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farm near Salisbury that lets visitors get up close and personal with some rare breeds celebrated four decades of welcoming families, friends, and farm lovers from near and far.
The farm at Cholderton near Amesbury, which was first created in 1985, held an anniversary party on June 27, where they welcomed Salisbury FC manager Brian Dutton and assistant manager Callum Hart for a kickabout and to sign some shirts.
The party was complete with live entertainment from The Norfolks, bouncy castles, roaming animals to meet, and of course, the legendary pig race.
“We’ve seen generations grow up with the farm, and now they’re bringing their own little ones. That’s what makes this place so special,” said Sophie McConnell, managing director at Cholderton Rare Breeds
Visitors, both long-time fans and first-timers, joined in the fun to mark four decades of countryside charm, memory making and community spirit.
The event even saw a debut of the farm’s new mascot, Mc Moo.
A farm spokesperson said: “The team at Cholderton Rare Breeds Farm would like to Farm.
thank everyone who came out to celebrate and who has supported the farm over the years.
“Here’s to the next 40 years of fun, friendship, and fresh air.”
OWNERS of an awardwinning café and gallery in Salisbury have put the business up for sale.
Michael and Deborah Fox have presided over Fisherton Mill for the past 30 years, but are now moving on to pastures new.
The gallery, the largest independent of its kind in Wiltshire, has been a hub of creativity and art over the years and keenly promotes the work
of artists in the county.
The pair, who also live at the Mill, said it was not an easy decision to sell.
In a statement, they said: “The Mill has been our family home as well as our business and taking a step aside from it will be very hard.
“The building has been the most wonderful host to so much warmth, laughter, creativity and, of course, cake.
“Michael and I look upon our
team, studios and customers as extended family and know that for many the feeling is reciprocated.
“We really value the friendship, support and love they have given us over the years.”
While it’s too early to see what the next steps are for Fisherton Mill, Michael and Deborah said they are thinking “carefully” about its future and who will work within it.
“We know change can feel uncertain, but we want to reassure everyone that we are committed to finding the right buyer who can carry it forward with ambition and love," they added.
“Someone who has more energy than we do now and who can ensure the whole business will continue to thrive and grow for the next 30 years.”
They said it is business as usual at the Mill until the sale goes through, which is expected to take some time.
And the pair added they feel “very privileged” to have been caretakers of such a historic building.
“We are so proud to be a small part of what makes Salisbury special. We have loved running our business, which has had the opportunity to grow and develop with the help and support of our team and customers, and we predict exciting things to come.
“We would like to take this opportunity to thank the other Salisbury Independents, the BID, Visit Wiltshire and the local council for their support in creating an environment in which our business could thrive."
More information about the sale can be found at www. primmeroldsbas.co.uk.
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A RINGWOOD man has been jailed for 10 weeks after he assaulted staff and stole items from a Tesco Express store.
Quincy Rufus Digby Hopkins pleaded guilty to assault by beating and shoplifting following an incident at the Tesco Express on Butlers Lane in Ringwood at around 11pm on June 22.
The 27-year-old was also ordered to pay £125 in compensation when he appeared at Southampton Magistrates’ Court on June 25.
A Hampshire & Isle of Wight Constabulary spokesperson said: “If you are a shop owner or staff member, please continue to report any incidents to us.
“You can do this by calling 101 or by reporting online via the Hampshire & Isle of Wight Constabulary website.”
POLICE are appealing for witnesses after a man was seen firing an air rifle in a Salisbury neighbourhood.
Salisbury Police said the suspect was seen shooting beer cans and a postbox near the Spar shop, in Gainsborough Close, at just after 11pm on Saturday, June 28.
They added that no one was reported as injured and that their investigation into the incident is ongoing.
Anyone who can help the investigation, or who knows who is behind the shooting, should contact police on 101 using reference number 54250079909, or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
in Shrewton has upheld its high standards, according to an inspection by Ofsted.
Inspectors came to Shrewton CE Primary School on May 30 for an update, with the previous inspection finding the school to be ‘good’ in all areas.
This year’s inspection praised the school’s strong leadership, inclusive ethos, and commitment to excellence.
The report highlights the school’s “broad, ambitious curriculum,” the “high expectations” of staff, and the “respect and kindness” that underpin relationships across the school community.
