Salisbury & Avon Gazette - Issue 63

What’s inside this issue…

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90s dance legends N-Trance to top the bill at Amesbury festival

AMUSIC

festival in Amesbury will mark the Summer Solstice.

The event – called the Solstice Sounds Festival – is a reinvention of the town’s carnival music night, the the Amesbury Carnival Committee said, and will run on Friday, June 20 at the showground on Holders Field.

Headlined by renowned acts such as N-Trance and the Madness tribute One Step Behind, the show will also feature Crowdeoke, led by DJ Paul Alex. It will open a weekend of attractions, running alongside Stokes Funfair and food and drink vendors.

Kyle McCletchie, 2025 Carnival Committee chair, said: “We have worked hard to create an outstanding line-up for this year’s music event.

“The Solstice Sounds night and carnival day will be nothing short of epic. Together with the Chamber of Trade, Amesbury Town Council, Stonehenge

School (who kindly loaned the ground) and

other stakeholders, we will be delivering a whole weekend of entertainment for Amesbury to remember – culminating in the amazing procession and show ground events on Saturday.

“The showground on Saturday will be teeming with entertainment and the funfair will be nothing short of spectacular.

“This years event will put Amesbury firmly back on the map.”

The Solstice Sounds Festival will be held at Holders Field on Friday, June 20 and as well as the musical acts, will see the Red Devils Army Parachute Display Team jump in as part of the evenings entertainment.

show and more.

Meanwhile, organisers said a highlight of the carnival will be the return of the procession, featuring schools, youth groups, businesses and clubs.

The carnival is returning after being cancelled during the Covid pandemic.

Tickets for the Friday event and Saturday Carnival Day start at £2 and are available online.

n For tickets and event information, visit the Amesbury Carnival website, at amesburycarnival.co.uk.

The Friday night event will be followed by the main Amesbury Carnival show and Procession on Saturday, featuring medieval jousting, a high-octane vehicle filled stunt

BEDROOMS Beautiful

Community Litter Pick planned in Tidworth

A COMMUNITY litter pick is planned in Tidworth this month.

People are being encouraged to turn out at the event, on March 22, as part of the Great British Spring Clean and organised by Tidworth Town Council.

"Bags, gloves, Hi-Viz jackets and grabbers available for use and of course some well deserved refreshments will be provided," a spokesperson said.

Anyone wanting to take part should meet at the Tidworth Civic Centre at 10am, with the pick running until noon.

Queen hears about county efforts to protect women and girls

THEQueen was in Wiltshire to hear about efforts to tackle violence against women and girls in the county.

Her Majesty was in Wiltshire on Monday, February 24, and met representatives of organisations from across the county.

Last year, a coalition called Ending Violence Against Women and Girls (EVAWG) was established comprising of members of the public, the judiciary, police, domestic abuse organisations, and business leaders.

The group also agreed to be part of Wiltshire Police’s Independent Advisory Group, providing insight to improve services to victims and communities.

Chair of both groups is Lady Lansdowne, who coordinated the visit of Her Majesty to hear about the work being done in Wiltshire.

After the event, Chief Constable of Wiltshire Police, Catherine Roper said: “It was a huge honour to present to Her Majesty The Queen the progress being made by Wiltshire Police to tackle violence against women and girls.

“That progress has only been possible through the improved trust and confidence from victims, their families, community members, and partner agencies in the policing service we are offering, and in our commitment to robustly tackling this heinous criminality.”

Temporary Detective Superintendent Lucy Thorne said: “I’m thrilled that we could welcome Her Majesty to hear about the hard work that Wiltshire Police have

been carrying out to improve our service to victims and communities.

“We know that continuous focus and improvement is needed to strengthen our response to VAWG, and the Force has been working closely with some fantastic people who are dedicated to ending violence against women and girls.

“It has been an honour to share this moment with them to be able to present to Her Majesty, who has consistently shown her own absolute commitment to eradicating VAWG, the considerable efforts being made across Wiltshire.”

Hetti Barkworth-Nanton CBE, chair of Refuge, added: “Achieving much-needed system-wide improvements to the response to domestic abuse and violence against women and girls requires not just a national approach but a local one to ensure real and genuine progress that directly impacts on victims and our communities.

“I am delighted to be part of the Wiltshire EVAWG program, and the support of Her Majesty The Queen means a huge amount.

"This will enable us to amplify our work and get more and more of the wider community involved.”

Other people and organisations who attended the event were the Lord Lieutenant Dame Sarah Troughton, the High Sheriff, Dr Olivia Chapple, Sarah Gibson MP for Chippenham, Carole and Matthew Gould, the parents of Ellie Gould, who was tragically murdered by her ex-boyfriend in 2019, Wiltshire Bobby Van Trust, Society without Abuse, Wiltshire Justice Board, Family Court Swindon, Swindon Family Court, Wansborough Solicitors, Wiltshire Community Foundation, businessman James Phipps, Salisbury Women’s Refuge, and Education White Horse Federation of Schools.

QUICK NEWS

Vandals attack three vehicles in Ringwood

WINDSCREENS were smashed and panels battered during an attack on three vehicles in Ringwood.

Police are investigating criminal damage after an incident at a property in New Road at around 2.40am on Thursday, February 6.

A Hampshire Police spokesperson said “unknown individuals used tools to smash windscreens and panels on three vehicles at the address”.

“Officers, who have been investigating the report and carrying out enquiries in an attempt to establish the full circumstances of the incident, are now turning to the public for further assistance,” they added. “We would like to hear from anyone who recalls witnessing, or seeing anything suspicious in the area at the time of the incident.

“We’d also like you to get in touch with us if you were in area at the time and have any footage of the incident, including doorbell camera, dash cam or any other CCTV.”

Anyone with information which might help the investigation should contact police on 101 and quote incident number 44250055918.

Resurfaced

RESURFACING work has been completed in a new landscaped area of Churchill Gardens.

A £83,077 investment by Salisbury City Council saw the removal of damaged paving slabs, replaced by new pathways and green spaces.

The new design comprises Tarmac paths and additional soft-landscaped areas which have been planted with trees and sown with grass seed.

STEPHEN

Appleby has been jailed for five years after raping his former partner at her Ludgershall home – who recorded the ordeal on a mobile device.

Appleby, of Diana Way, Corfe Mullen, was found guilty of rape after a trial in December last year and sentenced at Bournemouth Crown Court on February 24.

The court heard how the 61-year-old attacked his victim in her own home, in Ludgershall, on September 5, 2021 – an attack she said she will “carry forever”.

She reported the offence after she recorded the incident on a mobile device and listened back.

In a statement read to the court, his victim said: “I feel great relief in knowing that I was believed and that I am going to gain some freedom in knowing that Stephen will be sent to prison.

“However, I know this freedom will only last as long as

Man jailed after attacking woman in her own home

his sentence and how long of this he will serve. This is a life time sentence for me and one I will carry forever.”

After the sentencing hearing, DS Roxanne Whitton, said: “I would like to thank the victim who took huge courage to report this incident to the police.

“The judicial process has been long for her and she has had support from police officers, Horizon and Independent Sexual Violence Advisor (ISVA) throughout.

“This offence took place inside the victim’s home, which should have been her safe place. She has taken the last few years a day at a time and found the strength to continue through the investigation and the court process.

“I hope this sentence will be will be a solace for her and that she can continue her journey in moving on and learning to enjoy her life again.

“I also hope that the sentence sends a message to people who have been a victim that you are

not alone, report to the police and we will listen and we can signpost you to other support.”

Anyone who has been the victim of sexual assault, or knows someone that has, can get in touch with Wiltshire Police or a partner agency.

Independent Sexual Violence Advisors (ISVAs) work with adults and children who have experienced sexual violence and their families to get them access to the services they need.

You can access ISVAs through sexual assault referral centres (SARCs). SARCs have specially trained doctors, nurses and support workers on hand 24 hours a day, offering medical, practical and emotional support to anyone who has been raped, sexually assaulted or abused.

n To find your local sexual assault referral centre and for more information, visit https:// www.wiltshire.police.uk/advice/ advice-and-information/rsa/ rape-and-sexual-assault/ support-for-victims-of-rapeand-sexual-assault.

