Salisbury & Avon Gazette - Issue 31

FREE EVERY FORTNIGHT

Edition 31

December 18, 2023

Salisbury & Avon Gazette www.salisburyandavon.co.uk

PANTO VISIT

Stars bring joy to Salisbury Hospital

Page 3

MERRY CHRISTMAS!

Your guide to events at Salisbury Cathedral over the festive season Page 24

Picture: Finnbarr Webster

FESTIVE DATES Your guide to Christmas collections

Page 8

MP WANNABE

Lib Dems select Salisbury candidate Page 13

• We have a large selection of frames and sunglasses, which you can browse at your leisure.

• The lenses are made in our factory onsite enabling a quick turn around.

Salisbury Eyewear Limited, Unit 8 Ashfield Road Trading Estate, Ashfield Road, Salisbury, SP2 7HL

Tele: (01722) 340088

Facsimile: (01722) 330555

Email: info@salisburyeyewear.co.uk

2

Salisbury & Avon, December 18, 2023

What’s inside this issue…

Antiques & Collectables

39

Arts & Entertainment

26-28

Business

37-39

Christmas at the Cathedral

23-25

Education

34-35

Events

24-25

Farming

46-47

Field & Stream

44

Home & Garden/Gardening Local Services Motoring

salisburyandavon.co.uk

21-22 36 40-42

Pets

29

Politics

20

Property

45

Puzzles

32-33

Recruitment

36

Volunteering

30

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: Scouts honoured at Guildhall presentation event page 7 • Above: Four-month makeover plan for Salisbury Coach Park page 4 • Left: Salisbury MP visits battery storage site page 10

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.

Salisbury & Avon, December 18, 2023

3

News

salisburyandavon.co.uk

Dick Whittington panto stars bring festive cheer to Salisbury Hospital THE STARS Appeal, Salisbury District Hospital’s Charity, and Salisbury Playhouse, teamed up to bring some festive cheer to patients with a special visit from the stars of this year’s panto – oh yes they did…

Patients, visitors and staff at Salisbury Hospital got the chance to meet cast members from Dick Whittington, who are currently treading the boards at Salisbury Playhouse.

Lewis Bell, aged 14, who got to meet the panto cast when they visited Sarum Children’s Ward, said: “They were funny and really cool. It was a nice way to cheer up the day. The visit put a smile on my face and I feel happier.”

Annamarie Tongs, who’s currently being cared for at the Hospital’s Spinal Treatment Centre and met the panto cast during their visit, said: “It was a nice little surprise. We can’t go to the pantomime this year, but the panto has come to us. I felt a bit flat today but feel perkier after meeting the pantomime characters.”

The visit on Thursday (December 7) was organised as part of the Hospital Charity’s Stars Appeal Live programme.

Stars Appeal Live is one of a range of well-being projects that the charity offers at the hospital, which are funded entirely by donations and fundraising.

Stars Appeal Live coordinator, Rebecca Seymour, said: “Stars Appeal Live is about brightening the days of patients with music and creativity, and what better way to add a festive twist to this by bringing panto characters to Salisbury Hospital.

We are so grateful to the cast and Salisbury Playhouse for their time and support.”

Gareth Machin, artistic director at Wiltshire Creative, added: “Panto celebrates togetherness and the heartwarming spirit of the festive season, so we were delighted that some of the cast members from Dick Whittington were able to share the joy with patients at Salisbury District Hospital.”

The panto characters were transported to and from the hospital by Salisbury Reds who kindly laid on a bus for the occasion.

Dick Whittington is on at Salisbury Playhouse until January 7th. For tickets and more information visit wiltshirecreative.co.uk.

Baby from first Stars Appeal campaign returns to hospital ALMOST two decades ago, the first ever fundraising campaign for the Salisbury District Hospital Stars Appeal was launched.

The appeal, launched 17 years ago, featured a mother holding a baby who had been looked after at the Neonatal Unit for a number of weeks.

That baby was Imogen Sanders – who returned to the ward this week to meet two of the sisters who helped care for her in the first weeks of her life.

Imogen now lives in Australia and was back in Salisbury visiting her grandparents, who took her to the hospital to meet Sisters Clare Baggott and Ingrid Webb.

“She was able to see and tell her mum Claire about the many enhancements that your donations have been able to fund at the

Imogen Sanders (centre) with nursing sisters Clare Baggott and Ingrid Webb Right: Imogen being held by her mum, Claire, in the first ever Stars Appeal

Neonatal Unit in the intervening years, which include state-of-the-art incubators and a suite of parents’ accommodation for

10 mums and four partners,” a Stars Appeal spokesperson said.

Imogen is now studying A-Levels in Australia and is a very keen sportsperson.

4

Salisbury & Avon, December 18, 2023

News

salisburyandavon.co.uk

Salisbury Coach Park will benefit the city after four-month makeover COACH passengers arriving at Salisbury city centre will benefit from better facilities and a more pleasant experience as part of remodelling works that are due to take place at Salisbury Coach Park.

Located at Mill Stream Approach, the coach park will be closed from Tuesday, January 2, 2024 for approximately four months to enable the remodelling works to be carried out.

Once reopened, the coach park will provide six coach spaces in the main coach park for drop off/pick up passengers only. The layover parking will provide a further 10 spaces, in the area currently occupied by the Environment Agency’s site compound.

The area will also benefit from improved lighting,

wayfinding and landscaping, including planting of native species of trees and shrubs, plus the creation of a small pocket

Thank you for your support with our magazine and we wish you a

Merry Christmas and a prosperous 2024 from the team at the Salisbury & Avon Gazette.

park to the south of the Elai Restaurant.

A welcome space will be created close to the new footbridge, which will include seating and an information board. A mural is also underway that will enliven the toilet block, to further improve the area.

Cllr Caroline Thomas, Wiltshire Council’s cabinet member for transport, said: “I’m really pleased to see the remodelling works are starting in the new year. I’m sure people will agree that the current coach park site does not provide a great first impression for people visiting Salisbury and could have an impact on repeat visits.

“For Salisbury to make the most of the visitor economy and be people’s destination of choice, it is important we provide better facilities for coaches to pick up and set down passengers who visit and [who] wish to experience all that this historic medieval city has to offer.

“It therefore made sense for these improvements to be undertaken as part of the Salisbury River Park project and are the last of the big infrastructure activities to be

carried out before the project completes next summer.

“We recognise that these improvements will cause some disruption to local people and especially the coach drivers. We have chosen to carry out these works at the beginning of the year when statistically fewer coach visitors come to Salisbury.

“We would like to thank everyone in advance for their patience during this time, but it will be worth it in the long run.”

Wiltshire Council has offered the following advice to coach drivers.

During the period the coach park is closed, the only place that coaches will be able to pick up and set down passengers in Salisbury city centre will be: Exeter Street, where four free temporary coach parking bays will replace the current car parking area north of Carmelite Way (residents’ parking on Exeter Street remains unchanged); The existing coach drop-off bays near the Cathedral on St John’s Street.

Coach drivers should not try to set down on any of the city centre bus stops as these are heavily used by local bus service and Civil Enforcement Officers will have instructions to move on any coaches that try to use them.

Further details about the coach parking that will be available in Salisbury during this period will be available shortly on the Connecting Wiltshire website or people can email buses@wiltshire.gov.uk.

Salisbury & Avon, December 18, 2023 salisburyandavon.co.uk

News

5

6

Salisbury & Avon, December 18, 2023

News

salisburyandavon.co.uk

Police and Crime Commissioner seeks residents’ views on investment RESIDENTS are being urged to use their voice and tell the Police and Crime Commissioner how they feel about policing in their communities, what Wiltshire Police should be prioritising and how the policing budget should be spent next year.

The Policing, Priorities and £s survey, seeks the views of residents and stakeholders as PCC Philip Wilkinson (pictured right) develops the budget for policing and commissioned services for the next financial year (2024/25).

As part of the survey respondents will be asked whether their household would be prepared to invest more in policing through the police precept part of their council tax.

Mr Wilkinson said: “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.

“We are seeing improvements being made by Wiltshire Police in its delivery

of the policing service that residents rightly expect – and deserve – but there is ever more work to do in order that you see, and feel, those improvements too.

“The chief constable has already identified reviewing how frontline policing services are delivered alongside a greater emphasis on strategic planning at senior level and investing in that capability, will continue to deliver long-term, sustainable, improvements for the force. She has also been very clear with me that further investment is required in these areas.

“It is also apparent from residents’ feedback – heard by both myself and the chief constable throughout our varying public engagements this year – you are still not seeing improvements in police service delivery as quickly as you

would like and this feedback, alongside the clear picture from the force, forms the backdrop to my budget planning this year.

“As PCC, it is vital that I look at the totality of policing and the police budget – and ensure the force has an efficient, effective, police service, but also that we are not cutting services at a time when we need to invest more to improve service delivery.”

Wiltshire Police’s budget is set by the PCC, based upon the operational policing advice from the chief constable, and informed by consultation with residents and stakeholders.

The budget is made up of centralised government funding from the Home Office and locally from the police precept part of your council tax.

Wiltshire Police is constantly challenged by the fact it is one of the lowest-funded forces nationally, per head of population, and the PCC continues to push for change

and for review of the national funding formula.

However, it is the responsibility of the PCC to ensure Wiltshire Police has the necessary resources to fight and prevent crime, and enable the force with the right resources, equipment and estate to make it future fit and further protect Wiltshire’s residents.

Mr Wilkinson added: “The Cost of Living crisis is squeezing all financial elements for families, businesses and the public sector, alike, so any increase to the precept I know will be felt keenly but we have a clear opportunity to transform Wiltshire Police for the better and I am asking for the public to use their voice and have their say.

“I have already committed to a new southern policing hub for the county and that pledge to deliver this continues and there are further plans to invest in our policing estate which we will announce shortly. Both the chief constable and I are committed to delivering a policing service which is able to meet an ever-changing crime picture and is fit for the future too.”

The survey runs until Monday, January 29, 2024 and can be accessed online via: surveymonkey.com/ PolicingPrioritiesAndPounds or by turning to page 31 in this issue and using the QR code.

Man killed mum of two ALBERTO Fioletti, of Fordingbridge, has been found guilty of murdering mother-oftwo Stephanie Hodgkinson in Bournemouth following a four-week trial at Bournemouth Crown Court and is due to be sentenced on January 15.

The court was told how on Friday, May 12, the defendant and 34-year-old Stephanie arranged to meet at the victim’s home address, in Rosemount

Road, to discuss their relationship.

Fioletti was seen on CCTV cameras heading toward the address a few minutes before noon.

Then, at 12.17pm, the ambulance service received an emergency call from Fioletti, who said:“I killed my girlfriend”, and also indicated he had injured himself, the court was told.

Salisbury & Avon, December 18, 2023

7

News

salisburyandavon.co.uk

Guildhall hosts Salisbury and South Wilts scout awards presentation

Salisbury; 3rd Salisbury (Sea Scouts); 2nd Bulford (St Leonards); 1st Amesbury; 1st Wilton; 4th Salisbury (Harnham); 1st Boscombe; and Amesbury Explorers.

One Explorer Scout, Robert Western from Amesbury Explorers, received the Medal

for Meritorious Conduct for using his Scouting Skills to render first aid to a fellow school pupil in a serious incident.

Pictured clockwise:1st Amesbury Explorers 1st Alderbury Scouts 4th Salisbury Harnham Scouts

Advertise with us

Get in touch THE Salisbury and South Wilts District Top Awards Presentation took place at the Guild Hall at the end of November.

The award certificates were presented by His Majesty’s Vice-Lord Lieutenant of Wiltshire, Lt Gen Sir Andrew Gregory.

The awards included the Chief Scouts Gold and Chief Scouts Diamond Awards. The former is the highest award available in the Scout section (10.5 years to 14.5 years), while the latter is the highest award in the Explorer Scout section.

For the Chief Scouts Gold there are nine challenge badges that need to be completed, these are: Outdoor; Adventure; Skills; Personal; Teamwork; Team Leader; Expedition; World; and Creative.

Activities include eight nights camping and scout craft,

taking part in three adventurous activities, being part of and leading teams, a personal challenge, a two-day expedition, creative and skills activities such as model making or taking part in a performance, and activities that require problem solving skills.

For the Chief Scouts Diamond Explorers complete 12 nights camping, four activities from the International, Communities and Values list, the four Diamond Challenges – take up a skill for three or six months, take up a physical activity for three or six months, provide service to an individual or the community for six months, complete a three-day and two-night expedition in rural or open country by foot, cycle, horse, canoe, boat or dinghy.

The Scout troops and Explorer units represented were: Bourne Valley (Idmiston); 23rd

01963 400186

85% SOLD

MONUMENT PLACE Beautifully detailed apartments for the over 70s.

Don’t miss out, call 0800 153 3262 to book your tour or visit mccarthystone.co.uk/monumentplace Endless Street, Salisbury, Wiltshire SP1 3GE

SC019421

8

Salisbury & Avon, December 18, 2023

News Waste collections in New Forest area over the festive season THE following changes to recycling and rubbish collections will be in place over Christmas and New Year in the New Forest District Council area.

Recycling and rubbish sack collections If your collections normally fall on what will be on Monday’s, Christmas Day and New Year’s Day– will instead be collected on Tuesday 2 January Tuesday, December 26 and Tuesday, January 2 – will instead be collected on Wednesday, January 3.

Wednesday, January 3 – will instead be collected on Thursday, January 4.

Thursday, January 4 – will instead be collected on Friday, January 5.

Friday, January 5 – will instead be collected on Saturday, January 6.

Glass collection Christmas Day – will instead be collected on Saturday, December 30.

Tuesday. December 26 – will instead be collected on Saturday, January 6.

Monday, January 1 – will instead be collected on Saturday, January 13.

Garden waste Garden waste collections will not take place from Christmas Day to Sunday, January 7.

Collections will resume on Monday, January 8.

Unless your normal collection day is listed above, your collection will take place as usual.

You can check your collection day at https://www.newforest. gov.uk/findyourcollection; Find out more about recycling over Christmas and New Year, including drop-off points for real Christmas trees: https:// newforest.gov.uk/ christmasrecycling

salisburyandavon.co.uk

Christmas opening times for Wiltshire Council services WILTSHIRE Council has published its opening time information for services over the Christmas and New Year period.

All council services and facilities will be closed on Christmas Day (Monday, December 25), Boxing Day (Tuesday, December 26) and New Year’s Day (Monday, January 1).

Customer services/hub buildings: All customer service desks and hub buildings will be closed on Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Year’s Day. Opening times for Wednesday, December 27 to Friday, December 29, will be 9am to 5pm. Although the main reception desks will be staffed during this period, hub staffing is likely to be limited.

Normal opening hours will resume from Tuesday 2 January.

Waste collections: There will be no household waste or recycling collections on Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Year’s Day. Full details and dates can be found on the council website’s household waste and kerbside recycling pages – https://www. wiltshire.gov.uk/householdwaste; and https://www. wiltshire.gov.uk/recycling.

Garden waste collections will cease for two weeks over Christmas, with the last collections taking place on Friday, December 22.

The service will resume from Tuesday, January 9, when collection will be a day later than normal, starting with collections that would normally have taken place on Monday, January 8.

For full details and collection dates, see our garden waste collections page – https://www. wiltshire.gov.uk/gardenwaste People who pay to have their

Waste collection services will be altered during the Christmas and New Year period

Credit: Wiltshire Council

garden waste collected can put out their real Christmas tree alongside their garden waste bin, on their first collection in January.

Residents can check all their waste, recycling, and garden waste collection days on the council’s Waste collection calendar – https://ilforms. wiltshire.gov.uk/ WasteCollectionDays/index Household recycling centres: Household Recycling Centres (HRC) will operate reduced hours over the Christmas period, from Sunday, December 24, resuming normal opening hours on Tuesday, January 2, 2024.

Leisure centres: All council operated leisure centres will be closed Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Year’s Day. For opening times for leisure centres in Salisbury, Tidworth and Tisbury over the Christmas period, see https://www. wiltshire.gov.uk/leisure-leisureand-sport-centres Normal opening times will resume from Tuesday, January 2, 2024.