Executive Headteacher Emily Mullord said she is proud of the outcome.
“This report is a testament to the dedication of our staff, the enthusiasm of our pupils, and the support of our families,” she said.
“We are proud to be a school where children feel safe, valued, and inspired to achieve their best.”
The report shone a light on the work of the head of the school, Anna Howell, and the wider leadership team who have ensured that pupils are “motivated and engaged learners” who are “well prepared for the next stage in their education".
Inspectors also noted the school’s strong reading culture, inclusive support for pupils with SEND, and its commitment to pupils’ wider development through outdoor learning and leadership opportunities.
Parents’ views were overwhelmingly positive, with many sharing that their children “look forward to attending each day.”
The school’s nurturing
environment and strong community links were also highlighted as key strengths.
School leaders are taking steps to further enhance their provision by ensuring that all pupils with special educational needs and disabilities are planned for as precisely as possible.
Mark Lacey, CEO of the Diocese of Salisbury Academy Trust, said: “We are delighted with the outcome of this inspection.
“It reflects the hard work of the entire team at Shrewton and their unwavering commitment to providing a high-quality education rooted in care, ambition, and community.
“We are proud to have them as part of our family of schools.”
n For more information about the school, visit www. shrewton.dsat.org.uk.
A WILTSHIRE Police officer has been sacked for gross misconduct after sending “highly inappropriate” images to a colleague.
A hearing found PC Stephen Proctor used his personal
mobile phone to send WhatsApp images described as misogynistic, sexualised and offensive.
The panel, chaired by assistant chief constable Ian Saunders at Wiltshire Police
Headquarters on June 26, found his actions breached Standards of Professional Behaviour for police officers.
Proctor resigned from the force as the hearing started, but would have been dismissed.
PEOPLE will soon be able to take in panoramic 360 views of the city while sipping a cocktail after plans to transform a landmark hotel were approved.
Salisbury’s Cathedral Hotel, in Milford Street, is set to re-open next year following a “massive” refurbishment, as applicant Larasian had plans approved to renovate the vacant building into a five-star boutique hotel.
A total of 13 suites, an al fresco restaurant and a rooftop ‘Spitfire Bar’ are all to be created, creating 28 new jobs.
The plans underwent two years of negotiations between Larasian and Wiltshire Council before being submitted.
The rooftop bar will allow drinkers to enjoy unique views of the Salisbury skyline landmark aircraft in the city.
A 66-YEAR-old man has been charged by police after a crash claimed the life of one biker and injured another.
Three motorbikes and a Citroën C5 crashed in the Charnage area on the A303 near Mere at around 10.30am on Tuesday, July 1.
The crash killed one biker, with another suffering life-changing injuries.
After planning was agreed, Larasian owner Brian Currie said: “This development has been a long-time in the making. I’m delighted with the decision.”
The Spitfire Bar pays homage to workers in Wiltshire who made components for the
Planning permission was eventually agreed despite concerns from planning officers that the rooftop bar would breach Salisbury 40ft rule, which restricts developments and extensions obstructing views of Salisbury Cathedral –except in certain circumstances.
Around 2,500 Spitfires were built in secrecy in Salisbury during the Second World War, after an aircraft factory in Southampton was bombed by the Germans.
The bar was also inspired by Mr Currie’s parents, who met making Spitfire components as part of the ‘secret Spitfire’ operation.
Wiltshire Police has now confirmed that Nicholas Blackbeard, 66, of Cok Ngurah, Gambir, in Bali, has been charged with causing death by dangerous driving and serious injury by dangerous driving.
A third biker involved in the crash, which closed the route for several hours, was uninjured.
by Tait ap Ellis
and growing needs of adult social care have been blamed for an almost-£5 million overspend at Wiltshire Council.
The council brought to light a £4.85m overspend that has been largely attributed to unforeseen adult social care costs - an area that has seen rising financial pressure over the years across the country.
However, questions have been raised as to why the previous Conservative leadership, which ran the authority until May, failed to see it coming.
The new Liberal Democrat administration said the black hole can be attributed to “the complexity of care packages” as well as rising costs relating to the National Living Wage and National Insurance contributions.
The council agreed to use earmarked reserves to plug the financial gap at an extraordinary cabinet meeting on June 24.
