturday, 5th November at 8pm, the Arts Centre welcomes renowned stand-up Joe Rooney

for a night of celebration of one of the nation’s favourite sitcoms in A Celebration of Father Ted.

Joe featured as the rebellious Father Damo in the classic Father Ted episode The Old Grey Whistle Theft, leading Dougal astray with his earring, cigarette smoking and bad-boy attitude.

He will host a screening of the episode, take you behind the scenes and set you a Craggy Island quiz – then prepare yourself for an all-inclusive ‘Lovely Girls Competition’: have you got the loveliest laugh, the loveliest walk, and can you make

the loveliest sandwich? Plus many more immersive, comedic delights. Ah, go on now.

On Friday, 11th November, fresh from his BBC Radio 4 series Rob Newman On Air. The award-winning comedian’s new show is a stand-up epic that goes from cave paintings to car-free cities to ask: Who are we? Where are we going? And how do spiders fly?

Rob tells a story of how dancing in step saved prehistoric humans and how new scientific discoveries may help us take the right steps to a life after oil.

On Saturday, 12th November at 8pm, the Arts Centre welcomes The Hooten Hallers. The trio from Columbia, Missouri play high-energy blues-rock and are known for their wild live shows.

The myriad influences in their music incorporates elements of rhythm and blues, rock and roll, honky tonk, jazz, soul, and punk.

Listeners detect hints of George Thorogood, Morphine, and Tom Waits, but anyone who has seen The Hooten Hallers live knows that this power trio is unlike anything they’ve experienced before.

Top: Members of the Company of Much Ado About Nothing; right: Guy Rhys (Benedick) and Daneka Etchells (Beatrice)

Photos by Johan Persson.

Cathedral announces programme of events for the Christmas period

Salisbury Cathedral has announced its schedule for the busy festive season. Colourful art, world class music, films and family activities will run alongside the Cathedral’s Advent and Christmas services this year. From the end of November to the start of January the Cathedral will be a hive of activity.

From Darkness to Light

25-27th November

Regarded by many as the unmissable prelude to the Christmas season, From Darkness to Light takes place on the last weekend in November.

Symbolising the arrival of Christ as the light in our world, the Advent service begins in total darkness, broken only when the single candle is lit and a lone voice is heard. As the service unfolds, two processions bearing candles make their way from west to east, singing as they go. Taperers follow in their wake, lighting candles.

The service ends with the Cathedral interior ablaze with the light of 1,300 flickering candles and a joyful procession of around 90 including the Bishop of Salisbury, Dean of Salisbury, Cathedral Canons, and 40-strong Cathedral Choir making its way down the nave to the west end. A sight not to be missed.

Services start at 7pm (doors open 6pm) on Friday, 25th, and Saturday, 26th November and 5pm (doors open 4pm) on Sunday, 27th

November. For further information regarding seating please check the Cathedral website.

Art: David Batchelor

28th November – 2nd February

Art also features in the Cathedral this Advent and Christmas with an exhibition showcasing the work of British artist David Batchelor, known for his vividly-coloured sculptural installations of illuminated lightboxes, industrial dollies and other found objects.

Echoing the colour and joy of the Advent and Christmas season, David’s installations compliment the Cathedral’s lovely stained glass, and his use of recycled materials chimes perfectly with the Cathedral’s commitment to sustainability and the environment.

The exhibition, which is curated by Beth Hughes, Salisbury Cathedral’s Visual Arts Curator, will be in the Cathedral and opens on Monday, 28th November and runs until Thursday, 2nd February 2023.

Christmas Tree

From Monday, 5th December

Raising the Cathedral’s gigantic 34ft Christmas tree, sourced from Longleat’s sustainable forest, is always a big event.

This year it will be put in place by the Works Yard team on Monday 5th December, under the watchful eye of Richard Pike, the Cathedral’s ecclesiastical carpenter and Gary price, Clerk of Works. The tree will be decorated the following day (Tuesday, 6th

November) with over 1,000 fairy lights. This magnificent festive symbol offers a perfect Christmas photo opportunity, particularly reflected in the font.

Carols for groups

14-15th December

A Christmas experience specially for groups, with the concert given by the Cathedral Choir and communal carol singing followed by mulled wine and mince pies in the Cathedral Cloisters. Starting at 2pm on Tuesday 14 and Wednesday 15 this is an opportunity to celebrate Christmas and share some seasonal cheer with your retirement group or club, work colleagues or a bunch of friends.

To find out more or reserve your spaces contact Kate or Hannah on groups@salcath. co.uk or 01722 555120.

Films at the Cathedral 17th December

Titles are yet to be announced but the Cathedral will be showing festive films in the Nave on Saturday 17th December.

Twilight Tower Tours

From Saturday 19th November

A chance to enjoy the city’s Christmas lights from on high! Twilight Tower Tours return on Saturday 19th November following the big Christmas Light switch on in the city.

Climb 332 steps through the Cathedral’s historic roof spaces to the base of the Spire and enjoy a spectacular birds-eye-view of Salisbury dressed in its festive best, and the Close sparkling below, its trees festooned with fairy lights. A delightful scene at dusk.

Tickets adult £16/student £12/child £6 and private tours £150

Handel’s Messiah and Snowman Live

Saturday 10th December and Saturday 19th December

On Saturday 1Oth December at 7pm, Handel’s Messiah sung by the Cathedral Choir, accompanied by the renowned City of London Sinfonia returns to the Cathedral. This is a popular seasonal fixture in the Cathedral’s musical calendar, it’s one that never fails to delight.

Soloists include Robin Blaze, a familiar face at the Cathedral having sung counter tenor for the Messiah in previous years. Robin is joined by Rebecca Hardwick (soprano), Ruairi Bowen (tenor) and Jake Muffett (bass),

CHRISTMAS AT THE CATHEDRAL

all of whom sang in the Southern Cathedral Festival performance of Haydn’s Creation last July. Tickets are on sale via the website.

The following weekend sees the return of the evergreen family classic, The Snowman Live. This heart-warming Christmas film event with a soundtrack provided by a live orchestra can be seen in the Cathedral at 4pm and 7pm on Monday 19th December.

In a double bill with The Snowman, Carrot Productions’ award-winning team are also showing The Flight Before Christmas, a sensational new Shaun the Sheep film staged with a live orchestra for the first time. Shaun’s festive excitement turns to dismay when a farmhouse raid to get stockings for the flock goes wrong.

A wonderful introduction to orchestral music for children, the show is suitable for all ages. Ticket information available via the Cathedral website.

Late night festive opening 15th December

The Cathedral’s annual Late Night Festive Open Evening is on Thursday, 15th December from 6.30pm to 9pm this year. Wander around the Cathedral after dark, take a trip up to the west window or just pause to enjoy seasonal music provided by the Kate Edgar choir.

