Salisbury & Avon ED 15

Oh deer! Crowds look on during fawn river rescue

SHOPPERS in Salisbury had prime vantage points to watch the dramatic rescue of a fawn from the river.

The operation, on Wednesday, April 19, saw experts from Poole Fire Station, along with a crew from Salisbury, called to reports a young deer had got stuck on the riverbank.

A Dorset and Wiltshire Fire

and Rescue Service spokesperson said: “We had a high-profile rescue of Bambi this afternoon, right in the centre of Salisbury.

“Thanks to the local team from Salisbury Fire Station and our water rescue specialists from Poole Fire Station, the little deer was brought to safety and was taken to a local vet for a check-up.”

Advice on offer at miscarriage group

SUPPORT and conversation for those who have been through the trauma of miscarriage will be on offer at a new group.

The team behind Avon Valley Community Matters (AVCM) has launched a Miscarriage Support Group, which meets from 7pm to 9pm on the third Tuesday of each month at Avonway Community Centre, in Fordingbridge.

Along with a choice of refreshments, the welcoming group offers a safe space to share experiences if needed, access to information and support from others.

AVCM supports the bereaved, holds a friendship group, two thriving local playgroups and runs outreach projects for children and families during the school

holidays.

The organisation has also recently opened a charity shop on Fordingbridge High Street to help raise funds to support its community outreach work.

The team decided to launch its newest group, the Miscarriage Support Group, in order to reach out to offer love and support to the many individuals, couples and families who experience losing a longcherished for baby.

Charity trustee, Rev Kate Wilson, said: “The subject of miscarriage has been taboo for many generations but is thankfully now being discussed more openly, as it should be.

“Women and men, parents and

grandparents alike, should all feel able to share their experiences in order to help them find answers, reassurance and process the many different and difficult emotions felt by any who suffer such a loss.”

Support group leader Pam Parmenter said: “We want people to feel they are not alone, whatever they might be feeling. We hope to offer comfort and understanding in our group.”

For more information on the Miscarriage Support Group, email avcommunitymatters@ gmail.com, call Pam on 07841 391910, or visit www.avcmatters.org.

Further support can also be found online at www.miscarriageassociation.org.uk.

Council commits to providing further cost-of-living support for residents

WITH inflation and energy costs still high, Wiltshire Council has pledged to continue providing support to people through the cost-of-living crisis.

The government recently extended its energy price guarantee for an additional three months until the end of June 2023, which limits the amount suppliers can charge per unit of energy used.

However, the £66/£67 monthly payments that most residents were receiving from their energy supplier since October 2022, as part of the Energy Bills Support Scheme (EBSS), recently came to an end.

With this in mind, and in addition to the continuing high inflation, Wiltshire Council continues to provide a range of support to those most in need.

The council is continuing to allocate funding to those who were not eligible for payments through the EBSS.

So far, the council has allocated £510,000 through the government’s EBSS Alternative Fund and a further £172,600 through its Alternative Fuel Payment Scheme for people who don’t have a domestic electricity supplier.

The council has allocated all of its funding from the 2022/23 phase of the government’s

Household Support Fund, but recently had confirmation that it had received more than £5.4m to allocate during 2023/24.

The Household Support Fund is provided by the Department for Work and Pensions and is in place to support households that would otherwise struggle to buy food or pay essential utility bills or meet other essential living costs to help them during the current cost-of-living challenges.

The council is in the process of finalising its plans for the fund and will have more information soon.

The council continues to work with Warm and Safe Wiltshire and The Rural Communities Energy Support Network to assist residents seeking basic energy advice and to make referrals to experienced energy advisors in all but its smallest libraries.

In total, 1,462 warm packs were handed out at libraries, which contained a thermal mug, a fleece blanket and a hot water bottle with a cover. More packs may be available later this year.

All libraries can signpost people to community partners and agencies that can support people through the rising cost of living. Wiltshire Libraries are also working with the Good

Things Foundation to distribute free SIMs and mobile data to people in need.

The National Databank scheme is supported by UK mobile networks including Vodafone, O2 and Three. More information can be found at Libraries news.

All 18 of Wiltshire Council’s Area Boards have also been working on a number of projects and initiatives to support people in the county’s community areas.

Multiple Area Boards have hosted warm and safe community events, bringing together a range of partners to showcase what support they can offer to residents.

They have coordinated the production, printing and

distribution of local cost of living information leaflets to specifically targeted residential areas through officers, volunteers and councillors.

Some have worked with community groups to draw in multiple sources of funding to develop small emergency hardship funds that agencies can refer suitable residents to.

In partnership with food banks and community organisations, the area boards have also provided a range of useful products free of charge to suitable residents including slow cookers and electric blankets.

Cllr Richard Clewer, leader of Wiltshire Council, said:

“Throughout this crisis we have been involved in a number of projects and initiatives to ensure people can get the support they need and we have no intention of slowing down.

“We’ll continue to apply for any funding and work with our wide range of partners to help our communities as much as we can.

“As we’ve come to expect, the communities themselves have been supporting one another during this really challenging time and that shows the strength and the very best of our county.”

Care group presents cheques to Fordingbridge charities

ON Friday, 28th April, Karl Jung, chairman of the Two Bridges Care Group, the local voluntary organisation that assists elderly and infirm clients to get to medical and dental appointments, donated cheques to two local charities.

A cheque for £1,000 was presented to Avon Valley Community Matters (AWCM), a charity shop in Fordingbridge High Street that mainly sells clothes. A further £500 cheque was presented to the Fordingbridge Friendship Group.

The

The group is

can meet up and enjoy a chat over a cup of tea or coffee.

bereaved and single people

Cllr Richard Clewer

The photos depict Karl presenting the £1,000 cheque to Diana Roumila and Laura

Cowdery, the two shop managers of AWCM (above, left), and Olive Baker, Ron Mathitis and Ann Pye of the Fordingbridge Friendship Group

(above, right).

Fordingbridge Friendship Group meets in the local pub, The Ship every first and third Tuesday morning. The pub is just a few doors down from the AWCM shop.

for

who

Dumping soil at former hotel site lands landscaper, 37, in court

A FORMER hotel site was used as a dumping ground by a Salisbury landscape worker - which ended in him before the courts.

David Barney, of Wiltshire Road, was found guilty of fly-tipping soil, ground workings and green waste on land at the former Askers Hotel near Dorchester without an environmental permit.

The case came after, in March 2021, Dorset Council’s Waste Enforcement Team received a fly-tipping report from a member of the public regarding an incident they had witnessed the previous day, and an officer immediately left for the Askers site.

While travelling west along the A35, the officer saw a light blue Ford Transit tipper travelling in the opposite direction which matched the vehicle description in the report.

On arrival at the site, the officer found numerous loads of fly-tipped waste.

Shortly after leaving, the officer passed the same Transit tipper parked on a small side turning nearby.

Suspecting the fly-tipper was currently active in the area, the officer returned to the Askers site moments later, where he saw the vehicle with its rear load tipped up and the last part of a load of soil sliding out to the ground.

The driver introduced himself as ‘Dave’ and said he rented the site from the owner

and had permission to deposit soil there. He refused to provide his full name and address before the officer left.

Upon further investigation, the officer established no one had permission to deposit waste on the Askers site, and there was no environmental permit or waste exemption in place.

A follow-up enquiry with Dorset Police confirmed the registered keeper of the vehicle was 37-year-old Barney.

The officer subsequently searched the waste carrier licence holders’ public register, which confirmed that such a licence was held in the name of a garden landscaping company called DB Landscapes at the same address.

In April 2021, the officer

Salisbury scouts set sail

SCOUTS from the 3rd Salisbury Sea Scouts and 4th Salisbury (Harnham) took part in a sailing taster session at the West Wilts Youth Sailing Association in Westbury on Saturday, 1st April.

Reports state the scouts had a great time during the two-hour session, learning basic sailing skills that now provide each scout the opportunity to take part in a six-week Royal Yacht Association qualification.

attended Barney’s home address to serve him with a requirement to be interviewed a few weeks later.

He did not show up to the interview or provide any reason for his non-attendance, so on May 12, Barney was issued with a Fixed Penalty Notice for the offence of unauthorised deposition of waste, requiring payment of £400 within 14 days, or £200 if paid within 10 days.

Despite a final reminder letter being sent to the defendant in early June, to date no payment has been received.

Dorset Council took Barney to court, where he was found guilty in absence, arrested and subsequently produced before Salisbury Magistrates’ Court on

March 7, 2023.

On Thursday (April 20) at the same court, Barney was sentenced to a 12-month Community Order with 150 hours unpaid work in the community, and ordered to pay full costs of £5,590 plus a victim surcharge of £95.

After the sentencing, Cllr Laura Beddow, portfolio holder for culture, communities and customer services for the council, said: “Once again, through the sterling efforts of our waste enforcement and legal teams, we have secured another successful prosecution against a Dorset fly-tipper.

“On behalf of Dorset residents, I want to thank everyone involved in bringing this case to court.

“The fact the defendant was operating under the guise of a legitimate landscaping business clearly shows their illegal activities were driven by profit, to get around waste transport and disposal costs.

“We appear to have caught them red-handed, but they still tried to ignore the consequences of their actions.

“When employing anyone to carry out work on your behalf that will produce some kind of waste, we would strongly urge everyone to ask how the rubbish will be disposed of and make sure you get the correct paperwork, including an invoice or receipt for the waste they’re taking, including their contact details.”

The waste was dumped at the former Askers Hotel site, near Dorchester, and inset, Cllr Laura Beddow

Picture: Dorset Council

All change at Salisbury’s Tangent Club

THE HANDOVER of the Salisbury branch of the National Association of Tangent Clubs took place in April when joint chairmen Fi Green and Jacky Williams received the chain of office from Melodie Brookes.

During the past year, while having great fun and enjoyable shared experiences, the members have raised the awareness of their club in the local community with their tree at the St Thomas’s Christmas Tree Festival, and a Spring Coffee and Cake morning.

They raised funds by recycling unwanted gifts, holding a strawberry tea and a Summer Supper and Antiques quiz. They supported Salisbury Rotary events at a joint pétanque match, a quiz and helped with stewarding at Wallop Wheels and Wings and the Clarendon Marathon.

They have learned about the history of The Rocketship Bookshop, the ‘Her Salisbury Story’ project, the development of International Aid through a talk from a local expert and new skills at a challenge at a nearby shooting range.

The club has featured twice in the National Tangent Magazine, has entertained the National President at the Salisbury Cathedral Flower Festival and afterwards at South Wilts golf club, and has been represented at the National Conference in Cardiff, and one local and six regional lunches around the UK.

The members rose to chairman Melodie’s two challenges given at the AGM last year. The first was planting some native, bee-friendly, Woodland Trust saplings to add to the Queen’s Canopy. The second challenge was ‘growing £10’.

Protecting your home and assets with a Living Trust.

Everyone needs a will, but a will does not protect your assets. One of the most efficient additions to your will is a living trust. A living trust has many benefits and protects your hard-earned legacy. Let’s consider some of the benefits below...

Avoiding probate: By placing assets including your home into a living trust, those assets can pass directly to the beneficiaries named in the trust, bypassing probate.

Care Costs: Placing your main home into a living trust can help ring fence the property from any potential future care costs. Thus, protecting your inheritance.

Control: With a living trust, you can be both a trustee and beneficiary. You can maintain control over your assets even after you pass away. You can specify how and when your assets should be distributed to your beneficiaries.

Protects your bloodline: Your legacy is protected from remarriage and divorce, protecting both your surviving partner and children’s legacy. Asset protection: A living trust can protect your assets from creditors in the case of bankruptcy etc, divorce settlements, and other claims against beneficiaries and yourself.

In these days of uncertainty its best to plan wisely and protecting your legacy for family and loved ones. To discover more about living trusts, contact Oakwood Wills on 07832 331594

They responded in many different and imaginative ways, both individually and together, to raise an amazing £1,100 for the national charity Re-engage, helping to combat loneliness in the elderly.

Throughout the year they have also supported the national charities of Tommy’s, Breast Cancer Now, the Disaster Emergencies Committee, and locally, among others, Shop Mobility, Alzheimer’s Support, Her Salisbury Story, St Thomas’s church, and shoe box packing.

The club’s year culminated with the presentation of individual awards and gifts of wild flower seeds to celebrate King Charles’ Coronation for his wildflower meadow project. Salisbury Tangent was formed 47 years ago by ladies originally linked to the National Associations of Ladies Circle and Round Table. It is part of the National Association of Tangent Clubs of over 8,000 women.

The club can be contacted via tangentsalisbury@gmail.com

Mum taking on charity walk to ‘give something back’ after care for baby

A MUM whose baby spent over two months at Salisbury Hospital’s Neonatal Unit is taking on a walking challenge to give something back.

Hayley Howell’s son, Fletcher, was born 11 weeks early in October last year. During his stay at the unit, Hayley and her partner, David Hart, were able to stay close by in the Stars Appeal’s accommodation for parents.

Now, she is set to take on the charity’s Walk for Wards event in a bid to give something back to the appeal.

“We spent just over two months on the Neonatal Unit and stayed in the parents’ accommodation,” Hayley said. “We kept saying we completely understand if we need to go but there was never any question about us having to go.

“It was comforting for me having David there,” added Hayley, who later moved into one of the Stars Appeal’s mum and baby rooms after Fletcher’s condition improved.

Mum and baby rooms provide a private space where they can stay together and the Stars Appeal recently funded the construction of two more of these rooms, bringing the total to six, alongside four larger, en-suite ‘family’ rooms.

Hayley is taking part in the Walk for Wards, at Wilton House on July 9, with her family and will be part of a group of 15.

She said she wanted to do something to ‘be able to give back’ for all the support they received during Fletcher’s time in hospital.

Fletcher is now doing well, but 34-yearold Hayley, from Amesbury, said him going to the Neonatal Unit was ‘scary at first’.

“I got to the point where I thought ‘I don’t think I can do this anymore’ but they (the staff) helped me keep going,” she said.

“The nurses and everybody on the unit were fantastic.

“We nearly lost Fletcher a couple of weeks after he was born. He got a common cold and where he was so little it stopped him breathing. I was there on my own and remember the staff comforting me. They were so caring about us as parents, as well as looking after our baby.”

Hayley also praised the support for parents provided by the Stars Appeal, Salisbury District Hospital’s Charity, to ease the stress of having a child in the Neonatal Unit, including free aromatherapy sessions which she says were a ‘God send’

and the musicians who play lullabies to the babies.

“These activities do the world of good for mums on the unit,” she said. “It is something good to look forward to. The little extras are amazing.

“Fletcher is my miracle baby. To lose him was unthinkable as it took us so long to conceive him. He is my world.

“That Neonatal Unit is absolutely amazing.”

To find out more about the event, and to register for the Walk for Wards, log on to the Stars Appeal website at starsappeal.org/ event/walk-for-wards.

Under

4% of residents turn out for Salisbury Parish Poll

SALISBURY’S residents voted unanimously to support a cap on future increases to the Salisbury City Council precept in a parish poll on Thursday, 20th April.

The poll was instigated by Conservative councillors and a number of residents following the recent increases to Salisbury’s Council Tax.

Residents voted on the question: “Do you support a 5% cap on future increases to the Salisbury City Council precept and a parish consultation if any proposed increase is larger than 5%?”

The final result was:

● Yes – 992

● No – 206

● Rejected – 4

However, the turnout for the poll was

tiny with only 3.92% of the 30,698 eligible voters exercising their democratic right.

The eventual cost of the poll will be calculated by the returning officer, and an invoice passed to the City Council once costs are finalised, after the completion of the poll. This is estimated to be as much as £18,000.

The poll was instigated following a public meeting in March, in which both residents and councillors spoke for and against the need to canvas the wider opinion of Salisbury’s voting public. However, it seems to have failed to engage the public.

Club in the swing of redevelopments

GOLFERS will be driving to success after the tee-riffic £70,000 refit of a Dorset range.

Over the last eight months, major improvements have been made at Crane Valley Golf Club’s driving range, and a new short game area built, as part of the makeover.

Verwood mayor, Cllr Simon Gibson, a keen golfer who has played at the club since the age of 12, officially opened the new practice facilities.

The investment has seen five additional outside bays added to the driving range, extending the roof to protect players from the elements, improving LED lighting and refurbishing the range to create a more welcoming feel, the club said.

Meanwhile, the putting and chipping area has also undergone a refurbishment, with the green being moved

and extended to three times the size.

Head of golf for Hoburne, James Slade, said: “There are so many exciting improvements happening at Crane Valley and we were delighted to welcome Simon to open the improved practice facilities.

“We at Crane Valley are very proud to see Simon represent Verwood as mayor and so pleased that he kindly gave up his time to support us with the opening.”

Cllr Gibson added: “Crane Valley is a brilliant, community focused club and I am delighted to be able to support the opening of the new practice facilities.

“The investment is very welcome, and I know that many local people appreciate having such a good club on our doorstep.”

