Salisbury & Avon Gazette - Issue 41

What’s inside this issue…

01963 400186

01963 400186

07850 529937

Salisbury man ‘lucky to be alive’ wants to pay back hospital for care

A FATHER-of-three who says he is “lucky” to be alive after having a cardiac arrest while at work is hitting the road to help look after those who saved him.

Adrian Abbott will be walking 10km to support the Stars Appeal, Salisbury Hospital’s Charity.

He said he was inspired to take part in the Stars Appeal’s Walk for Wards on Sunday, July 7, at Wilton House, by the care he received at the hospital and will be joined by some of his colleagues from MJ Abbott.

In August 2023, Adrian, from Salisbury, suffered a cardiac arrest, which is when the heart suddenly stops beating.

“I was lucky to survive it,” he said. “I was driving a forklift and then suddenly had a cardiac arrest.

“I collapsed and fell out of the forklift with my head landing on concrete.

“Luckily, one of my colleagues rushed over and gave me CPR while another came out with a defibrillator.

“I was given two shocks with the defibrillator and 20 minutes of CPR.”

Ambulance crews then arrived and rushed Adrian to Salisbury Hospital.

“I would never have made it to the hospital without my colleagues,” the 54-year-old went on. “I want to thank them, the hospital staff and the paramedics for saving my life.”

Adrian was put into an induced coma and spent a week on the Radnor Intensive Care Unit (ICU). He was later cared for on Tisbury Cardiac Ward, where he spent a further week.

He added: “They looked after me incredibly well. I can’t fault the care I received.”

While in hospital, Adrian benefitted from a range of Stars Appeal-funded facilities on the ICU, including state-of-the-art equipment and a dedicated bathroom which helps patients

with their rehabilitation, independence and recovery, that Adrian described as being a “five-star” facility.

He previously took part in Walk for Wards after his twin girls received care on the hospital’s Neonatal Unit.

“It is very difficult to come into Salisbury Hospital and not be touched by projects, equipment and facilities funded by the Stars Appeal,” he added.

“I want to raise money for the Stars Appeal as the charity benefits so many people in the local community.”

People can still sign up to the Walk for Wards fundraiser, at www.starsappeal.org/event/ walk-for-wards.

More than 750 walkers have already signed up. It is free to register, and participants are asked to commit to raising at least £20 per person.

Adrian Abbott, who suffered a cardiac arrest in August 2023, with colleagues ahead of the Walk For Wards event in July

Picture: Stars Appeal

New homes and a swimming pool planned on village barn site

PLANS to demolish a barn on a farm near Salisbury and build two new homes have been submitted.

The scheme, submitted by Michael Lyons Architecture on behalf of Mr and Mrs Martin, would see a four-bed house and a two-bed property developed on a plot at Nunton Farm, in Nunton.

It comes after planning permission was previously granted to redevelop the barn.

“The current proposal is to create a more traditional family home with an ancillary dwelling that could be sold off separately but initially is to stay within the one ownership,” the application said.

“The main house is to have four goodsized bedrooms at first floor with formal and open-plan living spaces at ground floor.

“There is utility, plant and storage to the side. The second dwelling has two firstfloor bedrooms, again with formal and open-plan living at ground floor.

“The living room could be converted into a ground floor bedroom if this became necessary in the future.”

It said access to the new properties would come from the existing route, while the main house “would retain a very similar

finished floor height to the existing barn”.

“The second dwelling would benefit from a timber-framed carport building along the northern boundary with storage

Convicted cllr resigns

A NEW councillor is being urged to put themeselves forward to represent their area on Salisbury City Council.

Mark Mewse (Con, St Francis and Stratford), pictured right, has resigned from the authority.

An election to fill the vacancy will be held if 10 electors from the ward write to the Returning Officer at Wiltshire Council by May 10.

Otherwise, the vacancy will be filled by co-option. If an election is called, it will

take place no later than July 15.

For more details, see salisburycitycouncil.gov.uk/our-council/ your-councillors/notice-of-vacancy.

The Election Request Form can also be found on the Salisbury City Council website or collected from the Salisbury Information Centre.

Mewse, 64, resigned from the council after being found guilty of harassing an ex-girlfriend between September 2022 and July 2023.

above while the main house has a carport wing intergrated into the main form,” it went on.

“Some new native trees and hedging would be planted around the perimeter of the site along with an area to the north east designated for fruit trees.”

Power for the main dwelling would come a ground mounted solar panel array, with both properties benefiting from electric heatpump heating and hot water.

“An outside swimming pool lies to the south west of the main house but the pumps and heating will be within the plant room, eliminating any potential noise disturbance to the neighbouring properties,” the application added.

Wiltshire Council will now consider the plans.

For more details, log on to www. wiltshire.gov.uk and search for application reference PL/2024/03106.

Controversial plans for new Asda and coffee drive-thru move closer

CONTROVERSIAL

plans for an Asda superstore and drivethru coffee shop in Salisbury have been approved - but not fully.

On April 17, Wiltshire Council’s Strategic Planning Committee approved the scheme unanimously, despite dozens of onjections from residents.

There were also a similar number of supporting statements, the meeting was told, backing the development of a 4.657 sq m store on the Salisbury Retail Park, in London Road.

As well as the supermarket, the plans include a 171 sq m drive-thru coffee shop unit, with proposed parking for 27 vehicles, and a petrol station.

New open space and a pedestrian and cycle link between London Road and Green Lane is also part of the scheme.

Salisbury City Council turned down the plans in 2022, citing environmental issues.

However, it was supported by Laverstock and Ford Parish Council.

Now, the approval will be subject to a judicial review before it is officially decided.

A report to the committee said inclusion of the site as ‘brownfield’ and its place in a previous planning document for retail use, made development difficult to oppose.

“As a result, the principle of development of the land would be difficult to refute, and its development for some form of large out-of-town retail use was considered to be acceptable up until recent years,” it added.

A retail assessment by Wiltshire Council also said the

plans, including the drive-thru coffee shop, would “not have an adverse impact on Salisbury city centre”, the report noted. It will now go before the

Secretary of State for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities, Michael Gove, who will give a final decision.

Hudson’s Field is run by the Camping and Caravanning Club on behalf of the council

Campsite set for makeover Paint worth £150 stolen

A COUNCIL-owned campsite in Salisbury is to get improved facilities thanks to a £55,000 makeover.

Showers and restrooms at the Camping and Caravanning Club site, on Hudson’s Field, will be upgraded due to funding from Salisbury City Council.

The council said the funding would “provide an enhanced experience for users of the site”, and comes after an upgrade was also carried out to the smaller of the two shower/restroom facilities last year.

People visiting the site generates more than £175,000 of income to the council each year, a spokesperson said, so it is “important to keep it well maintained and an attractive place to stay for all those who visit”.

The Hudson’s Field camping and caravanning site is managed on behalf of council by the Camping and Caravanning Club of Great Britain.

“The sloping and spacious site boasts lovely views over the hill fort of Old Sarum and is ideally situated to explore some of Wiltshire’s best attractions,” the spokesperson added.

MAY/JUNE

THREE cans of paint – worth more than £150 – were stolen from a Salisbury shop.

Wiltshire Police were called to C Brewer and Sons, at The Bourne Centre, at around noon on March 11 after reports the paint had been taken.

Now, officers investigating the incident, which saw paint worth £163 stolen, are trying to identify the person pictured above, who they believe may be able to help enquiries.

Anyone who recognises him should contact police on 101, quoting reference number 54240028913.

GETAWAYS BY COACH

£320,000

donation paves way for new helipad at Salisbury Hospital

AN upgraded helipad has officially opened at Salisbury Hospital thanks to a £321,000 donation.

The landing site, for air ambulances, was opened by the Salisbury NHS Foundation Trust thanks to a grant from the HELP Appeal charity, which is dedicated to funding hospital helipads.

Executives from the Trust, Wiltshire Air Ambulance, the HELP Appeal, and others attended the opening event, where the charity’s Bell 429 helicopter and aircrew touched down.

Ian Robinson, head of facilities at the trust and chair of the Helipad Working Group, said: “Approximately 60 patients each year arrive at our hospital via helicopter.

“To ensure we provide this vital service for many years to come, a replacement of our helipad was urgently required.

“We have been successful in securing all

the funding required for this work from the HELP Appeal charity and we are indebted to them for their continued support.

“This project represents a significant investment in our hospital, benefiting some of our most critically ill patients.”

After an extensive survey and tender process, contractors were commissioned and work began on the new helipad in January this year, with the site was closed as construction took place.

But, following successful test flights, it has now reopened.

Features include lights to support night flights and new signage.

A weather station is also being fitted to provide pilots with site-specific weather information.

Robert Bertram, chief executive of the HELP Appeal, said: “Patients have this incredible hospital, amazing medical teams and local air ambulances, so it’s only right

CCTV appeal over Ringwood assault

THREE men were assaulted outside a Ringwood pub.

The incident unfolded at The Pour House, in West Street, at around 11.30pm on Saturday, January 20.

Police have now issued a CCTV image of a person they would like to speak to in

connection with the incident.

“Do you know or recognise them? Perhaps you recognise their clothing?” a Hampshire Police spokesperson said.

“Were you in the area at the time? Did you see what happened?”

Anyone with any information

that they have a state-of-the-art helipad too, that’s fit for purpose and able to accommodate the immediate landings and transfers of critically ill patients, any time of the day or night.

