Salisbury & Avon Gazette - Issue 33

Edition 33

January 15, 2024

Salisbury & Avon Gazette www.salisburyandavon.co.uk

WEDDING KNIT

Knitter completes ambitious project Page 3

FLOODS HIT HOMES FOR FIRST TIME IN A DECADE

Ashley Road homes among those flooded FULL amid heavy rain - but River Park work will STORY: PAGE 16 improve situation, says EA

01722 321330 NEW GARAGE (HARNHAM)LTD

STATION PLAN

Plan revealed for new car park Page 4

SCHOOL THREAT

Email sees village school shut for day Page 12

Unit 28/30 Harnham Trading Estate, Salisbury, SP2 8NW

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Salisbury & Avon, January 15, 2024

What’s inside this issue…

Antiques

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40

Arts & Entertainment

28-31

Business

24-25

Church

36

Education

38

Events

34

Farming

46-47

Food & Drink

39

Field & Stream

44-45

Home & Garden/Gardening

20-21

Letters

26

Local Services

34

Motoring

42-43

Notices

24

Policing

22-23

Politics

37

Property

27

Puzzles

32-33

Sport

35

Volunteering

40

Wanted

34

EDITORIAL We love hearing your news and views.

Get in touch with us by emailing newsdesk@salisburyandavon.co.uk Lloyd Armishaw Publisher newsdesk@blackmorevale.net 01963 400186 Kye Harman Sports Editor sports@blackmorevale.net 01963 400186 Lorraine Drake Distributor lorraine_drake@icloud.com 07850 529937 Online: www.salisburyandavon.co.uk

• Top: Plan for 32-bed care home near Downton submitted page 8 • Above: Popular village cafe closes for the final time page 9 • Left: What AI thinks people from Wiltshire look like page 17

ADVERTISING Debi Thorne Sales Director Debi.thorne@blackmorevale.net 07714 289409 Jane Toomer Senior Account Manager Jane.toomer@blackmorevale.net 07714 289411 Mandy Bacchus Account Manager amanda.bacchus@blackmorevale.net 07714 289414

Dan Leney Account Manager 01963 400186

CLASSIFIED ADVERTS: adverts@salisburyandavon.co.uk - 01963 400186 Editorial deadlines are the Monday the week before publication.

Display ads must be booked by Wednesday the week before publication, with final copy submitted by the Friday.

Classified ads may be accepted after this, however these will be subject to space.

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80-year-old self-taught knitter turns her hand and skill to a wedding dress AN 80-year-old self-taught knitter has turned her hand to something ceremonial for her latest project - a wedding dress.

Great-grandmother Shirley Ellicott, from Whitsbury, has knitted a beautiful wedding gown using pure cotton and knitting needles.

It took creative Shirley three weeks to make - her first wedding dress.

Shirley - who has mastered the art of embroidery, sewing, knitting and crochet - has previously created prom dresses, christening gowns, shawls and many more bespoke items over the years.

She also runs a Knit and Natter sessions at the Avon Valley Community Matters (AVCM) charity shop, in Fordingbridge High Street, from 10am on Friday mornings.

“It’s amazing what two needles can do,” she said.

“I’ve sewn a wedding dress before, but have always wanted to knit one. I wanted to do it properly so I found a pattern and off I went.

“I just get a bee in my bonnet sometimes and just go for it.”

The result is an elegant, size 12-14, 1930s vintage-style cotton gown with a wide train at the bass and pearl-effect button detail.

People interested in purchasing the dress can now book a time to view it - and try

Left: Shirley Ellicott holds the train of her knitted wedding dress Top: Detailing on the dress

Credit: Laura Cowdery

it on - at the AVCM shop. Call 01425 653258, or email avcommunitymatters@gmail. com, for more details, with a portion of any sale proceeds going towards AVCM’s community outreach projects.

In the meantime, Shirley is working on her next project

alongside several other commissions – a unique knitted jacket.

Meanwhile, AVCM runs an inclusive Superstars Playgroup from 9.30am each term-time Friday morning at St Mary’s Church Hall in Fordingbridge and, during the holidays, staff

and volunteers continue their family work by offering free holiday activities, including picnics, building and Christmas Together events.

The charity also offers bereavement support, runs a friendship group, a miscarriage support group and more.

For more information on the charity’s community outreach projects, or if you would like to get involved and join the volunteer team, visit www. avcmatters.org, email avcommunitymatters@gmail. com, or call 01425 653258

Companies sought to care for city trees COMPANIES are being urged to apply for a contract caring for more than 12,000 trees across Salisbury.

Salisbury City Council is responsible for trees across the parish and is inviting companies to tender for the opportunity to carry out Aboricultural services on its behalf.

The current contract ends on March 31, 2024 and the new agreement will begin on April 1,

2024 which will last for three years, ending on March 31, 2027.

If you are interested in applying for the contract you should email the Parks Manager on mcoombes@ salisburycitycouncil.gov.uk who will provide you with further information and an invitation to tender.

All completed tender applications must be with Salisbury City Council by 12pm on February 14, 2024.

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Investigations ongoing after Coombe Bissett death POLICE are continuing to investigate the death of a man in Coombe Bissett.

A woman arrested on suspicion of murder has been released after the man, in his 50s, was found with serious injuries – which later proved fatal despite the efforts of emergency services – at an address in Thorne Close at around 3pm on Thursday, January 4) A post mortem has now taken place and was undetermined with further tests required, a spokesperson said.

The woman, in her 40s, who was arrested on suspicion of murder, was released from custody at Swindon’s Gablecross Police Station on conditional bail while enquiries continue.

A cordon put in place at the address has also been lifted as the investigation continues.

TRIBUTES PAID TO SALISBURY MUSIC PROMOTER A FUNDRAISING concert for Salisbury music promoter Thom Belk, who passed away suddenly on Boxing Day, aged 36, was held on Saturday, January 6 at the Rude Giant bar, Brown Street, with local bands performing throughout the evening.

Mr Belk was well-known on the Salisbury music scene, where he helped to create and organise the Salisbury Music Awards and Salisbury Live, among other events.

New car park proposed for Salisbury train station

A NEW car park could be created at Salisbury train station ahead of work to redevelop the forecourt.

A planning application by design firm AHR, on behalf of South West Railways, has been submitted to Wiltshire Council for the creation of 89 parking spaces for passengers on the station’s East Goods Yard.

The car park is set to be a “short-term solution” while the redevelopment of the forecourt takes place, with the application seeking three years’ use of the site.

Access to the car park would be via Fisherton Street, which itself is currently being redeveloped, with safe routes

Salisbury & Avon Gazette

environmental impact by reducing waste to landfill and the number of heavy haulage vehicle trips away from the site.”

New lighting would be provided for the car park, though the plan said the final scheme would “have to be carefully considered to ensure minimal impact on neighbouring residential properties and wildlife”.

CCTV cameras would also be installed to monitor the site, while a pedestrian crossing is set to be installed as part of the Fisherton Street redevelopment project.

For more details, and to comment on the scheme, log on to www.wiltshire.gov.uk and search for application reference PL/2023/10726.

Top: Salisbury station car park proposals

Credit: Fairhurst SWR Wiltshire Council

Left: The proposed site of the car park

created for pedestrians.

“The layout has been designed to maximise the space available for parking while limiting the excavations required and associated removal of site waste,” the application said.

“This minimises the project’s

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Driver stops after man injured in Aldi car park

A MAN stopped at the scene after the car he was driving hit and injured a man in his 50s in the Aldi car park in Salisbury.

The incident happened at around 7pm on Thursday evening, police said, and the man was taken to hospital with injuries that were not thought to be life-threatening.

“We are appealing for anybody who witnessed the incident to please get in touch.

“We are particularly interested in speaking to the occupants of two other vehicles that stopped at the scene to help.”

Anyone who can help should contact police on 101, quoting reference 54240001462.

Fire crews attend blaze in Amesbury FIRE crews were called to reports of a light catching fire in Amesbury.

The call came at around 7.40pm on Friday evening (January 5), with crews from Salisbury and Amesbury sent to the scene after reports an outside light had caught fire at a premises in Mid Summer Place.

“Luckily, when crews arrived they discovered that the fire was already out and so after some external and internal checks of the property, crews were able to leave satisfied that there was no further fire risk,” a Dorset & Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service spokesperson said.

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Holocaust Memorial Day event at Guildhall focuses on ‘Fragility of Freedom’ THIS year’s Holocaust Memorial Day in Salisbury will take place on Saturday, January 27 at the Guildhall.

Starting from 10am, the event will include a two-minute silence, music and video materials from the Holocaust Memorial Day Trust, local speaker’s personal accounts and contributions from local schools.

This year, readings of selected poems from the Holocaust Memorial Day poetry competition (closed on January 8), which invites local people to help us find words to express this year’s theme, will feature.

Last year, Salisbury City Council led its first Holocaust Memorial event, opening a Book of Remembrance, which will now be open each year on January 27.

In 2023, the event was a fitting reminder of the horrors of the past that we might learn from them and was embraced by the people of Salisbury.

In 2024, the council is once again reaching out to the community to make Salisbury’s Holocaust Memorial Day a response from the city itself to this year’s theme – ‘The Fragility of Freedom’.

The City Council welcomes contact from any local people who would like to attend or take part. Holocaust Memorial Day is a moment for local people to remember, reflect and increase understanding of the impacts of genocide across generations and borders.

An attendee of the 2023 event said: “Last year’s event was so well attended by lots of people from across the community and was a poignant moment of reflection in our busy life.

“The video on the 10 stages of Genocide still stays with me all year and makes me truly

grateful for my own freedom.”

Cllr Ian Tomes, representing the City Council Leadership Group, said: “Holocaust Memorial Day is an important day in the City Council calendar.

“I am honoured we are hosting the day at the Guildhall and enabling people to join us for the event or make a quiet contribution by signing the book of memorial.

“Making this event part of our annual calendar is our commitment to stop and learn from our history.”

Anyone who would like to attend the Memorial Day event on Saturday, January 27, can email corporate@ salisburycitycouncil.gov.uk Anyone who wishes to be involved can contact the Communities Team on bhc@ salisburycitycouncil.gov.uk or call the office on 01722 417100.

All attendees of the event will be invited by the City Council to sign a memorial book, which will be opened annually on Holocaust Memorial Day. The book will be open for the public to sign after the event from 1pm to 5pm on the day.

Doorstep Snaps passes £7,000 milestone after another successful festive season SALISBURY-based photographer Simon Ward’s charity photography project, Doorstep Snaps, raised £890 in December.

This brings the running total since the first Covid lockdown in 2020, to £7,347.

Doorstep Snaps raises funds for the Stars Appeal at Salisbury District Hospital and Julia’s House Wiltshire Children’s Hospice; the fundraising total is

split with £4,326 going to Stars Appeal and £3,021 going to Julia’s House.

“I’m delighted that Doorsteps achieved another milestone by exceeding £7,000

by Christmas Eve,” Simon said.

‘Thanks so much to everyone who took part and joined in with the fun while raising money for two fantastic local charities.

“Lots of new families took

part for the first time, plus some families who have taken part four or five times previously.

“Doorstep Snaps is now put to bed for another year and will return next December – for Part 6 – so long as people still want to take part.”

More information about Doorstep Snaps is available at www.simonwardphotography. com/doorstep-snaps

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Household Support grants available for final time from Hants Council HAMPSHIRE County Council is inviting community organisations to apply for a share of £285,000 to help local people cope with the cost of living.

This will be the final opportunity for Hampshire groups to apply for grants from the government’s Household Support Fund, with the application window closing on January 26.

For the financial year ending in March 2024, the County Council set aside a total of £1.3 million for community grants from its settlement of more than £14 million from the fund.

This included £800,000 for district-based organisations to create initiatives tailored to local needs, helping to provide vulnerable households with food, utilities and to keep warm.

The figure available is the remainder of this, plus £60,000 for organisations to deliver advice services.

Cllr Edward Heron, the County Council’s executive lead member for Children’s Services, said: “There has been an impressive take-up of this funding during the previous application rounds this year, and it has been inspiring to witness

Applications are invited from all local groups – typically these include community and voluntary organisations, as well as town, parish and community councils

Credit: Freepik

the projects these grants have brought to life, whether it has been providing essential goods, food, or helping to reduce heating costs.

“However, groups in some boroughs and districts, notably Hart, but also Gosport, Rushmoor, and New Forest, have been under-represented so far.

“Therefore, we would especially encourage groups in

those areas that have not previously applied to come forward as it could be their last chance to benefit from these grants.

“Applications are invited from all local groups – typically these include community and voluntary organisations, as well

as town, parish and community councils.”

Hampshire County Council administers its share of the Household Support Fund (provided by the Department for Work and Pensions) through its connect4communities programme (see link below), working with a wide range of partners, including borough and district councils, voluntary and charity groups, to coordinate a range of measures that support families and individuals facing hardship.

The support is targeted at a wide range of low-income households in need, including families with children of all ages, pensioners, unpaid carers, care leavers and disabled people who would otherwise struggle with energy and water bills, as well as the cost of food.

Full details on how to apply for community grants are available online. https://www. hants.gov.uk/ socialcareandhealth/ childrenandfamilies/ connectforcommunities

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Credits: noma architects/Wiltshire Council

Plans for a 32-bed care home on site near Downton have been submitted

A PLANNING application has been submitted for a 32-bed care home to the east of Downton, on the border of the parish of Redlynch.

The proposed home is located in the grounds of Ashley Grange Nursing Home, to the west of the existing building, at Lode Hill, six miles south of Salisbury.

Although located in its grounds, the proposed new care

home will operate independently to Ashley Grange, which does not form part of the proposals and will have its own kitchens, laundry and staff accommodation.

The proposed building is L-shaped, with views across the landscape to the south and across new landscaped gardens to the west. The existing access for Ashley Grange will remain, with an extension to the existing car parking site proposed to provide for the new care home.

Transport links to Downton are provided by existing bus stops at the entrance to Ashley Grange.

Previous applications for the site, for similar schemes, were approved in 2000 and 2006, with the current application similar to the permission S2006/2142, which expired in 2010.

Ashley Grange is an existing 55-bedroom care home owned and run by Hartford Care, which is proposing the new application. The building is two-storey, with single storey extensions to the south. It is red brick with a tile roof.

To the west of Ashley Grange there is an open area of grass with mature trees along the western boundary. This is the proposed application site, which has been hoarded off since the previous applications were permitted.

The site lies outside of the Downton Conservation Area.

Hartford Care’s proposal is for 32 single occupancy, en-suite care bedrooms with communal facilities, including lounge spaces, hair salon, activity rooms and landscaped communal garden, and to provide high quality accommodation supported by staff.

To facilitate this, staff accommodation at second floor level will provide a staff room and sleep-over rooms, with offices and support facilities.

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Popular Shrewton Shield your home from Care Costs & Inheritance Tax with cafe has closed a Living Trust. for final time

A POPULAR village cafe has announced it’s closure.

The facility, at Shrewton Social Club, was open on Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Sundays from 11am until 3pm.

However, the cafe shut after service on last Sunday – and will not re-open.

A statement on social media said: “It is with regret that we will be closing down the cafe from Monday, January 15.

“We would like to thank Wendy for all the hard work she has put into the Cafe and the delicious menus she came up with, also not forgetting the volunteers, whom we could not have continued as long as we have without.”

“A big thank you also goes out to those who had supported the cafe.”

People have reacted with sadness to the news, posting their thanks on social media.

Sallyann Champion wrote: “Sad to hear this. Thank you Wendy for all your efforts and

Over

your lovely cooking. You did the best fish finger sandwich ever!

“Thank you to all the volunteers, you were all amazing.”

Maureen Hansford said: “So sad this is closing, it’s been such a wonderful asset for the club and village and we’ve had some incredible meals over the last couple of years, but totally understand.