Stephen Appleby has been jailed for five years

Picture: Wiltshire Police

Record-breaking year for collections

BOOKsales and bucket collections

raised more than £67,000 for the Salisbury Hospital charity last year.

Stars Appeal volunteers secured a record-breaking total of £67,336 at the charity’s bookshop and bucket collections at the hospital in 2024, and were joined by hospital staff for a special presentation to unveil the total.

Last year, the bookshop, in the main entrance of the hospital, raised £48,619, with Stars Appeal bucket collectors raising a further £18,717 to reach the total, beating the amount raised in 2023, of £62,653.

Helena Sinclair, of the Stars Appeal, said: "This is an incredible achievement for our wonderful bookshop and bucket collection volunteers. We are hugely grateful for the time and dedication they give to supporting the charity.

"We want to say a massive thank you to our volunteers and to everyone who supports the bookshop and bucket collections, for making a difference to thousands of patients, their families, and staff at Salisbury Hospital."

Money raised for the Stars Appeal helps fund new equipment, enhancements to

Stars Appeal bookshop and bucket collection volunteers celebrating a record-breaking year

buildings, and ongoing projects supporting patients across Salisbury Hospital including emergency patient clothing and toiletries, hospital chaplaincy, support for patients

with cancer and the Stars Appeal Play Assistant on Sarum Children’s Ward.

To find out more about the charity’s projects, visit www.starsappeal.org.

Picture: Stars Appeal

Teen soldier suffered harassment

ATEENAGE

soldier took her own life at Larkhill Camp after suffering ‘relentless harassment’, an inquest has ruled.

Royal Artillery Gunner Jaysley Beck, pictured, was found hanged in her barracks on December 15, 2021.

An inquest heard Gunner Beck was sexually assaulted by one senior colleague, before being harassed by her line manager.

And Coroner Nicholas Rheinberg ruled the Army’s failure to take action contributed to her death.

On Thursday, February 20, Mr Rheinberg ruled the 19-yearold had intended to take her own life as a result of the incidents.

“I find there was a failure on behalf of the Army to take action over the harassment she was suffering from her line manager,” he said. “And there

was a failure on behalf of the Army to take action against the senior officer at whose hands she’d suffered a sexual assault.”

The coroner ruled the complaint “should have been reported to police and the failure to do so breached Army policy”.

The Army apologised to Gunner Beck’s family and accepted the failures pointed out by the coroner.

Brigadier Melissa Emmett, head of the Army personnel services group, said changes had been made.

“There is more work to do,” she added. “It is my hope that such change will give service personnel the confidence they need to report sexual offences and inappropriate behaviours, knowing that they will be listened to.”

After the inquest, Gunner Beck’s mother, Leighann

McCready, said: “I believe it was a cover-up and it’s been made clear through the findings that the Army has failed our daughter Jaysley.

“Things need to change. The Army cannot be allowed to investigate itself anymore when it comes to cases of sexual harassment, assault, bullying

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and abuse.

“The Army has admitted that it let Jaysley down, and has apologised for its failings – but no apology will ever bring our daughter back.

“Too often service women, and men, don’t feel able to speak up out of fear of being victimised, and even when they do, the Army is left to investigate itself.

“This cannot continue. Jaysley should still be here, we will not stop fighting until immediate action is taken.”

Alistair Carns, minister for veterans and people, said the Army would learn lessons from the affair.

“Jaysley was a young and promising soldier who should have had the opportunity to thrive in a supportive and safe environment,” he said.

“Her death was and still is a tragedy, and we are deeply sorry for the failure to protect her.”

School's good Ofsted

ASALISBURY school has been praised by inspectors for providing children with a “remarkable” understanding of the world delivered in an environment with a “palpable buzz”.

South Wilts Grammar School maintains a rating of good after a recent ungraded inspection by Ofsted inspectors, with a full inspection set to follow in the next 12 to 18 months.

The ungraded report highlighted the school’s welcoming and vibrant environment, with students expressing exceptional pride in being part of the community, with inspectors praising the school’s ambitious and welladapted curriculum and the way staff inspire intellectual curiosity in students.

“South Wilts Grammar School has truly shone in this

inspection, and we are delighted that Ofsted observed what we know to be true; that this is a wonderful school providing the best possible education for its students,” said head teacher, Dr Amanda Smith, pictured above.

Behaviour at the school was described as exemplary, with students demonstrating high levels of respect for one another, while inspectors also noted the warm and trusting

relationships between staff and students.

Chair of Trustees, Liz Ogilvie, added: “We are incredibly proud of this report, which is a testament to the dedication and commitment of our staff, students, and the support of our parents and carers.”

The full report will soon be available to read on the school’s website and the government Ofsted website.

Driving ban

A MAN has been banned from driving thanks to fast collaborative action from police officers and CCTV operators in Salisbury.

Benjamin Collins, 42, of Westwood Road, was spotted by City Watch staggering towards his car intoxicated in Maltings Car Park on February 2. The operator directed officers, who were patrolling on-foot around the city, to the suspect and they found Collins in the driver's seat attempting to drive away.

Collins was stopped and provided a specimen of breath which revealed he was triple the legal alcohol limit. He was arrested on suspicion of drink driving.

Collins appeared at Salisbury Magistrates' Court on February 18, where he pleaded guilty to the offence and was disqualified from driving for 19 months.

Verwood man admits assault and theft during 'illegal hunting incident'

VERWOOD man Shane Chapman admitted two charges of assault and theft in connection with an ‘illegal hunting incident’ in West Dorset.

Chapman, 34, has been handed a Criminal Behaviour Order (CBO) on Friday (February 21) after admitting the charges when he appeared before magistrates in Poole last year.

The Dorset Police Rural Crime Team launched an investigation after reports of assault and theft during a hunting incident on September 26, 2023, in the Minterne Magna area.

Magistrates heard Chapman, of Verwood, assaulted one victim and stole the property of another.

He pleaded guilty to two charges of assault and theft during a hearing at Poole Magistrates’ Court on July 19, 2024.

Following a further hearing at Weymouth Magistrates’ Court on Friday, a five-year CBO was secured, imposing the following restrictions on Chapman:

1. Not to act or incite others to behave in an anti-social manner, that is to say a manner that causes harassment, alarm or distress to any persons.

2. Not to be on any private agricultural land without prior

written permission from the owner or legal representative of the land and to produce any such written permission when asked to do so by a police officer. Agricultural land is land used as arable, meadow, or grazing land for the purpose of farming, market gardens, allotments, nursey grounds or orchards.

3. Not to enter any farm premises, yard, barns, outbuildings, gardens, driveway, or any other such land attached to those premises.

4. Not to cold call at any residential or business premises. Calling at any residential address or business premises can be made with a prior appointment and agreement by the occupant or a person with authority to act on behalf of the occupant.

5. Not to be in possession of a wild animal, wild bird or part of a wild animal or bird living or dead in Dorset without being able to prove where it came from.

6. Not to be in possession of a catapult or shot such as ball bearings, pebbles or similar items capable of being used as shot or be in a vehicle with catapult or such shot, in a place to which the public have access or private land as a trespasser.

7. Not to attend any location where there is a hunt taking

place, whether that be pre planned, informal or organised.

8. Not to attend, loiter or be near any hunt activity or to associate with any person linked with any hunt at the time of such activity. Should he find himself in such a position he must remove yourself immediately.

PC Sebastian Haggett, of the Dorset Police Rural Crime Team, said: “We will continue to take proactive action to prevent and deter rural crime

and protect our communities.

“I would like to reserve special thanks for the Dorset Council Anti-Social Behaviour Team who have worked in partnership with us on this case so that Chapman could be brought before the courts to be held accountable for his actions.

“Finally, I would urge members of the public to please contact the police if Chapman is seen to breach the terms of his order so that the matter can be investigated.”

CCTV appeal after woman in her 70s assaulted

POLICE are keen to trace this person after a woman in her 70s was pushed in the chest and verbally abused in Ringwood. The incident occurred at around 3.20pm on Sunday, February 2, officers said.

Now, a CCTV image has been issued of a person they would like to trace in connection with the incident.

The woman they like to speak to is described as white, around

55, around 5ft 8ins tall, of stocky build with medium-length hair which was fair or blonde in colour, wearing a pink coat and walking dogs.