The reserves will need to be topped up in the future, but no information has been provided about how and when this might happen.
Despite no clear reason being identified as to why the adult social care budget overspend happened, council leader Ian Thorn has reassured residents measures would be put in place to ensure it does not happen again.
“This is not the position we want to be in, but all spending is accounted for across the council and we are taking decisive action to ensure we deliver a positive financial position moving forwards,” he said.
“We are working hard across the organisation to fully understand the challenges and put things right.
“We plan to further strengthen our financial scrutiny with a new committee focused on this area, providing an open and forensic challenge of the budget.
“This approach has crossparty support and we welcome scrutiny and feedback from all members and will play a vital role in reinforcing the improvements we are making.”
Speaking to BBC News, Lib Dem councillor Gavin Grant said there are “some questions for our predecessors about how they square the circle of statements they made with the reality that we now see".
Former Conservative council leader, Cllr Richard Clewer, said: “Something’s clearly gone very badly wrong inside adult social care.”
A Wiltshire Council spokesperson said: “At the recent cabinet meeting, the reported £6 million change in forecasting between Q3 and Q4 specifically related to adult social care only, not the overall council budget. The council’s final outturn includes a range of overspends and underspends across services, resulting in a total overspend of £4.853 million. The £6 million variance in adult social care between Q3 and Q4 is fully accounted for and reflects updated and improved financial reporting."
AMUCH-loved bookshop in Salisbury is set to open at its new home just in time for the summer holidays.
The Rocketship Bookshop is moving from Bridge Street to the Cross Keys Shopping Centre in August.
Russell Mardell, from Rocketship, said: “We’re very excited to be heading to our new location in Cross Keys.
“The move gives us the opportunity to be part of a close-knit community of other independent shops, and we look forward to welcoming both our loyal customers and new faces into our new space.”
Known for its carefully curated collection of books for children and teens, Rocketship Bookshop has built a stellar reputation in Salisbury for inspiring young readers and creating a welcoming, imaginative space for families, schools and book lovers alike.
The new store will feature the same fantastic selection, from their ever-popular picture books to gripping young adult fiction, alongside author visits,
school events and storytelling sessions.
With hard-to-find titles and knowledgeable staff offering advice for every age group, the shopping centre said Rocketship will remain the go-to destination for inspiring the next generation of Salisbury readers.
Colin Wilson from Cross
A COCKER spaniel that fell into a New Forest reservoir had a quick rescue by Wiltshire firefighters.
Lando fell into a four-metre-deep concrete pit at a reservoir off of Alderholt Road in Somerley, Ringwood on the morning of Sunday, June 22.
On-call firefighters were quick to respond to calls for help and rescued the four-legged friend within 30 minutes of arriving.
The lucky pooch was reportedly uninjured and returned safely to his owner.
Keys said: “Rocketship Bookshop is a fantastic addition to Cross Keys’ line-up of renowned independent retailers. We’re thrilled that they will be joining us alongside our growing family-focused offering.”
Arriving just in time for summer holiday fun,
Rocketship’s first event in their new location will be a creative writing workshop on August 15 with author Clare Harlow. For more information and updates, visit crosskeyssalisbury.co.uk, and for the latest events at Rocketship Bookshop, head to rocketshipbookshop.co.uk.
TWO key junctions will see weeks of closures and temporary traffic lights as work takes place to upgrade traffic signals.
The work, in St Johns and St Ann Streets, starts today (July 14) and is expected to take five weeks.
Wiltshire Council said the work is needed as the existing traffic signals have reached the end of their design life, and they will be modernised to improve reliability, safety and energy efficiency.
During the scheme, there will be lane closures at each junction in place, as well as temporary traffic lights to ensure the work can be carried out safely.
In St Johns Street, the new traffic signal infrastructure will be installed adjacent to the
pedestrian crossing located outside the White Hart Hotel.
A lane restriction will be in place, along with a right-turn ban into Ivy Street, with a diversion in place via Catherine Street, Milford Street and Brown Street.
Vehicles needing access to Ivy Street should follow an alternative route via New Street, Crane Street and Crane Bridge Road, where drivers will need to make a U-turn at the Mill Road mini roundabout before returning along the same route to enter Ivy Street directly from New Street.
There will also be a suspension of one of the parking bays in Ivy Street for the duration of the works, meaning it cannot be used by residents.