Children are welcome to play on the Cathedral’s child-friendly wooden Nativity, made by local artist Ray Wirick. The Nativity cast is expanding this year with new figures added to the Holy Family and its friendly donkey and sheep. Watch this space.

The refectory and shop are also opening late, so visitors can pop in for a bite to eat or for a spot of last-minute retail therapy.

Carols by Candlelight

23-24th December

The Cathedral is premiering a new carol by the celebrated composer Errollyn Wallen at its spectacular carol services on Friday 23rd and Saturday 24th December. Born in Belize, the carols of her childhood made a lasting impression, and she will no doubt bring some of that feeling to her new composition.

The services which recount the age-old story of Jesus’ birth through readings, favourite carols and beautiful choral works take place at 7pm. For information regarding seating please check the Cathedral website.

Families at Christmas Christmas Angels Trail 9th December to 7th February 2023

Over Christmas and New Year a host of tiny angels will be hidden around the Cathedral waiting for children to seek them out. This charming Christmas trail is available from the Welcome Desk from Friday 9th December to Tuesday 7th February 2023.

Little Angels Craft: parent and child drop in session

9th December and 12th December

Angels also feature in this year’s Christmas Craft sessions taking place in South Transept between 10am to 12 midday on Friday 9th December and Monday 12th December. Children and their families are welcome to drop in and make their own angel wings. Sessions are free, no need to book.

Angel Christmas Craft: family drop in session

Tuesday 20th December

A chance for all the family to do some Christmas crafting. Grown-ups can make cards to send to friends and family while children can create their own angel wings to take home. Sessions take place in the South Transept between 10am and 2pm. Sessions are free, no need to book.

Christmas Eve Family Services 24th December

Anything can happen in this joyously interactive service that retells the story of Mary and Joseph’s journey to Bethlehem featuring two narrators and multiple screens – and a cast strolling players.

There are two services this year at 1pm and 2.30pm. Both will last approximately 45 minutes. Doors open 30 minutes before each service. Please arrive early to get a seat.

Christmas Eve and Day

Services on Christmas Eve: 08.30am Morning Prayer

08.50am Holy Communion 1pm Family Service (as above)

2.30pm Family Service (as above)

5.30pm Choral Evensong

11pm The First Eucharist of

Christmas or Midnight Mass

The First Eucharist of Christmas or Midnight Mass is one of the most popular Christmas services. It marks the beginning of our celebration of Christmas, the first of the 12 days of Christmas tide, which spans from the Feast of the Nativity of Our Lord or Christmas Day to the Feast of Epiphany on Thursday 5th January 2023.

Everyone is welcome to join us for Midnight Mass, sharing communion together, hearing the Christmas Gospel, singing carols and listening to beautiful Christmas music sung by the Cathedral Choir.

Services on Christmas Day include: 08.30am Morning Prayer

10:30am The Eucharist

3pm Festal Evensong

All are welcome to celebrate Christmas with us in this moving service of choral music, readings and prayers sung by the Cathedral Choir.

Photos by Ash Mills

Ex-Grammar school pupil called into England senior rugby squad

Former Bishop Wordsworth’s Grammar School pupil and star rugby player, Cadan Murley has been rewarded for a run of fine form over the past two seasons with a first call-up to the senior England men’s rugby union squad.

Murley who has already starred for England’s U18 and U20 sides made his debut for Premiership side Harlequins in 2018. He was part of the team that won the Premiership title in 2021 and has impressed this season with a series of acrobatic tries.

Terry Gilmour, Cadan’s coach at Bishop Wordsworth’s and now head of rugby at Marlborough College, was delighted for Cadan, following news of his call-up:

“Ever since Cadan led the Bishop Wordsworth’s School 1st XV into the final of U18 Schools Cup Final in 2017 he has gone onto earning a senior contract, winning the Premiership with Harlequins and this England selection is

testament to his hard work, resilience, self-belief and competitive nature. I am immensely proud to have been a small part of his pathway.

I can’t wait to see what happens next.”

He will now be part of a squad that prepares for the Autumn Internationals series with England facing Argentina on November 6th, followed on subsequent weekends by tests against Japan, New Zealand and South Africa.

Murley is the latest in long line of illustrious of rugby talent to have schooled at Bishop Wordsworth’s: Richard Hill, England’s 2003 World cup winner being the most prominent. Hill’s namesake Richard Hill also played for England and was even captain for a brief spell.

He played in the same Bishop’s rugby team as another England international, Dave Egerton. More recently, Tom Heathcote went on to play for Bath RFC.

Salisbury FC appoints new manager

Salisbury FC has sacked Steve Claridge after seven years in charge of the club and replaced him with Ben Dutton. The move comes despite the club winning its last match to move into the play-offs places in the Southern League Premier South.

A statement on the club’s website read: “On behalf of everyone at Salisbury FC, the Club would like to place on record its gratitude to Steve during his time with the Club, firstly as one of the group of five that formed Salisbury FC at the end of 2014 and then as team manager, gaining two promotions. “The club would like to place on record its gratitude to Steve during his time with the club. Steve will rightly always have a place in Salisbury FC’s history.”

However, with the first team knocked out of both the FA Cup and the FA Trophy the club felt it was the right time to make a change that would benefit its long term and ongoing development.

The 56-year-old former striker had an impressive roster of clubs on his playing CV, having appeared for Birmingham City, Leicester City and Portsmouth among others, notching up over 800 appearances and scoring over 250 goals. He had briefly managed Portsmouth and Millwall, before becoming involved with Salisbury FC.

The club has moved quickly to replace Claridge, with former Salisbury FC player Ben Dutton taking over. Dutton’s playing career included two spells at the Ray Mac Stadium. Since retiring

as a player, Dutton has gained coaching experience with league clubs Bristol Rovers and Walsall, eventually taking the manager’s position at the latter, where his chairman praised him for helping youth players progress into the first team.

A club statement read: “Brian is looking to work closely with the Salisbury FC Youth system and has long-term ideas he wants to integrate into the Salisbury FC Development side. Bringing unity to the pathway to give talent an opportunity to make it through to the First team.

Dutton’s first match was a watching brief as Salisbury drew 1-1 away to North Leigh in the league.

“Since my last role as manager at Walsall FC, I have turned down several opportunities to return to football management at high levels, but I have turned them down in the hope that one day the Salisbury job would become available and when it did, I jumped at the opportunity,” Dutton told the club’s website.

“My long-term aim for Salisbury FC is to produce a football team that the fans can be proud of and connect with. I want to acquire the best local talent within Salisbury and the surrounding areas, developing players to become assets to our club. We must also enhance our community spirit and try to reinvigorate the next generation of Salisbury fans.”