“We believe the woman in this image can help us with our investigation and would urge her, or anyone who knows her identity, to get in touch with us,” as Hampshire Police spokesperson said.

“Also, if you witnessed the

incident, saw anything suspicious in the area at the time, or have any CCTV, mobile phone, dash cam or doorbell camera footage which could aid our investigation, please contact us.”

Anyone who recognises the woman, or has information about the incident, should contact police on 101, quoting incident number 44250049765, or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Shane Chapman, of Verwood, has been handed a CBO

Picture: Dorset Police

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If you’re considering a care home, call 01722 638 210 or visit careuk.com/salisbury-manor

Salisbury backs development plan

SALISBURY residents have voted to approve the Neighbourhood Development Plan.

A referendum on February 27 saw 3,940 votes cast in favour of the document, with 647 against.

Put together by residents, a planning consultant and Salisbury City Council over the past six years, the plan focusses on how future development should take place in Salisbury.

It would allow Salisbury to guide development in the city while complying with Wiltshire Council policies.

The plan encompasses the entire Salisbury City Council area and features future policies such as local housing needs, the city’s green fields and rivers, biodiversity and climate change, tourism, parking, transport, and facilities for sport, health and employment.

It includes supporting the

development of flats and affordable housing in the city as well as increasing carbon capture.

Councillor Annie Riddle, chair of the Salisbury Neighbourhood Development Plan steering group, said she was “delighted” with the result.

“I’m delighted that a convincing majority of those who voted could see the benefits of having a Neighbourhood Plan,” she said.

“This will entitle the city council to a significantly bigger share of funding from developers working within our

parish, to be used to provide facilities for our community.

“And it gives legal weight to local people’s views on Salisbury’s needs and their hopes for its future, which will have to be taken into account by planners.

“I’d like to thank everyone who turned out to vote, the councillors who got involved over the past six years, and our consultant, Andrea Pellegram, for her tireless enthusiasm.

“Most importantly, we couldn’t have done it without a team of hugely hard-working volunteer residents who offered their professional expertise in compiling all the evidence. For them, in particular, it’s been a marathon.”

n For more information on the Salisbury Neighbourhood Development Plan, visit https:// salisburycitycouncil.gov.uk/ our-future/neighbourhood-planreferendum.

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New Spring Arrivals

Council tax increase of 4.5% agreed as council sets 2025/26 budget

HOUSEHOLDS

in Wiltshire

are set to see a 4.5% increase in their council tax bills to pay for services.

The 2025/26 Wiltshire Council budget was approved at a meeting on February 25, setting out how more than £500 million will be spent in the coming year - including its share of council tax.

The budget laid out plans for a net £37m increase in spending on services.

The biggest areas of Wiltshire Council spend in 2025/26 will be:

• Adult services - £194m

• Families and children£75m

• Highways and transport –£43.4m

• Environment (including waste) - £49.5m

• Education and skills - £38m

The budget includes an extra £1m for highways preventative flood maintenance, while the council was also awarded a Bus Service Improvement Plan plus (BSIP plus) grant of £2.1m per year for both 2023/24 and 2024/25, and further increased BSIP funding of £5.8m has been confirmed for 2025/26.

It was also confirmed recently the council will uplift its funding to its art and heritage grants by 10%, with almost £379,000 due to be spent in 2025/26, with plans to re-open City Hall in Salisbury set to

A total of £250,000 was previously allocated for 2024/25 and 2025/26 to increase the capacity of the planning enforcement team and address complex and contentious cases, while around £300,000 of other enforcement activities have been identified and delivered in 2024/25 and a further £521,000 has been allocated over the course of 2025/26.

Elsewhere, funding allocated for capital projects includes:

• Council house building and stock refurbishment – £40.5m

• SEND provision including Silverwood school – £28.6m

• Structural maintenance and bridges – £16.2m

• Refurbishment of council housing stock – £15.3m

• Trowbridge leisure centre - £14m (with more budgeted for the next two years)

• A350 Chippenham bypass phases 4 & 5 – £13.9m

• Highways investment plan – £10.4m

• Schools' maintenance and modernisation – £8.1m

• Environmental and waste projects - £8.1m

• Wiltshire Ultrafast

Savings of around £15.4m are identified in the planning, £14.2m of which was included in last year’s budget setting process and previously approved, with around £6.4m of new savings identified.

After the approval, leader, Cllr Richard Clewer, said: "It is a huge responsibility allocating money for the services that so many people rely on and it’s one we take very seriously.

"Focusing on our finances is a day by day, month by month task and this forensic attention and looking at the bigger picture is the reason why we are in a

position where we can continue to invest to improve our county and support residents.

"We have received significantly less grant money from Government and local government as a whole is facing huge challenges that we are certainly not immune to, but our long-term approach rather than quick fixes means we are in a more positive position than many.

"We are a council that won’t be using reserves to plug any budget gaps as this can set off a spiral that feature.

is so hard to get out of.

"We are a council that doesn’t need to charge people any more than is necessary in council tax.

"We are a council that provides a strong safety net for those who need us.

"And we are a council that can be brave and invest, ensuring Wiltshire is a place that people want to live in, work in, set up business in and visit.

"In playing the long game and putting all our focus and resources in prevention it means that we’re at the stage now where that investment in time, money and resource is bearing fruit. This is demonstrated by our recent positive feedback for our adult, children and SEND services, the recognition on the national stage for our innovative enforcement action and our leading Community Conversation programme which is empowering residents to improve their lives.

"We are spending significant money on our roads, leisure, climate the arts and the infrastructure of the county all while living within our means – something we will strive to maintain."

Cllr Richard Clewer, leader of Wiltshire Council

Broadband and Wiltshire Online – £1.1m

£1,000 FPNs issued over fly-tipping

AMESBURY

and Salisbury residents each received £1,000 fixed penalty notices (FPNs) for fly-tipping.

The moves come as Wiltshire Council’s enforcement efforts on fly-tipping continued in recent weeks.

An Amesbury resident has been issued with a £1,000 FPN after fly-tipped waste found at the Beehive Park and Ride site was traced back to his address.

Several large bags of household waste were found at the site between Amesbury and Salisbury, with council Environmental Enforcement Officers finding takeaway packaging and other receipts addressed to a person and linked to an address in Amesbury.

When spoken to, the addressee advised officers he had recently moved out of the address following a disagreement with another person living there.

Further investigation placed the second person at the Beehive site at the time of the fly-tipping incident, and he was issued with a £1,000 FPN.

Elsewhere, a Salisbury resident was issued with a FPN after evidence was found linking her to fly-tipped waste found at an

isolated location at Burcombe Lane, Wilton.

When interviewed by officers, she said she had been on her way to a household recycling centre when the bags of waste had fallen over in her car.

After stopping in Burcombe Lane to rearrange the bags, she took them out and claimed to have forgotten to put them all back in the car. She was issued with a £1,000 FPN for fly-tipping.

As FPNs are not a conviction in court, the residents involved cannot be named.

Cllr Nick Holder, cabinet member for highways, Street Scene and flooding, said: “We are determined to keep working to stamp out fly-tipping in Wiltshire and maintain our beautiful scenic landscapes. Our message is clear, We’re Targeting fly-tippers and if you dump your waste illegally, you will be caught and prosecuted.

“Anyone caught fly-tipping can be ordered to pay a £1,000 fixed penalty notice or be taken to court, where they could face an unlimited fine or imprisonment.

“If anyone spots a fly-tip in the county, or someone disposing of their waste illegally, I’d urge them to report it to us using MyWilts. Our officers will investigate and take action and they could receive a reward of up to £200 in gift vouchers if the information they provide leads to a prosecution, or a fixed penalty being paid.”

To find out more about how the council is tackling fly-tipping in Wiltshire and to report fly-tipping, visit wiltshire.gov.uk/ fly-tipping.

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FPNs were issued over waste found at the Beehive Park and Ride, left, and in Wilton, right

Take up rugby - at walking pace

ANEW

walking rugby team has been set up in Amesbury – and its looking for new people to join the team.

Amesbury Rugby Club, a community club that has a men’s, women’s, and even a minis team, is now inviting people to take part in an upcoming event to see if walking rugby is the sport for them.