Meanwhile, in St Ann Street,
the new traffic signal infrastructure will be installed near the existing telecoms cabinets on the north side of the road.
A lane restriction and temporary pedestrian footway will be in place, but left and right turns will still be permitted under temporary traffic management.
There will also be a suspension of the single yellow line restriction in St Ann Street for the duration of the proposed works at this location, meaning that this area cannot be used by residents for parking.
There will be some additional temporary traffic management in place near the coach stops on St Johns Street to accommodate the removal of a lighting column and the traffic signal
controller.
Councillor Martin Smith, cabinet member for highways at Wiltshire Council, said: “We would like to thank residents and road users for their patience and cooperation while these essential works are carried out.
“The traffic signals equipment at these junctions was originally installed in 2001, which shows how long these systems have been in service. These refurbishment works are essential, not only to replace ageing infrastructure, but to bring the junctions up to modern standards.
“We apologise for any inconvenience caused during the works, but they are vital to ensure that everyone can travel safely and efficiently around Salisbury.”
AMAN who died in a crash in Ringwood has been described as a “loving son, grandson and father of two” by his family.
Tom Manston, from the town, died when a bike and a Range Rover crashed on Southampton Road, near Eastfield Lane, at around
7.30pm on June 14.
Tom, the cyclist, sadly died at the scene and his family has paid a moving tribute to a "caring" man.
“Tom was a loving son, grandson and father of two to Freddie (five) and Frankie Ray (four),” they said.
“His laughter, caring and
kindness will be missed by all his friends and he will always be in our hearts.”
Anyone with information
regarding the crash should contact Hampshire Police on 101, quoting reference 44250261587.
who racked up an impressive 57 years of service is finally calling it a day.
Physical training instructor (PTI) Barry Atkins has bid farewell to the Army Headquarters community in Andover, having been one of its longest-standing colleagues.
His impending retirement didn’t mean he took it easy on recruits however, as Barry made sure to sign off his final circuit training session, putting soldiers, some a quarter of his age, through their paces.
Barry, who lives in Perham Down, puts his longevity of service down to two things – his love of the job and love for his mother, who saved him from an infant death.
He said: “I have stayed in because I have enjoyed the job so much.”
Barry said his drive and determination are down to his mother - and a difficult start to his life.
He was born with gastrointestinal complications shortly after the end of the Second World War - a preNational Health Service eraand Barry was sent home with his mother to die.
But his mum nursed and fed him with watered-down cow’s milk and, somehow, he managed to survive.
“I owed it to her to keep going because she gave me that chance,” he said.
It was back in 1964, the year The Beatles took the USA by storm and BBC 2 was launched, that an 18-year-old Barry signed up to join the Royal Signals as a radio relay operator.
Unable to pursue his chosen trade, he decided to go into the gym to train as a PTI, where he stayed for a further five years.
Using his newfound skills, Barry then left the Army and worked for a few years in a women’s mental health hospital.
But it was not long before Barry was back in uniform and this time it was Royal Air Force blue.
Coming across an advert offering opportunities for physical training instructors, he successfully applied and spent the next 17 years as a Royal Air Force PTI.
During his time in the RAF, Barry transferred to adventurous training and, having led and been part of expeditions in Wales, Scotland, Austria, Switzerland, Norway and Italy’s Dolomites, he became an instructor at the RAF’s adventurous training centre of excellence at Llanrwst in north Wales.
He finally hung up his uniform in 1990, but that was
not the end of his gym life.
Barry moved from the military to become a civilian PTI at RAF Halton in Buckinghamshire, before his passion for physical fitness and his ability to inspire others led to his appointment in 2000 as gym manager at the Defence Logistics Organisation in Andover, which later became the Army’s Headquarters.
Over the years, Barry has organised numerous functions, established regular fitness sessions, and developed innovative training programmes that have had a lasting impact on thousands of military and civilian staff.
He received a Commendation from the Chief of the General Staff of the British Army in the recent King’s Birthday Honours List earlier this year.
Barry’s final circuit training session was emotionally charged as many friends and colleagues from down the years
came for one last press-up.
At the end of the session, colonel John Dagless, Army HQ, addressed Barry and his wife, Janet, while the class looked on.