Cadan Murley of England in action during the U19 International Series match between France and England at Markotter Fields, Paul Roos Gymnasium on August 11, 2017 in Stellenbosch, South Africa

Credit: Ashley Vlotman/Gallo Images/Getty Images’

BETONY by Matt Tomkinson at Whiteparish is the only restaurant in the area to feature in The Restaurant Guide 2023.

Published by the AA, the highly respected food lover’s guide is a county by county breakdown featuring more than 1,400 restaurants that have been awarded rosettes for culinary excellence by the AA’s professional inspectors.

Three out of the 27 Wiltshire restaurants are in the guide for the first time: The Dumb Post Inn in Calne, The Marlborough in Marlborough and The Hidden Chef Brasserie in Trowbridge.

The Restaurant Guide 2023 provides food lovers with breakdowns of restaurants by county, including a detailed description of each destination, information on latest chef changes, opening times, sample menu prices and images of many of the featured locations.

And for those looking for the best establishments in the UK’s culinary scene, The Top Restaurants of 2023 features all 3,

4 and 5 Rosette restaurants as judged by AA experts.

Simon Numphud, managing director of AA Media, said: “We are delighted to publish the leading guide to the UK’s top dining destinations, with 150 new establishments added to The Restaurant

Guide 2023.

“From Northern Stars to the Heart of England, Scotland to the capital, the restaurants in this year’s Guide demonstrate the high quality of culinary experiences across the country, offering delicious food and service of the highest standard.”

Whiteparish restaurant gets the nod for the prestigious 2023 AA guide College restaurant ready to re-open

FOOD fans can get a threecourse meal at a discount rate when Wiltshire College’s student-run restaurant returns next month.

The Wessex Restaurant, at the campus on Southampton Road, is due to open for service on Thursday, November 3.

Budding chefs and hospitality professionals at the restaurant are gearing up for their first service from a professional kitchen.

The Wessex is operated by students under the guidance of highly-trained professionals.

It runs a weekly lunch service from 11.45am to 1pm each Thursday, offering a freshly-prepared three-course meal for £12.

Several bookings are already in place for the first service, said Steve Lloyd, deputy head of department for hospitality at the college.

He said: “We are delighted to be opening the Wessex Restaurant at our Salisbury campus for the first time in the new academic year.

“We know that the restaurant is extremely popular with local residents and we look forward to welcoming our customers back in the coming weeks.

“Being able to cook and serve food to order for paying customers is a key aspect of students’ development and will best prepare them to start their careers in the industry.

“All of our menu items are, where possible, locally sourced and made from fresh ingredients, including produce from the college’s Lackham campus.”

For more details, and to book a table, contact The Wessex Restaurant on 01722 344253, or email wessexrestaurant@ wiltshire.ac.uk.

Betony is at The Kings Head in Whiteparish

Free fruit and veg for people caught in ‘heat or eat’ dilemma this winter

A not-for-profit resource, run by the people of Salisbury for the people of Salisbury, has been launched to provide free fruit and vegetables for those caught in the ‘heat or eat dilemma’, this winter.

F3 will also offer opportunities for school children and adults to develop a deeper understanding of how their food is grown as well as the skills needed to grow their own.

F3’s Mark and Sue Brandon, said: “The combined effects of Brexit, climate change, the war in Ukraine and the rising cost of energy means that an increasing section of our community are facing financial difficulty.

“A recent Food Foundation report revealed that already some 4.7 million adults have gone through a whole day without eating.

“The Pantry in Catherine Street is well placed to help and we shall be channelling our produce through them. Chafyn

Grove School has provided a growing area of 158 square metres, as well as space for a good-sized shed, greenhouse and compost bins.

“We shall be growing organically in raised beds and with input from the RHS for suitable cultivars to cope with climate change.”

The project is now in need of volunteers and spare garden tools. An oversight panel is already in place, but the team is actively looking to recruit an honorary Management Task Force, including the positions of secretary, treasurer and fundraising coordinator, as well as team leaders.

To find out more, contact Mark and Sue Brandon via email at markandsuebrandon@outlook. com or on 01722 328259.

Pumpkin pie will prove just desserts

As we become more and more aware of environmental concerns and issues surrounding sustainability, it is perhaps time to start giving serious thought to the annual pumpkin carve-up. Pumpkin is quite a versatile food, although the mess might put people off, and the flesh and seeds are perfect for turning into delicious meals.

Pumpkin pie is something of an American delicacy, but it’s

fairly easy to make and looks great. Ingredients can be switched around and there are many versions available. Why not experiment a little.

You’ll need:

750g pumpkin, peeled, deseeded (save the seeds), cut into chunks; 350g sweet shortcrust pastry (you can make this, but life’s too short); 140g caster sugar; ½ tsp salt; 2 eggs,

beaten; 25g butter, melted; 175ml milk (some recipes use evaporated milk); Spices: ½ tsp fresh nutmeg, grated, 1 tsp cinnamon, you use ginger if you wish, or even more exotic spices; 1 tbsp icing sugar for dusting (optional).

Here’s what you do:

Place the pumpkin chunks in a large saucepan, cover with water and bring to the boil. Once boiling, cover with a lid and simmer for 15 minutes or until tender. Drain the pumpkin and leave to cool.

Heat oven to 180C/160C fan/ gas 4. Roll out the pastry on a lightly floured surface and then line a 22cm loose-bottomed tart tin. Chill this for 15 minutes. You will need to blind bake as the pumpkin mixture will be runny. Line the pastry with baking parchment and baking beans, then bake for 15 minutes. Remove the beans and paper and cook for a further 10 minutes

until the base is pale golden and biscuity. Remove the tin from the oven and allow it to cool slightly.

Now, turn the oven up to 220C/200C fan/gas 7. Push the cooled pumpkin through a sieve into a large bowl. In a separate bowl, combine the sugar, salt, nutmeg and half the cinnamon (whichever spices you choose to use). Mix in the beaten eggs, melted butter and milk to the spice combo then add to the pumpkin purée and stir it all together to combine.

Pour the puree into the blind baked pastry and cook for 10 minutes then reduce the temperature to 180C/160C fan/ gas 4 and bake for 35-40 minutes or until the filling has just set.

Leave this to cool, then remove the pie from the tin. If you want to add an extra detail, mix the remaining cinnamon with the icing sugar and dust over the pie. You could also add a squirt of cream or a dollop of crème fraîche. Serve chilled.

Chafyn Grove School has provided an area of land to enable the project to grow its own food

Pumpkin crunch

If you’ve read the Pumpkin Pie recipe on the opposite page you would have noticed the instruction not to throw away the seeds. They can roasted to make a delicious snack, either eaten on their own or used as a topping on other dishes.

