Salisbury & Avon Gazette - Issue 37

Triplets ready for charity walk to thank ward that cared for them

A FAMILY - including triplets who spent five weeks in Salisbury Hospital - are putting their best feet forward for a charity effort.

Chantelle Sims, 24, and her husband Mason, 25, will be taking part in the Walk For Wards sponsored walk at Wilton House on Sunday, July 7, with their children Jenson, six, Reggie, three, and six-monthold triplets Brody, Albie and Archie.

The Stars Appeal, Salisbury Hospital’s Charity, provides a range of enhancements on the Neonatal Unit including parents’ accommodation, state-of-the-art equipment such as incubators and monitors, free Wi-Fi, chaplaincy services and soothing music played by live musicians.

Chantelle, who gave birth to her triplets in August 2023 at 30 weeks, said: “The Stars Appeal supported us in so many ways while the triplets were in the Neonatal Unit.

“The accommodation I stayed in while they were in hospital meant I could be closer to them and helped me to get

ready for taking them home.

“The free wifi enabled us to Facetime family and friends, and the Stars Appeal playroom gave our older children space to go and play when they needed a break. The charity also funded some of the vital equipment that helped to keep our boys alive and here with us today.”

The family also benefited from the support of the chaplains and other projects funded by the charity, like Stars Appeal Live musicians playing lullabies and the Stars Appeal Aromatherapist, who offers parents hand and foot massages, which Chantelle said “brightens up the day”.

“It’s important to have this kind of support available when you’ve just been through what feels like some of the worst times possible in life,” she added.

“It also allows you to be more focused on your babies and have fewer things to worry about.”

The family, who are now doing well at home in Larkhill, will be raising money for the Neonatal Unit.

They said staff who cared for them are “real-life angels”.

Chantelle said: “The Neonatal Unit is hugely close to our hearts, and we are extremely grateful for everything they have done for the triplets and our family.”

To register for Walk for Wards for free, walkers need to

commit to raising £20 per person.

Participants can choose from a 3k, 5k or 10k route.

For more information, and to sign up, visit www.starsappeal. org/event/walk-for-wards.

To sponsor the Sims family, visit www.justgiving.com/ fundraising/TheSimsTriplets.

Brody, Albie and Archie are ready for the walk after their stay at Salisbury District Hospital

Chantelle and Mason taking the triplets home last year

Plan for 135 new Laverstock homes to ‘tackle shortfall of new houses’

PLANS for up to 135 new homes on land at Laverstock have been submitted.

An application to Wiltshire Council by Hallam Land Management would see the homes, along with a 50-space car park, children’s play area and utility buildings, developed on land east of Church Road.

The plans acknowledge the site is “not allocated for development”, but says a “shortfall in the delivery of new homes” in the area means the application is warranted for permission.

“Although a small village in the settlement strategy, Laverstock is physically closely related to the built-up area of Salisbury,” the application said.

“To deliver the acknowledged shortfall in the delivery of new homes, it is inevitable that additional residential sites

are required. 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.

“Therefore, such housing sites will have to include those (outside) the tightly defined settlement boundaries in sustainable and accessible locations.”

Access to the site would be off Church Road, with footpath connections to amenities and the new village car park, the plan said.

“The overall strategy is intended to encourage the community to walk and cycle and will promote healthy, active living for the new community,” it went on.

The application added: “It is a unique situation to have a village with success

good access to services, including with major education facilities within the village.

“Indeed, the majority of pupils and staff for the schools would have to travel from outside of Laverstock.”

Affordable housing would be provided as part of the development, the application said, with other benefits including a 50space car park for nearby schools and the village; the creation of 230 direct and indirect construction jobs; increased council tax collection of around £2.2 million over 10 years, the document added.

The scheme is now open for comments.

For more details on the plan, and to comment, log on to wiltshire.gov.uk and search for application reference 20/11598/ OUT.

Appeal after bag theft from car parked in Ringwood

spokesperson said.

The incident happened in Addison Square at around 10pm on Friday, February 9, and saw a gym bag and coat

from the vehicle.

“We believe the man in this image can help us with our investigation and would urge him, or anyone who knows his identity, to get in touch with us,” a Hampshire Police

“Also, if you have information about this 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 44240060228, or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

The homes would be built off Church Road, Laverstock

Pictures: Google/Hallam/Wiltshire Council

POLICE are keen to trace the person pictured right in connection with a theft from a car in Ringwood.

taken

Youngsters - and adults - welcome new play area in Verwood

DELIGHTED youngsters – and some equally happy adults – took to play equipment at a new Verwood park.

Residents, councillors, suppliers and contractors came together for the opening of a brand-new play area in Eastworth Road by Dorset Council.

Funded by contributions from Penny Farthing Homes – the developer of the nearby housing estate – the refurbished play area provides a space for the community to relax and engage with nature.

The concept of the park was put together by Dorset Council’s Planning and Natural Environment teams before the community had a say.

It features a play area with new largely accessible playground equipment, accessible paths, bicycle stands and buggy/

mobility equipment parking, sensory planting, local ecology interpretation boards and picnic tables.

Cllr Toni Coombs (Con, Verwood), Dorset Councillor for Verwood, said: “I’m proud to open this play area for the local community. It’s a wonderful space, and I’m looking forward to seeing Verwood residents of all ages enjoy the new facilities.

“I’d like to thank everyone involved for their hard work in making it happen. I’d

Body Shop in Salisbury

one of 75 stores to shut amid administration

THE Body Shop in Salisbury will close in the coming weeks after the company collapsed into administration.

The Old George Mall branch was named among 75 stores set to close in the coming weeks, with 116 shops staying open.

It comes after the Body Shop announced earlier this month it had gone into administration.

Another Wiltshire branch, in Trowbridge, will also close, while stores at the Clarks Outlet Village in Street, Somerset, Taunton, Bath and in Poole, Dorset, will stay open.

also like to thank my fellow councillors Spencer Flower, Simon Gibson, and Ray Bryan – all of whom have been strong supporters of this from the beginning.”

Chainsaw still unaccounted for after outbuilding theft, say Wiltshire Police

GARDEN equipment taken from an outbuilding in Whiteparish was found nearby by police.

The theft occurred at a property in Dean Lane on Saturday evening, Wiltshire Police said.

“Several items of Stihl garden equipment were taken, most of which were found nearby,” a spokesperson said.

“However, a chainsaw is still unaccounted for.”

Anyone with information should contact police on 101, quoting log number 54240022196.

River-inspired mural designs for Salisbury walk route unveiled

DESIGNS for a new mural on a Salisbury toilet block have been revealed.

Artist Krishna Malla, aka Tech Moon, has been commissioned by Salisbury City Council and the Environment Agency (EA) to paint a mural on the toilet block at the Central Car Park.

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The designs by Tech Moon, who hails from Bournemouth and paints murals both nationally and internationally, features some of the flora and fauna that make Salisbury’s chalk streams, along with some of his own signature work. Work is set to begin on the displays this month.

Work will start on the designs, by artist Krishna Malla, this month on the block at the Central Car Park

Tribute to Dawn Sturgess six years on from Salisbury Novichok attack

SIX years on from the Salisbury Novichok poisoning, city MP John Glen (Con, Salisbury) paid tribute to the work of the UK government, police and other officials.

On March 4, 2018, Sergei and Yulia Skripal were poisoned by Russian agents in the city during a failed assassination attempt which led to the death of Wiltshire woman, Dawn Sturgess in Amesbury.

Dawn used a perfume found by friend Charlie Rowley. The bottle, it turned out, contained the deadly Novichok poison and led to Dawn’s tragic death.

“This chemical attack endangered the lives of Salisbury residents, killed Dawn Sturgess, and brought elements of the local economy to a standstill,” Mr Glen said.

“Led by the UK, the world responded by expelling a combined total of over 150 Russian officials from across the UK, US, Europe, and Canada. It was a powerful demonstration of our effort to bring about justice for these crimes.

“The Government provided over £9.6million to support local businesses and

meet the unexpected costs incurred by the authorities in responding to the incident.

“Wiltshire Police officers demonstrated enormous bravery, in particular DS Nick Bailey who was hospitalised after coming in contact with the poison.”

Months later, in September 2018, the British authorities identified two Russian nationals - using the names Alexander Petrov and Ruslan Boshirov - as suspects in the poisoning case.

They have never been arrested and Russia denies all involvement with the attack.

However, Mr Glen said Salisbury has since turned around after the incident, which effectively closed the city down for a period.

“Six years later, Salisbury can be proud of its regeneration and renewal,” he added.

“While Putin’s threat to global security remains, our support for Ukraine continues.

“Our thoughts are with the family and friends of Dawn Sturgess as we reflect on this day.”

80 drivers stopped in M4 operation

MORE than 80 drivers were stopped during three days of action on the M4 - including people watching films while behind the wheel.

Operation Tramline included police and National Highways officers driving an unmarked HGV to identify offenders.

During the action, a total of 83 offences uwere identified - mainly consisting of mobile phone and seatbelt breaches.

PC Luke Hobbs, of Wiltshire Police, said: “The HGV gives us an elevated view into vehicles using this busy stretch of road so we can better detect offences such as mobile phone use.

contribute to death and serious injury on the roads and include drink/drug driving, careless driving, driving at excess speed, driving without a seatbelt or using a mobile phone.

“This operation coincided with a trial of new Artificial Intelligence cameras provided by Acusensus, being rolled out by National Highways to spot drivers failing to wear seatbelts or using mobile phones.

“While the majority are law abiding drivers, it is always shocking to see just what some of these drivers think they can get away with – all while in control of a vehicle which can be up to 44 tonnes in weight with the potential to cause significant and serious harm to others.

“Last week alone, we saw drivers

watching films on their phones or tablets while behind the wheel, overloaded vehicles which can pose a real danger to other road users, and drivers showing a complete disregard for the speed limit.”

A/Insp Will Ayres, of the Roads Policing Unit, added: “Operation Tramline is an excellent initiative which forms part of our commitment to keeping Wiltshire’s roads safe by targeting those committing fatal five offences – these are offences most likely to

“It is hoped the presence of these cameras will help enhance the work of our Roads Policing Unit and further reduce the number of individuals taking risks when driving and causing serious collisions.

“We are committed to trialling new innovative projects to keep the roads safe and make the road users of Wiltshire feel safer.”

On Tuesday, the team were also joined by Philip Wilkinson, Police and Crime Commissioner for Wiltshire and Swindon.

Sadly, Dawn Sturgess died after being poisoned with Novichok

Theresa May to return to Salisbury - six years on from poisonings

THERESA May - who led the country through the Novichok poisonings in Salisbury in March 2018 - is set to return to the city next week.

MP Ms May (Con, Maidenhead) will be at the Guildhall on Monday (March 11) evening giving a talk on her time in office, including the poisonings, as well as on politics in general.

She was Prime Minister for three years and Home Secretary for six, tackling issues including immigration, Brexit and the poisonings in Salisbury of former Russian spy Sergei Skripal and his daughter, Yulia.

Dawn Sturgess, who sprayed Novichok on her wrist believing it to be perfume, died in July 2018 after the botched assassination attempt.

Ms May’s visit comes after the release of her book, The Abuse of Power: Confronting Injustice in Public Life, last September.

In it, she discusses abuses of power which led to devastating results for individuals and significantly damaged the reputation of, and trust in, public institutions and politicians.

In Salisbury, she will give an inside the room account of several cases in domestic and international affairs where blatant abuses took place – including the Salisbury poisonings.