“Thank you Wendy and all your volunteers for all your hard work over the last couple of years. Looking forward to our last meal on Sunday.”

And Barbie Galloway added: “So sad to hear this. It’s such a tough time for businesses. Well done to all the staff, Wendy.”

The social club itself, a not-for-profit organisation, remains open on Tuesdays and Fridays between 7pm and 11pm, and between 11am and 3pm on Sundays.

For more information, visit www.shrewtonsocialclub.co.uk.

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4. Revocable Nature: One of the advantages of a living trust is that it is revocable, meaning you can make changes to the trust or even revoke it entirely during your lifetime. This flexibility allows you to adapt to changing circumstances or wishes.

5. Trust Administration: When you establish a living trust, you typically designate yourself as the trustee, thus maintaining control over the assets and allowing you to continue using and managing them as you did before. Should you move home the trust stays in place and protects your new residence. The effectiveness of a living trust in achieving your specific goals will depend on your individual circumstances.

Oakwood Wills offer a free consultation in the privacy of our own home.

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£9M CITY REVAMP IS UNDERWAY

How a Living Trust protects your estate: 1. Care Costs: Placing your main home into a living trust can ring fence the property from any potential future care costs.

Thus, protecting your inheritance.

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

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Salvation Army Gift Appeal delivered over 500 presents

Gastro-wizard to whip up a storm at Burgate School SALISBURY Salvation Army THE culinary wizardry of George Egg heading to Fordingbridge Gastronomic innovator George Egg, famed for his creative fusion of cooking and comedy, will visit The Burgate School in Fordingbridge on February 1.

Known for his unique approach, that blends culinary prowess with humour, Egg promises an array of new recipes and ingenious kitchen hacks.

The tour anticipates drawing food enthusiasts and comedy lovers alike, eager to indulge in Egg’s latest flavourful adventures.

With his ability to transform the most mundane hotel room appliances into gourmet apparatuses, George Egg is reshaping the contours of dining entertainment. The evening promises both a feast for the senses and a rollicking good time.

Learn how to cook with power tools, with hotel-room appliances and even how to make a hot meal on a moving train. Because this is the best bit: Three meals, cooked live, with jokes and you even get to taste the food at the end.

The show starts at 7.30pm, with a cash bar from 7pm.

Tickets are £10 adults. £5 under-18s, £25 for a family (suitable for children over 14), available in advance from Fordingbridge Information Office: 01425 654560 or online at https://cultureincommon. co.uk/whats-on/

delivered over 500 presents following its Christmas Gift Appeal.

Captain Martin Davison, leader of Salisbury Salvation Army, expressed his thanks to everyone who donated and supported the appeal “In the end over 500 presents were delivered, hopefully making Christmas better for those facing challenges, and perhaps showing that our Salisbury community still has many people who care and want to be good neighbours.

“The wider community once again stepped up to provide the presents, while our willing band of family workers, housing

staff from Wiltshire council and other agencies went the extra mile to deliver the gifts for us.

“It has been especially rewarding to witness children leaving presents under our tree in the foyer of The Salvation Army building.

“Their desire to make Christmas better for other young people proves there truly is still hope for this world to become a better place.

“Our own team of Salvation Army volunteers should not be forgotten and even on Christmas Eve unexpected needs were being met and in a wonderful way hope was shared with people who perhaps feel unloved and invisible to others.”

The presents went to families in the area who needed support over Christmas

welfare officers, social care workers, and children’s welfare

Fire that closed city centre road and damaged pub was caused by electrical fault THE fire that destroyed an outbuilding in the centre of Salisbury at the end of December, and led to the street being completely closed for a short period, was caused by an electrical fault, Dorset and Wiltshire Fire and Rescue has confirmed.

The fire, as reported by the Gazette, occurred on December 27 started in an outbuilding to the rear of the Avon Brewery in Castle Street in the city centre, but was extinguished thanks to the efforts of the fire service.

Crews from Dorset & Wiltshire Fire and Rescue

Salisbury & Avon Gazette

Service attended from Salisbury, Verwood, as well as from Romsey, Fordingbridge and St Marys in Hampshire.

The service confirmed on social media, that: “the fire quickly spread to the pub – crews quickly made up an ALP and the fire was later extinguished using Breathing apparatus, Main jets and small tools.

“The outbuilding was fully destroyed and the pub had minimal damage to it.”

As stated, the pub suffered only minimal damage and has remained open for business.

The fire service confirmed that an outbuilding had been destroyed

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BRA-VO TO DONATIONS!

Soroptimists’ record-breaking bra appeal will give extra support to those in need in Africa

14 feed Page WI helps rs invade

Page 5

HOSPITAL DAY

S PLAN FLATscheme for g

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60 /

0 6262 26 Tel: 0198 6261

Open day draws hundreds to city site Page 12

A303 DEBATE

£1bn plan approved – despite opposition

Page 14-15

PLAQUE PLAN

City tribute to genetics expert Page 16

TANDOORI NIGHTS

Tel: 01980 626260 / 626126

Two for One

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t, Fully Licensed Indian Restaurant & Take Away Stree , 26 High sbury Ame hire Dining In Only Wilts SP4 7DL Cheapest Main Meal Free With This Advert, 7 Days A Week

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TANDOO

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st Main

RI NIGHTS

Restau

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In brief BIKE RECOVERED BY POLICE

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Email “threat” saw village school close for a day as police launch investigation

DO you recognise this bike?

Wiltshire Police are appealing for information in a bid to reunite the bicycle with its owner.

“It was located during an arrest in the Salisbury area and we believe it to be stolen,” a spokesperson said.

“If you believe this is yours please contact us on 101 quoting reference number 54240001945.”

People can also drop into one of the Wiltshire Police stations that has an enquiry office.

BUS CRASHES INTO BRIDGE Dorset and Wiltshire Fire & Rescue Service was called to attend an incident on the morning of January 8 at Drakes Corner, Ford.

A bus, reported locally as Salisbury Reds 675, collided with a bridge after swerving to avoid ice.

It is believed that minor damage was caused to both the bus and the wall of the bridge, with no reports of injuries to anyone on board.

The road was closed in both directions while the fire service attended and the scene made safe.

PETER LUCAS The family of popular Salisbury musician, Peter Lucas, a member of The Troggs and Dave Dee, Dozy, Beaky, Mick & Tich, will welcome friends and those who knew him through his music to attend a wake being held at The Winchester Gate on January 18 from 4pm. Peter died peacefully at home just before Christmas, aged 73.

Wyvern St Edmund’s Academy was closed on Wednesday after an email threat was received by a member of staff at the school

Picture: Google

A VILLAGE school was closed for a day after a “potential security threat” was received in an email to a member of staff.

Wyvern St Edmund’s Academy, in Laverstock, announced the closure on social media on Wednesday morning (January 10).

Wiltshire Police confirmed it searched the premises in response to the report.

The message to parents and staff said: “Early this morning, Wyvern St Edmund’s Academy was alerted to a potential security threat through an email received by a staff member.

“Acting swiftly, the school, in collaboration with the (Magna Learning Partnership) trust, made the decision to remain closed for the day, allowing police and

professionals to assess and ensure the safety of the premises.”

Details of the threat have not been disclosed, but the statement said there was “no evidence to suggest the threat is genuine” and that the matter had been reported to police.

“The trust acknowledges the significant disruption this incident has caused to both students and staff and is treating the matter with utmost seriousness,” it went on.

“Remote learning plans have been put in place for students today and the school is actively cooperating with the police to re-open quickly.

“While there is no evidence to suggest that the threat is genuine, the trust emphasises the importance of treating such

matters seriously.

“The goal is to re-open Wyvern St Edmund’s Academy to everyone on Thursday, January 11, pending clearance from authorities.”

A police spokesperson said: “We are working closely with staff at Wyvern St Edmund’s School in Laverstock, which has taken the decision to close (on January 10) as a precautionary measure, after receiving a threatening email.

“A search of the school building and grounds is underway to ensure that the premises are safe for pupils and staff before reopening.

“In consultation with the police, parents of pupils will be updated directly by the school with regards to reopening arrangements.”

Salisbury & Avon, January 15, 2024

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What AI thought people from Wiltshire, left, and Salisbury, right, look like...

We asked AI to create pictures showing what people from Salisbury and Wiltshire look like...

WHEN you think of a person from Dorset, or Wiltshire, or Somerset, what do you see?

And what about someone from Wincanton, or Glastonbury, Swanage, Shaftesbury or Salisbury?

Well, whatever your mind conjours up, we put artificial intelligence to the test to see what a machine makes of our counties, towns and cities.

The results were, interesting, with some funny, predictable, and perhaps even mildly offensive images being produced.

Here are a sample of what AI produced when asked to ‘make me a picture of someone from...’:

Wiltshire Wiltshire produced an altogether more sophisticated affair, with an elegant middleaged person, smart coat and hat, standing in a lovely field, a blurred but rather grand looking house in the background.

Dorset (below left) Well, the AI machine went down an altogether different route for Dorset.

The rolling hills and thatched cottage are beautiful, with the ‘person from Dorset’ an elderly gentleman, with friendly eyes and his hand on his heart.

Somerset (above) When asked to make a

picture of someone from Somerset, AI went down what we can only guess is the cider route, with a young lady holding a basket of apples, a quaint Somerset village in the background...

We then went even more in-depth, asking for pictures of people from specific towns.

Here’s what AI came up with when we again asked it to ‘make me a picture of someone from...’:

Glastonbury We think Glastonbury Festival was at the frefornt of the AI mind as it came up with an image of a person from the town.

A young lady, complete with guitar, standing in a field of tents... Cliched much?

Shaftesbury (above) Well, we’re not sure what this is all about. Our person from Shaftesbury looks like a cross between a mod, a new age traveller and a 19th century pickpocket - not to judge or anything.

But what is that on the hill behind them?

Salisbury (top right) This is the most bizarre, as our AI person from Salisbury is clearly, it seems, in London.

Perhaps the grand architecture of the Wiltshire city has confused the computer, causing it to look for something suitably beautiful?

Salisbury & Avon, January 15, 2024

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‘S Club party’ to be held in memory of Salisbury promoter Thom Belk A FUNDRAISING concert will be held on Saturday (January 6) in memory of Thom Belk – a Salisbury music promoter who died suddenly on Boxing Day. A proud supporter of the city music scene, Thom, pictured, helped organise the Salisbury Music Awards and Salisbury Live, who have organised the event, at the Rude Giant Beer House, in Brown Street.

All proceeds donated to a fundraiser setup by Thom’s family, with musicians from across the city set to perform, including Carsick, Correlian and Lump.

Entry costs £5, with doors opening at midday and the music starting at 4pm.

Carsick said on social media: “In memory of our good friend Thom Belk, the first promoter to ever book us.

“All proceeds from tickets and the bar will be going towards the gofundme for his send off, we wanna see everyone there,

bring the energy for Belko.”

Thom was also instrumental in the rebuilding of Salisbury FC, presenting a petition with 6,000 signatures to the area board after the liquidation of the club’s predecessor.

A spokesperson for the club said: “Thom

MASSIVE

was an important part of the bid to rebuild Salisbury FC and played a key role in the early days as it grew.

“Our thoughts are with Thom’s friends and family at this very sad time.”

Charlotte Porter, who organised the GoFundMe page, said: “Thom was a very much-loved son and brother, who has been taken too quickly.

“He was always the life and soul of any party and touched so many hearts.

“He gave so much to so many people/charities/companies and a lot of people owe their success to him. He deserves the best of send-offs.

“As Thom would say, ‘There ain’t no party like an S Club Party’, so please donate what you can to join Thom in his final party.”

The fundraiser has already surpassed its target, raising more than £9,350 at the time of writing. To donate, visit gofundme. com/f/thom-belk.

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Salisbury & Avon, January 15, 2024

News salisburyandavon.co.uk

River Park floods hit Ashley Road - but will defend them in future, says the Environment Agency The River Park site in Salisbury was one place where the Avon burst its banks

HOMES hit by flooding will be better protected when work on the Salisbury River Park is completed, according to the Environment Agency (EA) - but that will be scant consolation for nearby households still cleaning up after being hit by heavy rain.

Around eight properties in Ashley Road were affected by floods after severe rainfall over the weekend of January 6 and 7, when the Avon burst its banks

in the area.

Nearby is the site of the new River Park, which is currently being constructed - ironically including improved flood defences.

Meanwhile, further up the river, residents are questioning whether new housing developments have contributed to the problem.

But the Environment Agency said further work would boost defences in the area - as well as

already reducing flooding.

“We know around eight properties were flooded in the Ashley Road area of Salisbury,” they said.

“We are committed to protecting people from flooding and reducing its impact and understand how devastating it can be.

“The Environment Agency and Wiltshire Council had officers supporting people affected by the flooding and to

understand the cause of the flooding, and also remove the water.”

Reducing the risk of flooding is a key priority of the River Park, as well as protecting the landscape in Salisbury, they added.

“When the first phase of the Salisbury River Park flood scheme is complete later this year, homes in this area will have their flood risk reduced,” the spokesperson said.

“The work that has so far been done, did, however, reduce the flooding downstream from the Summerlock Stream, and without that several more properties would have flooded.”

Completion of the first phase of the park is due to be completed in the spring or summer of 2024, cutting the flood risk to around 350 homes and businesses.

But, writing for your Gazette, Salisbury City Councillor and Lib Dem candidate for the Salisbury constituency, Victoria Charleston, said we should be not be building new homes “on greenfield sites and floodplains”.

“I find it extraordinary that

Salisbury & Avon, January 15, 2024

News

salisburyandavon.co.uk new houses are being built in Harnham with water pumps in situ,” she said.

“Residents have resisted building on this land for exactly this reason: the flood plains provide a natural place for excess water to go.

“It is a disaster to build in this way.”

But she said the community had reacted in solidarity as the flooding hit.

“The glimmer of positivity about the flooding is the community spirit that has been shown,” she added. “People coming together to help each other, people offering help, support, sandbags and places to stay.”

In the meantime, the EA said river levels were dropping since the peak on Saturday, January 6.

Cllr Caroline Thomas, cabinet member for transport at Wiltshire Council, said: “We were sorry to hear about the flooding experienced by residents at Middleton Road and Ashley Road in Salisbury, which was caused by both

17

Work is continuing at the new Salisbury River Park, which the Environment Agency said will provide improved flood defences when it is completed

rising river levels and high groundwater levels in the area.

“Council officers attended, along with Environment Agency staff, on Sunday to help residents and monitor the water levels. Staff worked throughout the day and we deployed a gully tanker to empty the gullies.

“We continue to monitor the situation carefully and

understand the river levels in the area have now peaked and that water levels are receding.

“The nearby Salisbury River Park scheme, which commenced in 2022 with the aim of reducing flood risk to more that 350 homes and businesses in Salsbury, is scheduled for completion this spring; once fully complete it

will help to prevent and mitigate flooding issues, such as this in the area in the future.

“The Government has recently announced The Flood Recovery Framework, which will enable affected households to apply for grants to help with immediate costs. We will be able to share more information on this soon.”

Residents’ views sought on future HAMPSHIRE County Council has launched a public consultation inviting people to provide their views on the future of local services, as part of the authority’s steps to help meet a £132 million budget shortfall by April 2025 The Future Services Consultation runs until March 31, 2024, and signals the next stage in council plans to ensure it continues to support the people who are most in need in Hampshire, while meeting its legal obligations to deliver a balanced budget in 2025/26.

One of the proposals under consideration is to ‘review and revise the criteria used to determine which roads should be treated’, as part of its winter highways service.

Leader of Hampshire County Council, Cllr Rob Humby said: “As our costs continue to rise, alongside growing demand for

vital local services like social care for children and adults, our budgets remain under immense pressure. We have almost exhausted the funding we have previously set aside in reserves to meet major financial challenges – that usually provides us with a financial safety net – and very soon there simply will not be enough money to go around.