I found this recipe on the Inspired Taste website, but there are many versions because it is so quick and easy.

So, if you are carving a pumpkin or using one for a recipe, once you’ve scooped out the seeds, set them to one side until you are ready to get roasting.

First, those slippery little seeds will need to be cleaned under running water. Alternatively, put them in a bowl of cold water and swish them around to separate any clinging flesh (ooh, halloweeny) from the seed.

Next, add a couple of teaspoons of salt to a pan of water and bring to the boil before adding the seeds.

Simmer for around five minutes, then strain the seeds and place them on a clean tea towel or kitchen paper. The simmering process softens the seeds slightly and seasons them slightly.

Dry the seeds as well you can, the drier the better they roast. Once dry, toss them with some olive oil and sprinkle with whatever

dry spice you would like to add. Something with a little bit of kick works well.

If you are using a spice already in an oil, like harissa paste, you do not need to sprinkle them with oil first.

Finally, spread them on a baking sheet into a single layer and roast until they are crisp and brown around the edges.

Depending on the size of the seeds and your oven, this could take between 10 and 25 minutes. Simple but delicious and you can do the same with butternut squash seeds. https://www.inspiredtaste.net

Credit: Macey Bundt/Unsplash

Watch comes with £120k estimate

Duke’s of Dorchester is inviting final entries into its December specialist auctions. Recent sales continue to be exceptional, despite unpredictable markets.

An Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Perpetual Calendar in 18ct yellow gold has already been consigned for the Jewellery and Watches auction, on December 8.

The piece was designed by one of the most influential and well-known watch designers, Gérald Genta, who designed some of the world’s most iconic watches, including the Patek Philippe Nautilus and the

Omega Constellation.

The recognisable design is said to have taken inspiration from a diver’s helmet with the eight bezel screws exposed.

It comes with a pre-sale estimate of £90,000-£120,000.

Only 800 examples were produced between 1983-98.

A breathtaking selection of jewellery from diamond and sapphire rings to emerald and pearl brooches will also feature.

For a confidential free valuation or more information email Duke’s at enquiries@ dukes-auctions.com or phone 01305 265080.

Fireworks

Fireworks night displays promise something for all the family to enjoy

NEXT weekend will see the night skies bathed in light – for Fireworks Night.

Organised displays are running across the Salisbury and Avon patch in the coming days, with organisers promising something for all the family.

Events in the area:

Fordingbridge Federation Fireworks, Fordingbridge Junior School, on November 3 at 5.15pm: Featuring a display by Painswessex. Tickets cost £5 per person, with under-twos free.

Fireworks Night, The Alice Lisle, Ringwood on November 4 at 5pm: Fireworks across the lakes from 8.30pm. Live music, hog roast and outdoor bar.

Salisbury Racecourse Fireworks on November 5 at 5.30pm: Organised by the Rotary Clubs of Salisbury & Wilton, the event runs until 8pm. Features rides for little ones, hot dogs and candy floss. Adult tickets cost £12, children (15 and under) £7, under-twos go free.

Fireworks Night at The Goat, Downton on November 5, 6pm to 8pm: Organised by the 1st Downton Scout Group, a barbecue runs from 6pm, bonfire at 7pm, fireworks at 7.20pm. Family tickets (two adults, three children) £20, adults £10, children £5. Online sales only. No family tickets available on the night.

Poulner Junior School Fireworks on November 5 at 6pm: On the school field,

tickets on the gate cost £5. Children under three go free.

Fireworks Spectacular 2022, Church Farm Campsite, near Salisbury on November 5 at 5.30pm: Organised by 1st Woodcutts Scout Group and Annette Toop, a children’s display takes place at 6.30pm, main display at 7.30pm. Entertainment, food and drink. Tickets cost £5 for children, £6 for adults, £20 family tickets. Available from Budgens Sixpenny Handley and Clarke the Butchers.

Ringwood Grand Fireworks, Carvers Recreation Ground, Ringwood on November 6 at 3pm: Featuring two displays, one quiet, live music, fairground rides, food and drink and more. Gates open at 3pm, main fireworks at 7pm. Tickets cost £2 in advance, £4 on the day. Pre-school children, disabled people and carers are free.

* Add your events for free online at https://salisburyandavon.co.uk/submitevent/

Towns ready to remember the fallen

SALISBURY and surrounds are gearing to pay tribute to those who have given their lives in service of their country.

Remembrance Sunday is on November 11 – the eleventh day of the eleventh month – when two minutes’ silence is held across the country to remember those who gave their lives in service.

Below are two of the main events happening in our area:

The city of Salisbury is set to remember those who made the ultimate sacrifice for their country at its Annual Remembrance Sunday Service at the War Memorial in Salisbury Market Place on Sunday, 13th November, from just before 11am.

The ceremony will be led by the Salisbury Branch of the Royal British Legion and supported by Salisbury City

Council. Everyone will gather at the War Memorial for a two-minute silence at 11am followed by prayers.

Armistice Day

On Friday, 11th November, there will be a small ceremony in the Guildhall Square at 11am to mark Armistice Day, which all are also welcome to attend.

In Amesbury, at 10.30am, the Remembrance Parade will march along the High Street, to St Mary and St Melor Abbey Church.

The Mayor of Amesbury and a senior officer will take the salute as the parade marches to the churchyard where the Remembrance Service will be held at the War Memorial.

Prayers will be offered and the names of the fallen in both World Wars will be read before the silence and wreath laying.

Remember them, and support the Royal British Legion

On November 14, the Salisbury & Avon Gazette will publish your messages of remembrance and dedications, with all funds raised going to the RBL, in full. For details on how to book

message please see

of this

History

Deplorable destitution: Village life in Winterslow in the 19th Century

By Terry Grace

By 1845, the hilltop village of Winterslow was dying and destitute, a victim of the Inclosures Act. In simple terms, this meant that the labourers who might once have worked a smallholding and had use of common ground for cattle grazing and other agricultural pursuits, found themselves working for the owners of larger farms for a pittance.

It seems that Winterslow and some neighbouring villages were hardest hit by this act and by the disregard of the wealthy landowners.

In January of 1846, The Morning Advertiser (London) sent its own correspondent to see some of the poverty in the rural areas of the south. He wrote an article entitled “Winterslow, in Wiltshire–deplorable destitution”.

In approaching Winterslow, which he described as standing in the clefts of the high range of chalky fortresses, he continues his damning prose with a telling portrait of how the locals existed. At that time, Winterslow was chiefly owned by St John’s College, Oxford and also the Fox family.

The article continues with a sketch of the truffle hunters of the village. He suggests these men are looked upon as poachers by the landlords, as their work often entails hunting by night. The wages at that time were 7s for a married man and 4s and 6p for unmarried men.