Libraries: All libraries, including the

mobile libraries, will be closed Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Year’s Day. Between December 27 and December 30 they will open as normal, with the exception that libraries that would normally be open in the evening will close at 5pm, or as usual if due to close earlier.

Information, including the variations for individual libraries, can be found at Library locations and opening times – https://apps.wiltshire. gov.uk/librariesinformation.

Normal opening times will resume from Tuesday, January 2, 2024.

Salisbury registration office This will be open on Friday, December 22 for ceremonies and by appointment only. It will be closed on Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Year’s Day. Between Wednesday 27 and Friday, December 29, the registration office will be open as normal. No appointments will be available Saturday 30 and Sunday 31, but ceremonies will take place as scheduled.

Emergency contact numbers: If urgent support is needed during the Christmas and New Year period, use emergency contact numbers.

Salisbury & Avon, December 18, 2023

9

News

salisburyandavon.co.uk

Local care home’s Christmas market gets the festive season underway MILFORD House Care Home in Laverstock got its Christmas festivities off to a flying start with a Christmas market on December 2. On what might have been the coldest day of the year so far, the home was delighted to welcome Cllr Nick Baker, chair of Laverstock & Ford Parish Council (pictured, right) to declare the market open.

Residents, family and friends then enjoyed a fabulous set from Musical Theatre Salisbury before everyone got stuck into browsing the stalls and enjoying mulled wine, hot chocolate and mince pies.

There were green table decorations made by residents, selection treat boxes, bath smellies, art, creative and decorative items, as well as a fantastic raffle that was supported by a host of local businesses from in and around Salisbury and family and friends who donated prizes. All proceeds from the raffle will go to the home’s chosen charity for 2023, River Bourne Community Farm.

General manager, Gemma Hicks, said: “It was such a lovely, joyful afternoon and the

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

How a Living Trust protects your estate: 1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

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 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.

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

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.

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.

Tel 07832 331594 email: info@oakwoodwills.co.uk

home was buzzing with visitors.

“A huge Milford ‘thank you’ to Cllr Nick Baker for opening the market and all the stallholders who attended, but I must give a special mention to the team from Musical Theatre Salisbury who braved the sub-zero temperatures to come and sing in our courtyard during the afternoon and got the market off to a flying start. They are all heroes for singing so beautifully and for so long out in the cold.

“We hope that they could tell from the reception they received how much everyone appreciated it and it was great that so many of our residents sang along, albeit from the comfort and warmth of our dining room.

Hopefully the mulled wine warmed them up somewhat.

“Thank you to everyone who came along and supported us and our charity; residents and staff at Milford House wish you all a very happy festive season.”

10

Salisbury & Avon, December 18, 2023

News

salisburyandavon.co.uk

Salisbury MP tours SSE Renewables’ first 50MW battery storage site SALISBURY MP John Glen has praised the role of battery storage as the UK moves towards net zero during a tour of a site near the old Quidhampton Quarry.

Mr Glen, the paymaster general, was given an insight into the technology after being welcomed to a nearlycompleted battery storage site

by SSE Renewables.

The firm is developing a 50MW storage site, which will start providing flexible power to the National Grid from February next year.

Battery storage holds and releases energy when most needed.

“Tackling climate change is the biggest challenge of our age,” Mr Glen said.

“This government wants to decarbonise the UK power system by 2035 and battery storage is seen as a key enabler of that transition to net zero because of its flexibility.

“I enjoyed seeing first-hand how battery storage will work

battery storage means we can help National Grid manage peak times of demand and back up renewable sources of energy such as wind.

“SSE Renewables is investing £4m a day on average to 2027 in low carbon technologies that will enable net zero.”

Batteries work by storing energy when output from natural sources such as wind is high and releasing it when wind output is low but demand for energy is high.

The systems are fast responding and will play an increasingly important role in our energy mix as more carbon-based generation is phased out and further replaced by more renewables, SSE said.

The company is currently developing three battery storage projects in the UK, with a 320MW battery project in Monk Fryston, North Yorkshire, and a 150MW battery project in Ferrybridge, West Yorkshire, alongside the Salisbury scheme.

in my own constituency, and I commend SSE for their ongoing investment in low carbon technology.”

Richard Cave-Bigley, SSE Renewables director of solar and battery, said: “We were delighted to welcome John Glen MP to our first battery site at Salisbury ahead of the project going fully live in February 2024.

“The flexibility of

Cycling challenge raises over £3,000 for charities SARUM Vision recently completed its third annual bike ride to raise funds for charity.

The seven man team departed from Salisbury city centre and covered a beautiful but hilly route to Swanage via the North Dorset cycleway, West Lulworth and Corfe Castle.

The second day involved a stunning coastal route along the south coast to Lymington and back to Salisbury through the New Forest.

This year, the team covered 160 miles and raised £3,140 for its two chosen charities, Alabaré and the International Rescue Committee.

Naeem Haq, a consultant specialist at Sarum Vision, who organised the bike ride, was

Naeem Haq presents Alabaré chairman, Malcolm Cassells with a cheque for £1,570

delighted to be able to present some of the proceeds to Alabaré at its fundraising event at the end of November.

Kathryn Furnell said: “Naeem Haq presented Alabaré chairman, Malcolm Cassells with a cheque for the £1,570 raised, while

attending as guests of honour at our recent ambassador evening with humanitarian Larry Hollingworth.

“We are delighted to be partnered with Sarum Vision, a specialist eye surgery clinic in central Salisbury. The Sarum Vision team has shown such generosity and kindness to Alabaré. We were very pleased to be a beneficiary of their annual charity cycle ride from Salisbury to Swanage and back this year.”

Mr Haq said: “It was a pleasure to be able to donate this money to Alabaré. We are so grateful to all of those who supported the challenge helping us to raise over £3,000 for charity and we look forward to surpassing this next year.”

New Blackmore June 18, 23, 2023 Salisbury & Avon, Vale, December salisburyandavon.co.uk

hampshirechronicle.co.uk/news/romsey/

113

News News29

Friday, September 16, 2022 Romsey Advertiser

12

Salisbury & Avon, December 18, 2023

News

salisburyandavon.co.uk

Stars Appeal raises funds for baby monitors for hospital’s Labour wards “HAVING the latest monitors to see how your baby is doing and hearing their heartbeat while you’re waiting for your labour to progress was really reassuring.”

Michelle Cone was a nervous first-time mum-to-be when she arrived at Salisbury Hospital this month.

Before and during her labour, she was reassured by the use of new baby monitoring equipment, which allowed her and midwives to keep an eye on the little one, as well as monitoring contractions.

Eight state-of-the-art Cardiotocography (CTG) machines for the Labour Ward and Day Assessment Unit were funded by the Stars Appeal, the hospital’s charity, at a cost of £80,000.

And Michaela, from Amesbury, praised the devices which were used during the birth of her baby, Rory.

“The machine was fantastic and helped put my mind at ease,” she said. “I want to say a big thank you to Stars Appeal supporters for making this equipment possible.”

CTGs are used particularly for pregnant mums with higher risk factors and enable midwives to detect any problems, hospital staff said.

Several of the new monitors have wireless sensors so expectant mums have more freedom to walk around.

Fetal surveillance lead midwife, Tori Harper, said: “It is one of the best tools we’ve got to help us to understand in a snapshot how the baby is doing.

Above: Michaela Cone and baby Rory Left: Salisbury Hospital’s new state-of-the-art Cardiotocography (CTG) machines

“Having these new CTGs is enhancing the care for babies and mums by significantly improving the quality of our monitoring.”

Over the last three years, the Stars Appeal has funded more than £300,000-worth of projects, supporting the 2,200 babies born at the hospital - and their families - each year.

Gifts left by three local supporters in their wills enabled the charity to help create the Beatrice Birth Centre, which opened last October, along with a new entrance and reception, and courtyard garden for the Maternity Department.

The charity has also funded reclining sleeper chairs across the Maternity Department so mums and their partners can be more comfortable while in hospital, as well as additional medical equipment.

The Stars Appeal is currently fundraising for 20 specialist cots for newborn babies on the Labour and Postnatal wards, which cost £1,900 each. The cots, which are height adjustable and have drop down sides, will make it easier and more comfortable for mums to be closer to their babies and enable greater bonding in the first few hours of life.

Supporters who can raise or donate £1,900 or more will have the opportunity to add their name, or that of a loved one, to their very own cot.

To find out more about the equipment and projects the Stars Appeal are currently fundraising for, visit www.starsappeal.org/ what-were-fundraising-for.

Drink drive campaign sees three vehicles seized in Amesbury THREE vehicles were seized by police during an anti-drink driving operation in Amesbury.

Wiltshire Police officers were out on December 9, a Saturday night, as part of the force’s annual Christmas Drink/Drug Drive Campaign, which runs throughout December.

The operation sees the Roads Policing Unit, neighbourhood teams and special constabulary

stepping up patrols alongside the Road Safety Partnership, to target those who get behind the wheel of a car having drunk alcohol or consumed illegal drugs.

On the night, officers dealt with three drivers for having no MOT, one for driving a vehicle with defective tyres, three for having no insurance and one driver for driving a vehicle in a dangerous condition.

One driver was also dealt with for driving while disqualified.

Three vehicles were seized and one vehicle was issued a prohibition notice.

PC Mike Handscomb said: “It’s really important that road users are ensuring their vehicles are road legal and safe before making any journey, and at this time of year when driving conditions can be more

challenging, it’s more important than ever.

“We will continue to conduct patrols on our roads over the coming weeks – we know people will be out and about to celebrate Christmas parties and we’d urge everyone to think ahead and plan their journey home.

“Drinking or taking illegal drugs and getting behind the wheel is just not worth the risk.”

Salisbury & Avon, December 18, 2023

13

News

salisburyandavon.co.uk

Lib Dem councillor to stand in Salisbury at next General Election A CHARITY chief executive and city council leader has been selected to try and win the Salisbury seat for the Liberal Democrats at the next general election.

To do so, Victoria would need to overcome a Tory majority of just under 20,000, secured by Mr Glen in 2019.

Victoria Charleston – a columnist for this newspaper – has been picked to fight the constituency at the next election by the Salisbury Liberal Democrats.

Chief executive of a national charity and Salisbury City Councillor, mum-of-two Victoria said she was aiming to offer a “real alternative” to current MP, Conservative John Glen.

“Since 2019, my team and I have knocked on 18,900 doors and spoken to 5,500 people,” said Victoria, who came second to Mr Glen at the last national poll in 2019.

“Time and time again the message we hear is how betrayed and let down people feel by the Conservatives locally and nationally.

“I am here to offer people a real alternative to the party of Johnson, Truss and Sunak.

“I will be a genuinely local MP who puts Salisbury and South Wiltshire first, arguing for better NHS and social care provision locally, ensuring no family has to choose between heating and eating, and real leadership to tackle the climate crisis.”

Platinum Award-Winning Care 2022

We have been awarded this much sought after accolade for our work with Gold Standards Framework

Since 2019, the Lib Dems have positioned themselves as the only opposition to the Conservatives in Wiltshire, winning a string of council seats and by-elections both in the county and further afield, including in neighbouring Somerset.

Victoria said she is standing for parliament to “offer people in and around Salisbury a genuine alternative to the chaos

“Your staff are exemplary in every way. They care for my every need, showing genuine kindness and always go above and beyond the call of duty. The excellent chef caters for my special diet - all cooked to perfection. I couldn’t ask for anything more.”

Current resident

and corruption of the Conservative government”.

The NHS, recruiting 8,000 GPs, addressing the cost of living crisis and tackling the climate crisis are at the forefront of her campaign, she said.

“People locally deserve better than the last 13 years of Conservative government,” she added. “I am here to stand up for Salisbury and South Wiltshire.”

And the seat could be closer than at recent polls, according to political prediction website, Electoral Calculus. The site currently calculates a 50% likelihood the Conservatives win the seat, with Labour in second place, with a 43% chance of taking it. Victoria, for the Lib Dems, is third, with a 19.7% chance of victory.

Comfort & elegance

Loyal staff

Exceptional Care in Stunning Surroundings

Live life better... every day at Spetisbury Manor

Why not arrange a visit to see for yourself

Stunning views

Bright, airy spaces

01258 857378 | www.spetisburymanor.co.uk | info@spetisburymanor.co.uk

14

Salisbury & Avon, December 18, 2023

News

salisburyandavon.co.uk

Can you find Regimental gifts boost the cheeky Salvation Army’s elves?

Christmas charity appeal

Trail sheets for the 12 Elves of Christmas Elf Trail are available from Salisbury Information Centre.

A DOZEN cheeky elves have gone missing in Salisbury – and residents are being urged to find them.

The Stars Appeal, Salisbury Hospital’s Charity, has joined a special festive trail to find the missing elves, hiding in the city.

The 12 Elves of Christmas Elf Trail is part of Experience Salisbury’s ‘City of Stars’ - and challenges participants to find all the elves in shop windows around the city centre.

To get involved, people can pick up a trail sheet from Salisbury Information Centre on Fish Row, or the Five Rivers Leisure Centre.

The trail sheets cost £2 per child, with money raised for the Stars Appeal to support projects at the hospital. One of those is the provision of 20 specialist cots for newborn babies, which cost £1,900 each.

The Elf Trail runs until the end of Saturday, December 23.

Return completed trail sheets to the Information Centre by that date to be in with a chance of winning a children’s craft hamper worth over £50, which has been donated by The Works in Salisbury.

Find out more by visiting www. experiencesalisbury.co.uk/ what-s-on/2023/november/ twelve-elves-of-christmas-trail/.

MEMBERS of The Salvation Army in Salisbury were left ‘surprised and delighted’ after receiving a substantial delivery of Christmas gifts and goodies from members of the 14th Regiment, Royal Artillery, 1st Battery based in Larkhill.

Bombardiers Joe Smith and Robin Duncan delivered the array of presents collected from members of the regiment, family and friends, to the Salvation Army headquarters on Salt Lane.

“It was a lovely surprise to receive this special delivery of items,” said Captain Martin Davison, leader of Salisbury Salvation Army Church and Community Hub. “We have received more requests than ever for support this year, so this was just what we needed to prepare for our busy time of Christmas deliveries.”

If you would like to support the Salisbury Christmas gift Appeal you still have time to contribute as the charity runs the initiative right up until December 23 when the final deliveries are made.

Bombardiers Joe Smith and Robin Duncan with Captain Martin Davison of Salisbury Salvation Army

New and unwrapped gifts can be dropped off at Salisbury Salvation Army on Thursday, Friday or Saturday, from 10am until 1pm.

Alternatively, cash donations can be made to the Salisbury Salvation Army JustGiving page online, or in person at the

Army’s hall.

The Salvation Army Band will be playing carols in Salisbury City Centre each Saturday until Christmas eve when they lead community carol singing in the Guildhall Square organised by Salisbury City Council.

Doorstep Snaps returns to raise money for charity A CHARITY project which started during the first Covid lockdown back in 2020, returns for its fifth instalment this Christmas.

Founded by Salisburybased photographer Simon Ward, Doorstep Snaps is a simple idea: taking a picture on people’s doorsteps in exchange for a donation to Julia’s House Children’s Hospice, the Stars Appeal, or both.

The project runs until Saturday, December 23, and has raised £6,677 since 2020 – £3,986 for Stars Appeal and

Adriana and family have taken part in Doorstep Snaps every year so far

Credit: Simon Ward

£2,691 for Julia’s House.

Over £1,300 was raised during Part 4 last year, with

£220 raised so far this year.

Simon would really like to hit the £7,000 running total by Christmas.

Families, businesses, local organisations and even a wedding have taken part in previous years and the more people that take part, the more vital funds can be raised for these two fantastic local charities.

All the details on how to take part and donate can be found at https://www. simonwardphotography.com/ doorstep-snaps

Salisbury & Avon, December 18, 2023

15

News

salisburyandavon.co.uk

New plans for Howard’s House Hotel would add two new bedrooms A LANDMARK village hotel which closed is hoping to convert a former function room into two new rooms.

The scheme would see the historic stables at the Howard’s House Hotel, in Teffont Magna, converted into two new bedrooms for let.

“The hotel is undergoing a change of management and it is intended to refurbish and enhance this special hospitality venue,” the application to Wiltshire Council for planning permission and listed building consent said.