“Delivering local services in future is much harder with much less money available, which is a problem faced by councils nationally, and one which local government cannot address on its own.”

He went on: “Hampshire is in a better position than many other councils, but we know that we need to make some tough decisions and deeper savings in order to find the £132m we need by April 2025 to ensure we can continue to

deliver critical services and help protect and support the most vulnerable children, older people and adults with complex care needs across Hampshire.

“In this context, all areas of the council have been asked to consider what savings could be achieved from only providing those services that we are legally required to deliver, prioritising statutory areas such as protecting children from harm, social care for older people, and supporting adults and children with disabilities and additional needs.

“Residents and stakeholders are now invited to consider 13 detailed options set out in the Future Services Consultation, to help lower costs in future, and what it might mean for them if we were to do things differently after April 2025.”

The list of the areas being consulted on covers:

Adult social care charges Adult social care grant schemes Competitive (one-off) grant schemes Hampshire Cultural Trust grant Highways maintenance Highways winter service Homelessness Support Services Household Waste Recycling Centres (HWRCs) Library stock Passenger transport Rural countryside parking School crossing patrols Street lighting Feedback can be provided by using the consultation Response Form, at www.hants.gov.uk/ future-services-consultation Responses can also be emailed directly to insight@ hants.gov.uk or to Freepost HAMPSHIRE. (write PandO, IEU, FM09 on the envelope)

18

Salisbury & Avon, January 15, 2024

News salisburyandavon.co.uk

Former showrooms could become apartments if proposals are approved A FORMER landmark kitchens and bathrooms showroom in Salisbury could be converted into apartments if plans are approved.

Allen Planning Ltd has submitted a proposal to Wiltshire Council on behalf of Ms E Maurin for buildings to the rear of 35 Rollestone Street.

The plot was formerly home to a showroom for kitchen and bathroom firm, Jones Company, which moved to new premises in 2000.

Plans submitted would see the single-storey buildings to the rear of the site converted into four apartments, changing the use of the building from business to residential.

“The site is highly sustainable, being within easy walking distance of all the city’s shops, public transport opportunities and other services,” it said.

It added: “These buildings have been vacant for a number of years, adding nothing to the sustainability of the area and it is submitted their conversion to 35 Rollestone Street and some of the development plans for the former Jones site Credit: Baron and Baron/Wiltshire Council

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residential would not harm the sustainability of this Conservation Area, or indeed for that matter the wider city centre.”

Two one-bed and two two-bed apartments would be developed on the site if plans are approved, the application said.

A separate application also proposes the conversion of the two-storey shop front into another four apartments.

For more details on this pan, and to comment on the scheme, log on to www.wiltshire.gov.uk and search for application reference PL/2024/00063.

Salisbury & Avon, January 15, 2024

19

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Archaeologists sign open letter in bid to reframe Stonehenge tunnel debate AT the time of writing, over 1,000 archaeologists have signed an open letter asking the heritage sector to take ‘its rightful lead’ in reframing the Stonehenge tunnel debate.

The tunnel has been the subject of much debate, often highly politicised and emotional from people from all sides of the argument, including organised campaigns and court action.

The letters page of the Gazette has published strong views on both sides of the debate, but not from archaeologists.

Often, however, the debates focus less on the archaeology and more on personal ideas and visions of Stonehenge.

The Department for Transport approved the £1.7bn two-mile (3.2km) tunnel that will run from Amesbury to Berwick Down, in July. However, UNESCO has openly warned that the tunnel would put at risk Stonehenge’s World Heritage Status.

The letter begins: “We write as members of the UK’s archaeological community to urge our sector to come together in taking a renewed and rightful lead in re-framing the current, divisive debate around the Stonehenge Tunnel.”

The letter continues: “The prominence of Stonehenge in the national and global public imagination means that the debate around the tunnel draws an unprecedented amount of attention. With input from a range of voices, this could be turned into a positive opportunity to effect real transformation in the understanding, scope and implementation of heritage protection and archaeological mitigation in the UK. However, as the letter warns, the people who understand most about the archaeology of Stonehenge, have largely been absent from the debate.

“In spite of this, archaeologists themselves have been overwhelmingly absent from the

Credit: National Highways

discourse. While a number of public figures have shared their views on the project, many of the individual archaeologists and heritage specialists who are best-informed on the subject are unable to comment due to factors which include their professional obligations.

“Meanwhile, many major organisations representing UK archaeology have distanced themselves from the heart of this politicised and polarised debate.”

The letter also warns that in the absence of reasoned debate, various groups have taken the centre stage, often using “increasingly divisive and populist rhetoric directly risks the public understanding of archaeology in the UK for many years to come.

“Rather than being presented with diverse, informed perspectives, the tone of the matter has been steered, almost single-handedly, by this campaign group and its backers.”

The letters ends with an agreement shared by all who have signed”: ● The monument of Stonehenge is not under threat. Under no proposed plan of action would any construction take place within or adjacent to the monument, and the nearest works will involve the removal of the current A303. ● What is at risk is archaeology preserved within the wider

landscape setting of the monument and within the wider World Heritage Site.

Any intervention must be undertaken to a very high standard under our obligations to UNESCO, the Valletta convention, and to the National Planning Policy Framework (NPFF). ● With the right level of resources, teams of experienced, professional archaeologists would mitigate the impact of the project to a very high standard. This work is already underway and its scope is guided by both the independent A303 Scientific Committee and the planning conditions currently in place.

We would like to see the work of that committee - led by Sir Barry Cunliffe and ensuring the highest standards of any necessary mitigation programme - elevated in the public eye. We would also like to see the experience and professionalism of the hundreds of archaeologists who would undertake the work similarly celebrated and supported. ● If at any point there is an argument that the professional response put in place under planning conditions is not sufficiently detailed or resourced, the issue should be discussed in the context of the wider situation for

archaeology under UK planning law. Archaeological investigation and mitigation should be conducted to the same appropriate levels across the country no matter where the site is. Enhancements for the way archaeology is conducted in the event of tunnel construction in the Stonehenge landscape should translate into enhancement across the sector. ● We do not protect Stonehenge because it is sacred, or because of any connection to, or perceived ancestry from, its numerous generations of builders. The framing of the tunnel project as ‘desecration’ is inappropriate and counterproductive to a constructive discussion of how heritage is managed and valued in the UK. These calls risk opening the door to an archaeological narrative of ethno-nationalism.

Instead, we unite behind the protection of our prehistoric heritage for everyone, for its global cultural and scientific value. ● What is needed is a call for a reasoned position of concern and vigilance. This will help ensure the principles of the NPFF are implemented and our shared national responsibility as guardians of this important and valued WHS is seen to be taken seriously. ● With the 80th anniversary of the Council for British Archaeology coming in 2024, this is the perfect time for the heritage sector to unite in working towards a future where archaeology is valued and well-resourced. A powerful, evidence based, voice re-framing the Stonehenge debate is urgently needed. We can all be that voice. https://openletter.earth/thestonehenge-debate-must-bereframed-8a170f58

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Salisbury & Avon, January 15, 2024

Home & Garden/Gardening

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Research reveals the benefits of exploring gardens this winter

RESEARCH published by the National Garden Scheme has revealed, or confirmed depending on your viewpoint, the important health benefits that come from visiting a garden in the depths of winter..

“Visits to our snowdrop and spring flower gardens are always a popular start to the garden visiting season and this latest research gives us more of an insight into why that is,” said National Garden Scheme chief executive, George Plumptre.

“Existing research generally links the health benefits of garden visiting to the summer months when most gardens are at their abundant best.

“But our new research highlights the benefits of visiting in winter and, as well as comparing those to visiting in summer, shows how a winter visit helps combat the particular seasonal challenges that we all face at that time of year.”

The report examines the effect of nature on well-being for visitors during the winter.

Key findings include: ● Well-being significantly improved after visiting the gardens in winter. Visitors felt more relaxed, happy and excited in the gardens, and

Snowdrops were high on the well-being lists of winter garden visitors

Credit: Darren Richardson/Unsplash

less stressed, sad and bored. ● The more time visitors spent in the winter gardens, the higher their well-being. ● The level of well-being was similarly high for visitors in winter and summer, suggesting that visiting gardens during either season is likely to carry benefits. But the average level of wellbeing before entering the gardens in winter was lower than in summer, meaning that those visiting in winter showed the greatest increase.

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● The more nature visitors observed in the gardens, such as birds, insects, and water, the higher their well-being. ● Visitors described, in their own words, a number of positive feelings while visiting the winter gardens.

They felt relaxed and calm, happy and uplifted, interested and inspired, appreciative of the gardens, immersed and at one with nature, and hopeful for spring. ● Visitors particularly liked the plants and flowers that could be found in the gardens during winter. Almost half of all visitors (47.6%) mentioned liking the snowdrops, 29.2% appreciated the emergence of spring growth, and 28.2% the scent of flowers like Daphne.

A third of respondents (33.3%) also appreciated being able to see the structure, design and views of and from the garden, given the lower amount of foliage at that time of year.

“Our research suggests that visiting a garden in winter can be just as beneficial as visiting in summer, as long as you wrap up warm,” said report author, Dr Emma White.

“This is an important finding, as we may notice ourselves getting out into gardens less during a time which many consider to be dormant. But winter gardens can be full of life and interest.

“Our survey respondents felt that winter is the perfect time to observe the emergence of new growth and experience the unique joy of spring flowering bulbs.

“It is a great time to appreciate the structure of a well-designed garden, and respondents noticed lots of wildlife and beneficial natural features.

“So, whatever the season, we should all try to get out into gardens more, observe the plants and nature around us, and feel the benefits.”

“The National Garden Scheme has been championing the health benefits of garden visits since it first opened 609 garden gates in 1927.

The scheme now opens over 3,500 gardens each year and continues to advocate the improvement to well-being that a visit to a garden can generate.

“In 2016, we commissioned the King’s Fund to produce a report on the topic and began an annual funding programme to support gardens and healthrelated projects run by charities.

“A year later we launched our annual Gardens & Health programme to continue raising awareness of the impact gardens and gardening can have on everyone’s physical and mental health.

“This latest report builds on that work and illustrates what many gardeners and garden visitors know, that being in a garden really is good for you,” adds George Plumptre.

The report, The wellbeing benefits of visiting National Garden Scheme gardens in winter, by environmental psychologist, Dr Emma White, can be found online: https://bit. ly/NGSWinterWellbeingReport

Salisbury & Avon, January 15, 2024

salisburyandavon.co.uk

Credit: Kate Darmody/Unsplash

On the move: It is easy being green

by Kye Harman NEW Year, new you; it’s not just the diet/gym regime/dry January, many people are also committing to a greener 2024.

Armishaws Removals has some incredible eco-credentials (planting 50,000 trees) and here we’ve highlighted a few small home changes you can make to save money and help save the planet.

Roll with it The average, four-person household uses 1.1 toilet rolls per day. Have you ever checked to see how green your loo roles are? There are now a number of eco-friendly brands using recycled paper or even bamboo.

Big butts Rather than using water from the mains, collecting water in a water butts can drastically help prevent the depletion of our reservoirs.

Simply by harnessing rainwater, you can make your garden even greener and save money if you’re on a water metre.

Upgrade girl Older appliances tend to be less efficient, meaning greater fuel consumption and greater fuel costs. Is it time you upgraded your old machines?

Wrap it up Poor insulation is one of the greatest causes of heat loss in our homes. Make your home more energy efficient is good for the environment and your bills.

Make it a double Getting rid of all of your old single glazing and switching to double glazing (even secondary glazing) can reduce heat loss and improve your home’s green credentials.

Have a refill Refill shops are cropping up everywhere. As well as organic, sustainably sourced staples like dried foods, all with zero packaging, you’ll also often find other eco-alternative on offer, such as cleaning supplies and beauty products.

Bulk up If you can’t find a refill shop, then buy in bulk – larger containers means less packaging waste and lower costs.

Add some greenery House plants like bromeliads remove over 80% of nasties from the air, and they look good.

Plants have also been shown to reduce anxiety and depression.

Say goodbye to greetings cards The UK sends over 800 million greeting cards every year. The environmental impact has led to more and more families ditching traditional cards and finding other ways to send the love; for example, why not shoot a short Tik-Tok style video instead?

Get more handy house hints and tips at www.armishaws.com/ blog.

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Salisbury & Avon, January 15, 2024

Policing

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Wiltshire PCC delivers message for residents at the start of the New Year “THE challenge for the Force, and my office, is not only to make Wiltshire safer but to ensure that all of our residents actually feel safer knowing that they have a police service that is focused on their protection and the enforcement of the law without fear or favour,” is the overarching message from Wiltshire Police and Crime Commissioner, Philip Wilkinson in his New Year message to the county’s residents.

“The past 12 months has been important for my office and for Wiltshire Police, as we welcomed a new Chief Constable. I believe her appointment has made a considerable impact on our capability to prevent and combat crime, and we will see further progress being made over the course of the next year,” he added..

“Under Chief Constable Roper’s leadership, the necessary structural changes have been made to Wiltshire Police to enable more officers to be pushed towards front line policing.

“This has been supported by the recruitment of more police officers to take our total number past the 1,165 required by the Home Office to 1,188.”

Mr Wilkinson then reflected on the opening of the force’s ‘refurbished and greatly improved training facilities’ in November, which he said would ensure that “all of our staff and officers have the best training available”.

A new community police station is due to open in Tidworth, in the new year, and Mr Wilkinson stated that the introduction of two new mobile police stations, will “increase police presence among our rural communities”.

Mr Wilkinson stated that he considered Operation Scorpion a success, thanks to the collaboration and coordination between all Police and Crime Commissioners and Chief Constables in the south-west: “We are making the most of our resources to tackle the issue of drugs gangs infiltrating our communities.”

As a result, Wiltshire Police is now the top performing police force in England and

The appointment of Chief Constable Roper has made a considerable impact on the force’s capability to prevent and combat crime, Mr Wilkinson stated

Wales for county lines disruptions per head of capita.

“However, we must guard against complacency, and make sure young people are diverted away from becoming involved in criminal activity,” he added.

Over the past year, in excess of half a million pounds from our Safer Streets funding and Community Action Fund has been granted to projects across Wiltshire and Swindon with the express aim of working with young people, in addition to the schemes the Force already funds.

“My office has also funded the delivery

of Blunt Truth workshops in schools across Swindon and Wiltshire, with more planned for 2024. These sessions teach young people about the consequences of carrying a knife and shows them what to do if a friend or relative is stabbed.

“We have also employed Wiltshire and Swindon’s first serious violence duty coordinator, who will be key in ensuring a joined up approach between all public agencies in our combined efforts to tackle violent crime.”

Mr Wilkinson stated that last year his office committed more funding to victims of crime in Wiltshire. “We have invested more than £750,000 in a specialist team focusing on investigating and preventing violence against women and girls (VAWG) and we have commissioned a new Independent Sexual Violence Advisory (ISVA) Service. We’ve also introduced listening circles to gain valuable insight and make the necessary changes to restore the trust and confidence victims should have within policing.”

On the roads, Mr Wilkinson reflected on the continued investment in the road policing team and on its success in referring more than 6,000 drivers in Wiltshire to speed awareness courses, compared to 1,618 in 2022.

“Our ultimate aim must be to reduce speed and the network of Speed Indicator Devices (SIDs) is showing that this is beginning to happen in the locations where they’re installed, thanks to the co-ordination of our award-winning community speedwatch volunteer, Adrian Turnbull.

“While Wiltshire Police remains within the Engage process, I am confident that we now have the right leadership and management processes in place not only to get us out of Engage in 2024 but also to turn Wiltshire Police into one of the best performing police forces in the country.

“Our goal, as always, is to make Wiltshire a safer place to live and work and it is by doing so that we will win the trust and confidence of Wiltshire’s residents.”