Although one of the landlords had been Dr Fox who was well regarded by the locals, his descendants took less interest in the village, “except for the interest of rent”. They kept the land for hunting and its layout was therefore not optimal for agriculture. They let the houses decay.

The author does however highlight one landlord, Squire Egerton who was resident in the

village. He kept his cottages in good repair and provided employment in the village, albeit on low wages. He also provided them with fuel which was said to be a great benefit.

Travelling on to Middle and West Winterslow, which he suggests “are to a stranger all one place”, he states that the want of

house, and saw the whole interior through the end which had fallen in; and inside was a motherless family of six children rolling about on the floor, amid filth and rags; and though the house was the property of the Doctors of Oxford University, who exacted and took, and added to their college income, for the

father lived as best he could, and part of his living went to fatten the monks of Oxford; the son lives as his father lived, and scorns the bread of charity; takes upon himself the maintenance of a family of five children, himself a boy drawn to by the best affections of human nature”.

In some cases, as much as 14 weeks’ wages were consumed in rent for these hovels.

An 1845 article entitled “Conditions of the Wiltshire Peasantry” in The League, the vehicle of the Anti-Corn Law League, gives us the most descriptive and moving account of what the existence of the population was like at that time.

There were up to 40 labourers out of work in Winterslow then. The employment of a large proportion of these men was poaching and truffle hunting. As for the poaching, the writer states that it was carried on with great vigour and effect.

fuel is rigorously felt and that the houses are so deplorably broken down and defenceless against wind and rain and cold, that the want of a warm fire is worse than it might be elsewhere.

Out of the wages, which in a few cases were 8s a week but mostly 7s a week, £3- £4-10s was payable in rent to St. John’s College, Oxford for what the correspondent describes as, “miserable hovels, which it is not a figure of speech to say, are tumbling down; which are half roofless, with their gables half down, which are some without glass to the windows to the window holes; and some without doors, the wood having decayed on each side and the brickwork having fallen in”.

As if not descriptive enough, the article continues: “On the occasion of my first visit there I stood on the road or street of the village, and looked into the house of a man named Yates, at the distance of forty feet from the

avowed purpose of education £4 a year from such a family, yet these children in filth and rags, had no education, and nobody to offer it to them. There they were as ignorant as the veriest savages, and living in a hole which savages would not live in, having another to choose, or ground to choose to build another on”.

The author then goes on to say that on a second visit to the village sometime later, nothing had changed, “save in so far as some hurdles, straw, and other makeshifts were applied to keep out the blasts of the winter of the year of Christianity 1845”. The father was now in prison for trying to feed his family by way of game.

He tells of a 15-year-old boy in this house who kept his siblings alive by poaching game. “He would have been a hero in a savage land; but in this Christian land, this hero, I will dare to call him that, is only a-something not much better than a thief. His

The price of bread in Winterslow was 13d a gallon, which was 2d more per gallon than in Salisbury. The man selling the bread told the reporter that he had closed his business because he could not get paid and in total the people of Winterslow were £200-£300 in his debt. It was impossible to live on those wages.

But the most damning thing was the state of the cottages in which these people were living.

The reporter was so shocked by this that he returned three weeks after his first visit, bringing with him an artist, who sketched these hovels so that it was recorded for history.

This cottage, as many others did, belonged to St John’s College, Oxford. The chimney had long since fallen down and not been rebuilt. The thatch of the roof had been continued over the chimney and the smoke ascended through the thatch as represented in the sketch.

The reporter was told a deaf woman was in the house when the chimney fell in – she had only left the chimney-corner a moment before the accident happened. The cottage would have been full of smoke and the occasional spark from the fire would have been extremely hazardous one would think, especially as the cottage walls were not of stone as may be suggested from the sketch. The rectangles shown are not masonry, but pieces of timber.

This sketch is of a cottage belonging to Lady Holland and is built of mud, supported by uprights and cross pieces of timber, originally forming squares, but at that point somewhat irregular figures. It was said to be in a wretched condition – a mere ruin. The woman in this hovel said that in the cold weather they paid 2s a week out of their 7s wage just for firing and they had seven or eight children. They had no garden ground and their rent was £1 a year.

The last two sketches, also of a cottage belonging to St John’s College, Oxford, was reported to be the worst that the visitor had seen either in the parish of Winterslow or in any other part of England, although he comments that some in Dorset were almost comparable but none in such a dilapidated state. One local man said that he could drive a horse and cart through it and he was hardly exaggerating. There were holes in the windows and holes big enough to walk through in the walls. The roof too was full of holes.

The condition of the thatched roof was in far worse condition than suggested by the sketch and was described as of wretched

character. The cottage as per the previous one was made of mud supported by uprights and cross pieces of timber, forming squares. These squares had declined considerably from their original shape.

Unlike the previous cottages, this one had a considerable garden for which the occupant paid 1s a year together with the £1 rent for the cottage. He said that the rent was £3 1s 6d until the cottage got so bad.

The commentator stated that he had no way of testing this claim and did not rely on it because the character of the occupier was not a good one. “But whatever may be the rent, or character of the tenants, there can be no excuse for the landlord, who under any circumstances, allows human beings to linger out their miserable lives in hovels unfit for the abode of wellconditioned pigs.”

The visitor obviously took a dislike to the tenant of this cottage, as he continues. “There is almost a tragic interest about the history of the inmates of this miserable cottage. Not that I would hold up the head of the family as a fair sample of the depressed condition of the agricultural labour, living in fact by truffle hunting, and perhaps by poaching: and even in Winterslow he bears a character pre-eminently bad; but I cannot help thinking that under a better social system – a system in which the principle that the property has its duties, as well as rights, were not only regulated but acted upon- a system under which no class would not have the power of making all laws for all classes – such a being as the

beer shop-haunting renter of this fretted tenement would be somewhat less bad, and his poor family somewhat less miserable.

The condition of this cottage is reinforced by the following graphic account of the family living there and which at times is disturbing and heart-breaking in its detail.

The reporter continues “I have met with a good many instances of families (generally, those too, in the coldest and worst dwellings) who had no blankets even in the late severe weather; and of those who had, the best off had not more than two to a bed – frequently but one – while I believe, most people found three too few in the very cold weather of last month, and that too, in houses made to keep out the cold, with doors, windows and chimneys of very different construction from that of the majority of cottages.

This family had no blankets. The children (there were seven of them), some in rags and almost naked, cowering around the embers of a fire on the hearth within the large chimney– the only sheltered spot in the house. One poor little thing, a boy about two years old, was playing among the embers, unconscious alike of the dark fate of his race and his own.

“His little brother had been burnt to death only a short time before, while engaged as he was now. The father said his children were never without colds – not surprising certainly.”