“Thanks to our supporters we are able to fund this new helipad, which is going to make patient transfers easy, efficient, and expeditious.”

Wiltshire Air Ambulance safety and ground Operations manager, Richard Miller, added: “We can’t thank the HELP Appeal enough for investing in the new helipad for the trauma centre at Salisbury District Hospital.

“This now ensures the helipad complies with the latest CAP1264 regulations (Standards for Helicopter Landing Areas at Hospitals), enabling ourselves and neighbouring air ambulance resources to safely convey patients to the Emergency Department on a regular basis.”

should contact police on 101, quoting incident number 44240029161, or online at https://www.hampshire.police. uk/tua/tell-us-about/cor/ tell-us-about-existing-casereport, or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or via crimestoppers-uk.org.

New plans for 49 new homes in Laverstock submitted amid delays

A REVISED planning application for up to 49 homes on land at Laverstock has been submitted.

The scheme, for land off Church Road, comes amid delays over a larger plan for 135 homes on a larger site in the same location.

Now, Star Planning and Development - on behalf of Hallam Land Management and Velcourt Group - has submitted a revised scheme to Wiltshire Council, covering this section of the proposed plan.

The homes would be built on land “to the north and south of the site”, the application said, with greenspace between them maintaining “views from Church Road to Cocky Down”.

Affordable housing would be provided as part of the overall scheme, the plan says, as well as a 50-space car park for use by those collecting and dropping off at nearby schools, and the creation of some 230 direct and indirect construction jobs.

However, the application acknowledges the site is “not allocated for development”,

but says housing is badly needed in the area, as well as in Salisbury.

“To deliver the acknowledged shortfall in the delivery of new homes, it is inevitable that additional residential sites are required,” it said.

“There is demonstrably not an adequate supply of available residential sites within the built-up areas of the settlements, such as Salisbury, to meet the identified housing land shortfall.”

The scheme, reference 20/11598/OUT, is open to consultation and people can view the detailed plans, and leave comments, at wiltshire.gov.uk.

Burglar who stole £80k of treasured items from Salisbury home is jailed

BURGLAR Edy Hernandez, who stole £80,000-worth of treasured items from the Salisbury home of a woman in her 70s, has been jailed.

The 29-year-old, of Wilton Avenue, Southampton, pleaded guilty to burglary and theft when he appeared at Southampton Crown Court on Friday (April 19).

He was sentenced to 18 months behind bars.

On the night of October 5 last year, Hernandez broke into the woman’s home while she was away for the night.

He forced his way in via an upstairs window and stole a flat screen television, a tablet, several suitcases, distinctive bottles of alcohol and jewellery including diamond rings, diamond earrings, broaches, pendants, pearl chains, ruby ring and Georgian drop diamond earrings.

When the victim returned to her home the following day, she found her home had been broken in to and all her personal

items stolen.

An investigation was launched by Wiltshire Police’s Burglary Team which led officers to arrest Hernandez the following month.

Some of the stolen items were seized from his address in Southampton.

Det Sgt Ted Roe said:

“Burglary is a completely invasive crime – by doing what he did, Hernandez has left this lady feeling extremely vulnerable and anxious in the one place she should feel most safe.

“To take someone’s sense of security and invade their privacy in this way is totally unacceptable and our Burglary Team is fully committed to targeting offenders like Hernandez and ensuring they are put before the courts.”

In a personal impact statement, the victim described how the incident has changed her life.

She said: “I cannot explain to you the feelings I experienced

when I returned home on that day and discovered my house had been broken into.

“There was the horror and heartbreak of opening each door to see it had been searched and noticing sentimental items missing, praying that they had not been taken and I would later find them. I heavy heartedly knew this was wishful thinking.

“I just felt so vulnerable living alone and the nights after the burglary were very uncomfortable for me, up until I knew he had been caught. I

would hear every noise and wake up worried that he had returned.

“To have that feeling of being scared in your own house is horrible. He not only took my property but he took away my sense of security in my own home.

“I owe a huge debt of gratitude to the police who have been efficient and very supportive. Without them, this whole affair would have been very much harder to deal with.”

Anti-social drivers told to leave car park

ANTI-social drivers were ordered to leave a Salisbury car park twice in one week.

Wiltshire Police officers issued two section 59 orders to drivers using the Culver Street car park.

A spokesperson said the orders were issued in relation to anti-social driving., while a search was also carried out under Section 23 Misuse of Drugs Act.

PC Elizabeth Child said: “Anti-social driving will not be tolerated on public roads or in car parks in Salisbury and section 59 orders will be issued to those found driving in a manner that causes annoyance and distress to the community.

“Those who continue to drive vehicles in this manner after being issued a section 59 order will face having their vehicles seized and points added to their licence.

“We encourage people to report vehicles seen driving erratically or in a manner that is unsafe on the roads.”

Edy Hernandezx has been jailed for 18 months

Picture: Wiltshire Police

Police in the Culver Street car park in Salisbury

looking for a well organised and professional alternative to show their works- with over 160 Exhibits on view in 2023, 31 original sales plus many prints and over 300 visitors.

Avon & Bourne Valley Art Exhibition

Established 14 years ago by 3 keen local artists, this venue helps, mainly those isolated amateur artists of Salisbury Plain, by giving them a non-judgemental platform to show their work. Located in Figheldean (SATNAV the Village Hall at SP4 8JR)” Open to the public with Free Admission - light refreshments are available. Run on a totally non-profit basis, this year we are again supporting ‘Salisbury District Hospital Charity Star’s Appeal’. For full details of how to enter, please e-mail trevorwoodbridge_5@ outlook.com (01980 / 670153) or richardhorner008@icloud.com (01980 / 670626).

12th

Best in Show 2023 winner, Gary Peerless voted by the general public.

Avon & Bourne Valley Art Exhibition

Saturday / Sunday May 11th / 12th 2024

11.00 am - 5.00 pm

FIGHELDEAN VILLAGE HALL

(Just off A345 between Durrington & Netheravon). Now firmly established as an important venue for all up and coming Artists looking for a well organised and professional alternative to show their works- with over 160 Exhibits on view in 2023, 31 original sales plus many prints and over 300 visitors.

Avon & Bourne Valley Art Exhibition

Established 14 years ago by 3 keen local artists, this venue helps, mainly those isolated amateur artists of Salisbury Plain, by giving them a non-judgemental platform to show their work. Located in Figheldean (SATNAV the Village Hall at SP4 8JR)” Open to the public with Free Admission - light refreshments are available. Run on a totally non-profit basis, this year we are again supporting ‘Salisbury District Hospital Charity Star’s Appeal’. For full details of how to enter, please e-mail trevorwoodbridge_5@ outlook.com (01980 / 670153) or richardhorner008@icloud.com (01980 / 670626).

Bonjour! French fashions at Shirley Allum

THIS May at Shirley Allum Fashions & lingerie we are celebrating the classic and timeless style that is Mat De Misaine.

Mat De Misaine have been producing beautiful French clothes since 1989. Their ethos is to mix the charm of nautical themes that can easily be transferred to the city. Long sunny walks on the French West coast meet everyday living.

With Mat De Misaine it is all about natural materials, comfortable, relaxing styles with an edge of sophistication, in shades that echo the sea, skies and surrounding areas, easy to mix together or work with your existing pieces.

Come and view this wonderful collection yourselves and be inspired by our new season Mat De Misaine. This brand will be loved by you for years to come!

From Saturday the 11th of May to Saturday the 18th May, any customers purchasing Mat De Misaine will receive a FREE gift (while stocks last).

Best in Show 2023 winner, Gary Peerless voted by the general public.

Awards recognise achievements of children living in council care

YOUNG people living in council care were celebrated at an event last week.

The Civic Centre in Trowbridge was the venue for a special Star Awards ceremony, hosted by Wiltshire Councl.

The awards celebrated the personal achievements of council children in care and care experienced young people.

At the event, the awards were split into three categories for recognition:

Smashed It! - for those young people who have overcome significant challenges or done something special in their lives.

Future Pioneers! - for young people who have made progress in their education or are excelling in employment, or for achievements such as sports or

hobbies etc.

Taking Part!- for young people who have done something to help others in their community.

The children were nominated by teachers, personal advisors, social workers or foster carers.

Cllr Peter Hutton, portfolio holder for safeguarding at the council, said: “This was a truly wonderful event for our young people and everyone attending.

“It is a special moment to bring so many young people together to celebrate and recognise their amazing achievements often in the face of great challenge and adversity.

“I was honoured to attend and present awards to many of the young people, and I’m so

pleased for everyone nominated.”

Natasha Robbins, who compered the event for a second year and who works at Wiltshire Council, said: “As a care experienced person myself, I

love that we take this moment to recognise our young people overcoming challenges every day.

“I am proud of our young people and I was honoured to host the awards again.”

The Army Flying Museum

Immerse yourself in the fascinating story of British Army flying by visiting a local hidden gem. The Army Flying Museum sits adjacent to the Army Air Corps Airfield at Middle Wallop, just 20 minutes from Salisbury, and offers access and affordability to visitors; pay for admission once, and you will receive free entry to the Museum for a whole year.

Two large hangars house the impressive journey of British soldiers in the air from the pioneering days of balloons and kites to the Glider Pilot Regiment landing at Arnhem, right through to modern helicopter operations. Often likened to the Tardis, visitors are frequently met with surprise at the volume of artefacts, medals and over thirty fixed wing and rotary aircraft. Imaginative displays with a clever use of interactives and video provide for fascinating insight into the history of British Army flying.