The club is holding a walking rugby ‘pitch up and try’ event between 10am and noon on March 22 at Centenary Park, open to anyone that wants to come and have a go.

The club is also actively involved outside of rugby activities. It ran an ‘Impact 25’ programme, focused on getting more women involved and provided free activities for parents and children from the community.

“Our club is more than just

rugby - it’s about family, fun, and belonging for everyone, no matter your age or ability,” a spokesperson said.

Your Salisbury & Avon Gazette spoke to team manager Katrina Peters to find out more about how walking rugby is growing in Amesbury...

What is walking rugby?

“A non-contact rugby format for men and women, and both can play in the same games. Played on a much smaller pitch, participants must be walking at all times making it great for all ages.

“It’s a very low-impact game, where the emphasis is on passing and tactics. But more importantly, it’s about having fun!

What ages do you welcome?

“From 18 to 80. We currently have players from mid-40s to

76 years old.

Can anyone play?

“It’s suitable for experienced players and complete novices. I’d never touched a rugby ball before trying it but have grown to love the sport.

“There are no health restrictions other than being mobile. Doctors’ advice might be required if there are any serious health conditions."

What are the benefits?

“It’s great fun and very sociable; it keeps you active without demanding any significant fitness, there’s no heavy contact, it’s inexpensive, costing around £1 a session, and you don’t need specialist equipment. Suitable footwear is the main requirement."

Do you have social events off the pitch?

“We do! We have coffee and biscuits after every Saturday training session. Sometimes with bacon butties.

“Additionally, we have curry nights, BBQ, Quiz nights etc. It’s a great way to meet local people and build social interactions.

“We also venture outside the area to go to Walking Rugby festivals. The largest festival this year is in Bristol on July 12, with an expected 48 teams. Allegedly the largest walking rugby festival in the world."

How to sign up for the pitch-up-and-try event

Enquiries can be made by emailing Katrina via amesburyrfc.walingrugby@ gmail.com, or via the club website at www. amesburyrugbyclub.com/ walking-rugby

New RNLI chief to discuss the future at Salisbury event

THE new chief executive of the Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) is coming to Salisbury to speak about his plans for the future of the RNLI.

Newly appointed Peter Sparkes will make an appearance at the Red Lion Hotel on Milford Street on Thursday, March 13, at 6.15pm as part of a joint event with the

Blue Peter Yacht Club.

“Following the highly successful RNLI 200th anniversary events in 2024, Peter will tell us how he hopes the organisation will develop as it enters its third century,” a Salisbury, Wilton and District RNLI fundraising branch spokesperson said.

The event will start with the short annual

general meeting of the fundraising branch and will last about an hour.

“This is one of Peter’s first talks directly to a local fundraising branch and we are very privileged that he is coming to Salisbury,” a spokesperson added.

To attend, inform the branch chair, Ray Stedman, via raystedman@btinternet.com.

Green light for 24 new affordable homes in Salisbury and Ludgershall

WORK will start later this year on two more affordable-home developments in Salisbury and Ludgershall. Planning has been approved for the schemes, which will be built using Modern Methods of Construction (MMC).

The Ludgershall development will consist of four, one-bed flats and eight, two-bed houses, aimed at young people and smaller families, as well as five, three-bed houses and one, four-bed house, ideal for larger families.

The site of the new development will utilise brownfield land which was previously a care home that was demolished in 2023, with the homes available as social rent and shared ownership.

Meanwhile, the development at Rawlence Road in Salisbury will comprise four, one-bed flats and two, two-bed houses. All properties will be available as social rent and will be zero carbon in use.

The developments are part of

Wiltshire Council’s goal of delivering 1,000 new affordable homes, with 174 being delivered so far and a further 532 homes in the pipeline.

Construction form Rollalong will build the homes off-site, before they are craned into position at the sites.

They will be energy efficient, featuring solar panels and air source heat pumps to achieve a minimum energy performance rating of B.

The social rented homes will be available to people with a housing need on the council’s housing register, with the shared ownership homes available to

purchase through the council.

Cllr Phil Alford, cabinet member for housing, said: "These affordable homes will help to address local housing need in Ludgershall and Salisbury and we’ve already had some positive feedback from residents.

"As MMC properties they will be high quality and energy efficient with lower running costs which will really benefit residents and is key focus for all of our new homes.

"There will also be a good mix of house sizes to cater for individuals and small and large families.

Schemes in Ludgershall and, below, Salisbury, have been given the green light Pictures: Wiltshire Council

"This is one of several MMC schemes we are currently bringing forward alongside other types of development or acquisitions.

"We are also continuously engaging with local and regional developers to look for opportunities to acquire homes or development sites.

"We’ve already delivered 174 affordable homes, with another 532 in the pipeline as part of our council house build programme which will see millions invested in building and acquiring new, energy and cost-efficient council homes.

"We are also making a substantial investment to improve existing council homes to ensure they achieve a minimum energy performance rating of B.

"This project is supporting residents, families and communities up and down the county and we look forward to seeing the delivery of more energy efficient housing for residents."

Mompesson House ready to welcome visitors for a Regency season

MOMPESSON

House, the eighteenthcentury townhouse in Salisbury’s Cathedral Close cared for by the National Trust, is open for the 2025 season.

The property opened its doors on Friday, March 7, welcoming visitors to a new feature.

This year, the National Trust team is exploring the Regency era.

Rooms in the house reflect the Portman family’s time at Mompesson, and visitors will be able to discover more about the family and Regency life.

The Small Drawing Room downstairs has been transformed into a Regency parlour and the Green Room upstairs into a children’s playroom featuring Regency games and toys. Families can pick up a spotter trail on arrival and look for hidden details around the house.

The team are also celebrating Mompesson’s links to Jane Austen, including the 30th anniversary of the filming of Ang Lee’s Sense and Sensibility, with a special trail.

Emma James, site manager, said: "We’re really excited to explore the Regency era at Mompesson and go back in time to the world of Jane Austen, especially as it’s the 250th anniversary of her birth this year.

"Staff and volunteers have enjoyed researching the Portman family and

Regency life and we’re looking forward to sharing these stories with visitors."

After exploring the house, visitors can take to the tranquil garden and admire the newly-restored pergola.

In the corner of the garden the tea-room serves hot and cold drinks, cakes and bakes, light lunches and afternoon teas.

Mompesson also has a second-hand bookshop with a variety of new titles for the

2025 season. Books are priced at £2 for paperbacks and £3 for hardbacks and there are special offers and bargains available throughout the year.

n Mompesson House is open between Friday and Tuesday, 11am to 4pm, with last entry into the house at 3.30pm. There is no need to book in advance.

The Regency Parlour at Mompesson House

Picture: Georgiana Cooper/National Trust

Farmers' fight against industrial food industry to be screened

ASTORY

of British farmers standing up to the industrial food industry will take centre stage at an event next month.

NEW GAME

There has been another murder. This time the Wessex Contabulary have tasked you with searching the home of the late botanist Dr. Seymour Mcguffin - who was murdered during his annual family reunion. All the suspects are in custody and have not left the premises since the death occurred - but they did have time to stash the murder weapon.

The CPRE South Wilshire Group is hosting a screening of the highly-acclaimed documentary Six Inches of Soil, which tells the inspiring story of young British Farmers standing up against the industrial system and transforming the way they produce food - to heal the soil, our health and provide for local communities.

As the trio strive to adopt regenerative practices and create viable businesses, they meet seasoned mentors who help them on their journey. They’re joined by other experts providing wisdom and solutions from a growing movement of people who are dedicated to changing the trajectory for food, farming and the planet.

Since launching in January 2024, the film has been shown more than 400 times across the UK in venues from cinemas and theatres to farms and village halls.

Felicity Beckett of Picturehouse, said: "The Six Inches of Soil documentary has tapped into a rich seam of public consciousness around food.

The screening will take place at St John’s Place, Bemerton, Salisbury on Friday, April 11, and will include a Q&A and discussion led by Peter Thompson, agronomist and farmland ecology adviser and Peter Shallcross, a farmer based in Tisbury with a passion for regenerative farming and wildlife.

Six Inches of Soil follows three new farmers on the first year of their regenerative journey - Anna Jackson, a Lincolnshire 11th generation arable and sheep farmer; Adrienne Gordon, a Cambridgeshire small-scale vegetable farmer; and Ben Thomas, who rears pasture fed beef cattle in Cornwall.