“Theresa May’s dedication to public service, unwavering patriotism, and integrityhave been an inspiration to many,” said Edward Bickham, trustee of The Edward Heath Charitable Foundation, which has organised the talk.

“It’s a privilege to welcome her back to Salisbury.”

After studying geography at Oxford, Ms May worked in finance and banking before entering the political arena, first as a Merton councillor and then as Member of Parliament for Maidenhead.

She served in the Shadow Cabinet under four Party leaders until becoming Home

Secretary in David Cameron’s Government in 2010.

She became leader of the party and the UK’s second female Prime Minister in 2016, following Mr Cameron’s resignation in the wake of the EU Referendum.

Following the 2018 Novichok poisoning, she visited Salisbury to express solidarity with the community, meet with emergency responders, and to condemn the attack, returning several times in the following months.

Since stepping down as Prime Minister in 2019, Theresa May has maintained an active role in Parliament.

A drinks reception at Arudnells will get underway at 7pm, followed by a talk at 7.30pm at The Guildhall.

Tickets cost £25, to include a glass of wine.

Cloud Nine Health

Theresa May with Vladimir Putin, above, and below, as Prime Minister in 2016, after the EU Referendum. Pictures: www.kremlin.ru/gov.uk

Tidworth buildings destroyed by fire set to be restored if plans approved

PLANS to rebuild a landmark listed Tidworth building destroyed by fire have been submitted.

The Stables, in Jagdalik Road, was home to offices and storage areas for Aspire Defence and the Ministry of Defence (MoD) when it was hit by fire in July 2022.

The blaze caused severe damage to large parts of the grade II-listed block and saw firefighters tackle the blaze for several days.

£1

million

Now, Gateley Smithers Purslow, on behalf of Aspire Defence Services Ltd, has submitted plans to rebuild the structure to Wiltshire Council.

The application said the rebuild would maintain “the external character of the property with only sympathetic reconstruction and repairs to the fabric of the principle structure”.

Insulation and wall linings would be included in the redevelopment to improve the

energy efficiency of the property, it said, though they will be carried out with “minimal disturbance to the historic fabric”.

“All repairs will be carried out in liek materials,” the application added, and would not affect the scale of the building.

The application went on:

“The grade II building and its impact upon the area are significant and the repaiir and preservation of the property

following the substantial fire damage is central to the proposals.”

“The opportunity to upgrade the thermal properties and services of the building will be realised to improve its performance and enhance its longevity,” it added.

For more details on the application, log on to wiltshire. gov.uk and search for reference PL/2024/01475.

to provide homes for homeless in Wiltshire

HOMES for the homeless will be provided in Wiltshire thanks to £1 million of funding. Wiltshire Council has been handed the cash after applying to the Government’s Single Homelessness Accommodation Programme, aiming to help people who are rough sleeping into stable, long-term homes.

The money will be used to provide seven, one-bedroom homes in Chippenham, Devizes, Salisbury and Trowbridge, as well as two three-bedroom houses of multiple

occupation (HMOs) in Devizes and Chippenham.

The funding will also help provide wraparound support to address substance misuse, trauma, wellbeing and mental health.

Cllr Phil Alford, cabinet member for housing, strategic assets and asset transfer, said: “We are very pleased to have received this funding which will enable us to go further

in delivering our Business Plan commitment to prevent homelessness and help people have a long-term place to stay and call their home.

“The funding means we can support adults with complex needs who may have a history of rough sleeping and require high levels of support and who are not yet ready for independent living.”

The Stables, in Tidworth, were destroyed by fire in July 2022. Picture: DWFRS

Family’s thanks two years on from Russian invasion

COMMUNITIES across Wiltshire will be marking the second anniversary of the invasion in Ukraine today (February 24).

February 24 marks two years months since the Russian invasion in Ukraine began.

Since the Homes for Ukraine scheme was announced by the government, more than 1,600 Ukrainian guests have arrived in Wiltshire, with 405 still in active sponsorship.

More than 600 have now moved into independent accommodation, moved out of Wiltshire, or returned to the Ukraine.

Maryna Sokolyk arrived with her two children as part of the Homes 4 Ukraine scheme, not knowing where she would be living or who she would be living with.

After being met at the airport by her sponsors, she was provided a home in Wiltshire.

With support from caseworkers, Maryna’s children were enrolled into nursery and school and her family started integrating into the local community.

She moved into an LAHF properties in July 2023, with the assistance of the Moving on

Grant.

Supported by the Homes for Ukraine caseworkers, she has been helped to access wraparound support, enrol the children into new schools and arrange school transport.

“Standing on the ruins of my old life, I found support that I did not expect and a chance to start a new life, but to feel the security and safety of the family is worth a lot,” she said.

Cllr Richard Clewer, leader of Wiltshire Council, said: “This will be a difficult anniversary to mark for those who have had to uproot their families and start new lives in different countries and cultures.

“With the generosity and goodwill of the people of Wiltshire, we were one of the top local authorities, welcoming over 1,600 guests into Wiltshire.

“Now that a lot of those families are choosing to settle in Wiltshire, our teams, communities and partners are working hard to support them either within the Homes for Ukraine scheme or to transition into independent accommodation.

“We have been able to use the government Local Authority Housing Fund (LAHF) to

purchase 26 houses specifically to support Ukrainian households.

“21 of these houses are now occupied, with caseworkers

providing support to the families to integrate into their new communities and access childcare, utilities and transport.”

Giant chalet part of Christmas planning for city in 2024

SPRING may only just be knocking on the door, but preparations for Christmas in Salisbury are already underway.

As part of Christmas on the Square in 2024, visitors to Salisbury will be greeted with a giant festive chalet featuring an array of more than 30 local crafts people offering artisan products.

The Gift Fayre will be the place to soak up a magical festive atmosphere and support county makers, while sheltered from the wintery elements outside.

The Fayre will be open each day from Friday, November 22 until Thursday, December 19.

Cllr Sam Charleston, chair of the Events, Markets and Grants SubCommittee at Salisbury City Council, said: “The Gift Fayre will be a fantastic new addition to Christmas on the Square this year.

“I’m looking forward to picking up some Christmas gifts whille supporting our city’s amazing local makers.

“If you are a crafts person looking for somewhere to trade this festive season then we would like to hear from you.”

Anyone interested in trading at the event for one or more weeks should contact Mynt Image Ltd at www. myntimage.co.uk.

Maryna Sokolyk with her family at their home in Wiltshire. Picture: Wiltshire Council

New post office set to open at Spar store in Longhenge next month

A NEW post office will open at Longhedge next month.

The new branch will welcome customers at the Spar Late Stop, on Rhodes Moorhouse Way, from 1pm on Friday, April 26, pictured.

A range of post office services will be on offer to shoppers, from posting letters and parcels to collecting and returning online shopping items.

Customers can also take advantage of a wide range of banking services, the company withdrawals and balance enquiries for all the main UK

Post Office services will be available seven days a week, from Monday to Sunday,

with a low-screened, open-plan service point integrated into the retail counter.

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possible for customers to pay their bills, withdraw cash from their bank accounts, and send

our services are to customers, and are confident that this brand new Post Office will ensure that people in this area of Salisbury have easy access to our services.”

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Anti-fly-tipping campaign scoops top national award after incidents fall

EFFORTS to cut fly-tipping in Wiltshire have scooped a top national award.

Wiltshire Council picked up the Environmental Campaign of the Year gong at the Keep Britain Tidy Awards.

The council’s hard-hitting We’re Targeting Fly-tippers (WTF) campaign won the prestigious national award at a ceremony in York on Thursday, February 29.

It was shortlisted alongside City of Doncaster Council and SWISCo Ltd - a Torbay Council Company.

The campaign was launched in late 2022 following the council’s extra investment of £150,000 each year for three years to tackling fly-tipping and environmental crime in the county.

The funding has seen the council employ more officers and invest in equipment such as covert cameras to both prevent and catch fly-tippers.

Cllr Caroline Thomas,

cabinet member for transport and Street Scene, said: “This is a fantastic result for Wiltshire and shows just how hard our teams are working to tackle fly-tipping in the county.

“I’d like to congratulate our officers for all their hard work in winning this prestigious national award.

“Our We’re Targeting Fly-tippers (WTF) campaign is both hard-hitting and eyecatching - and it has generated significant local and national media coverage. But most importantly it is getting results.”

The number of fly-tips in Wiltshire has been on a downward trend since the campaign was launched, she said.

Fiigures show there were 7.4 fly-tipping incidents per 100,000 residents in 2020/21, which has fallen to 5.1 incidents in 2022/23.

“We’ve also seen a huge increase in the number of fixed penalty notices (FPNs) and

prosecutions for fly-tipping, with 25 FPNs issued and 11 successful prosecutions from April-September in 2023, compared to five FPNs and two prosecutions in the same period in 2022,” Cllr Thomas added.

“But this is just the startover the coming year, people will see more prosecutions for fly-tipping and a new phase of

our WTF campaign, as we fulfil our Business Plan pledge to reduce fly-tipping in Wiltshire.

“Our message is clearWe’re Targeting Fly-tippers here in Wiltshire.”

For more on the WTF campaign - and how to report fly-tipping in Wiltshire - log on to www.wiltshire.gov.uk/ fly-tipping.

Extra police training to tackle ASB

POLICE officers are getting extra training to help deal with anti-social behaviour (ASB) in Wiltshire.

Twenty officers from across the county took part in additional training on Thursday (February 29) to become anti-social behaviour advisors.

The training aims to give them a greater understanding of the ASB tools and powers, partnership working (particularly identifying occasions where other agencies may be best suited to help resolve a matter) and understanding, recognising and mitigating the harm that can be caused by ASB.

Once trained, these individuals will be pivotal in providing advice, guidance and support to colleagues dealing with incidents in an advisory capacity.

Problem solving and prevention supervisor, Emma Reid, who organised the training, said: “We know anti-social behaviour can adversely affect people’s

everyday lives.

“We all deserve to live free from intimidation and harassment and we will endeavour to deal with those perpetrators, together with our partner agencies.

“We are committed to tackling it, as it can have a lasting impact upon our communities which we are dedicated to protecting. We know it’s not a low-level

crime, it can be devasting for those who become victim to it, and can it be a precurser to more serious crime.

“Often people even consider moving house to escape antisocial behaviour.”

Chief Inspector Carly Nesbitt, from Swindon Neighbourhoods and Partnerships, added: “History across the country has shown us the devastating effect that anti-social behaviour can have on individuals, their families and communities.

“The introduction and training of our ASB advisors is a new initiative for Wiltshire Police and demonstrates our commitment to improve how we tackle anti-social behaviour and it’s causes.

“To support this we are strengthening our working practices with our Local Authorities and other agencies to ensure a robust multi-agency approach is taken, not only in terms of enforcement but also with early intervention, prevention and education for those involved.”

The council team picked up the gong at the Keep Britain Tiday Awards after a fall in fly-tipping in Wiltshire

Five people arrested after raids in Salisbury see cash and suspected drugs seized by officers

FIVE people have been arrested on suspicion of money laundering and drug offences after police raids in Salisbury.

More than £6,500 in cash and over 2kg of cannabis were located during searches in Whatley Way and Halfpenny Road on February 23.

A woman in her 20s and a man in his 30s were arrested on suspicion of money laundering.

Meanwhile, a man in his 50s

and a woman in her 50s were arrested on suspicion of money laundering and being concerned in the supply of class B drugs (cannabis). A teenage boy was also arrested, on suspicion of being concerned in the supply of cannabis.

All five have been released on bail.