The ‘Explore the Apache’ interactive display offers visitors the chance to find out everything about this iconic aircraft through films, images, and audio recordings. A special touchscreen allows them to ‘ask’ three soldiers questions about their training and first-hand experiences of flying and working on the Apache.

For front row seats of these aircraft in action, look no further than the Museum’s Apache Café. Overlooking the active airfield, and open daily, this is an excellent spot to enjoy a bite to eat or drink, whilst admiring all manner of aircraft. Whether it be an Apache thundering overhead or the Historic Army Aircraft Flight waving at the café and children in the play park below, this is where the action is! Good food, friendly staff, and a great view make this a popular haunt.

The Museum offers a packed event programme and free creative activities for children are also staged at all the school holidays and the Museum has a regular event programme of lectures, concerts and family friendly events.

The Army Flying Museum is open daily from 9am to 4pm.The Museum is easily accessible from the M3 and A303 on the A343 between Salisbury and Andover.

The Apache Café is also open daily from 9.00am to 3.30pm. Museum entry is not required to access the café.

Man, 31, jailed over child images produced in city

A MAN has been jailed for making and producing indecent images of children while staying in Salisbury.

Michael Ashburn, of Wellington Road, Lozells and East Handsworth in Birmingham, was sentenced to 44 months behind bars at Birmingham Crown Court on Tuesday, April 23.

The offences relate to incidents in February and in March, 2022, when indecent images of children were found on Ashburn’s phone.

When officers arrested the 31-year-old, pictured, on November 16, 2022, he spat in an officer’s face and was imprisoned for a week for assaulting an emergency worker.

Ashburn was also charged with engaging in sexual activity

in the presence of a child. He was sentenced to 44 months imprisonment, a 20 years Sexual Harm Prevention Order and was put on the Sex Offenders register for life.

Detective Constable Julia Vince, from the Child Internet Exploitation Team said: “Ashburn went to great lengths to seek out, create and share the most abhorrent images of

children.

“He is a devious and manipulative individual, who hid his activities from those closest to him. Every child that appeared in those images is a victim of sexual violence and the trauma caused cannot be underestimated.

“Ashburn is now behind bars where he can cause no further harm, and will be subject to a 20 years Sexual Harm Prevention Order and the Sex Offenders register for life which will severely limit his ability to re-offend once released.”

DC Vince added: “The Wiltshire Police Child Internet Exploitation Team are dedicated to identify and bring to justice those who seek to harm children through their online activities for their own sexual gratification.”

Woman arrested over Tik Tok posts

A SALISBURY woman has been arrested just hours after appearing in court over alleged “grossly offensive” Tik Tok posts.

Fiona Ryan, of Laverstock Road, appeared before magistrates in Salisbury on Tuesday (April 23) charged with four counts of malicious communications, including posts that were religiously and racially aggravated.

The 40-year-old was released after the hearing, but has been arrested again in relation to an alleged breach of bail conditions, Wiltshire Police said.

Keir Starmer helped protect Druids Before he became the potential PM:

LABOUR leader Sir Keir Starmer was instrumental in religious freedom of expression at Stonehenge, a senior Druid remembers.

Pagan priest King Arthur Pendragon – whose legal name is Arthur Pendragon – has stood as an independent candidate for the Salisbury constituency in every general election since 2010 on a singleissue ticket to protect Stonehenge.

The world heritage site will fall into the new East Wiltshire constituency at the next general election, and the 70-year-old said he intends to challenge Mr Starmer’s party at the ballot box once again.

However, 25 years ago, the two, rather surprisingly, were working together…

In 1994, the Conservative Government passed the Criminal Justice and Public Order Act, placing restrictions on the right to protest and freedom of assembly, including the criminalisation of some forms of trespass.

At Stonehenge, this meant gatherings within five miles of 20 or more people would be banned during the Summer Solstice, a special day in the Druid calendar, when they gather at the sacred

The move was criticised by King Arthur, who had already been forced to move his annual Druidic ceremony to the side of the

A344, after the main stones were closed to the public in 1985.

Forcing him completely off the site was a step too far, he decided, so he ignored them, and was arrested in 1995.

As his case progressed, King Arthur was put in touch with an up-and-coming young human rights lawyer who it was suggested might be able to help; a certain Keir Starmer.

The 32-year-old Mr Starmer jumped at the chance to champion King Arthur’s cause as he vowed to take it to the European Court of Human Rights, completing the work pro bono (for free).

Writing in the spring 1995 edition of Socialist Lawyer, Mr Starmer celebrated the Druid’s use of Article 9 of the European Convention on Human Rights which protects freedom of religion.

“King Arthur 1, Michael Howard 0,” he said, using a football metaphor critical of Conservative cabinet ministers, a tactic that would become a staple of his future political communications.

Looking back, the outcome “paved the way for the managed open access we have had since and until the present day”, King Arthur said.

“As a young barrister, Keir was a very personable and successful civil rights

stones.

A young barrister, Keir Starmer, represented King Arthur Pengragon’s righ to attend the stones on the Summer Solstice

Picture: ITN

Stonehenge is a sacrid site for Druids, who gather at the stone circle each year to celebrate the Summer Solstice

How a young Sir at Stonehenge

lawyer,” he went on.

He suggests Mr Starmer was so effective the Government felt threatened and consequently offered him the prestigious role as director of public prosecutions (DPP).

But his political stance in the ensuing decades has not impressed his former client.

“As for his ability to lead the country, from what I have seen since he took over from Jeremy Corbyn, his style is not so much the leader of his majesty’s most loyal opposition as the leader of his majesty’s most loyal supporters,” the senior Druid said.

“As the saying goes, it doesn’t matter who you vote for, the Government still gets in.

Shield your home from Care Costs & Inheritance Tax with a Living Trust.

A Living Trust, is a legal arrangement that allows you to protect your assets, including your home, from care costs along with potential inheritance tax implications. Here are a few key points to consider:

1. Asset Protection: By transferring ownership of your home and other assets to a living trust, can help protect them from certain creditors and potential claims, including care costs.

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

One of the advantages of a living trust is that it is reversable, meaning you can make changes to the trust or remove your home from the trust during your lifetime. This flexibility allows you to adapt to changing circumstances or wishes.

“You really would be hard pressed to get a cigarette paper between them, and that’s much the same for the other parties.

“Which is why it’s time for change and I am standing as an independent.

“By, for, and of the people, not by, for and of the party.

“For only an independent can back a good idea or oppose a bad one, whichever side of the house it comes from.”

So when a general election is finally called, remember a time when the potential prime minister was standing alongside this independent candidate in Wiltshire.

Not at the ballot box, but before a court, protecting Druid rights at Stonehenge.

3. Inheritance Tax Planning: A living trust can be part of an estate planning strategy to minimize inheritance tax liability. By placing assets into a trust, they can be excluded from your taxable estate upon your passing, potentially reducing the amount of inheritance tax your beneficiaries would owe.

4. Reversable Nature:

5. Trust Administration: When you establish a living trust, you typically designate yourself as the trustee alongside one to three other trustees. Thus, maintaining control over the assets and allowing you to continue using and managing them as you did before. Surviving trustees take over the administration of the trust upon your incapacity or death. The effectiveness of a living trust in achieving your specific goals will depend on your individual circumstances. Oakwood Wills offer a free consultation in the privacy of our own home. Tel 07832 331594 email: info@oakwoodwills. co.uk

King Arthur Pengragon was once a courtroom ally of Keir Starmerbut is now a ballot box opponent

Hair raising awards for Salisbury salons at prestigious ceremony!

A HOST of Salisbury businesses have been recognised at the English Hair and Beauty Awards 2024.

The awards, which have been running for 12 years, celebrate the best stylists and salons from across the country.

Chapter 3, highlighting the very best from the South of England, featured a number of Salisbury winners, which were revealed at a glittering ceremony at The Mercure Bedford Centre Hotel on April 21.

Winners from Salisbury were: n Hair Salon of the Year (South West): Hair

by Carla, Salisbury n Spa of the Year: Vita Skin Spa, Salisbury n Bridal Hair Specialist of the Year: Bridal Hair in Hampshire, Salisbury n Hair Extensions Salon of the Year: The Hair Extension Cave, Salisbury

The JAS Hair Salon Group in Salisbury was highly commended in the Local Salon of the Year category, while the same accolade went to FACE Aesthetics in Verwood for the Aesthetics Clinic of the Year award.

An awards spokesperson said: “It has

been an unforgettable night, filled with incredible food, entertainment, vibrant energy, and passionate conversations.

“Winning an award in this prestigious competition is a significant achievement, as it acknowledges the talent and hard work of hair and beauty professionals and sets a benchmark for others to follow.

“The winners of these awards represent the highest standards of quality and service in the English hair and beauty industry.

“We want to congratulate all of our winners and highly commended on their accomplishments.”

The Hair Extension Cave, left, and Bridal Hair in Hampshire celebrate their wins

Hair by Carla, left, and the Vita Skin Spa were also winners on the night

Coffee Shop vs Coworking

Coffee shop working used to be a novelty - almost a naughty delight to get out of the office, but times have changed, especially with Covid. There is not a standard set of rules of where and how to work.

The Enterprise Network was set up over 10 years ago, to provide flexible working space for businesses or those of you who just need a space. We have evolved over the years and can offer facilities such as a business address through to a large office space and meeting rooms. All of these are offered on a flexible basis and give you the ability to expand as required or equally reduce office space if needed.