Mayor Cllr Simon Gibson and director of coaching at Crane Valley Golf Club, Darrel Ranson

Man jailed over child sex offences

A MAN has been jailed for 12 years after pleading guilty to multiple child sex offences - committed while living in Salisbury.

John Devine, inset, who is a registered sex offender and was on prison licence at the time of the offences, was sentenced after pleading guilty to the following offences:

n Make indecent images of a child (category A)

n Make indecent images of a child (category B)

n Make indecent images of a child (category C)

n Distribute an indecent image of a child (category A)

n Distribute an indecent image of a child (category C)

n Attempt to engage in sexual communication with a child

n Attempt to cause a child to engage in penetrative sexual activity

n Attempt to cause a child to look at an image of sexual activity.

Between September 2, 2021, and October 1, 2021, Devine engaged online with a profile of a user who he believed to be a 12-year-old boy.

The conversation was of a sexual nature and included Devine encouraging the child to carry out a sexual act.

During the investigation, which was run in conjunction with the TARIAN Regional Organised Crime Unit in South Wales, there

was never a real life victim and no children were abused.

However, following Devine’s arrest, devices were seized from his property and more than 600 images and videos of category A indecent images of children were located. These depict the most serious abuse of children.

As well as the 12-year prison sentence, the 52-year-old must register as a sex offender indefinitely.

Det Con Sadie McCoy, of the Wiltshire Police Child Internet Exploitation Team, said: “Despite being on licence at the time of these offences, Devine has continued to offend. He is a risk to society and I am pleased the serious nature of his offending has been recognised and he has been given a lengthy prison sentence.

“I hope this investigation demonstrates Wiltshire Police commitment to rooting out serious offenders like Devine within our community and ensuring they are put before the courts.

“We would encourage anybody who wishes to report child sex abuse of any nature to come forward and contact us –

you will be supported by a team of professionals whose role it is to protect children from harm.”

Det Insp Matthew Davies, of TARIAN ROCU, said: “It is our absolute priority to protect and keep children safe in our communities. Law enforcement operates across the internet and we will relentlessly seek to bring to justice offenders who use the web to facilitate the abuse of children.

“We are committed to combating child sexual abuse, safeguarding children and bringing those offenders who seek to abuse children to justice.

“If anyone has been a victim of child sexual abuse, I urge you to report it to your local police force via 101. We will always follow up allegations of abuse, no matter when they occurred.

“Victims can talk in confidence to experienced investigators and we can also help them get access to a range of other support services.

“If you have concerns about your use of the internet or inappropriate thoughts or behaviour about children or if you are worried about how someone you know behaves around children or are worried about their use of the internet then the Lucy Faithfull Foundation provide a free, anonymous and confidential Stop It Now! Helpline on 0808 1000 900 for advice, support and information.”

Great Wishford’s Oak Apple Day re-born anew

LIKE many communities, Great Wishford was heavily affected by the pandemic. Its traditional Oak Apple Day celebrations were put on hold.

Finally, the village Oak Apple Club can celebrate the continuation of the ancient rights to collect fallen timber from the Earl of Pembroke’s Grovely Woods.

The rights are believed to date back to the 12th century and were enshrined in law in the 17th century. They are renewed each year on 29th May.

The day will begin with The Rough Band going around the village, making a real din at 5.30am to awaken the villagers to tell them it is time to walk to the woods and collect a traditional live oak bough ‘no

thicker than a man’s forearm’ with which to decorate their houses.

Following breakfast in The Royal Oak, events move to Salisbury Cathedral where, at 10.30am, The Nitch Ladies will perform traditional dances before the villagers renew their

rights by crying “Grovely, Grovely and all Grovely”, in front of the altar.

A parade to beat the bounds of the village follows at noon before the Oak Apple field in the village centre opens, with all-comers welcome, to begin the annual fête.

Children’s attractions will include swingboats, Punch and Judy and face painting. Hunger will be met by a soup-and-a-roll stall, BBQ and ice cream van. A bar will sort out the thirsty. Other activities include a performance from Bourne Valley Morris, a classic vehicle display, children’s races, a wide variety of stalls and live music from Woodford Ukulele Band and Roy Shergold’s Daisy Chain.

Tom Brannan, club chairman, said: “It’s a delight to be able to re-launch Oak Apple Day at last. So many village traditions have been lost that it’s important to protect those that remain.

“All are welcome to join in the fun.”

The day celebrates the rights of the villagers to pick wood in Grovely

Repair work at Wilton Library means building will temporarily close

A DECISION has been made to close Wilton Library until further notice to allow assessment work to take place on the damaged ceiling that currently presents a safety risk to the visitors.

The building has been closed since 6 April and Wiltshire Council wants further assessment work to be carried out on the site to help inform a clearer timetable of the work that needs to be done before it can be reopened to the public.

Anyone who currently has a book out on loan from the library will have its return date automatically extended until the library re-opens.

Wiltshire Council is in the process of assessing whether alternative provision can be

provided in the town, but for those who need a library service, their cards will be

accepted at any Wiltshire library, with Salisbury being the closest to Wilton.

Cllr Ian Blair-Pilling, Wiltshire Council cabinet member for libraries, said: “We are very sorry that Wilton community’s library is currently closed. This decision was necessary to ensure people’s safety while we plan and carry out these repairs.

“We are focused on reopening the library as soon as possible, and shall have a clear timetable to achieve this very soon.

“In the meantime, we have a range of digital services that people can use, and of course anyone from Wilton will be very warmly welcomed at any of our other libraries should they wish to pay them a visit.

“Thank you to everyone for their patience.”

Wilton Library will remain closed until further assessment work has been carried out

Credit: Google

Fordingbridge camera club members snap up gold and silver medals

THREE local photographers, all members of Fordingbridge Camera Club won medals at the Southern Counties Photographic Federation’s (SCPF) Exhibition, which was held recently at Salisbury Library.

Gerry Howard (pictured right) won a Gold medal for his image. ‘New Forest Fawn Gets a Lick’.

At the same exhibition, the Club was awarded second place in the Projected Images category and third in the Print Category.

At the SCPF Championships held in March, the Club came first in the projected images category out of a total of 38 entries, with two of its members awarded silver medals.

Rex Waygood, pictured in the middle, gained his medal for “Hepworth Stairs’ and Richard

Walter won his for ‘The Trumpeter’.

Fordingbridge Camera Club will now go on to represent the South of England at the Photographic Alliance of Great Britain Inter-Club Digital Image

Championships being held at Warwick University in July.

The above images will be on display next month along with a variety of other photographers work at the Club’s forthcoming Spring

Exhibition to be held daily on the 19th and 20th of May at Fordingbridge Town Hall.

The bi-annual exhibition always proves popular with the local community. This year’s event will include an exhibition at Fordingbridge Museum which will feature historical, local photographs. Entry to the exhibition is free with cakes and refreshments available to purchase.

Fordingbridge Camera Club caters for photographers of all abilities and meets every Wednesday evening at Avonway Community Centre in Fordingbridge. Throughout the season there is a programme of talks, competitions and creative evenings. New members are always welcome.

www.fordingbridgecameraclub. org.uk

Wiltshire Council earns carbon literacy recognition

WILTSHIRE Council has successfully been accredited as a Bronze Carbon Literate organisation, which demonstrates it has been formally recognised for its commitment to educating and inspiring people about climate change.

The council has been bestowed this recognition by the Carbon Literacy Project and is a result of almost 60 members of staff completing carbon literacy training to help them become more energy efficient in their work and home lives.

As part of the training, each individual had to make a series of pledges to drive forward positive change and be ambassadors to support others.

The council will continue to offer carbon literacy training to its employees, but is also looking to roll it out wider and allow residents to participate.

To further demonstrate the council’s commitment to the climate cause, in a recent independent Corporate Peer Challenge, it was said in the final report that Wiltshire Council is excelling in work to address climate change.

The report stated, ‘The council’s work to mitigate and adapt to the impacts of climate change is impressive, with many activities that would be considered exceptional in other organisations being seen very much as the “day job”.’

Cllr Nick Holder, Wiltshire Council cabinet member for environment and climate change, said: “Our efforts to inspire positive change in carbon reduction have been met with plenty of positive independent feedback and recognition recently.

“It’s heartening to know all our hard work is making a

difference. Getting accredited as a Bronze Carbon Literate organisation means we are credible on the topic of carbon reduction and responding to the climate emergency.

“We will use this recognition to continue to support and inspire people to make real meaningful change. We’ve always said we can’t tackle this

problem alone, so the more people that are aware of the situation we all face and what they can do to turn that around will really help.

“Our Business Plan and Climate Strategy continue to inform all our work in this area and are providing a strong foundation for what we’re achieving.”

Richard Walter, Rex Waygood, Gerry Howard Credit: club member, Julie Francis

Recognition followed extensive staff training

City’s latest blue plaque to honour businesswoman Frances Hale

SALISBURY’S latest blue plaque was unveiled in New Street on Thursday, 13th April by mayor Tom Corbin and Jane Howells on behalf of joint organisers Salisbury Civic Society and Salisbury Soroptimists, whose project, ‘Her Salisbury Story’ inspired the plaque.

Her Salisbury Story is a website collecting the stories of more than 60 women, past and present, who have contributed or are contributing to life in Salisbury.

The research was conducted by many Soroptimists and other members of the community. Some of these women are currently featured in an exhibition at Salisbury Museum.

Jenny Hair, president of Salisbury Soroptimists said that the idea of the project was to write women into history, as their contributions are often overlooked.

Frances Hale inherited a building business from her husband, who had previously taken it over following the death of her father. Although she later took her sons into partnership, it was clear that she ran the show.

Her astute management increased the workforce from a couple of dozen to over 400.

The business was celebrated at a civic dinner, for which she paid, but to which she was not invited as it was men only.

As an aid to recruitment, Mrs Hale used to make sure that newspapers reported the summer outings she organised for her workforce. The firm also had a cricket team, Mrs Hale’s Carpenters XI.

The firm built the Literary and Scientific Institution, now the Cosy Club, on the walls of which the plaque is installed. Salisbury residents can see other notable examples of the firm’s work still extant in the city, such Richardson’s wine store, now Barclays, on the corner of High Street and Fisherton Street, the Congregational Church and the renovation of Britford Church.

The family lived at 36 Castle Street. Unfortunately, the business suffered severe cash flow problems after undertaking

project in Alderbury and was declared bankrupt.

Frances died the following year. Her son later re-established the business and was able to buy back the Castle Street house and yard.

The ceremony in New Street was followed by a visit to the exhibition in Salisbury Museum and tea at Arundell’s.

The chair of the Civic Society, Stephanie Siddons Deighton, introduced a talk by Jane Howells about women in the history of Salisbury, followed by Brian Evans talking about his research into the life of Frances Hale.

Both talks were informative and enjoyed by the invited audience.

Salisbury among top cities for accessibility in the UK

SALISBURY is the seventh most accessible city in the UK according to research carried out by Age Mobility UK.

As the charity states the accessibility of the city’s across the UK can always be improved, with the latest data from the UK parliament website revealing that an estimated 14.6 million people in the UK have a disability, which is about 22% of the entire population.

Therefore, making sure that those with disabilities are respected, included, and catered for should be a high priority.

To determine which city is doing the most for those with access needs like stair lift users, the study compared all of the UK’s cities, from London to St Davids, ranking them based on different accessibility factors, such as the number of

accessible parking locations, public toilets, and restaurants, as a percentage of their population.

The results revealed that Wells is the most accessible city in the UK, followed by Chichester, Ely, Truro and Bath, while Bradford is the least accessible. Salisbury

achieved a score of 303 compared to the UK average of 185.

To determine the rankings, points were awarded to every city in the UK (including London as one city) depending on where they ranked within various accessibility metrics.

An overall score was then created to determine the most accessible city. The categories the study looked at were:

● Number of accessible restaurants

● Number of accessible hotels

● Number of accessible attractions/activities

● Number of accessible parking locations

● Number of accessible toilets. The news comes hot on the heels of Salisbury being named the best place to live in Wiltshire by popular website, Muddy Stilettos.

The blue plaque being unveiled by Salisbury’s mayor, Tom Corbin and Jane Howells

Trussell Trust delivered 90,000 food parcels to children in the South West

NEW figures released by the Trussell Trust reveal that 247,850 emergency food parcels were provided to people facing hardship in the South West between April 2022 and March 2023, with 94,221 of these parcels provided for children.

This is the most parcels food banks in the Trussell Trust network in the South West have ever distributed in a single year and represents a 42% increase compared to the previous year.

The Trussell Trust UK-wide network of food banks distributed almost three million (2,986,203) food parcels – more than ever before during the year.

The charity’s annual statistics also show that as an increasing number of people struggle to afford the essentials, across the UK more than 760,000 people accessed a food bank in the Trussell Trust network for the first time – this is more than the population of Sheffield and a 38% increase in people who have never needed support before, compared to the same period last year.

Across the UK, the levels of need were particularly acute in winter and December 2022 was the busiest month on record for the UK-wide network, with a parcel being distributed by staff and volunteers across the country every eight seconds.

Speaking about the rising need for emergency food, Emma Revie, chief executive at the Trussell Trust, said: “These new statistics are extremely concerning and show that an increasing number of people in the South West are being left with no option but to turn to charitable, volunteer-run organisations to get by and this is not right.

“The continued increase in parcel numbers over the last five years indicates that it is ongoing low levels of income

and a social security system that isn’t fit for purpose that are forcing more people to access food banks, rather than just the recent cost of living crisis or the COVID-19 pandemic.

“Food banks were set up to provide short-term support to people in an emergency, they are not a lasting solution to hunger and poverty, and more than three quarters of the UK population agree with us that they should not need to exist.

“The staff and volunteers in our network are working tirelessly to ensure help continues to be available, but the current situation is not one they can solve alone.

“For too long people have been going without because social security payments do not reflect life’s essential costs and people are being pushed deeper into hardship as a result.

“If we are to stop this continued growth and end the need for food banks then the UK government must ensure that the standard allowance of Universal Credit is always enough to cover essential costs.”

The Trussell Trust’s longterm goal to end the need for

food banks is one that the general public agree with, according to polling by YouGov.

It suggests that the public are increasingly concerned with issues related to poverty and hunger in the UK. The majority of the UK public (77%) think that food banks should not be needed in the UK, with a strong majority agreeing (93%) that everyone should be able to buy enough food for themselves and their family.

To help ensure that everyone has the income they need to afford the essentials, the Trussell Trust is calling for the UK government to act now to strengthen our social security system.

The charity has joined with the Joseph Rowntree Foundation in urging the UK government to embed in law an ‘Essentials Guarantee’ that would make sure Universal Credit payments always, at a minimum, provide enough to cover the cost of essentials such as food, utilities and vital household goods.

Research by the charities reveals that the £85 weekly Universal Credit standard

allowance is at least £35 less than the weekly cost of essential items for a single person, contributing to hundreds of thousands of people being forced to use food banks because they can’t make ends meet.

The Essentials Guarantee would be enshrined in law and set regularly, based on an independent recommendation, and would be the first time since the welfare state was created that social security rates were based on what people need, and how much those things actually cost.

The charities calculated that a list of essential items includes water bills, gas and electric, travel expenses, food items such as bread, rice and vegetables, and hygiene and cleaning products like toothpaste and washing up liquid currently costs approximately £120 per week for a single person.

To find out more about the campaign visit trusselltrust.org

To view the Trussell Trust’s annual food parcel data for 2022/23, visit: trusselltrust.org/ end-of-year-stats

World record holder Anne to celebrate her 109th birthday – by fundraising

WORLD record holding fundraiser Anne Baker will celebrate her 109th birthday later this month and to celebrate her family are continuing her fundraising efforts for the NSPCC.

Last summer, Anne entered the Guinness World Records after becoming the oldest person to receive an MBE – she was awarded that honour in 2020 aged 106 for raising money for the NSPCC for more than 60 years.

Anne, of Harnham, Salisbury, will mark her birthday on 14 May with a lunch with her extended family but wanted her fundraising for the NSPCC to continue, so a Just Giving page has been set up in her name. So far, more than £1,000 has been raised and money keeps rolling in.

Her family believe she could be the oldest person in Wiltshire and it is a tribute to her spirit that she thought that her favourite charity should benefit from her birthday celebrations.

When Anne was born the First World War had not yet started and George V had just come to the throne, so she is delighted that she will now get to see the coronation of King Charles III just before her birthday.

Over the course of her lifetime, Anne has seen enormous changes, having been born before the existence of the Internet, when there was no

television, when aeroplanes were flimsy and dangerous, cars were considered unreliable and a washing machine was still a dream to end wash-day drudgery.

Anne’s son David said: “Mother of five, Granny, Great Granny and even Great Great Granny, Anne loves children and children love her. It is this love which inspired her to support the NSPCC.