Salisbury & Avon, January 15, 2024

23

Policing

salisburyandavon.co.uk

Precept increase will mean we will invest more in improving the police service you receive

Advertising feature

As your Police and Crime Commissioner, it is my job to ensure Wiltshire Police have the necessary resources to fight and prevent crime, improve visibility and improve the service you receive – answering 101 and 999 when you call, responding when you need help, protecting vulnerable people and Making Wiltshire Safer.

It has been clear from residents’ feedback – heard by both myself and the Chief Constable throughout our varying public engagements throughout year – that you are still not seeing improvements in police service delivery as quickly as you would like and that clear picture forms the backdrop to my budget planning this year.

This week, so I could engage with as many residents and stakeholders as possible, before I report to the Police and Crime Panel on the budget, I opened my Policing, Priorities and £££s survey.

As I set the budget for policing, and

“I want to know what you think about Wiltshire Police, the service being delivered and where the focus on policing needs to be...

Philip Wilkinson, Wiltshire PCC

commissioned services, for Wiltshire and Swindon for the financial year 2024-25, I want to know what you think and urging you to Use Your Voice. You will have seen my Use Your Voice survey for the last few years. Last year, one criticism was the lack of space for your voice to be heard on several aspects of policing. I have listened and broadened my survey as a result.

Our communities, and the residents within – both young and old - know first-hand what makes them feel safe, which crimes are most important to them and which

priorities they want their police service to focus upon, outside of the national policing issues and policing issues like serious violence and counter terrorism.

I want to know what you think about Wiltshire Police, the service being delivered and where the focus on policing needs to be now, and in the future.

I want to know what services commissioned by my office we should be focusing on and, perhaps most importantly, I want to know where you think our budget should be spent.

Whatever your opinion, I would encourage you to fill out the survey.

It is only by using your voice that we can truly understand the views of local people.

www.wiltshire-pcc.gov.uk

24

Salisbury & Avon, January 15, 2024

Business

salisburyandavon.co.uk

Charities in Wiltshire among those to receive lottery funding boost MORE than 800 charities – including in Somerset, Wiltshire and Dorset – have got a new year funding boost from a National Lottery fund.

The lottery’s Community Fund has announced a £76 million package to help vulnerable people across the country, with cash handed to projects tackling food poverty, homelessness and offering financial advice among those to benefit.

Among those to benefit from the National Lottery Community Fund in Somerset, Dorset and Wiltshire were: ● Age UK Somerset: £72,251.35 ● Bridport and District Citizens Advice Bureau: £25,464 ● Citizens Advice Bournemouth Christchurch and Poole: £75,000 ● Citizens Advice in East Dorset and Purbeck Ltd: £68,712 ● Doorway Wiltshire Ltd: £31,689 ● The Crispin Hall Trust: £20,629.

Minister for Civil Society, Stuart Andrew, said: “Charities

Charities across Somerset, Wiltshire and Dorset have received a new year funding boost from a National Lottery fund

Credit: Sabine van Erp/Pixabay

and community organisations are on the frontline helping the most vulnerable in society, and we are allocating £100 million in recognition that they are struggling too, as demand and costs both increase.

“More than 800 charities have already been awarded these significant grants, meaning they can continue to help those in need and we will

Notices LICENSING ACT 2003 APPLICATION FOR A PREMISES LICENCE (Section 17 of the Act)

Name of applicant: Wiltshire Makers CIC Postal address of premises: Unit 45, Old George Mall, Salisbury, Wiltshire SP1 2AF The application, if granted, is to enable the following licensable activities on the Premises Licence: Sale of alcohol (On/Off Sales) – Monday to Sunday 09:00 – 21:00 A copy of the application may be inspected by visiting https://www.wiltshire.gov.uk/licences-permits-new-premisesapplications or by emailing publicprotectionnorth@wiltshire.gov.uk Any representations by a Responsible Authority/Interested Party or other persons must be received in writing within 28 days of this notice, by email to publicprotectionnorth@wiltshire.gov.uk or by writing to The Licensing Authority, Wiltshire Council, Public Protection, County Hall, Bythesea Road, Trowbridge, BA14 8JN. Date of Notice: 8 January 2024 End of Consultation: 5 February 2024 It is an offence knowingly or recklessly to make a false statement in connection with an application punishable on summary conviction of £5000

continue to roll out funding at pace.”

The funding comes at a critical time, as charities and organisations support more people struggling to heat their homes and access hot meals.

Grants worth between £10,000 and £75,000 are being allocated to cover project and core costs, including for premise rent, utilities, staff and volunteers.

David Knott, chief executive at The National Lottery Community Fund, said: “We’re proud to be distributing Government funding to enable frontline projects in England to support communities facing the impact of the rising cost of living.

“From the provision of food,

shelter and safe spaces, to financial or housing advice, over 800 awards have already been made to critical services that will strengthen communities and improve lives at a challenging time.”

Meanwhile, as part of a £100 million package of support allocated during the Spring Budget, it was also announced that £25.5 million will be used to pay for measures to help voluntary, community, and social enterprise (VCSE) organisations in England improve their energy efficiency.

Funding will help the long term energy and financial resilience of the sector as well as supporting the Government’s commitment to meeting a net zero target by 2050.

Via independent energy assessments, organisations will be able to identify how to reduce bills through measures such as improving or installing new energy features in the building.

The fund will also support the installation of new energy measures, such as insulation, heating and lighting systems, where applicants are eligible.

Applications for the £25.5 million VCSE Energy Efficiency Scheme, administered by community charity Groundwork, are now open.

Eligible organisations are able to apply for funding at www. groundwork.org.uk/

WE WERE CAST OUT OF EDEN But Jesus reconciled us to God. My book ‘God’s Day of Salvation’ presents the Christian gospel with close attention to the Bible.

Original research also on 1 Timothy 2:15 - helped by ancient Greek reader.

Thomas Curr currthomas@googlemail.com

Salisbury & Avon, January 15, 2024 salisburyandavon.co.uk

Grants available to help fill empty shops in city and town centres A SCHEME to being empty shops in Wiltshire towns and cities back into use is open for applications.

The new Vibrant Wiltshire grants programme will support businesses and organisations in the county in reinvigorating shops and commercial areas with grants of up to £10,000.

The new vacant units grants, part of the Wiltshire Towns Programme, will help smallscale and micro businesses, including start-ups, to occupy previously vacant commercial spaces in town centres across the county.

Wiltshire Council is now welcoming applications from businesses ahead of the grant applications closing date, on February 15, and is encouraging bids from businesses that offer services or engage in creative, cultural, and communityoriented activities.

Town and parish councils can also apply for funding to fill vacant units. However, all applications that meet the criteria will be considered.

Cllr Richard Clewer, council leader and cabinet member for economic development, said: “The Vibrant Wiltshire grants are geared towards helping small businesses to occupy vacant shops and commercial

spaces across our high streets, supporting the county’s businesses and enhancing the vibrancy of our market towns.

“Filling empty units high street shops and supporting local businesses to move into town centre locations adds to the existing shopping and service options and attracts more visitors, increasing the number of visitors and boosting spend.

“This investment of £500,000 into helping Wiltshire businesses is a key part of our Business Plan commitment to support our town centres and encourage them to thrive.”

The Vibrant Wiltshire grants

The grants are intended to help places like Wilton’s North Street (above) and Amesbury’s High Street (below left) to thrive

Credits: Google

range from £1,000 to a maximum of £10,000.

The types of businesses eligible may be those providing services, and/or creative, cultural and community uses in a number of town centres, including in the Gazette area: Amesbury, Downton, Ludgershall, Mere, Salisbury, Tidworth, Tisbury and Wilton.

Businesses must bring empty commercial units back into use on a permanent or temporary basis within eligible areas.

Applications can be made by business owners or directors of registered independent businesses, charities or social enterprises, or sole traders or self-employed individuals, who are bringing a new business to a town centre or relocating a current business within a town centre. A signed lease for the premises is required. www.wiltshire.gov.uk/vibrantwiltshire-grants, or email vibrant.wiltshire@wiltshire.gov. uk.

25

Business

Parlour to seek new home while Residence remains open THE OWNERS of the Caboose Residence & Parlour have announced that the Parlour has closed its doors, with the hotel remaining open.

In a post shared on social media, owners, The Immersive Group, said: “We have had an amazing four and half years of shaking up premium cocktails, and serving delicious homemade afternoon teas.

“Transforming The Cat Tavern into Caboose Residence & Parlour has been one of our proudest achievements. However, it is becoming harder to balance the needs of our growing Residence business with the growth plans we have for the Parlour.”

Fans and regulars of the Parlour need not be dismayed though, for this is not the end of the cocktail bar.

“We are now actively viewing potential new properties in the city centre to relocate our cocktail Parlour into.

“Our hotel is still very much open for business and our guests will receive discounts for cocktails at Tinga & Hixon during their stay with us.

We are still taking bookings for private hire of the Parlour and bedrooms. Please email office@theimmersivegroup. co.uk to make an enquiry.”

Valid vouchers can also be redeemed at any other The Immersive Group venue in the city. Email office@ theimmersivegroup.co.uk to arrange transfer and to make a reservation.

The owners signed off with: “A big thank you to everyone who has supported us, we cannot wait to give you an update once a new home has been found. Dave, Aimee, Matthew & all the Caboose team.”

26

Salisbury & Avon, January 15, 2024

Letters

salisburyandavon.co.uk

‘Will we now ask whether we should really be building on floodplains?’

FLOODING in Salisbury is perhaps not anything new, in the grand historical scheme of things, but it does feel like certain conditions in the city have made it worse in recent years, as the poor people of Ashley Road and the surrounding area have found out this past week or so.

Is it really sensible to be building on floodplains when, as physicists will tell you, water has to go somewhere?

In this case, it’s simply being pushed further downstream, and flooding somewhere else, it seems - places that haven’t flooded for years, decades, generations.

We need to ask ourselves if we’re prepared to sacrifice those living by the river - or in previously safe areas free of floods - to boost housing numbers.

Is that a worthwhile sacrifice?

Perhaps it is for those making money out of the over-priced homes being built, but for everyone else, particularly those forking out for house insurance with a flood warning by the address, I’m not sure it would be.

Our council and councillors need to get wise, soon, but I fear that is not likely.

A TRIMBLE Salisbury

Amazing Megan!

I FELT compelled to write after reading the amazing story of Megan Field (‘Megan helped to walk again after life-changing

Fact of the Fortnight...

WE’VE all heard of stunt doubles for Hollywood movie stars, who put themselves at risk during hairraising moments of drama and peril on the big screen.

But there is one stand-in you may not have been aware of - for the Queen.

Yes, Queen Elizabeth II had her own ‘stunt double’.

But don’t worry, the person you watched from afar that one time you ‘saw the Queen’ will have been the real thing.

Ella, pictured, looks nothing like Elizabeth Windsor – she was only a body double, in that she is of similar size and stature to the Queen.

She would attend events and rehearsals in place of the ruler, to ensure there were no problems, such as sun in the eyes at her designated seat, or steps that were difficult to manage etc.

We have yet to find out who took over the role of makeshift monarch when King Charles took the throne... spinal injury’, Gazette, January 1) in the last Gazette.

What an amazing young woman she is, and what amazing treatment she has had!

It was so heartwarming to read about her progress and I wish her all the very best for the future.

Salisbury Hospital is a wonderful place we should all be proud of.

Well done to the staff and well done to Megan!

NAME & ADDRESS

SUPPLIED

Christmas decorations started out as people bringing nature inside, in the form of branches, etc, which is why we associate ‘the holly and the ivy’ so much with the festive season.

Perhaps a return to ‘the good old days’ would actually be a good idea in this case?

Merry Christmas and a happy new year!

I do apologise for being something of a Grinch!

Ban the plastic?

TAKING down our Christmas decorations today, it occurred to me that perhaps we should do something to limit the amount of waste each year?

Most of the decorations I see are plastic, many get thrown away as they are not made to last, and just add to the rubbish thrown out and the plastic pollution problem.

THE GRINCH Amesbury

Send your letters and pictures by email to newsdesk@salisburyandavon.co.uk

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27

Property salisburyandavon.co.uk

Salisbury and Tisbury make list of best places to live

Downsizing to a more practical and convenient property is a decision that most people must make at some point. It can be a very emotional time and the whole process can appear terribly daunting, especially if you have been in your house for decades.

THE best places to live in Somerset, Wiltshire and Dorset have been revealed in a new list.

Internet directory site, Muddy Stilettos, has unveiled its annual guide to south west hot spots.

And while the Gazette’s towns didn’t take the top prizes, they still featured highly on the Wiltshire list, which was topped

by Mere and Pewsey, as well as Lacock, Box and Bradford on Avon.

According to the list, Wiltshire features some “lovely towns and villages to move to”, In Dorset, which the guide describes as featuring “picture postcard villages and towns in the lush rolling hills”, the list is led by Mudeford, with Westbourne, Sherborne and Wimborne also featuring.

Meanwhile, the nearest Hampshire town to make the list was Stockbridge.

Somerset, dubbed a “foodie heaven” by the guide, boasts “gorgeous houses and villages, cool towns, cutting-edge art” and more, it said, with Wells, Langport and Chew Magna on the list.

The full lists are…

Wiltshire: Mere Pewsey Lacock Box Bradford on Avon Corsham Tisbury (pictured) Salisbury Malmesbury Marlborough Dorset: Mudeford Westbourne Sherborne Wimborne Studland Poundbury Beaminster Bridport Swanage Lyme Regis Somerset & Bristol: Wells Langport Chew Magna Frome South Petherton Castle Cary Southville, Bristol Hinton St George Bruton Widcombe, Bath.

There are initial steps in the downsizing process and having helped many clients with this particular type of move, we can share some of these with you.

The first task is to decide where you want to move to and what sort of house you would like to live in. Ask yourself searching questions: do you want to be closer to your children or friends, in a town with amenities on your doorstep or in a village with a shop and a good bus route? Are your priorities to do away with stairs, having less maintenance to worry about or preferring a more manageable sized garden?

You obviously also need to do your sums. Seek advice on what you can expect your house to sell for and the costs involved in the moving process. You can then factor in how much capital you might want to release and the net result will provide you with an idea of what you can afford to spend on your next purchase.

Armed with this knowledge you can start to look out for specific properties, get your eye in on value and visualise the sort of space that you can expect to move to.

It is never too early to start de-cluttering. Although sometimes cathartic, many people find that one of the most emotive things is deciding which pieces of furniture and possessions are to go with them. Family members might be able to help, and if not you may have to be ruthless and call in the local saleroom.

Gradually, the process will begin to look less daunting, because once you start the ball rolling, it is amazing how the rest falls into place.

There is always the question of find first or sell first, but that is where a good agent will help.

Charlie Graham Rural View

28

Salisbury & Avon, January 15, 2024

Arts & Entertainment

salisburyandavon.co.uk

New Explorer’s Passport to boost children’s enjoyment of Bestival

Josie da Bank has designed and illustrated the Explorer’s Passport for Camp Bestival 2024

YOUNG people attending this year’s Camp Bestival in Dorset can enjoy a raft of activities designed and illustrated by co-curator, Josie da Bank.

The event, which runs at Lulworth Castle from July 25 to 28, has unveiled The Explorer’s Passport – a free booklet for each child at the festival.

Illustrated by Josie, the Explorer’s Passport features maps and information, with space for children to add their memories, stamps, and stickers as the festival.

Camp Bestival boasts more than 100 free activities to enjoy across the festival weekend, with the Explorer’s Passport designed to encourage families to try as many as possible, collecting stamps and stickers as they go.

Josie said: “It feels particularly special to be introducing The Explorer’s Passport for Camp Bestival 2024.