Here at Castledown Enterprise Centre based between Tidworth and Ludgershall on Castledown Business Park we just might have the ideal combination. Consider being a Co-Worker – this offers you a desk, Wifi, a professional but relaxed working environment. Coffee shops do offer you space but also noisy

customers, not enough space and no private areas to have that important Zoom conversation. So why not consider being a Co-worker for only £85 a month, that’s the cost of a coffee per day! This gives you the flexibility that modern working requires – we can even offer you a meeting room if you need to meet with clients. We have refreshments, space and parking –so what are you waiting for? We are that confident the space is fabulous, so we want to offer you a FREE working Session.

Call us on 01264 848311 to book in for your free sessions and see how the space can work for you. Don’t forget we can also offer these options at our Salisbury venue based in the City Centre call 01722 567345

Crime in Wiltshire ‘lowest in UK’but shoplifting shows huge increase

THE Wiltshire Police area has the lowest crime rate per person in the country, according to new data, but shoplifting has spiked.

Crime figures released by the Office for National Statistics (ONS) show a decrease in overall recorded crime across the county.

The falls include in areas identified as priorities by Chief Constable Catherine Roper - burglary, violence and safer public spaces.

However, burglary of non-residential properties, and theft from the person, rose, by 2% and 9% respectively.

The Crime Survey for England and Wales, released on April 25, showed total recorded crime was 4% down for the year ending December 2023 compared to the same period the previous year.

It represented 55.8 crimes per 1,000 people (excluding fraud) - the lowest rate of all forces in England and Wales.

Drops in other crimes, according to the statistics, included: Robbery -16%, Residential Burglary -15%, Sexual Offences

-4%, Stalking -5%, Drug Offences -10%, Public Order -12% and Violence with Injury -15%.

Shoplifting, highlighted as a major growing crime problem across the country, rose by 35%.

Chief Constable Roper said she “cautiously” welcomed the figures.

“These statistics reflect the hard work and renewed focus of Wiltshire Police as part of our collective effort to transform the organisation to best serve our communities,” she said.

“Since becoming Chief Constable of Wiltshire, I have been very clear in challenging the force to embrace a programme of change and new organisational priorities to bring about lasting and meaningful improvements.

“I cautiously welcome this latest set of statistics that appear to reflect some of the significant gains in key areas, with improved outcomes for victims and an overall reduction in crime.

“As an organisation we are still on that improvement journey, and I am determined to build upon this strong foundation to ensure we are ‘Keeping Wiltshire Safe’.”

Six homes could be built on site near Tidworth garage and supermarket

SIX new homes could be built on land near a Tidworth garage and supermarket.

Spencer Architecture, on behalf of MOT Supercentre Ltd, has applied to Wiltshire Council for permission to build the properties on land behind Station Road, pictured.

The garage would continue operating in its current guise, the application said, with the properties being developed in three semi-detached blocks.

“This proposal is for three pairs of semi-detached, three-bedroom houses orientated north-south on the land,” it said. “This will be accessed by a new private road with car parking on the east side.

“This allows the houses to have a landscaped frontage with soft vegetation and garden space to the rear.

“The outlook from the front is to the east and has a pleasant view over their gardens, their own car parking, and the west side of the Ashdown Centre which is a domesticstyle building, now used as residential accommodation.”

The homes would have “easy pedestrian access” to Tidworth, it said, with two parking spaces per property and bike storage.

“It is also recognised that there is a also a large public car park in the vicinity on the south side of Station Road, next to the Tesco store, should more visitors need parking,” the application said.

It added: “We believe this is an

opportunity to add to the housing stock in Tidworth, which is a thriving community.

“There is a great need for family accommodation in Tidworth and this will help satisfy the requirement within the central area.”

For more details on the scheme, and to leave a comment, see wiltshire.gov.uk and search for application reference PL/2024/03341.

Chief Constable of Wiltshire Police, Catherine Roper, has ‘cautiously welcomed’ the figures

Picture: Wiltshire Police

Looking back at Salisbury

RECENTLY, here at Salisbury & Avon HQ, we were handed a book by a reader they were given as a gift some years ago.

A Salisbury Century features dozens of photographs of Salisbury taken between 1871 and 1971.

We found them fascinating, so thought we’d return to the scene, as it were, and see how things have changed in the decades - in some cases more than a century - that have since passed...

Paultry Cross

The landmark has changed little over the years, as you might expect, with the modern-day picture showing just how little when compared to an image from 1871.

In fact, if it was in colour, you might be surprised to learn there is more than 150 years between these two photographs.

A Salisbury Century notes how little has been altered over the decades.

“The photograph, circa 1890, shows how little it has changed since the removal of the windvanes from the pinnacles,” it said.

“In such a draughty corner, they could never agree with eachother.”

Castle Street

This busy city route, however, has changed quite a lot since the original photograph was taken in around 1910. A Salisbury Century details: “Castle Street was the most imposing approach to the Market Place and once contained some fine buildings.

“Demolitions and alterations have changed its dignified character.” They certainly have!

High Street

Even though it was written in the early 1970s, even then, A Salisbury Century tells us how the city High Street “retains none of its nineteenth century character at ground level”.

“Angular modern shopfronts incongruously support earlier facades, as in almost every other street in Salisbury,” it said.

“Traders’ signs have been replaced by traffic signs and its

old imtimacy and provincial vigour have vanished.

“In the age of the horse it was a magnificent approach to the cathedral, and worthily crowned by the gate which bears its name.”

One notable - and recognisable - landmark building is the Old George Mall - also pictured below right - a popular shopping destination today.

However, as the author noted, the frontage has changed somewhat in the intervening years...

New Canal

Another bust route through Salisbury is New Canal, pictured top from Milford Street in around 1900. Looking at the modern day image, many of the same windows can be seen, and the road itself still looks strange familar. I wonder why that chap was standing in the middle of the road in 1900, seemingly staring at a horse as it passes?

Make sure you’re secure on 2024 Password Day, charity warns

CYBER security experts at the Wiltshire Bobby Van Trust are using World Password Day to warn people about the dangers of making it easy for hackers.

The day, May 2, is dedicated to reminding people about the importance of online security and according to the charity, passwords can be the weakest link in any household’s or business’s digital armour.

Security researcher Mark Burnett first encouraged people to have a ‘password day’, where they update important passwords, in his 2005 book Perfect Passwords.

Inspired by the idea, Intel Security took the initiative to declare the first Thursday in May World Password Day in 2013.

“People tend to choose

passwords that are easy to remember but that also makes them easy to guess or crack,” said Jennie Shaw, director of the Wiltshire Bobby Van Trust.

Hackers know this and can exploit weak passwords to gain access to everything from social media accounts to bank details.”

The most common password created is 123456.

“A short, predictable sequence like 123456 is easy to guess or crack through automated programmes for hackers,” said Mrs Shaw.

“It is worth taking the time to create strong, unique passwords and using additional security measures, such as multi-factor authentication to bolster online defences.”

Five useful tips to make online accounts harder to crack.

• Mix capital and lowercase letters with numbers and special characters. A long, random password is far more secure than a short, complex one and should be 15 characters or more.

• Never reuse passwords across different accounts. If one website experiences a data breach, hackers can try stolen login information on other sites.

• Using actual words, or even modified versions, is dangerous. Hackers can easily use dictionary attacks to crack these passwords. Avoid using birthdays, pet names, sports teams or any other guessable phrases that could be identified with you.

• Consider using a password manager – a secure application that stores and encrypts your

passwords.

• Many websites offer multi-factor authentication (MFA). This adds an extra layer of security, requiring a code from a phone or email in addition to the password.

“Strong passwords are the first line of defence in protecting your valuable data. There are plenty of links to further information on creating safe passwords, such as the government’s anti-fraud site takefive-stopfraud.org.uk, on our website,” she added.

The charity’s team of police-trained Stay Safe Online volunteers carry out free home visits or group talks to anyone over 60, or over 18 if they have a registered disability. To apply, email BobbyVanOnlineSafety@ wbvt.org, or call 01225 256867.

Man arrested after thefts from New Forest leisure centre

The man has since been released on conditional police bail, pending further enquiries.

and/or cash stolen, and if this money has later been used in betting shops,” a spokesperson said.

It

A

Now, Hampshire Police is calling on victims of thefts from a county swimming pool, gym, or leisure centre to come forward.

“Officers are particularly keen to hear from you if you’ve had wallets, bank cards

People can report incidents to us by calling 101, or by visiting the Hampshire & Isle of Wight Constabulary website at hampshire.police.uk. They can also contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111, or by visiting crimestoppers-uk.org.

Jennie Shaw, director of the Wiltshire Bobby Van Trust

A MAN has been arrested in connection with a series of thefts from a New Forest leisure centre.

came after reports of a number of thefts from New Milton Health & Leisure, in Gore Road, between February 28 and March 7.

31-year-old Dorset man was arrested on March 9 in connection with five thefts.

Police in CCTV appeal after theft from Holland & Barrett store

POLICE are keen to trace these people after £800 worth of products were stolen from a Ringwood shop.

The theft occurred some time between 2pm and 2.30pm at Holland & Barrett, in The Furlong, on Thursday, April 18.

Now, Hampshre Police has issued a CCTV image of two people they would like to trace in connection with the incident, which involved Biolandes products being taken.