Colonel Dagless said: “Barry, over the last decade, I have observed you to be the epitome of a servant leader. A leader who shares power, puts the needs of others first, and helps people develop and perform as highly as possible.
“One of the things we often say so many times is, ‘I hope I’m half as active and as fit as Barry is at 79'.
“As we thank you for your decades of delivery, I would also like to thank Janet, for your support to Barry, and wish you all the very best as you start your next chapter together.”
To mark the occasion, Barry was presented with a framed Army Headquarters flag, while his wife, Janet, received a huge bouquet of flowers.
WORK has started on a project near Stonehenge to bring history to life for thousands of visitors.
English Heritage (EH) was given the green light by Wiltshire Council in March for ambitious plans to create a new learning centre to help transport visitors back to the Stone Age.
Included in the plans is a Kusuma Neolithic Hall, described as an “immersive, curriculum-led space” that lets people gather round a hearth, handle replica tools, and discover what life was like for Neolithic people.
The learning centre will also feature the Clore Discovery Lab, Weston Learning Studio, a digital production studio, Wolfson Foyer, and an open-air courtyard to support sensory learning.
“We’re proud to be
expanding our educational offer with sustainable, state-of-the-art spaces designed for all learners,” an EH spokesperson said.
Both the Neolithic classroom and the learning centre will be built around 2.5 miles west from Stonehenge Circle.
“It will provide an immersive and authentic-feeling space where a combination of costumed storytelling, object handling and hands-on activities will provide students with a deepened and enhanced appreciation of Neolithic life,” the spokesperson added.
The learning centre will consist of a science, technology, engineering and maths lab that has been developed in response to research at Stonehenge and will include a space for young people to explore and test.
EH said the new buildings
are being created, as they have noticed an increase in demand for educational facilities at the heritage site.
Work is underway on the ambitious plans
The educational project received funding from the Garfield Weston Foundation, Kusuma Trust, National
SALISBURY City Council looks set to discuss the future of the Market Place toilets at a meeting this evening (July 14).
The authority’s cost-cutting move to close the facilities, and those at the Central Car Park, at the end of March proved to be controversial with some residents.
The council claimed the closure was needed as the facilities had become “a focus for anti-social behaviour”, including reports of sexual assaults, deaths and three incidents of arson over the years, as well as concerns over the annual maintenance fee, said to be £100,000 a year.
In February, the council submitted plans to redevelop the Market Place toilets, which would have seen the belowground toilet block converted into a storage area for market traders and council workers with three new unisex toilets
built at ground level.
But the plans were withdrawn following calls for a wider consultation from stakeholders, such as the Salisbury Chamber of Commerce, the Salisbury Business Improvement District and Bradbeers.
Now, the council said it is set to discuss an “options paper” at this evening's full council meeting, at The Guildhall from 6.30pm to 8pm.
Meanwhile, a petition calling for a stop to the closure of both facilities has reached 3,036 signatures.
APUB near Salisbury that was threatened with closure has been saved thanks to a new lease being agreed.
The future of the 16thcentury Barford Inn, in Barford St Martin, was in doubt after owner, brewery company Hall and Woodhouse, struggled to find a new licensee.
But now, owner of the popular New Inn and Wig & Quill in Salisbury, Rob Wood, has agreed to take on a five-year lease.
The news has been warmly welcomed by the Barford community, who were concerned the pub would follow the trend of many others in the country and close its doors for good.
According to the British Beer and Pub Association, more than 500 pubs closed last year.
Rob, who has been a publican for 25 years, said: “I recognised that it would be a
challenge, but I wanted to make the village community proud of the pub again and bring back stability and consistency.
“It’s about getting the basics right. I know how much the village values the pub.
“I am introducing highquality and delicious food at affordable prices with rotating seasonal specials, all created by my classically trained chef.
“Live music with top-end musicians will also be a regular Saturday night fixture. This is an iconic pub, and with my team we will do everything we can to ensure the Barford Inn has a secure future.”
As well as restoring the pub to its former glory, Rob is also providing many vital employment opportunities for local people in this rural area.
His aim is to create a well-trained team of staff who will offer an efficiently run service in the pub as well as the
living in social housing in Amesbury are being warned of suspicious scam
B&B accommodation that the pub also provides.
After a lengthy overhaul of the pub’s internal and exterior areas, Rob has been getting to know the local community and regular customers.