“We wanted to introduce something creative and fun that will enable families and children to explore the landscapes of Lulworth Castle in true Camp Bestival fashion and record their own adventures, as well as participating in as many free activities as possible – it is very much a veritable dream ticket for all things curiosity.”

Activities on offer include a host of workshops, including bushcraft survival

skills and Textile and Fashion World, guided nature runs, silly science challenges and creative colouring.

“Robby and I are also extremely excited to be introducing a new area which will lend itself directly back to the Explorer’s Passport – Navigation Town and our team of Navigators,” Josiie added.

“We couldn’t be happier that each family will now have a keepsake of their ultimate festival adventures that will be able to tell stories for years to come – this year is going to be amazing.”

The Explorer’s Passport will be managed on-site by a new team of Navigators, located at the new Navigation Town, who will present each child with their passport upon arrival and inspire families to explore activities, shows, talks and workshops so

that every child makes the most of their time at Camp Bestival.

News on The Explorer’s Passport follows the recently announced festival first add-on ticket option for 2024 - the Camp Kids Extra Pass.

The pass is designed to make kids’ mealtimes as easy as possible, while helping families budget and spread the cost of their festival weekend.

The Camp Kids Extra Pass is valid Friday to Sunday and comes with its own welcome pack with drawstring backpack, water bottle and meal tokens giving youngsters six kids meals, three sweet treats, and unlimited fruit and filtered water for £39.99.

There is no age limit for the Camp Kids Extra Pass, however it is primarily designed for younger children aged up to around 10.

It saves festivalgoers more than 35% of the cost of buying meals and snacks separately, organisers said, offering a sandwich, wrap or pasta dish with two snacks and a drink on Friday, Saturday and Sunday lunchtimes, plus a sweet treat, and a dinnertime child’s meal from select traders throughout the Camp Bestival site.

Between 9am and 6pm, Friday to Sunday, kids can also keep their energy levels topped up with unlimited fruit and filtered water.

Salisbury & Avon, January 15, 2024 salisburyandavon.co.uk

29

Arts & Entertainment

Made in the Moment: A solo exhibition by AM Thomas Paintings FOLLOWING the success of her exhibition last year, Annmarie Thomas will be returning to Fisherton Mill’s Main Gallery with a collection of new abstract pieces created especially for the exhibition.

The hint of a flower, the suggestion of a landscape – with Annmarie’s paintings you get an innate sense of what you’re looking at, but their abstraction means this is entirely open to interpretation.

With handwritten annotations, layers of collage and the use of vibrant and varied colour, Annmarie’s style is instantly recognisable and her work is much sought after.

This exhibition aims to capture Annmarie’s creative process, from sketchbooks through to finished pieces, charting the ‘made

in the moment’ manner of her intuitive painting style.

“Most of the questions I get asked revolve around the behind-the-scenes work I do for my paintings – my process, or my practice,” said Annmarie.

“As an intuitive painter, this process is an organic one for me but does have its origins in my daily sketchbooks.”

With a background in architecture and construction, Annmarie has spent much of

her career drawing straight lines so painting in an abstract way allows her creative freedom and an opportunity to express herself.

Annmarie has a studio at Fisherton Mill, from where she

runs regular painting workshops.

You can meet Annmarie in the Main Gallery on Saturday 17 and 24 (February) and Saturday, March 2 (11am to 4pm). Admission is free.

The secrets, scandals and salacious gossip of the Royal Court SARAH Slater will be returning to Sarum u3a, by popular request, on Wednesday, January 17, to present a talk on ‘Secrets, Scandal and Salacious Gossip of the Royal Court, 1660 to 1830’.

Sarah had previously delighted members with a presentation on the Ghosts of Hampton Court.

For her talk, she promises to wear one of her ‘beautiful costumes’ and talk about all the naughty bits of history you would probably not have learnt about at school.

She will discuss royal mistresses, prostitution, sexual diseases of the time, and the methods used to prevent SDTs and unwanted pregnancies.

Sarah is a guide lecturer who

The Great Gate at Hampton Court Palace where Sarah is a tour guide

Credit: Luke Nicolaides, CC BY-SA 2.0

has worked for Historic Royal Palaces, based at Hampton

Court Palace, since 2008.

She is qualified as a white

badge guide and is accredited as an affiliate with the Institute of Tourist Guiding.

Her expertise revolves around how Hampton Court Palace has been used through the centuries, from a Royal Tudor palace, a grace and favour home, to a modern tourist attraction and venue.

Members and guests are welcome to attend the meeting which will start at 10am with coffee. Guests are invited to join Sarum u3a after two visits.

The talk will take place at St Francis Church, Beatrice Road, Salisbury SP1 3PN. Parking is available at the rear of the church or in a car park on the opposite side of the main road from the church.

Sarumu3a.org.uk

30

Salisbury & Avon, January 15, 2024

Arts & Entertainment

salisburyandavon.co.uk

Songwriter brings Her Stories to the Arts Centre for International Women’s Day SONGWRITER and performer Louise Jordan will perform at Salisbury Arts Centre on Friday, March 8 at 7.30pm to mark International Women’s Day 2024.

The concert will celebrate the lives of extraordinary women through original songs, composed by Jordan over the past 10 years while touring across the UK and in Europe.

From smugglers to suffragettes, and nurses to political campaigners, these stories will capture your curiosity.

Jordan said: “I’ve had the great pleasure of researching the lives of inspirational women and turning their remarkable stories into song. In 2015, my determination to learn more about women’s experiences of the First World War during its centenary led to my discovery of a cast of incredible women including mathematician and inventor Hertha Ayrton, spy Louise de Bettignies and author Dorothy Lawrence who dressed as a soldier to report from the Western Front.

“Since creating the production No Petticoats Here about these extraordinary women of the First World War, I have created three further solo productions which have taken me across the UK and I am

passionate about placing a spotlight on often hidden stories of women who blazed a trail for others to follow.

“I’ve often imagined meetings between these women.

This concert for International

Women’s Day 2024 will weave their stories together and celebrate their many achievements.”

Since launching her first EP in 2010, Jordan has released seven albums and has toured extensively in the UK. HerStories explores themes which sit at the heart of all of Jordan’s work – equality, representation and social justice.

For a full list of tour dates please visit www.louisejordan. co.uk.

Wilton Live event will go ahead as tribute to Thom Belk THE organisers of Wilton Live have confirmed that the event will go ahead as planned on January 27 in tribute to Thom Belk, who died suddenly on Boxing Day, aged 36.

Thom was hugely influential in the Salisbury music scene and a driving force behind the Salisbury Music Awards.

He had strong family connections in Wilton and was a driving force behind the event, which conceived as smaller version of Salisbury Live.

Salisbury Live’s Colin Hilton told the Gazette: “Wilton Live was a concept put together by Thom Belk and Salisbury Live.

Billed as ‘Salisbury Lives little Brother’.

“Wilton Live was a massive success at its inaugural event in March 2023, with an eclectic mix of musical acts performing in the pubs, clubs and the towns Michael Herbert Hall.

“As a tribute to Thom we are delighted to confirm that Wilton Live 2 on Saturday,

January 27, at Wilton Community Centre will still be going ahead as planned.

“Doors are 3pm-11pm.”

“Wilton Live was Thom’s baby, he had strong family ties to the town and Wilton Live 2 will be a very fitting tribute to him.”

The line-up for Wilton Live 2 has been confirmed with the following bands and musicians appearing: Lady Winwoods Maggot; Glasshouse; Lump; Ribble; Wilton Voices; Rich Atkinson & The New Billionaires; Alex Morgan Wardrop; Pete Robson; Bob Primmer; and Buck Reid.

The event will take place at Wilton Community Centre with both a bar and food available. There will be two stages hosting music from 3pm to 11pm, with ticket costing £7 in advance.

To buy tickets for Wilton Live 2 visit: https://www.skiddle.com/whats-on/ Salisbury/Wilton-Community-Centre/ Wilton-Live-2/37169896

Salisbury & Avon, January 15, 2024 salisburyandavon.co.uk

31

Arts & Entertainment

Stunning images on display at Salisbury Library photography exhibition

By Brian MacReamoinn

A MAJESTIC red kite is perched, alone, gazing out over a field; a ballet dancer in a swirling red dress strikes a dynamic pose; a small vulnerable child’s eyes stare out poignantly against an unadorned white background; a cheetah is captured mid-action, at full speed, as it chases its prey.

These are just some of the award-winning photographs currently on display at Salisbury Library’s new photography exhibition.

The Young Gallery, upstairs at Salisbury Library, is hosting the Southern Counties Photographic Federation’s 54th Annual Exhibition until January 27. On display are nearly 200 mounted photographic prints, alongside a slideshow of some 300 digital images, all taken by members of the different camera clubs within the federation.

This event is running alongside another photographic exhibition from Salisbury Photographic Club in the gallery next door.

Visitors have a chance to view these stunning images and admire the composition, the use of light and shadow, and the various colours, both vibrant and subtle. There is a wide range of styles in the show: Portraits; still lifes; landscapes; as well as pictures of birds and animals.

At a preview of the exhibition on Friday, January 5, the SCPF held its annual awards ceremony. Comprising nearly 70 camera clubs throughout the southern counties, Channel Islands and Gibraltar, the organisation boasts about 3,000 members in total.

The prize-giving was very well-attended, with the audience eagerly awaiting the announcement of the winners.

Current federation president, Anne Eckersley, welcomed everyone and thanked the awards judge, Alan Walker, a very

experienced and well-respected photographer, and himself a former SCPF club member.

In choosing the pictures, Alan said: “It is always a great privilege to be asked to look at people’s photographs and in this case it was lovely to see such a wide range, combining portrait, nature, still life and landscape.

“I was knocked out by the quality of these images.

“Because the standard was so high, narrowing it down and selecting winning images was very difficult indeed. To be very, very honest, all three of the projected digital images could quite easily have been joint-first.

The marks between them are so marginal, it simply came down to my feelings on the day.”

The president then presented awards to the photographers of the winning images.

Winchester Photographic Society won the Woolston Shield for the best club entry in the print section. Andy Briggs (Yateley Camera Club) won the Herbert Dennis Trophy for best individual colour print with his image ‘En Pointe’. Anne Ruffell (Winchester Photographic Society) won the Federation Trophy for the best monochrome print for ‘Street Child’.

Yateley Camera Club won the Southern Counties Photographic Federation Shield for the best club entry in the Projected Digital Images section. Margaret

Cooper (Viewfinders of Romsey Camera Club) won the Philip Conway Memorial Award for ‘Red Kite’.

The final award of the evening was the John Hodge Memorial Trophy, which was won by Jim Crone for his digital image ‘Stacked Nicely’.

This trophy is given for the image to be used in the publicity for the SCPF’s next exhibition, in January 2025.

Anne said: “This is our 54th annual exhibition and I am delighted we are back in the Young Gallery again. This lovely venue has hosted our exhibition for a number of years and is just the perfect place to display our members’ work.

“I always find it incredibly moving to see the work of so many talented photographers together like this. Camera clubs are great things to be a part of.

“All the clubs in our region are friendly and with a wealth of expertise that members are always happy to share. I certainly have benefited from their help with my own photography through both my club and federation membership over the years, so can thoroughly recommend joining one.

“I hope visitors to the exhibition will enjoy the variety of pictures on display and feel inspired to develop their own photographic ambitions and look for a camera club near to them.”

Those interested in joining a camera club can find more information at https:// southerncountiespf.org.uk Admission is free. younggallerysalisbury.co.uk

32

Salisbury & Avon, January 15, 2024

SALISBURY & AVON

P3

GAZETTE

Z 10

U1

Arrow words

1

Rule as monarch

Pull

Over-the-air internet (2-2)

Cook in oil

Proton donor

Judge

8

Low in pitch

Large Asian sheep

4

3

2

S1

E1 4

3

5

6

7

5

6

7

9

8

10

ISSUE 33 32 ISSUE

9

11

10

12

11

12

Thrift

13 13 Takes too much medicine (abbr)

Silent movie actor, Harding

Nap

Following on behind (2,3)

1414

15 15

Golf-ball support

16 16

17 17

18 18

19

Chilled (2,3)

20 2021 21

Police officer

Dweeb

Rank above Communist‘constable’ style jacket (abbr)

Country pubs UK local transport authority (inits)

Crude

2

1

Nada

Website address (inits)

Hit the slopes?

Z 10

Crossword

Pivotal

salisburyandavon.co.uk

L1

US infantry (abbr) (1,2)

Mixture of smoke and fog

Wordsearch

Julia Roberts Films

DUPLICITY EAT PRAY LOVE GRAND CHAMPION HOOK MARY REILLY MIRROR MIRROR MONA LISA SMILE MYSTIC PIZZA

T L N E V E L E S N A E C O A

I T H E M E X I C A N E L T C

24

24

Across

Lego and Barbie

T V A L E N T I N E S D A Y N

23

Across 1 Beats on a serve (4) 1 Beats on a serve 4 Summation (8) (4) 4 Summation 8 In the end(8)(2,4) Male parent 8 In9the end (2,4) (6) 10 Untie (4) (6) 9 Male parent 11 Unusual (8) 10 Untie (4) 13 Normally 11 Unusual (8) (13) 16 Direct (13) encounter (3-2-3) 13 Normally 19 Centres of interest (4) 16 Direct encounter (3-2-3) 20 Self-assurance (6) 19 Centres of interest (4) 22 Month length in days? (6) 20 Self-assurance (6) 23 Become set in ice (6,2) 22 Month length in days? (6) 24 Effervescent water (4) 23 Become set in ice (6,2) 24 Effervescent water (4)

Paperfolding art

X Y H N O N N R O Y M T R I T B O U P I R C N M C R E A A I P A W H L C N A C P R S Y D U M T B N D E W R A A B E I R M O L D G H T V E M O F E I R B

23

22 22

N G H I K R Y P A O R I Z P O E Z R R H I E R X P T I C C T M L I Y R C T W O A S O R E Y M R W M A I E I N M L I L E P

L T O U E A T P R A Y L O V E

NOTTING HILL OCEAN’S ELEVEN OCEAN’S TWELVE PRETTY WOMAN RUNAWAY BRIDE THE MEXICAN THE PELICAN BRIEF VALENTINE’S DAY

L C Z R A P O E H R I Y I E H

I O I M A R Y R E I L L Y I T

Down 2Down Make a hasty escape (3,3,3) 23Make hasty escape (7) (3,3,3) Edibleafish or shellfish 34Edible fish or shellfish (7) Misbehave (3,2) In reality, whether 45Misbehave (3,2) right or not (2,5) up (5) 56InSum reality, whether right or not (2,5) Metal-bearing mineral (3) 67Sum up (5) 12 Assigned (9) mineral (3) 7 Metal-bearing 14Assigned Disturb (7)(9) 12 15Disturb Matters(7) (7) 14 17 Particular cut of loin steak (1-4) 15 Matters (7) 18 Clear your plate (3,2) 17 Particular cut of loin steak (1-4) 21 Apiece (3)

18 Clear your plate (3,2) 21 Apiece (3)

Sudoku

9 4 3

1 1 7 6 3

9

4 1 6 6 2 1 5

2 3 5 8 2

5 2 7

1 4 9 9 4 9 3 8

6

Brain chain 40

RESULT

÷10

+14

÷3

+50%

×8

33

Salisbury & Avon, January 15, 2024 salisburyandavon.co.uk

P3

ISSUE 32 ISSUE 33

Z 10

U1

L1

Z 10

Jumbo sudoku 2 5

6 3

8

4 2 1 7

6

8 3 9

2 1

7 3

5 1

4

5

7 2 5

7

8

6

8

10

2

1

4

3

9

11

14

15 13

17

16

14

18

19

16

17

20 1

8

2

21 3

4

23

5

9

22 20

6

23

21

7

Across Do Down by old English 2 Acc 1 Outside broadcast 12 2 Accept, effe musicmaker (4) it’s said, work as an unintended (2-7) 3 Rot 4 Separateeffect new department producing reward 3 Rot close to rose and two trees (7) 4 Sto 4 Separate new department producing reward for investors?