“We believe the men in these images can help us with our investigation and would urge them, or anyone who knows their identity, to get in touch with us,” a 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 with information should contact police on 101, quoting incident number 44240162264, or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

Police are keen to trace these people as the probe continues

Picture: Hampshire Police

Window smashed in centre break-in

A WINDOW was smashed as people broke into a community centre.

The incident happened in Wellesley Road, Ludgershall, some time overnight on Tuesday April, 23.

“A window was smashed and offenders broke into the building,” police said.

“Anyone with information or dashcam footage taken from the area at the time of the offence should contact us on 101 quoting log 54240046945.

“You can also leave information without giving your name by calling Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.”

Court costs of £1,400 for man found to have flyposted 52 nightclub ads

A MAN has been ordered to pay more than £1,400 in court costs after being found guilty of illegally fly-posting adverts for a nightclub across the county.

Chris Freeman, of Magister Road, Melksham, was handed a 24-month conditional discharge after admitting nine counts of putting up posters illegally on road signs and pedestrian crossings.

The posters were advertising a nightclub venue in Westbury and the council removed a total of 52 after receiving a number of complaints.

Fly-posting is the advertisement of events with

FUNERAL DIRECTORS

posters, stickers or flyers that are put up on lampposts, road traffic signs or other structures on the streets and public highway land without the permission of the property owner.

It is illegal and carries up to a £2,500 fine per incident.

Cllr Nick Holder, cabinet member for transport and Street Scene at Wiltshire Council, said: “We’re committed to reducing fly-posting in Wiltshire, and this prosecution is part of our wider clampdown on this unsightly blight on our communities.

“Since November 2023, we

have removed 517 posters and flyers and issued 65 warning letters to fly-posters throughout the county - and we’ll continue to take action to stop flyposters.

“Fly-posting is a recurring problem that has a detrimental effect on the environment in Wiltshire. It’s unsightly, it can distract drivers, it creates a bad impression of an area, and it costs the council thousands of pounds each year to remove.

“This successful prosecution sends a clear message that anyone who does fly-posts in Wiltshire runs the risk of prosecution and fines.”

Travel questions

ROAD users - either on foot or motorised - have been thanked for their views on the future of routes in Salisbury and across the county.

Wiltshire Council thanked respondents so far to its Local Cycling and Walking Infrastructure Plans (LCWIPs) consultations.

The plans aim to decide where more walking, cycling and wheeling schemes can be implemented across the county.

Cllr Tamara Reay, cabinet member for transport, said: “As part of our Business Plan, we are committed to reducing carbon emissions, increasing walking and cycling opportunities and improving air quality, and that’s why we’re working hard to progress our LCWIPs.

“I’d like to thank everyone who has taken the time to respond to our LCWIP consultations so far as their feedback is helping us to shape the future of walking, cycling and wheeling opportunities in Wiltshire.

“LCWIPs can be used to help inform the planning process, and are the platform on which Active Travel England bases its future funding, so people’s feedback is really vital to help us with this process.”

There are two engagement phases to creating an LCWIP.

The first consultation enables people to help shape the plans for their area and identify routes for improved walking, cycling and wheeling networks.

The council takes all the feedback and considers all the available evidence and puts together a draft LCWIP, ready for a final phase of consultation. The council then finalises proposals.

The Chippenham, Devizes and Trowbridge LCWIPs have passed the second consultation stage and the final documents will soon be published.

The Salisbury and Wiltshirewide LCWIPs have passed both stages of consultation, while the Calne and Melksham LCWIPs have passed the first stage of engagement.

‘Prices to rise as the rain falls...’

ACHIEVING a balance between the carbon emitted into the atmosphere, and the carbon removed from it, not only slows down and reduces the catastrophic impact of climate change, but it also better in the long term for our economy.

In an interview with Laura Kuenssberg (April 26) Chris Stark, the outgoing head of the Climate Change Committee (CCC), made it clear he believed achieving net zero as quickly as we could “to be fundamental to the UK economy, fundamentally beneficial to the people living in this country, whether you care about the climate or not”.

Stark praised Theresa May and Boris Johnson for their commitment to achieving net zero but added Rishi Sunak had not matched his predecessors’ commitment and the progress under their leadership.

The evidence to support this view is plain to see. In July

2022, Lord Deben announced his decision to stand down as chair of the Climate Change Committee. In December 2023, a government spokesperson announced they would appoint a permanent chair “in due course”. The position is still currently covered by an ‘interim’ chair.

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

their victory in the Uxbridge byelection, which largely came as a result of their opposition to London’s ultra-low emission zone (ULEZ). This apparent attempt at short-term political gain has proved damaging to Britain’s reputation as a world leader on climate.

farms locally and abroad.

Record rainfall has meant farmers in many parts of the UK have been unable to plant crops such as potatoes, wheat and vegetables during the key spring season. Crops that have been planted are of poor quality, with some rotting in the ground.

Sunak was accused of trying to avoid scrutiny of Britain’s climate policies by failing to appoint a new chair of the CCC.

Credence to those accusations was provided when Sunak announced last autumn that he was moving back the ban on the sale of new petrol and diesel cars by five years, as part of a wider dilution of climate policies. At the time, the Tories were aiming to create a dividing line with Labour after

Stark said in relation to Sunak’s speech: “The overall message that other parts of the world took from it is that the UK is less ambitious on climate than it once was, and that is extremely hard to recover.”

Closer to home, the immediate damaging impact of climate change on our economy was reported last month with predicted UK food shortages and price rises as extreme weather linked to climate breakdown causes low yields on

The persistent wet weather has also meant a high mortality rate for lambs on the UK’s hills, while some dairy cows have been unable to be turned out on to grass, meaning they will produce less milk.

Scientists have said this is just the beginning of shocks to the food supply chain caused by climate breakdown and that without rapid action to drive down emissions by ceasing to burn fossil fuels, the current system is unsustainable.

Should we be concerned? Are we acting fast enough? Mr Stark has a point, but Mr Sunak appears to have different priorities.

‘Rwanda scheme is a colossal

THIS week saw the Prime Minister’s ‘Rwanda Bill’ become law. First introduced in December, this wholly unworkable, completely immoral, and extortionately expensive piece of legislation has been ploughed through Parliament to allegedly fulfil the Prime Minister’s promise to ‘stop the small boats’. Yet, no amount of sound bites or spin will change the fact that the Government’s whole approach to immigration and asylum - including this Rwanda scheme - is a colossal failure.

The justification for this latest failed populist policy is that it will act as a deterrent to migrants attempting to cross the Channel in small boats as, upon their arrival, they will be sent to central Africa while their asylum claims are processed.

However, despite the £291 million that has already been

spent, (and that’s without considering the amount of Parliamentary time devoted to it), the latest

Government figures show that small boat arrivals have actually increased by 24% so far this year.

Victoria Charleston Lib Dem Parliamentary spokesperson for Salisbury constituency

Not only that, but analysis of Home Office statistics by the Refugee Council shows 75% of the people who crossed the Channel in the first eight months of 2023 would be recognised as refugees if the UK Government processed their asylum applications.

The same week this abhorrent Bill became law, five more people drowned trying to cross the Channel, including a seven-year-old child. This recurring tragedy is

incomprehensible.

No parent puts their child into a dinghy to cross 21 miles of open water unless the alternative is even worse.

We all want to stop the dangerous Channel crossings. Too many people have died and the backlog of asylum claims has reached 128,000. The whole shaky system is completely unsustainable and it is clear that the Conservatives have failed.

But flying people seeking asylum to Rwanda, a country labelled as unsafe by the UK’s Supreme Court is not the answer.

Liberal Democrats would immediately scrap the Rwanda scheme. We believe the right action is to establish a dedicated unit, removing it from the

failure’

Home Office, to improve the speed and quality of asylum decision-making.

We would also introduce a service standard of three months for all but the most complex asylum claims to be processed.

As part of this reform, we are calling for safe and legal routes for refugees, including an expanded resettlement scheme, more options for family reunification, and humanitarian travel permits that would allow asylum seekers to travel to the UK safely to proceed with their claims.

What we need are compassionate, clear asylum rules that are properly enforced. We need to reestablish a working relationship with the French government and work together to stop dangerous Channel crossings. Above all, we need a General Election and an end to this Government.

‘Don’t say I’m not patriotic because I don’t like the flag’

I DON’T normally write to newspapers but I was watching something on TV recently that infuriated me so much, I felt I would.

It concerns the debate over the St George’s Flag, which reared it’s ugly head once again this month (April), of course.

There were the usual voices saying we had to ‘take the flag back’, and so on, and I thought that was ridiculous.

The flag has never gone anywhere, but it most definitely has assumed a different meaning for many people.

I’m a proud English person, but I don’t like the flag.

I would most definitely describe myself as a patriot, but I still don’t like the flag.

I don’t like it because it immediately brings to mind images of football hooligans and right-wing groups on the streets of London, shouting about taking their country back, so some other drivel.

For me, that is not ‘patriotic’, it is vile, and the association of the St George’s Flag with such behaviour is why I don’t like it and certainly wouldn’t fly it in my garden, or put it on my car, or anything like that.

But that doesn’t mean I hate my country, or am ashamed of my country.

In my view, it means quite the opposite.

There are plenty of things in our collective history to be ashamed of; our role in slavery, colonialism, more recent foreign wars, and our treatment of the underpriveliged to this very day.

I am ashamed of them because I truly believe England - indeed, the UK - is better than that and I want it to get even

better.

As the old saying goes, you cannot solve a problem until you acknowledge it.