"It beautifully illustrates the problem, then shows what can and is being achieved by ordinary people.

"Communities are flocking to screenings, in a way I've never seen before, for the clear, positive message around creating a new future for farming and our planet."

n For more details, and tickets, visit https://www. ticketsource.co.uk/whatson?q=six%20inches%20s.

Farmers Anna Jackson, Adrienne Gordon and Ben Thomas feature in the film

Picture: Six Inches of Soil

Community bank installs first ever chief executive amid growth

ACORN

Community Bank has appointed Clive Henly as its first ever chief executive as it bids to continue its rapid growth.

The bank, which serves Wiltshire, Swindon, Buckinghamshire, Oxfordshire and Berkshire, has seen its membership almost double to nearly 10,000 in the two years since it was formed after a merger between Wiltshire and Swindon Credit Union, Clivey Credit Union in Swindon, and Swan Community Bank in Buckinghamshire, Oxfordshire and Berkshire.

In the last year Acorn, which is based in Cavendish Square, Swindon, and has staff based in Salisbury and Milton Keynes, has loaned £2.3 million to members.

Mr Henly, pictured, has been a volunteer manager at the bank for 11 years but has taken up the full-time post after retiring from his job as an IT project manager.

“I'm excited that I've now got the opportunity and the time to give to what I believe is an organisation that's part of the jigsaw of our communities,” he said.

“You look around and you've

got lots of very important players, from the library and the shops to schools, places of worship and so on and I think we're part of that jigsaw.

"You've got lots of people who devote themselves to the community and I want to be part of that network, so I'm excited to get out, meet people and play our part there.”

Credit unions, another name for community banks, are owned by their members and run on their behalf.

They provide affordable loans for people who are unable to get credit elsewhere to prevent them from going to payday loan companies or loan sharks.

Members open savings accounts and, provided they meet loan criteria, can take out loans which are repaid monthly.

“A third of the population of this country don't have full access to a bank,” said Mr Henly. “So it's very easy for people to go to a high interest lender or at worst a loan shark, and we want to be there for them so they have a reliable financial partner to look to.”

The bank has payroll saving partnerships with organisations including Wiltshire and

Swindon Borough councils and NHS Trusts in Salisbury, Oxfordshire and Milton Keynes. Mr Henly said he wants to work with more employers.

The majority of members tend to be young families who need loans of between £500 and £1,000 for emergencies such as replacing appliances or car repairs.

“We would like to broaden our membership, especially in the middle-aged and the retired bracket,” said Mr Henly.

“The difficulties people are facing are hitting everybody at the moment and when children have left home and you're in middle life, you lose the child benefit.

“But you've got other things you want to do in your life and if you are on a very tight income, then you don't get the opportunities other people might have. To me that's wrong, why should one person have opportunities and the other person not?”

Two years ago, members’ praise for the bank’s customer service won it the Best Credit Union (South) at the Smart Money People’s Consumer Credit Awards but, said Mr Henly: “We provide a good

service to our members but we can provide an even better one.

“Many of our members face a lot of stress in their lives. We are offering them a way to better financial resilience but we need to make sure that we offer that consistently and fairly and that we're there when they need us.”

He is also looking forward to spending more time with the bank’s 15 staff.

In addition to the 10 based in Swindon, two work in Salisbury helping members claim extra benefit payments they may be entitled to, one works remotely and two work in Milton Keynes.

“We have a dedicated team who love the work that they do,” he said.

“There are only certain people who can work in a credit union because it's not just a nine to five office job, it requires an understanding of the people you're trying to help.

"So these are very special people I'm working with and that excites and enthuses me.”

n For more details about the bank’s services or to get in touch go to

Driver clocked at 64mph in 30mph zone during police crackdown

ADRIVER

who was caught reaching speeds of 64mph on a 30mph road was just one of 125 driving offences recorded by police in Salisbury in a single day.

Wiltshire Police visited “problematic” roads in the Salisbury area on Wednesday, February 19, as part of Project Zero – a weekly campaign that aims to reduce the number of road fatalities in the county.

Officers were parked up at hot spots during the day of action: Odstock Road, Downton Road, The Avenue in Wilton and Coombe Bissett.

The fastest speed was recorded on The Avenue where a driver was clocked travelling 64 miles-per-hour on the 30-limit road. He is set to appear in court.

A total of 125 offences were recorded, including: 117 speeding offences

Three seat belt offences

Three drivers with no insurance

One driver using mobile phone while driving

One driver with no valid MOT

Other notable speeding statistics from the day include: 81 speed awareness courses offered 30 fixed penalty notices of £100 and licence endorsed with three penalty points

Six court summonses were issued to drivers caught at 64mph, 55mph, 54mph, 53mph, 52mph and 51mph

Project Zero focuses on drivers who commit the Fatal Five offences, which include speeding, drink/drug driving, using a mobile phone while driving, driving without a seat belt, and driving carelessly/dangerously.

“If you are aware of a speeding hot spot in your area that you’d like us to come and visit, please report it to 101 or visit the Wiltshire Police website,” Wiltshire Police said.

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£300 boost for Wiltshire pensioners

WILTSHIRE

pensioners

could soon receive £300 in cash vouchers through the post.

A new support scheme has been launched by Wiltshire Council - via the Household Support Fund from the Department for Works and Pensions (DWP) - to provide financial support to eligible pensioner households.

Households eligible for Wiltshire Council’s Targeted Older Person Energy Support scheme will be sent a letter containing a Post Office cash voucher worth £300.

The council has identified more than 1,200 households to receive the payment from the Household Support Fund 6, which are home to people of pensionable age, who are not eligible for the Government £300 Winter Fuel Allowance and are in receipt of Council Tax Reduction. Additionally, they will either be: in receipt of a Disabled Band Reduction in

their Council Tax liability, or receive an Adult Social Care package, or are aged 80 years and over.

People do not need to apply for this payment, eligible households have been identified and will receive a letter through the post.

To claim this payment recipients simply need to follow the instructions in the letter, telling them to take the letter to any Post Office branch with one of the forms of ID listed, within three months of the letter date.

Meanwhile, people are being warned of texts circulating, pretending to be government announcements asking people to apply to your local council for a replacement winter fuel payment.

If in doubt, please contact the Wellbeing Hub – via email wellbeinghub@wiltshire.gov.uk or call 0300 003 4576 Monday to Thursday between 9am and 5pm, Friday between 9am and 4pm.

There is a voicemail option outside office hours.

Cllr Ian Blair-Pilling, cabinet member for public health at Wiltshire Council, said: "Following the announcement of the Household Support Fund 6, we reviewed allocations of previous funding and changes to government guidance.

"Earlier allocations of the Household Support Fund have been distributed to families, disabled people, and older

adults through more than 90 different schemes.

"I’m really pleased that officers at the council have identified this group for support, bringing this scheme to those most in need across our county.

"This additional support will provide these pensionable households assistance towards heating costs and other household bills during the ongoing cost of living challenges."

Highs and lows of councillor work!

HAVING been a city councillor for just four months, I am reflecting on my highs and lows to date as I write this article.

A personal low has to be my failure to date to keep Salisbury’s Central Car Park Toilets open, despite my best efforts.

As soon as I heard that closure was a possibility, at the beginning of the year, I contacted specialist interest groups including DIGS (Disability Interest Group Salisbury) and – I talked with them and listened. It was evident that the closure of the Central Car Park Toilets would disproportionally affect those with mobility issues or parents with young children needing nappies changed.

At our formal Budget Meeting I formally opposed their closure and, again this week, at our recent Full Council Meeting, proposed a motion to keep them open – at least until after the elections of May 1, when a changeover in some councillors might make all the

difference.

Despite support from fellow Conservatives and others, I was beaten by all the Labour and Lib Dem councillors voting against me – despite having just heard that the council has hundreds of thousands of pounds we didn’t know we had.