“For over 30 years she has hosted a coffee morning at her home in Harnham. This event is more like a fête, with stalls, a raffle and, of course, coffee, cakes and biscuits. She has been greatly helped in this by the

VW van stolen

The

At around 4am, the distinctive red VW Transporter is thought to have been towed away, damaging two other vehicles in the process. Anyone with information, or who has seen the vehicle, should contact police on 101 quoting reference 54230045242.

Salisbury Committee of the NSPCC, and in particular her neighbour, Sheril Witt.

“In recent years these events have raised thousands of pounds for the charity. Asked why the NSPCC meant so much to her, she replied, ‘I have always loved children. We owe them protection; they are our future’.”

David added: “She is a remarkable person and even at the age of nearly 109 she is still engaged with all her extensive family and in doing her daily crossword.

“We are very proud of her for everything that she has achieved in her life and, particularly, the money she has raised for the

NSPCC. We hope that the Just Giving page will help to continue to honour her work for the charity.”

Emma Hildesley, NSPCC community fundraising manager for Wiltshire, said: “Anne’s continuous dedication and love for children shines once again. She’s an incredible support to the NSPCC and we could not do what we do without people like Anne –someone who is selfless and is passionate about safeguarding the next generation.

“Anne has set a wonderful example of how we can make the world a safer and better place for young people.”

If you would like to donate to the fund for the NSPCC to celebrate Anne Baker’s 109th birthday, you can do so by visiting her Just Giving page (see below).

All funds raised will help fund the NSPCC’s vital services here in Wiltshire and right across the UK. Just £3 could pay for the NSPCC’s Speak Out Stay Safe programme to reach one primary school child, teaching them how to recognise abuse and neglect and empowering them to speak out if they are worried about anything.

In 2021/22, 15,925 children in 70 schools across Swindon and Wiltshire took part in the Speak Out Stay Safe programme.

www.justgiving.com/campaign/ nspccannebakers109thbirthday

Anne received her MBE three years ago, at the age of 106

A RED VW Transporter was stolen from the driveway of a property in a village near Amesbury.

van, right, was taken in the early hours of Sunday morning from an address in Cholderton, according to Wiltshire Police.

‘Police team should have no links to hunts or anti-hunt groups’: Chief

WILTSHIRE’S police chief has spoken about moves to ensure officers working on the Rural Crime Team (RCT) do not have ‘personal links to hunts or anti-hunt groups’ - following controversy over an appointment to the unit.

In February, PC Cheryl Knight, inset, was handed a role on the RCT.

It soon emerged she had previous links to hunts in the county – including the Avon Vale Hunt, which was later banned from the British Hound Sports Association.

The revelation prompted outrage from anti-hunt campaigners.

The following month, Wiltshire Police announced an internal review had seen the introduction of new rules precluding officers with links to hunts joining the RCT.

Now, Chief Constable Catherine Roper has spoken further about the new rules.

“The aim of this is to provide more scrutiny around the suitability of our officers, staff and volunteers to work within the unit,” she said.

“It sets out key principles, which include ensuring that staff do not have, or have had, personal links to hunts or anti-hunt groups. I believe this is crucial to ensuring trust and confidence in our impartial approach to tackling rural crime.

“Our framework also requires staff disclose links to any rural based hobby or initiative that could potentially call into question their policing impartiality.

“The disclosure of these activities would not necessarily preclude staff from joining the RCT, nor is it a blanket ban. This principle ensures the force is aware of any connection which might lead to the public questioning the impartiality of officers when investigating any crimes linked to our rural communities.

“This framework has been endorsed by our Chief Officer Group with consultation from our human resources department, the

Police Federation and the force ethics panel.

“We absolutely acknowledge the importance of staff in this team having experience in and an understanding of our rural communities.

“However, the parameters we have put in place will ensure appropriate posting into this team, allow us to evidence the independence of our staff and provide total reassurance that we will police without fear or favour.”

She said the force’s approach is underpinned by the College of Policing Code of Ethics which states, ‘memberships of groups or societies, or associations with groups or individuals must not create an actual or apparent conflict of interest with police work and responsibilities’.

“The test is whether a reasonably informed member of the public might reasonably believe your association or membership could adversely affect your ability to discharge your policing duties effectively and impartially,” it adds.

Round-up of recent projects in support of county communities

WILTSHIRE Council’s area boards have been involved with or supported a range of projects in the south of the county recently. These range from keeping residents healthy, supporting people through the cost-of-living crisis and providing activities for young people.

Area boards are a way of working to bring local decision making into the heart of the community. There are 18 area boards across Wiltshire, with each one holding delegated powers and devolved budgets to facilitate community action at a local level.

They work alongside other organisations on local priorities in the community. These groups can include town and parish councils, voluntary and community groups, youth organisations, sports clubs and local charities.

Commenting on the recent activity, Cllr Ashley O’Neill, Wiltshire Council cabinet member for communities and area boards, said: “All our area boards have provided support and played a key role on a wide range of important local priorities and issues recently, such as the cost-of-living crisis and supporting positive activities for young people.

“Due to their position in the local community, our area boards are ideally placed to coordinate and bring together local support in order to provide services and initiatives where they are needed most, and I’m really pleased to see positive outcomes right across the county.”

The work of the area boards plays a key role in helping the council achieve its Business Plan priorities, such as ‘supporting Wiltshire to be a place where we stay active’ and ‘live well together’.

In the south of the county, the boards have supported the following projects:

Salisbury

The Salisbury and Southern Wiltshire Area Boards awarded funding for the development of The Underground Studios in Harnham.

This will drive forward the priority of youth engagement and positive activities for young people aged 13 to 19-years-old, and up to 25-years-old for those with special educational needs and/or disabilities.

This is a collaborative space that is home to creative projects and initiatives, established primarily for the benefit of the young people of the area but also the wider community of creative people.

In the 12 months since launching, the projects developed and coordinated at the venue have supported more than 100 young people to learn new skills, develop existing ones and have access to training and equipment used by professionals.

Wilton

The South West Wiltshire Area Board has been working closely with Wilton Men’s Shed, which has gone from strength to strength since receiving funding.

There are now 21 members and sessions run three times a week: Monday, Thursdays and Saturday from 9.30am to 12.30pm.

The shed is a community space that provides a fully

equipped workshop, promoting social inclusion, skill sharing, well-being and friendship.

It undertakes creative projects for the benefit of the local community and offers a repairs service for everyday items too.

https://www.facebook.com/ wiltonmensshed

Amesbury

An Automatic External Defibrillator (AED) has been installed at the Catholic Church of Christ the King in Amesbury for the benefit of all residents in the Amesbury community area, following partnership working through the Stonehenge Area Board.

The board has part-funded the AED, awarding £1,600 from the community grants funding this year, along with further contributions from church members, nearby residents and local merchants. This enabled the AED and a lockable cabinet to be provided.

According to Southwest Ambulance Service, a defibrillator should be located within 200 metres of an incident, if it to be of any use, so this new location serves the church, community hall, The Cloisters and Countess Court where there are 50 retirement residences, the houses in Lords Croft and in Lower London Road.

Nadder Centre

The South West Wiltshire Area Board has recently awarded funding to Seeds4Success to help strengthen the local priority of youth engagement. Due to this funding, the delivery of new activities including art therapy, counselling and trampolining have started this year at the Nadder Centre for young people of secondary school age. Seeds4Success is a youth work charity based in Mere. It provides opportunities for personal and social development for young people living in south west Wiltshire.

The new sessions have been developed as a result of engaging and listening to the views of the young people to identify what they would like and need each week.

Each week up to 30 young people will take part in these activities, as well as accessing the fitness suite and playing sports, with the main aim of improving their health and well-being.

The sessions are free of charge and transport is provided from a number of locations across the area, ensuring that barriers are overcome for young people to join in.

For more information email jaki@seeds4success.org.uk or call 07585723824.

Benson Suite marks decade of supporting bereaved parents

A DEDICATED hospital suite funded by the Stars Appeal has marked 10 years of supporting bereaved parents who tragically experience the loss of their baby.

The Benson Suite at Salisbury District Hospital was opened in 2013 and has supported hundreds of families.

It provides a dedicated, private space where bereaved families who lose a baby shortly before or after birth can spend time with their babies and grieve away from the Labour Ward.

The Suite was named in recognition of Sir Christopher and Lady Benson after they donated the funds required to create the Suite by redeveloping part of the Hospital’s Maternity Department. Lady Benson sadly passed away last year.

Sir Christopher visited the Suite to mark its 10th anniversary and met with staff and some of the parents who have been supported there.

Thanks to funds raised by families who have been helped by the Benson Suite over the last 10 years, the Stars Appeal also funds a specialist bereavement midwife who is there to support families before, during, and after their time on the Benson Suite and during subsequent pregnancies.

Tamar Vellacott and her partner Cameron Pratt from Salisbury sadly experienced the loss of their baby son Albie in February 2022. They were supported at the Benson Suite and by bereavement midwife Steph Thompson.

Tamar said: “The use of the Benson Suite meant the world to us as we were able to celebrate and grieve the birth and loss of our baby away from the labour ward where new parents were having the best day of their life as we battled through our worst.

“The privacy and dignity that the Benson Suite offers is second to none. For a place where so many hearts have broken, we walked out of there feeling supported, loved and that our baby had been born and died surrounded by so many people who cared which is all you could ever want.”

While at the Benson Suite they were able to spend time with Albie in a specialist cot in one of the family rooms.

Tamar said: “To be able to tuck him into bed and lie next to him rather than abruptly having him taken away is something I can’t explain. I am so grateful to have been given the time we needed to prepare ourselves to say goodbye.”

“If we had to deliver Albie on the labour ward I would have felt 10 times worse than I did. To hear babies cry when the silence in your room is deafening would have been

even more heart-breaking,” explains Tamar, who praised the reassuring support from Steph, the bereavement midwife.

He said: “Her knowledge and empathy will stay with us forever.”

Tamar says that “the one thing we can bring from his loss was the love and support surrounding his birth. His birth was beautiful and despite the sheer heartbreak of losing him, there is not a single part of our experience at the Benson Suite that I would ever want to change.”

Donations enable the Stars Appeal to continue funding their dedicated bereavement midwife, to maintain and enhance the Benson Suite environment, and provide equipment, visits from Hospital chaplains, photographs and other keepsakes.

Sir Christopher Benson said: “What a privilege, for 10 years,

to be associated with the world of care, compassion, of love and understanding at a time of most need. God bless those who work here and those who they support in this place of peace, reflection, and hope.”

Bereavement midwife Steph Thompson added: “We are so proud to have our Benson Suite here at Salisbury Hospital and available to those families who sadly have the call to need it.

“It is my privilege to care for them but none of this would be possible without those who so kindly support our Stars Appeal Benson Suite Fund and I would like to express our sincere thanks to Sir Christopher and all of our generous supporters.”

You can discover more about the Stars Appeal and how its fundraising efforts help to support both patients and staff at Salisbury District Hospital, here: https://starsappeal.org/ our-work/

Sir Christopher Benson (right) and bereavement midwife Steph Thompson (left) with Tamar Vellacott and Cameron Pratt, who were supported on the Benson Suite Credit: Spencer Mulholland.

Osteoporosis society wants your questions for open meeting in June

I AM writing as the chairperson of the Salisbury & District Osteoporosis Support Group. Do you or a family member or friend suffer from Osteoporosis? Would you like to know more about the condition?

Osteoporosis is a thinning and weakening of the bones as they become more fragile as we get older, although it can affect younger people and can be a very painful condition.

The Royal Osteoporosis Society was founded in 1986 and there has been a local Salisbury District Support Group for 30 years.

Our aim is to help to inform people about the condition, to support sufferers, to share helpful tips and experience especially to those who are newly diagnosed and are feeling somewhat bewildered about the whole thing.

Prior to the pandemic, we had regular meetings three or four times a year but that all had to stop.

About a year ago we started to meet informally for tea, cake and a chat in a café in Salisbury once a month. These meetings have been very useful to a number of newly diagnosed people and their families.

The really big news we have to share is that we are planning our first big open meeting since 2019. On the evening of Wednesday, 21st June, we will meet at The Methodist Church, St. Edmond’s, Church Street, Salisbury.

The doors will open at 7pm and Dr Richard Smith (a local rheumatology consultant) will be our speaker. The meeting will follow the format we have used so successfully in the past.

So, we ask you to please submit your questions by Friday, 26th May, these will be given to Dr Smith and he will build his talk around them.

Fact of the fortnight...

HAVE you ever exclaimed, in a moment of shock or outrage, ‘Gordon Bennett!’?

And have you ever wondered who Mr Bennett is, if he existed at all?

Well, we can clear that up for you.

The phrase is believed to have originated due to the reputation of James Gordon Bennett Jr, pictured, the son of Scottish-born James Gordon Bennett Snr – founder and publisher of the New York Herald paper.

Jr – who went by Gordon Bennett to distinguish himself from his father – was a well-known socialite (modern tabloids might label him a ‘playboy’) who spent much of his time (and his father’s money) enjoying the good life and launching motor and air racing events in Europe.

He is even listed in the Guinness Book of World Records under ‘greatest engagement faux pas’ after his engagement to Caroline May was broken off after a drunken incident involving his potential in-laws’ fireplace at their New York mansion, but the less said of that the better.

Please email your questions to Salisburyvolunteers@theros.org. uk, or telephone 07989275614. I will ensure that Dr Smith receives your correspondence so he can answer your questions in his talk.

The meeting is a free event but we do encourage you to make a cash donation to offset the expenses incurred by the group.

ELIZABETH ANDREWS

Salisbury

Litter pickers urged to stay safe

ISN’T is a shame that the Council has been forced to warn or remind people to stay safe when picking up litter from the sides of roads.

People are in danger from clearing up the rubbish that someone else has decided to throw away. What a state this country is in. Every road is

covered in litter, every hedge has rubbish strewn around the roots and caught in the branches.

We’re all so concerned now with the plastic killing the oceans, I wonder how many of these people are driving along listening to the radio tutting at the state of the world and the state of the oceans, then casually chucking a wrapper or takeaway drinks cup out of the window to pollute the land we live in.

I bet these people moan about the litter that everyone else leaves lying around. And don’t get me started on the cigarette butts flicked out of car windows, still lit, still spewing their toxic smoke and ash everywhere. Do they ever wonder what happens to those tar-riddled butts after they’ve driven on their merry way?

Toxins seeping into soil and water. It all comes back to bite us in the end, and guess who’ll be moaning loudest.

And yet, it is the kind and concerned among us, who pick up after these litter louts that are being asked to take care.

They wouldn’t need if you could just take your rubbish home and put it in the bin. MIFFED

Dig the kindness

HAVE to say we loved the story of 84-year-old John getting his birthday wish of riding on a dumper truck.

His face was pure joy. These sorts of stories are a great reminder of all the good in the world. Happy birthday, John, hope you had a great day. NAME

Suffice to say, his antics became well known, and his name forever associated with shocking or unexpected events. James Gordon Bennett Jr passed away in 1918, but his name truly does live on.

Local businesses recognised for their green and sustainability efforts

SALISBURY Transition City has announced the first winners of the Salisbury Green Business Awards.

This is a local award scheme that recognises and celebrates businesses that have adopted eco-friendly practices. The awards scheme encourages businesses to assess their current sustainability practices, receive actionable advice on how to make their business greener and save money.

The winners were assessed based on their efforts to reduce their environmental impact in various aspects of their business.

The award categories ranged from Bronze to Gold.

Salisbury Escape Rooms achieved a Bronze award for its zero-waste-to-landfill mentality and forward-thinking environmental practices, while Indigo Landscape Architects earned a Silver award for its impressive office recycling using local recycling schemes, office space with sustainable amenities, and a bike shed to enable staff to cycle to and from work easily.

The team also works closely with their customers to assure low carbon solutions and are offsetting carbon emissions through the World Land Trust carbon balanced programme.

Webbed Feet was the first business to receive a Gold award for its dedication to sustainable website design powered by renewable energy and innovative alterations to their office space, such as a toilet that uses waste sink water for flushing and insulation works.

Equilibria Massage has also been awarded a Gold Green Business Award for its exceptional efforts in reducing their environmental impact, with a focus on renewable energy, ethical banking and

local sourcing of products.

Muse Hairdressing was awarded a Gold Green Business Award for making a commitment to the environment by prioritising sustainability in every aspect of their business.

The team has taken significant steps to reduce its environmental impact, such as using water-saving shower heads and energy-efficient hair dryers and carefully sourcing sustainable products.

It is leading the way in waste reduction by recycling and repurposing every possible item, including hair which is collected by the Green Salon Collective for cleaning up oil spills.

Casa Fina also achieved a Bronze award for its significant efforts in waste reduction and ethical investments among many other environmental actions.

Sophia Karlberg, a project manager for the Salisbury Green Business Awards, said: “We are pleased to recognise these businesses for their contribution to local sustainability and the wider environment.

“Their efforts not only benefit the environment but will also inspire other Salisbury businesses to adopt more sustainable practices.”

The awards scheme is still open for businesses to take part.