Is acknowledging our country’s failings not more patriotic than trying to deny the more violent or vicious parts of our history?

I think it is. And I find it inculting to be called unpatriotic by groups of awful people who claim they speak for me, and try to tell me what it means to be ‘English’.

I’m as English as those shouting with a St George’s Flag and I think I’m more patriotic because I want my country to be better, so maybe those horrible images will disappear from my brain and I can look at the red and white cross again.

JAN Salisbury

‘Community bank is a great idea’

I THOUGHT your story about the community bank was really interesting (‘Community bank passes £2m lending as it marks first birthday’, April ).

I had never heard of a community bank before and it sounds like such a good idea.

People should take control of ther money nad perhaps it will stop these huge companies making billions in profit!

IAN SMITH via email

Fare rise blow for park and riders

THE rise in fares on the park and ride in Salisbury is outrageous. It is a real blow for those of

Fact of the fortnight

MAY the fourth is behind us, but that won’t stop us giving a few Star Wars facts in this edition!

Famous for being obsessive about the franchise, here are a few surprises some Star Wars devotees may not know...

Unconvinced about how realistic a puppet would be, George Lucas and his crew did screentest using a monkey to play Jedi Master, Yoda.

Meanwhile, another puppet alien favourite, ET, is also a star of Star Wars, with many of his kind appearing in the Senate in episode I, The Phantom Menace. Another background appearance you may not know about is that of Daniel Craig - yes, 007 himself - who played a Stormtrooper in later movie, The Force Awakens. He wears a helmet, of course, so you wouldn’t spot him.

One final fact to mark this most special of dates...

The colour of lightsabers have meanings. In early times of the Jedi, the colour of your lightsaber represented your rank. The practice later fell out of use, however. Or filmmakers ran out of colours...

May the Force be with you.

us who bother to use it (it doesn’t ever seem very busy).

How can a council claim it is working to help the environment then turn round and hit us with a 50p price rise?

It seems silly to me that it is us being punished when we are the ones actually usng the service.

Perhaps raise the cost of parking in the city centre by more instead, or is the council too afraid of drivers?

NAME & ADDRESS SUPPLIED

Bookshop support plea during works

DUE to continued construction work around the shop, major road works on our street, and the subsequent drop in footfall, we are experiencing unprecedented financial challenges.

A reminder that we have an in store sale on select teen and MG books at the moment, and if you prefer to shop with us online, you can now use the code RocketshipMayDay as a coupon on the website for 25% off everything until May 6!

Thank you to everyone who continues to support us at the moment, we really do appreciate it. via FACEBOOK

TV fave Mark Watson in Salisbury

AN 12-year-old son who’s just got a phone. A 70-year-old dad who’s just been through the most frightening experience of his life...

The events will be at the heart of a new show by comedian and Taskmaster favourite, Mark Watson, when he brings it to Salisbury next weekend.

“Both a dad and a kid himself, around the midpoint of his life, the multiple award-winner - now also famous as one-third of YouTube cult sensation No More Jockeys - returns,” a spokesperson said.

“He’ll consider the search for meaning that we’re all on, with or without Google.

“There’ll be a lot of jokes, and a show that’s different every night.”

Tickets for Salisbury Arts Centre the show, which starts at 7.30pm on Saturday, May 18, are available for £22 via www. wiltshirecreative.co.uk/events/mark-watson.

Hidden stories at Mompesson House

THE unseen people who help keep a landmark Salisbury property in tip-top condition are the focus of a new booklet.

How does the plasterwork stay up, how do the air twists get inside glasses and who decides what flowers are fashionable at Mompesson House?

The answers are now all on hand in a new, in-depth booklet researched and created by the Cathedral Close venue’s Collections and House team.

A spokesperson for the National Trust property said the booklet “will lead you through the house as you discover some of the tricks and techniques used by artisans in the eighteenth century and beyond”.

For more information, and opening hours, log on to www. nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/wiltshire/mompesson-house.

Finalist in the 2023 International Opera Awards

The home of Country House opera in South West England featuring renowned soloists, a full orchestra and a large chorus of emerging young artists

World Première

An opera in four seasons Composer: Paul Carr Librettist: Euan Tait (After Thomas Hardy) 23, 25 July at 19.00 | 27 July at 14.00

Marking 100 years since the composer’s death… Giacomo Puccini 22, 24, 27 July at 19.00 | 25 July at 14.00

The Golden Anniversary

Friday 26 July at 19:00

Coade Theatre, Bryanston, Blandford Forum Box Office: dorsetopera.com 07570 366 186

EDUCATION

oo t Junior school for your daughter ?

At Coombe Bissett Primary School, we believe that children should be given every opportunity to thrive, to fly and to be successful and parents have every right to expect the best for their child.

Here on beautiful Hampshire/ Wiltshire we are blessed with a wonderful standard of living and bene t from servicesand facilities most of which are well above the national standard. is includes learning, where we are fortunate to enjoy more than our fair share of outstanding schools and colleges. If you are looking for a quality education for your loved ones, have a look through this special section of the New Salisbury & Avon magazine which highlights some of the best that’s on o er...

It is our job as a school to endeavour at all times to fulfil these expectations and to be the best school possible.

We are a happy village school with a strong sense of community. Our most recent SIAMS report said, ‘The small school setting means that families and children are known to all staff. Parents say that the staff are full of warmth and ‘invested on an individual level’ with the pupils. This can be seen in the commitment and care seen in all interactions around the school.’

Coombe Bissett seeks to achieve an environment where children can become independent, creative learners with the capacity to take risks and be resilient. Opportunities are created to ensure that all children, from the very youngest, are happily challenged, motivated and engaged in their learning. They are equipped to be successful learners, but perhaps equally importantly our success can be seen every day through how our children treat their friends, their willingness to take risks and their curiosity about the world.

EDUCATION

Whether they are taking their first steps into school, or 11 and preparing to confidently enter the next stage of their educational journey, our children are cared for as individuals and encouraged to follow our Christian values and to be the very best versions of themselves.

By offering a broad and enquiry-based curriculum that makes the very most of our beautiful countryside setting,

‘A small school with a big heart’, is the best description of Coombe Bissett according to Headteacher, Mrs Emma Haworth, who joined the school in September. ‘I am very proud of our school and would love the opportunity to share with people what makes our school such a special place.

School should be a place where children come to with a smile on their face and leave with an even bigger one: we believe whole-heartedly that Coombe Bissett is that place. If you would like to visit then please contact the school office and make an appointment and I would be delighted to show you around’.

nt i al independent schools in the countr y

Please contact the office on 01722 718380 or office@ coombebissett.wilts.sch and arrange a personalised tour of the school. We would love to meet you and show you just what makes our school so special.

LONGFORD PRIMARY SCHOOL

Children from Explorers’ Class at Longford Primary School escaped from the classroom, when they visited Coombe Bissett Down Nature Reserve, at the invitation of the Wiltshire Wildlife Trust. It was a fantastic way to start Term 5 and to experience the changing seasons, by cuddling lambs in the great outdoors.

Longford is a friendly village school, set in beautiful countryside with views of the city of Salisbury. We have strong links with our local community and Church. We have the benefit of spacious and well equipped classrooms, a library, large outside play area and grounds, set in beautiful open surroundings. Our friendly school in beautiful surroundings will inspire

Open Afternoons3rd June- 17th June

As well as finding out about sheep and farming, the children enjoyed a tractor trailer ride across the chalk grassland, and were able to view the spectacular scenery and wild flowers, which make the area a site of special scientific interest. The visit took place on Earth Day and linked well with Longford School’s enquiry-led science curriculum and on-going drive to foster environmental knowledge and awareness. Special thanks to Anne Billenge, from Wiltshire Wildlife Trust, Lucy and the farm team.

o ce@coombebissett.wilts.sch

Visits to Longford Primary School are most welcome. Please contact the school office by telephone: 01722 327292. The headteacher, Mrs Louise Knipe, would be delighted to show you around the school.

oosing the best Junior school for your daughter ?

EDUCATION

Here on beautiful Hampshire/ Wiltshire we are blessed with a wonderful standard of living and bene t from servicesand facilities most of which are well above the national standard. is includes learning, where we are fortunate to enjoy more than our fair share of outstanding schools and colleges. If you are looking for a quality education for your loved ones, have a look through this special section of the New Salisbury & Avon magazine which highlights some of the best that’s on o er...

At Coombe Bissett Primary School, we believe that children should be given every opportunity to thrive, to fly and to be successful and parents have every right to expect the best for their child.

It is our job as a school to endeavour at all times to fulfil these expectations and to be the best school possible.

We are a happy village school with a strong sense of community. Our most recent SIAMS report said, ‘The small school setting means that families and children are known to all staff. Parents say that the staff are full of warmth and ‘invested on an individual level’ with the pupils. This can be seen in the commitment and care seen in all interactions around the school.’

EDUCATION

Coombe Bissett seeks to achieve an environment where children can become independent, creative learners with the capacity to take risks and be resilient. Opportunities are created to ensure that all children, from the very youngest, are happily challenged, motivated and engaged in their learning. They are equipped to be successful learners, but perhaps equally importantly our success can be seen every day through how our children treat their friends, their willingness to take risks and their curiosity about the world.

EDUCATION

Whether they are taking their first steps into school, or 11 and preparing to confidently enter the next stage of their educational journey, our children are cared for as individuals and encouraged to follow our Christian values and to be the very best versions of themselves.