“This will ensure the viability of the premises into the future. The proposal stems from a need to update and refresh the facilities. Specifically, the existing function room/ancillary dining area as housed in the

Plans for the stables (right) at Howard’s House Hotel, via Wiltshire Council

former stables, together with the associated toilets (within the former grooms quarters) are to be converted into two new letting bedrooms.

“This will increase the capacity of the bedroom

accommodation in the hotel from the existing 10 rooms to 12, thereby significantly enhancing the financial viability of the enterprise.”

A separate planning application, for an orangery,

MASSIVE

GENUINE REDUCTIONS UP TO 50% OFF all Departments SALE

JEANS & TROUSER S

50% OFF

(Selected lines)

SALE SEASA

LT

50% OFF (Selected lines)

SALE KNITW EAR

50% OFF

(Selected lines)

SALE

internal alterations and parking provision at the hotel, was submitted earlier this year.

The plans come after the hotel closed in January, before being taken over by The Beckford Group. A previous planning application detailed how the new owners hope to re-open the hotel in spring 2024, under the name the Teffont House Hotel.

For more details, and to comment on the plans, log on to www.wiltshire.gov.uk and search PL/2023/10206.

SALE SALE

SALE

50% OFF

25% OFF

WHITE STUFF

BRAS CASHMERE

(Selected lines)

(Selected lines)

50% OFF

(Selected lines)

30 High Street, Shaftesbury, SP7 8JG Tel:01747 852444

SALE ONLINE

visit our website www.shirleyallum.co.uk

16

Salisbury & Avon, December 18, 2023

News salisburyandavon.co.uk

Lantern parade lights up Fordingbridge High Street to begin the festive season FORDINGBRIDGE was lit up by lanterns for Christmas as part of a special event.

More than 100 people, including children, their families and carers, took part in Avon Valley Community Matters’ (AVCM) first Lantern Parade in the High Street on Friday evening, during the town’s annual Late Night Shopping event.

The parade was organised in collaboration with Culture in Common, the Salvation Army, Fordingbridge Events, the town council and the Rotary Club of Fordingbridge.

Prior to the parade itself, the AVCM team organised a free Family Lantern Making Workshop in order to create the wonderful spectacle which lit up the town.

Headed up by a pair of well-behaved Kelly’s Donkeys, the procession began and ended with stories of light and wonder from internationally-acclaimed storyteller Danya Miller.

In between, the parade lit up the High Street and dazzled hundreds of late-night shoppers out for a spot of Christmas shopping, to witness the turning on of the town’s Christmas lights and to enjoy the evening’s entertainment organised by Fordingbridge Town Council.

Claire Godson, AVCM’s

family befriender, said: “We are so delighted by the support from so many families as well as local organisations for our very first, spectacular lantern parade.

“Thank you to everyone who took part for making it such a memorable occasion. We feel so lucky to be part of this wonderful community - such kind support enables us to continue our charity’s aim of ‘reaching out to all’.”

AVCM’s new shop on the High Street was also open for the first time on the night - with staff and volunteers enjoying watching the parade and welcoming shoppers in.

AVCM runs the local, inclusive Superstars Playgroup from 9.30am each term-time Friday morning at St Mary’s Church Hall in Fordingbridge.

During the holidays, staff and volunteers offer free activities, including Picnics

Together, Building Together and Christmas Together.

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

For more information on the

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

Salisbury & Avon, December 18, 2023 salisburyandavon.co.uk

News

Plans submitted to convert Upper Woodford offices into two homes

PLANS to convert two former office buildings in Upper Woodford into homes have been submitted.

RAW Planning Ltd, on behalf of Renshaw UK, has applied to Wiltshire Council to find out if prior permission is required for the conversion of buildings at Renshaw Barns.

One application relates to a building which had formerly been offices of Renshaw UK Ltd on the first floor – this has been vacant since May this year – and Novum Law on the ground floor – this has been vacant since August this year.

According to the plans, this building could be converted to a five-bedroom house.

The other application relates to a different building on the development, which had been used as offices by Unstuck Design Ltd, until December last year (2022)..

According to the submitted plans, this building could be converted into a two-bedroom property.

For more details, and to comment on the plans, log on to www.wiltshire.gov.uk and search for application references PL/2023/10595 The applications can also be found here: https://development. wiltshire.gov.uk/pr/s/planningapplication/ a0i3z00001CFPjwAAH/ pl202310595 and PL/2023/10467; https://development. wiltshire.gov.uk/pr/s/planningapplication/ a0i3z00001CFFxvAAH/ pl202310467.

17

18

Salisbury & Avon, December 18, 2023

News

In brief Amesbury road to temporarily close in January AN Amesbury road will be closed for five nights next month (January).

Porton Road will shut between the Salisbury Road and London Road roundabouts from January 26 to January 31.

The closure will be in place from 7pm to 6am to allow the road to be resurfaced.

A diversion will be in place via London Road, the A345, the A3028 and Salisbury Road, and vice versa.

Man charged with drink driving in Salisbury A MAN was charged with drink driving after a crash in Salisbury. The incident happened in Stockbridge Road at shortly after noon on Sunday, December 10, and involved a BMW X4, Wiltshire Police said.

Gareth Johnstone, 32, of Castle Road, has been charged with drink driving and is due to appear at Salisbury Magistrates Court on January 16.

Burglary at Winterslow farm A TRAILER, industrial chipper and around 300 litres of red diesel were stolen from farm buildings in Winterslow.

Police said the theft occurred some time overnight between November 28 and 29.

“Damage was also caused to barn doors, as well as to a vehicle stored in the buildings,” a spokesperson added.

Officers are keen to hear from anyone with doorbell, dash cam or CCTV footage in the area, or any witnesses to suspicious vehicles driving at the time, on 101, quoting reference 54230126589.

Ludgershall fire POLICE are hunting a gang of youths who caused £1,000-worth of damage at Ludgershall Recreation Ground during the evening of October 9.

Anyone with information should contact police on 101 and quote crime reference number 54230107470.

salisburyandavon.co.uk

Salisbury City Council appoints new honorary recorder at law courts SALISBURY City Council has appointed His Honour Judge Timothy Mousley KC to be the new honorary recorder for the city at Salisbury’s Law Courts His Honour Judge Mousley received a warm recommendation and the support of his predecessor, Judge Barnett, who has held the title for the past 13 years.

His Honour Judge Timothy Mousley KC has lived in the Salisbury area since 1989. He was called to the Bar in 1979 and practised from then until 2013 from his chambers at 2 Kings Bench Walk, Temple.

He took silk in 2003 and became Head of Chambers in 2005. In 1998, he was appointed as an Assistant Recorder and sat on a part-time basis until 2013.

After this, he became a recorder of the Crown Court in 2000 and continued to sit in the courts all over the Western Circuit.

In 2013, he was appointed to the Circuit Bench and sat as resident judge at Swindon from 2014 until 2018 when he was appointed to sit in Portsmouth and the Isle of Wight. In 2019, he was appointed as the honorary recorder of

His Honour Judge Timothy Mousley KC (left) pictured with Salisbury’s mayor, Cllr Atiqul Hoque

Portsmouth and resident judge of Portsmouth and the Isle of Wight. Then in June 2023 he was appointed to sit in the Crown Courts at Salisbury and Winchester.

The role of an honorary recorder is to represent the judiciary at many civic events in the council’s calendar. The traditional role dates back to medieval times and provides a

valuable link between the city and the judiciary.

Mayor of Salisbury, Cllr Atiqul Hoque said: “It is a great honour to appoint Judge Mousley to this role. We, of course, offer our sincere gratitude to Judge Barnett for his involvement in city life and I look forward to welcoming Judge Mousley to our next civic occasion.”

Sports Direct gym to close permanently A SALISBURY gym has closed “permanently” due to the costs of maintaining the facilities, an email to members said.

The news was delivered in an email to members of Sports Direct Fitness – Salisbury, in Summerlock Approach, on Monday.

“We are writing to inform you that regrettably Sports Direct Fitness – Salisbury will close permanently today (Monday, December 11) and will not be re-opening,” it said.

“We are really saddened to deliver this news, despite our attempts to keep the gym trading, sadly the costs to maintain the facilities has made

it impossible for us to continue.”

“We want to take time to thank you for your support and loyalty,” the email added.

“We are continuing to open new clubs under our Everlast Gyms brand and as such, hope to see you in the future at one of our sites.”

Everlast Gyms are run by Sports Direct Fitness, after Sports Direct acquired the Everlast Worldwide brand in 2007.

Salisbury & Avon, December 18, 2023

19

News

salisburyandavon.co.uk

Wiltshire Police issues drink and drug driving warning for Christmas ‘DON’T risk it’ is the message being sent to revellers by Wiltshire Police during a Christmas Drink and Drug Drive campaign.

The force is urging people to plan their journey home in advance if they are heading out to celebrate the festive season approaching.

The Roads Policing Unit, neighbourhood teams and special constabulary will be stepping up patrols over the coming weeks working closely with the Road Safety Partnership, to target those who get behind the wheel of a car having drunk alcohol or consumed illegal drugs.

Acting Inspector Will Ayres said: “As Christmas approaches, we know everyone is getting into the festive spirit with lots of parties and get togethers planned over the coming weeks.

“We want everyone to enjoy themselves but to do so safely.

“Drink and drug driving is

not worth the risk. While we hold a zero tolerance approach all year round, our December campaign will see our officers conducting extensive operations targeting drivers travelling in and out of our towns, cities and more rural locations of a night time, especially at weekends.”

Last December, a total of 112

impossible to understand what makes anyone think they’re capable of driving when they’re under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

“As well as putting themselves at risk, they’re putting the lives of their passengers and the wider public in total jeopardy.

“We want everyone to make it home safely and our Roads Policing Unit works hard to make sure those who drink and/ or drug drive are apprehended, but I want anyone who thinks it’s acceptable to drive under the influence of drink or drugs to think about what they’re doing before they’re either taken off the road in the back of a police car or worse still, an ambulance.

“It’s just not worth the risk and cracking down on this type of behaviour will save lives and make Wiltshire safer.”

Anyone who suspects somebody of drink or drug driving should report concerns

drivers were stopped by officers suspected of drink or drug driving in the Wiltshire Police area.

A total of 11 of those drivers came to police attention after being involved in crashes.

Police and Crime Commissioner for Wiltshire, Philip Wilkinson, said: “I find it

THE story of a rebel angel is at the heart of a new book launched in Salisbury this month. On December 5, an audience of around 250 joined the Very Revd Nicholas Papadopulos, Dean of Salisbury, for the launch of his book, The Infernal Word.

Published by Canterbury Press, the book is told from the point of view of a rebel angel, who sided with Satan in his insurgency and was cast out of Heaven. And he is an unhappy devil, perplexed by the triumph of good over evil and the stories of salvation.

At the heart of the launch was an hour-long and wideranging conversation with the author, conducted by Canon Tim Daykin, former broadcaster and member of the Salisbury

Cathedral Chapter, followed by a book signing.

In all, 130 people queued with their copies of the book for the Dean to sign, with music provided by Wiltshire harpist and former chorister, Katie Salomon.

Nicholas said: “The evening was everything I could have wished for: relaxed, fun, and yet purposeful. Just like the book – I hope. I was very touched by the number of people who turned out on a chilly December Evening to join us.

“I’d like to thank Katie Salomon for playing – she is a former chorister and remains an important member of the cathedral community, and her music entertained visitors as they arrived and during the book signing.

Credit: Finbarr Webster

Bishop joined by hundreds for the launch of his book

“I’d also like to thank Tim Daykin for being such a skilled and generous interviewer.

Above all, I’d like to thank our wonderful cathedral staff who, as always, made everything run like clockwork.”

Described by Archbishop Justin Welby as “deceptively simple, profoundly insightful and immensely entertaining” and by the author and historian Tom Holland as “Milton’s rebel angels re-imagined for the 21st century”, The Infernal Word; Notes from a Rebel Angel began as a series of addresses preached by the Dean on Good Friday, when he was the Canon Treasurer at Canterbury Cathedral, and subsequently expanded at Salisbury Cathedral.

Years in preparation, the book and the conversation in the Cathedral offer a fresh perspective on familiar Biblical stories.

20

Salisbury & Avon, December 18, 2023

Politics

salisburyandavon.co.uk

Labour to increase pressure on water bosses BY the time this edition of the Salisbury and Avon Gazette is published we will know the outcome of a vote in the Commons (on Tuesday, December 12) on a motion put forward by Labour MPs calling for Ofwat to have the power to ban water company bosses’ bonuses until they clean up waterways in England and Wales.

In the previous edition of the Gazette, published on December 4, I responded to recent comments by our local MP, John Glenn, in the Salisbury Journal expressing his ‘disgust’ at hearing about water pollution in our rivers.

A crucial point in the final paragraph of my article was inadvertently ‘cut off’ in the printing process, but I feel strongly that it needs to be published in its entirety. “…water quality is a much bigger problem than just raw sewage. Farming methods and ‘loosening’ of environmental constraints on the construction industry are also exacerbating the problem.

“While in the EU, England was covered

Senior executives from five of the 11 water companies that deal with sewage took bonuses this year, while the rest declined after Cllr John Wells public outrage.

Labour Labour outlined plans at their Chair of Environment party conference to block bonuses of companies that pump out large and Climate Committee (Salisbury levels of sewage if they win the next election.

City Council) Next week Labour will use an opposition day debate to table a motion that would extend Ofwat powers to punish offending companies. by the water framework directive (WFD), The motion was prompted by a and a national chemical and ecological BBC investigation suggesting United survey of rivers was conducted annually. In Utilities had been misreporting its pollution 2019, the last time the full water incidents as being less serious than they assessments took place, just 14% of rivers were in order to avoid having them counted were in good ecological health and none in Ofwat’s figures. United Utilities – which met standards for good chemical health. operates in north-west England – has denied “The government has said it does not this. intend to deliver a complete update until The shadow environment secretary, 2025, the latest permissible date under the Steve Reed, said: “This Conservative new WFD. This may be too late for the government has wilfully turned a blind eye survival of some of our native species of to negligence at the heart of the water wildlife…” industry…”

‘People rarely talk to me about immigration’ FOLLOWING every Conservative Prime Minister before him, Rishi Sunak has promised to cut immigration numbers.

Like Boris Johnson’s ‘Get Brexit Done’, the current Prime Minister repeats ‘Stop the Boats’ and yet, net migration reached 745,000 in 2022.

With the right of his party becoming more restless, he turns to more extreme, morally and financially tenuous ideas to appease his party.

The Rwanda scheme, aiming to remove asylum-seekers, including those who have faced the ordeal of crossing the Channel in a dinghy, to Rwanda, has been rejected unanimously by the British Supreme Court.

The court found that there were substantial grounds for believing that asylum seekers sent to Rwanda would face a real risk of ill-treatment as a result of being returned to their country of origin.

Despite this, the Prime Minister ploughs on, desperately using political capital to push through a Bill that declares Rwanda ‘safe’ and wasting a shocking £240m not sending asylum seekers to Rwanda.

Victoria Charleston Lib Dems Parliamentary spokesperson for Salisbury constituency

There are few people desperate enough to cross the Channel in a dinghy, or even worse, placing their children inside one. To question their intentions is abhorrent.

To try and send them to a country not safe is inhumane. To spend £240m not achieving this aim is unbelievable.

On top of this, the Conservative government is changing the Visa Salary Threshold to £38,700. You may only have your foreign partner in the country if you earn more than an average salary.

This annoys businesses who are desperate for staff, it scares families who

are worried about being torn apart, and it puts off care workers (who may no longer bring dependents) on whom we are crying out for.

When I knock on people’s doors, they rarely talk to me about immigration levels. They do talk to me about the backlogs in the NHS, the lack of NHS dentists and the length of delay for appointments at the hospital. £240m on the failing Rwanda scheme could fund 5.7m GP appointments.

Telling care workers they can no longer bring dependents will put people off working in our social care system which is already in crisis.

Three Home Secretaries and millions of taxpayers’ pounds later, the Conservatives have nothing to show for their failing immigration policies. It’s an unforgivable waste of taxpayers’ money that could have been better spent on real problems that affect families in Salisbury and South Wiltshire.