From clockwise: Indigo Landscape Architects; Equilibria Massage; Muse Haridressing; Casa Fina; sticker on the window of Webbed Feet; Equilibria Massage; Salisbury Escape Rooms

Those who do will benefit from receiving the information toolkit packed full of ideas on how to make their business more environmentally friendly.

Businesses that score highly enough receive a locally crafted wooden award by the Man Cave Maker and the opportunity to have the GBA award painted on their shop window by local artist Michele Millidge.

This will highlight their effort to customers who

increasingly shop with the environment in mind.

Salisbury Transition City encourages all businesses in the area to engage with the Green Business Awards by completing the questionnaire, which can be found on their website: https:// www.transitionsalisbury.org/ green-business-awards

Local estate agents celebrate Glenda’s long and loyal service

NOT many people can celebrate 35 years working for the same company, but that’s the impressive feat that was celebrated by Salisbury estate agent Whites recently.

The estate agents were celebrating the loyal service of Glenda Privett, who joined the company in 1988, just before her 21st birthday as an office junior, reporting to the then managing director, Trevor Shepherd.

She remembers that the office in Castle Street had just five people. “The office had a friendly feel where everyone helped with everything.

“I also worked on Saturday mornings, as we had no separate Saturday staff then.”

She later became Trevor’s PA, where she typed surveys and valuations, before moving to the sales department, where she was sales secretary for James Butcher and Ashley Miller.

When in 1993, Trevor’s son Marcus joined the company as joint head of lettings, it wasn’t long before Glenda stepped across to become his PA in a position she has remained in today, alongside her other office management duties.

Times have changed though, and although still in the same office, the company now boasts a 20-strong team, with 600 plus landlords, let only landlords and a successful sales team becoming arguably Salisbury’s leading sales and letting agent.

“I am proud to have seen and been part of the team which has seen Whites grow and evolve into the busy, thriving, and award-winning estate agent it is today,” Glenda adds.

Marcus said: “Working alongside Glenda for the past 30 years and seeing her grow in both knowledge and confidence has been a pleasure.

“I want to thank her personally for her hard work,

dedication and loyalty.

“She is such a crucial part of our Whites family and helps us to be the thriving independent estate agent we are today.”

Business thriving after Sufinama moves to Maltings

BUSINESSES in Salisbury have experienced many changes since the cost of living crisis. But, despite some shops having to close, some have taken the decision to move in order to improve their footfall and success.

One of these is clothing and jewellery shop Sufinama, which originally opened in Cross Keys shopping mall in August 2021, but moved to the Maltings at the end of April.

Rahul Sharma, owner of Sufinama describes the mood on the day of the reopening.

“Salisbury mayor, Tom Corbin, cut the ribbon and I was so pleased to have him there. To celebrate the day and entice customers, we offered biscuits, cakes and hot drinks, which people really appreciated and which gave the day a festive feeling. It was absolutely beautiful weather and several

and neighbours.”

The shop will be perfect among other traders selling similar items, such as Yoga Stuff’s yoga supplies, Crystals’ jewellery and semi-precious stones, Armans’ Turkish coffee house and the Ganesha clothing and jewellery store.

So what do customers think of the move? “We have had a very positive response to the move, as customers love our unique products and many of our regular customers have returned from when we are located at Cross Keys.”

The staff team at Sufinama are also very happy with the move and are looking forward to engaging more with customers as footfall improves due to the new location alongside similar shops and the river.

Marcus Shepherd with Glenda Privett, who is celebrating 35 years of working at Whites Estate Agents

friends and family attended, as well as the Maltings manager

If quiche didn’t crown your weekend, try getting frivolous with variations

SO the coronation quiche wasn’t to everyone’s tastes. Did you try it? The internet was awash with failed attempts, disapproving foodies and alternative versions. The French didn’t even consider it a quiche, calling it a tart. How dare they.

The wonderful thing about a quiche is that it can be so incredibly versatile. You can use pretty much anything you have leftover in the fridge. At this time of year, using the freshest seasonal greens is not a bad shout, and that is what the King’s choice of quiche did. It’s just that, for me, broad beans anywhere are not that appealing, let alone in a quiche. But that’s my taste, yours will be different.

One thing I discovered when searching out recipes is that people tend to get confused about what a quiche is, especially when compared to a frittata or a tart. I’ve even seen quiches called pizzas and pies. It’s a minefield out there, especially when entering the dark realms of crustless quiches.

For what it’s worth, a quiche normally has a crust and is made with an egg custard. It tends to have more egg than a frittata and is cooked entirely in the oven (at least, that’s my view of things).

Anyway, as a nod to the coronation quiche, here’s a quick and easy recipe for a Quiche Lorraine.

The beauty of this recipe is that you swap out all of the non-essential ingredients and replace them with your own choices, whether that be Stilton and broccoli, summer vegetables, a whole load more meat, or some other combination that may yet thrill the world.

This is adapted from Angela Nilsen’s Ultimate quiche Lorraine, from the BBC Good Food website. It takes 30 minutes to prep, 45 to cook and then 5-10 minutes to chill.

You can make the pastry, or you can buy it from the shop. Up to you. You’ll need shortcrust pastry and for this recipe I am going to assume you have some to hand.

You’ll need

● 200g pack lardons, unsmoked or smoked

● 50g gruyère

● 200ml carton crème fraîche

● 200ml double cream

● 3 eggs, well beaten

● A pinch ground nutmeg.

Method

Line a 23 x 2.5cm loosebottomed, fluted flan tin. You can use either a round tin or a 9” square one. The fluted sides help to give the finished quiche a nice appearance.

Ease the pastry into the tin, pressing down gently so that it sits flush to the sides, removing air pockets, but not too firm that you squish the pastry.

Trim the top of the pastry so that it sits slightly above the tin.

Gently, prick the base with a fork. It’s a good idea to chill the pastry at this stage, 10 minutes should do the trick.

Heat the oven to 200c (adjust for your oven) with a baking sheet inside.

Line the pastry case with foil and fill with baking beans, pressing them down gently. Bake the pastry in the oven, on the hot baking sheet for 15 minutes.

Now, remove foil and beans and bake for a further 4-5 minutes more to get the pastry turning a pale golden colour. Fill any holes or cracks with pastry trimmings.

You can prepare the filling while the pastry cooks.

Heat a small frying pan and fry the lardons for a couple of minutes.

Drain off any liquid that comes out, then continue cooking until the lardons start to colour, but before they go crisp. Remove and drain on paper towels.

Cut three quarters of the gruyère into a small dice, then finely grate the rest. Scatter the diced gruyère and fried lardons over the bottom of the pastry case.

Next, beat the crème fraîche a little and then slowly beat in the double cream, before mixing in three well beaten eggs. Season lightly, adding the pinch of ground nutmeg. Pour three quarters of this filling mixture onto lardons and diced cheese. Place the tin back on the baking sheet and add the rest of the filling mix, scattering the rest of the cheese on the top.

Turn the oven temperature down slightly to 190C and bake for approximately 25 minutes or until the quiche has become golden and softly set.

Don’t be tempted to tuck in straight away, although I am sure it smells delicious.

It needs to stand for 5 minutes to let it settle before it can be removed from the tin.

Enjoy.

You don’t need to love the King’s quiche choice, there are as many variations as your imagination will allow. Take a look in your fridge and you’ll be sure to find a winning combination

CAMRA recognises The Cuckoo Inn as a real cider lovers’ haven

THE CUCKOO Inn at Hamptworth has been chosen as local Cider Pub of the Year by the Salisbury & South Wilts branch of the Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA).

The pub, which is situated in the picturesque village on the edge of the New Forest has 20 different ciders on sale and the range and quality of these and the skill that landlord Nik Amplianitis shows in ensuring that they are served in top condition won him the CAMRA award.

Greek-born Nik, who took over the pub near Salisbury a year ago, was presented with the winner’s certificate by Jane Foster, the CAMRA branch’s Cider Champion, outside the thatched free house, which has been a pub for the last 150 years.

“Nik’s passion for cider is fantastic,” said Jane. “The range of ciders that he sells and the knowledge and enthusiasm that he shows is truly exceptional.

They are in excellent condition, partly because he makes sure that they are kept at the right temperature.

“The whole ambience at The Cuckoo is good.”

Nik said: “I am so excited to get this award, it is a huge

honour. When I re-opened The Cuckoo last year I had only four beers and four ciders on sale but since then I have steadily increased the numbers.

“You need a lot of different ciders to cover the whole range and now I feel that I have

something for everyone. This award is recognition that I did not overreact and put on too many and it means a lot to me.”

The Cuckoo is owned by the Hamptworth Estate. Nik, who has lived in the UK for 10 years, was invited by the estate’s owner to take over the pub, which was lying empty and in need of renovation. In just over a year, he and his wife Sofia have restored the fortunes of this much-loved venue, which is once again popular with locals and visitors.

Only pubs selling real cider were considered for the award. CAMRA defines real cider as being fermented from the whole juice of freshly pressed apples, without the use of concentrated or ‘chaptalised’ juices.

Chaptalisation is a process where the alcohol level is increased by the addition of sugar, and then diluted with water to the desired alcohol content for sale.

You know that it’s officially strawberry season, right?

May day is a day of celebration around the world. Did you also know that 1 May is the official start of the strawberry season in the UK.

I know you can get them all year round, but we’re all about buying local, pick your own, berry joy. What better way to celebrate than with a big bowl of strawberries and cream… nice, but a bit boring.

I wanted to find a recipe that not only kept the strawberries intact, but that wasn’t a pudding or sweet. You can add sliced strawberries to a fresh crunchy salad, that would be nice, adding colour and sweetness in the same way people add mango to salads. You could go further and add some crayfish or prawns to the salad. Another idea would be to add either

goats cheese or feta to a salad of baby gem lettuce, perhaps with pine nuts and a drizzle of balsamic vinegar.

In fact, it was the idea of combining strawberries with feta – salty, sweet – that led me to a different kind of recipe, that is both ridiculously easy and ever so good. I found it on the Lovefreshberries website, and if anyone should know a good berry recipe, they should.

Strawberry and Feta Tart This takes 10 minutes maximum to prepare and between 25 and 30 minutes to cook. If you’ve ever used shop-bought puff pastry to make a tart, you are already half way there.

Roasting the strawberries give them a tang and enhances the sweetness which blends so

well with a salty feta. Serve with a salad, or simply tuck in. It won’t last long.

You’ll need

● 375g sheet puff pastry at room temperature

● 200g reduced fat soft cheese

● 1 tbsp chives, snipped

● 2 tsp lemon thyme leaves or 1 tsp finely grated lemon zest

● 125g feta cheese, crumbled

● 125g strawberries, hulled and sliced

● To serve: balsamic vinegar can be drizzled over the tart once it has come out of the oven (optional)

Method

Preheat the oven to 200C or gas mark 6. Unroll the pastry sheet onto a baking tray, keeping it on its paper. Score a line 2cm from the edge down each side, so that all sides have cut. This allows the sides to puff up.

Next, simply combine the soft cheese, chives, thyme or lemon zest and some pepper (there is no need to add salt) and spread this mix evenly over the pastry.

Then, scatter the feta and strawberries over the top of the mix and bake in the pre-heated oven for 25-30 minutes until the pastry is golden and has puffed up at the sides.

Nik Amplianitis, landlord of The Cuckoo Inn, receiving his Cider Pub of the Year award certificate from Jane Foster of the Salisbury and South Wilts branch of CAMRA

Explore the gardens of Cathedral Close

THE Friends of Salisbury Cathedral are inviting the public to its Secret Gardens of the Close event on Sunday, 28th May.

There will be nine gardens open around Salisbury Cathedral Close, showcasing a host of beautiful flowers, shrubs and trees.

These are private gardens, so this is a rare opportunity to step beyond the garden gate, said Friends’ chairman, Duncan Glass.

“We are eagerly awaiting the end of May when we hold our flagship event, which is made possible by the generosity of residents of the Cathedral Close who kindly open their beautiful gardens for us,” he said.

“The Friends’ charity is the cathedral’s fan club and we look

forward to welcoming visitors to our Secret Gardens of the Close event, safe in the knowledge that the money raised from ticket sales will fund important maintenance and preservation work at our wonderful medieval masterpiece.”

Tea and cake will be available in the Bishop’s garden at South Canonry and there will be an exhibition of botanical art in Sarum College.

This artwork will be for sale, along with cards and the book Secret Gardens of the Close, produced by Salisbury Florilegium Society and features paintings by its members.

The event runs from 1pm to 5pm and the entry fee is £10 per person (under 16s free), payable on the day at the tent on Choristers’ Green.

Visitors will be able to see roses like these and many other beautiful flowers, shrubs and trees at the Friends of Salisbury Cathedral’s Secret Gardens of the Close event

Cathedral falcon chicks hatched and feeding

Salisbury Cathedral’s peregrine falcon chicks have hatched. The first chick was spotted on the livestream at 11.19am on 25 April, tucked right underneath the female.

The first of the four eggs to hatch, the little chick would have been hard at work for around 72 hours breaking its way out of the shell. It does this using a hard pointed area on its beak called the ‘egg tooth’.

When a chick is ready to hatch a special neck muscle contracts, causing its head to snap upwards and bringing the egg tooth into contact with the shell, causing it to crack. Bit by bit the chick chips at the shell, making sounds to let the parent know it is on its way.

Over the next few days the rest of the chicks also hatched.

The livestream peregrine page on the cathedral’s website received thousands of views while the eggs hatched, with people following from Australia, Europe and America.

Ringing is scheduled to take place in mid-May with a naming poll set to follow in due course.

Wildlife Trusts incensed as Defra eases peat ban

DEFRA (Department for Environment Food and Rural Affairs) has confirmed that while some peat-containing products will be banned from shelves in 2027, others will be exempt from a ban until 2030.

This means that for some professional growers, peat use will still be permitted for the next seven years. This decision has reversed the government’s decision last year to ban the sale of bagged peat compost in England by the end of 2024.

Ailis Watt, peat policy officer at The Wildlife Trusts, described the decision as ‘bitterly disappointing, adding: “Last year we welcomed the news that the UK Government would ban the sale of bagged peat compost in England by the end of 2024. The Wildlife Trusts hoped that a ban on all peat products would follow shortly after this date.

“These precious habitats are vital for nature and for our climate because they store vast amounts of carbon and are home to some of the UK’s most special wildlife.

“We need to see far greater

levels of ambition if the UK is to relinquish its status as one of the most nature-depleted countries on Earth or come close to achieving net zero emissions by 2050. Peatlands must be better protected as a matter of urgency.”

The Wildlife Trusts have been urging successive governments to enforce bans on peat products for the last 30 years.

Now, they have released a handbook, Greener Gardening: Perfecting Peat-Free, which provides tips and tricks for getting the most out of compost, a guide for making compost at home, and information about buying peat-free products, to encourage gardeners to move away from using peat in their gardens.

Sara Booth-Card, peatlands campaigner for The Wildlife Trusts, says: “Buying or making sustainable, peat-free compost is an easy way for gardeners to help nature and the climate. This free guide provides lots of useful information to help people transition to peat-free gardening this year.”

No Mow May: madness or adhering to nature’s lawn

NO Mow May is the annual campaign of Salisbury-based Plantlife.

Recognising that nearly 97% of the country’s flower-rich and wildflower meadows have been lost since the 1970s, Plantlife asks gardeners to consider leaving their lawn uncut during May to help provide flowering plants for pollinators, like bees and butterflies.

Far from being an unkempt eyesore, leaving your grass to grow a little longer for a month or two, or leaving one area

untouched altogether, benefits wildlife, helps to tackle pollution and acts as a carbon lock.

With over 20 million gardens in the UK, even the smallest grassy patches add up to a significant volume of land which, if managed properly, can deliver enormous gains for nature, communities and the climate.

Plantlife is calling for people engage with #NoMowMay, to let wild plants get a head start on the summer.

www.plantlife.org.uk/ campaigns/nomowmay

A still from the live video stream showing the first two chicks having hatched and awaiting the arrival of their siblings

The Trusts are encouraging gardeners to use peat-free compost

Decades-long research project reveals devastating decline in flora

A RESEARCH project that has collected data over the past 20 years has revealed a devastating story about the state of the wild and native plants of Britain and Ireland.

The research was conducted by thousands of botanists from the Botanical Society of Britain and Ireland (BSBI) and has now been published in the Plant Atlas 2020.

Four main trends have emerged since the 1950s:

● 53% of our native plants, such as heather and harebell have declined in Britain due to human impacts, such as agricultural intensification and climate change

● Non-native plant species now outnumber native plant species in the wild – this startling discovery has huge implications for the insects and other species that depend on our native plants

● Many non-native species are benign but some, such as New Zealand pigmyweed and sitka spruce have become invasive, disrupting ecosystem function and outcompeting native species

● Many montane plants have declined due to climate change, whereas some southern species, such as bee orchid have benefited and spread further north.

Plant Atlas 2020 is the most in-depth survey of the British and Irish flora ever undertaken. It builds on two previous Atlas surveys undertaken by the BSBI during the 20th century.