PC Boon said: “These warrants were carried out as

part of our plans to disrupt drug suppliers in Salisbury. The Salisbury Neighbourhood Policing Team work closely with specialist officers, Local Crime investigators and the Dog unit to remove drugs and offensive weapons from our communities.

“I would like to thank the public for their continued efforts

in reporting suspicious and criminal activity in their area. We, as the Police rely on your support, information and trust. This enables us to be reliably informed and focus our efforts where the demand is consequently making Salisbury a safer place to live.”

Report crime by calling 101, or 999 in an emergency.

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.

Suspected drugs seized by police during the raids in Salisbury Picture: Wiltshire Police

Dr Martin is appointed new chief at ambulance service trust in Wiltshire and beyond

THE ambulance service in Wiltshire has a new chief executive.

Dr John Martin has been appointed chief executive of the South Western Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust.

Dr Martin joined the Trust at the end of December last year as interim chief executive on secondment from the London Ambulance Service, where he held the positions of chief paramedic officer and deputy chief executive.

His career with the NHS began at the age of 18, where his first job was testing infectious diseases in a microbiology lab.

He has since been a

consultant paramedic and continues to practice clinically as well as teach as a visiting Professor of Paramedic Science at the University of Hertfordshire.

An experienced executive board member with a wealth of clinical and operational experience across ambulance, acute, community and mental health NHS services, Dr Martin was awarded the King’s Ambulance Service Medal in 2023.

He said: “I am delighted to be appointed as the chief executive for the Trust and I have enjoyed my first few months as interim chief executive.

“It feels like a lot has happened in that time, and I have particularly enjoyed visiting stations and, on occasion, having the opportunity to see patients on clinical shifts.

“Everyone has made me feel hugely welcome and I have seen the professionalism and compassion this organisation brings in a highly challenging environment.

“I feel very privileged to have the opportunity to continue my journey with SWASFT, and I very much look forward to working with colleagues, volunteers and our partner organisations to ensure we deliver the best possible care for

our patients when they need us most.”

Stephen Otter, chair at the South Western Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust, welcomed Dr Martin to the team.

“On behalf of the Board, I would like to congratulate John on his appointment and look forward to continuing our work together,” he said. “John’s appointment follows a robust recruitment and interview process including a challenging and inclusive assessment where candidates met with a number of panels involving our people, colleague networks, the Board and key NHS partners in the South West.”

Shopkeeper to retire

FOUR glorious decades in Salisbury High Street will come to an end this summer for one landmark shop owner.

Susi Mason, who runs Casa Fina gift, homewares and lighting shop, is set to retire in the summer, bringing an end to decades of provider for city shoppers.

“After 40 years in Salisbury’s High Street, it’s time to say goodbye to Casa Fina and hello to new adventures,” she said.

“I’m going to miss all our lovely customers but I feel the

need for new challenges and opportunities which I hope will be around the corner.”

She said in the meantime it was “business as usual”, with the shop continuing to sell lines of lighting, home accessories and gifts.

“New deliveries will be arriving soon - we’ll have more Hogben Pottery, gorgeous garden lights and more Salisbury mugs - but inevitably some stock lines may not be replenished when they sell through,” she added.

City Hall lease to go out to market

CITY Hall in Salisbury is not being sold off as a firm is sought to run it as an entertainment venue.

Wiltshire Council has clarified the situation as it says it is “at an advanced stage” in hiring a specialist company to market the venue to prospective organisations on a long lease.

The market provider will support in identifying suitable organisations who are best placed to enter a lease in excess of 25 years in length and subsequently enable the future success of the venue, with a stipulation the venue remains as an entertainment venue.

Once an appropriate operator is appointed, Wiltshire Council would retain the overall ownership of the venue.

Wiltshire Council leader, Cllr Richard Clewer (Con, Downton & Ebble Valley), said: “We see the City Hall as an integral part of Salisbury’s future, and our sole focus is to secure an appropriate external operator who will reopen and manage it on our behalf as a thriving entertainment venue which complements our long-term vision for the city.

“We are aware that there has been a little confusion created due to the legal process that we must go through in order to grant a long lease. We did clarify this at the time in January, but the formal wording of this process, the ‘intention to enter into a relevant disposal’ of the site, is just part of the statutory procedure of us informing the Local Planning Authority of our intentions.

“I reiterate that we are not looking to sell the venue or change the site for another

Cllr Richard Clewer, inset, has given an update on Salisbury City Hall

purpose, we remain committed to reopening it as an entertainment venue.

“I will be meeting with the Friends of the City Hall group to speak to them about the process we’re following to reopen and take any questions they may have. We are entering into the advanced stages of a detailed procurement process and finalising the appointment of a market provider to help us engage with potential operators very soon.”

Tales of rowing heroics and mental health support at Trust inset day

THE work of an academic trust which oversees schools in Ludgershall and Tidworth was celebrated during a special event.

The Ascend Learning Trust hosted an inset day to bring staff members together in one venue, with visitors Gemma Powell, an assistant headteacher, and rowing star, Lee Spencer.

Trust CEO Jane Coley, who joined in September 2023, opened the day reflecting on the work that has been underway on reshaping the visions and values of the Trust and its schools.

She said initial thinking

focused around the new draft motto of ‘Together we Belong, Believe, Become’.

Gemma, a trained therapist and director of BRIYM –Building Resilience in Young Minds, spoke to staff members about mental health resilience, about how to prioritise good mental health, understand stress and ‘overwhelm’, along with gaining agency.

Lee also shared his story, including taking part in races across the Atlantic Ocean and into the Guinness World Records after breaking the able-body record by 36 days

and the longest solo and unsupported row by a physically disabled person.

Furthermore, he was the first physically disabled person to row from mainland Europe to mainland South America solo and unsupported.

Lee joined the Royal Marine Commandos in 1992, going on to serve as a troop sergeant before qualifying for special duties, working in an undercover and covert role within the Human Intelligence Sphere.

CEO Jane said: “I am absolutely privileged to be in

the position to be able to lead Ascend Learning Trust into its next exciting development stages.

“Our whole Trust inset day is a wonderful opportunity for us all to come together and to begin to try and understand the idea of belonging, across a Trust.

“It is also a chance for us to reflect together on our collective vision and values for the communities we serve. The sessions left staff feeling upbeat, positive, and excited for our future at Ascend Learning Trust.”

Families finding out about school places for coming year

A TOTAL of 99% of Wiltshire families have been offered one of their three secondary school preferences for this September.

Youngsters progressing to ‘big school’ have been receiving news of their allocation, with 95% offered their first preference, Wiltshire Council said.

The total number of applications received decreased slightly, due to the number of children transferring to secondary school in September 2024 being lower than in 2023. Just over 5,000 (5,036) applications were received, 51 less than in 2023.

The majority of parents applied online,

with 99% or 4,987 submitted digitally, while just 49 submitted paper applications.

Parents and carers who have applied online will be sent an email confirming the school place offer for their child today, if they have selected to receive their decision via email.

If they have selected to receive their decision via the Parent Portal, then parents will need to log back into the Parent Portal to view the outcome.

All parents and carers have until March 15 to confirm if they wish to accept or decline the place they have been offered.

Parents will need to have their user ID and password to confirm if they wish to

accept or decline the place.

For help on how to access the Parent Portal, see www.wiltshire.gov.uk/schoolslearning-admissions-online.

Meanwhile, parents who have submitted a paper application will receive a letter confirming the outcome of their application, which will be posted out today.

Cllr Laura Mayes, cabinet member for children’s services, said: “This is such an important time for all our young people, and I’m really pleased the number of those being offered their school preferences has risen again. I wish all our pupils and their families the best as they start the next step in their school journey.”

Speakers Gemma Powell and right, Lee Spencer

Pupils vote with their feet during council visit for politics lessons

A SCHOOL parliament voted with its feet to visit a political hub.

Young members of Hillside First School’s student leaders’ group met the Mayor of Verwood to learn how local government works.

Clad in her official regalia, Cllr Toni Coombs welcomed the children elected onto the school’s parliament, which meets fortnightly.

The youngsters – from Reception to Year 4 – fired questions at the mayor, who confessed her favourite fish was a ‘clown fish’.

She also offered the school £250 from her fund to buy litter pickers, sports equipment or books. The children voted for books.

Headteacher, Dave Graves, said: “Our parliament has a Prime Minister, Deputy Prime Minister and chair and they learned a great deal by visiting the mayor.

“She explained how things work on a town council and took their questions in

good spirit.

“The mayor also spoke about what she and the council had done for the town,

including raising money for the skate facilities at Potterne Park.

“It was incredibly generous of her to donate some money to the school and we will be buying books for the library.

“She also allowed Tommy Lawes from Reception to try on her robes.”

The mayor said: “It was great to have the school’s parliament visit us and I think it’s important for children to learn how local democracy works.

“They asked some very good questions and were really interested in how the council operates and what we do.

“Maybe one day some of the children will be elected themselves to the council.”

Hillside First School is part of Initio Learning Trust.

Chief executive officer, Liz West, said: “What a wonderful way to learn.

“At our schools we encourage as much real-life learning outside the classroom as we can, and this helps prepare children far better for their lives.”

Mayor Toni Coombs with pupils from Hillside First School and below, trying on the robes for size

Arts & Entertainment

Famous face to give talk on famous name from British cultural history

WILLIAM Morris and the Arts & Crafts movement will be the subject of a talk in Salisbury on March 12 - given by a renowned expert and wellknown TV face.

The Arts Society Salisbury will welcome Paul Atterbury for the lecture.

While universally familiar as a designer, artist, poet and pioneer social reformer, Morris has a greater claim to enduring fame as the father of the Arts & Crafts Movement.

Paul, meanwhile, was born in London in April 1945 and his mother, Audrey, Atterbury was a puppeteer with the BBC, famed for her work on shows such as Andy Pandy, Bill & Ben the Flowerpot Men, the Wooden Tops and others.

His father, Rowley Atterbury, was a typographer and printer who set up the innovative Westerham Press.

Paul was educated at Westminster School in London, the London School of Printing and the University of East Anglia, where he graduated with a BA degree in Art History.

In 2009, he was awarded an honorary doctorate by the University of Keele.

His television career started in the early 1980s with regular appearances on Thames Television’s Afternoon Plus and with TV-AM.

In 1990, he was invited to join the BBC’s Antiques Roadshow team of experts and has been a familiar face on the programme ever since.

He has also appeared on The Great Antiques Hunt, The Antiques Detectives and The Antiques Show, and also presented an episode of Timeshift about great ocean liners.

Paul has written or edited more than 50 books on art, antiques, ceramics, silver, sculpture, canals, railways, travel and the First World War and at one point was Britain’s best-selling railway writer.

Over the last 40 years, he has given well over 2,000 lectures to societies, groups, universities, museums, galleries and other institutions all over Britain, and in the Netherlands, Belgium, the United States, Canada, New Zealand and Australia, where he has completed six lecture tours.

He has also lectured extensively on cruise ships

operated by P&O, Cunard, Regent, Fred Olsen, Saga and Noble Caledonia and has worked for 10 years as a lecturer and tour leader for Martin Randall Travel.

The talk in Salisbury considers Morris’s role as the primary inspiration for the creative and philosophical movement that impacted upon architecture, design and the decorative arts in late 19th century Britain.

Thanks to Morris and his followers, the style and look of

Britain’s domestic architecture and interior design was radically changed by a movement that also influenced garden design and attitudes towards the countryside, and established a way of living that continues to affect Britain.