He has also discussed special joint events with the Barford St Martin Community Fund, a
funds for additional amenities for village residents.
Morag Walker, chair of the Barford Community Fund, said: “We are really looking forward to working and supporting Rob and his team.
“After just a short time we can see that he has made a huge difference to the appearance and
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240 members of the 23rd Salisbury Scouts came together for a special camping trip to mark the group’s 80th birthday.
The roots of the Salisbury Scouts stretch back to just before the end of the Second World War in March 1945 – and its traditions and activities are still taking place today.
This birthday celebration paid homage to the group’s very first Scouts who walked the 11.1 miles from the Scout Hall in Stratford Road to Barry’s Field in Winterslow for the very first camp out.
As a nod to days past, the Scouts dragged an original trek cart from 1945 that their predecessors used to carry gear.
This first camping trip in 1945 involved six Scouts, two of which were evacuees who pushed their borrowed camping gear loaded into the trek cart to a field in Tefont.
This was the 23rd’s very first camp, over the Easter weekend of 1945, while Britain was still at war.
Eight decades later and the latest generation of the 23rd’s, made up of Beavers, Cubs, Scouts and Explorers, followed in their steps for the camp out.
Group chair, Ed Halsey, said: “Walking the original hand kart to Winterslow captured
something of what going to camp was like 80 years ago.
“I think it made the young people reflect about the slower pace of life and perhaps of some of the hardships of wartime England.
“However, it was good to celebrate how scouting hasn’t really changed – camping, camp fires and a great outdoor adventure."
The Scouts were joined by the Squirrel section and families as well as special guests, including past leaders who took part in scouting activities in the morning, including a cave bus, tomahawk throwing, orienteering, crafting, cooking on the fire and sports games.
A total of 240 members shared a hog roast together before cutting the 80th birthday
cake.
Olwen Brockway, who is a leader with the group and a former county commissioner for Wiltshire, said: “The weekend not only celebrated 80 continuous years of the group’s existence but also its founder, John Wickham who steadfastly maintained it from its beginning in 1945 (when the scouts met outside in all weathers, with no indoor accommodation) until he finally retired in 2006.
“I joined the group in 1966, when my brother was a cub and John was looking for more help, and became an adult leader on my 18th birthday, in 1968.
“Although I have since held many other different roles in
Scouting, I still support the group which has maintained an incredible vibrancy and given so many young people amazing opportunities.
“Adults now scattered across the world hold fond memories of John Wickham and 23rd Salisbury Scout Group.
“The celebration camp was an example of the group’s success, bringing together the present young people, their adult volunteers and many past volunteers and supporters.”
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At Salisbury Manor you have the freedom to enjoy our luxurious facilities whenever you wish. Our home has its own café, bar, hair and beauty salon, cinema, and lovely gardens. Our chef-led catering team creates delicious and nutritious dishes – even fortified or texture-modified meals if required.
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at Salisbury Hospital received a very special visit from an Oscarwinning actress.
Olivia Colman CBE – of The Crown, The Favourite and Peep Show fame- is a patron of the hospital’s charity, the Stars Appeal.
She joined the charity’s president, the Earl of Pembroke, and Lady Pembroke on a tour of the spinal treatment centre and the children’s ward, led by Dave Cates, the charity’s director of fundraising.
“It was such a pleasure to visit Salisbury Hospital again and to meet so many inspirational patients and families in the spinal centre and children’s ward," the actress said.
“It was clear to see the difference that the generosity shown by Stars Appeal supporters is making across the hospital.
“As patron, my heartfelt thanks go out to all of our brilliant donors, fundraisers and volunteers.”
Olivia visited seven-year-old Lola Patton, who was diagnosed with leukaemia when she was five.
Her mum, Chloe Beresford, said: “It was very exciting meeting Olivia Colman.
“It was such a nice surprise and made our day.
"She is the first actor and celebrity Lola has ever met.”
Lola said her favourite part of the visit was introducing Olivia to all her teddies and
chatting about their favourite foods.
On the day of the visit, Lola had been disappointed to miss out on having her school photo taken, but having her picture taken with the Paddington in Peru star helped make up for it.
Lola said: “I can’t believe I met somebody off of a movie. Olivia was really fun and kind.”