These chilling descriptions were made on the reporter’s first visit to Winterslow but on his return three weeks later with the artist (who had sketched the

Opposite page: Ladies of the Winterslow spinning and weaving industry; far left: an early photograph showing the Court houses; and left: Eli Collins, a famous truffle hunter.

houses detailed above), he was to find even more tragedy.

“Rather less than three weeks ago I visited the same cottage and found the children who had recently lost their mother, under the care of their eldest sister, a girl of about seventeen. I was now informed that the girl was dead and buried. She had gone to a gentleman’s house, at a little distance, to beg, and standing about two hours in the cold and wet, she caught a cold, which from the state of the cottage, insufficient covering (there were no blankets), and the want of necessities, turned into a fever and carried her off in ten days. According to the report I heard, she died raving mad, poor thing. Her life had been short and miserable. Better to be in the grave than to go on living thus.”

One man was to save the village from ruin. In 1892, Major Robert Poore of Old Lodge, turned around the fortunes of the villagers when he purchased a farm at Winterslow and divided it into small holdings, offering these to the workers on easy payments.

After only a few years many of the villagers were making profit on these holdings and also building houses on them. This ambitious scheme, together with the introduction of a spinning and weaving industry by Poore’s wife, was to turn this village from near extinction into the thriving community it has become today.

This account is taken from Winterslow: “A most intelligent village”. Available from the History Bookshop, Fisherton St., Salisbury and online at eBay.co. uk and Amazon.co.uk.

The book covers much of the modern history of Winterslow, including Major Poore’s land Court. The Winterslow spinning and weaving industry and the famous truffle hunters is also discussed, together with chapters on the Winterslow Water Company, the Winterslow theatre history of Old Lodge, and more.

English requiem for All Souls’ Day

A requiem written by Salisbury Cathedral’s director of music David Halls is to be sung during the 5.30pm Eucharist on All Souls’ Day (Wednesday, 2nd November), the day on which the church traditionally remembers the faithful departed.

The English Requiem was originally premiered in concert at Salisbury Cathedral in 2017, but David was always keen for the work to be sung in English as part of the Liturgy, or regular Cathedral worship. Deliberately intimate, it is a reflection on personal loss and the Cathedral’s close knit community, where life and death are marked by music.

David Halls said: “Deciding to have the Requiem sung in English is not an unusual decision – both Howells and Walford Davies did the same – but my decision to use it was made purposefully. From the Anglian chant and Psalms that underpin my work, to the decision to use English and avoid the traditionally bombastic Dies Irae, my aim was to create a ‘modest’ work

that lends itself to the wonderful acoustics of this Cathedral.”

Choir, and Organ is published by The Royal School of Church Music. It will be sung on 2nd November by the girls and men of Salisbury Cathedral Choir.

David Halls was appointed director of music at Salisbury Cathedral in September 2005. In addition to his daily duties in the Cathedral, he has toured Austria, Estonia, France, Holland, Italy, Latvia, Sweden and the USA with the Cathedral Choir and has appeared as conductor, accompanist and soloist in many concerts and recordings.

In demand as a recitalist in cathedrals and churches throughout the UK, he has recorded three solo CDs on the Willis Organ in Salisbury Cathedral. He is active as a composer with many choral and organ works published in the UK and USA.

David is a member of the Salisbury Diocesan Choral Festival Group regularly conducting Diocesan Choir Festivals, is an organ consultant to the Diocese of Salisbury, and conducts both Salisbury Musical Society and Salisbury Symphony Orchestra performing major choral and orchestral works.

the best dressed trees will be heading to St Thomas’

Christmas is a special time and St Thomas’s Church in Salisbury is once again holding its Decorated Tree Festival. One of the biggest and best attended events of its type in the UK, the festival opens on Tuesday, 29th November and runs through to Sunday, December 4th. Entry is free.

Up to 100 decorated trees and nativity scenes will be on display, all submitted from enthusiastic individuals, businesses, charities and schools across South Wiltshire, and all provided to raise money for our nominated charities.

This year, Alzheimer’s Support Salisbury and Friends

of Salisbury Shopmobility are the featured causes and every year the festival makes a substantial contribution to local charities. Last year over 9,000 visitors to the festival contributed more than £13,000 to good causes.

Every year, visitors are amazed and inspired by the heart-warming creativity and ingenuity on view and how this evokes a true reflection on the real meaning of Christmas.

As a musical backdrop to this joyous occasion there is a continuous programme of festive music provided by leading local groups, choirs,

soloists and bands. To satisfy the taste buds, there are seasonal treats and snacks available from the St Thomas’s catering team.

Year after year, many people, whether residents, regional visitors, or tourists from further afield, make a special point of visiting the festival and for them it has become an unmissable date for their festive diary.

The Christmas Tree Festival is a notable start to a wonderful season of celebration at St Thomas’s. Details of these events are available on www. stthomassalisbury.co.uk

English Requiem for Soprano, Alto, Tenor and Bass

A Time To Remember: David Halls’ English requiem to be sung on All Souls’ Day in Salisbury Cathedral

The girls and men of the choir will sing David Halls’ English Requiem, photo Finnbarr Webster

Three generations of history, craft and love, woven in

Steeped in three generations of history, Bakhtiyar has long been a respected leader in the Persian and Oriental hand-knotted carpet trade. Headed by internationally renowned carpet expert Masoud Mazaheri-Asadi, he and his son Koroush continue to carve a new path for the industry bringing the historic beauty of Persia to homes around the world.

Spend time with Bakhtiyar’s specialists and you will quickly discover their passion and love for the craftsmanship of the carpets they source. As an authoritative figure within the industry, Masoud is often invited to share his expertise and insider knowledge with media outlets such as the BBC to discuss the ever-changing market. He also advises auction houses, insurance firms and institutions to identify and value Persian rugs and carpets. But we would be remiss to say that is

all we do, we carry out general carpet repairs for clients, whilst also working with many historic organisations to clean and restore carpets, bringing them back to life, in some cases removing 200 year old stains.

At Bakhtiyar we believe that no carpet is ever a lost ruin, beyond repair. As the Persian Poet Rumi once said “where

there is ruin, there is hope for treasure”. Our team of highly skilled cleaners and restorers, based in our London Warehouse, carry out repairs using the traditional knotting methods to fully restore rugs to their former glory, taking wool dated from the same period as the rug, to perfectly match the rest of the piece.

We invite you to join us at our winter exhibition in the beautiful Mintern Barn at Luccombe Farm in Dorset.

Friday 18th to Sunday 20th of November 2022 Open 10.00 a.m. to 5.00 p.m. daily

We will be showing a large selection from our extensive stock of hand woven Persian carpets, runners and kelims ranging from antique to modern pieces.

Persian food will be served daily with all proceeds raised being donated to Alzheimer’s charity.