The lecture will get underway at 1.50pm at St Francis Church, in Beatrice Road, and for non members there will be an entry fee of £7. For more details, on the talk and the group, log on to www. theartsocietysalisbury.org.uk.

Paul Atterbury, known for his role on Antiques Roadshow, will talk about William Morris, right

A wallpaper design by William Morris produced in 1862

Arts & Entertainment

Explore how the military infilitrated everyday life at new exhibition...

FROM film to fashion, language to luxury, the military has had an enormous impact on culture in the UK.

And the relationship is explored in detail through an exhibiion at The Rifles Berkshire & Wiltshire Museum.

Hidden’: The Military’s Influence on Popular Culture looks at the many ways in which the military has infiltrated everyday life - including everything from film and fashion to language and the environment.

“Kicking off in the February half term, we have loads of activities for the family to do,” a spokesperson said.

Politics

“The exhibition features military uniforms from through the ages for kids (and big kids) to try on, and families can follow our brand new trails around the museum.”

Visitors also have the chance to put their pop culture knowledge to the test with a ‘Military Mastermind’ interactive quiz.

Access to the exhibition comes as part of a standard admission ticket.

The museum is open from 10am to 5pm, last entry 4.15pm, each day.

For more information, visit www. thewardrobe.org.uk.

Why river pollution claims are in doubt

THERE is no doubt our rivers are becoming increasingly polluted, despite claims by the Environment Agency (EA) to the contrary.

The reason for this discrepancy is extremely simple; the EA testing process is woefully inadequate in tracking the long-term deterioration in our rivers and streams.

Rivers, as we know, support an incredibly diverse range of wildlife, birds and fish being the most obvious. But their existence in turn is dependent on freshwater invertebrates which thrive in our streamsprovided they are ‘healthy’.

For many years, River Invertebrate Monitoring (RIM) has been a standard method of measuring water quality. ‘RIM’ testing, using just eight common pollution sensitive species, can quickly detect a serious pollution incident but also provide an accurate measure of the long term ‘health’ of a river. The EA does not use this more rigorous testing of water quality.

This week, United Utilities said “…the plants operated in line with environmental permits…”, underlining the problem. EA testing simply does not pick up the conditions and incidents which lead to a continuation of the long-term decline in our rivers.

A local example in 2022 illustrates this issue perfectly, when a volunteer survey showed healthy populations of Mayflies, Stoneflies and Caddisflies in the River Till (near Shrewton) upstream of the Sewage

Treatment Works (STW).

Downstream of the STW, this dropped dramatically. An EA survey confirmed this was due to untreated sewage. The issue on the Avon in Salisbury ‘re-surfaced’ in the national press again this week. The Observer headline (February 25) stated ‘Citizen science teams expose river poisoning that watchdog denied’.

Last week (February 24) The SmartRivers programme, run by the charity WildFish, which surveys freshwater invertebrates, reported “…strong declines in relation to chemical pressure…” on the Avon in Wiltshire.

It said its data indicated a decline in the condition of the river over the last five years. The charity compiled a report on its findings after the conservation groups were told at a meeting by the EA in August that “…the Avon has not deteriorated in water quality in the last five years…”.

David Holroyd, head of water quality for Wiltshire Fishery Association, said the

numbers of invertebrates collected in spring and autumn samples from 2019 and 2023 at 11 sites on the upper Avon had shown a decline.

He said the data suggested they were being “…poisoned by chemicals in the river….”.

Janina Gray, head of science and environmental policy at Wildfish, said the current assessments “...did not set the bar high enough”. According to the GOV.Uk website (March 2023) “…Operator SelfMonitoring was introduced in 2009 alongside guidance on Environment Agency inspections”. The use of operator selfmonitoring brings water and sewerage companies in line with other industries which have been monitored in this way for many years e.g. waste and chemical sectors. The current unprecedented levels of pollution in our rivers clearly reveal this decision was an environmental disaster.

More recent attempts to reverse this trend through the Environment Bill in October 2021, which sought to place a legal duty on water companies to “take all reasonable steps” not to pump untreated sewage into rivers, were not approved by the government.

Contrary to his disappointing decision not to support the Bill, our local MP, John Glen (Con, Salisbury), last year expressed his “disgust” at “… the volume of sewage discharged into our local rivers”!

Actions speak louder than words.

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

Events

Masters of the mic and stars of the saddle set for Chalke History Fest

PERFORMANCES of podcasts and equine excellence will be on offer at the 2024 Chalke History Festival, it has been revealed.

The event, held at Church Bottom, Broad Chalke, from June 24 to 30, will welcome masters of the microphone and stars of the saddle.

Podcast royalty Tom Holland and Dominic Sandbrook will be bringing The Rest is History – the most downloaded history podcast in the world – to the site, where they will be sharing their historical knowledge with their usual wit and camaraderie.

Furthermore, World War Two aficionados James Holland and Al Murray will be hosting an episode of their popular We Have Ways of Making You Talk podcast with their usual humour, expert knowledge of the subject and ability to disappear down an historical rabbit hole or two along the way.

Meanwhile, in the arena, Historic Equitation – a team of historical interpreters and equestrians led by renowned horseman, Dominic Sewell – will be demonstrating the social, economic and military importance of horses throughout history, from the rise of the mounted knight to the spectacular horsemanship of the 17th century.

They will be at the festival all week and delivering displays in the arena on the Saturday and Sunday.

Throughout the week, the event will feature talks, performances, living history and more, in eye-catching tents, with food and drink and camping under the stars all on offer.

“In a year that marks the 80th anniversary since D-Day, the team behind the festival has shifted the dial to make it an even more dynamic hub for the best, most inspiring, thought-provoking and intellectually challenging thinking about the past,” a spokesperson said.

They added: “Journalist and co-presenter of TV series The Grand Tour James May will be making his debut at the festival and will be speaking about his favourite subject,

cars.

“Award-winning historian and broadcaster Bettany Hughes will be returning to talk about the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World and, also appearing for the first time, will be the legendary writer, actor, comedian and TV presenter Michael Palin, who will be discussing his biography of his great-uncle Harry whose life was tragically taken in the First World War.

“Plus, acclaimed journalist, broadcaster and president of the School of Oriental and African Studies, Zeinab Badawi, will be talking about her new book on the history of Africa.”

Rattlebox Theatre will also be on hand, enchanting audiences with their puppetry and storytelling every day from Tuesday to Sunday.

And actor and raconteur Adam Schuch-des Forges, pictured below left,

SIXPENNY HANDLEY COMMUNITY CINEMA

The Miracle Club

Village Hall, Common Road SP5 5NJ

Friday 15 March | 6.30 for 7.00 pm

£6 | Bar & snacks | Information: 6dhandleyhall@gmail.com

will also be introducing visitors to the most remarkable officer they’ve never heard of – Major BANGER King – and sharing incredible tales of the 2nd Battalion of the East Yorkshire Regiment as they train for D-Day, fight their way into the Norman Countryside, and face countless insurmountable odds.

Early bird weekly tickets are on sale now, as well as tickets for camping (for those who wish to bring their own tent or motorhome) and glamping, via www. chalkefestival.com.

‘What’s the problem with a tunnel?’

I FAIL to see what the problem is with the proposed tunnel at Stonehenge as detailed in your last edition (‘Judge rejects Stonehenge tunnel challenge over ‘inarguable’ claims’, February 26).

It seems to make sense that it would make the landscape better, not worse.

There is already a horrendous road there, so nothing lost, full of cars stopping to have a look at the stones, clogging up the road and causing a whole heap of pollution, so why not have them go underground, making it nicer for the people actually there?

It’s not ideal having cars anywhere near them, of course, but we live in a world where that ship has sailed, I think, so we have to make the best of it, and putting the cars underground, out of sight, is doing just that in my opinion.

A POTTER

Salisbury

STONEHENGE is loved around the world for its mystery, majesty and history.

I can’t be the only one who feels digging up tonnes and tonnes of earth for a massive tunnel nearby won’t be any good for what must be a rich source of archaeology?

I can only hope the powers that be have considered this, but to be honest, I don’t have much hope.

There could be so much still left uncovered in the area that could reveal something about our beloved stones - and life in centuries gone by.

It seems pure folly that we are choosing to dig all that up and put it at risk simply to help people get around a bit faster.

Some things are more important than driving, and Stonehenge, in my view, is certainly one of them.

Stop the tunnel.

NAME & ADDRESS

SUPPLIED

Amesbury

Can you help support suicide prevention?

OUR local organisations in Salisbury that run initiatives to reduce lives lost to suicide in our community already survive with very little investment behind them.

With the local suicide prevention funding they’ve relied on having come to an end, they may be forced to significantly scale back or completely stop these lifesaving services.

Samaritans has estimated that renewing this funding would only cost £1.40 per person – as little as the price of a loaf of bread.

Surely that’s something the Government can commit to, if it can help save lives?

I urge readers to take any action they can to save this local funding, so that we’re doing all we can to prevent suicide in the local area.

SUZANNE TERRY

Salisbury

Great to see young people in public speaking comp

HAVING coordinated Bishop Wordsworth’s School’s participation for the first time in the Intermediate level of Rotary public speaking more than a decade ago, I was intensely pleased to see both their intermediate and senior teams progressing to the next round of this valuable competition (‘Bishop Wordsworth hosts Rotary ‘youth speaks’ event’, February 12).

They are wished every success as they go forward, following in the footsteps of the

Fact of the Fortnight

FEBRUARY was the month of love, so we had a look at one of the world’s most romantic spots - the Eiffel Tower in Paris, the city of love.

The tower has seen countless romantic moments over the years and is one of the world’s most recognisable landmarks.

However, it was never actually meant to be built in Paris.

Originally, Gustave Eiffel designed the tower for Barcelona, in Spain.

But city chiefs rejected it, fearing it could turn out to be an eyesore.

Luckily for Gustav, the French capital was looking for an archway ahead of the 1889 International Exposition and snapped up his design.

That said, it wasn’t all plain sailing from there, as the design was roundly slammed by the French media at the time, being dubbed a “metal asparagus” by one reviewer.

Still, at least it wouldn’t be there long, they mused, as it was only supposed to stay for a while before being sold as scrap metal.

The French Army saved it, as the 984-foot structure proved to be a very useful communications tower, and it has stayed there ever since, welcoming more than 200 million visitors.

team of which I was part, which reached the National Final of the senior level.

Bishop’s boasts far too readily of producing rugby players, one of which at least consequently suffered a horrific spinal injury in recent years.

I am delighted to see a tradition of excellence continuing at the school, in this vastly more constructive pastime.

THOMAS CURR

Salisbury

Where have all the street cleaners gone in Salisbury?

OUR council tax is going up (again) and it seems there is still no money for anything.

Walking around Salisbury recently, I noticed litter, everywhere.

Have we lost all of our hardworking street cleaners?

I can remember when looking at our city streets brought pride in the history and the beauty, but the other day I left for home thoroughly downhearted about the state of things.

I can only hope the extar money I will be paying in Council tax this coming year can help address the situation.

NAME

Park and ride numbers surged over Christmas after council campaign and roadworks, new figures reveal

USE of park and ride services in Salisbury increased by almost 50% over Christmas, new figures show.

And Wiltshire Council says the trend has continued into 2024.

In the run-up to Christmas, a joint awareness campaign was run by Wiltshire Council and Salisbury Reds, who operate the buses, to encourage shoppers and visitors to make use of the park and ride as an alternative to city-centre car parks.

Extra buses and double-decker buses were also in operation on Saturdays to meet increased demand.