By offering a broad and enquiry-based curriculum that makes the very most of our beautiful countryside setting,

se r egiste

LONGFORD PRIMARY SCHOOL

Longford is a friendly village school, set in beautiful countryside with views of the city of Salisbury. We have strong links with our local community and Church. We have the benefit of spacious and well equipped classrooms, a library, large outside play area and grounds, set in beautiful open surroundings. Our friendly school in beautiful surroundings will inspire

‘A small school with a big heart’, is the best description of Coombe Bissett according to Headteacher, Mrs Emma Haworth, who joined the school in September. ‘I am very proud of our school and would love the opportunity to share with people what makes our school such a special place.

School should be a place where children come to with a smile on their face and leave with an even bigger one: we believe whole-heartedly that Coombe Bissett is that place. If you would like to visit then please contact the school office and make an appointment and I would be delighted to show you around’.

as one of the most i nno vat i ve and i nflue nt i al independent schools in the countr y

Please contact the office on 01722 718380 or office@ coombebissett.wilts.sch and arrange a personalised tour of the school. We would love to meet you and show you just what makes our school so special.

Children from Explorers’ Class at Longford Primary School escaped from the classroom, when they visited Coombe Bissett Down Nature Reserve, at the invitation of the Wiltshire Wildlife Trust. It was a fantastic way to start Term 5 and to experience the changing seasons, by cuddling lambs in the great outdoors.

As well as finding out about sheep and farming, the children enjoyed a tractor trailer ride across the chalk grassland, and were able to view the spectacular scenery and wild flowers, which make the area a site of special scientific interest. The visit took place on Earth Day and linked well with Longford School’s enquiry-led science curriculum and on-going drive to foster environmental knowledge and awareness. Special thanks to Anne Billenge, from Wiltshire Wildlife Trust, Lucy and the farm team.

Visits to Longford Primary School are most welcome. Please contact the school office by telephone: 01722 327292. The headteacher, Mrs Louise Knipe, would be delighted to show you around the school.

Divides over PM’s ‘sick note culture’ speech

PRIME Minister Rishi Sunak has vowed to end a “sick note culture” in a bid to boost people returning to work - prompting anger from some charities.

The move comes after the latest Office for National Statistics (ONS) figures showed there are currently 2.8 million people who are ‘economically inactive’ due to long-term sickness.

Of those inactive due to long term sickness at the start of last year, 53% reported that they had depression, bad nerves or anxiety.

The Government says this is “driving an unsustainable increase in welfare spending as more people claiming disability benefits are now assessed as having anxiety or depression as their main condition”.

Shadow health secretary, Wes Streeting (Lab, Ilford North), hit out at the speech, saying it was “shameless and irresponsible”.

Dr Sarah Hughes, CEO of mental health charity Mind, said the speech “continues a trend in recent rhetoric which conjures up the image of a ‘mental health culture’ that has ‘gone too far’”.

“This is harmful, inaccurate

and contrary to the reality for people up and down the country,” she added.

“To imply that it is easy both to be signed-off work and then to access benefits is deeply damaging.

“It is insulting to the 1.9 million people on a waiting list to get mental health support, and to the GPs whose expert judgment is being called into question.”

During his announcment, The PM said a review of the fit note system to stop people being written off as “not fit for work” by default would be launched.

“We don’t just need to change the sick note, we need to change the sick note culture so the default becomes what work you can do – not what you can’t,” he said.

Mr Sunak called the vision a “new welfare settlement for Britain”.

Mr Streeting said the Conservatives are “attempting to make mental ill health another front for their culture wars”, in a move that was “not just tone deaf, it’s shameless and irresponsible”.

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Titanic sale sees violin case sold

IT’S one of the iconic scenes from the film Titanicmusicians performing on the deck of the ill-fated liner as it is about to sink, claiming the lives of more than 1,500 people.

Wallace Hartley and his orchestral band famously played on to reassure the passengers as disaster unfolded around them.

The 33-year-old band leader went down with the ship, with his body found in the waters days after the sinking - with his violin in its case strapped to him.

Now, more than a century after the tragedy, one of the violin cases of the instruments played that night has been sold at auction, in Wiltshire - for £290,000.

The case, engraved with the initials WHH, was put up for sale by a private owner. The violin itself was donated to a student in the 1940s and sold

for more than £1 million decades later.

The case, measuring 26 x 14 x 12 inches, was part of a sale at Henry Aldridge & Son Ltd, in Devzes.

Auctioneer Andrew Aldridge said:

“Wallace Hartley’s violin is the most iconic piece of Titanic memorabilia ever sold at auction.

“However, it would not have survived if it were not for this valise case made of English coach hide.

“The long straps would have been used by Wallace to strap the bag to himself as the Titanic was sinking.

“It served to protect the instrument against the salt seawater.

“The bag was forensically

Next sales are General and Antiques Auctions on the Phixius Auctions: Every Friday night from 5pm. Online and in the saleroom. 10th, 17th, 24th, 31st May.

Free valuation day at Le Marche, Woodborough Garden Centre, Pewsey. 18th May, please call 07789 577522 to book a time.

We are looking for items for our fine sale on the 28th June.

Some lots from our last fine sale.

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tested and corrosion deposits were recovered from the lock mechanism and metalwork and they were found to be consistent with it having been immersed in seawater.

“The bag is one of the largest pieces of luggage to have survived the disaster.

“It is a tangible link to the Titanic and represents an integral part of the Hartley violin’s journey from Titanic to the present day.”

Wallace Hartley was given the maple, spruce and ebony violin with the brown leather case by Maria Robinson in 1910.

Two years later he was the bandleader on the Titanic for its doomed, maiden voyage from Southampton to New York.

Meanwhile, a gold pocket watch owned by Titanic passenger John Jacob Astor was also sold in the sale, for a whopping £900,000.

Health & Wellbeing

Wild garlic good for the heart

by Fiona Chapman

IT is that time of year again –wild garlic! We all seem to get addicted to the stuff as soon as it appears. It is odd, because I have frozen it before and then brought it out in the middle of November to eat and not enjoyed it nearly so much. My conclusion is that it must be something that our bodies really crave after winter.

As I have said before, one of the best ways to eat wild garlic is as a pesto with parmesan cheese, a bit of olive oil, fresh lime juice, pine nuts and a good handful of clean wild garlic leaves and flowers, a pinch of salt and good grinding of black pepper, all whizzed up in a blender.

My daughter’s boyfriend eats it by the tub load and in the spring, it seems to go with just about anything!

Like its cousin, it is extremely good for the heart, it helps the body deal with fats, it reduces blood pressure, will thin the blood and improves its circulation. It also helps with digestion – as long as you are not too greedy about it, then it definitely does not – by increasing the flow of bile, and it is a mild diuretic so helps the body to get rid of toxins.

We not only have it as a pesto – it is great with pasta with the flowers thrown on top after cooking, or in soups and stews. The leaves and flowers can also be added raw to salads.

People say that wild garlic breath is not as strong as after eating commercially produced garlic, but I disagree with this – I think you can smell it, or at least I am very conscious that I

probably reek of garlic and find myself holding my breath if people get too close!

Last autumn, I wrote about making a blackberry balsamic vinegar, which is now wonderfully mature. It was a tiny bit watery, so I boiled it down to make the most delicious blackberry tasting syrupy vinegar –where am I going with this?

The most delicious, nutritious and healthy lunch or supper is a slice of sourdough or ryebread slathered with wild garlic pesto baked in the oven with soft goats’ cheese. When it is all melted and smelling irresistible, take it out and drizzle over the blackberry balsamic vinegar and top with some of the blackberries that have been steeped for the last few months. It makes my mouth water just thinking about it!

n Fiona Chapman is a naturopathic herbalist; email Pellyfiona@gmail.com.

A pesto made with parmesan cheese, olive oil, fresh lime juice, pine nuts and a good handful of clean wild garlic leaves and flowers, plus salt and black pepper, is a treat

Homes & Garden

Apply for funding to create new community orchards in Wiltshire

FUNDING for new community orchards is available to help areas blossom.

Wiltshire Council’s Coronation Living Heritage Orchard Fund is open for applications, with some £50,000 available.

The cash comes from a grant awarded to the council to fund the planting of community orchards as part of a Government tree-planting initiative to celebrate the coronation of King Charles III.

Now, the money is set to be distributed among eligible projects across the county.

Applications to plant a community orchard are invited from parish councils, schools or other organisations with management control of land that is open to the public.

The orchards can be on private or public land as long as there is community involvement.

The fund will support the purchase of trees, protection measures and establishment costs, as well as commemorative signage, the council said.

Planting will take place in autumn/winter 2024-2025, allowing plenty of time to plan the orchard appropriately.

As well as planting trees, the council aims to use this opportunity to develop green skills including orchard maintenance and traditional wood craft techniques, as

well as to encourage orchard celebrations such as wassails and apple pressing days, said Cllr Dominic Muns, cabinet member for environment.

“This is a very exciting project to be a part of and I would encourage people to apply for the funding so we can have as many community orchards across the county as possible,” he added.

“It will be great to see our community come together and I look forward in time to seeing what fruits will be harvested from the orchards.

“A key priority in our business plan is taking responsibility for the environment and one of our long-term aims is to increase our tree canopy coverage to 17%, in line with national government targets.”

For more information about the Coronation Living Heritage Fund, people can visit Trees and woodland in Wiltshire, visit www.wiltshire. gov.uk/trees-and-woodland-in-wiltshire.