I will keep trying, but the good news from recent days was that I became a car park attendant! As the councillor for the ward of St Paul’s, I had met with the Sarum St Paul’s Primary School’s headteacher, Mrs Weavers, and many of the

Cllr Chris Taylor –Conservative, Salisbury St Paul’s Ward

pupils, to discuss safety issues. It was apparent that a big challenge was the school’s location at the end of two narrow cul-de-sac roads. Cars performing three point turns, when surrounded by pupils and other parked cars, had led to many near accidents.

So I set about identifying safer options which led me to the Riverside Tennis Club on Coldharbour Lane. Their car park is virtually empty early morning and they were only too happy to offer its use – but they were unable to help in the

afternoons.

Next stop was the Dennis Marsh House Scout Hut situated along the same road. Busy in the mornings they had no engagements in the afternoons - fortunate indeed.

This week I have been dressed up in my finest hi-vis attire to marshal carers, parents and grandparents into the correct locations at the correct times.

By the end of this week the number of cars using the cul-de-sacs had ebbed to just one or two. I have loved it that drivers and their passengers have all got to know the old bloke in yellow over the last five days and I was the grateful recipient of numerous smiles and waves. Chatting to the happy mums each day this week, able to park easily and safely, has been a tonic.

I really am grateful to Carolyn Barry of the Tennis Club and Peter Handford of Dennis Marsh House – your generosity has made a real difference in your local community – thank you!

Why do we feel obliged to follow?

THEREis a reason why diplomatic meetings between world leaders are usually conducted behind closed doors, as Donald Trump’s (reality TV) meeting with the Ukrainian President demonstrated only too well.

Let us all hope he’s as good as his word and can deliver a peace deal that all sides can live with.

Meanwhile the whole of Europe and the rest of the world for that matter are running around like headless chickens changing their foreign and domestic policy to suit the whims of a US president that quite apparently likes to do it his way.

Well, he will not be in office for ever and it’s very doubtful

any future US President will follow his lead, so what happens at the end of his term? They change it all back?

Meanwhile, not only are our politicians re-writing foreign policy in line with the US but they and our energy suppliers seem to be re writing all our net zero aims, again in line with the ‘new US thinking’, or more

accurately, the US President's ‘drill baby drill’ regime.

Or perhaps our new mantra could be better summed up with the government's house building and airport expansion programme as ‘build baby build’?

The US President may be out to make

America Great again, and I wish him luck with that, but me, I’m a bag man, bag being, Britain’s already great - you heard it here first.

So as we are already great, why do we feel obliged to follow? There was a time when we led. We have always ‘punched above our weight’ on the world stage, but that time

seems long past as we sit here with the rest of Europe, huddling together and wringing our hands at the news from across the pond. Oh, how the mighty have fallen.

"Then Arthur smiled grimly, and Iddawg asked, 'Lord what are you laughing at?' 'I am laughing out of the sadness I feel at this Island’s being in the care of such puny men as these, after the sort that held it before."

From The Dream of Rhonabwy The Mainogion, p182, translated by Jeffery Gantz

So, I now say; Lead, follow, or get out the way. The Independents are coming through.

Until next time.

No trade-off between growth and net zero

NIGEL

Farage’s Reform Party claims “net zero is crippling our economy” were contradicted by the Confederation of British Industry (CBI) last month and justified Chancellor Rachel Reeves' claim that “there is no trade-off between economic growth and net zero”.

In promising to “scrap net stupid zero”, Reform has a clearly misguided view on economic policy. The Conservative Party are also on the wrong track too. Kemi Badenoch, current leader of the party, has called the Conservatives' decision to put the 2050 target into law a mistake. It “leaves us economically worse off,” declared Badenoch.

The CBI said the net zero economy is booming, growing at triple the rate of the UK economy, providing high-wage employment and increasing energy security.

The net zero economy grew by 10% in 2024 and generated

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

The report, commissioned by the Energy and Climate Intelligence Unit, analysed the growth attributable to businesses working in areas including renewable energy, electric vehicles, heat

the rubber really hits the road, where inaction is indisputably costlier than action.”

“We are approaching critical points of no return for energy security and emissions reduction. It’s really fantastic to see the growing strength of the net zero economy in the UK and we need to really continue to see that ambition,” said Hellem.

£83bn in gross value added (GVA), a measure of how much value companies add through the goods and service they produce.

The CBI analysis showed economic growth and climate action go together, improving lives and livelihoods. The chancellor, Rachel Reeves, was criticised in January for suggesting economic growth was more important than net zero, adamant that “net zero is the industrial opportunity of the 21st century”.

pumps, energy storage, green finance and waste management and recycling.

The net zero businesses accounted for 1.1% of the UK’s total GVA, making it bigger than the farming and advertising and market research sectors. The net zero sector is also expanding strongly, with the 10% growth in 2024 following a 9% jump in 2023.

The CBI’s chief economist, Louise Hellem, said: “It is clear, you can’t have growth without green – 2025 is the year when

The energy secretary, Ed Miliband, said: “These numbers speak for themselves. Net zero is essential to growth, a strong economy and money in working people’s pockets. Our mission to make Britain a clean energy superpower is the route to energy security, good jobs and investment in our communities.”

The report concluded: “The net zero economy is not only driving environmental progress but also delivering transformative economic and social benefits across the UK.”

The Conservative and Reform parties did not respond to requests for comment.

New telecare provider to start work

WILTSHIRE

Council has appointed a new telecare services provider to support people who wish to remain independent in their own homes.

Medequip Connect will take over the provision of care technology services for council-funded customers across the county from April 1.

Telecare offers an alarm system to alert a central hub if someone has had a fall or needs other support. It ensures calls are promptly directed to the council for further support, or to emergency services outside of regular hours if urgent.

Medequip Connect will provide the service, as well as introducing enhanced technology options for customers who wish to benefit from additional support, helping them maintain their independence and quality of life.

As a result, anyone using analogue systems will receive a home visit from Medequip Connect to upgrade their equipment and provide guidance on the new

digital system.

Customers affected by this change will be contacted directly to schedule an appointment.

Some residents in sheltered housing will remain with their current provider so won’t be part of the change.

Cllr Jane Davies, cabinet member for adult social care, said: "We know how important it is for people to stay in their own homes while feeling safe and supported.

"Telecare provides peace of mind by ensuring help is available when needed. We are pleased to welcome Medequip Connect as our new provider, not only to deliver this service but also to introduce additional technology for those who will find benefits from using it.

"This gives people an excellent opportunity to harness new technology to improve quality of life and it perfectly aligns with our wider business plan and technology strategy to help people live

independently.

"For those already using digital telecare, nothing will change. Medequip Connect will contact analogue users to arrange home visits for a smooth transition to the new system, ensuring they continue to receive the support they need without disruption."

Stephen McKee, Medequip Connect head of business development, said: "As an existing local provider, we are incredibly excited to partner with Wiltshire Council and look forward to sharing our 20+ years of experience managing telecare services and systems.

"We aim to use this experience to ensure that every individual receives the right personalised technology that is unique and tailored to their needs, enhancing independence and quality of life.

"Over the next few months, we look forward to hearing from all members of the community and discussing how we can work together to make sure the service is right for everyone."

Farming Pets

Gimli needs quiet

ASEVEN-year-old

Australian Cattle Dog is looking for a quiet place to call home.

Each month, Salisbury Dogs Trust highlights one fourlegged friend who has struggled to find a new family. Gimli is looking for his adultonly forever home with no visiting children.

dogs, so he will need to live in a quiet area where he can go for walks in the peaceful countryside and work on his training.

“Gimli would not cope in busy, built-up areas,” they added.

“He must be kept on a lead and muzzled in public.

A Dogs Trust Salisbury spokesperson said: “He loves meeting people and settles really well in the home.

“Gimli is working on his doggy socialisation and would like his new owners to help him with this. He would need to be the only dog in the home and cannot live with cats or small furries.”

They said Gimli is uncomfortable around other

“Gimli values his space and a secure garden would give him an outdoor area he can have fun in and relax off-lead.

“He knows ‘sit,’ is housetrained and is continuing to learn to wear a muzzle comfortably. Any time left at home alone will need to be built up gradually once he is settled into his new home.”

For more information, visit https://www.dogstrust.org.uk/ rehoming/dogs/australian-cattledog/3428076.