Olivia also spent time with nine-year-old Lily-Eva Cole, who is currently undergoing treatment for kidney cancer.
She said: “I loved meeting Olivia Colman. She was fun and playful. She played with me on the play deck and told me a story about buttered bread with hundreds and thousands on top.
“My doctor, Row, opened the play deck for us so I felt like a
VIP.”
Mark Houghton MBE, 58, who is being cared for on the Spinal Unit after an accident, met Olivia during his physiotherapy session.
He said: “It was quite emotional, as it was only the second time I’ve been able to stand since my accident, so it was really exciting that Olivia was able to see that.
“I’ve watched all the series of The Crown; it was truly amazing to meet her.
"I’ll remember all the laughing and jokes.”
Emma Scott, 36, who is also being treated in the spinal unit, said: “It was great to meet Olivia, I love her in Peep Show and The Crown.
“She was really sweet and
Olivia Colman with Lily-Eva Cole Pictures: Spencer Mulholland down-to-earth.
"It was such a surprise to see her here. It lifted everyone’s spirits.
"I’m really chuffed I got to meet Olivia.”
Sue Newman, 79, who is being treated on the Spinal Unit said: “Meeting Olivia was a really uplifting experience.
"To see her in the flesh was delightful, she was so very friendly.
“Life on the spinal unit can be really challenging and rewarding. To have a visit from someone like Olivia really lifts your spirits. We were all so delighted to meet her.”
Lord Pembroke said: “Lady Pembroke and I were delighted to welcome Olivia to the hospital and to meet so many patients.
“Olivia’s support is vital to us, and her visit really boosted the morale of all those patients and staff that we had the privilege of meeting.”
Dr Rowena Staples, children’s ward consultant and Stars Appeal ambassador, added: “It was an absolute privilege to welcome Olivia to the children’s ward and to see the smiles on the faces of the children and parents who met her.
“It brought so much joy to the children undergoing treatment here, and to their families, who are often experiencing very difficult times.
"My thanks go to Olivia and Lord and Lady Pembroke.”
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MOREthan 2,000 people put their best feet forward for charity during the Stars Appeal Walk for Wards event.
Held at Wilton House on Sunday, July 6, the annual event - the 20th Walk for Wards - has so far raised more than £100,000 for the Salisbury Hospital charity.
Participants walked 3k, 5k, 10k, or the new 15k route to show their thanks to the hospital for the care they or their family have received, with many dedicating their walk to the memory of a friend, parent, sibling or child.
Money raised will go towards the £2 million the Stars Appeal, Salisbury Hospital’s Charity, aims to raise this year to fund new equipment,
enhancements to buildings, and ongoing projects across Salisbury Hospital.
Marie Gower, from Winterslow, who has been undergoing treatment for breast cancer, completed the 10k route with her husband, Trevor.
"Walk for Wards has been such an amazing experience. Since I got diagnosed with cancer the Stars Appeal has done so much to help me throughout my whole treatment with the aromatherapy and the cups of hot chocolate, the biscuits, and the Wi-Fi so I can message my husband when I’m doing my treatment to say how it’s going, and also keep myself entertained," she said.
"It’s a privilege to be able to give something back to the
charity and the Pembroke Unit for everything that they’ve done for me and my husband."
Lorna and Sam Foster walked the 5k with their children, Emilia, five, and Josh, three, who has haemophilia, a condition affecting his blood. They were walking in support of the Children’s Unit who have been caring for Josh.
Lorna said: "The play assistant, the sensory room and the beds for parents provided by the Stars Appeal have been a godsend. The first major bleed Josh had the play assistant stayed with us to help calm him down so he could get his treatment. She was so good with him and kept him calm and gave him a Monster Truck for being so brave. It's fantastic to be able
to give back to the hospital and the Stars Appeal who have been such a support to us."
His dad, Sam, added: "The Stars Appeal Play Assistant makes what could be a traumatic experience enjoyable for Josh, which makes such a difference. The Children’s Unit is not a scary place, it’s a place they want to go to, which of course is so important because they have to."
Jillie Arnold, from Wilton, who was cared for by the hospital after a fall in 2022 and took part in the 10k walk, said: "“Salisbury District Hospital put me back together and gave me my life back after a near fatal fall. I am so lucky to be able to do the walk, without the operations and help I received I
would be sitting at home. I’m an outside person and love walking. Without their help I wouldn’t be where I am today."