It’s time for the Conservatives to accept reality and abandon these impractical, inhumane and extortionately expensive plans.

Salisbury & Avon, December 18, 2023 salisburyandavon.co.uk

21

Home & Garden/Gardening

Top tips for recycling and reducing your waste this Christmas season WITH Christmas only a week away, Wiltshire Council is sharing top tips on what people can do with their waste including electrical items, wrapping paper and packaging over the festive season.

Disposing of unwanted electrical items safely Ever-evolving technology means that the number of unwanted electrical items increases around Christmas as many people receive new electrical items as gifts.

These electrical items cannot be disposed of in general waste or recycling bins, and this is linked to hundreds of fires at waste facilities across the country every year. People can help to prevent fires and keep staff safe by following this guidance: Electrical items that contain a rechargeable battery and would fit inside a ‘shoe box’ can be recycled using the small rechargeable electricals collection service.

People can simply leave these items beside their bluelidded bin or recycling sack in a supermarket carrier bag.

If people have replaced batteries in Christmas lights, or

are disposing of electrical items powered by batteries, they can remove the batteries and place them in a clear sealed bag next to their blue lidded-bin or recycling sack on collection day.

All other electrical items including mains-powered items should be recycled at household recycling centres.

Packaging and wrapping paper The season of giving often results in piles of wrapping paper, gift bags and packaging.

Residents can follow these tips to recycle as much as possible: Only paper wrapping paper

TREE CONTROL SERVICES INCLUDE • • • •

Pollarding • Felling Topping • Pruning Lopping • Landscaping Hedge Cutting

ALL WASTE REMOVED JOBS LEFT TIDY! All Areas Covered...No job too small, fully insured.

For a FREE Quote Call

Mob: 07974 041285 Tel: 01722 412017

can be recycled. To check if wrapping paper is made of paper, people can use the scrunch test. Scrunch the paper and if it stays in a ball, it can be recycled in your blue-lidded bin.

Gift bags made from paper or card can be recycled. Gift bags made from other materials can’t be recycled. Gift bags that can’t be recycled can be kept for next year and reused.

Recently there has been an increase in plastic bags and polystyrene (typically used for packaging) being incorrectly disposed of in blue-lidded bins which can damage waste processing machinery.

Extra items that cannot fit inside the blue-lidded can be placed beside the bin in a suitable container, such as a plastic storage box. Paper and cardboard should be placed inside the bin to prevent it from getting wet.

People can check all the items they can (and can’t) recycle at https://www.wiltshire. gov.uk/rubbish-and-recycling.

Cllr Nick Holder, cabinet member for environment, said: “I’m really pleased we’ve introduced the small rechargeable collection service this year. It will be especially useful over Christmas when many of us will likely have unwanted electrical items we want to dispose of.

“Alongside our battery collection service, it’s now quick and easy for residents to dispose of batteries and small electrical items directly from the kerbside, making it less likely that these items will find their way to waste facilities where they could cause fires.

“There’s no doubt a lot of packaging will also be generated during the festive period, and we would urge people to ensure cardboard and paper is placed inside bluelidded bins so that it’s not damaged by wet weather.

“I encourage people to take advantage of our convenient kerbside collection services and follow these tips so we can recycle as much as possible in Wiltshire this Christmas.”

Christmas trees People who have signed up to garden waste collections are reminded that they can leave their real Christmas tree next to their green bin on their first scheduled collection in January and the council will collect it for composting.

Alternatively, people can make a small donation to charities who collect Christmas trees.

WANTED - Dave buys all types of tools. Call 01935 428975

DORSET & WILTSHIRE

JOBS GROUP For jobseekers and employers NOW ON Facebook

22

Salisbury & Avon, December 18, 2023

Home & Garden/Gardening

salisburyandavon.co.uk

AUTHORISED DEALER

AUTHORISED DEALER

new season now in store new season now in store PLUS OUR CLEARANCE SHOWROOM WITH UP TO 75% OFF BEDS, MATTRESSES, SOFAS, CHAIRS, DINING & MORE! PLUS OUR CLEARANCE SHOWROOM WITH UP TO 75% OFF BEDS, MATTRESSES, SOFAS, CHAIRS, DINING & MORE!

MYLOR & MAWES

BEDS . MATTRESSES . SOFA BEDS . FURNITURE . SOFAS. .DINING DINING . .OCCASSIONAL . MIRRORS . PICTURES . ACCESSORIES BEDS . MATTRESSES . SOFA BEDS . FURNITURE . SOFAS OCCASSIONAL . MIRRORS . PICTURES . ACCESSORIES

29-33 FishertonStreet Street..Salisbury Salisbury . .Wiltshire . SP2 7SU7SU 29-33 Fisherton Wiltshire . SP2

W: www.mylorandmawes.com info@mylorandmawes.com T: 01722T: 326879 W: www.mylorandmawes.com E:E:info@mylorandmawes.com 01722 326879

Salisbury & Avon, December 18, 2023

23

Christmas at the Cathedral

salisburyandavon.co.uk salisburyandavon.co.uk

From Darkness to Light, cathedral’s Advent services attract thousands SALISBURY Cathedral celebrated the start of Advent with three spectacular Advent Processions attended by around 3,500 people over the weekend of December 1, 2 and 3.

Regarded by many as an unmissable prelude to the Christmas season, each of the three From Darkness to Light services began with the cathedral plunged into total darkness and silence, broken only when the Advent Candle was lit and a solo voice rang out.

In keeping with tradition, each service featured two large and colourful processions made up of nearly a hundred people including the Bishop of Salisbury, Dean of Salisbury, Cathedral Canons, and full Cathedral choir (boys, men and girls), which made their way around the ancient building.

At the conclusion of the service, the medieval space was aglow from West to East with the light of 1,300 flickering candles, movingly anticipating the coming of Christ in the season of Advent.

On all three nights the cathedral choir was conducted

by Salisbury Cathedral’s director of music, David Halls and was joined by a plainsong choir singing from the West End

The final procession during Darkness to Light led by Senior Verger Tyler Ringwood Hoare

Credit: Finnbarr Webster

From Darkness to Light heralds the start of Advent

Credit: Andrew Croft/Solent News

Gallery. John Challenger, assistant director of music played the organ.

The Very Revd Nicholas Papadopulos, Dean of Salisbury said: “From Darkness to Light is honest about the turmoil that engulfs our world today.

“At the service’s beginning the cathedral is plunged into deep darkness, and our thoughts turn to those enduring horror in Ukraine, in Israel, in Gaza, and in many other places.

“But Advent does not allow

our trauma to overwhelm us.

Instead, as candles are lit – one by one – we hear the ancient promise that God has not abandoned us, and that in the Christ child he has chosen to be

with us, and to be with us always.”

As the clergy and choir processed down the nave at the conclusion of the service, they walked beneath a series of powerfully affecting textile paintings hung high above them, part of a solo exhibition by the artist Shezad Dawood that was in the process of being installed in the cathedral.

The textile painting series, entitled Labanof Cycle, 2017, features objects recovered from the seabed by a team from the University of Milan after migrant boats sunk on the hazardous Lampedusa crossing, between northern Africa and Sicily.

Ranging from a pinch of earth wrapped in a twist of cling film and a student card to a passport and a faded photograph, the artworks are a tribute to lives lost and those that were saved.

The paintings also offer visitors a chance to reflect not just on modern crises, but also the story from Matthew’s Gospel in which Jesus and his family flee Egypt to escape King Herod’s slaughter of the innocents.

The solo exhibition, Leviathan, by Shezad Dawood will be in place until February 4.

Cathedral recruiting for teenagers to join Youth Choir ALONGSIDE its world class choir Salisbury Cathedral runs a series of community choirs for different age groups: ● Junior Choir for under 13s; ● Youth Choir for 13-18+; and ● Chamber Choir; the senior of the three choirs.

A journey in music from child to adult – each playing an important role in cathedral life and in the life of the diocese and community.

The 22 strong Youth Choir, which is in the middle of the three choirs age-wise, has gone from strength to strength.

Led by Steve Abbott, who sings counter tenor with the cathedral choir and who was a music teacher at Bishop Wordsworth’s, the

The Youth Choir rehearsing in the Bishop’s Palace

Credit: Spencer Mulholland

choir rehearses every Tuesday in the beautiful and ornate ‘Big School Room’ in the Bishop’s Palace/Salisbury Cathedral School.

They perform in concert and for services in the cathedral and externally, singing both

sacred, popular and classical music. On Christmas Eve, the choir is singing for the two family services in the cathedral (see page 24 for details).

Although a non-auditioned choir, singing standards are impressively high, according to choir director Steve Abbott – and the social mix and age range of the choir is wide – from home-schooled students for whom the choir is an important link into the community, to former choristers continuing their singing careers after leaving the cathedral choir at 13-years-old, and gap year students.

The choir is recruiting. Anyone is welcome, but they are specifically looking for boys – tenors and basses.

24

Salisbury & Avon, December 18, 2023

Christmas at the Cathedral

salisburyandavon.co.uk

Full list of Advent services being held at Salisbury Cathedral

CHRISTMAS at Salisbury Cathedral can be a magical time of year. From the Darkness into Light service taking place early in December through to Candlemas, there is something for everyone, whether they wish to reflect, enjoy or worship.

Twilight tower tours

Running until Thursday, December 23 Climb the 332 steps to the base of Salisbury’s iconic spire for unparalleled views of the city’s Christmas lights from above.

3.15pm every day.

Christmas Family Trail

Until Wednesday, January 31, 2024 Follow the special Christmas trail as you walk around the cathedral. Can you follow the clues to find all the hidden stars? When you’ve found all the stars, you can collect a sticker from the shop.

Free, included with admission ticket. From 10am to 5pm.

Family Christmas Craft Day Thursday, December 21 Take part in craft activities,

including designing star decorations, creating a crown of stars, and making Christmas Cards.

Free with general admission.

10am to 2.30pm.

Carols by Candlelight

Friday, December 22, and Saturday, December 23 A beautiful candlelit service featuring bible readings, favourite carols and choral works sung by the cathedral choir as they tell the age-old story of Jesus’ birth.

No booking required. Doors open one hour before the start of the service for a 7pm start, both days.

This will also be livestreamed.

Christmas Eve services

Christmas Eve is the start of the Church’s great celebration of Christmas, a season of joy and festivity that lasts up until Candlemas, a festival of light, on February 2, 2024.

At Christmas, the cathedral will celebrate the mystery of God coming to earth as Jesus Christ.

A family service for Christmas Eve

This service, for all the family and especially suitable for younger children, includes Christmas carols and an interactive retelling of the story of Mary and Joseph’s journey to Bethlehem, as well as music from the cathedral’s youth and junior choirs. From 1pm to 2.30pm.

Choral Evensong

All are welcome to this moving service of choral music, readings and prayers sung by the cathedral choir.

The service starts at 5.30pm.

The First Eucharist of Christmas (Midnight Mass)

Celebrate the start of Christmas by sharing communion together, hearing the Christmas Gospel followed by a Christmas message, with Christmas carols and beautiful music sung by the choir. Service starts at 11pm

Christmas Day services

All are welcome on Christmas Day, as the cathedral celebrates

the birth of Jesus in a poor stable, visited by shepherds and heralded by angels.

Holy Communion on Christmas Day

This services starts at 8am.

The Eucharist on Christmas Day

All are welcome as the cathedral choir sings, everyone shares communion together, and hear the profound words of the Prologue to John’s Gospel where he says, “and the Word was made flesh and dwelt among us”. This service starts at 10.30am.

Festal Evensong on Christmas Day

Celebrate Christmas at this special Evensong service. The service will include readings, prayers, hymns, and music sung by the cathedral choir. This service starts at 3pm.

Visit salisburycathedral.org.uk for more details of all the Advent and Christmas services, including Epiphany on January 6 and Candlemas on February 2, 2024.

Salisbury & Avon, December 18, 2023 salisburyandavon.co.uk

25

Christmas at the Cathedral

Impressive sustainable Norway Spruce stands tall in the Cathedral THIS year, Richard Pike, the Salisbury Cathedral’s ecclesiastical joiner, notched up his 33rd year installing and decorating the cathedral’s impressive Christmas tree – this year, a 32ft Norway Spruce.

The tree, which came from Longleat’s sustainable forest, was originally grown as a ‘nurse’ tree for small selfseeded oaks.

By letting the conifers grow tall, the forestry team protects the little oaks as they develop,

using the taller trees to shield them from frost and bad weather, and creating a microclimate in which they can flourish.

An important part of the cathedral’s Christmas, along with the wooden nativity, late night opening and candlelit services, the tree traditionally remains in place until Candlemas (February 2), the day on which the Church celebrates the presentation of Jesus in the Temple.

This page:The 32ft spruce was delivered by Guyatt’s before ecclesiastical joiner Richard Pike installed and decorated it, his 33rd cathedral Christmas tree installation Opposite page: The impressive decorated tree ready for the cathedral’s advent services

Credit: Finbarr Webster

26

Salisbury & Avon, December 18, 2023

Arts & Entertainment

salisburyandavon.co.uk

Salisbury’s Starcast Performing Arts enjoys hugely successful Eisteddfod STARCAST Performing Arts School Companies and Troupes (the elite performers from Salisbury) attended the Devizes Eisteddfod in November, returning with an impressive cup haul. The Eisteddfod is a yearly festival of over 400 classes of music, speech, drama and dance for people of all ages.

46 Starcast students entered the musical theatre classes, monologues and duologues, with the following returning victory: ● Duologue 13 and under class winners and overall winners of the Junior Duologue Cup – Isla Underwood and Freya Deadman ● Duologue 15 and under winners and overall winners of the Senior Duologue Cup – Lucie Walsh and Beatrice Wild ● Duologue 18 and under winners – Shivam Padiyar and Amy Scrivens ● Musical Theatre Solo 15 and under class winner and overall winner of the Walker Cup – Sam Fitzsimmons ● Musical Theatre 13 and under class winners – Kaiya Thompson and Lexie Whelan ● Musical Theatre 15 and under class winners – James Mills and Lucie Walsh ● Musical Theatre Duet 18 and under class winners and overall winners of the Stone King Cup – Sam Fitzsimmons and Amy Mitchell ● Musical theatre group 15 and under winner of the 15 and under plaque – Starcast Performance Troupe ● Musical theatre group 18 and under winner of the 18 and under Musical theatre Group Cup – Starcast Singing Company ● Monologue 15 and under class winner – Beatrice Wild ● Monologue 18 and under class winner and overall winner of the Senior Monologue cup – Emily Moores.

A few days after the Eisteddfod, a number of the performers were invited to attend and perform at the Festival Awards Concert, resulting in three more major awards: ● First stages award for most inspirational solo performance – Emily Moores ● George Sanderson Cup for Musical Theatre – Sam Fitzsimmons ● Eisteddfod Cup for Senior School of the year – Starcast Performing Arts School Companies and Troupes.

Starcast principal, Anna Would, said: “46 students entered these classes and I am

absolutely blown away by their hard work, kindness and comradeship. They all achieved so highly and I am incredibly proud of their achievements.

Top left: Amy Mitchell and Sam Fitzsimmons; Top: the Starcast students; Above: Beatrice Wild (l); Far left: Amy Scrivens and Shivam Padiyar; Left: Freya Deadman and Isla Underwood

“While at companies and troupes we are a family. We have fun, we take risks, we support each other. I have a fantastic team with singing teacher Rachel Delooze and drama teacher Peter McAuley.

“These students train hard at our main schools in Salisbury, Amesbury and Fordingbridge, and joined Companies and

Troupes to take on that extra challenge and learning.

“To come away with so many awards and achievements is a true testament to the hard work they put in. Winning ‘best school’ is recognition that is so overwhelming but absolutely fabulous.” www.starcastperformingarts.co.uk

Salisbury & Avon, December 18, 2023

27

Arts & Entertainment

salisburyandavon.co.uk

Dick Whittington review: Playhouse panto really is the cat’s whiskers Review by Brian MacReamoinn

TICKETS are selling fast for Dick Whittington, Wiltshire Creative’s award-winning pantomime currently on at the Salisbury Playhouse.