Of the 3,445 different plant species recorded during the fieldwork, 1,692 were native to Britain, while 1,753 non-natives were found that have been either deliberately or accidentally introduced into the wild by humans.

Julia Hanmer, BSBI chief executive, said: “Plant Atlas 2020 presents a powerful and

concerning insight into the changing distributions of our wild plants.

More than 30 million plant records of 3,445 species, collected by almost 9,000 botanists, fed into the Atlas project.

The dedication and expertise of our recorders, combined with the in-depth knowledge of scientists at BSBI and the Biological Records Centre (BRC)/UK Centre for Ecology and Hydrology (UKCEH), provides a unique contribution to the evidence base needed to underpin nature recovery and highlights the urgent need for action to ensure that going forwards our wild plants thrive and are valued.”

Many of the habitats our wild plants depend on have been impacted by changes in agriculture since the 1950s. Nitrogen enrichment, habitat degradation and changes in grazing pressure have led to the decline of species such as heather and harebell; damp meadows have been drained, leading to substantial declines in plants such as devil’s-bit scabious; traditional grasslands have been reseeded or overfertilised and consequently 62% of our ancient arable wildflowers, such as corn marigold, have declined.

The report suggests that climate change is likely to be the ‘primary cause of the declines of some mountain plants such as alpine lady-fern, alpine speedwell and snow pearlwort, which depend on areas where the snow lies late in the spring and summer’.

At the same time, peatland habitats, which the report states will be essential in the fight to combat climate change, are being impacted by species such as sitka spruce, which is able to ‘regenerate into moorlands and peatlands, reducing their ability

to sequester carbon’.

Dr Kevin Walker, BSBI head of science and Plant Atlas 2020 co-author, said: “There’s lots we can do to reverse these declines, but the most important are to increase the protection plants receive, extend the habitat available to them, and to place their needs at the very heart of nature conservation.

“We also need to ensure that our land, water and soil are managed more sustainably so that plants, and the species which rely upon them for food and shelter, can thrive.

“Plant Atlas 2020 provides the evidence we need to do this important work, but we’ll need even more research and monitoring to help better conserve our wild plants and their vitally important habitats in the decades to come.”

Craig Bennett, chief executive of The Wildlife Trusts, who helped fund the publication of the report, said:

“The decline of our beautiful native plants is heartbreaking and has consequences for us all.

“The loss of natural habitats due to modern farming methods over the last 70 years has been an unmitigated disaster for wildflowers and all the species that depend on them including insects, bats and birds.”

Heather and harebells are in decline largely due human activity, such as intensive agricultural practices and climate change

Field & Stream

Healthy rivers are an influential voting issue for half British public

THE RESULTS of a recent national consumer survey, commissioned by environmental charity River Action, show a surge of public concern over the dire state of Britain’s rivers and waterways.

Findings reveal that 94% of the British public support the drive for healthy rivers by 2030, with almost half saying that their voting decision will be influenced if healthy rivers are a top priority in a political party’s manifesto.

Whether it is action against the threats of agricultural, sewage or chemical pollution, the survey’s results demonstrate that restoring Britain’s rivers back to health was set to be a major voting issue in the recent local elections and the next general election.

Public concern over water quality has risen dramatically in recent years. As more data on sewage discharges has become available, awareness has grown on the severity of the crisis.

The government is now facing significant public concern over the toxic state of Britain’s waterways with the results of the survey showing that only 6% of the public are satisfied that the government has done a good job of enforcing the law to protect rivers.

In response to increasing public concern, River Action has published a ‘Charter for Rivers’, which calls for all political parties to commit to restore our rivers to health for people and nature by 2030.

The Charter sets out 10 key actions to achieve this target focused on the range of pollutants choking our rivers, including stopping agricultural pollution reaching rivers and stopping chemical pollution at source.

It sets out a need for the government to ensure water companies invest urgently in sewage infrastructure, a call

backed by 74% of the public.

In the last three years, raw sewage was discharged into our waterways over one million times from a water industry that has suffered from chronic under-investment over the last two and a half decades.

Following the 70% cut to environmental protection budgets in the last decade alone, the Charter calls for the government and all political parties to commit to ensuring that environmental regulators are sufficiently funded and resourced to monitor river quality, regularly inspect likely polluters and actively enforce regulations against polluting industries.

The survey results show that two thirds of the British public now support greater funding for environmental regulators.

Supported by almost 50 environmental organisations and campaigners, including Deborah Meaden, Feargal Sharkey, Iolo Williams, National Trust, The Rivers Trust, Soil Association, Nature Friendly Farming Network and

Wildlife & Countryside Link, the Charter sets out clear actions that any UK government would need to address in order to rescue Britain’s rivers.

James Wallace, CEO at River Action said: “The public’s eyes have been opened to the catastrophic pollution of our waterways permitted by the government’s austerity-driven defunding of environmental protection.

“This new data demonstrates the depth of feeling through communities across the nation. People are worried about water security and risks to their health and livelihoods.

“They want to see binding well-overdue commitments to uphold the law and invest in our shared future. River Action’s Charter sends a clear message to all politicians and parties that upcoming elections could be won and lost over this national scandal.

“Our economy and society cannot function without clean and abundant water and healthy ecosystems.”

Helen Browning at The Soil Association said: “There’s clearly public appetite for action to improve the health of our rivers and waterways. River Action’s Charter outlines the headline areas where this action should be targeted.

“In agriculture, efforts to enforce environmental regulations should be married with greater support for farmers to adopt nature-friendly approaches. Investment in better slurry management could reap immediate rewards, as could an overall reduction in agrochemical use.

“In the longer run, a societal shift towards less and better meat, away from geographically concentrated intensive livestock production, could take pressure off the land and provide our rivers with a chance to recover.”

The Charter for Rivers can be found here: riveractionuk.com/ charter-for-rivers/

The River Avon looking toward Salisbury Cathedal Credit: Andy Newton/Unsplash

ON 15th March, I did my best to avoid the recently incurred expense of £18,000 to the taxpayers of Salisbury for a poll to vote on a motion requesting public consultation on any future proposal to set an increase of more than 5%.

I prepared the following statement to read to the residents attending the meeting:

● I am a Labour councillor but was speaking as a resident

● I agree the increase in the 2023/24 precept is exceptionally high

● The poll cannot change the current budget

● I do not oppose the motion to request a poll

● Defer any decision about conducting a poll until November for three reasons

● It may be possible to set a precept acceptable to most residents

● If we achieve this aim it will save the taxpayers £18,000

● If there is widespread dissatisfaction over the proposed precept there would still be ample time to conduct the poll currently being proposed

● It makes sense to not make a decision now. My views were ignored and the poll, called for by 10 residents, went ahead. Regrettably,

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

the outcome of the poll is far from conclusive due to the extremely poor turnout. Cllrs Wills and McGrath insist the 83% (approx. 1,000 residents) vote in favour, indicates overwhelming support.

A more telling outcome of the poll was that over 94% (approx. 29,000 residents) did not even bother to vote for various reasons. Possibly the knowledge that the outcome is not legally binding had an impact.

Wild accusations by some Conservative councillors of voting ‘suppression’ and misinformation by the current administration are absurd. Wiltshire Council was paid (handsomely!) to organise and publish details of the poll, not the City Council.

Thousands of leaflets, published by the Conservative Party, were pushed through letterboxes across the city and the poll was promoted extensively by the two Conservative city councillors on social media. Both councillors still insist their actions were not politically motivated.

It is now time to end the tedious debate over polls and consultation. What’s done is done. We know at least 992 residents of Salisbury are not happy about the increase in the precept this year.

Looking ahead, the current administration will be aiming to consult more widely before setting the next precept and hoping for full engagement from Conservative councillors in that process. Some budgetary decisions are made for long term improvements, and the wisdom of those decisions and the outcomes will become apparent over time.

Consultation will inform the decision making process but often will elicit opposing views. The current administration was democratically elected with a turnout of almost 50% of the residents eligible to vote in 2021 and as such has the mandate to make decisions until 2025.

Farmers warned to be vigilant following rise in agricultural thefts

WILTSHIRE’S Rural Crime Team has issued a warning to the agricultural sector in the area following a series of thefts in neighbouring counties.

A statement on the team’s Facebook page read: “We have been made aware of an increase in thefts of GPS systems from agricultural vehicles in neighbouring counties over the past two weeks.

“Four units have been stolen since Monday this week, so we are encouraging Wiltshire farmers and agricultural contractors to be on the alert and keep their GPS systems safe.”

The NFU has offered the following advice:

• Activate PIN security on GPS kit with your own unique number if available

• If your system is not pin enabled, mark with your postcode to deter thieves and trace your property back to you

• Keep tractors and combines with GPS fitted stored out of sight when possible

• Remove GPS kit when possible from tractors and other machinery and store it securely when not in use

• Record serial numbers and photograph your kit

• Check serial numbers of second-hand kit offered for sale

• Report sightings of

suspicious activity in fields and farmyards to police.

Other options could include fitting a tracker to GPS equipment and/or marking it with a DNA marking system, such as that produced by SelectaDNA.

The warning comes after Gloucestershire Police set up extra patrols in rural areas following break-ins where,

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

07714 289400

among other items, quad bikes, high-end gardening equipment and joinery tools were stolen after thieves forced their way into outbuildings.

The theft of quad bikes is particularly impactful at this time of year as farmers use them to keep an eye on their sheep during lambing season. The NFU said that they had seen a

26% annual increase in the cost of quad bike theft alone.

You can learn more about this on the Force website following our launch of Op Siege last year: https://crowd.in/HePtdp

If you see a crime in progress, call 999.

After the event please report online: https://crowd.in/beklig

Farmers and growers are invited to join new skills and careers platform

THE INSTITUTE for Agriculture and Horticulture (TIAH) has invited farmers and growers to join its new skills and careers platform. Those joining early will have free access to the test or beta version of its online skills and learning service.

The service has been designed to ‘support sector workers in fulfilling their potential’. It will connect users with training and learning opportunities tailored to their individual sector, role, and skill level.

The TIAH is a professional body for farmers and growers, its goal is to help people working or looking to work in the farming sector to develop their skills and help their businesses succeed, allowing the industry to thrive. The service, therefore, has been designed to be easy to use so that sector workers can review their skills, plan training and record achievements.

Early adopters are being asked to road the beta version of the service for free in return for feedback that can be used to improve the service

Tom Bradshaw, NFU deputy president TIAH board member, said: “What we have

set out to do – deliver a truly bespoke service tailored to sector, training, and skill levels – has never been done before, so there is a lot to do.

“While we have made great strides towards achieving our goals, we need the input from end users to ensure we are offering the best possible service. That’s why we have opened up the beta version for all. Not only will testers benefit from free access and the opportunity to kick start or progress with

their training, development and careers, but their feedback will also allow us to fine tune the service for future users.

“Our ambition is to not only help those of us who work in the sector – we also want to support the industry as a whole while promoting agriculture as a progressive, professional, and exciting career choice – I urge people to join us in achieving this goal.”

Janet Swading OBE, TIAH chief executive, added: “We know being a farmer or grower is full-on, so we make it easy for you to keep on top of your learning and career development.

“By signing up to the beta service, you will receive personalised learning and development recommendations and reminders to flag when you need to complete time sensitive training. Essentially, we’re here to take away the worry and give you the power to forge ahead with your career while not detracting from the day job.”

beta.tiah.org/w/tiah-invites-early-access-tonew-skills-and-careers-platform-forfarmers-and-growers

Rural business report makes policy recommendations

THE All-Party Parliamentary Group for Rural Business and the Rural Powerhouse has published the results of its inquiry into the cost-of-living crisis in the countryside and the extent of the ‘rural premium’.

The report made a number of urgent policy recommendations the government needed to implement to ‘mitigate’ the impact of the crisis in rural areas:

Rural communities

Extend the Rural Fuel Duty Relief scheme for remote rural areas to address the sparsity and increased travel and costs associated with rural areas.

Encourage rural local authorities to increase awareness and uptake of grants among the rural business community, give tailored advice, and communicate the ease with which the Rural England Prosperity Fund (REPF) can be accessed.

Support local authorities to adopt the Warm Hubs toolkit to allow more village halls or community buildings to be transformed into village hubs, with targeted financial support delivered through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF).

Employment

Update the definition of poverty to include expenditure so that it fairly reflects rural circumstances. Extend the Rural Mobility Fund to all rural local authorities without a bidding process, to ensure equality of access.

Revise the Local Government Settlement formula to bring parity to rural areas.

Housing

Produce a rural housing strategy detailing how the numbers of homes (both for ownership and affordable rent) will be built and delivered across rural

communities over the next decade.

Make an economic assessment on the development to rural areas a criteria for assessing new applications, as part of National Development Management policies.

Remove the freeze on housing benefit and increase the support available to the lowest earners in rural areas through Universal Credit.

Conduct an impact assessment of requiring private rented sector (PRS) landlords to meet Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) standards and the impact this will have on the wider supply and affordability of rental properties.

Energy

Extend support for off-grid properties to match that of domestic users.

Outline a long-term plan of the energy support available to

businesses over the next 12 months, in order to allow businesses to plan and invest for the future.

In the foreword to the report, co-chairs, Julian Sturdy MP and Lord Cameron of Dillington, said: “We believe strongly that rural businesses and rural communities alike can, with the right policy support from government, lead an economic and social boom for the betterment of the people, and the country as a whole.

“This will not be achieved, however, until the Government accepts responsibility for removing the considerable barriers that exist to achieving that ambition.”

The Rural Premium: exploring the impact of the cost-of-living crisis in rural areas – https:// www.cla.org.uk/documents/698/

Former chorister reaches final of prestigious award for young singers

FORMER Salisbury Cathedral chorister, Anita Monserrat, was a finalist at The Kathleen Ferrier Awards in April.

Held at the Wigmore Hall, the awards are one of Britain’s most prestigious competitions for up and coming young singers.

Anna was one of seven singers who progressed to the final, which featured a top prize of £12,500 – a useful boost to any young singer’s career. Although Anna did not win on the night, reaching the final was a huge achievement, and a great musical opportunity given the status of the competition and the exposure it offers.

David Halls, director of music at Salisbury Cathedral: “Anna was an excellent chorister here with a wonderful work ethic combined with a natural, mature musicianship.

“She always sang with understanding and commitment. She was in every way a born leader and I am enjoying watching her career develop.”

Anita was a Salisbury Cathedral chorister until July 2011. She read music at Trinity

College, Cambridge, where she was both a choral and an instrumental scholar, and from where she obtained her Bachelor of Arts degree in Music.

She followed that with a Master’s Degree at the Royal Academy of Music under the tutelage of Catherine WynRogers and Alexander Ashworth, graduating with distinction, and being awarded a DipRAM for her final recital.

No stranger to recognition, Anna was a finalist in the 2022 Handel Singing Competition and a semi-finalist in the 2022 Mozart Singing Competition. She appears as the soloist on Kerensa Briggs’s Requiem, soon to be released on Delphian Records.

In 2022, she joined the Extra Chorus of the Wiener Staatsoper and English National Opera. Upcoming engagements include being a Young Artist at the 2023 Salzburger Festspiele. Roles include Sesto (Giulio Cesare), Cherubino (Le nozze di Figaro), Cenerentola (La Cenerentola), Ino (Semele) and Tisbe (La Cenerentola).

Chaplain General of His Majesty’s Land Forces joins Salisbury Cathedral’s College of Canons

DURING Evensong on 4 May, the Revd Mike Parker QHC, the Chaplain General of His Majesty’s Land Forces, was installed as a Sarum Canon, an honorary position recognising his contribution to the Church and the Armed Forces and his role within the military community locally, and nationally.

Mike joined the Royal Army Chaplains’ Department in 2000 after initially training as an electrical engineer specialising in weapons and weapons control and telecommunication

systems for the Ministry of Defence. In addition to serving in the UK, operational duties have taken him to Northern Ireland, Iraq and Afghanistan.

Three non-residentiary canons were also installed into the College of Canons at the same service, by invitation of the Right Revd Stephen Lake, Bishop of Salisbury.

The Revd Julian Poppleton, assistant priest in Harnham and the Bishop’s adviser for Associate Ministry will take his place in the Netheravon stall in the Cathedral Quire. Well

known to the Cathedral congregation, Julian often deputises for the precentor as a cantor during services.

The Revd Tim Heaton, rural dean of Blackmore Vale, takes up the Torleton stall. Tim spent five years in the Royal Green Jackets, followed by a career in the city, prior leaving to join the Church. Tim was ordained in 2010.

The Revd Pat Southgate has been an associate priest at St. Peter’s in Parkstone since her Ordination in 2004. She is also chair of the charity Routes to Roots (R2R) which supports

homeless people in Poole.

Last year, Routes to Roots opened Poole’s first building solely dedicated to helping the town’s homeless and vulnerable at the Genesis Centre on Hill Street, and all past and present R2R volunteers were recognised by the late Queen with the Queens Award For Voluntary Service – the MBE for voluntary groups.