Now, figures show leading up to the Christmas and New Year period, uptake on the service increased by 41% when compared to the same period in 2022.

And people have continued to travel by park and ride into 2024, with January to February usage up by 20% on 2023.

Wiltshire Council cabinet member for transport, Cllr Caroline Thomas, said: “Part of our Business Plan commitment is to build an efficient and effective transport network, whilst supporting local businesses and creating vibrant, well-connected communities.

“Salisbury is a modern medieval city which featured a busy festive period of events and activities.

“Combined with the opening of popular stores such as Bradbeers and Primark, and the independent stores on Fisherton Street, we knew that there was likely to be an increased number of visitors and residents

looking to come into the city centre.

“We were also aware with the scale of the improvement works being undertaken in the city centre, that it had the potential to cause some disruption for people looking to come into Salisbury.

“With that in mind, we opted to promote the Park and Ride services, as well as Culver Street car park, to try and reduce inconvenience whilst still encouraging people to come and enjoy their visit.

“We are delighted that a large number of visitors and residents decided to make use of the park and ride service over Christmas, and also that a number of people are still choosing that as an alternative to driving into the city centre.

“It was great to carry out the joint

campaign with Salisbury Reds and to see a successful Christmas and New Year period in Salisbury.”

Nikki Honer, Salisbury Reds general manager, added: “It’s no secret that Salisbury is extremely congested across the city centre during busy times - especially at Christmas - and parking can be difficult to come by. A fully loaded bus has the potential to remove many cars from our roads - so we’re delighted that our park and ride services were put to such good use over the festive period.”

There are five park and ride sites on the main routes into the city, open Monday to Saturday. Parking is available for free with a small charge to travel on the bus service to and from the city.

Design guide launched for planning apps

A DESIGN guide aimed at making planning applications more high-quality in Wiltshire, has been approved.

Wiltshire Council says the guide will help ensure future developments in the county are “consistently of a high-quality design”.

It was approved for adoption at a council meeting on February 20 and is now a supplementary planning document.

The guide has been structured around the ‘10 characteristics of good design’, as described in the National Design Guide.

The characteristics help to ensure that all

aspects of good design are considered appropriately in the design stages of new developments and not just focused on the appearance of new buildings.

As a Supplementary Planning Document, the Wiltshire Design Guide is afforded weight in the determination of planning applications.

It provides new, locally-authored design guidance that would apply across Wiltshire at a level of detail that does not exist in the national equivalent. The guide sets expectations for new developments giving clarity to developers on what is needed.

The draft guide went out to public consultation for six weeks between July and August last year, with 157 responses received, raising more than 1,200 points for the council to consider.

Cllr Nick Botterill, cabinet member for strategic planning, said: “After a lot of hard work and a really useful consultation exercise, I’m pleased we have been able to finalise this important document.

“The Wiltshire Design Guide represents a step change in our approach and will help ensure that future local developments of whatever sort are consistently high quality.”

Stained glass window removed from cathedral - after 150 years!

A STAINED glass window at Salisbury Cathedral has been removed for repairs – around 150 years after it was installed.

The 19th century window is being replaced by a team led by head glazier and conservator, Sam Kelly.

Designed by Pre-Raphaelite artist Sir Edward Coley

Burne-Jones and and craftsman William Morris, it features two huge figurative images called Angels Ministering and Angels Praising.

It was originally commissioned by Barbara Townsend, who lived in Cathedral Close, in memory of her brother who died in 1875 after contracting a terminal illness in India.

It cost £80, equivalent to £15,320 in today’s money.

At first, the glass was not well received by the cathedral’s clergy, who cut short the duo’s design work. They were supposed to produce a series of windows.

Now, to move it, the restoration team carefully chipped away at the cement mortar holding the window in place and untied the copper ties holding it to the internal framework.

Sam Kelly said: “Despite their solid appearance, stained glass sections of this size can be fragile and it is always a relief to get them into the workshop.

“They are also incredibly heavy, around 40 kilograms per section, so moving each section down off the scaffolding is physically difficult.

“Once we get it onto the lightboxes in the workshop, we will be able to see the extent of the deterioration and what

conservation is required.

“Exposure to the elements, especially condensation internally caused by ancient heaters in the cathedral, which have now been replaced, and water ingress have taken their toll.

“Painted details, especially on the faces and robes of the angels have faded over time, due to poor firing of the glass paint at the point of execution and the colours and patterns have been dulled by layers of accumulated dirt.”

In addition to cleaning and repairing the leadwork, Sam’s

team will create painted and fired backing glasses to replace lost detail, allowing the appearance to be reinstated without interfering with the original linework.

The restoration will cost an estimated £120,000, around half of which has been raised by private donations and a contribution by The Dulverton Trust.

To find out more about the project, or to pledge your support, visit salisburycathedral. org.uk/discover/conservationand-restoration/burne-jones.

YOU ARE WARMLY INVITED to our monthly, cathedral-style service of Choral Eucharist on Passion Sunday 17th March at 10.30am in St Peter’s Church, Dorchester. The music includes: Mozart’s ‘Missa brevis in C, K.259’, J.S. Bach’s ‘O große Lieb’ and ‘An Irish Blessing’ by Philip Stopford. All are very welcome to this free service and for refreshments afterwards.

YOU ARE WARMLY INVITED to our monthly, cathedral-style service of Choral Evensong on Saturday 23rd March at 4.30pm in St Peter’s Church, Dorchester. The music includes Lotti’s ‘Crucifixus a8’, Sumsion’s ‘Preces & Responses’, Wood’s ‘Magnificat and Nunc Dimittis in D’ and Bainton’s ‘And I saw a new heaven’. Do join us for this free event and stay for a glass of wine after the service.

Vicky Pearce, left, and Kate Kersey lift a heavy section of Angeli Ministrantes down from the scaffold Pictures: Finnbarr Webster

Members of the glazing team removing the window Picture: Finbarr Webster

Mary Anning - and her dicoverieshonoured in new stamp collection

DORSET’S iconic palaeontologist - Mary Anning - is being honoured in a new collection of stamps.

The Royal Mail has revealed a new collection themed around the Jurassic and Cretaceous periods, featuring designs by Joshua Dunlop and in collaboration with the Natural History Museum.

They include a set of stamps in homage to Mary, who became known around the world in the 19th century for her discoveries of fossils on the Jurassic Coast.

She is featured in the collection alongside dinosaur giants such as the Tyrannosaurus Rex, the Triceratops and the Stegosaurus.

David Gold, director of external affairs and policy at

Royal Mail, said: “It is fitting in the week of International Women’s Day that we pay tribute to Mary Anning with four images of some of the fossils she discovered.”

Stamps commemorating her findings depict a near-complete Dapedium Politum fossil, a complete Ichthyosaurus Communis skeleton fossil, and a near-complete Plesiosaurus Macrocephalus fossil.

Anning found the fossils in the 1830s.

The accuracy of the designs has been assured through the Royal Mail’s work with the Natural History Museum.

For more information on the new dinosaur collection - and to order - log on to https:// shop.royalmail.com/specialstamp-issues/the-age-of-thedinosaurs.

Saturday 23rd March

Darcy’s

Fans of the film, which featured an iconic scene of Mr Darcy emerging, soaked, from a lake, was expected to fetch around £10,000 at an auction in London on Tuesday.

However, it surprised auctioneers, with bidding reaching £25,000 when the hammer came down.

Proceeds from the sale, which featured a range of TV costumes form the archive of costume company Cosprop, are going to charity.

THE shirt worn by Colin Firth as Mr Darcy in an infamous scene from a 1990s adaptation of Pride and Prejudice has been sold at auction.

Mr

wet shirt goes for £25k at costume sale

A Chinese carved white jade snu bottle modelled as an egg plant, 7cm high overall.

£23,000

Witch hazel star of winter seasonhow you can enjoy the best of it

by Sally Gregson

PERHAPS one of the most desirable of winter-flowering shrubs is the witch hazel.

It bears intricately twisted lemon-yellow or soft red-orange flowers that seem to relish the cold and frosty temperatures of true winter.

Hamamelis mollis is a native of the forests of central and eastern China.

It is famed for its strong perfume and clusters of twisted petals along its bare branches.

They are quite sensitive to lower temperatures – they screw up their faces tightly on cold nights, and unfurl when the morning sun warms them, thus protecting the open petals from damaging icy winds.

The broad, hazel-like leaves follow the flowers later in spring and turn a golden yellow in autumn.

The whole shrub can slowly reach 3 metres in height and spreads to about 2m in width after around 10 years.

Over time, witch hazels have been crossed and bred to produce flowers with a hint of red and orange.

The best of them have been selected, named and

commercially propagated.

One of the most interesting is named for Jelena, the late wife of Robert de Belder of Kalmthout Arboretum in Belgium.

It has large, coppery-orange flowers.

The family was famous for raising very many beautiful cultivars and growing them in the Arboretum.

Witch hazels are easy to grow in the right conditions.

They like deep, rich soil that is slightly acid in its pH, although contrary to popular

assumption, a low pH is not essential.

They do seem to tolerate a certain alkalinity, but they would not thrive in shallow soils over chalk.

However, if your garden soil has a high pH, try planting a vigorous variety such as H mollis ‘Pallida’ beneath an oak tree, or near conifers.

Oak and conifer leaves can acidify the soil beneath and create a ‘woodsy’ texture.

And collect plenty of leaves in autumn to condition the soil further.

This makes an excellent mulch that has a fairly neutral pH.

It will improve the structure of the soil, aiding drainage and yet increasing its moistureholding capacity.

A newly planted witch hazel will benefit too from regular drenches of rainwater in a dry summer.

Collect any that falls in a barrel and keep it for watering those special woodlanders, and they will repay you during the winter with clouds of perfumed golden flowers.

Hamamelis mollis is a native of the forests of central and eastern China

Blooming marvellous activities planned for Festival of Blossom

FLOWER power will be on show in Salisbury’s Cathedral Close this month with th start of the Festival of Blossom.

The event, which gets underway on March 22 and runs until June 4, will see visitors able to pick up a blossom map and trail, take part in a free workshop, or add to the community blossom bunting.

“Whether you find nature in art, in exploring, in spending time with loved ones or enjoying tranquillity, there is something for everything,” a spokesperson said.

“Mompesson House will be celebrating blossom and nature with spinning demonstrations using yarn inspired by the garden, botanical drawing workshops, flower crown

making and much more.

“All workshops and activities are free with entry.”

From April 22, you can join a volunteer-led walk around the route of our blossom map and trail. Walks are flexible depending on attendees and will involve plenty of time to stop and rest. Walks will take around half an hour.

Throughout the Festival of Blossom there will be free activities and workshops at Mompesson House (standard entry fees or National Trust membership cards required for entry).

From March 29 to April 9, the dining room will be decorated for spring. Free daffodil posy making will be available with entry on selected days over the Easter weekend.

April 12 to 23 will be Makers’ Week, offering the chance to take inspiration from the garden at Mompesson House and join a free blossomthemed yarn spinning demonstration, create fabric

From April 26 to May 7, Mompesson in Bloom will run. Volunteer and community groups from around Salisbury will be displaying flower arrangements throughout Mompesson House.

Arts Week runs from May 10 to 21, where visitors are encouraged to bring or borrow a sketchbook and take the time to draw, paint or even write a poem in the garden.

And between May 24 and June 4, the Mompesson Blossom Party in the Garden takes place, offering fun in the garden for all ages, including sensory stations, rose petal perfume making, flower crown workshops, seed bomb creation and more.