(8) obs 8 Maintenance elevated part of old castle (6) 4 Store overlooking hospital showing for investors? (8) 13 14 (6) 9 Become less 15severe(5) 5 Wo about austere period (6) obscurity 8 Maintenance elevated part of castle 10 (6) Some idiot assailing Greek character 5 Wordy bishop with start of(4)oration in poe 9 Become less severe about austere period 6 Foo and in gaol possibly (8) poetry (7) 10 Some idiot assailing Greek character (4)11 Lout in house cap 13 Former President to give early indication of Killer Sudoku 6 Food outlet encapsulating hot Asian 115 Lout in house and in gaol possibly (8) 7 Wo messages by 16 Place numbers 19 rumour (4,9) 17 1 to 9 capital (5) 13 Former President to give early indication16of18 12 Job A burial place mob vandalized producing 7 Woman (3 messages by rumour (4,9)every once each into huge weapon (4,4)of habit in union undoubtedlyacc 12I Job in capital one 16 A burial place mob vandalized Old 19 Brother love candidate showing vivacity (4) upset, not14 row, column and producing accepting pressure (9) meat (6) huge weapon (4,4) out 20 Single male sadly rejected seasoned 20 22 21 3x3 box. (4) 15 Pro 22 A rug14 I replaced around books front ofwith theatre for Old religious London gallery, 19 Brother Ibold-lined love showing vivacity 17 Inte (6) No sadly didgitrejected may beseasoned meat instrument outlandish objects (7) 20 Single male (6) 18 Sta back artist in break at home (8) Problem with mistake?

Nonsense (7) 22 A rug I replaced around front of theatre 23 for Hold 15 repeated in any 21 Ma 24 Detest bowler, perhaps, with energy (4)

Killer sudoku 9

16

17

13

15

14

18

15

23

14

13

instrument (6) 23 dash-lined cage, and 23 Hold back artist in break at home (8) all the digits in any 24 Detest bowler, perhaps, with energy (4)

cage must add up to

17

12

15

11

14

13

20

4

15

10

Across the value shown in broadcast by old English 19 1 Outside 15 musicmaker that (4) cage.

4 Separate new department producing reward for investors? (8) 8 Maintenance elevated part of castle (6) 9 Become less severe about austere period (6) 10 Some idiot assailing Greek character (4) 26 11 Lout in house and in gaol possibly (8) 13 Former President to give early indication of messages by rumour (4,9) 16 A burial place mob vandalized producing huge weapon (4,4) 19 Brother I love showing vivacity (4) 20 Single male sadly rejected seasoned meat (6) 22 A rug I replaced around front of theatre for instrument (6) 23 Hold back artist in break at home (8) 24 Detest bowler, perhaps, with energy (4)

Brain chain (hard version) 99

RESULT

×2/3

-50%

+7

×2/5

22

24

Place 1 to 9 once into every black-bordered 3x3 area as well as Across 10 broadcast by old English 11 1 Outside each of the 54 rows indicated by the coloured lines. Rows don’t musicmaker (4) cross the thick black lines.

14

18

3

7

28

5

12

4

9

8

2

10

6 5

7

11

7

3

1 5 9

6

8

1

9 2 4

5

9

13

8

4

4

5

9 5 2 1

1

3

8

1

5

2

2

1

8 4 7

8

3

6

3

6

7

6 9

2

9

3

GAZETTE

Cryptic crossword 1

9 2

S 1 SALISBURY & AVON

E1

×2

17 Intended article to probe police (5) 24 18 Start say to enter place for refuse (5) 21 Mature lager essentially (3)

Down 2 Accept, it’s said, work as an unintended side effect (2-7) 3 Rot close to rose and two trees (7) 4 Store overlooking old hospital showing obscurity (5) 5 Wordy bishop with start of oration in poetry (7) 6 Food outlet encapsulating hot Asian capital (5) 7 Woman of habit in union undoubtedly (3) 12 Job candidate in capital upset, not one accepting pressure (9) 14 Old religious books with London gallery, outlandish objects (7) 15 Problem with mistake? Nonsense (7) 17 Intended article to probe police (5) 18 Start say to enter place for refuse (5) 21 Mature lager essentially (3)

For the solutions, turn to page 42

34

Salisbury & Avon, January 15, 2024

Local Services

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Salisbury & Avon, January 15, 2024

35

Sport salisburyandavon.co.uk

Quick double for Allison as New Year Honour follows premier debut DAYS after making his debut as a referee in the Premier League - Sam Allison was named in the King’s New Year’s Honours list.

Away from the football pitch, Sam is a station manager with the Dorset & Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service.

And he was recognised with a King’s Fire Service Medal (KFSM) in the honours announced last week.

He has been recognised for his drive and passion in promoting greater inclusivity across Dorset and Wiltshire, including his significant efforts working with harder to reach communities.

His work has seen Sam establish and lead a staff network that helps the fire service engage with minority ethnic staff.

Sam said: “I feel incredibly privileged to be awarded with such a distinguished medal.

“I’m grateful to everyone who has supported me in my career and been a part of my journey, supporting my vision for a more inclusive workplace.”

He added: “I would like to extend my gratitude to chief fire

officer Ben Ansell and assistant chief officer Jenny Long for their leadership, guidance and

support in my mission.

“I would like to thank my family, friends, colleagues and

community for helping me reach a stage where I can proudly accept this award as a mark of my achievement.

“I will continue to drive change, challenge adversity, and always strive for excellence.

Thank you for this unexpected and humbling award.”

Chief fire officer Ansell said Sam’s leadership and hard work has led to significant improvements in how the service works, including an increase in minority ethnic staff.

During the pandemic, he led the service’s efforts to increase the take-up rates of the Covid-19 vaccine in underrepresented groups and remote communities, such as those living on the canals and rivers of Wiltshire.

CFO Ansell said: “I am absolutely delighted that Sam has been recognised nationally for his outstanding leadership, passion and commitment to making the fire and rescue service inclusive for all.

“I send congratulations to Sam on behalf of everyone at Dorset & Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service, this medal is extremely well deserved.”

Breast Walk Ever returns to help the fight against cancer IF you are looking for a New Year’s resolution worth sticking to, then you’ll be interested to know that Against Breast Cancer’s Breast Walk Ever is returning to Hampshire on May 12, 2024, and entries are now open.

There are a number of options open for people of all abilities. You can choose to walk for the life saving research taking place at the University of Southampton.

With full and half marathon options also available, as well as a 10K, Breast Walk Ever Hampshire has plenty of choice for anyone looking for a local

walking challenge.

The routes all start together just outside Winchester, following waymarked trails, including the Clarendon, Itchin and Pilgrims Way. All three walks give participants the chance to follow in the footsteps of King Charles II following his defeat to Cromwell in 1651, on the ancient Monarch’s way too.

Against Breast Cancer’s Breast Walk Ever events have been running since 2014.

Since then, walkers have raised almost £300,000 that has been put towards research into secondary spread breast cancer;

much of which takes place at the University of Southampton.

“We are delighted to be back in Hampshire, close to where a significant proportion of our research takes place in Southampton,” said the charity’s event manager, Richard Martin.

“We received lots of lovely feedback last year from supporters who relished the chance to talk to a number of our researchers who were volunteering at the various support stops along the course.”

In the UK, 55,000 women and over 370 men are diagnosed with breast cancer each year.

Breast cancer is statistically the most common form of cancer in the UK. Against Breast Cancer fund vital research into secondary spread of the disease, the main cause of breast cancer related deaths.

Entry fees for the event start from just £13. Walkers can expect regular support stops and a complimentary massage at the finish to go with their hardearned medal. There is also free parking at the event HQ in Hursley.

All walkers are asked to raise funds, with an initial target of just £75. breastwalkever.org.

36

Salisbury & Avon, January 15, 2024

Church

salisburyandavon.co.uk

Chorister recruitment steps up again, following a successful 2023 for choir AFTER a year in which concerts at Salisbury Cathedral have often sold out and recent Christmas services were attended by thousands, the music team are now turning their thoughts to the New Year and chorister recruitment.

The task of selecting young candidates to take the choir forward into the future begins in earnest on Saturday, January 20, when the cathedral will hold voice trials for girls.

Boys’ voice trials take place the following week, on Saturday, January 27.

Voice trials (or auditions) are a way for David Halls, director of music at the cathedral, to get to know and hear each individual child sing, testing their natural musicality. To start with, each candidate is asked to sing a song of their own choice.

David Halls, said: “The song doesn’t need to be complicated, just something that has been sung at school, with friends or at church.

“A hymn or a carol will do–- or a popular song. The important thing is that the youngster enjoys singing it and feels confident doing so.”

There are aural tests as well, such as clapping back a rhythm, picking notes out of a simple chord and singing back a melody played on the piano.

The music team runs the auditions in a relaxed

School, she is well aware of the musical opportunities offered by the unique combination of choir and school.

“The musical education offered here and as part of the cathedral choir, is second to none,” she said. “We have a wide range of instrumental as well as vocal specialists, and of course David and his team are experts in their field.

“Singing with a choir develops a lot of other skills too – organisation, concentration and the ability to collaborate.

Choristers learn very quickly not to be afraid to stand up and sing confidently in front of a congregation of up to 1,700 people. That is quite something.”

To find out more about the voice trials or to request an application form contact Catherine Mitchell at musicofficer@salcath.co.uk.

Top: Sharing a joke – girl choristers at Salisbury Cathedral

Credit: Finnbarr Webster

Credit:Spencer Mulholland

environment because they are looking for potential talent rather than seasoned performers, and they want to get to know each child as an individual.

Being enthusiastic and keen to be part of the team are as important as the singing.

“I always tell children that

Choristers at Salisbury Cathedral

being a member of the choir is like being on a sports team.

“You train together, you perform together, and you get together in the ‘club’ room – or school and cathedral in this case.

It’s a group effort, it can be hard work, but it is great fun.”

Any child lucky enough to be offered a place in the choir receives a bursary and a place at the Cathedral School, and both the school and cathedral work hard to ensure that no child is prevented from taking up a place in the choir because of lack of funding.

Both Susie Lamb’s children sang with the choir and, as the director of music at the Cathedral The Epiphany Devotion features Bach’s Christmas Oratorio accompanied by period instruments

Credit: Finnbarr Webster

Music at the cathedral 2023 The next big musical date at the cathedral is the Epiphany Devotion on January 21, during which the full cathedral choir will sing Parts 5 and 6 of Bach’s Christmas Oratorio.

In keeping with the Baroque period (during which this wonderful piece of choral music was written), the choir will be accompanied by period instruments.

Anna Macham, canon precentor, who is responsible for music and liturgy at the cathedral said: “The Epiphany Devotion tells the age old story of the Magi, travelling to worship the infant Jesus.

“This service completes the Christmas story for us. It is a very moving service, rich in music and language, interspersed with devotional addresses – and, of course, Bach is such fitting music for the time of year and this ancient building.”

The Epiphany Devotion takes place on Sunday, January 21 at 5pm.

Salisbury & Avon, January 15, 2024

37

Politics

salisburyandavon.co.uk

Businesses and homes at risk of flooding SALISBURY residents received an unexpected and devastating reminder of the undeniable impact of climate change this weekend (January 7) at the site of the £35m Environment Agency River Project. The predicted warmer and wetter winters are clearly becoming more evident as the effect of climate change increasingly has a more noticeable impact on our daily lives.

Having apparently escaped the devastating impact of Storm Henk, residents in Ashley Road suffered the full brunt of the flooding. More than 600 flood warnings and alerts in England and Wales were announced last week. Widespread disruption to road and rail transport, and a flooding threat to homes causing evacuation, were experienced in many areas.

Solutions to reducing the more catastrophic impact of climate change are, currently quite rightly, at the centre of global debate. Equally pressing is the need to mitigate against the immediate and existing impact on our daily lives.

The Environment Agency (EA) River Park project in Salisbury has entered its final phase with a projected completion date of May 2023. The project was expected to offer protection to local homes but clearly something has gone wrong. At the time of

Cllr John Wells Labour chair of Environment and Climate Committee (Salisbury City Council) writing this article there has been no response from the EA. A National Audit reported last month that the pledge to protect 336,000 properties from the risk of flooding by 2027 will be cut to 200,000 due to rising costs – a reduction of 40%. Georgia Whittaker (Greenpeace) said there was “… absolutely no excuse for this lack of preparation…” from the government.

Chancellor Jeremy Hunt defended government action on flooding after the National Audit Office reported that 500 of 2,000 new flood defence projects had been dropped, and the number of properties that will receive better protection from flooding by 2027 had been cut by 40%. “The reason the National Audit Office say that is

because of the impact of inflation, and that is why our number one priority is to bring down inflation,” he said, since inflation had made projects more expensive. He said that flood protection was “…a priority…” and that since 2015 the government had protected nearly 400,000 homes.

As a consequence of a lack of investment in flood defences, tax-payer’s money is being gobbled up in addressing flood and infrastructure damage, and insurance premiums for homes and businesses spiral upwards. We are all going to pay the price.

Jonathan Werran, the chief executive of Localis (a think tank for local affairs) said: “The planning system encourages and incentivises folly…” and “…We must not incentivise any more building of houses in high-risk flood plain areas.”

Local authorities responsible for those areas, “must be given a pass,” he said, rather than house-building targets which encouraged them to do “very foolish things”.

This week, Conservative MP Chris Skidmore resigned over the issue of Rishi Sunak’s proposed bill to allow more new gas and oil licences, which promises to be yet another step in the wrong direction in addressing climate change and the impact on our environment.

Flooding is a warning for us all...

JANUARY 2024 will be remembered for severe flooding and storms.

The winds, the torrential rain, and sadly, the damaged property from burst river banks and overflow.

Homes in the centre of Salisbury were flooded for the first time in ten years, Britford has been submerged and there has been flooding in Ford.

For those who have been directly affected, there has been devastation and sadness, for neighbours, anxiety and nervousness. Across South Wiltshire, Wiltshire, and the country, we are having to come to terms with wetter winters and will need to respond accordingly. These changes in our weather patterns are part of the climate crisis that we must address.

In terms of flooding this means building the flood defences that will be required in the future.

Salisbury’s own River Park Project will be completed this year and hopefully protect homes.

It is concerning, however, that a quarter

Victoria Charleston Lib Dems Parliamentary spokesperson for Salisbury constituency of new flood defence projects across the country will not go ahead.

According to the National Audit Office, the number of properties that will be better protected from flooding by 2027 has been cut by 40%, and 500 of 2,000 new flood defence projects have been abandoned.

The Environment Agency sites inflation for the impact on these projects.

It also means not building new homes on greenfield sites and floodplains.

I find it extraordinary that new houses are being built in Harnham with water pumps in situ.

Local residents have resisted building on this land for exactly this reason: the flood plains provide a natural place for excess water to go. It is a disaster to build in this way.

Beyond big infrastructure projects and sensible house building, individually there are steps we can take to look after our property. The Environment Agency provides comprehensive flood warnings to help people be aware. Homes can be protected with Flood Resilience (FRe) Technologies, and community plans can help prepare for the worst.

The glimmer of positivity about the flooding is the community spirit that has been shown. People coming together to help each other, people offering help, support, sandbags, dehumidifiers, and places to stay.

I sincerely hope January 2024 will be remembered as an outlier in terms of weather and impact. Sadly, I think it is going to become the norm and something we need to properly face up to.

38

Salisbury & Avon, January 15, 2024

Education

salisburyandavon.co.uk

First in sector: Tops Day Nurseries introduces game-changing menu TOPS Day Nurseries has become one of the first in the sector to introduce game meats to its menus.