MINTERN BARN, LUCCOMBE FARM, MILTON ABBAS, BLANDFORD FORUM, DORSET, DT11 0BE

Directions: Approach the exhibition at Luccombe Farm from Winterborne Whitechurch (A354), using the signed Milton Abbas Road. Ample parking is available and Mintern Barn is wheelchair accessible.

“Where there is ruin, there is hope for treasure.” Rumi

Salisbury Hospital signs Menopause Pledge to improve staff support

Salisbury NHS Foundation Trust signed the Menopause Workplace Pledge on October 18th in support of World Menopause Day.

Led by the charity Wellbeing of Women, the pledge will ensure the Trust is supporting staff members experiencing the menopause or peri-menopause. It will also help to inform and educate colleagues, friends and managers to create a supportive, inclusive workplace.

By signing the pledge the Trust has committed to recognising that the menopause can be an issue in the workplace and must actively offer both support and information to employees affected, encouraging them to talk openly, positively and respectfully about the menopause.

‘Menopause’ is a term used to describe the natural decline of a woman’s reproductive hormones, beginning typically between the ages of 45 to 55, although some women can experience symptoms earlier (peri-menopause).

Common symptoms of menopause include hot flashes, night sweats, mood changes and sleep disturbances. All of which

can result in an increase in anxiety and depression.

It is estimated that around 900,000 women in the UK have quit their jobs because of the menopause and with women making up around 75% of NHS Staff, it is crucial that action is taken now to support colleagues.

CEO Stacey Hunter said: “We really are committed to supporting our staff at every stage of their career and I’m delighted that we are now

talking more openly about the menopause in the workplace, which is where individuals can often find their symptoms most debilitating.

“Committing to the Menopause Workforce Pledge, providing extra support and resources to our colleagues and encouraging those who are suffering to speak up and ask for help is a very welcome and much needed change here at SFT.”

Getting to back to normal with support

Wessex Stoma Support Group has had a busy year, following the restrictions of Covid.

The group is back to having regular meetings at the Bob Blandford Hall in Wilton. A number of speakers and suppliers have already attended, including a talk by Patrick Cashman from the RSPB talking about the new site at Newton Toney.

The group has also resumed its Tea and Chat afternoons in

the Tesco Community Room with such activities as Creative Arts, watercolour painting and a game of Boccia. It has also held its annual BBQ, and a seaside visit that included a boat trip to the Isle of Wight.

A busy season awaits with the groups annual Christmas lunch at the White Hart Hotel, a trip to the pantomime and its December meeting which is also a Christmas party to look forward to.

The Primrose group. for carers and those that have lost their partners have resumed regular cream teas at the Britford Farm Shop.

The group has also been continuing its Stoma Aware campaigns, getting out and about at Stoma Nurses Open days and with a stand in Tesco Extra in Salisbury creating awareness: 1 in 300 have a stoma of some kind, recognising that Not All Disabilities are Visible.

Wilton pours ‘perfect tea magic’

Friendly local businesses and residents in Wilton have come to the aid of Lizzie Leigh – the town’s ‘Mistress of Tea’ – to launch a new service.

The challenge? To find a local professional photographer, location and volunteer ‘guest’ to help ‘Tea with Me’ have a successful launch (and to produce the images within a week).

‘Tea with Me’ uplifts and restores the spirit through what Lizzie calls ‘tea wisdom and magic’ – a self-nourishing one-to-one encounter over tea, delivered to your home.

Thanks to a recommendation from the team in her unofficial writer’s den (Monty & Mabel’s) and a friendly fellow customer, Lizzie found herself being snapped by photographer Sarah Dollar in a perfect location with charming local resident, Jill, who was rewarded with a taster of the service Lizzie offers.

Lizzie – who wrote bestselling ‘Distinguished Leaves ~ Poems for tea-lovers’ under her former name – said: “The blend which is Wilton delivers everything you need on your doorstep. Better still, you’ll be on the receiving end of exceptional friendliness.” She added: “I hope ‘Tea with Me’ will contribute a unique dash of additional nourishment for the soul for the residents of this lovely community.”

For bookings visit www. lizzieleigh.xyz/tea-related, e-mail wildrhyminglizzie@gmail.com or phone 07940 584752.

Stacey Hunter (Chief Executive Officer) and Melanie Whitfield (Chief People Officer) holding up the signed Workforce Menopause Pledge for Salisbury NHS Foundation Trust Photo credit: Harley Shearstone

Lizzie sharing tea magic with Jill, photo by Sarah Dollar

Health & Wellbeing

Mental health gala needs help to shine vital light on taboo subject

THE Mental Health Awareness Gala returns to the Salisbury area on November 19. Last year’s successful event took place at the Guildhall and raised £14,000 for charities working in the mental health sector.

This year’s black tie event will take place at the Gray Manor Hotel in Cholderton and will include a three-course meal and Buck’s Fizz on arrival, music from The Treblemakers and a raffle with prizes donated by local companies.

The event was created by Lucie Jones, who worked in mental health care for 18 years, after three families she is close to lost their sons to suicide. Often a difficult subject to talk about, Lucie has created an event that aims to raise

awareness and to create conversations in a safe and welcoming environment while raising money for charities that provide mental health support.

The evening will feature emotive and powerful talks from Brian Green, an ex-soldier suffering with PTSD, Lucy Hart who works in mental health but also suffers herself and Wayne Collier, who lost his son Glenn four years ago.

Salisbury has the highest rate of suicide in Wiltshire, and statistically, young men are 80% more likely to their own life than women. There is a real need for open discussions and to end the taboo that surrounds the subject.

“I’m really excited to be putting on the second gala

dinner to raise awareness of mental health and to raise funds for two worthy charities. It’s a subject very close to my heart. After last year’s event, I had people opening up to me about their own struggles, especially from men,” said Lucie.

This year’s event will also feature a raffle with donations already confirmed from Form one Ltd, Reeves, Mercedes Benz and Tribbecks Jewellers. Any local companies wishing to provide sponsorship for the Gala or who wish to donate a raffle prize can contact Lucie via email at Charitygaladinner@ hotmail.com or Luciejones@ hotmail.co.uk.

Last year’s event raised £14,000 for Salisbury Samaritans and The Lions

Barber Collective – a Bristolbased charity that trains barbers to recognise symptoms of ill mental health, with the evening’s ticket sale revenue matched by Goforit Global Investments.

This year’s charities are Kickstart FC, which uses football to offer support to people who experience mental health issues and social isolation, and the Elliot Project, which aims to educate the wider public and provide them with tools to help those struggling with mental health.