Children (and adults) should definitely get to this miaowvellous Christmas treat while they can.

Local lad Dick Whittington is determined to leave his home in Salisburyshire and make a name for himself in London. He is accompanied by his faithful cat Cosmo, whom we first meet as a stuffed pet peeking out of his master’s red-and-white polka dot knapsack, though this quadruped is destined for greater things in the future.

Of course Dick could get to London by train. But he says that means going to “boring Basingstoke” and “a replacement bus service”, a trip clearly familiar to the locals in the audience judging by the recognition laughter.

So he walks all the way there but finds that the streets of London are not paved with gold but full of rats.

Luckily for our disappointed hero and his feline sidekick, Fairy Bowbells makes one of her magical appearances. She lends the pair a helping hand with a wave of her special wand. Dick and Cosmo meet up with Alice Fitzwarren and her father, Alderman Fitzwarren, and, together with Sarah the Cook, soon they’re off on a series of amazing adventures.

With the villainous King Percy Rat in hot pursuit, they end up in Hollywood where further excitements await, involving some favourite movie characters. We follow this gang on their fabulous journey with laughter and thrills and song and dance along the way.

This in-house production by Wiltshire Creative is scripted by the experienced trio of Plested,

Brown & Wilsher, who also wrote last year’s Cinderella.

With the Playhouse’s experienced hand Gareth Machin at the helm, this seasonal spectacular purrs along very smoothly. All the cast and crew work brilliantly together to help create a fantastic fun night out for all the family.

Will Carey is an engaging Dick, with Olivia Hewitt-Jones appealing as Alice, the girl that captures his heart. Ailurophiles among the audience are thrilled whenever Cosmo (a lively Lindo Shinda) bounds on stage, and Natalie Winsor is a bright, sparkling Fairy Bowbells.

David Rumelle makes an entertaining panto dame (Sarah the Cook), dispensing risqué puns and wisecracks that go

The cast of Dick Whittington performing at Salisbury Playhouse

Credit: The Other Richard

sailing over youngsters’ heads but are picked up delightedly by the grown-ups. Indeed there is quite a bit of wordplay exploiting the hero’s first name.

As usual, the devil has the best tunes, with King Percy Rat (played with relish by Will Jennings) getting some of the biggest cheers (or should that be boos?) of the evening.

Hugh Osborne (Alderman Fitzwarren) is highly amusing when giving the sponsors their traditional shout-out, another fixture of pantos that everyone is anticipating.

The live music is terrific with some great songs and the

choreography is superb. All the dancers are sensational, led by the main duo Alisha Capon (as Female Swing) and Daniel Timoney (as Male Swing).

The whole design team provide glitter and glamour and colourful sets and costumes as we travel from Salisburyshire to London to The Isle of Wight and on to California and Hollywood, and finally back home.

Dick Whittington runs at Salisbury Playhouse until January 7, 2024. To book tickets, visit: www. wiltshirecreative.co.uk

28

Salisbury & Avon, December 18, 2023

Arts & Entertainment Creative writing workshop for adults in Salisbury A NEW creative writing workshop, led by author and editor Francesca Tyer, is set to take place at Fisherton Mill in Salisbury on February 17, 2024.

‘The Power of Imagination’ is a workshop for adults who enjoy writing and those looking for a creative way to unlock their imagination and transform their ideas into powerful prose. No prior experience is required; writers simply need an inquisitive mind and a willingness to experiment with words.

“Imagination enables us to experience different realities,” said Francesca. “Through it, we can appreciate different perspectives, travel to new places and visualise possible futures.

Whether conceiving realist or abstract concepts, our imaginative scope is almost limitless.”

“My mission is to inspire writers at all stages of their careers to unlock their imagination and find their inner voice,” explained Francesca.

“In a world where so much is already imagined for us, it’s important to exercise our minds and find power in our own imaginative abilities.”

Francesca is the author of three published young adult novels and a short poetry collection. She is also the founder of the Untold Stories Academy, a business through which she runs creative writing workshops – such as this one – and offers editing and mentoring support to writers.

‘The Power of Imagination’ will take place on February 17, 2024 from 1.30pm to 4.30pm at Fisherton Mill, Salisbury.

For bookings and further information, visit www. untoldstoriesacademy.com/ the-power-of-imagination.

If you’d like to book a place as a gift for someone this Christmas, please email untoldstoriesacaemy@gmail. com.

salisburyandavon.co.uk

Castledown FM celebrates 17 years and announces a new board of directors CASTLEDOWN FM, which broadcasts in Tidworth and Ludgershall, recently celebrated 17 years since launching as an FM station.

The celebrations started with presenter Kev Lawrence and guests, including a phone conversation with Baz Reilly, who launched the station at noon on November 4 back in 2006.

Baz was very pleased to be back on the radio and chatted to long-time presenter Sue Vallis and recently appointed chairman John Sparrow for several minutes.

“I clearly recall feeling elated when midday approached,” said Baz Reilly. “That day was the culmination of years of planning. I am so pleased to see that the station continues to grow as each year passes.”

Originally established as part of the communications plan for Salisbury Plain and broadcasting on 104.7FM, the station has added an additional transmitter in Tidworth to give better coverage on a separate frequency of 107.6FM. National and international coverage is achieved by streaming on the internet, which

Top: Kev Lawrence was joined by guests as he launched the 17th anniversary celebrations Above: John Sparrow

can be listened to via www. castledownfm.com or via any

smart speaker or internet radio by searching for Castledown FM. “We continue to grow the station with additional volunteer presenters and the new board will give us the direction we need to continue to offer a local service with local content to our community,” said John Sparrow.

Last year, the station was visited by the BBC which was filming an episode of Escape to the Country. Presenter Nicki Chapman chatted to the hosts of Friday Morning Fun, Andrew Connolly and Susan Connolly.

The episode can still be found on iPlayer and gives an insight into the goings on at Castledown FM. “To top the year off, we were awarded Best Local Radio Station Wiltshire in 2022,” said John Sparrow. “The new board of directors will have to go some, to top that.”

Castledown FM can be received in the Tidworth Community Area on 104.7FM and 107.6FM, and also via Listen Live on www. castledownfm.com.

There is also a listen again service if you miss a show that you want to listen to.

Sounds Better CIC perform new song for Christmas Tree Festival performance TWO community choirs associated with community group Sounds Better CIC performed at St Thomas’s Church’s annual Christmas Tree Festival on December 5 The Downton Downtime group, for people living with Dementia and those who support them, meet on a Tuesday morning.

The Salisbury Breathless Singers group is for those living

with lung conditions, and meets on a Tuesday afternoon in Wilton.

The groups joined forces on December 5, to perform at the annual Christmas Tree Festival at St Thomas’s Church – where they performed a song they had composed together.

Liv McLennan, director of Sounds Better CIC, said: “We are so proud of the work both groups have put in to composing this new song, and we’re looking

forward to performing for the people of Salisbury. Music is really important for health, and singing in particular can have many benefits. We are looking forward to showcasing our wonderful group members.”

Sounds Better CIC also runs six-week introductory courses in partnership with Salisbury’s Parish Nurse at various venues around Salisbury and simultaneously online via Zoom.

Salisbury & Avon, December 18, 2023

29

Pets

salisburyandavon.co.uk

Avoid these festive pet perils for a calmer Christmas, warn UK vets THE British Veterinary Association (BVA) has warned pet owners of the risks posed by unsuitable food and other festive perils over the forthcoming Christmas season.

Traditional treats, presents, decorations and chocolates will be arriving in many households this month. But these seemingly innocent pleasures must be stored securely by pet owners if they want to protect their pets and avoid an emergency trip to the vets this year.

Chocolate, raisins and other dried fruit – such as those found in mince pies or Christmas puddings, onion, garlic, xylitol in sugar-free products, and seasonal decorations like mistletoe and holly can all be dangerous, and even fatal, to dogs and cats if eaten.

BVA Voice of the Veterinary Profession research carried out last year revealed that four in five companion animal vets saw at least one case of toxic ingestion over the 2021/2022 festive period.

Our most recent stats showed that 76% of vets saw cases of chocolate poisoning and 69% saw dogs taken unwell after easing raisins or sultanas.

Around a fifth (19%) reported cases caused by the artificial sweetener Xylitol.

Foreign body ingestion in dogs was also common, with gifts for humans being the most common cause (14%), while consumption of Christmas decorations and gifts for pets (12%) were also highlighted by vets as causing issues.

And dogs weren’t the only animals requiring emergency treatment: more than a quarter of vets (27%) also saw cases of toxic ingestion in cats, who were most likely to have ingested non-food items, such as seasonal plants like holly or mistletoe (reported by 18% of vets) or antifreeze (7%) and foreign body ingestion (13%).

Pet owners need to be vigilant this Christmas because fun human festivities include a lot of potential perils for pets

Credit: Freepik

British Veterinary Association junior vice president, Liz Mullineaux, said: “Vets across the country will be on call over Christmas but there’s nothing we’d like more than empty waiting rooms and all of our patients safe at home.

“Unfortunately, the fun human festivities include a lot of potential perils for pets. So we strongly recommend being vigilant and taking a few key precautions to keep your pets happy and healthy over the festive period.

“Keep all tempting treats, decorations and anything else a pet may mistake for food out of their reach to prevent an emergency visit to the vet.

“We also recommend

keeping pets to their normal diets and avoiding feeding them any human food.

“But if you are concerned your pet has eaten something they shouldn’t, please do contact your vet as soon as possible.”

Top tips for keeping Christmas hazard-free for pets ● Protect your pet from poisons: A range of festive treats and traditions, such as chocolate in advent calendars and sweets, raisins, xylitol (found in sugar-free treats), nuts, grapes, liquorice, poinsettia, holly and mistletoe are toxic to cats and dogs.

● Keep decorations out of reach: Ribbons, wrapping paper, baubles, tinsel and tree lights can seem like appealing playthings to cats and dogs but can be very dangerous if broken, chewed or swallowed. Batteries for Christmas gifts also need to be kept safe as, if ingested, they may cause severe chemical burns to the mouth, throat and stomach. ● Forget festive food for pets: We all enjoy a richer diet over Christmas, but fatty foods and Christmas dinners shouldn’t be shared with the animals of the household. They can trigger sickness and diarrhoea or other conditions from gastroenteritis to pancreatitis, so try to stick to your pet’s regular diet and routine. Too many treats can also lead to pet obesity. ● Keep away the bones: Cooked bones, including turkey bones, should not be given to pets as they can splinter and puncture the digestive tract. ● Know where to go: Even with all the care in the world, animal accidents and emergencies can still happen.

Make sure you’re prepared by checking your vet’s emergency cover provision and holiday opening hours or, if you are away from home, use the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons’ Find a Vet facility – https:// findavet.rcvs.org.uk/home/

Get a quote adverts@salisburyandavon.co.uk

30

Salisbury & Avon, December 18, 2023

Volunteering

salisburyandavon.co.uk

Corporate volunteers’ autumn tidy day has profound impact on hospice staff CORPORATE volunteers recently conducted an autumn garden tidy, leaving a profound impact on the Palliative Care patients and staff at Salisbury Hospice.

A group of 20 exceptional volunteers arrived at the hospice to carry out an autumn garden tidy, with a special focus on the staff courtyard. The day’s activities included weeding of paths, trimming bushes, and the restoration of an overgrown area with fresh gravel.

APW Contracting Limited, led by Dan Wright, provided the necessary garden machinery for the day’s garden makeover, while Evelyn Partners brought the ‘man-power’, facilitated by Employee Volunteering.

A spokesperson for Evelyn Partners said: “I think we can all relate to the difference of having a visually appealing surrounding. When you are not feeling well, for me there is

Above: Staff members from Evelyn Partners spent a day tidying and improving hospice’s staff courtyard

a sense of teamwork is cultivated, which can translate back into the workplace, creating a renewed sense of commitment among colleagues.

Comments from individual staff members from Evelyn Partners on the day reveal the benefits for all: “It was an incredibly rewarding day and to be able to make a difference to a team that does such important work was a privilege.”

“We were fortunate to work alongside the landscaping professionals, which helped us achieve something pretty substantial in one day.”

Chris Flynn, clinical support administrator at Salisbury

little more upsetting than looking at a neglected space, especially when you are not in position to change it.

“Anything we can do improve the visual impact is

Above: The team at APW Contracting Limited supplied garden machinery for the volunteers Left: Thhe volunteers cleaned up what had been a nefglected space and turned into a place to aid well-being

rewarding – philanthropy is a two way process.”

Devoting a few hours through Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR), initiatives can significantly impact employee satisfaction and engagement, while also providing a rewarding experience.

Through collaborative participation in CSR activities,

Hospice, said: “It was emotional to see our staff reactions to the remarkable work the volunteers have undertaken in such a short space of time.

“This courtyard can be a respite for our staff’s health and well-being, therefore it is a special part of the hospice. In addition, reducing the height of the hedge allowed daylight into our patient’s rooms, enabling them to see the surrounding stunning countryside.”

If you are a business and would like to support Salisbury Hospice Charity, contact Louise

Salisbury & Avon, December 18, 2023

31

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

32

Salisbury & Avon, December 18, 2023

SALISBURY & AVON

P3

GAZETTE

Z 10

U1

Arrow words Duo

1

Notion

Kept

Small, pointed missile

Forwardlooking

Lit-up

Film director, Spike

Male cat

3

2

4 3

4

Place where bees live

Odd; peculiar

11

12

11

12

16 16

15 15

Reverent

Ottoman commanders

High __ _ kite (2,1)

Evita’s real name

BAKE BOIL BUY COOK COOL CRACK EAT FRY

F T P F C T K K O R I Y C B P

E T K I O O O R T H I O L A W T P W H E K B L H W O C S K T

Y K O S E S R R A A O B A K E

H W A B I S O O T T E S S A T

23 23

24

25

25

Across

Things To Do With Eggs

S L R Y L O W H I P H S S S O

22 22

24

Wordsearch O O I A H L L E S I O C K F T

O L L L I K O A A O A Y F T S

Y C T L O A H B S I U R E S W

LAY SALT SELL STORE TASTE THROW WHIP WHISK

20 20

19 19

21 21

Paeans

C L S L A E T E R S O C O L I

7

17 17

Little

F1’s neighbour

7

6

10

Celestial body

Short, thin branch

Chums

6

5

10

9

14 14

Conjecture

Conceits

5

8

18 18

‘I agree’

ISSUE 31

13 13

Pond organism

Meddle

8 9

Familiar version of Abraham

2

1

S1

E1

Crossword

Dated expression of surprise (2,3)

Self-critical conscience

L1

Z 10

P Y O S L O A L T O Y L I K R

O O T O Y I C O E S O L I O R

S O W K K C O A W R U C I B E L T W I T S H F R E O O W B B

E R S A H L E A F S B L R I C

Across 1 Cut out (7) 1 Cut out (7) 5 Double-reeded instrument (4) 5 Double-reeded instrument(7) (4) 9 Tinkers with something 10 Portals (5)something (7) 9 Tinkers with 11 Chosen 10 Portals (5) (5) 12 To settle 11 Chosen (5) comfortably (6) 14 settle Funnycomfortably people (6) (6) 12 To 16 Savage (6) (6) 14 Funny people 18 Furtive 16 Savage (6) (6) 19 Relating to the sun (5) 18 Furtive (6) 22 Impulses (5) 19 Relating to the sun (5) 23 Contaminates (7) 22 Impulses (5) 24 Feudal slave (4) 23 Contaminates 25 Futile (7) (7) 24 Feudal slave (4) 25 Futile (7)

Down 2Down Cabin (5) 23Cabin (5) (11) Statesmen 34Statesmen Relieving (6)(11) Pamphlet(6) (7) 46Relieving If not (4) (7) 67Pamphlet act (7) 78IfIllegal not (4) 10 Anxiety-causing (11) 8 Illegal act (7) 13Anxiety-causing Bouquet provider(11) (7) 10 15Bouquet Boss (7) provider (7) 13 17 Song words (6) 15 Boss (7) 20 Does not include (5) 17 Song words (6) 21 Sheds (4)

20 Does not include (5) 21 Sheds (4)

Sudoku

3

5 6

9 6 5 3

4 2 3

4

8

2 7

9 7 3

3

1

7 9

7 8 2

1

7 5

2 8

1 4 7

6 9

3 6

Brain chain 20

RESULT

-50%

+41

×1/3

+40

÷3

33

Salisbury & Avon, December 18, 2023

P3

ISSUE 31

Z 10

U1

L1

Z 10

Jumbo sudoku

3

2 1 8 1

6

5

1

7

9 6 5

9

9

6

4 3 5

4

2 4

8

7

7 6

4

8

9 1 5

8 9

2

3 1 6

4

5 1

6

7

2

4

3

10

11

8

11

5

13

8

3

1

14

4

16

15 13

18

17

5 9

19

21 1

2

12

22 4

3

5

15

14

17

21 6

18

7

20

19

22

8

3

9

23

23 24 10

Across Do Down 2 Stri 1 Throw out some destitute victims (5) 12 Stringed love with lecturer in Virg 4 Brilliant2 red vehicle instrument left in groupI(7) Virginia 3 Ref 9 Gift in party before(5)race (8) 3 Refined clubs with notes young woman in5char 9 Gift in party before race (8) Ret 10 Indifferent couple of identical (2-2) 6 Tiro for mountain peaks (6) as modern Retro company reconfigured 10 Indifferent couple of identical notes (2-2)11 Service5provided 13 15 16 14 7 Eur Elba to the(5) 6 Tiro’sformerly cookedon Swiss dish 11 Service provided for mountain peaks (6)12 Like Napoleon French?