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Use it or lose it, please support your local independent shops.

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Across

1 Official in Spain is free from vulgarity (6)

4 Substantial leaning almost in London tourist attraction? (3,3)

8 Friend pushed back drink (3)

9 Pressure facing one in house, political leader? (9)

11 A decoration recalled for horse (4)

Down

1 Cancel engineers with ring (6)

2 Spanish composer has to leave or collapse (4,5)

3 Work in Nebraska gets definite refusal (4)

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Person retaining freshness always on part of course (9) 13 Fashion gurus desire to have jacket in suits turned out as style dictates (2,7)

Face lot getting militant about lecturer – one’s put on

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Last character, menial worker – character in Sparta? (4) 22 Space for vehicle and tree (3)

Number of vehicles on UK roads highest since records began, according to new report

MORE than 41 million vehicles are now driving on UK roads –the highest number since records began.

According to new data from Motorparc and the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT), at the end of 2023, there was an annual increase of 1.7% to 41,404,589.

The numbers for 2023 showed there was a 1.6% yearly increase, to 35,694,845, with 546,800 new units sold over the year.

SMMT also reported plug-in vehicles saw their biggest growth in ownership since 2016, with almost half a million new battery electric (BEV) and plug-in hybrid (PHEV) vehicles registered in 2023.

As a result, zero emission vehicles now account for 2.7% of all cars in use on UK roads – a growth of 1.9% compared to the previous 12 months.

Mike Hawes, SMMT chief executive, said: “After two challenging years of constrained supply, more people and businesses across the UK are now getting back behind the wheel – and increasingly, opting

for greener options.

“However, given the ageing fleet, we now need to encourage consumers and businesses who have deferred purchases of new cars, vans, trucks and buses to upgrade.

“A stronger and stable economy, coupled with reduced living costs, would boost consumer and business confidence, while compelling fiscal incentives would ensure that these purchases are emissions free.

“Not only would this accelerate the transition –fundamental to the UK’s net zero ambitions – but it would also stimulate the economy and enhance the wider environment in which we all live.”

The SMMT data has shown despite a record number of motors on the road, average car’s CO2 emissions dropped 2.1%.

Furthermore, company car emissions plummeted by 11.5% in 2023, which the SMMT puts down to financial incentives encouraging fleets to invest in EVs and zero emission models.

There were also record

numbers of commercial vehicles that are now in use across the UK, the report added.

Currently, there are 625,873 heavy goods vehicles and 5,012,632 vans in operation – an increase of 1.7% and 2.6% respectively.

Zero emission vans also grew in numbers, with BEV volumes rising by 43.5% to 61,161 last year, meaning 1.2% of all vans on UK roads are now zero emission.Electric HGVs also rose 146.4% last year, representing 0.4% of the fleet.

Mike Hawes, chief executive of the SMMT

Find out more about A360 closure

AS we approach one month of the A360 being closed near Longbarrow, residents are being given the chance to find out more about the work being carried out.

The busy route, cutting across the A303 north to south at Longbarrow roundabout, is set to be closed until mid-July as work gets underway on the A303 Stonehenge schemewhich will ultimately see a tunnel built running below ground around the ancient structure.

Now, as part of a series of public events, an gathering in Durrington will give people more details.

Under the closure, Scottish and Southern Electricity Networks (SSEN) is carrying out underground cabling to provide a high voltage power supply for the project’s proposed tunnel and to power the tunnel once constructed.

SSEN representatives will be attending the information event, at the village hall,

between 11am and 6pm to answer any questions along with National Highways’ A303 project team.

Preliminary works are currently paused, awaiting the outcome of a legal appeal against an earlier High Court judgment which ruled in favour of the granting of planning consent for the scheme.

The preliminary programme includes archaeological fieldwork and civils work, and representatives from contractors Wessex Archaeology and Octavius will also be in attendance at the events.

The first was held at Antrobus House in Amesbury on Saturday (April 27) and Andrew Clark, National Highways’ Senior Project Manager for the scheme, said:

“We’re continuing to work with heritage groups and other stakeholders, and the information events offer the opportunity for local communities, businesses and other interested parties to find out a little more.

“It’s a chance to meet face to face with the teams and for local residents and groups to ask questions about the current enabling works, and to find out more about the scheme in general, and we encourage people to come along.”

5

UK to ‘remain vigilant’ after bird flu outbreak in US cattle herds

THE Government will “remain vigilant” amid an outbreak of bird flu among cattle in the United States.

This week, US officials confirmed the highly pathogenic avian influenza (H5N1) had been detected in 34 herds since late March - as well as one person, in Texas.

And Wenqing Zhang, head of WHO’s Global Influenza Programme, said there was some risk of the infection spreading further afield.

“With the virus carried around the world by migratory birds, certainly there is a risk

for cows in other countries to be getting infected,” she said, but stressed the risk was low.

She urged people to remain vigilant, particularly farm workers.

A spokesperson from the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) in the UK, said the authority was aware of the developments.

“We are monitoring reports of highly pathogenic avian influenza (H5N1) identified in dairy cattle in the USA and are working closely with international counterparts to better understand the virus strain associated with these cases,” they said.

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Bull Fertility Testing, by Synergy Farm Health Vet Olly White

With spring calving underway, thoughts will soon be turning to getting cows back incalf. Bulls play a crucial role, and their fertility is often assumed, but in reality 1 in 4 bulls are deemed sub-fertile. This means that despite being able to achieve pregnancies, when exposed to an appropriate number of healthy, cycling cows, they are unlikely to be able to achieve the required target of 95% of cows calving in 9-10 weeks. Sub-fertility can be caused by factors such as low libido, sperm defects or any mobility/conformational issue that affect ability to serve. It is important to remember that bull fertility can easily change year-on-year.

To reduce the risk of putting out a sub-fertile bull it is recommended for bulls to undergo a bull breeding soundness exam 60 days before being expected to work. The exam is carried out by your veterinary surgeon and involves three parts.

The initial part is analysis of the bull’s history/disease status to determine if any disease testing is required, for example, blood sampling or swabbing for disease exposure. The second part involves a thorough examination covering body scoring, mobility, reproductive organ evaluation and general health parameters. The final part is the semen evaluation, this involves collecting a sample and assessing quantity, motility and identifying sperm defects. Once all the data is collated, if the bull has achieved the required targets, then they will be deemed suitable for service. The cost of this process is considerably less than the cost of empty cows.

in our cattle and nor is this virus strain circulating in Europe.”

“These reports do not change the risk level for animals for the UK, which is currently ‘low’ and we have no reason to suspect the virus is circulating

Meanwhile, advice from the Food Standards Agency (FSA) remains that avian influenza poses a very low food safety risk for UK consumers.

House prices fell in April, says firm, as mortgage rates continue to rise

HOUSE prices fell in April - for the second month runningaccording to new data.

Mortgage lender Nationwide said UK prices dropped by 0.4% compared to March, to an average price of £261,962. It comes as lenders continue to increase rates on fixed-rate mortgages amid fears interest rate falls will be slower this year than anticipated.

The Nationwide also said potential first-time buyers were being put off buying a home, partly due to the high cost of borrowing.

It said a survey suggested about half of those considering buying a first home had delayed their plans.

As uncertainty over interest rates continues, lenders have moved to increase fixed-rate mortgage costs.

On Thursday, the Halifax will increase much of its mortgage range by 0.2 percentage points.

The move comes after fellow lenders, such as Santander, Nationwide and NatWest, also increased rates.

However, property site

Rightmove said the average asking price of a home in the UK rose by 1.1% in April, compared to March, to £372,324 - within £570 of the all-time record. The agent said pent-up demand from those looking for top-of-the-market homes was now being realised, raising prices.

Tim Bannister, from Rightmove, said: “The top-ofthe-ladder sector continues to drive pricing activity at the start of the year, with movers in this sector typically less sensitive to higher mortgage rates, and more

equity rich, contributing to their ability to move.

“While some buyers, across all sectors, will feel that their affordability has improved compared to last year due to wage growth and stable house prices, others will be more impacted by cost-of-living challenges combined with elevated mortgage rates.”

Rightmove said at the end of 2023, house prices were around 1% lower than the previous year, but were now 1.7% higher when compared to 12 months previously.

Changes to rental reform laws revealed

THE latest set of amendments to new laws governing property rentals in the UK have been revealed.

The Government has outlined its latest set of proposed changes to the Renters (Reform) Bill after the Easter recess. New changes include delaying the scrapping of section 21 (no fault) evictions until there has been a full review of the court process; Ensuring tenants have to wait until they’ve been in a property for four

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months before they can give two months’ notice; Enabling landlords of student properties to tailor rental contracts to the academic year; and a review of whether local council selective licensing schemes should be continued once the proposed Property Portal has been established. Timothy Douglas, head of policy and campaigns at Propertymark, said: “The Government’s commitment to review the implementation of the move to open-ended tenancies and establish an initial six-month tenancy period for tenants, does provide more certainty for agents

and their landlords.

“It is also pleasing to see [their commitment] to further assessments and measures to ensure the current inadequacies that exist in the court system are tackled before removing no-fault evictions.”

The Bill was introduced to Parliament in November last year, when it had both its first and second readings. One of the main points of the Bill initially was the scrapping of no-fault evictions, with fixed-term Assured Shorthold Tenancies (ASTs) also disappearing.

The Government Committee has yet to report on debates held on the Bill last November, before the third reading can take place the Bill heads to the House of Lords.