The award-winning day nursery chain with over 30 nurseries across the south and southwest, including one in Salisbury, launched its game dishes ‘to captivate young taste buds while providing unmatched nutrition and aligning with their sustainability mission and ethos’.

They are among the first in its sector to make the move and put wild meat on its menu.

Working in collaboration with Eat Wild, the development board for all wild meat in the UK, Tops Day Nurseries has developed five different wild meat meals which will be incorporated into the nursery’s menu.

Across the 32 sites, the children will be provided with wild meat meals twice within a three-week cycle, totalling 3,000 wild meat meals per month.

The inspiration behind the new menu comes from a strong belief in the nutritional value and benefits of game meat. As stated by Pete Ttofis, catering manager at Tops Day Nurseries: “Having worked in the hospitality industry for so long, I had always been aware of how delicious wild foods were, especially game.

“The variety and how natural it is always appealed to me as I knew it hadn’t been subjected to

Top: Sampling some of the new menu items Left: Venison bolognese

Credit: Tops Day Nurseries

courses of intense growth hormones or antibiotic

Appren-T- Fest and early careers fair in Salisbury THE SALISBURY Apprenticeships and Early Careers Fair is taking place on January 24, 2024, jointly hosted

by Salisbury 6th Form College and Wiltshire College and

University Centre.

All secondary schools and colleges in Salisbury will be sending students throughout the day to the fair where they can meet 25 local employers and

treatment. It is left to roam freely eating natural foods within its natural environment, because after all, we are what we eat, right?”

After a bit of exploring, it was discovered that the nutritional value of game was excellent, and contained less fat, as much protein and nutrients like vitamin B-12, iron and zinc as typical household their apprentices, as well as hearing from motivational speakers.

There are further sessions in the evening for parents, carers and young people.

The Appren-T-Fest Salisbury Fair has been organised by the Swindon and Wiltshire Careers Hub and Apprenticeships in Salisbury with support from the

meats like beef, chicken, lamb, and pork.

Switching to game meat contributes to the protection of diverse species in their natural environment, aligning with Tops Day Nurseries sustainability mission and ethos.

To familiarise the children with new flavours the chain has incorporated wild foods into familiar dishes. Dishes such as venison bolognese and garlic bread will appear on our winter menu.

“We believe that giving wild foods a try and experimenting with our food diversity is something we should be exploring,” Pete added. “Food should be fun, exciting, new, and delicious.”

Leon Challis-Davies, culinary director at Eat Wild, who is leading the project said: “There are lots of reasons why getting wild and sustainable meat onto school menus is so important, I could talk about them for hours.

“First and foremost, though, it’s so important that we get the younger generation to eat more nutritional and vitamin-rich food to help them develop.

“Wild meat is not only healthier, but it’s also more sustainable than what we consume from our current meat-producing sector. It’s much more flavoursome too.” https://www.topsdaynurseries. co.uk/about-tops/ Salisbury Education and Business Partnership.

You can read much more about the fair, download the brochure and book into the evening sessions by visiting the website. apprenticeshipsinsalisbury. co.uk/apprenticeshipsfair-2024/

Salisbury & Avon, January 15, 2024 salisburyandavon.co.uk

39

Food & Drink

Exploring the mystery and the majesty of Lion’s Mane mushrooms WHAT’S in a name?

This impressive, shaggy looking fungi goes by several: Lion’s mane; mountain priest mushroom; bearded tooth fungus; bearded hedgehog...

You get the picture.

In fact, both parts of its scientific name, Hericium erinaceus mean hedgehog, but who wants a prickly hog when you can have majestic lion?

But why are we having this conversation, you might well ask?

Well, there are some who say this shaggy, white ‘shroom can re-grow your brain.

That’s right, it’s not just a superfood, it’s a purported elixir, a holy grail, if you will.

Okay, that might be overstating its benefits somewhat, but there is some scientific foundation to the claim that it’s good for you.

Now, before you all go out and start foraging, although it is found wild in Britain, it is listed as endangered and therefore must not be picked in the wild.

You can buy it from specialist suppliers, however, and even buy seed kits to grow your own.

This is how I first came to hear of it.

(Well, see it, really, it was as I was watching old episodes of Rick Stein’s Cornwall while recuperating from some ailment.)

Once you get over the looks, the whole of the mushroom (yes, there are more technical terms) can be eaten.

Edible mushrooms (and please do adhere to all guides and rules here, as some, of course, are deadly) are full of goodness, and are bring lauded all over the wellness world right now.

Reishi is another popular one, of course.

The Lion’s mane has been used in traditional medicine and diets for millennia, but it is rare over here, especially as you

Credit: Jim Champion/CC BY-SA 2.0

cannot pick it wild.

There is some research to suggest that they can help improve cognitive function.

They contain two compounds, hericenones and erinacines, which are alleged to protect the brain from the cognitive effects linked to ageing, with claims that they stimulate brain cell regrowth, and nerve protection.

Of course, this does not mean you should buy up all the stock in the country and work your way through it at speed.

That’s not going to work, silly.

Also, despite no known side effects, consuming too many isn’t going to be great for the digestion.

How to cook? Like any other mushroom.

You can buy them fresh (fried, grilled, chillis, on toast, risottos, roasted etc), dried, and powdered.

You can even steep them in tea (no, it won’t have ‘that’ effect).

Hericium erinaceus on an old tree in Shave Wood, New Forest

Tuesdays ~ Saturdays

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Salisbury & Avon, January 15, 2024

Volunteering

salisburyandavon.co.uk

Managers forum is embracing the future of volunteer support Wessex Community Action is the council for voluntary services in Wiltshire and provides practical support for community organisations on funding, governance, planning, policy development, recruiting and leadership.

This monthly volunteering column looks at all aspects of volunteering and how people can give up their time for the benefit of their communities.

THE way we live and work is changing and volunteering has to change with it, that’s why a new vision for volunteering is being developed.

The national Vision for Volunteering is a 10-year

strategy framework, which is looking not only at how and why people volunteer, but what volunteering needs to look like, and how this will make those who give up their time feel about their roles.

The vision, which is being developed nationally by representatives of more than 300 organisations, has five themes – awareness and appreciation, power, equity and inclusion, collaboration and experimentation.

It aims to find a solution to meeting charities and volunteers’ needs so that those volunteer roles are given the recognition they deserve.

Volunteers are able to lead on

Antiques

Next Sale Stamps, Books, Pictures & Prints, and Antique Furniture & Objects

Saturday 27th January For a full list of our specialist sales please see our website

A Japanese bronze model of a gourd by Shoami Katsuyoshi (1832-1908), 33cm high.

SOLD FOR £92,000

For free verbal valuations please contact Station Road, Semley, Shaftesbury SP7 9AN 01747 855122 www.semleyauctioneers.com and South Kensington, London

The national Vision for Volunteering 10-year strategy is looking at how and why people volunteer and how charities must adapt to a changing work environment

change that matters to them, where it’s easy for everyone to donate their time, where people work together because they want to and where communities aren’t afraid to try new things.

Wessex Community Action helped set up Wiltshire’s Volunteer Managers Forum in 2019 and it is through this body that it is implementing Vision for Volunteering’s strategy.

The forum supports managers and coordinators by sharing best practice and by using members’ own experiences, skills, and knowledge to develop their abilities.

“We support the forum, which has members from larger charities as well as smaller grass roots organisations from across Wiltshire,” said Wessex Community Action’s volunteer and community development worker Sarah Pickering.

“That gives them the opportunity to share their challenges and successes and support each other in managing volunteers in a very effective way.”

The forum, which is managed by a steering group of

members, meets around once a quarter, often via Zoom, but its most recent get together was in person at the kind invitation of Dorothy House Hospice in Winsley, where the Vision for Volunteering was the main topic.

Any volunteer manager who would like to join the forum can contact Sarah at volunteerdev@ wessexcommunityaction.org.uk, or there is information at Wiltshire Together, a digital community platform hosted by Wessex Community Action.

It’s free to use and allows users to browse and pledge interest for the opportunities listed.

Users can also set up a member profile that allows them to log their volunteer hours, which can help with CVs and employability prospects.

The site now has a new Volunteering in Wiltshire page and can be found at wiltshiretogether.org.uk.

Find out more about the Vision for Volunteering at visionforvolunteeriung.org.uk

Salisbury & Avon, January 15, 2024

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Salisbury & Avon, January 15, 2024

Motoring

salisburyandavon.co.uk

Most scrapped cars of 2023 revealed THE Ford Focus was the most scrapped car in 2023, according to new data.

A survey by car publication, Autocar, has revealed almost 800,000 vehicles were destroyed between January and October - a fall of some 60,000 on the previous year.

And the Focus was the most scrapped car model, with more than 42,000 being scrapped, closely followed by the Vauxhall Astra and Vauxhall Corsa, which came in second and third place respectively.

The report also highlighted that twice as many cars and vans were registered in the UK when compared to the total that were scrapped during the same time period.

14,218 Volkswagen Polo – 13,722 BMW 3 Series – 13,642

How to scrap a car in the UK Scrapping a car usually happens when it is written off, or is beynod repair.

In order to scrap a car in the UK, you will need to contact a licenced Authorised Treatment Facility – or ATF – that is registered with the Environment agency in England, Scotland, Wales or Northern Ireland.

The next step is to get a quote.

Then, you will need to book a time and date – as well as provide proof of ownership and the reasoning for scrapping the vehicle, using your V5C Form.

On the day, make sure that you have removed all personal items from the vehicle before handing over the keys.

You will receive a Certificate of Destruction which will need to be provided to the DVLA.

Ford Focus, above – 42,639 Vauxhall Astra – 35,578 Vauxhall Corsa – 34,405 Ford Fiesta – 32,935 The top 10 most scrapped cars in 2023: Vauxhall Zafira – 26,898 Volkswagen Golf – 25,903 UNWANTED VEHICLES bought for cash ●Mot failures ●Nonrunners ●Unfinished projects ●end of life scrap vehicles Renault Clio – ●minimum of £200 paid for complete vehicles.

14,955 Call Ryan on 07474 737577 Ford Mondeo –

Puzzle solutions

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(from pages 32-33)

Edition 33

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Cryptic crossword

1 4 7 8 3 3 9 42 9 6 8 4 7 9 6 4 2 5 1 3 7 8 7 5 2 6 8 7 4 6 1 1 1 2 9 6 3 6 5 2 9 1 3 5 2 5 5 6 2 3 2 9 8 3 3 6 9 8 1 8 9 3 9 8 1 5 8 1 5 4 7 4 2 16 4 7 7 5 24 7 2 4 9 7 7 4 5 9 1 6 7 5 4 8 3 6 7 8 6 3 5 2 3 8 9 2 9 8 3 6 7 3 1 4 1 3 4 6 8 5 6 1 2 8 7 1 8 1 5 9 5 2 6 9 9 2 4 7 9 4 7 3 6 7 3 5 8 2 6 4 9 2 4 7 3 1 4 8 4 1 1 5 3 2 8 5 8 6 9 6 3 1 9 8 1 4 2 3 1 6 9 5 7 3 6 9 7 2 5 4 8 9 8 7 2 7 2 4 5 1 2 6 3 1 5 8 5 3 4 9 2 7 6 4 3 7 4 9 5 8 1 2 1 8 7 3 5 5 6 6 9 6 9 8 2 3 4 7 1

O B O E D I V I D E N D Y Y E E E U U P K E E P R E L E N T R W T B H I O T A H O O L I G A N D S S P B U S H T E L E G R A P H C X U L A T O M B O M B B R I O E T E B C S A L A M I G U I T A R G N C I S N R E S T R A I N H A T E

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Crossword

Arrow words

Wordsearch

A C E S A D D I T I O N U E C E O R A T L A S T F A T H E R A F U A A U N D O P E C U L I A R D O T L T R A D I T I O N A L L Y U R F O O N E T O O N E F O C I RESULT B U A A A A P L O M B T H I R T Y E N L U R E RESULT F R E E Z E U P S O D A

A R X E W I F I A R G A L Y N O S K I D I N N S P T E O R I L E W D

X Y H N O T T I N G H I L L I N N R O Y V L T K R Y P T C O M T R I T A N H A O R I O Z I B O U P I L E E Z P O E U R M R C N M C E V M Z R R H E A A R E A A I N E E I E R X A P R P A W H L T L X P T I C T O Y C N A C P I E I C T M L P E R R S Y D U N S C I Y R C R H E M T B N D E N A T W O A A R I E W R A A S A N S O R E Y I L B E I R M D E E Y M R W L Y L O L D G H A C L M A I E O I Y T V E M O Y O T I N M L V E I F E I R B N A C I L E P E H T

H N A C I D U R L L I D T E E N I C E C O P N S M O G G A M I T O Y S

Salisbury & Avon, January 15, 2024

43

Motoring

salisburyandavon.co.uk

Driving an electric car saves £700 a year, according to new report ACCORDING to figures from a new report, driving an electric car could save you around £700 a year.

The Energy and Climate Intelligence Unit (ECIU) says drivers of the top 10-selling petrol cars of 2023 are paying hundreds more a year more to run their vehicles, compared to electric vehicle (EV) equivalents.

Further analysis of the top 10 selling EVs of 2023 showed drivers paid almost £1,300 a year less to run their vehicles than drivers of the equivalent petrol cars, the report added.

In total, more than 300,000 EVs were bought in the UK last year – with the number set to rise again in 2024.

And the ECIU’s data highlighted “over the course of their lifetimes, these EVs will generate a total of £5.6bn in savings for their owners, compared to their petrol equivalents”.

In comparison, petrol cars sold in 2023 will cost their

owners an extra £7.6bn.

Colin Walker, transport analyst at the Energy and Climate Intelligence Unit, said: “With drivers being hit by a £700 petrol premium, a switch to an EV will see a quick return on the investment made.

“Electric car sticker prices are falling, with analysts at

Goldman Sachs expecting price parity to be reached by the middle of the decade.

“However, since less than 20% of car sales in the UK are for new vehicles, it’s the growth of the second-hand EV market that is critical if more families are to be able to access the cheaper driving than comes

from EV ownership.

“With the ZEV mandate coming in to force next year, more new EVs will be sold which, in turn, will result in more EVs making their way on to the second-hand market in the years to come.”

The RAC’s Rod Dennis, said: “For many drivers, the idea of considering the total cost of running a car throughout its life, rather than just thinking about the upfront cost, might seem like a strange concept, especially for the majority of people who acquire used rather than new cars.

“But as this study shows, when you do the sums, electric vehicles can be so much cheaper to keep on the road, and of course there’s also the huge environmental benefits of driving a car that has no tailpipe emissions.”

Analysis of the top 10 selling EVs of 2023 showed drivers paid almost £1,300 a year less to run their vehicles than drivers of the equivalent petrol cars

Credit: Precious Madubuike/Unsplash

RAC calls for action over headlight glare MOTORING group the RAC is set to meet with the Government as it calls for an independent study into the issue of headlight glare.

It comes after research found 85% of those affected believe the problem is getting worse.

An RAC survey of 2,000 drivers found a huge nine-in-10 (89%) think at least some headlights on cars on the road today are too bright, of which three-in-10 (28%)think most are.

Of the all the drivers who complain about the brightness of car headlights, some 91% say they get dazzled when driving with three-quarters (74%) saying it happens regularly.

When it comes to the effects of glare on drivers, two-in-three (67%) who suffer say they have to slow down considerably until they can see clearly again, while a similar proportion (64%) believe some headlights

are so bright they risk causing accidents.

In fact, five per cent of these drivers state they have nearly been involved in a collision themselves.

Alarmingly, nearly one-in-10 (7%) say they find headlight glare so bad that they avoid driving at night altogether, a figure that rises to 14% for drivers aged 65 and over.

While the RAC has been surveying drivers on dazzling headlights since 2018, these new findings show more drivers than ever appear to be suffering from them, with 85% of those affected stating they believe the problem is getting worse.