Home Euthanasia For Your Pet

Angel Paws is a small and independently run mobile veterinary service based in Shrewton in south Wiltshire which provides peaceful pet euthanasia in your own home. Operating within approximately 20 miles of Shrewton, Angel Paws enables pet owners to have loving and dignified pet euthanasia in the privacy, security and comfort of their own homes. Angel Paws also offers a wide selection of cremation and memorial options for your pet’s remains through our cremation partners.

In Trisha’s experience as a practicing veterinarian she always found that having your family pet put to sleep in your own home was far less stressful for the pet. It is also far more comforting for the pet owners and family involved in comparison to the standard method of having to take your pet to the veterinary clinic to be euthanised. Angel Paws is specifically and thoughtfully designed to change this experience by providing a personalised home visit service for pets and their devoted owners.

Two quad bikes stolen from farm outbuilding

POLICE

are on the look-out for two quadbikes which they say were stolen from a farm outbuilding in Great Wishford.

Salisbury Police said the theft took place between 6pm on Tuesday, February 25 and 6am the following day.

"A green Yamaha Grizzly 450cc, valued £7,200, and a brown Suzuki 493cc, valued £6,600, have been taken," a spokesperson said.

"An investigation into the burglary is ongoing and we are asking anyone who sees either of these vehicles to call 101 quoting log 54250024501."

Farmers urged to take mental health survey

WILTSHIRE farmers are being encouraged to take part in a survey on the impacts of flooding and drought on mental health.

A UK Health Security Agency survey is open until March 16 for farmers to share experiences.

While there is evidence from other countries that floods and droughts have an impact on the mental health of the agricultural community, there is a gap in knowledge for the UK.

The NFU is supporting a UKHSA survey on the impacts of flooding and drought on the mental health of farmers and farm workers in England.

The survey takes around 15 to 20 minutes to complete and is anonymous, unless you decide otherwise at https://bit.ly/3QK9L5b.

Compassionate Home Euthanasia Service For Your Beloved Pet

Saying goodbye to a cherished pet is one of life’s hardest moments. Angel Paws offers loving and dignified pet euthanasia in the privacy and comfort of your own home. Let your pet find peace surrounded by familiar faces and their favourite place. Trisha, a fully qualified veterinarian, ensures the utmost care and respect during your appointment.

Vintage collection success at two-day Clarke's sale

CLARKE'S Auctions have recently held a two-day Antiques & Collectibles sale and successfully sold part of a very large single owner collection of Victorian and later clothing comprising vintage military uniforms from many British regiments and sporting and civvy street clothing to include bespoke Savile Row suits, sporting jackets, dressage coats, hacking jackets and hunt jackets, as well as vintage dresses and handbags.

Single owner collections are always sought after at auction as they command high interest and consequently higher prices.

Clarke’s have had many happy collectors sell their prized collections with them and these have ranged from a Gold Sovereign and gold coin collection, a collection of Railwayana including locomotives and rolling stock, an extensive Royal Crown Derby paperweight collection, a

large collection of interesting taxidermy, and a single owner collection of scratch-built models including a Clarkson Vertical Steam Engine and a mini Showman’s Traction Engine so if you have any interesting collections that you are contemplating selling or even single items, please get in touch with them to arrange a home visit or pop along to the salerooms in Gillingham. They are taking entries for their April Antiques & Collectibles sale and their Classic Vehicles & Automobilia

sale on the same weekend and for enquiries for consignment into either, or for any Probate or Insurance Valuations or Full or Part House Clearances, please

phone either Richard Clarke or Karen Marshall on 01747 685592 at The Old Glove Factory, Buckingham Road, Gillingham, SP8 4QF.

Time to plant ‘bee-fuelling stations’

by Sally Gregson

AS the days begin to lengthen, the sun becomes slightly warmer, the birds begin to form tunes from their apparently random notes – and the early bees are beginning to investigate their surroundings in search of potential nesting sites.

Many dormant queens spend the cold months tucked up in leaf-litter or under stones. In February, the winter sun gradually warms their cold bodies until they cannot resist the urge to fly. Their main aim is to recharge their batteries and take on nourishment from those plants that obligingly flower in the early months. And we as

400186

An RHS survey found that bumble bees most favour white flowers, followed by purple and pink ones

gardeners can help them by planting lots of early bee-plants that will make fuelling stations – plants such as crocus, winterheathers, grape hyacinths and hellebores. It does not come as any chore to fill nooks and crannies in the border with these winter flowers. They sell themselves to us as gardeners.

Then once the early-flowering plants have finished, pulmonarias, rosemary, aquilegia and foxgloves could take over the supply of fresh nectar and pollen. It is becoming increasingly important to feed our declining populations of bees – they are essential to mankind. They pollinate so many of our vegetables and fruit, that without their assistance our larders would soon become empty.

Last year a Royal Horticultural Society survey among its members of bumble bees found that white flowers received the most attention from

and

bees, followed by purple and pink.

The most sightings of bees were in suburban locations, that is, our gardens. And they were surprisingly fond of some plants we classify as weeds –dandelions, comfrey and green alkanet were among the top favourites, as well as winter honeysuckle, mahonia and flowering currant.

These very easily grown plants, and some of our most common woods, all provide a lifeline for bees at the beginning of spring. It’s simple to encourage them.

But be warned – the ‘beebug’ is very infectious.

Before you are aware you will be tending rows of hives dressed in gloves and veils.

Soon you will be producing jars of summer honey from your own garden and you will have joined that army of apiarists that garden only for their bees.

Google search: Your top 10 home problems

LEAKY taps are the most common repair problem households face, according to new research.

Property business, Leaders Letting Agents, looked at the average number of monthly searches on Google for repair fixes across the UK and came up with the top 10.

Leaky taps were the most common home repair problem, with an average monthly search volume of 3,788.33.

Holes in walls and cracks in walls were joint second, with an average monthly search volume of 1,626.67.

In third place was creaky floorboards, with an average monthly search volume of 1,501.67.

Cracked tiles was in fourth place, with an average monthly search volume of 950.00.

Fifth place was loose toilet seat with an average monthly search volume of 855.83.

Cracks in ceilings was in sixth place, with an average monthly search volume of 778.33.

In seventh place was peeling paint, with an average monthly search volume of 770.83.

Peeling wallpaper was in eighth place, with an average monthly search volume of 471.67.

In ninth place was creaky doors, with an average monthly search volume of 349.17.

Lastly, mould on walls was in 10th place, with an average monthly search volume of 222.50.

For more information, visit https://leaders.co.uk

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Sudoku 3D puzzle

Cryptic crossword

Across

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

6 Certainty missing Northern supplier of bread? (5)

7 Handy place for keeping bread? (6)

9 Drink when consuming fish producing disturbance (5-2)

10 Something gripping about alto’s latest means of expression (5)

11 School getting backing of celebrity (4)

13 Artist is in case of picture getting approval (6)

Down

1 Musical state? (8)

2 Short statement of aims (5)

3 Steal second bit of tissue (5)

4 One’s bound to be in this condition? (7)

5 Dutch priest in shop selling foreign food?

6 A cake’s best after work making one a nervous wreck (6,4)

8 Ordinary person using a crossing? (10)

12 Scholar taken with East and West (3)

15 Noble term for originality ahead of time (5)

Killer Sudoku Pro

16 Rough set of lessons, it’s said (6)

17 In this way, paper is moderate (4)

20 Fashion figure (5)

22 ME citizen is earl I confused (7)

Place numbers 1 to 9 once each into every row, column and bold-lined 3x3 box.

23 Fellow about to cut a dry figure, overpaid executive (3,3)

24 Item in a setting, say, in court (5)

No digit may be repeated in any dash-lined cage, and all the digits in any cage must add up to the value shown in that cage.

13 Stratagem to overlook nothing for work

14 First person left out of nice British university making affirmation of affection (1,4,3)

15 Sense unusually expert disowning a perfume (7)

18 Origin in quarters at sea, it’s said (5)

19 A hike in pay to happen (5)

21 A judge, we hear, is off work (4)

Recruitment

HGV Drivers - Salisbury

Armishaws Removals & Storage are looking for fit, presentable drivers at our Salisbury depot.

• Monday to Friday

• Weekly salary

• Tips

• Reward bonus scheme

• Overtime available

• Occassional European travel

• Overnight allowance

• Heavy lifting required

You’ll be handling removals for high-end clients across the South West and further beyond.