7 (5) European at the back of boat coming Asi fro 12 Like Napoleon formerly on Elba to the 8 Dis 13 Record in ground is challenged (4) Asia? (7) French? (5) 14 Lay 15 Criticism normal on reflection (3) Killer Sudoku 8 Discriminating flier defiant after disruptio 138 Record in ground is challenged (4) 16 Bra 16 19 Colour not good for spike 17 numbers 18 1 to 9 20 (4) 14 Lay on informal starters to lunch in court 15 CriticismPlace normal on reflection (3) rem 17 Argument in France and Norway producing framework that is large in Italian 16 Colour not good for spike (4) once each into every 18 Go stern 16 lookBraced (5) removed (7) husband in French 17 Argument in France andand Norway producing 20 Sec 19 Terrible miser detaining row, column 18 Goods supplied in sequence (5) stern look (5) pla city (6) 21 bold-lined 3x3 box. 22 21 Child 20 is holding new brand (4) Second rental property erected – or rest 19 Terrible miser detaining husband in French 22 Annoy educated woman in complicated No didgit may be place for drivers?

(5) 8 city (6) rite (8) 21 Child is holding new repeated inbrand any (4) 22 Annoy educated woman in complicated23 Surprise beginning by the French (7) 23 dash-lined cage, and 24knit group round musical 24 Tightly rite (8) instrument (5) all the digits in any

Place 1 to 9 once into every black-bordered 3x3 area as well as Across 1 Throw11 out some destitute victims (5) each of the 54 rows indicated by the coloured lines. Rows don’t 4 Brilliant red vehicle left in group (7) cross the thick black lines.

Killer sudoku 22

15

13

13

13

16

14

10

8

24

19

7

14

11

12

15

12

6

11

10

15

14

11

8

7

19

10

Brain chain (hard version) 61

23 Surprise beginning by the French (7) cage must addmusical up to 24 Tightly knit group round Across instrument the(5)value shown in

1 Throw 20 out some destitute victims (5) that cage.

4 Brilliant red vehicle left in group (7) 9 Gift in party before race (8) 10 Indifferent couple of identical notes (2-2) 11 Service provided for mountain peaks (6) 12 Like Napoleon formerly on Elba to the French? (5) 20 13 Record in ground is challenged (4) 15 Criticism normal on reflection (3) 16 Colour not good for spike (4) 17 Argument in France and Norway producing stern look (5) 19 Terrible miser detaining husband in French city (6) 21 Child is holding new brand (4) 22 Annoy educated woman in complicated rite (8) 23 Surprise beginning by the French (7) 24 Tightly knit group round musical instrument (5)

RESULT

-12

+68

÷3

+75

5

12

4

4

9 7

4

9

6 8 9 4 5

8

3

3

9

3 5

7

6

2

1

2

7 2

2

8

9

7 5 2

GAZETTE

Cryptic crossword 2 6 4

6 8

S 1 SALISBURY & AVON

E1

×5/6

Down 2 Stringed instrument I love with lecturer in Virginia (5) 3 Refined clubs with young woman in charge (7) 5 Retro company reconfigured as modern (12) 6 Tiro’s cooked Swiss dish (5) 7 European at the back of boat coming from Asia? (7) 8 Discriminating flier defiant after disruption (12) 14 Lay on informal starters to lunch in court (7) 16 Braced framework that is large in Italian city I removed (7) 18 Goods supplied in sequence (5) 20 Second rental property erected – or resting place for drivers? (5)

For the solutions, turn to page 42

34

Salisbury & Avon, December 18, 2023

Education

salisburyandavon.co.uk

Godolphin School set to admit boys for first time in 300-year history GODOLPHIN School in Salisbury has announced two significant changes with the news that it will join the United Learning Group in February 2024 and admit boys from September of that year, for the first time in its near 300-year history.

“We are delighted to announce our plans as we embark on a significant journey towards co-education,” a statement from the school read.

“Starting in September 2024, Godolphin Prep intends to welcome both boys and girls across all year groups.

Godolphin Senior will offer co-education from September 2025.”

The move towards coeducation is becoming more common in the private sector, though it is a first in Salisbury.

It follows moves by both grammar schools in the city to offer co-education in their sixth-form.

Godolphin’s chair of Governors, Sir Nick Pope, said: “Our move towards co-

Left: Jenny Price, head of Godolphin School (pictured above right)

education is a response to strong demand from local families, reaffirming our unwavering commitment to educational excellence.

“In recognition of a world that values gender equality and collaboration, we will be proud to be the only day and boarding independent school in Salisbury offering co-education, for 3 to 19 years.”

Jenny Price, head of Godolphin, added: “This decision marks a pivotal moment in Godolphin’s history.

“Our founder, Elizabeth Godolphin looked to the future in her commitment to the education of girls.

“By extending our welcome to boys, we aim to enrich our school community with a broader range of perspectives, talents, and experiences.

“We look forward to an exciting future for Godolphin as it looks to write the next chapter in its proud history.”

United Learning is a national network of state-funded and private schools, with its roots in

the nineteenth century. Its first school, Surbiton High in Surrey, joined in 1884 and today it educates more than 40,000 children.

Chief executive of United Learning, Sir Jon Coles, said: “As a group with a strong track record of running successful schools across the country, we are particularly pleased to be welcoming a school with such high expectations, strong ambitions and long-standing traditions as Godolphin into our family.”

Fjord’s Mountain Mission author visits Ludgershall Primary WELLINGTON Eagles Primary Academy was visited recently by author Caroline Elliot who talked to pupils about her book, Fjord’s Mountain Mission.

Caroline has held many roles in her career, including snow safety educator, search and rescue avalanche dog handler, and speaker, and talked to the children on the safety of skiing, and what hers and her service dog, Fjord’s, role entitled.

Using her spade, prong, and Fjord’s nose, Caroline is able to locate anyone stuck under the snow after an avalanche, which is essential if the person does not have a transceiver.

The pupils were excited to say hello to Caroline’s new service dog, Kayla, from

Pupils meeting Caroline and her new service dog, Kayla

France, who specialises as a bed bug sniffing dog.

Caroline went on to talk about Kayla and her training, including her treat toy which is

used as an aid to reward Kayla upon completing her task. One pupil took the opportunity to ask: “What led her to this career?” To which Caroline

replied: “Having worked in the mountains as an instructor, I fell in love with the Alps. However, my passion was to help people which led to where I am now.”

Last year, Wellington Eagles welcomed Lilibet, the school’s therapy dog.

Head of school, Sarah Johnson-Motyl, said: “It was an honour to have Caroline visit.

With many of our pupils having a strong passion for skiing, they were all super excited to hear of Caroline’s adventures in the French Alps alongside her trusty dog Fjord.

“It was also a great opportunity to introduce the pupils at Wellington Eagles to the many different roles of service dogs outside of Lilibet’s role.”

Salisbury & Avon, December 18, 2023

35

Education

salisburyandavon.co.uk

New heads appointed at Salisbury schools to start next September SALISBURY Cathedral School has announced that Sally Moulton will become its new head from September 1, 2024.

James Fletcher, acting chair of governors, said of the appointment: “Sally shone through our field of exceptional applicants for her passion for the nurturing ethos of Salisbury Cathedral School, her understanding of our unique history and the strength of her academic and management experience.

“She impressed us across all areas of the extensive assessment process.

“The Board and Chapter are in no doubt that she will build on the strong foundations at the school to deliver the best outcomes for all our pupils, with warmth and kindness.”

Sally’s educational career has spanned a wide variety of settings including Talbot Health and Clayesmore in Dorset, and Kenton Prep School in Nairobi, and has included senior and

preparatory, day and boarding schools in both the independent and maintained sectors.

Since 2018 she has been Head of Yarrells Prep and Nursery School in Poole which, in 2022, received an ‘excellent’ inspection result in all 16 areas of educational quality and pupils’ personal development.

Sally said of her educational beliefs: “I believe it is this breadth of experience that has been instrumental in helping me to develop not just a deep understanding of how successful establishments run, but also to build my own educational philosophy about the environment I believe young people need in order to thrive and develop into curious, passionate and creative young adults with high aspirations for their lives ahead.”

Sally understands about the life and work of a cathedral school through her own musical education and having sung regularly in church and

the Salisbury Cathedral community.”

Sally Moulton

cathedral choirs since leaving university.

She has been a boarding inspector for Independent Schools Inspectorate since 2017 and her remit has included cathedral schools.

A statement from Salisbury Cathedral School read: “We are certain that Sally will ensure the next phase of SCS’s development sees stable leadership, strong progress in all areas of the school’s work grounded in the Christian values that are central to the school’s relationship with everyone in

Bishop Wordsworth’s Bishop Wordsworth’s Grammar School in Salisbury has appointed Matthew Morgan to be its new headmaster, starting in September 2024.

A statement from the school read that Mr Morgan: “... brings his wealth of experience, dedication to education and a vision that resonates deeply with the values and ethos of our school.”

Mr Morgan will be replacing the current headteacher, Dr Stuart Smallwood, who will be retiring having been in place for 25 years.

Mr Morgan is currently headteacher at Sir Thomas Rich’s school, Gloucester. He became head in 2013, having previously been assistant headteacher at The Royal Latin School in Buckingham. He is a Fellow of the Royal Geographical Society and a Chartered Geographer.

Wiltshire Council children’s services rated outstanding WILTSHIRE children in need of support benefit from “highquality services that make a positive difference to their lives”.

That was the verdict of Ofsted inspectors who visited the council’s Children’s Services in September.

The inspectors spent two weeks assessing how well the council works with children and families needing support and rated the authority as ‘Outstanding’ – the highest possible rating.

“Since the time of the last inspection in 2019, when services were judged to be good, political, corporate and children’s services leaders have focused successfully on strengthening existing services further, investing in new

preventative services and teams,” the report said.

“While levels of need have risen in much of the country, this investment, particularly in preventative services, has helped to ensure that the level of need for children’s services remains stable and services are meeting more children’s needs well.”

The report said children feature strongly across the council’s strategic plans, and how continued investment in children’s services is making a difference.

“The highly successful cross-council work to deliver improved support and services for children and young people in respect of housing, the care leaver offer, and in safeguarding young adults is perhaps the best illustration of the Wiltshire ‘one

council approach’ for children,” it said.

Teams were rated Outstanding in areas including; impact of leaders on social work practice with children and families, the experiences and progress of children in care, the experiences and progress of care leavers and overall effectiveness.

On social workers, the report said: “Social workers support those children in need or part of child protection plans to make good progress, regularly writing to them so they can understand what is happening and using family group conferences to help parents successfully identify sources of support from friends and family members.

“Most children in care attend and achieve well at school. The virtual school is ambitious for

children and provides effective support and challenge to schools.”

Foster carers receive high levels of support and have extensive training that helps them provide consistent and nurturing care to children which helps children to make much needed progress from a very low base.

Cllr Laura Mayes, cabinet member for children’s services, said: “I want to congratulate the hardworking staff who have been recognised as providing this Outstanding support and care.

“We want the very best for all our children and young people, so they are not held back by circumstances. We will do everything in our power to be the very best corporate parent and provide excellent support and care.”

36

Salisbury & Avon, December 18, 2023

Recruitment

Local Services

salisburyandavon.co.uk

HEATING & PLUMBING

FOR ALL YOUR DRAINAGE NEEDS

• Blocked Drains • Drain Repair/Relining • CCTV Surveys for Drains • Drainage Investigation • Septic Tank Installation/Repair • Sewage Treatment Plant Installations/ Services

24 HOUR DRAIN CLEARANCE

Office: 01747 859203 Mobile: 07453 319391 Email: Info@wefix-drains.co.uk

FOR ALL YOUR DOMESTIC & COMMERCIAL DRAINAGE SERVICES • Unblocking • CCTV Survey / Pre-Purchase Survey • High Pressure Water Jetting • Pump & Tank Servicing

• Resin Lining • Resin Patches • Groundworks • Sewage Treatment Plant Servicing

Tel: 01722 349324 E-mail: info@wessexdrainage.co.uk www.wessexdrainage.co.uk

LANDSCAPING

Greenwood Landscapes FENCING DRIVEWAYS PATIOS SHINGLE GARDEN & TREEWORK 35 YEARS EXPERIENCE

Free Estimates

Tel: 01722 325926 Mobile: 07787 148961 No work carried out without the full agreement of the client.

All Clients are entitled to a 14 days cooling off period.

ROOFING

ALL ROOFING RE-ROOFS RE-POINTING UPVC SOFFITS FASCIAS GUTTERING CHIMNEY REPAIRS FLAT ROOFS PAINTING & DECORATING SOAKAWAY DRAINAGE 35 YEARS EXPERIENCE

Hundreds of jobs to go at Barclays HUNDREDS of jobs are set to be axed at Barclays as it bids to cut costs, according to the Unite union.

Jobs will go across several back-office divisions, including compliance, finance, legal, policy, IT and risk, according to the union, which called the move “disgraceful”.

Barclays said it was taking steps to “simplify the business”, but did not confirm the number of jobs to go.

A spokesperson said the cuts had been outlined in its thirdquarter results in October.

Barclays chief executive CS Venkatakrishnan said then that the bank saw “further opportunities to enhance returns for shareholders through cost efficiencies and disciplined capital allocation across the

group”.

A Barclays spokesperson confirmed the bank was making changes to its headcount.

“We are committed to supporting impacted colleagues through these changes,” they added.

Unite general secretary, Sharon Graham, said: “Barclays is disgracefully cutting jobs to further boost its massive profits.

This is a mega-rich bank that is already on course to make eye-watering profits this year.”

The bank reported pre-tax profits for the three months to September of £1.9bn, down from £2bn the year before.

As well as the fresh round of cuts, Barclays has also announced around 200 branch closures across the country in recent years.

WANTED

Free Estimates

WANTED - Dave buys all types of tools. Call 01935 428975

Tel: 01722 325926 Mobile: 07787 148961

GUNS WANTED FOR CASH

No work carried out without the full agreement of the client.

All Clients are entitled to a 14 days cooling off period.

ALSO GUNS FOR SALE

S

07970 742471

S

O

S

View Website for information https://www.puremathematics.co.uk

O

FREE GCSE MATHEMATICS TUTORING

SOS to all air rifles and pistols, any make or model, any condition.

We collect in any area.

Top prices paid in cash.

S

TUTORING

37

Salisbury & Avon, December 18, 2023

Business

salisburyandavon.co.uk

Two more businesses recognised for their sustainability efforts SALISBURY Transition City has announced two more winners of the Salisbury Green Business Awards, which recognise local businesses’ commitment to sustainability.

This free local award scheme celebrates companies that have adopted eco-friendly practices while providing the knowledge required to go further on their sustainability journey.