The College of Canons is part of the cathedral’s extended family and meets twice a year to provide feedback on policy decisions, and on cathedral activities.

Anita Montserrat was a chorister at the cathedral until 2011

Credit: Helena Cooke

Cathedral choir to celebrate the 400th anniversary of William Byrd

THERE is a treat in store for early music enthusiasts and sacred music lovers next month when Salisbury Cathedral Choir marks the 400th anniversary of the death of Elizabethan composer William Byrd with services and a special concert dedicated to his work.

From Friday, 19th to Sunday, 21st May, Byrd’s lovely sacred music will be sung by the cathedral choir at all services, including a beautiful candlelit Compline on Friday night, sung by the lay vicars or adult singers of the choir.

Other works that would have been performed at the court of Queen Elizabeth I’s court can be enjoyed in the intimate setting of the Trinity Chapel at 3pm on the Sunday afternoon (21 May).

Performed by acclaimed tenor Nicholas Mulroy, a former chorister of Liverpool Metropolitan, and Elizabeth

Kenny, one of Europe’s leading lute players, the concert will feature Byrd’s Songs, Sonnets and Psalmes, a mixture of sacred and secular music.

Ed Rimmer, concert programme manager and tenor with the cathedral choir said:

“William Byrd’s canticles, anthems and organ works are core parts of the choir’s

repertoire, so it is very exciting to celebrate his enduring legacy in this way. We are also looking forward to welcoming Elizabeth and Nicholas for what promises to be a delightful concert.”

Tickets are £10 adults and £5 children aged five to 17).

Visitors with access requirements should contact the cathedral box office directly,

between 9.30am to 4pm Monday to Friday

For ticket information and booking – Tel: 01722 656 555; boxoffice@salcath.co.uk

Voice trials to be held for future boy choristers

IF the choral singing at Salisbury Cathedral inspires you and you know a young singer in school Years 3 or 5 who might like to try out for the choir, Salisbury Cathedral is running voice trials for boy choristers on 13 May.

Salisbury Cathedral Choir maintains an unbroken tradition of church music in Salisbury that stretches back for over 800 years in the present cathedral, and for a further 100 years before that in the cathedral at Old Sarum.

The choral tradition is part of our national heritage and has always been at the heart of the cathedral and its worship.

Music is provided by sixteen boy choristers, sixteen girl choristers, six lay vicars (or adult singers), the director of

music, the assistant director of music and the organ scholar.

Singing duties are divided equally between the boys and girls and the choir regularly

broadcasts, records, tours and gives concerts.

The choristers’ busy routine includes rehearsing for an hour before school every day and

again after school. During term-time,

Evensong is sung every day, with a choral Eucharist and Matins each Sunday. In total, the choir has 40 choristers (including probationers) aged from eight to 13 years.

All choristers attend Salisbury Cathedral School, founded as the choir school in 1091 by Bishop Osmond, where they are supported by bursaries from the Choral Foundation.

The Foundation seeks to make this opportunity available to all musically talented children.

For more details email Jojo Orange on orange.j@ salisburycathedralschool.com or call via the school switchboard 01722 555300

Elizabeth Kenny (pictured left), one of Europe’s leading lutenist will be perform a selection of William Byrd’s (above) works

All choristers will attend Salisbury Cathedral School

Credit: Finbarr Webster

Full cast list announced for Arts Festival centrepiece

supervision by Kate Edgar.

Mr Machin said: “It’s a huge privilege to be working with such a fantastic company of actors on this incredible play. With many of the actors based locally or former members of our youth theatre, Stage 65, it’s a brilliant celebration of the creative talent in our city and region.”

WILTSHIRE Creative has announced the full cast and creative team for its flagship summer production, The Tempest, which is a reimagining of Shakespeare’s fabulous tale, and a journey deep into one of Salisbury’s most beloved parks.

The centrepiece to Salisbury International Arts Festival follows a King and his entourage shipwrecked on an island of magic and mystery.

It is a place of music and visions, surprising encounters, and unlikely friendships. But

what secrets does this island hold? Who or what is really in charge? And will the world ever be the same again?

Many of the cast members have roots in Salisbury or have previously performed in Wiltshire Creative productions and are returning for this bespoke, community-focused project.

Artistic director, Gareth Machin, will direct Robert Bowman (Prospero), Elizabeth Crarer (Antonia), Matt Crosby (Trinculo), Emma Lau (Miranda), Robert MacPherson (Sebastian), Lloyd Notice (Alonso), David

Partridge (Caliban), Heather Phoenix (Stephana), Georgina Sutton (Gonzala) and Samuel Tracy (Ferdinand).

The Tempest opens the Salisbury International Arts Festival 2023 on 26 May, with previews from 24 May. It runs until 4 June.

The production is being staged in Salisbury’s Churchill Gardens. It was designed by Dan Potra and features sound design by Mike Beer, movement direction by Khiley Williams, casting by Gabrielle Dawes CDG and musical

The Tempest is a continuation of recent multi-art form projects involving collaboration between professionals and the community such as Congress, Stone Songs, Earth Rise and Bath Philharmonia concert.

This show is an outdoor walkabout production, meaning audiences will move from scene to scene alongside the cast. Audiences should bring a portable chair or picnic blanket, to carry with them to each location.

Limited seating is available for those who need it on request.

Tickets £20. Box office: 01722 320 333 / ticketsales@ wiltshirecreative.co.uk

Everyman Cinema set to open in Salisbury city centre

EVERYMAN Cinema is set to open its 40th venue in Salisbury this spring.

The cinema, which promises a luxury approach to film viewing, will open in the former Buzz Bingo Hall on Endless Street, just off the heart of the city.

The building was originally built as a cinema in the 1930s and so will be reverting back to its original use.

The cinema will boast four state of the art screens with

Everyman is promising an elevated cinema experience which includes an extensive food and drink menu featuring hand-stretched pizzas, burgers and vegan dishes, which can all be ordered and served directly to your seat. The venue will also have a fully licensed bar.

You can find more information, including membership offers here: www.everymancinema. com/venues-list/g01qmeveryman-salisbury

more than 300 seats in total, including plush velvet sofas and

armchairs for watching the latest films in comfort.

Street art creates a Tempest on the Salisbury’s streets

AS part of preparations for a large-scale production of The Tempest, Wiltshire Creative have been hosting graffiti workshops with young people in Salisbury.

Graffiti artist Kezia Hoffman is spending three weekends at The Friary teaching local residents how to create street art using eco-friendly spray paints.

The participants are using their newly acquired skills to graffiti a large skate ramp that will be used in the production at Churchill Gardens.

The project was devised by Friary resident and community associate on The Tempest, Aidan Lewis.

Aidan has been working with Wiltshire Creative since autumn 2022 to ensure the community is truly at the heart of the production of The Tempest. Other projects taking place include an MC project creating music for the performance and community set making workshops.

The Tempest runs from Wednesday, 24th May to Sunday, 4th June.

Kezia Hoffman has been teaching locals the skills needed to create street art that will form part of The Tempest production, including the large skate ramp, (centre right)

Are you digging the Hidden Figure in the shop front?

SO, this might not be the most current news, but I have only just spotted him. The figure in white. The man in the hat.

Have you been following the hidden figure project in Salisbury? The idea originated from Salisbury resident Mrs Hawtrey, who enjoyed watching tourists taking photos of a statue of Antony Durman’s daughter, Alethea, that can still be seen in a garden, off Fisherton Street.

She wondered whether such an idea could be expanded to see other figures pop up around the city.

Led by Anthony, and supported by Safer and Supportive Salisbury, the idea grew into a community-led project that received funding from Wiltshire Council, as well as private support.

The Hidden Figures project will eventually see nine people with local connections be represented across the city in hidden or out of the way places, forming a trail.

The first figure produced was of local archaeologist, Phil Harding, who many visitors will recognise from his appearances on Time Team. His statue was completed in 2021 and involved

an assortment of people and organisations, including Phil’s employers, Wessex Archaeology, as well John Hanson School in Andover, Salisbury’s Men’s Shed, which created the statue’s

stand, a student at Bishop Wordsworth’s school and many others. To facilitate the project, a 3D printer was bought.

The first statue was first placed in Salisbury Museum, which is rather fitting for an archaeologist, but perhaps too obvious for a ‘hidden’ figures project, and the statue now resides in an empty shop in the city centre.

Easy to miss if you aren’t looking, but easily recognisable once you spot it. So convincing is the statue that you’d be forgiven for thinking it wasn’t the man himself posing as a ‘living statue’ street entertainer.

Last year, two more figures were announced: Tracy Daszkiewicz – the public health officer from Wiltshire Council who led the city’s response to the Novichok poisonings; and Dolly Burnett, a carer and community volunteer who was chosen to carry the Olympic flame into Hudson’s Field in 2012.

safersalisbury.org.uk/hiddenfigures/

1 5 10 11 12 13 15 17 19 20 23 24 25 26 2 3 4 6 7 8 9 14 16 18 21 22

Across 1 Extremely stupid (7)

10 Overseas officials (7)

11 Quarrel (5)

12 Less revealing (5)

13 Turfs out (6)

15 Small (6)

17 Opportunity (6)

19 Blown away (6)

20 Messes (5)

23 Pre-tadpole stage (5) 24 Puts in (7) 25 Precipitation (4) 26 Critical (7) Down

2 Bright (5)

3 Making ineffective (12)

6 Become less dark (7)

7 Increased in size (4)

8 Freezing (3-4)

9 Carry the can (4,3,5)

14 Keep going (7)

16 Orchestral drum set (7)

Crossword 2 3 4 6 7 8 9 14 16 18 21 22 Across 1 Extremely stupid (7) 5 Thrash (4) 10 Overseas officials (7) 11 Quarrel (5) 12 Less revealing (5) 13 Turfs out (6) 15 Small (6) 17 Opportunity (6) 19 Blown away (6) 20 Messes (5) 23 Pre-tadpole stage (5) 24 Puts in (7) 25 Precipitation (4) 26 Critical (7)

18 More experimental, artistically (6)

21 Roughly (5)

3 2 9 7 2 Down 2 Bright (5) 3 Making ineffective (12) 4 Placed inside another object (6) 6 Become less dark (7) 7 Increased in size (4) 8 Freezing (3-4) 9 Carry the can (4,3,5) 14 Keep going (7) 16 Orchestral drum set (7) 18 More experimental, artistically (6) 21 Roughly (5)

22 One running computer software (4)

1 7

3 8 9

1

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

Wylye Valley Art Trail receives Queen’s Award from royal representative

IN THIS Coronation season, the team at behind the Wylye Valley Art Trail was thrilled to win the much-coveted Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service, one of the last awards granted by Her Majesty before she died last September.

Nick Andrew, founder and coordinator of the Trail, was presented with the award on Friday by Sarah Troughton, Lord Lieutenant of Wiltshire.

The Trail, which is run entirely by volunteers, has brought art to this corner of Wiltshire for over 20 years and has become a real fixture in the artistic calendar of the county.

The Royal connection goes on: furniture maker, Matthew Burt, a veteran of the Wylye Valley Art Trail, has created an exquisite box that’s to be sent to the King as a Coronation gift.

Made of English burr elm with boxwood detailing, its Wiltshire sycamore interior is filled with artworks by artists taking part on the Trail – a gift truly fit for a king.

This year the Trail finishes on 8th May. During the event, a delicious lozenge of creativity has run from Westbury in the north to Donhead St Andrew in the south, and from Steeple Langford in the east to Gasper in the west, and has been chock-full of amazing art and artists.

It has featured everything from animal art what to attract, from furniture to sculpture, and from handmade jewellery to handmade textiles and ceramics. https://wvat.co.uk/

Clockwise from top left: Nick Andrew receives the award from Sarah Troughton, Lord Lieutenant of Wiltshire; a close-up of the award; the elm and boxwood cabinet, close and open, revealing artwork from the trail’s artists that will be presented to King Charles III as a coronation gift

Children at local day nursery chain takes part in well-being world first

TOPS Day Nurseries, which has a nursery onsite at the Salisbury District Hospital, participated in the first-ever World Daily Mile Day on 27 April, by encouraging children to walk, run and jog for 15 minutes.

The Daily Mile is a simple initiative that encourages children to be active every day by walking, jogging, or running a mile. It has been shown to have many benefits for children’s health and wellbeing, including increased physical fitness, improved concentration levels, and better mental health.

Tops Day Nurseries recognises the importance of promoting healthy habits among children from a young age. By participating in World Daily Mile Day, the nursery aimed to raise awareness about the importance of physical activity in children’s lives and encourage them to be more active every day.

Diane Wycherley, Tops’ operations director, said: “Our

goal at Tops Day Nurseries is to provide a safe and nurturing environment where children can thrive, and that includes promoting healthy habits like regular physical activity. The Daily Mile is a fantastic initiative that helps children build good habits from a young age, and we’re proud to be a part of it.”

The nursery encouraged children and staff to participate in the World Daily Mile Day by walking, jogging, or running for 15 minutes. They also organised fun activities to make the experience more enjoyable for the children, like an obstacle course.

Tops Day Nurseries believes that promoting healthy habits among children is crucial for their overall development and well-being. They are committed to providing high-quality early years education and care that supports children’s physical, emotional, and cognitive development.

www.topsdaynurseries.co.uk

Wildflowers seeds for every primary school class

In the next few weeks, primary schools around the country will be receiving packets of wildflower seeds to mark the coronation of King Charles III.

The government-funded project was inspired by the King’s love of nature and aims to encourage children to learn about and improve the biodiversity of school’s green spaces, while making them nicer places to work and learn.

Improving children’s connection to nature and spending time outdoors will also help to support their mental and physical well-being.

The project is a collaboration between the Department for Education and the Eden Project. In total, over 200,000 seeds

packets will be sent to schools, representing 40 hectares of new wildflower areas being planted

up across England to support our pollinators. If planted together that would create around 40 rugby pitch sized wildflowers meadows – a small but vital step in boosting biodiversity.

Schools minister Nick Gibb said: “Giving children the opportunity to plant wildflowers will not only make school grounds more attractive, it will also help the next generation understand the importance of improving our biodiversity, while celebrating His Majesty The King’s love of nature.”

Dan James, development director for the Eden Project said: “It is crucial that we replenish our biodiversity across the UK – and even small

steps can make a difference.”

The packets of seeds include native annual wildflower species: cornflower, corn poppy, corn chamomile, corncockle, corn marigold and nightflowering catchfly, which if sown this spring, will be in bloom by the summer.

The wildflowers will provide food for a wide range of insects including bees, butterflies and other pollinators in school grounds across England.

Each seed packet covers around two square metres of blue, white, purple, red and yellow flowers that can be planted in pots, beds or borders to boost colour and biodiversity in school grounds across England.

The Daily Mile is a simple initiative that encourages children to be active every day by walking, jogging, or running a mile

Chalke Valley History Festival: full programme announced, tickets on sale

THE END of June signals the start of one of the most popular, and indeed successful, fixtures in the summer festival calendar – the Daily Mail Chalke Valley History Festival.

A trip to the festival offers visitors the chance to step back in time and experience the sights, sounds, and smells of the past, while enjoying over 200 talks, live performances, and interactive experiences.

With a massive line-up, you can expect to hear from the most exciting, inspiring, and fascinating historians and performers around.

There’s never a dull moment at the festival. History buffs and casual festival-goers alike will have the opportunity to experience everything from thrilling jousts and medieval encampments to immersive World War II trench experiences and discussions on current political affairs.

The key themes this year are:

● Environment – from farming and food production to climate change and the shifting sands of time.

● Conflict – warfare throughout the ages from ancient times to Ukraine.

● Politics – whether in Ancient Rome or more recent times, the rise and fall of dictators, prime ministers and presidents have shaped and defined our lives.

● Science and exploration – from inventions to the crossing of oceans and deserts.

● Society and culture –everyday life through the ages: food, art, literature, music and how the fabric of society evolves.

● Sport – it is a large part of our lives; explore the rich human drama in the evolution of some of our favourite pastimes. Visitors will might choose to

learn about the current War in Ukraine and Putin’s Russia? Interested in busting myths about Charles I’s wife, Henrietta Maria? Curious about the dramatic story of women of the American West? Perhaps you want to reminisce about an Ashes series gone by – former England cricket captain Mike Brearley is one of the speakers.

Maybe you want to find out more about the Abbey Road studios with David Hepworth, or hear the astonishing inside story of Colditz with Ben Macintyre? Gardeners can enjoy TV presenter and distinguished gardener, Alan Titchmarsh.

Tracy Chevalier, the author of the international sensation Girl with a Pearl Earring, is making her festival debut to talk to the ever-popular Dan Snow.

Max Hastings will be sharing stories from his graphic new history of the 1962 Cuban Missile Crisis, Michael Wood revealing the true story of The Trojan War, and Andrea Wulf talking about her eye-opening biography of the first Romantics.