All workshops and activities are free with entry and for more details about the event, log on to www.nationaltrust.org.uk/ visit/wiltshire/mompessonhouse.

blossom flowers and add them to the community blossom bunting.

Words With Multiple Meanings

5

10 Entirely (7)

11 Prolonged pain (5)

12 Swiss grated potatoes dish (5)

13 Magical potion (6)

15 Additions (6)

17 From the top, in music (2,4)

19 Respectable (6)

20 Unmoving (5)

23 Coffee-shop order, perhaps (5)

24 Mutt (7)

25 Stair (4)

26 Australian currency (7)

Down

2 Loathes (5)

3 With several parties (12)

4 Key gas required for life (6)

6 Imported curios (7)

7 Hamleys products (4)

8 Deprives of food (7)

9 Relating to the movement of ships (12)

16 Sugar syrup (7)

14 Human beings (7)

16 Sugar syrup (7)

18 Back to the original speed, in music (1,5)

21 Computer bug (5)

18 Back to the original speed, in music (1,5)

21 Computer bug (5)

22 Small devils (4)

salisburyandavon.co.uk

37

ISSUE 35

Jumbo sudoku

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

Across

Cryptic crossword

Across

Down

1 Good lecturer given award in round form (5)

1 Good lecturer given award in round form (5)

4 Article by artist and writer in popular language (6)

10 Obtain hint regarding new fit dog running loose (3,4,2)

11 Capture element in tennis? (3)

12 Discuss free entertainment (5)

Killer Sudoku

4 Article by artist and writer in popular language (6)

2 Supple man under bed in Paris (5)

3 By the sound of it, send request for payment to monkey? It’s firmly fixed (5-2)

10 Obtain hint regarding new fit dog running loose (3,4,2)

5 Amuse oneself taking top off weapon (5)

11 Capture element in tennis? (3)

12 Discuss free entertainment (5)

6 Begin roughly penning a line in Asian language (7)

7 Name location for hearing (4)

13 Working journalist with a variable character at some indefinite time (3,3)

13 Working journalist with a variable character at some indefinite time (3,3)

8 Semiprecious stone in a narrow opening

14 A group supported by second joint to leave vessel (7,4)

14 A group supported by second joint to leave vessel (7,4)

18 Sport restricted on island requires skimpy garment (6)

18 Sport restricted on island requires skimpy garment (6)

20 In part, bestow elegant requirement in bathroom? (5)

23 Eggs round Virginia (3)

9 Old reasoning contained in dream concerning set of beliefs? (11)

15 Equipment kept among poor English group soldiers (7)

20 In part, bestow elegant requirement in bathroom? (5)

16 Supply fully if stay’s gone wrong (7)

23 Eggs round Virginia (3)

24 Young female in charge in California of fine pedigree (9)

17 Heads off some louche youths loosely wanting substance in a cunning fashion

19 Husband in wild city affected with desire?

25 Pair of extras given farewell (3-3)

24 Young female in charge in California of fine pedigree (9)

25 Pair of extras given farewell (3-3)

Across

1 Good lecturer given award in round form (5)

26 Accept, we’re told, service getting held back to a very great degree (2,3)

21 West Indies cricket club taken with a form witchcraft (5)

Down

26 Accept, we’re told, service getting held back to a very great degree (2,3)

Place numbers 1 to 9 once each into every row, column and bold-lined 3x3 box. No didgit may be repeated in any dash-lined cage, and all the digits in any cage must add up to the value shown in that cage.

4 Article by artist and writer in popular language (6)

10 Obtain hint regarding new fit dog running loose (3,4,2)

11 Capture element in tennis? (3)

12 Discuss free entertainment (5)

13 Working journalist with a variable character at some indefinite time (3,3)

14

18 Sport restricted on island requires skimpy garment (6)

20 In part, bestow elegant requirement in bathroom? (5)

23 Eggs round Virginia (3)

24 Young female in charge in California of fine pedigree (9)

25 Pair of extras given farewell (3-3)

26 Accept, we’re told, service getting held back to a very great degree (2,3)

22 Search thoroughly company initially marketing book (4)

2 Supple man under bed in Paris (5)

3 By the sound of it, send request for payment to monkey? It’s firmly fixed (5-2)

5 Amuse oneself taking top off weapon (5)

6 Begin roughly penning a line in Asian language (7)

7 Name location for hearing (4)

8 Semiprecious stone in a narrow opening (5)

9 Old reasoning contained in dream concerning set of beliefs? (11)

15 Equipment kept among poor English group of soldiers (7)

16 Supply fully if stay’s gone wrong (7)

17 Heads off some louche youths loosely wanting substance in a cunning fashion (5)

19 Husband in wild city affected with desire? (5)

21 West Indies cricket club taken with a form of witchcraft (5)

22 Search thoroughly company initially marketing book (4)

Section of A360 to close for three months as Stonehenge work begins

A SECTION of the A360 is to be closed for three months – for work to begin ahead of the new tunnel near Stonehenge.

National Highways has revealed the stretch, between the junction of The Avenue and Longbarrow on the A303, will be shut from early April, just after the Easter Bank Holiday weekend.

Following the recent High Court ruling in favour of the contrvoersial tunnel scheme at Stonehenge, National Highways is firming up plans for the essential utilities work, which will start in parallel with the conclusion of the legal process.

Now, SSEN (Scottish and Southern Electricity Networks) is set to install high voltage and fibre optic cabling along the route, south of the A303, requiring the A360 to close.

It is hoped the closure will help see the work completed before the school summer holidays and ahead of increased traffic volumes, with work set to be carried out seven days a week, with some overnight working.

During the closure, traffic will be diverted via the A345 and sections of the A303 and A36, and a comprehensive signage system is being developed to inform road users around Salisbury and as far away as Devizes and Shaftesbury to point traffic to alternate routes.

Provision will be made for emergency

services access and access for local landowners, residents and businesses affected by the closures, with arrangements set to be discussed shortly with residents alongside and close to the A360.

David Bullock, National Highways’ project director for the A303 Stonehenge scheme, said: “The road scheme will ultimately tackle the longstanding issue of rat running and provide a real benefit to local communities, and for this essential preliminary work, we’ll be doing all we can to put in measures to lessen the impact of this work.

“We need to carry out the work now to ensure our programme timescales and we want to give local communities as much notice as possible.

“We appreciate that roadworks and road closures can be frustrating and we’d like to thank motorists, local residents and businesses in advance for their patience.

Stormy Stan turns out at Salisbury FC

STORMY Stan was on hand to help the RNLI score a big fundraising win at a recent Salisbury FC match.

The charity mascot helped members of the Mudeford lifeboat crew and the collection crew from the Salisbury, Wilton and District Fundraising Branch of the RNLI take collections from fans during for the branch’s first collection event of 2024, the 200th anniversary of the founding of RNLI.

More than £400 was raised for the RNLI at Salisbury’s recent home game against Poole Town.

The proceeds will be used to

support the activities of the Mudeford lifeboat station.

Chair of the branch, Ray Stedman, said “We are very grateful for the contributions from the home and away supporters and express our gratitude to the directors and staff of the football club for allowing us to hold the collection.

“The large attendance at the match meant that we raised considerably more than last season.”

This collection was the first of a busy schedule of fundraising events by the branch in the RNLI’s bi-centenary year.

“We have deliberately avoided the summer holiday season, but we appreciate the work will impact the Whitsun Week traffic and the Summer Solstice, and we’ll be working hard to minimise disruption during those times and where we can.

“Without the full closure, the work would take a lot longer to complete, and we’re making every effort to ensure that the impact on drivers and local communities is kept to an absolute minimum.”

Businesses and organisations affected by the diversion are being notified, and will be kept up to date by SSEN throughout the work.

Cllr Caroline Thomas, Wiltshire Council’s cabinet member for transport, said: “Although the A360 is part of our highways network, this work is being carried out by National Highways and SSEN in preparation for the A303 improvement project.

“We know that this closure will affect many Wiltshire residents and visitors, and so our officers have been working closely with partner agencies to ensure any disruption is kept to a minimum.

“National Highways will be installing diversion and warning signage in a wide area, from north Dorset to west and south Wiltshire, to ensure as many motorists as possible have an early warning to avoid the closure once the work starts.”

Stormy Stan at the Salisbury v Poole Town game

STAYCATION

Embracing Nature: The Bellorama Story

Experience premium bell tent rentals in the South West with Bellorama.

Proudly collaborating with local suppliers, farmers and landowners to promote agri-tourism.

The initial site was set up in a leafy corner of Milton Farm, prioritisng the peace and privacy of both landowner and guest by not overcrowding the space, hosting small groups of up to 10 guests at a time. The site features two tents and a Shepherd’s Hut, built by local farmer James Hyde, emphasising craftsmanship and responsible tourism. Olivia and her partner, Willy, prioritize environmental harmony, using eco- friendly amenities and repurposed materials where realistically possible. Once the site was built and launched online, it quickly found favour with the public, with families coming to stay from cities all across the UK after lockdown, to enjoy time together surrounded by woodlands and wildlife. Despite challenges, including ecological concerns and some local resistance, Bellorama persevered through a 30-month planning journey.

Olivia and Willy now run the Hideaway alongside the bell tent hire business, employing teams to help them during the summer months which continues to plug the accommodation gap for summer events in South West Wiltshire and beyond.

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01722555172/328131

refectory@salcath.co.uk

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TheRefectory provides thiswithhotandcoldfood, soups,seasonaldishes, saladsandartisan sandwiches.Availabletoo arelunchboxesfor youngsters.Orjustenjoy tea,coffeeandascone, orsimplyaglassofwine.

Seasonalopeningofthe BellTowerTeaRooms gives dinersexcellentviewsof themajesticcathedraland grounds,providingdrinks, cakes,snacksplus wonderfullocally producedicecream.

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Our work reflects a love of the outdoors and we want to attract customers who wish to experience rural wildlife around the clock, taking pride in providing the perfect platform for our guests to unwind and relax in nature. The comfort and safety of our customers is at the core of what we do.

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INTERVALDRINKSFORANYCATHEDRALCONCERTCANBEPRE-ORDEREDATTHEREFECTORYONTHEDAY.

Take a tour of the Downton Distillery, on the Domaine Hugo Vineyard overlooking the Wiltshire Downs and Avon Valley. Tours last 1.5 hours or 4 hours and the distillery is located at Botley Farm, Wick Lane, Downton SP5 3NW. Visit www.downtondistillery.com Our Vision Our vision is to be a leader in sustainable business. Since our beginning in 2019, Downton Distillery has benchmarked ethical and sustainable pioneers within our industry, setting a target of where we believe the distillery should be. e commitments we have made to our community and our customers have shaped the way we do business. Discover the hi stor y of Downton Distillery, the heritage of the surrounding area, award-winning premium spirits ...and try some too! Come and taste how we’re doing! Salisbury & Avon, March 11, 2024 34

Olivia Bolesworth’s journey with Bellorama, a Wiltshire-based bell tent hire company, began as a fusion of her hospitality background and passion for the outdoors. Through a successful Crowdfunding campaign during lockdown, she kickstarted the venture, collaborating with local farmers to promote agri-tourism.

Rooms. Nestled in the heart of the historic city, our meticulously crafted rooms offer an immersive experience like no other. From unraveling a covert murder to solving futuristic puzzles, each escape room transports you to a world of intrigue and adventure. Step into our captivating environments with friends, family, or colleagues and put your wits to the test. Whether you’re a seasoned puzzle enthusiast or new to the escape room phenomenon, our challenges are catered to all skill levels and interests - this includes kids of all ages too!