Stone Rose Hairdressing on Fisherton Street has achieved a Gold Green Business Award.

The company has replaced their heating system with energyefficient electric wall heaters, energy-efficient light bulbs and a new eco-friendly water boiler.

All towels are washed at low temperatures using an ecowashing egg. At the same time, eco shower heads reduce water usage by 25% per client. The company uses eco-friendly, cruelty-free products, offering a refill option for their clients when they need a top-up.

Stone Rose is also a member of the Green Salon Collective, meaning they recycle all materials, from hair to metal tubes, cardboard, plastics, and even salon foil.

The Secret Garden at Fisherton Mill achieved a silver Green Business Award.

Showcasing the talents of local artists, all residing within a 15-mile radius, the shop also sells ethically sourced vegan soy wax candles, ensuring an eco-friendly ambience for their customers.

The Secret Garden embraces the community by offering gift bags sourced from other local businesses, and carefully vets all suppliers, thoroughly

industries. These changes are one of the most impactful changes a business can make.

Almost 90% of respondents had a dedicated recycling bin, and 22% of businesses who engaged with the scheme had done a carbon footprint calculation, which helped six companies to create and share green strategies with customers on their company website and with staff.

The Green Business Award’s Eva McHugh, said: “We are delighted with the outcome of the Salisbury Green Awards so far. It has been brilliant to see that many businesses in Salisbury are already doing good things for the environment and are willing to learn more about what else they could do.”

Previous winners of the Salisbury Green Business Awards include Salisbury Escape Rooms, Indigo Landscape Architects, Webbed Feet, Equilibria Massage, Muse Hairdressing, Casa Fina, Downton Distillery, Mark Jones Eye Care, Scrace Architects, The Pantry Partnership and Vinyl Collectors and Sellers.

Salisbury Transition City encourages all independent businesses in the area to engage with the Green Business Awards wherever they are on their sustainability journey. After completing the questionnaire, which can be found on the STC website, businesses can assess their current sustainability practices, receive helpful information and guidance on how to make their business more environmentally friendly, and save money. www.transitionsalisbury.org/ green-business-awards.

Stone Rose Hairdressing won a Gold Green Business Award (top); while The Secret Garden received a silver award

checking environmental credentials before stocking.

Since its launch in February 2023, over 40 businesses have engaged with the Green Business Award scheme. After

Salisbury & Avon Gazette

engaging with the scheme, six businesses changed to a truly renewable energy supplier, and three changed their bank to an ethical one that doesn’t invest in fossil fuels and other unethical

Connects with 125,000 readers per month

st 14, Augu

FREE EVERY FORTNIGHT

Edition 21

2023

July 31, 2023

Edition

20 FREE

HT TNIG RY FOR E EVE FRE on 22

Editi

bury Salis

July 17,

NEL CHAN LENGE CHAL

er ury swimm 3 Salisb g for France Page headin

CITY £9M AMP IS REV ERWAY UND

med transfor streets will see are…

Projectdrivers bew HTS – but Page

EVERY FORT NIGHT

Salisbu ry & Av on Gaz ette

Salisbury & Avon Gazette

ette n Gaz & Avo

7

Fully

Away & Take ORI NIG urant TANDO n Resta India e

sed On o for Only t, 7 Days A Week TwDini ng In Adver This

Licen

est Main

Cheap

Meal

Free

With

GS VIKIN OME! WELC

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

16 New ark buildin Page landm

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

26 High Street, Amesbury, Wiltshire SP4 7DL

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

THOUS TAKE ANDS ON CHARIT Y WALK

NEW-L AREASOOK PLAY SLIDE INTO PL ACE!

Page 3

ROW

OVER HANGIN BASKE G TS Page

Council (but they’chair offici re actua ally open Page 19 lly for childs new facilit ies ren!)

TANDOO

Fully Licens

ed Indian

Cheape

st Main

RI NIGHTS

Restau

Two for rant & Take Away On Dining In Only e Meal Free

With This

Advert,

7 Days

A Week

SCOUT WATER S HIT THE

Tel: 01980

Page 11

626260 / 626126

26 High Street, Amesb ury, Wiltsh ire SP4 7DL

5

2023

38

Salisbury & Avon, December 18, 2023

Business

salisburyandavon.co.uk salisburyandavon.co.uk

Milestone for Age UK Wiltshire as first charity shop opens in Salisbury AGE UK Wiltshire has celebrated a milestone in its expansion plans by opening its first store in Salisbury.

Located at 44 Catherine Street, the shop opened its doors on December 7 with a speech from Salisbury Older People’s Champion, Irene Kohler.

The shop will be staffed by friendly volunteers dedicated to providing great customer service while promoting the organisation’s mission to improve the lives of older people in Wiltshire.

The shop will offer a diverse selection of quality goods at affordable prices, from clothing and accessories to household items and unique collectibles.

It is strategically positioned to be more than just a retail space. The shop will also be a centre that has availability for face-to-face appointments with ‘Information and Advice’ advisors, providing guidance on a wide range of essential services and support for older individuals in the area.

Age UK Wiltshire is committed to making a positive

impact on the lives of older people, and the new Salisbury location will play a crucial role in achieving this goal.

Funds raised through the shop will directly support vital services, such as companionship, community exercise clubs, and advice and assistance with daily living for older adults in Wiltshire.

“We are thrilled with the new space and it’s been so exciting putting it all together,” said Sarah Cardy, CEO of Age UK

The shop entrance is on Old George Mall just around the corner from the store front

Wiltshire. “Our first new charity shop represents a significant step forward in our efforts to be a town centre presence and raise important funds that directly

impact the services we provide for older people.

“We want it to be a place that people feel welcome, and we look forward to becoming an integral part of the Salisbury community.”

For more information and to see how you can donate pre-loved items: https://www.ageuk.org.uk/ wiltshire/our-services/shops/

Elaine Wilkins becomes a director of south west Insolvency Practitioner, Antony Batty and Company ELAINE Wilkins joined Antony Batty & Company’s Bournemouth office in March 2020 as the business development manager and has been instrumental in establishing the company as one of the leading independent firms of Insolvency Practitioners in the town and the wider area, including Salisbury, where the firm has an office.

In recognition of her work, she was appointed a director of the Bournemouth office in December 2023.

Elaine has worked all her life in professional services in the Bournemouth area and is a

familiar face in the local business scene through being an ambassador for the Dorset Chamber of Commerce.

Of her promotion, Elaine said: “I am a Dorset girl through and through and am delighted to have been appointed a director of our local office. I am looking forward to continuing to work closely with the Antony Batty team to grow the business and help distressed businesses find the best solution to their problems.”

Prior to joining Antony Batty & Company, she worked for Barclays Bank for 28 years in a number of roles, including

managing a small business portfolio. Then came 10 years working for a firm of accountants.

As Antony Batty, founder and licensed Insolvency

Practitioner, said: “Elaine is a great asset to the company, with her long experience of professional services and deep knowledge of the local business community.

“She has a passion for helping and advising directors of businesses that are facing difficulties.

“Above all, she knows that a friendly face is as important as anything else during such times.

We look forward to her leading the business forwards.” https://www.antonybatty.com/ about-our-insolvencypractitioners/

Salisbury & Avon, December 18, 2023

39

Business

salisburyandavon.co.uk

Popular Salisbury food outlet will move down the road in the spring

A POPULAR branch of Greggs in Salisbury is moving, the chain has confirmed.

The budget bakery currently operates at 2 Old George Mall, in the city centre.

However, the firm has now confirmed to your Salisbury & Avon Gazette that it is relocating – to 49-51 Old George Mall.

A Greggs spokesperson said:

“Greggs is due to open a new and improved shop in Salisbury’s Old George Mall next spring, moving from its current location in the shopping centre.

“We will be able to share further details with you closer to the opening.”

The company has already applied to Wiltshire Council for permission to install signs on the new unit.

The popular branch of Greggs is moving to a different part of Old George Mall in Salisbury; Top left: the proposed new store front

Antiques

NYD MON 1 JAN 24

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

Saturday 27th January 2024 For a full list of our specialist sales please see our website

Salisbury & Avon

Editio

Gazette

n 20 FREE EVER Y FO RTNIG HT July 17,

Salisb ury & Avon Gaze tte NEW AREA-LOOK PL INTO S SLIDE AY PLAC E!

THOUSA NDS TAKE ON CHARIT Y WA LK Page

ROW OVER HANGIN BASKET G S Page

Coun cil chair (but the y’re acofficially op tually en for ch s new fac ildren ilities !)

Page 19

Fully

Cheape

TAND

Licens

OORI

ed Ind

st Mai

ian Res

NIGHTS

Two fo taurant & Take Away Dining r One In On ly

n Mea

l Free

With Thi

s Adv

ert, 7

Days

A Wee

k

SCOUTS WATER HIT THE

Tel: 019

Page

80 626 626126 260 /

26 Hig h Stre et, Amesb ury Wiltsh , ire SP4 7D L

11

5

3

2023

6,000

magazines delivered door to door and

25,000

distributed within the area

Abraham Jansz Storck (c.1635-1708) - oil on panel, 30 by 32 cm.

SOLD FOR £65,000 For free verbal valuations please contact Station Road, Semley, Shaftesbury SP7 9AN 01747 855122 www.semleyauctioneers.com and South Kensington, London

40

Salisbury & Avon, December 18, 2023

Motoring

salisburyandavon.co.uk

Hendy Vauxhall Salisbury Available now for all your motoring needs, including: New, Approved Used and commercial sales Plus Motability scheme and aftersales.

Find us at Churchfields Industrial Estate, Brunel Road, Salisbury, Wiltshire SP2 7PU

01722 569 489 | hendyvauxhall.co.uk

D.0455 Vauxhall full page ad.indd 1

20/11/2023 14:10

Salisbury & Avon, December 18, 2023

41

Motoring

salisburyandavon.co.uk

AVANT GARDE MOT CENTRE LTD 01725 519555 Call us today!

Class 4 & 7

All vehicles up to 3,500kg.

ONLY £45

OWN A BUSINESS? WE WILL GIVE YOU TRADE DISCOUNT. JUST ASK!

All MOT's done on site so no extra fees to pay!

LOCAL COLLECTIONS AND DELIVERIES

Pinewood Business Park, Blandford Road, Salisbury, SP5 5RF.

Unit 3-4 Pinewood Business Park, Blandford Road, Salisbury, SP5 5RF.

01725 519418

For All Your Motoring Needs...

Servicing - MOT Class 4 & 7 - Tyres - Four - Wheel Laser Alignment - ADAS Calibra�ons - Brakes Air Condi�oning - Diagnos�cs - Welding - Exhausts Ba�eries - Suspension - Clutches

Four-Wheel Laser Alignment We use the latest specialist equipment to accurately check the front and rear wheels of your vehicle. If the alignment is not set correctly it was cause excessive wear to your tyres, steering and suspension components. To prevent high repair costs, or tyre replacement from misaligned wheels you could poten�ally save yourself money by checking the alignment.

fairwaymotorengineers@outlook.com

FREE TYRE CHECK FREE WINTER CHECK ADAS Alignment Checks and Recalibra�ons.

Ask for more details.

CLASS 4 & 7 MOT'S ONLY £45.

All MOT's done on site so no extra fees to pay.

Discounts available for Traders - just ask!

www.fairwaymotorengineers.co.uk

FREE Collec�on and Delivery - Courtsey Cars Available

42

Salisbury & Avon, December 18, 2023

Motoring

salisburyandavon.co.uk

Range Rover Electric will match performance of SV flagship model EARLY details have been announced for the first fully electric Range Rover.

According to Range Rover, its new Electric model with offer comparable performance to its flagship SV model, which uses a mild-hybrid V8 powertrain. The SV manages 0-62mph in 4.5 seconds, with a top speed of 162mph.

In a statement, Range Rover, said the Electric will: ‘Deliver performance comparable to a flagship Range Rover V8 and the all-terrain capability developed in-house

by Land Rover experts that has been a hallmark since Range

Rover’s inception in 1970.’

The company claims the

UNWANTED VEHICLES bought for cash ●Mot failures ●Nonrunners ●Unfinished projects ●end of life scrap vehicles ●minimum of £200 paid for complete vehicles.

Call Ryan on 07474 737577

Puzzle solutions

Sudoko 6 9 3 5 2 4 7 1 8

7 2 5 1 9 8 6 4 3

1 8 4 7 3 6 2 9 5

3 5 7 4 1 2 9 8 6

4 6 9 8 7 3 1 5 2

2 1 8 6 5 9 4 3 7

8 4 2 3 6 1 5 7 9

5 3 6 9 4 7 8 2 1

9 7 1 2 8 5 3 6 4

2 3

19

6

9

9

1

8

20

10

8

5

13

33

4 7 6 10

1 9

8

5

7 9

31

4 8 3

7 6

5

1

8

2

3

1

6

7

2

11

5

3

8

4 22

6 13

4

3

2 9 8 7

3

13

5

9

4

9

6

3

9

7

4

1

4

8

3

2

16

1 21

5 3 2

2

1 13

23

14

5 4 1

23

6

7 2 12

23

8 6

8 9

7

4

10

5

34

170

17

5 9 8

3

7

4

8

9

1

139

A F B L A A L S P L H F A L R A E A T S P E L E U C I R T K

S S M N K E T O Z E O D I T P R E T C S P H A B E T I I H U M B L E P N X I C A N P A L A I C A P A R A D E E

T R O N E N A E N D I C A L H Y I E L H D R E I L S O L H O

6

77

Brain chain (hard) 131

3 6 8 9 7 4 1 5 9 6 2 8 5 7 4 9 1 4 5 8 1 6 5 9 2 3 3 4 8 1 1 2 7 1 3 9 5 7 7 3 1 6 4 7 2 3 4 7 8 6 52 5 4 9 6 8 2 8 1 4 2 6 7 4 3 2 9 3 6 3 5 2 1 95 9 6 4 3 68 1 7 4 5 9 8 9 3 7 8 5 1 4 7 6 8 6 8 7 2 7 9 2 4 1 9 5 1 8 6 5 8 2 3 9 1 9 5 3 2 7 8 6 4 2 5 8 7 6 3 4 3 7 1 6 6 5 3 2 3 1 3 2 9 6 4 9 8 7 5 1 7 5 1 2 4 2 9 2 4 4 8 4 8 9 6 7 1 9 1 8 3 7 8 5 9 7 8 6 3 5 6 3 3 1 5 6 2 9 7 5 2 9 2 3 4 1 6 8 9 7 4 7 4 8 1 54 1 8 6 3 59 5 3 4 1 2 5 9 2 4 8 1 6 7 3 7 6 3 1 6 2 7 2 5 4 8 9 2

2

5

50

Cryptic crossword

11

Brain chain 20

https://www.landrover.com/

(from pages 32-33)

Edition 31

Jumbo sudoku

Killer sudoku 9

vehicle will be the ‘quietest and most refined Range Rover ever created, with a unique active road noise cancellation configuration, sound design and level of cabin comfort’, and

promises buyers a ‘seamless electric ownership experience’.

The Electric’s body will be built in Solihull, while batteries and electric drive units will be built and assembled at the company’s Electric Propulsion Manufacturing Centre in Wolverhampton.

“Since going on sale in 2021 the latest generation Range Rover has set a new benchmark for desirability,” said Range Rovers’ Geraldine Ingham.

“Because of this unprecedented success story, we’re now opening the official waiting list for the opportunity to be among the first to place a pre-order for the most anticipated Range Rover of recent times.”

123

Crossword U P S I D E N E O T O M T R A R A S D U R N S O V E T S E I N T E R S C A T RESULT I N S I G N I E G S R E P R E S E R U R RESULT A R T I S T

E C H O E S H R W C E A B L E E A E R C A S T F U S R U P T L H L A M E G A I N B N T T I E C I L S H O C K S

Arrow words

Wordsearch

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

R N C F O R G L A M A E C H R H P A R E S S C A O N C I E O I S R R E B A M N I E N R D E

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

E E R O N E E N N A P O A B B

R B T E E A I E S P L L O A F

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

S P A A G A L E L B I A D N R

Salisbury & Avon, December 18, 2023

43

TrustScore 4.4

Rated ‘Excellent’ on Trustpilot

Family Owned Business Est. 1973

British Association of Removers

Eco Friendly Removals

ON THE MOVE? UK Removals

European Removals

All houses great and small! A worry-free service from planning, packing to completion.