War buffs will love the special mornings devoted to The Cold War and The Second World War. These two events will include live firing of a 3.7-inch heavy anti-aircraft gun, and a

discussion about Britain and the nuclear threat, as well as a welcome return to the festival by 102-year-old veteran Mosquito bomber pilot Colin Bell.

Podcast fans can witness some light-hearted WW2 chatter with James Holland and Al Murray as they record a ‘live’ edition of their We Have Ways of Making You Talk podcast.

This year, there will be a new trench experience, where school children and adults can step back in time and experience the sights, sounds, and smells of World War II through the Oosterbeek Perimeter, where the British 1st Airborne valiantly held out with diminishing supplies during the Battle for Arnhem in September 1944.

There will also be a medieval encampment, complete with a full joust and other activities and demonstrations. Watch skilled knights battle it out on horseback and learn about the history and culture of the Middle Ages. This year, children can also build and test their own mini-trebuchets.

For those who want to soak up the atmosphere and sample a few local refreshments from the Chalke Valley Tap, then there may be a few unexpected visitors in the bar area. Dressing up is encouraged, but is not obligatory.

As festival director Jane PleydellBouverie says: “This festival has something for everyone, from the most serious historian to the casual observer who just wants to soak up the atmosphere and have a good time.”

As if all that weren’t enough, there will be live music throughout the festival, with each day focusing on a different era of 20th century popular music.

The line-up includes The Bluebirds, a stunning closeharmony trio passionate about keeping the vintage sound of the wartime years alive, Old Baby Mackerel who will recreate the music of the early 20th century, and The Soul Strutters will delight the crowds with their love of groove, disco, funk, soul and R&B from the 70s.

Festival-goers can expect to rub elbows with some of the most fascinating and accomplished historians and performers around.

The line-up this year is truly impressive, featuring big names like Michael Morpurgo, Antonia Fraser, Ian Hislop, Antony Beevor, Tracy Borman, John Major and Charlie Higson.

Of course, no festival would be complete without food and drink, and festival never disappoints. There will be plentiful food and drink outlets, and visitors can enjoy delicious lunches and suppers in the dining tent provided by Provenance: Field to Fork Food.

And for those who can’t get enough of the festival’s incredible speakers, there are over 200 Chalke Talks available on the festival’s podcast. These talks, taken from over a decade of festival appearances, cover a wide range of historical topics and are sure to satisfy even the most voracious history buff.

The festival takes place from 26th June to 2nd July, tickets via www.cvhf.org.uk

A history festival with something for everyone

Credit: Ash Mills

Bloodhound, the story of a great British engineering adventure

MEMBERS of the Probus Club of Sarum Club were treated to a fascinating talk by their fellow member Alan Frener recently about an exciting British engineering adventure –Bloodhound, the world’s most advanced straight line racing car, on a hunt for the World Land Speed Record.

The first land speed record dates back to 1898 , when Frenchman, Gaston de Chasseloup-Laubat, piloted an electric vehicle called Jeantaud Duc to 39 mph.

From the 1920s onward, the record was held by a long line of British record holders, culminating in Andy Green’s 1997 record of 763 mph with Thrust SSC, which used two RR Spey engines.

In the early 2000s rumours started of American and Australian preparations to attempt to better this record. This led to the formation of Project Bloodhound.

In October 2008, Lord Drayson announced the project

at the Science Museum. The project was conceived as a leading edge technology project to inspire and to educate. It brought together illustrious names of British academia and industry, eventually including Swansea University, University of West of England, Rolls Royce and many others.

Bloodhound led, among other achievements, to advances in rocket engine construction. Its website, exhibitions and educational events reached

more than two million school pupils exposing them to greater depth of STEM subjects.

Alan’s enthusiastic talk provided members with a unique insight because he had been one of the key participants of the project team over the years, filling the role of senior ambassador.

On 17th November 2019, Bloodhound achieved its target of 600 mph, including 0 to 628 mph

in 50 seconds in the South African desert. However, funds ran out and the final record push has had to be postponed indefinitely.

The club meets every second and fourth Friday of the month at the White Hart Hotel. Members are retirees who value intellectual stimulation as well as a sociable atmosphere. Guests and new members are always welcome.

01722 392 043

Keys to Amesbury History Centre handed to charity

AMESBURY’S History Centre is a step closer to opening after the charity that will run it were given the keys to the building.

In a short ‘lease signing’ ceremony at the new building the mayor of Amesbury presented the keys to Christina Gane and Norman Parker of Amesbury History Centre CIO, on behalf of Amesbury Town Council.

The building, located on Church Street at the site of the former Mellor Hall, was paid for by Amesbury Town Council using S106 monies from local housing developers and was completed last year after a two year build.

At the ceremony, Amesbury’s mayor, Cllr Damian Kuczera, thanked those that had been involved with the project over its 13-year history and said that this “important milestone” was now the start of what will be an exciting journey for the CIO, turning the empty building into a leading tourist destination, which will “benefit the town in so many ways”.

expected the building’s café to be opened ‘within weeks’, with a small display to follow, while the trust develops the museum space upstairs which will take more time.

Christina, from the Amesbury History Centre CIO, went on to say that they

Project Bloodhound at its launch event in 2019

Credit: Jules1982

Left: Amesbury’s mayor, Cllr Damian Kuczera and mayoress Suzie Kuczera

Above: the mayor signs the lease alongside Christina Gane and Norman Parker

Thrust SSC

Credit: Culture Coventry Trust

Antiques & Collectibles

I’m a little teapot, don’t

me out... I

I WAS in the process of throwing out some cracked crockery the other day and got to thinking about how you hear of people realising that what they thought was worthless might be worth checking over one last time in case it happens to be something from the ancient china.

Now, I happened to know where this cracked crockery had come from and I’m not even sure a charity shop would have taken it, but with these thoughts in my head I decided to go Googling for stories, and stumbled upon two reports from The Independent.

One such crock-tastic story occurred in Salisbury back in 2016. A man bought an old teapot from an auction in the Midlands for £15 thinking it was Isleworth pottery from the late 18th century. A bargain, though it had a cracked handle and its lid was missing.

The buyer wanted a second opinion and took to Wooley and Wallis where it was identified as being made by Staffordshire potter, John Bertram, who had emigrated to the USA.

The buyer’s broken teapot turned out to be the ‘earliest American-manufactured teapot to have been discovered’. It was

put up for auction at a starting price of £10,000, a significant increase from the price the buyer paid. Incredibly, the final selling price, with fees, was £575,000. Truly, the stuff that dreams are made of.

A similar story occurred in 2020, when a family decided to check whether a teapot that had been in a loft and in storage for a number of years might be worth something, before taking it to a charity shop.

Turns out it was, achieving a final sale price of £390,000. It had travelled back to the UK from Asia with a grandfather and turned out to be a ‘rare imperial antique dating back to the Qianlong period between 1735 and 1799’.

Sadly, my broken teapot was a gift from Oliver Bonas or some such place and never even got to pour tea.

Popular antique fairs return The Romsey Antiques and Arts Fair returns on Sunday, 14th May – 9.30am to 3.30pm.

The Antiques, Vintage & Collectors Fair takes place in three halls at the Royal Bath & West Showground in Shepton Mallet.

16 to 18 June. Tickets £10 for the weekend, or £5 per day.

For Sale & Wanted

OLD BOOKS BOUGHT

Also old photographs and postcards.

We have been buying in Wiltshire for 50 years.

We are happy to call by appointment entirely without obligation.

Bristow & Garland

01747 855666 or 07392 602014.

Free Ads

HAVE YOU RECENTLY BEEN DIAGNOSED WITH A HEART PROBLEM?

ARE YOU NEWLY DIAGNOSED WITH DIABETES OR HIGH BLOOD PRESSURE?

ARE YOU FEELING ISOLATED & NEED MORE HELP SUPPORT & UNDERSTANDING OF YOUR CONDITION?

HAPPY HEARTS CARDIAC EXERCISE AND SUPPORT

CANHELPWITHYOURRECOVERY

W HY NOT CONTA CT US AND SEE HOW W E CA N HELP YOU

FOR ALL DETAILS AND A FULL PROGRAMME CONTENT, PLEASE VISIT OUR WEBSITE www.sallishappyhearts.co.uk

AND CLICK ON THE `PHASE III` LINK

Call Salli 07969 909162 or e-mail: info@sallishappyhearts.co.u

First multi-use wellness studios open in the heart of Salisbury

SALISBURY’S first multi-use studio was officially opened on Saturday 29th April.

Rafiki Studios will be the only multi-use double studio space in the city centre. The spaces are accessible and large enough to host a variety of classes, workshops and talks. They will be available for hire for anyone interested in using the spaces for regular classes, one-offs and everything in between.

Rafiki Studios will offer a safe, welcoming and accessible space people to use and enjoy as part of a well-being lifestyle.

“We aim to create a community around Rafiki Studios that explores different

practices related to yoga, pilates, meditation, mindfulness, music and open communication,” said owner Ilona Coryndon Burns.

“The studios are about creating a community building space where people can explore something new, talk to likeminded people and know that they are in a safe, nonjudgemental space. From a teacher’s perspective, the studios offer a purpose-built space designed to cater to well-being practices and it’s not a draughty village hall.”

Rafiki Studios is located in Priory Square, between The Maltings and The Playhouse. rafikistudios.co.uk

Ilona Coryndon Burns

Vulnerable people encouraged to spring into action and get boosted

WILTSHIRE Council is encouraging eligible people across the county to take up the offer of getting a COVID-19 booster this spring, to help protect themselves and those around them.

People aged 75 and over, as well as anyone with a weakened immune system, were contacted in April and invited to book an appointment to get vaccinated.

Some people will be able to arrange their booster directly with their GP practice when invited to do so, while others will be asked to book an appointment at a community pharmacy or nearby pop-up clinic.

Wiltshire Council is working with BSW ICB to ensure there are pop-up vaccination clinics

throughout the county available for eligible people to use.

Although COVID-19’s impact on people’s daily lives has lessened over the past year,

people who are older or living with pre-existing conditions are still at risk.

Kate Blackburn, Public Health director for Wiltshire,

said: “I’d urge everyone eligible for the spring booster to take up the offer of the vaccination, which will offer protection against the virus and provide peace of mind for people and their loved ones.

“We have adapted to COVID-19 as part of our daily lives but we mustn’t get complacent or forget the potential devastating impact the virus can still have, particularly to people of a certain age or living with a health condition. Booster vaccines will be available either through your GP practice, pharmacies or at community venues throughout the county.

For more information about booking a GP or pop-up clinic vaccine appointment, people should visit the NHS website.

The threat to vulnerable people from Covid-19 can be mitigated by having a spring booster, the Council says

Start of marathon season proves a success for CoSARC runners

MARATHON season got off to a great start for CoSARC’s runners.

London Marathon

The frequent showers didn’t dampen the enthusiasm of the 48,451 runners who finished the gruelling 26.2 miles of the London Marathon at the end of April.

CoSARC’s runners at the event were:

● Will Pannell 2:35:37;

● James Mills 2:49:05;

● Matt Bosworth 2:59:02;

● Charlotte Ingram 3:09:54;

● Vicky Haselgrove (WISEMAN) 3:12:58;

● Angus Paton 3:16:29;

● Anna Patrickson 3:17:06;

● Catherine Morgan 3:34:33;

● Katie Clements 3:42:47;

● Zoe Lambard 3:46:35;

● Heather Hitchens 4:12:40;

● Esther Horwood 4:44:08;

● Jenna Richmond 4:51:51;

● Vic Martin 4:59:06;

● Millie Braine 5:04:40;

● Petra Oyston 5:50:51.

Newport Marathon

The constant drizzle wasn’t enough to distract the runners during the recent Newport Marathon.

CoSARC finishers were:

● Richard Larcombe 3:17:07;

● Richard Davidson 3:43:25;

● Charlotte Boardman 3:43:25;

● Shelly Tolcher 4:51:12 (Shelly’s first marathon);

● Kathy Cotter 4:51:12 (also Kathy’s first marathon);

● Lisa Phaure 5:26:55.

Vienna City Marathon

Harry Pannell ran a superb race to finish in 2:52:34 in the Vienna City Marathon.

Figsbury 5k

In the recent Figsbury 5K Challenge, runners had to go

from the back of Winterbourne Earls Primary School, up the hill to Figsbury Iron Age Hill Fort, do two laps of Figsbury Rings and charge back down to the school.

It was an overcast day, with

Army veteran seeks sponsors for racing team

PHIL England served for 24 years in the REME, retiring in January 2022. He races for the Army Sports Car Racing (ASCR) team, which he first joined in 2020 and as a veteran is still eligible to race for.

The ASCR team competes in the Armed Forces Race Challenge, which pits it against teams from the Royal Navy/ Marines and the RAF.

The races take place all over the country, including Silverstone, Brands Hatch, Snetterton, Croft, Anglesey, Croft and Cadwell Park.

Races usually consist of six rounds with 2 x 20 minute sprint races, “which can be frantic”.

He is now seeking sponsorship from businesses and individuals in the area to help with the cost of training

team members and helping to support their mental health.

In return he offers sticker space in his Subaru race car, tickets, hospitality and links to Mission Motorsport, a forces charity he volunteers for.

His work with Mission Motorsport includes being a pit

mechanic, fundraiser, public liaison and event support.

The charity was launched ‘to help those affected by military operations by engagement through sport’. One of its aims is to help those leaving the military to find employment in the automotive industry.

threats of rain and the cool temperature was ideal for the runners.

The top three places were taken by CoSARC U15 Boys: In first place was Freddie Bosworth, second went to James Gabriel, with Art Mitchell in third place.

Parkrun

A number of CoSARC runners did very well at recent Parkruns when they bagged themselves personal best times, with junior runner Stanley Stuart managing personal bests at both local Parkruns.

CoSARC runners at Salisbury Parkrun were:

● Charlie Coles 17:25;

● Andy Budgell 20:26;

● Stanley Stuart 22:07. While at Churchill Gardens Junior Parkrun, the speedsters were Magena Lovatt-Williams 8:09 and Stanley Stuart 8:47.

Promotions and finals

More than 600 turned up at Moon Park to watch Bemerton Heath Harlequins’ 3-0 victory over promotion rivals Portchester.

A win for either side would have secured promotion to the Southern League, but it was Bemerton who were left celebrating. Congratulations!

Salisbury Women’s FC will play unbeaten Purton in the League Cup Final on 21 May following a dramatic penalty shoot-out victory over Chippenham in the semi-final. We wish them the best of luck.

In hockey, Salisbury Women’s 1st team secured promotion to Premier Division 1 of the South Central area leagues with a 4-0 victory over Winchester. Congratulations!

Charlotte Ingram and Angus Paton proudly showing off their medals

Phil’s Subaru competing in the Armed Forces Race Challenge

Found a baby bird on the ground, then you need to follow this advice

IT IS quite common at this time of year to find baby birds on the ground.

Some will have fallen from their nests in trees and bushes, some will have found their way there by other means.

While it is tempting to rush in and pick the bird up, there are a number of do’s and don’ts you need to be aware of, to ensure the bird has the best chance of survival.

Above all else, remember two things: birds make better parents of baby birds than you ever will, and keep your pets away from any bird you find on the ground.

Warning: Bird flu

You may have seen the warnings about the current bird flu outbreak in the UK.

An Influenza Prevention Zone (AIPZ) is currently in place, which means some wild baby birds should not be handled.

Common garden birds, passerines (or perching birds), have been assessed by Defra and the Animal Plant and Health Agency as presenting very low risk in terms of harbouring bird flu and therefore of passing it on.

Contact with non-common garden birds, such as wildfowl (such as ducks, geese and swans) and poultry should be avoided.

Any contact with birds should be followed by hygiene routines, such as washing hands thoroughly, to prevent contamination with infectious organisms

RSPCA bird handling advice

This advice comes from the RSPCA, based on the stage of a baby bird’s development.

Nestlings

If a baby bird has no feathers or only has a few, it is referred to as a nestling. They will not

survive long without the protection of a nest.

If possible, a nestling should be re-nested and left in the wild.

If you cannot see a nest or you are not sure which of several nests the nestling came from, then you can make a replacement nest.

This could be a basket or plant pot, stuffed with nesting materials that can be securely attached to a tree. If the nestling is injured, contact your local vet or wildlife rescue centre.

Fledglings

If the baby bird has feathers it is known as a fledgling. These will often leave the nest before they can fly and so it is not uncommon to see them on the ground.

It is best to keep a watching brief on a grounded fledgling, as its parents may be nearby and still be feeding it.

If you think it might be in immediate danger, you can pick it up and put it in a sheltered spot nearby. But somewhere where the parents will still be able to find it easily enough. Always use gloves for hygiene reasons.

Has the bird been orphaned? You should only move a baby

bird as a last resort, for example if they are obviously sick or injured, they are in immediate danger or you know for a fact that its parents are dead. If this isn’t obvious, then monitor the bird from a safe distance and the parents do not return within two hours, you can assume the bird is an orphan. Always contact your local vet or wildlife rehabilitation centre if you are unsure or need advice.