FUNDRAISE

SATURDAY 27TH APRIL

Hold onto your glow sticks…Salisbury Hospice Charity’s

Midnight Walk is back, and it’s going NEON!

Prepare to light up the town with NEON at this year’s Midnight Walk! It’s time to showcase your dance skills, hop, skip and groove through the streets of our vibrant city, all dressed up in neon socks, funky glasses, and head boppers!

This walk is a total blast and open to all above 12 years, including your furry friends! Join us on Saturday 27th April, for an interactive walk around the streets of Salisbury.

receive a living medal in the form of ‘Forget Me Not’ seeds, a gentle reminder of those we miss dearly.

Join us in supporting Salisbury Hospice by registering today and inviting your friends, family, and colleagues to do the same. Even your pets can take part in making a difference! Don’t miss out! Register Today -www.salisburyhospicecharity. org.uk/event/midnight-walk/

The walk starts and ends at the Five Rivers Leisure Centre, offering a choice of 6 or 10-mile walks, where every step makes a difference.

So put on your brightest and most vibrant neon gear, and let’s have a blast at the dusk party warm-up disco and take a walk under the stars to commemorate loved ones lost in this fun and incredibly moving sponsored walk that supports Salisbury Hospice.

The special memories board will also return this year, offering you the opportunity to dedicate a star to someone you love, creating an everlasting memory. In addition, you will

Kindly sponsored by Webbed Feet

Spencer Mulholland Photography

Spencer Mulholland Photography

Spencer Mulholland Photography

salisburyandavon.co.uk/jobs

FAMILY HISTORY RESEARCHER SEEKS CLIENTS.

Tel Henry on 07444 923475

HOUSEKEEPER/COOK required for a family near Tisbury, Wiltshire. This will be a full time live in or out position. The successful applicant will be required to work with other household staff. Key competencies: organisation, team work, honesty, proactiveness, energy, perceptiveness, flexibility, communication, reliability, sense of humour & must be happy around dogs. Full clean driving licence essential. Applicants should send their CV and covering letter to Mrs Vicky Macaskie vm@fonthill.co.uk.

HOSTED

DORSET & WILTSHIRE

JOBS GROUP

For jobseekers and employers

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MERE SURGERY

We are looking to recruit enthusias�c and mo�vated individuals to join our exis�ng teams at Mere Surgery. Candidates must be flexible to work a combina�on of shi�s including 0830-1700 or 1830 and to work addi�onal hours to cover absences. Ideally, candidates will have previous general prac�ce experience although training will be provided.

Successful candidates will have strong interpersonal, customer care and organisa�onal skills.

DISPENSER

16 hours per week – over 3 days

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To apply please send a CV and covering le�er to: Michele Mason, Prac�ce Manager, Mere Surgery, Dark Lane, Mere, Wiltshire, BA12 6DT or alterna�vely email: michelemason@nhs.net

Telephone: 01747 860001

Applica�ons to be received by: 29th March 2024

Suzanne moves to Salisbury to boost support for Armed Forces personnel

LEGAL firm Parker Bullen’s head of family law, Suzanne Foster, has relocated from the company’s office in Andover to Salisbury.

Suzanne’s move to the city office is a strategic decision to enhance the firm’s presence and offer her wealth of experience to a broader clientele, the company said.

Suzanne, pictured right, said: “Following the recent recruitment of Belinda Hunter, an experienced family lawyer who will be based in our Andover office, as well as Becky Hughes’ qualification into the team at the end of last year, this seemed like the perfect opportunity for my relocation to our Salisbury office to work alongside Tricia Gower, an already established force in the Family Law market in Salisbury.

“The legal landscape around divorce changed significantly with the introduction of the ‘no-fault divorce’ in 2022 and with it has come a new approach for couples seeking a separation.

“I am looking forward to embedding myself into the Salisbury community, working with individuals and the Armed Forces to support them.”

A Parker Bullen spokesperson said: “Since joining the Family & Relationships department in 2016 as a partner, Suzanne has consistently demonstrated unparalleled dedication and expertise in the field of family law.

“Suzanne’s comprehensive experience encompasses a wide spectrum of family law

matters, including divorce proceedings, financial claims arising from divorce, private children law matters, and cohabitation agreements and disputes.

“Her career is marked by a commitment to providing unwavering support to clients throughout the legal process, particularly in

Court Advocacy.

“Notably, Suzanne has developed a unique affinity for assisting military personnel, drawing on her personal connections with the Armed Forces.”

For more information on the firm, log on to www.parkerbullen.com.

£1m paid to fill vacant stores in Trowbridge

MORE than £1 million has been paid out to businesses in Wiltshire from a scheme aimed at bringing vacant shops back into use.

Wiltshire Council’s Vacant Commercial Units Fund (VCUF) has paid out the sum to firms in Trowbridge to boost town-centre trade.

The grant scheme was created with the aim of transforming vacant units to support the improvement of Trowbridge town centre.

Business owners, directors and landlords as well as commercial property owners were encouraged to submit applications designed to create a more diverse and sustainable mix of uses in the town.

Funding for the scheme comes from the Future High Streets Fund that was awarded to Trowbridge from central government.

Cllr Richard Clewer, leader of the council, welcomed the news.

“We were delighted to receive a brilliant response from business and property owners with wonderful ideas and plans to transform Trowbridge town centre,” he said.

“We have paid out more than £1 million in funding so far, which is an amazing milestone to reach. Eight previously vacant units have already opened, with businesses such as Finneys Hair, JEM Body Solutions and SILT (Sustainable Image Labs Trowbridge)

now operating successfully in Trowbridge.”

He said 25 applications have been successful and approved in total, with teams now working to finalise all contracts on new projects.

“With the final amount of funding now allocated, we look forward to welcoming even more positive changes in the town this summer,” Cllr Clewer said.

“Our aim is to make Trowbridge town centre a more attractive place to visit, one which residents and visitors choose to visit to shop, relax and meet up with their friends and family.

“We hope that the support we’ve given to these businesses through the Vacant Commercial Units Fund (VCUF) will help provide a greater town centre experience for residents and visitors encouraging them to keep coming back, supporting business growth.”

Kerryanne Hall, Owner of Finneys Hair, said: “The funding from Wiltshire Council and investments made by our business in 2023 have allowed us to be better positioned to enhance our services, expand our clientele, and employ new members of staff.”

Car wash wants to open on Sundays

A WILTSHIRE car wash could open on Sundays if a planning application is approved.

An application has been submitted to Wiltshire Council to allow the hand car wash at the Crown Garage, on Andover Road, Ludgershall, to operate between 10am and 4pm on Sundays.

Previously, planning was allowed for the car wash to open between 8am and 6pm from Monday to Saturday, with no trading allowed on SUndays or bank holidays.

And a previous bid to open on Sundays

was refused by council planners due to concerns over noise from the business.

Now, applicants Mr and Mrs R Gerrish say they have installed a new power washer and would also install a surround, cutting noise from people washing vehicles.

“The business is now using a different pressure washer and it is understood the previous complainant has now left the area,” the application by Fowler Architecture and Planning, said.

“The applicant is not aware of any complaints being made in respect of the

existing operations for a number of years.

“Although allowing Sunday working would increase the noise levels on this particular day, the applicant is prepared to introduce an acoustic enclosure around the wasging/vacuuming areas to improve noise levels for local residents.

“This would mitigate the noise levels on a Sunday, as well as improving noise levels on the existing days the garage can currently operate.”

For details on the application, log on to www.wiltshire.gov.uk.

Aga takes the helm at Milford House

A NEW manager has taken over at the Milford House Care Home in Salisbury.

Agnieszka Musial, pictured right with staff at the home, has taken over at the helm of the 70-bed facility, in Milford Mill Road.

Aga, as she likes to be known, will oversee the running of the home, as well as being responsible for the team of almost 100 employees at the home, run by Barchester Health.

Bringing a wealth of experience to the role after 15 years in the health sector, Aga has been involved in helping those with learning disabilities, at specialist neurobehavioural homes and elderly care.

“I am delighted to join the team here at Milford House and am enjoying meeting

and getting to know our residents, family and friends as well as learning more about the local community,” she said.

“Working with the Milford team my aim is to ensure residents, staff, families and visitors all feel they are in a caring,

welcoming environment and being supported by every member of our team.

“I always strive to make a difference in people’s lives and find it rewarding when I help somebody to live their life to the fullest.

“For me, this is what working in care has always been about, and I know that I can continue delivering this mission with the support of my wonderful colleagues at Milford House.”

Johanna Fitzgerald, regional operations director, said: “I delighted to welcome Aga to the team here at Milford House as I know that she will continue our commitment to providing high quality care and I am sure that she will be a big hit with our residents.”

The car wash at the Crown Garage, in Andover Road, Ludgershall, wants to open on Sundays

Picture: Google

Motoring

Camera can tell if you’re on the phone behind the wheel on Wiltshire roads

NEW cameras that can detect whether drivers are wearing a seatbelt or using a mobile phone are being trialled on Wiltshire roads.

National Highways has revealed Wiltshire Police is among 10 forces set to trial the technology, which can automatically identify motorists not wearing a seatbelt or using mobile phones while driving.

The new kit is mounted to a vehicle or trailer and has multiple cameras giving differing views of the driver and their passengers.

The National Highways trial first launched in 2021, when motorists spotted driving without seatbelts or on the phone by police using the technology were sent warning letters informing them of the dangers of their behaviour.

Research shows that you are four times more likely to be in a crash if you use your phone while driving and twice as likely to die in a crash if you don’t wear a seatbelt.

In partnership with AECOM, the research is now being extended to work with more police forces to help learn more about how the technology could work on National Highways roads and inform a possible future roll-out nationwide.

The latest trial began on February 19 and will run until March 2025.

There are plans for the technology to be fixed to gantries for the first time giving an unobscured view of all lanes.

The new technology captures footage of passing motorists. The images are processed using artificial intelligence (AI) to analyse whether the motorists could be using a handheld mobile phone or drivers may be without a seat belt.

The images are then passed to police for consideration on any action to be taken.

Drivers can be fined up to £500 for not wearing a seatbelt in addition to penalty points. While using a mobile phone while driving can result in a fine of up to £1,000 and six penalty points.

Police forces taking part in the trial are: Durham, Greater Manchester Police, Humberside, Staffordshire, West Mercia, Northamptonshire, Wiltshire, Norfolk; Thames Valley Police and Sussex.

National Highways head of national road user safety delivery, Matt Staton, said: “We know that distracted driving and not wearing seatbelts were key factors in a high number of incidents that resulted in people being killed or seriously injured.

“Working with our police partners we

want to reduce such dangerous driving and reduce the risks posed to both the drivers and other people. We believe that using technology like this will make people seriously consider their driving behaviour.

“We will continue to invest in technology that could help make sure everyone using our roads gets home safe and well.”

Dr Jamie Uff, technical director at AECOM, has been managing the deployment of the technology.

He said: “AECOM is really pleased to be continuing our work with National Highways, the police and camera suppliers.

“Our work to date has highlighted the scale of the issue, has shown that technology can play a valuable role, and that there is much still to be understood about driver behaviour given the new insights gained.

“Expanding the deployments and integrating data processing with police systems is an important step towards this technology making a significant contribution to road safety.”

Although the research is funded by National Highways, enforcement of motoring offences will remain with police forces.

The cameras can detect if a driver is using a phone or wearing a seatbelt

Picture: National Highways

salisburyandavon.co.uk

Cars are growing fast, research finds

WHILE most of us bemoan an apparent drop in size of most things - from chocolate bars to cans of pop - one thing that is rising is the size of cars, according to new research.