A Freedom of Information request submitted to the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) in November 2023 showed since 2019, an average of 1.6m, or 5%, of Class 4 vehicles – which includes passenger cars – failed their MOTs as a result of poor headlight aim, which

could cause glare.

And in 2016, the DVSA said ‘headlamp aim consistently tops the MOT compliance survey as one of the most likely items to be assessed incorrectly by testers’ - meaning the number could be higher.

The increasing popularity of cars that sit higher on the road, especially SUVs, may also be a factor with those in conventional cars such as hatchbacks, saloons or estates suffering the most.

Six-in-10 drivers (62%) of conventional cars blame the dazzling on higher vehicles, whereas only 35% of those in higher vehicles point the finger similarly sized vehicles.

But whatever the cause or causes of headlight glare, it is clear how strongly drivers feel about the issue with 81% saying more should be done to tackle it – a figure that rises to 87% among drivers aged 45 to 54.

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Salisbury & Avon, January 15, 2024

Field & Stream

salisburyandavon.co.uk

Charity offers novel ideas to get you up and close to nature in 2024 THE SALISBURY and District Natural History Society is on a mission to get more people involved in nature this year.

To do this, the Society is organising a cornucopia of fascinating nature walks, talks and wildlife experiences for local people of all ages.

Whether it is attending a harvest mice nest hunt, a fungi foray, river dipping or a wildflower expedition, there is something for everyone to whet the appetite of young or old alike.

Pete Thompson, chairman of the society is keen to get everyone off their sofas and immerse themselves in the natural world.

He said: “When was the last time you spent time in nature?

Perhaps just lying on the ground, watching birds’ flit among the branches of a tree, or observing bees and butterflies as they sip nectar from flowers.

“If it’s been a while, you might want to try it again – because research shows we get big health benefits from

Salisbury & District Natural History Society members enjoy a successful hunt for old harvest mice nests. This surveying technique is used to indicate the presence or absence of this declining species

Credit: Pete Thompson

spending time in such natural spaces and according to research, the simple act of being out in nature can make you feel better, both mentally and physically.”

And this is where the Salisbury & District Natural

History Society can step in. Pete said: “Absolutely no expertise is needed – just an open mind is all that is required and an interest to find out what is beyond your doorstep.

“The society is also a great place to make new friends and

experience a wonderful journey of discovery. We can all learn new things and a warm, friendly greeting awaits you at any of our events.”

Last year, for example, the society organised six indoor talks in Salisbury and an amazing 27 outdoor events in the local area, visiting all sorts of fascinating places and discovering some amazing wildlife, including some areas that are not normally open to the public.

The society also recently launched a new free student membership for children aged over eight and up to 21-yearsold, which has encouraged 30 younger members to join.

The annual membership fee for those over 21 is just £10.

This gives members free access to all the outdoor and indoor wildlife events, as well as ready access to advice through the society’s Facebook page.

Absolutely no expertise is needed – just an open mind is all that is required. www.salisburynaturalhistory. com/

National organisations issue wildlife protection warning THE NATIONAL Trust, RSPB and The Wildlife Trusts have issued a warning that rivers and hedgerows are at increasing risk because the government has failed to enshrine basic protection for nature on farms.

The organisations warns that ‘wildlife is under even more pressure than ever as basic rules which protect hedgerows and stop farmers from causing excessive river pollution ended on December 31, 2023’.

The National Trust, RSPB and The Wildlife Trusts are now calling for immediate action to fill the gaps left by these vital protections.

Before the start of the year, basic regulations, known as ‘cross compliance’, had to be

followed by farmers in order to receive rural payments between 2005 and 2023.

The rules included not farming the land right up to the edge of rivers to ensure farm pollution and soil was not washed into the water – as well as protecting hedgerows and maintaining green cover on soils.

Following the UK’s exit from the European Union, the government announced these rules would cease to exist from January 1 this year, to be replaced by new UK ones.

According to the organisations, Defra has yet to confirm if protections for nature will be maintained – and “the absence of rules means that farmers are free to cut hedges in

the spring and summer which risks harming nesting birds.

It could also mean that more farm pollution and soil is washed into rivers which are already under huge pressure from excessive nutrients caused by manure, soil and other pollutants.”

Barnaby Coupe, land use policy manager of The Wildlife Trusts, said: “The situation is desperate. The UK government has ripped up important rules that help protect hedgerows and require buffer strips to prevent river pollution.

“This danger is compounded by low levels of uptake into new farming schemes which incentivise only the most basic green practices on farm, leaving

nature at a net loss.

“The Environment Improvement Plan published just this year stated, ‘This government is committed to leaving the environment in a better state than we found it’ – but this promise rings hollow now that safeguards against damaging farming practices have vanished.

“We need to see a firm commitment from government that protections for nature will be at the very least maintained this year at the same level as the old regulations.”

The organisations are urging the government to uphold protections for nature while providing better support for farmers.

Salisbury & Avon, January 15, 2024

45

Field & Stream

salisburyandavon.co.uk

Government payments available for communities affected by flooding FLOOD-HIT communities impacted by Storm Henk (between January 2-8) can apply for thousands of pounds from the government to help them recover.

The financial support announced on January 6, will be available to eligible areas in England that have experienced exceptional localised flooding.

Help will be available for: Flooded households in eligible affected areas, who can apply for up to £500 cash to help with immediate costs.

Households and businesses significantly affected, who will be eligible for 100% council tax and business rates relief for at least three months.

Small-to-medium sized businesses in eligible affected areas, who can apply for up to £2,500 from the Business Recovery Grant to help them return quickly to business as usual.

Eligible flood-hit property owners, who can apply for up to £5,000 to help make their homes and businesses more resilient to future flooding via the Property Flood Resilience Repair Grant Scheme.

Farmers who have suffered uninsurable damage to their land will be able to apply for grants of up to £25,000 through the Farming Recovery Fund towards repair and reinstatement costs for farmers adversely affected by exceptional flooding.

This support will be made available through a scheme called the Flood Recovery Framework, which is used in exceptional circumstances to support councils and communities following severe flooding.

The measures were announced by the Communities Secretary Michael Gove and Environment Secretary Steve Barclay.

More than 45,000 properties

were protected from the worst impact of Storm Henk thanks to flood defences put in place through previous government funding and quick Environment Agency action on the ground.

Environment Agency teams and first responders worked around the clock to manage the risk of flooding and protect communities by operating flood defences, clearing watercourses and putting up temporary barriers where needed.

Communities Secretary, Michael Gove, said: “If you’ve been affected by the recent severe flooding, you do not have to deal with it alone – we are providing financial help so you can recover as quickly as possible.

“We know families and businesses are facing extreme challenges right now and we are doing all we can with our partners across central and local government to ensure communities are supported.”

Environment Secretary, Steve Barclay, said: “I know how difficult flooding is for those affected and we will do all we can do to support households, farmers and other

businesses as they repair and rebuild.

“For those who have sadly been affected, our Property Flood Resilience Repair Grant Scheme will soon be open to help residents protect their property in the future, while our Farming Recovery Fund will support farmers who have suffered damage as they work to put food on our tables.

“Funding for flood defences has increased with over 381,000 homes better protected since 2015 thanks to this investment, and the government is going even further by delivering a record £5.2 billion investment to better protect hundreds of thousands of properties.”

Officials at the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities wrote to the chief executives of eight County Councils eligible for the funding, which included Wiltshire..

Support will be available through councils who will announce further details on eligibility and how to apply.

Floods minister, Robbie Moore MP, in a statement regarding Storm Henk made a

statement, in the immediate aftermath.

“The government began planning for an elevated flood risk as soon as the Met Office forecast indicated an unsettled period of weather over Christmas and the New Year.

The Environment Agency started planning and preparing in the week before Christmas.

River channels and trash screens were cleared to prepare watercourses for flooding, as well as continued work to repair assets following the damage from Storm Babet.

“Environment Agency incident teams were double rostered, with the National Duty Manager leading regular planning and preparedness calls with all areas.

“And the Environment Agency wrote to all Members of Parliament in England providing local contacts and information for use in the event of a flood.

Over the course of last week, the Environment Agency issued 300 flood warnings to communities. It deployed over 1,000 of its staff to affected communities, set up 125 pumps, and put up over 12 kilometres of temporary and semipermanent defences in place to protect communities.

“It worked closely with Local Resilience Forums to manage the impacts on the ground. My department has been holding daily crossgovernment meetings to ensure that we are doing everything that we can to minimise the impacts on our communities.

“The government took swift action, activating the Flood Recovery Framework, earlier than usual to give people the reassurance that we will step in.

This support that we will provide will provide immediate financial relief to householders, businesses and farmers affected by flooding.”

46

Salisbury & Avon, January 15, 2024

Farming

salisburyandavon.co.uk salisburyandavon.co.uk

‘Biggest upgrade to UK farming schemes since leaving the EU’ THE ENVIRONMENT Secretary, Steve Barclay MP, announced major updates for farmers at his speech to the Oxford Farming Conference on January 4, including an increase in funding and reduction in red tape set for the summer.

The updates include funding uplifts, streamlined application processes, enhanced environmental incentives and support for the roll out of new technology.

Mr Barclay stated that these will provide ‘further support for British farmers, strengthening supply chains and helping deliver the government’s commitment to continue to produce at least 60% of the food we eat in the UK’.

Under the UK’s agricultural transition, new farming schemes are paying farmers to take actions that boost sustainable food production while at the same time delivering positive outcomes for the environment.

The schemes are designed to work for all farm types and sizes, with thousands of farmers across England already taking part. They are replacing the Common Agricultural Policy which saw 50% of funding go to the largest 10% of landowners.

Speaking at the conference, Mr Barclay reiterated the government’s support for British farmers and outlined the updated offer for 2024, which has been designed using farmers’ feedback and aims to bring more farmers onboard the schemes and facilitate even greater environmental ambition.

The improvements announced include: ● A 10% increase in the average value of agreements in the Sustainable Farming Incentive and Countryside Stewardship driven by increased payment rates, with uplifts automatically applied to existing

agreements. ● A streamlined single application process for farmers to apply for the Sustainable Farming Incentive and Countryside Stewardship Mid Tier. ● Around 50 new actions that farmers can get paid for across all types of farm businesses, including actions for agroforestry and those driving forward agricultural technology such as robotic mechanical weeding. ● Enhanced payments for ‘creation’ and ‘maintenance’ options to improve the long-term incentives for farmers to create habitats and ensure they are rewarded for looking after habitats once they have created them. ● Premium payments for actions with the biggest environmental impact or combinations of actions that deliver benefits at scale, such as £765 per hectare for nesting plots for lapwing, and £1,242 per hectare for connecting river and floodplain habitat.

Environment Secretary, Steve Barclay, said: “Farmers do the essential job of keeping Britain fed. That’s why I’ll back

British farmers and help support farming businesses.

“We have listened to farmers’ feedback and set out the biggest upgrades to our farming schemes since leaving the EU, with more money, more choice and more trust to support domestic food production whilst also protecting the environment.

“We’re also making it easier for farmers of every farm type and size to enter the schemes, and I encourage everyone to take a look at how you can join the thousands of other farmers and land managers who are already receiving our backing through the schemes.

“Farmers will be able to submit their applications for the 2024 offer from this summer, and the timeline for agreements

being offered will be accelerated to help farmers benefit from the changes earlier than in previous years.

“The application process will also be simplified in 2024 by enabling farmers to apply for the Sustainable Farming Incentive and Countryside Stewardship Mid Tier through a single application.”

Farmers and landowners can be paid for taking a range of actions under the government’s farming schemes, such as actions to improve soil health or providing nesting and foraging habitats for farmland wildlife.

The government has introduced more ‘maintenance’ actions, alongside improving existing actions, to reward farmers who are already protecting the environment, for example through maintaining grasslands, wetlands and scrub.

Farmers will also be paid more for existing actions to maintain habitats, with the price of maintaining species rich grassland, for example, rising from £182 to £646 per hectare.

The offer also includes more actions for shorter length agreements of up to three years to make the schemes more accessible for tenant farmers.

Around 8,000 farmers applied to the Sustainable Farming Incentive 2023 and there has been a 94% increase in Countryside Stewardship agreements since 2020. This adds to the more than 50 Landscape Recovery projects to deliver large scale environmental benefits around the country.

It comes alongside ongoing support for farmer-led innovation and technology, with the government committing over £168 million in grant funding to farmers in 2023 to drive innovation, support food production, improve animal health and welfare and protect the environment.

Salisbury & Avon, January 15, 2024

47

Farming salisburyandavon.co.uk

Association concerned at delays to Sustainable Farming Incentive THE president of the Country Land and Business Association (CLA) has broadly welcomed the 2024 sustainable Farming Incentive (SFI), but has concerned about a repeat of the hold-ups experienced last year.

CLA president Victoria Vyvyan said: “There is a lot to like about SFI 2024. The increased payment rates and the variety of new actions show that the voice of the CLA has been heard.

“However, we are very concerned that farmers will have to wait until this summer, at the earliest, before the application window opens.

“This means that, at best, farmers will receive no SFI 24 income until the end of the year whilst facing remorseless cuts to the Basic Payment.

“We have significant

CLA president Victoria Vyvyan (right) wants the SFI application process brought forward

concerns about the readiness of the Rural Payment Agency’s IT systems to deal with the new options and the streamlining of ELMs and Countryside Stewardship.

“There is real danger that the delivery will be held-up as it was in 2023, and that the

application window will be pushed back.

“The CLA remains a supporter of Environmental Land Management schemes but time is running out. Government has been listening and learning on actions and payment rates, but without effective delivery

the schemes will lose the confidence and trust of the farming community.” www.cla.org.uk/in-your-area/ south-west/ or follow @ CLASouthwest on Twitter

Some top tips from Synergy Farm Health’s Claire Rudd on preparation for Calving Season Calving is the most stressful period in a cow’s (and farmer’s!) year. Putting protocols in place now allows continuity during the busy season and ensures everyone is happy with what needs to be done.

Equipment / handling For cows that need assistance, can it be given safely and effectively? Calf and dam survivability is directly related to the time taken to correct any problems. A calving gate can be invaluable, allowing animals to be restrained properly whilst allowing for the cow to go down. Cows should never be calved in the crush.

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Colostrum management All calves should receive 5% of their body weight in colostrum within the first 20 mins after birth (between 2-3L depending on calf size). This is equivalent to 20 minutes of suckling from the mother. If the calf has not suckled sufficiently, this should be given via bottle (preferred) or stomach tube and a further 5% given within 6 hours. Thus, a calf should receive a total of 10% of its bodyweight of colostrum in the first 12 hours of life. For a 40kg calf this equates to 4 litres. If fresh colostrum is not available, frozen or artificial colostrum can be used.

Medicines use Treatment protocols for common conditions

should be discussed with your vet and a written treatment list displayed on farm can be useful. All staff responsible for administering medicines should be suitably trained; at Synergy we offer online training courses to cover the responsible use of medicines.

Johnes positive cows Johnes positive animals should be identified using tags or tail tape and calved away from the main herd, their dung never being allowed to contaminate clean calving areas. Their colostrum should never be fed to other calves.

Staff training Are all staff responsible for calving cows suitably trained in all of the above? We run practical calving courses and also bespoke on-farm training. Please see our website for further details: www.synergyfarmhealth.com Record keeping Whilst also a Red Tractor requirement, keeping good records of problems at or around calving allows evaluation at a later date and ear-marking of problem cows, who should be re-checked prior to being bred again.

A whiteboard could be used to scribble down ear tags and ensure these cows do not slip through the net and go back to the bull. All issues should be recorded, including difficult calvings, milk fevers, prolapses and mastitis.

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Tele: (01722) 340088 Facsimile: (01722) 330555 Email: info@salisburyeyewear.co.uk

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