Removals experience is preferred but not essential as full training will be given. Competitive rates.

We are looking for maternity cover for our farm office administrator to support the day-to-day running of our busy farm office in Berwick St Leonard.

The role is part-time and flexible for 24 hours over a minimum of three days a week.

Responsibilities of the role will include, but are not limited to:

Being the first point of contact for the farm office both in person and on the telephone.

Supporting the Farm Manager and his team with the administration of farmbased paperwork; to include maintaining accurate records for livestock, crops and stock levels to support future planning.

Timely and accurate inputting of data.

General administrative duties, including managing correspondence, filing systems and answering calls.

Booking of staff training.

Monthly payroll submissions to Head office.

Knowledge, skills and experience required:

Essential:

Proven experience of strong administrative skills.

Background knowledge or a keen interest in the agricultural industry.

Strong computer literacy with knowledge of MS Office and SharePoint. Experience of using computer programmes to

Flexible hours to work around personal commitments and the farm.

Support and training for you to deliver your role effectively. 31 days holiday p.a., pro-rata.

manage workflows including Excel.

Excellent communications skills with telephone experience.

Competencies:

Organisational and time management skills

Strong interpersonal skills Flexibility and adaptability

Removals Porters/Van Drivers – Salisbury

Armishaws Removals require fit, presentable crew members to join our Salisbury depot.

• Monday to Friday

• Review bonus scheme

• Overnight allowance (when required)

• Crew to Driver scheme - Free HGV driver training

• Occassional European travel

• Heavy lifting required

Assisting with high end removals across the South West and beyond. Promising crew members will join our Crew to Driver Scheme to become a fully qualified HGV driver.

Experience in removals an advantage but training will be given.

COOK VACANCY

An opportunity has arisen for a cook at our Award-winning home. The applicant will need to be highly organised, responsible and keen to make a difference to the lives of our elderly residents.

Modern spacious office with free parking.

Dynamic friendly team. Opportunities to get out and about on farm.

We promise no two days will be the same!

Closing date for applications: Friday 14th March 2025 Benefits:

Address: The Farm Office, Berwick Farm, Berwick St Leonard, Salisbury, Wiltshire, SP3 5SN

FOR MORE INFORMATION OR TO APPLY

Please send CV’s and queries to Catherine U’Dell on

Can you cater for 24 elderly people with individual tastes and dietary needs? Do you enjoy cooking from scratch? Can you provide good, wholesome food? Do you have the high standards required for working in an “Outstanding” rated care home?

If you are interested in joining probably the nicest team of care staff in North Dorset, we will be delighted to hear from you.

The position requires previous experience of cooking in a similar environment as well as relevant cooking and stock taking experience. 40 Hours a week.

Hours are 7.30 am-3.30pm,this can vary, Monday to Friday and some flexibility will be required. We offer a competitive remuneration package including an annual bonus.

Please contact us during office hours if you would like further information. Telephone: 01258 472511 or email: care@nazareth-lodge.co.uk

Survey over traffic measures to be discussed at upcoming meeting

LAVERSTOCK

residents and motorists have given their thoughts on parking restrictions implemented on a busy road six months ago.

New yellow lines were put in place on Church Road in response to dangerous driving and anti-social parking.

Laverstock & Ford Parish Council launched an online survey to garner the thoughts on the success of the scheme, which ended on March 7.

The survey had the support of the Wiltshire Highways Team and aims to evaluate the impact of the parking restrictions, particularly the new yellow lines.

Nick Baker, chair of Laverstock & Ford Parish Council, along with councillor Laura Jones, has taken the lead on giving residents the opportunity to provide feedback on the scheme.

He said: “Wiltshire Council introduced the new yellow lines in response to concerns from residents and parents about dangerous driving, congestion and antisocial parking.

“They are only one part of a programme

of work in conjunction with the schools, which is also looking at promoting alternative ways to travel and a more creative use of the school sites.

“However, from the beginning, as a parish council we have always emphasised the importance of evaluating the impact of the yellow lines and making changes if necessary."

He added: “The collated results will be discussed at the parish council meeting on March 17 at 7pm at Old Sarum and Longhedge Community Centre.”

A parish council spokesperson added: “We were keen to hear from all residents, parents and other road users on the impact, for better or worse, that these measures are having.”

Campaign calls for seatbelt crackdown

MORE than one-in-seven drivers regularly see others not wearing seatbelts, according to a new survey.

Figures from The AA Charitable Trust showed 15% of respondents reported seeing another driver not wearing a seatbelt, while 14% reported observing passengers unbelted while travelling on the fastest roads - motorways.

Seatbelts are proven to reduce the risk of death in a crash by around 50%, making their use a critical component of road safety, the Trust said.

The new data comes a month after the Trust launched a campaign on seatbelt awareness which found one third (29%) of young drivers (17-29) who die in car crashes on all roads are not belted.

It is calling for stronger penalties for not wearing a

seatbelt, alongside a comprehensive road safety strategy that includes increased police patrols and public education campaigns to address this issue.

Edmund King, director of the AA Charitable Trust, said:

"These figures are of huge concern, and action is needed to help raise the importance of

wearing a seatbelt.

"The fact that one in seven drivers are regularly spotting other drivers and passengers not belting up on the motorway is

shuddering and only highlights the desperate need to strengthen and enforce seatbelt laws.

"Road safety is a shared responsibility, and wearing a seat belt is a crucial step in protecting yourself and others on the road.

"It is worrying that a threesecond task is being avoided by a growing number of car users.

"Many things should be second nature, yet for some reason, not wearing a seatbelt is becoming an unwelcome trend.

"As well as better enforcement, we need to give courage to people to call out their mates when they get in their car and refuse to belt up."

Salisbury suffers from MOT failures

SALISBURY is among the top 10 UK places with the lowest rate of passes in MOT tests, according to new research. We all dread taking our car for an MOT test. Will it pass? Will it reveal some hugely-expensive fault that needs to be repaired immediately?

But new data reveals the differences in pass or failure rates depending on where you live – and Salisbury makes the list of the worst performing areas.

Research by Garage.co.uk took DVSA data and used it to identify the locations with the highest and lowest MOT success rates, with the Wiltshire city featuring.

Topping the list for passes was Bromley, in south London, with an impressive 78.2% pass rate. Other high-ranking areas were Enfield (78%) and Twickenham (77.5%), also in London.

At the other end of the scale were Kirkcaldy, in Scotland, which had the lowest pass rate (62.6%), followed by felloow Scottish location Dundee (63.7%) and Llandrindod Wells (64%) in Wales. Meanwhile, a Garage.co.uk survey found

30% of drivers delay MOT repairs, with only 18% fix urgent issues immediately, despite 21% spending more than £1,000 each year on car repairs.

The UK locations with the lowest MOT pass rates:

1. Kirkcaldy: 62.6%

2. Dundee: 63.7%

3. Llandrindod Wells: 64%

4. Truro: 64%

5. Plymouth: 64.2%

6. Exeter: 64.3%

7. Torquay: 64.4%

8. Bristol: 65.6%

9. Bath: 65.8%

10. Salisbury: 66%

William Fletcher MBE, chief executive of Garage.co.uk, added: “Ignoring minor issues today can lead to costly repairs tomorrow. Routine maintenance not only improves your chances of passing an MOT but also ensures your safety on the road.”

The researchers pointed to a number of factors that could be behind higher – and lower – MOT test pass rates.

Smaller towns, away from major cities,

may have fewer mechanics and servicing options, making regular vehicle maintenance more challenging, they said.

Additionally, longer daily commutes for work could lead to increased wear and tear, affecting the condition of vehicles when it’s time for an MOT.

Bristol, one of the largest cities on the list, could be influenced by high traffic levels, leading to increased wear and tear on vehicles, as well as the presence of many older cars on the road.

Additionally, urban driving conditions with frequent stop-start traffic can put extra strain on brakes, suspension, and emissions systems.

Since many MOT failures result from minor, preventable issues – such as faulty lights, worn tyres, and brake problems –drivers in Bristol may benefit from more frequent servicing and proactive maintenance to improve roadworthiness and avoid costly repairs.

The same could be said of Bath, in neighbouring Somerset, which also makes the list.

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