Data from clean trnasport campaign group Transport & Environment (T&A) said new cars in Europe are getting 1cm wider every two years, on average.

And the group said it expects the trend to continue as sales of SUVs (sports utility vehicles) continue to rise.

Around half of new cars sold are already too wide for the

minimum on-street parking space in many countries, and a recent referendum in Paris saw voters back higher parking charges for SUVs.

The T&A data showed the average width of new cars expanded to 180.3cm in the first half of 2023, up from 177.8cm in 2018, mirroring growth in the two decades up to 2020.

New cars in the EU are subject to the same maximum width, 255cm, as buses and trucks.

James Nix, vehicles policy manager at T&E, said: “Cars have been getting wider for

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decades and that trend will continue until we set a stricter limit.

“Currently the law allows new cars to be as wide as trucks. The result has been big SUVs and American style pick-up trucks parking on our footpaths and endangering pedestrians, cyclists and everyone else on the road.”

Among the top 100 models in 2023, 52% of vehicles sold were too wide for the minimum specified on-street parking space (180 cm) in major cities including London, Paris and Rome, the research also found.

Off-street parking is now a tight squeeze even for the average new car (180cm wide), while large luxury SUVs no longer fit.

Measuring around 200 cm wide, large luxury SUVs leave too little space for car occupants to get in and out of vehicles in typical off-street spaces (240cm).

Examples of growing cars include the Land Rover Defender, which grew by 20.6cm and the Mercedes X5 by 6cm in just six years, and in 2023, Volvo went 4.1cm wider with its EX90.

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Farming

Ocado joins ‘buy British’ campaign by making it easier to find UK products when shopping online

FOOD giant Ocado has joined Sainsbury’s, Aldi and Morrisons in adding ‘buy British’ tabs to their websites.

Ocado Retail – the world’s largest dedicated online supermarket – has launched a new Best of British aisle offering more than 800 British products.

The online supermarket says 87% of its customers consider it important to support British farmers with searches for ‘British produce’ on its website up 77% year-onyear.

The move follows an open letter written by Conservative MP Dr Luke Evans to the chief executives of eight major supermarkets asking for a filter which would direct shoppers to homegrown food to help boost the economy and cut the UK’s carbon footprint.

The letter was was co-signed by 125 cross-party MPs, and echoed a longstanding NFU ask dating back to 2016.

Amit Chitnis, chief commercial officer at Ocado Retail, said: “Our Best of British aisle comes in response to rising demand from our customers for more homegrown produce.

“Where we can, we will always try to source locally as our first choice whenever possible. So, we’re proud to have gathered a range of over 800 quality products that are British all year round in an easy-to-shop aisle on site spanning fruit, vegetables, meat, eggs and dairy.”

NFU president, Tom Bradshaw, said he was “delighted” to see supermarkets getting behind Dr Evans’ campaign.

“We know from our own research that the public wants to buy more British food,” he added.

“This simple but effective change will enable Ocado shoppers to do just that, enjoy some of the best produce out there and support our farmers while they shop.”

Dr Evans said Ocado has been “proactive” by making it easier for shoppers to buy homegrown produce.

He said: “Not only is this good for our food security but it’s good for the environment as Ocado’s customers can cut down on unnecessary food miles.

“I’m pleased supermarkets like Ocado have made this meaningful change and look forwarding to seeing others follow their lead.”

Other supermarkets who have taken up the call to back Britain’s farmers include Sainsbury’s Best of British page, Morrisons’ ‘British’ section and Aldi’s ‘Best of British’ category.

Following repeated calls from the NFU and more than 27,000 members of the public, the former Defra Secretary of State Thérèse Coffey announced her support for signposting customers to ‘buy British’ when they shop online on Back British Farming Day.

The campaign featured in the NFU’s British Food: Leading the Way report in 2021.

The Conservative Environment Network has also backed the ‘Buy British’ button in their farming manifesto and Prime Minister Rishi Sunak also lent his support to the campaign and called for industry-led action, saying: “We will continue to encourage all retailers to do all they can to showcase the incredible food produced right here, in the United Kingdom.”

Open letter signatories to Dr Evans’ letter included former Defra Secretary Theresa Villiers, chair of the Environmental Audit Committee Rt Hon Philip Dunne MP, Climate Minister Graham Stuart and members of the Commons’ EFRA Committee.

The letter was signed by representatives from all the main political parties in England and Wales.

Former NFU president Minette Batters, left, said: “It’s great to see MPs and their constituents getting behind the idea of a ‘buy British tab’ online.

“We know from our own independent survey that 86% of the public want to buy more British food, but it is often tricky to determine what products are produced in the UK and this simple change would help shoppers do that.”

Banned pesticide allowed in UK if conditions met

THE Government has allowed the use of a pesticide banned from use in the EU and the UK - under specfic circumstances.

Use of the neonicotinoid pesticide Cruiser SB will be permitted on the 2024 sugar beet crop in England, Defra said, if there is a danger as evidenced by an independent prediction of virus incidence of 65% or more.

Emergency Authorisations for pesticides are only granted for a limited period of time, the department said, where it is necessary because of a danger that cannot be contained by any other reasonable means, and the use is limited and controlled.

Use of Cruiser SB will be permitted if levels of yellow virus are predicted by an

independent model to exceed a particular threshold. If this threshold is not met, use of the product will not be permitted.

Neonicotinoids, especially seed treatments of imidacloprid, clothianidin and thiamethoxam on arable crops, were shown to be causing harm to bees and other important insects.

As a result, they were banned by the EU - including the UK - in 2018, bur remain in use in other parts of the world.

Defra said this year’s threshold for use is the highest it has ever been, with further conditions applied to minimise the risk to the environment even if the level is met.

Farming Minister, Mark Spencer, said: “We recognise the damaging impact that an

Lameness Prevention and Mobility Improvement by Vet Tech Rhi

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Lameness in cattle is a serious issue, causing potential pain and distress to the affected animal, as well as financial implications to the farmer through loss of milk yield, treatment costs and possible early removal from the herd. By regularly mobility scoring a herd you can identify lameness early. Many milk buyers now insist that all dairy herds are mobility scored at least 4 times per year.

How we score:

• As a scorer we assess the prevalence and severity of lameness within the herd by observing the cattle walking one at a time in a straight line, on a flat surface (usually as animals are leaving a milking parlour)

• All animals are identified by freeze brand or ear tag and assigned a score of 0 (good mobility) up to 3 (severely impaired mobility)

• A report will then be generated and submitted to your milk buyer if required

Top tips to get on top of lameness and reduce the cost to your farm:

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outbreak of beet yellow virus could have on farmer livelihoods.

“We therefore regard issuing an emergency authorisation as a necessary and proportionate measure.

“The product can only be used if a threshold is met, and its use will be strictly controlled. This decision is based on robust scientific

assessment and the risks have been evaluated very carefully.”

Defra said there was “little risk” to bees as sugar beet plants are harvested before they flower and do not generally exude through leaves or stems.

The Farming Minister considered advice on this application from Defra’s Chief Scientific Adviser, the Health and Safety Executive, the independent UK Expert Committee on Pesticides and economists.

“The UK’s approach to emergency authorisations has not changed following our departure from the EU and the overall ban on the use of neonicotinoid pesticides remains in place,” a Defra spokesperson added.

Farming

Livestock worrying cost south west farmers more than £350,000 in 2023, says new data from NFU Mutual

THE south west was the regon hit hardest by livestock worrying in 2023, according to new figures.

Data from NFU Mutual has revealed farm animals worth an estimated £2.4 million were severely injured or killed by dogs in 2023, up nearly 30% from the previous year.

In the south west, dog attacks on livestock cost an estimated £359,000, making it the hardest-hit region, followed by the Midlands (£331,000).

The news came as NFU Mutual released results of its dog owner survey, which found that there had been a 4% increase in people letting their dogs off lead in the countryside from the previous year.

Less than half of respondents said their pet always came back when called.

“We’ve heard reports from farmers about dog owners who regularly allow their pets to roam off-lead in the countryside,

seemingly unaware of the carnage the dog could cause, who are then horrified when an attack happens,” said NFU Mutual rural affairs specialist, Hannah Binns.

“Complacency kills, though, and there have been incidences where dogs have chased, injured and killed sheep and the owner is powerless to stop it or nowhere to be seen. Farmers are living in fear of repeat attacks, which cause horrific and needless suffering to livestock and can traumatise all involved dealing with the aftermath.

“If there is an attack, it is important people accept responsibility and report it, to a local farmer and the police, so that the injured animals are not left suffering in pain.”

NFU Livestock board chair, Richard Findlay, said the new figures were “shocking” and that livestock worrying and dog attacks “cause great stress and anguish for farmers seeing their animals suffering,

in addition to the significant financial impact they also feel”.

“No matter how in control dog owners think they are, they should always remain alert and dogs should always be on a lead around livestock, especially as we approach the 2024 lambing season,” he added.

The Dogs (Protection of Livestock) (Amendment) Bill is currently making its way through parliament which, if passed, would give police greater powers to crack down on irresponsible dog owners whose pets attack livestock.

Government plans to strengthen the law on livestock worrying were stalled when the Animal Welfare (Kept Animals) Bill was withdrawn in June last year.

More than 20,000 people signed an NFU petition, calling on newly elected PCCs (Police and Crime Commissioners) to implement changes to legislation to prevent dog attacks on farm animals.

Livestock worrying in the south west cost farmers an estimated £359,000 in 2023

Positive signs for housing market as we settle into 2024 - and new homes, according to online agent

THERE has been ‘positive’ movement in the property market in the opening months of 2024, according to one marketer.

Property website Rightmove said buyer activity is busier than this time last year, while January was a record-breaking month for people requesting home valuations.

What happens in the first couple of months of the year is often a good indicator for the year ahead, according to property expert, Tim Bannister, pictured inset.

“There continues to be reasons for cautious optimism as we settle into 2024, with encouraging activity levels from home-movers and a more stable housing market,” he said.

“While some would-be buyers will continue to be

affected by elevated mortgage rates and major affordability constraints, many other prospective buyers who can afford to do so, have acted fast and demonstrated their belief that 2024 is their year to get moving.”

demand has remained, with lots of people determined to make 2024 the year they move into a new home,” a Rightmove spokesperson said.

start in cherry picking from a record level of new properties listed for sale and have now been joined by many other buyers also believing that 2024 offers the right market conditions to move.

A year ago, Rightmove said it was seeing a much cooler market than usual, with many movers waiting amid mortgage rates at historically high levels.

However, by the end of 2023, mortgage rates were edging down consistently, and a record number of homes were listed for sale on Boxing Day.

“We’re able to see what’s happening in the property market in real time, and can see that this increased level of

“These elevated activity levels are translating into 7% more properties coming onto the market than at the same time last year, and the number of buyer enquiries to estate agents has also seen a 7% increase compared to 2023.

“And this is all converting into the number of agreed sales in the first six weeks of 2024 being 16% higher than over the same period last year.”

Tim added: “Early-bird Boxing Day buyers got a head

“Mortgage rates have fallen considerably from their peak and are now remaining broadly stable after the uncertainty of late 2022 and 2023.”

Meanwhile, asking prices have seen an annual increase for the first time since July 2023, taking the average to £362,839 (+0.1%).

Though a small rise, stable asking prices are a sign sellers aren’t feeling the need for a lower asking price in order to find a buyer, the site said. A month-on-month price rise of 0.9% is also in line with averages at this time of the year.