Our friendly team will help guide you through the process from beginning to end.

Storage

Country House Moves

24-hour to long term contracts, our advanced containerised system makes storage simple.

Armishaws provide the highest levels of customer service, tailored to your move.

Removals made easy.

Get your free quote.

Salisbury 01722 322616

Amesbury 01980 881971

Fordingbridge 01425 200154

Dinton 01722 448436

Andover Southampton 01264 353 221 02382 028194

THE SOUTH WEST’S

LEADING REMOVAL SERVICE

www.armishaws.com

44

Salisbury & Avon, December 18, 2023

Field & Stream

salisburyandavon.co.uk

River Wylye to be enhanced through charities and farmers collaboration

The River Wylye at Stockton

Credit: Robin Leech

Inset: Brown trout

Credit: Jack Perks

THE WYLYE Chalk Stream Project has been successful in the second round of the government’s Landscape Recovery scheme, which awards funding for farmers and land managers for projects that support net zero, protected sites and habitat creation.

The project was one of 34 successful second-round Landscape Recovery projects, which all demonstrated pioneering ideas that will reverse the decline in nature and support the sustainable production of food.

The Wylye Chalk Stream Project will be the first landscape-scale collaboration of its kind focused on enhancing a large stretch of chalk stream for the benefit of wildlife in Wiltshire. The project will be led by Wiltshire Wildlife Trust and delivered in partnership with the Wylye Valley Farmers group and Wessex Rivers Trust.

World-famous, globally rare and extraordinarily biodiverse, Wiltshire’s chalk streams are an irreplaceable part of England’s natural landscape.

However, like many, the River Wylye has been dredged, straightened and polluted over the last few centuries, putting its unique flora and fauna at risk of irreversible decline.

As a result of reduced water quality, low flows, and poorquality river habitat, wildlife such as river flies, Atlantic salmon, grayling and wild brown trout have suffered, while invasive plant species such as Himalayan balsam have been out competing native flora on river banks.

Water meadows along the river have also disappeared, becoming fragmented and scarce, limiting the ability of wading birds, such as snipe, green sandpipers and lapwings, to spread and flourish.

This partnership will re-establish the vitality, diversity, and ecological abundance of the Wylye Valley by restoring the river’s natural relationship with its floodplain over a 20km reach of currently under-utilised farmland.

The river’s resilience to extreme temperatures and flows

as a result of climate change will also be improved, as well as its ability to capture and diffuse any harmful excess nutrients and pollutants from the wider landscape.

The work will include chalk stream restoration, floodplain reconnection, regenerative farming, and the creation of natural river valley habitats such as water meadows, ponds and streams.

This is a key project contributing to Wiltshire Wildlife Trust’s goal of landscape-scale nature recovery by 2030, by restoring natural processes, restoring biodiversity, managing more land for nature and creating nature-based solutions with partners.

Alice Eley, Water Team manager at Wiltshire Wildlife Trust, said: “We are really excited to work with the Wylye Valley Farmers and Wessex Rivers Trust on this project along the River Wylye and its floodplain.

“The scale of this project and the enthusiasm and involvement from the farmer group will enable

us to work together to restore and enhance the Wylye at a landscape scale, creating opportunity for wide ranging benefits for this precious chalk stream and the biodiversity it supports.”

Robin Leech, from Wylye Valley Farmers, said: “The Wylye Valley Farmers are custodians of this chalk stream.

Working with Wiltshire Wildlife Trust and Wessex Rivers Trust, we believe that we can achieve some really pioneering work to fully enhance the biodiversity that lives here.

“Through this collaboration, we can secure the future of the landscape by leaving it in a better shape than we found it.”

Dave Rumble, chief executive of Wessex Rivers Trust, said: “The scheme has been built from the ground-up, with farmers and experts shaping a pioneering and exciting vision.

The dream-team of Wylye Valley Farmers, Wiltshire Wildlife Trust and Wessex Rivers Trust will give the legendary River Wylye valley the boost it truly deserves.”

Salisbury & Avon, December 18, 2023

45

Property

salisburyandavon.co.uk

Council secures funding to reduce environmental impact of new housing WILTSHIRE Council has been allocated funds of almost £10m as part of a government nutrient mitigation scheme to reduce the environmental impact of new developments in the Hampshire Avon river catchment.

The fund was set up to help Local Planning Authorities address the issue of nutrient neutrality, which is a means of ensuring a development project does not add to existing nutrient burdens within river catchments.

The issue was thrust into the spotlight in the summer when the government announced plans to scrap regulations that prevented new developments in protected areas, including Wiltshire and parts of Hampshire, unless home builders can prove their projects are ‘nutrient neutral’.

Planners and developers welcomed the move, while environmental groups were strongly opposed to it.

Increased levels of nutrients in freshwater habitats can harm wildlife and cause habitat damage.

The funds will be used to help deliver further housing by installing mitigating projects that can reduce or eliminate pollution from nutrients.

The council is looking at options to replenish the funding to deliver further mitigation to enable sustainable development, and then ultimately to help restore the river back to favourable condition.

The council is progressing a portfolio of projects including wetlands, woodland buffers, upgrading septic tanks and domestic sewerage systems, and water efficiency savings – all of which should contribute to development being carried out with less timely complications and in an environmentally responsible way.

The council has been awarded £9.8m for capital

building targets we need to meet.

This funding will allow us to ensure the infrastructure is in place to support houses being built without posing an environmental threat to our freshwater habitats.

The funding will help the council meet its commitments and aims as set out in its Business Plan, Climate strategy, and Green and Blue Infrastructure Strategy.

Wiltshire Council will make more information on how the new funding will be spent and in which areas will be made available in due course.

Wiltshire Council says the funding will help to deliver the infrastructure that will protect the area’s delicate river habitats while accelerating new developments

projects to help stimulate nutrient neutrality mitigation in the Hampshire Avon catchment, as well as a further £100,000 to help with resources.

As well as Wiltshire, the council has been awarded the fund on behalf of all the local authorities in the Hampshire Avon catchment, including New Forest District Council, New Forest National Park Authority, Dorset Council, Bournemouth Christchurch and Poole Council, and Test Valley Borough Council.

Wiltshire Council will deliver projects to unlock housing in all these areas.

Cllr Nick Holder, cabinet member for Environment, said: “This funding is much welcomed and should help ensure growth in a timely way, while protecting our environment.

“Wiltshire is a beautiful county, with some vitally important chalk river habitats, and we must do everything we can to sustain while also recognising the need that we have nationally set house-

You can find more information can be found at www.wiltshire. gov.uk/planning-bio-green-blueinfrastructure.

DAIRY FARM TO LET A fully equipped Wiltshire Council-owned dairy farm near Seend in Wiltshire is available to let through Symonds & Sampson in Devizes.

Knightsmead Farm is situated on the outskirts of the village and comprises an attractive 5-bedroom house and extensive outbuilding and facilities including a 12x12 herringbone milking parlour and 112-bay cubicle shed. The farm extends to 147 acres, 114 surrounding the farm and 34 less than a mile away. The farm offers an exciting opportunity for a new or expanding farmer to take up the reins of this established premises in early 2024, on a 10-year Farm Business Tenancy. For further details please visit symondssandsampson.co.uk or contact Chris Powell on 01380 710535.

46

Salisbury & Avon, December 18, 2023

Farming

salisburyandavon.co.uk

Defra secretary announces further funds but CLA warns billions needed RECENTLY appointed environment secretary, Steve Barclay MP, addressed the recent CLA conference, where he delivered his first speech in the role. During his speech, the secretary of state talked about the government’s National Food Strategy commitments, supporting small abattoirs, updating buying standards and more.

“As a rural MP, as someone who lives with his family in the countryside, I know and appreciate first-hand how important our countryside is and I’m delighted to champion the countryside and what it contributes to our country and our way of life.

“We are investing £2.4 billion a year in England, in the farming sector, with a commitment to maintaining total level of support and helping farmers to be profitable whilst also producing food sustainably and protecting the countryside that we treasure.”

The minister also took the opportunity to announce further funding plans.

“I am delighted to announce a further £45m of funding for farming innovation. That includes £30m to help farmers invest in robotics and automation to make processes like harvesting and milking more efficient, and for the first time, roof-top solar equipment to help improve the sustainability and resilience of your energy supply, and storage to help keep slurry out of our watercourses and bring down emissions.

“And this follows our announcement of up to £30m investment for the Genetic Improvement Network at the Farm to Fork summit, building indeed on the £8m invested over the last five years and the passing of the Genetic Technology Precision Breeding Act. “And watch this space for more in 2024 when we will

want to see applications for a share of further funding, specifically for testing and trialling the new technology and techniques that we want to see adopted at pace onto farms.

“All of this will help us make careers in the sector more promising for the next generation who need to be trained up now, it will help maintain our world-leading animal welfare standards, it will strengthen our rural economy, and it will improve our global competitiveness as well.

“And it’s not just farming that makes a massive difference to our shared prosperity. I know that the rural economy is about so much more than farms – it’s about tourism, hospitality, rural manufacturing, and of course the food sector as a whole.

“British food and drink gets a massive vote of confidence from consumers around the world – with exports bringing £24 billion to the British economy, and counting.

“We have had success stories in opening up new markets including securing access for British lamb to the US. “And following our commitments at the Farm to Fork Summit, we are appointing an additional five agri-food attachés to boost the UK’s agri-food exports, bringing the total number of to 16 – with new posts to help unlock key markets in northern Europe, southern Europe, Australia/New Zealand, South Korea, and Africa.

“My pledge to you is that this government will always back British farmers who produce some of the highest quality food in the world, who contribute billions to our economy, and to whom we all owe a debt of gratitude for taking care of the countryside that they do.

“So we are forging ahead with our new farming schemes.

And in everything we do, our aim is back a profitable and

Steve Barclay MP, the recently appointed environment secretary

sustainable food and farming sector that supports all that you do, now and for future generations.

Government must back farmers with £4bn budget, warns CLA president Farmers in England need an increased government budget of at least £4billion a year if they are to deliver meaningful improvements to the environment, CLA president Victoria Vyvyan said in her speech at the conference.

As well as new Defra secretary Steve Barclay, shadow Defra secretary Steve Reed was also in attendance.

In her speech, Victoria said that all farmers, including the next generation, need to have confidence that the government will back their ambitions for the environment, nature and food production over the long-term, in the face of rising costs and inflationary pressures.

According to the CLA, the current government is committed to spending an average of £2.4bn a year on the farming budget in England across this parliament, and has spent less than that in each of the last two years, and needs to spend at least £2.7bn this year to hit its own target. The CLA president urged those in power to go further.

Opening the sold-out conference, the president told delegates: “There’s concern and confusion but there’s also excitement in the farming sector. Things are changing and for the next generation that means opportunity.

“We need an undertaking that Defra ministers will go in to bat for an agriculture budget north of £4billion a year in England for the next parliament.

“With this guarantee, businesses young and old can go to the bank with proof of affordability to finance growth, improve margins and confirm a future.”

Victoria outlined how profitable farming can deliver for people and the planet, because it is in the very nature of land managers to deliver solutions.

The CLA has been working ‘robustly but collaboratively’ with Defra to help improve its funding schemes, and Victoria encouraged farmers to apply for support through the likes of the Sustainable Farming Incentive (SFI) and the Funding in Protected Landscapes (FiPL) programme.

But according to the CLA president, rural businesses are being held back by a planning system not fit-for-purpose: “Planning is not working at all and is a serious hindrance to the roll out of rural prosperity.”

The president also called for more to be done on rural skills provision. She said: “If we are going to grow the rural economy of the future, we need to engage with secondary education and help businesses to bring on the next generation.”

The Rural Business Conference is the CLA’s flagship annual event, normally attended by ministers, shadow ministers and other industry leaders.

For more information about the CLA visit https://www.cla.org. uk/

Salisbury & Avon, December 18, 2023

47

Farming salisburyandavon.co.uk

Basic Payment Scheme set to be replaced from New Year’s Day AS part of the agricultural transition away from the European Union (EU), Defra is committed to delivering a better regulation system for farming — one that is fair, clear and effective.

At the moment, farmers who receive payments under the Basic Payment Scheme (BPS) and some other agrienvironment schemes must meet minimum standards to receive those payments. This is known as cross compliance.

Defra has published cross compliance guidance which explains what the end of cross compliance means for farmers and land managers.

More can be found here: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/ cross-compliance Defra recently posted on its blog, to share some of the

improvements it has made to farming regulation.

These include: ● BPS ends on New Year’s Day in England ● The Basic Payment Scheme and cross compliance both end at midnight, December 31, Defra says that it is now delivering advice-led regulation to farmers in 2023 England ● Most cross compliance Credit: wirestock on Freepik rules, that protect the environment, animal and 2024 and 2027 – https:// plant health, animal welfare defrafarming.blog.gov. and public health are already uk/2023/05/12/delinkedpart of English domestic law payments-updated-guidance/ and will continue to apply ● These changes apply to and be enforced by existing England only. regulators. All farmers will Advice-led approach to continue to be required to regulation follow these rules Defra is working with ● Defra plans to replace BPS regulators to implement a more delinked payments, preventative and advice-led beginning on January 1,2024. approach to regulation than These will be made between occurred previously.

A statement on the Defra blog, said: “What this means for farmers is that, wherever possible, we will work with you to get it right and give you opportunities to self-correct before taking formal action.

“Our advice-led approach is achieving real results. The Environment Agency has advised farmers and land managers on complying with the rules, working with farmers on over 12,000 improvement actions since April 2021, with over 6,000 complete so far.

“We’ve also made it easier to find which rules apply to you, with the Rules for farmers and land managers page on GOV. UK. https://www.gov.uk/guidance/ rules-for-farmers-and-landmanagers

Spotlight on Lower Woodford, Salisbury Base for Synergy Farm Health

Call us today for a no-obligation chat - we are in your locality

Synergy Farm Health is a farm animal only vet practice, providing routine and emergency healthcare to herd and flocks across the South West. We are owned and managed by senior members of our team, and have several nationally recognised cattle and sheep experts in our vet team.

Our east branch is based at Lower Woodford, just outside Salisbury and set in a small courtyard alongside four other businesses. Our six vet team is led by Mike Kerby and Claire Rudd and includes Louise Silk, Nim Panesar, Olly White and Josh Swain, many of whom have been working in the Salisbury area for a number of years. Keith Cutler, who practiced in Salisbury for 25+ years, also works for Synergy and acts as veterinary consultant to clients in the area.

Barry Ewens and Lucy Fennell are our TB Testers, who cover not only the Salisbury area but also travel into Dorset TB Testing. Our Foot Trimmers service dairy and beef clients in the area as well as providing disbudding and freeze branding services. They are supported by our wider vet tech team delivering services including cattle vaccination and mobile plunge sheep dipping.

Our office at Lower Woodford is

equipped with a laboratory and meeting room where we hold YFC workshops and Farmer meetings, and is also a medicines collection point. We also have an office situated at Salisbury Livestock Market which our veterinary support assistant Rachel Light attends every Tuesday on Market Day.

STORES NOW OPEN

7 DAYS A WEEK

CARPETS | FLOORING | VINYL | RUGS Platinum Trusted Service Award

EXTRA

For consistently delivering excellence

% 10

2023

We aim to beat any like for like written quote!

OFF

VOUCHER

Please bring this voucher with you!

Redeemable against any product*

SAG12

FREE

LOCAL DELIVERY

Unit 3, Bourne Retail Park, Hatches Lane, Salisbury, SP1 2QQ

01722 696111 | carpetsandbeds.com *Excludes floor preparation materials, labour, and any already discounted items.

Only reclaimable at the time of purchase.

Fall in love with your conservatory again.

Is your conservatory too cold in winter and too hot in the summer?

Choose a Vantage tiled conservatory roof manufactured by SupaLite Warm in winter, cool in summer Guarantee on our roof system alongside building regulations

Tailor made for your conservatory Highly energy efficient

www.vantageroofs.co.uk sales@vantageroofs.co.uk

Call Craig On 07793 982 722