Has it been injured?

The RSPCA suggests the following signs to identify an injured baby bird:

● You can see obvious wounds or bleeding

● If a bird has been caught by a dog or cat, there’s a risk it could develop an infection. So, they always need to be taken for treatment, even if you can’t see any obvious wounds

● The bird doesn’t move when you approach them – it’s normal for healthy adult birds to rest on the ground, but they should still try to walk or fly away if someone approaches them

● The bird’s feathers look fluffed up, but remember they will also do this during cold weather to keep warm

● The bird can’t hold their head up straight or keep their balance properly, or their head and neck looks twisted

● There’s swellings or crusty growths on the skin, usually seen on the face, legs or feet

● The bird is panting or breathing fast, and you’ve seen them doing this for at least two hours. Panting is a normal way for birds to cool down if they’re too hot, but it can also be a sign of disease.

Leave nests and eggs alone Bird eggs are legally protected, so it is against the law to remove them from the nest. You should also avoid touching or moving them. The nesting period is when birds are at their most vulnerable so you should avoid any contact with them.

You can find more advice from the RSPCA here https://www.rspca.org.uk/ adviceandwelfare/ diseases#babybirds

Crime, dogs and more are on the agenda for annual parish meeting

RESIDENTS of Laverstock, Ford, Bishopdown Farm, Old Sarum and Longhedge are invited to the Laverstock and Ford Parish Council Annual Parish Meeting at River Bourne Community Farm at 6pm on Monday, May 15th.

Nick Baker, chair of the council said: “This year we have tried to really make this a meeting for all the community and we warmly invite all residents to come and join us.

“We will be mixing flexible time when there will be refreshments and the opportunity to find out more about the work of local groups with the opportunity to find out more about some of the issues which we think really matter to local residents.

“We know crime and safety is a key issue for many people and the Police and Crime Commissioner Philip Wilkinson and Catherine Roper, the new Chief Constable will be attending to report on their work and answer questions.

“We also receive lots of communications about animal welfare and dog safety and so we have invited the Dog’s Trust

to give us a short presentation.

“We will also share our strategic plan at the meeting and be asking residents for their feedback on the priorities we have set for the Parish Council’s work.”

Laverstock and Ford Parish Council serves the communities of Bishopdown Farm (Hampton Park and Riverdown Park), Ford, Laverstock, Longhedge, Old Sarum and the parts of Milford within the parish boundary (Riverbourne Road,

Avonbourne Road, Glendale Crescent, Bourne Close, Queen Manor Road, Potters Way and Milford Mill Road-east).

Anyone registered on the electoral roll for the parish of Laverstock & Ford is able to vote (if applicable) and to speak at the meeting (anyone else can only speak at the discretion of the chair).

Trudi Deane, the parish clerk for Laverstock and Ford Parish Council added: “For residents who may not know, the purpose

of the meeting, which is convened under the Local Government Act 1972, is to discuss parish affairs and in practice celebrates local activity and discussion of any current issues.

“There is still limited space available for any local groups or individuals wishing to set-up a display to promote their group.”

More details can be found at http://www.laverstockford-pc. gov.uk

Magnificent seven new PCSOs for Wiltshire beat

A MAGNIFICENT seven new PCSOs will soon be on the streets of Wiltshire after completing a major training landmark.

On Friday (April 28) the Police Community Support Officers celebrated the completion of the classroom stage of their apprenticeship training, and received their PCSO powers from Deputy Chief Constable Paul Mills.

Soon, Harry, Jamie, William, Charlotte, Debbie, Joshua and Chloe will head out to join community policing teams in Salisbury, Amesbury, Trowbridge, Devizes and Swindon.

DCC Mills spoke to the new officers, their friends and families.

“Today, these new PCSOs realise that a career in policing offers them an amazing

diverse and rewarding vocation,” he said.

He added: “Look after each other, you are now at the very heart of Community Policing and always undertake your role with pride. Welcome to Wiltshire Police.”

PCSO Trainer, Melanie Clemow, said:

“You may wear the same uniform and are prepared to do the same job, but you are all unique.

“We have a former primary school teacher, retail and customer service experience and a former Police Cadet, now about to become operational officers.

“Remember to be understanding, empathetic and fair in your job when serving the community but always remember to be you.”

Do you fancy becoming a PCSO? A fresh round of recruitment opened on Tuesday (May 2). For more details and to register an interest, visit https://www. wiltshire.police.uk/police-forces/wiltshirepolice/areas/careers/careers/police-staff2/ police-community-support-officers-pcsos.

Pamphill Dairy Farm Shop Butchery Manager

We have an exciting opportunity for an enthusiastic individual to join and manage our Butchery. The position will involve continuing to expand the business in our newly refurbished shop, working along side and managing our butchery team.

We’re looking for an experienced, knowledgeable Butcher with excellent customer service and a passion for sourcing and supporting local produce. A generous renumeration package will be offered to the right candidate.

If you feel this role is for you, and would like more information about the position please email your C.V. to: jackrichards@chilbridgefarm.co.uk

www.pamphilldairy.co.uk

‘Recruit more from abroad,’ says expert

UK business needs more help to recruit ‘highly-skilled’ workers from abroad, amid a UK skills shortage, according to one industry expert.

The latest data from the Office for National Statistics (ONS) showed that in the three months to the end of February, the number of people looking for work in the UK rose by around 220,000.

Figures also showed salaries increased at a rate of around 6.6% in the same period, below the rate of inflation, which stands at more than 10%meaning people are earning less in real terms.

Samantha Hurley, operations director at the Association of Professional Staffing Companies (APSCo), said: “While permanent salaries are growing, the fact that total and

regular pay fell in real terms demonstrates the financial pressures that the UK population is facing.

“Despite the quarterly fall in vacancies, the labour market is still tough. Historically, skills short fields – particularly those requiring science, technology, engineering and maths skills –continue to face hiring difficulties and with more than a million vacancies still being reported, these recruitment struggles aren’t going to dissipate any time soon.

“We are certainly seeing a slowdown in hiring activity and the slight increase in the number of unemployed people per vacancy does further support this trend, however, with this still at historical lows, it would be remiss to be lulled into a false sense of security.”

Removals Porters

Salisbury based depot. Heavy lifting is a daily part of the role. Full training will be given.

• Monday – Friday

• Pension

• Tips

• Performance bonus

• £25,500 - £28,000 per year Please

Offices are uninspiring, say workers

UK workers find their offices uninspiring and uninviting, according to new research.

A report by interior design and fit-out business Claremont has revealed how businesses can make workplaces relevant and compelling by tuning into how employees feel about an office.

More than 1,000 office workers were surveyed, across a range of sectors, to identify the impact of an office on a workforce’s behaviour and how staff need to feel in order to be happy, healthy and productive.

Dubbed ‘The Workplace Oooh’, the research revealed almost half of employees – 52% of hybrid workers and 48% of full-time office-based workers – feel uninspired by their workplace, while 42% say their office doesn’t make them feel valued. It also revealed the vast majority of today’s employees (84%) expect the office to deliver an experience, rather

than it just being a place to complete tasks.

Sarah Syson, head of design at Claremont said: “In recent years, the very essence of how, when and where we work has changed and the office has taken on a new role. It’s no longer the everyday place for work and so it must work much harder to make itself relevant and inviting. Now, the office needs to give employees the feelings and experiences that lone working leaves us wanting.”

The research also revealed the six key emotions employees seek from their workplace –they want to feel inspired, valued, connected, supported, included and proud.

Camaraderie and a feeling of connection with colleagues is key – over a third (35%) of all employees and 42% of hybrid employees said they want to visit the office to feel human connection and teamwork is what makes people feel the

most productive and positive about being in the office.

Cost of living has also had an

impact, with 28% saying a major reason to visit the office is to be in a heated space.

The Blackmore Vale Ltd continues to enjoy great success and we are looking for an experienced Account Manager

You will be managing a regular client base as well as generating new business selling into various magazines. Previous sales experience is required and you should be hungry for success. The role is a hybrid of working from home/office and out and about within the Dorset, Somerset and Wiltshire areas. You must own your own vehicle – a mileage allowance is paid.

Previous sales experience Hungry for success

Hours are Monday to Friday 9am – 5.30pm. Salary is dependent on experience.

If you’ve got what it takes to be part of this fantastic team, please send your application to debi.thorne@blackmorevale.net

Closing date for applications is Friday 26th May 2023.

Plan for nine bungalows on ‘green belt’ land submitted

PLANS have been submitted for nine new homes on green belt land at Verwood.

The scheme, for detached bungalows at Edmondsham Road, has been submitted to Dorset Council by Land Promotion Group Ltd.

It says the land was formally the rear gardens of properties on the road, one of which is a barn that is set to be converted to two homes.

“Vehicular and pedestrian access will be directly off Edmondsham Road,” the application said.

“Suitable visibility splays will be achieved utilising the existing vehicular access point from the adopted highway that is Edmondsham Road.

“The development will have direct pedestrian connectivity to the public footpath that runs along the eastern boundary of the application site, giving good pedestrian links to the existing footpath network.”

Each of the bungalows would have a

minimum of two parking spaces, the plan says, but will not feature any affordable housing, as it falls below the 10-property requirement.

The application says although the site is designated as green belt, it has ‘little benefit’ as such.

“The fundamental aim of green belt policy is to prevent urban sprawl by keeping land permanently open, serving the purposes of checking unrestricted urban sprawl, prevent towns merging, protect the open countryside from encroachment and assist urban regeneration,” it said.

“It can be seen ... that the application site

... carries little benefit as green belt.”

For more details on the application, and to comment, log on to www.dorsetcouncil. gov.uk and search for application reference P/OUT/2023/01988.

Surprise rise in UK house prices, according to Nationwide

HOUSE prices rose by 0.5% in the UK last month, according to new data.

The Nationwide building society said the rise, which came after seven months of declines, took the average price of a home to £260,441 last month, from £257,122 in March.

Compared with April last year, prices were down 2.7%, after a 3.1% annual decline in March.

Chief economist at Nationwide, Robert Gardner, said the figures showed ‘tentative signs of a recovery’ in the property market, although prices remain 4% below their August 2022 peak.

It came as Bank of England data showed the number of mortgages approved in February was nearly 40% below the level a year earlier.

“This chimes with recent shifts in consumer sentiment,” he said.

“While confidence remains subdued by historic standards, people’s views of their own financial position over the next 12 months, and general economic conditions in the year ahead, have both improved markedly in recent months.

“If inflation falls sharply in the second half of the year, as most analysts and the Bank of England expect, this would further boost confidence, especially if job market conditions remain strong. Unemployment has remained relatively low despite the economic slowdown. This, in turn, would also be likely to support a modest recovery in housing market activity.

“But any upturn is likely to remain fairly pedestrian, as it will take time for household finances to recover.”

The site, above, where nine new homes could be built and inset, how the properties could be laid out

Substantial Farm with Residential Portfolio launches to the market

A substantial arable and livestock farm with a residential property portfolio is for sale through Symonds & Sampson. Preston Farm, Crook Farm and surrounding land extend in total to 952.46 acres (385.42 hectares) of highly productive farmland together with a farmhouse, substantial ranges of modern and traditional buildings, two airfield hangars and telecommunication mast, all offered with vacant possession. The land is well-served by an excellent network of internal roads.

Part of the property was a former airbase from 1943 to 1947 and used for glider operations during World War II. Some of the runways, hangars and buildings are

still present today and included within the property.

The estate has been farmed by the vendors since 1938 and comprises arable, beef and pig enterprises. The land and buildings have been exceptionally well tended to by the family over the decades.

Within the village of Tarrant Rushton there is a portfolio of seven residential properties, of which five are subject to tenancies and two with vacant possession, providing an appealing and attractive investment with the potential for substantial rental income.

“Agricultural and residential property portfolios of this size and quality rarely come to the market in Dorset,” comments Will Wallis, Partner at Symonds &

potential for the successful purchaser(s).”

For more information please contact Will Wallis or Lauren Davy at Symonds & Sampson’s Dorchester office on 01305 236237

Sampson handling the sale, “The estate offers itself to the market in good heart with huge

“Agricultural and residential property portfolios of this size and quality rarely come to the market in Dorset.”

Will Wallis

New drivers could be banned from giving their friends a lift: Reports

NEWLY-qualified young drivers could be banned from giving their friends a lift, it has been reported.

According to the RAC, ministers are considering plans to stop young people who pass their test from giving lifts to friends in a bid to cut the number of peer-pressure car crashes.

Drivers under the age of 25 could be prevented from having any young passengers in the vehicle as part of a ‘graduated driving licence’, it is claimed.

The plan would see young drivers legally banned from offering lifts in the first 12 months after they gain their licence.

It comes amid claims peer pressure is a leading factor in crashes among young drivers.

These drivers make up only 6% of drivers in the UK – but account for one in every five serious or fatal crashes.

Under current legislation, there are no extra rules in place for recently qualified drivers. However, drivers have to pass a probationary period of two years where they are only allowed six points on their licence before having it revoked.

The considerations have not been confirmed, yet critics of the potential changes have stated drivers who are under 25

account for less crashes than those over 85, who remain free of any extra rules.

However, groups such as the Support for Victims of Road Crashes, which acts as an advisor to the Department for Transport (DfT), has backed the plans.

Sharron Huddleston, 52, from Cumbria, whose daughter Caitlin, 18, was killed in a car crash after taking a lift with a friend is a part of the group.

She said: “It has left a huge, gaping hole in our family. Every Christmas, every birthday, it is just devastating.

“There is nothing I can do to bring Caitlin back but I am determined, in her memory, to ensure that no other family goes through the pain and agony that we go through every day.”

In May 2023, there will be discussions in parliament over the future of the Road Traffic (New Drivers Act).

The DfT said: “Every death or serious injury on our roads is a tragedy and we continue to work tirelessly to improve road safety for all users.

“Our approach to improving safety for new and novice drivers is through new technology and improving education, while reinforcing vital road safety messages through our Think! campaign.”

Roads Minister Richard

Holden will now consider amendments, and an official announcement is expected after a meeting that is schedule on May 16.

RAC road safety spokesperson, Simon Williams, said: “We’re very pleased to see that graduated driving licences are once again under consideration more than three and a half years after the Government last said it would look into their merits.

“Young people, and especially young men, continue to be massively overrepresented in road collision statistics, so introducing restrictions that are gradually reduced over the first few years of driving may be one of the measures needed to bring the dreadful numbers down.

“It’s important any graduated driver licensing scheme doesn’t disadvantage young people who depend on their cars for work, so a balance needs to be struck between new drivers gaining the mobility they need while

keeping them as safe as possible.

“Introducing a minimum learning period, or number of learning hours, should be the very least of what is put in place.

“We believe there could also be merits in restricting the number of people young drivers are allowed to carry at certain times – most importantly at night – as well as putting in place a stricter or even a zero drink-drive limit.

“Mandating ‘new driver’ plates could also help make others aware of who they’re sharing the road with and help make police enforcement easier.

“Technology could also be used beneficially as telematicsbased insurance can monitor drivers’ behaviour behind the wheel.

“We look forward to hearing more about any future proposals, ideally alongside the Government’s broader, and much anticipated updated road safety strategy.”

Motoring

A303 upgrade to bring more changes

DRIVERS will use newly-built sections of the revamped A303 from this month – as work continues on upgrading the busy route.

National Highways has confirmed it will be changing the way the traffic flows along the road, as upgrade work continues.

At times it will be necessary for motorists to switch from one carriageway to another (crossover), and in some instances will be using sections of the newly built road, while works are completed where the new road will tie in, a spokesperson said.

There will be six phased crossovers in total, with the first happening this month (May), between Podimore roundabout and the junction from the A303 to Yeovilton (B3151).

Motorists will see traffic management on the road from May 9, with a new speed limit imposed from May 30.

Following this, there will be five further traffic switches as the scheme nears completion.

Hannah Sanderson, programme manager for National Highways, said: “To complete this work safely, we need to introduce some traffic management onto the road and

30mph limits will be required in sections where traffic is crossing over from one side to the other.

“This is being done for the safety of road users and for the safety of our construction team who’ll be working closely to the road.

“Our primary goal is to keep all traffic moving, while maintaining the safety of all those using or working alongside the road. We’d like to thank everyone for their patience and understanding.

“We have analysed traffic flows carefully to check there is no significant risk of disruption and will be keeping everyone fully informed via signing and the media.

“We would ask that drivers plan their journeys and follow signing carefully to avoid being delayed more than necessary and we would like to apologise for any inconvenience caused during these essential works.”

The scheme between Sparkford and Ilchester is aimed at boosting economic growth in Somerset, as well as tackling a long-standing bottleneck, reducing journey times to the South West and improving traffic flows at peak times and during peak seasons.

On an average day, the A303 between Sparkford and Ilchester carries 23,500 vehicles, but numbers increase significantly in the summer, particularly at weekends, making journeys unreliable and unpredictable.

Puzzle solutions (from pages 36-37)

Edition 15

Brain chain (hard)