The Gala runs from 6.30pm to 2am, with tickets available for £75. For those driving, parking is available at the hotel. Tickets can be purchased from Lucie at Charitygaladinner@hotmail.com or Luciejones@hotmail.co.uk

Practice is ‘back’! Passion for health

A SALISBURY physiotherapy practice is celebrating 10 years in business with a new name and location.

But the past few years have not been plain sailing for Salisbury & South Wilts Physiotherapy.

Before the pandemic, the clinic was known as Harnham Physiotherapy Clinic with a staff of eight part-time physiotherapists. The business went from strength to strength and regularly found itself with top marks on the ‘three best rated’ website.

However, the lockdown period reduced the team to one part-time physio carrying out Covid reduced the team to one part time physiotherapist doing musculoskeletal video-call physiotherapy and one part-time community based physiotherapist performing risk-assessed home visits in support of the elderly and disabled to help prevent hospital admission and support successful hospital discharge.

The clinic’s income fell by 91% and like many small businesses it was a difficult time.

Chartered physiotherapist and clinic director, Marie Roberts said: “The practice has bounced back to its feet with a vengeance and really is ‘back’ with a 10-strong team based partly in clinic and partly in the community working in peoples homes and care homes. The clinic’s community team also does regular exercise groups in local care homes.”

With two specialist hand therapists, neurological physiotherapists and even a respiratory physiotherapist, the team is more diverse and is stronger than ever. Not only has it recovered it can celebrate its 10th anniversary in premises at Salisbury & South Wilts Sports Club.

To contact the clinic, call 01722 501010, email info@ harnhamphysiotherapy.co.uk or visitsalisburysouthwiltsphysio. co.uk.

LISA Diamond’s passion for health and weightloss began during the pandemic.

“I had lost three stone during 2019 and 2020, but never really learnt anything about nutrition,” she said.

“I started training, initially for my own benefit, but then decided to set up my own business to help others achieve their goals and I’ve had the pleasure of helping many clients

work

“I believe that

be followed with

balance at the forefront. And I love to dispel the many myths around nutrition

weightloss.”

ADMIN OFFICER

SEMLEY

PRIMARY SCHOOL

We

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School

1pm

Friday: 8:30am

Tuesday – Thursday: 8:30am – 12pm

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further information and

visit our website: www.semley.wilts.sch.uk

The Old Rectory

Exceptional residential care

The Old Rectory is a beautiful residential care home that specialises in dementia care. Tastefully converted from a former rectory and carefully adapted to make it safe and secure for dementia residents so they have the freedom to move about the home and can continue to have a full and active life. We offer a caring and welcoming environment that is a true home in every sense of the word, where people with dementia are respected as individuals. We offer an outstanding level of person centred care with dedicated specially trained staff.

Our home is your home

Light and airy bedrooms bursting with charm and most with wet room en-suites

Beautifully appointed lounge, orangery and dining room

Safe, secure and beautifully landscaped walled gardens

A dedicated, caring and professionally trained team Delicious locally sourced home cooked food Activities Hostesses that ensure residents are kept active and engaged

An app that allows loved ones to follow the day- to-day care of residents

Plus our very own salon ensures that one can keep up appearances

At Bramley Care we recognise the high costs and financial uncertainty that one faces when having to move into residential care, especially now with rampant inflation pushing costs constantly upwards. To provide our residents with peace of mind we offer a ‘fixed fee’; We promise that the fee agreed will not change, therefore giving our residents and their relatives a chance to budget and plan for the future.

If you or a loved one would like more information about moving into care, speak to our experts.

From our excellent home cooking to individually decorated private rooms and above all real loving care... life is tailored to you.

sees road-glare deaths

traffic on the roads after lockdown helped cut fatalities where sun dazzle was a contributory factor, according to the AA.

Deaths dropped from 41 in 2020 to 19 last year, while the number of severe road casualties (KSIs – killed and seriously injured) barely dipped, from 496 in 2020 to 491 in 2021, according to the latest Department for Transport statistics.

The return of traffic to UK roads, while putting more vehicles back on the road, likely reduced the lethality of incidents by slowing traffic speeds and making road users more wary of encountering others and vehicles.

The return to work and school last year would also have reduced the number of vulnerable road users exercising during the day and therefore chances of a deadly collision, the AA said.

However, although a blinding sun is a contributory cause of fewer road

casualties (3,900 to 4,000 each year between 2012 and 2014, now down to 2,397 in 2020 and 2,369 in 2021), it is still a factor for 3%, or one in 33, road casualties.

Glare, when the sun is low in the sky, is more likely to be a problem at this time of year.

With sunset moving into the rush-hour period, the AA is warning drivers to be equipped and alert to how they might respond if suddenly blinded by low sun.

Above all, if drivers are unsure that the road ahead is clear, they should slow down. Not only does it give more time to spot and avoid unexpected pedestrians and cyclists but also other vehicles in front may slow down significantly.

Sean Sidley, AA Patrol of the Year, said: "Glare, when the sun is low in the sky, is more likely to be a problem at this time of year.

"Always keep sunglasses within easy reach when driving. You may need to use the sun visors, so keep them free from objects such as fuel receipts, other documents or even CDs as these could cause a distraction if they drop when the visors are lowered.

"Keep your car’s windscreen clean, both inside and outside to help reduce glare.

"Replace worn wiper blades and use a good quality screen wash that contains anti-freeze as this can prevent damage to the washer pump when temperatures drop heading into autumn."

The

New faces in Symonds & Sampson’s new look Wimborne office

Symonds & Sampson’s Wimborne office has had a makeover! Its bright yet traditional style is the perfect base for our recently expanded residential sales team. Manager David Price introduces the agents covering the Wimborne and Blandford areas.

Bridget Legg has been with Symonds &Sampson for 8 years and is often the first person you’d speak to on the phone.

Imogen Judd returned to Dorset from London earlier this year and has excellent knowledge of the rural and equestrian market.

Wilton – the happy office dog – the

team’s most important member.

John Savage has been in the industry for 40 years, working in Bath, London, Salisbury, and Blandford. His knowledge of the residential market is second to none.

David Price is a third-generation estate agent and loves working in his hometown of Wimborne, where he grew up and attended school.

Neal Wilson has over 20 years of experience and has worked across a variety of locations across southern Dorset.

Rosie Thorpe has recently joined Symonds & Sampson having

previously worked in an estate agency in Dorchester and is quickly mastering the art of market appraisals.

That’s over 85 years of Estate Agency experience, so you can be assured that you will be in good hands.

Demand for property remains high in Wimborne and Blandford towns and the surrounding villages and countryside. So if you are considering a move and would like advice from experienced agents you can trust, please call Wimborne on 01202 843190 or Blandford on 01258 452670, we look forward to hearing from you.

Left to right: Bridget Legg, Imogen Judd, John Savage, David Price, Neal Wilson, Rosie Thorpe