To mark the milestone 20th walk, those taking part were able to enjoy live music while picnicking on the lawn, with music from Salisbury City Band of the Royal British Legion, Sounds Better Singers, Sock Puppet Jukebox, St Mark's Junior School Choir, Lucas Hardy, and Wilton Band.
Cancer Consultant and Stars Appeal Ambassador, Dr Tracey Parker, said: "Myself and my fellow ambassadors were overwhelmed by the support shown by the local community, and are deeply grateful.
"What an amazing celebration of our hospital. But
the biggest thank you is on behalf of the thousands of local people who will benefit from the money raised at Walk for Wards."
Helena Sinclair, of the Stars Appeal, added: "It was fantastic to see so many walkers join us at Wilton House to celebrate our milestone 20th Walk for Wards, making this year’s event extra special.
"We want to say a massive thank you to everyone who took part and supported the event and to those who have so generously donated. We also want to thank our hosts Lord and Lady Pembroke and the team at the Wilton Estate, our principal sponsors Salisbury Reds, the Rotary Club marshals for their support, and all our wonderful
volunteers. We look forward to seeing everyone again next year."
To find out more about projects funded by the Stars Appeal visit www.starsappeal. org/our-work, with a date for Walk for Wards 2026 to be announced soon.
Middletons Solicitors offer comprehensive residential conveyancing services and with a dedicated office in Amesbury (in addition to Stockbridge and Warminster) they are well-placed to serve Amesbury, Salisbury, the Wylye Valley, Stockbridge and the surrounding areas.
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Middletons boasts a team of experienced conveyancers who are supported by exceptional support staff, providing both practical expertise and attentive client service. As a Law Society CQSaccredited firm, Middletons guarantee quality conveyancing advice. They’re ideally placed to help local home buyers, sellers and property investors, offering both reassurance and legal precision throughout every stage of your property transaction.
Whether you’re buying your first home or adding to your property portfolio, trust Middletons to guide you through the process with expertise and professionalism.
At The Cartwheel Inn a warm welcome, delicious food, locally sourced seasonal produce, cask ales, gins, an array of fine wines and a beautiful garden awaits you!
The Cartwheel Inn is located in Whitsbury, where Hampshire meets Dorset and Wiltshire surrounded by stunning countryside. Our 18th-century building was once a farm cottage and housed a wheelwright and a village bakery (you can see the oven next to the bar). We are in the perfect location to visit before and after a nice walk, you may even see a future champion racehorse. Behind the Cartwheel is Whitsbury Manor Stables, the former home of Desert Orchid, Cheltenham Gold Cup and Irish Grand National winner. They also had a group 1 winner of the Sussex Stakes, Mohaather, bred at Whitsbury Manor Stud.
The Cartwheel Inn is renowned by locals and visitors for serving high-quality food with a modern twist, real ales, and warm hospitality. We are very family and dog-friendly and offer many outstanding facilities, such as a beautiful beer garden and a private function room.
PVFF is a festival that’s loved by everyone because there’s loads for kids to do, loads for parents and loads for the old folkies!
As well as four evenings and three full days of outstanding, original young folk, roots and world music across five stages, Purbeck Valley Folk Festival brings music workshops, sessions, comedy, a massive craft area, a healing area, fire shows and loads for kids - it’s so much more than just great music!
Purbeck Valley Folk Festival has an amazing line-up again this year: This year’s highlights include top folk award winning acts Dervish, Elephant Sessions and Kathryn Tickell & the Darkening This year’s line up also features huge amounts of music from around the world in the shape of Zawose Queens (Tanzania), Madalitso (Malawi), Taff Rapids (Welsh language bluegrass), Gonora Sounds (Zimbabwe), Theo Mizu & Banda (Brazil), Kate Griffin & Matchume Zango (Mozambique), Mishra with Deepa Shakti (India)
There is absolutely loads for kids (all included in the ticket price!): storytelling, rock-climbing, archery, dinosaurs, crafts, circus skills, bouncy castles, fancy dress, maypole dancing and much more! The craft area is fantastic with workshops in cyanotype printing, tie-dye, blacksmithing, pottery, origami, and more.
A brilliant musical line-up, loads of stuff for kids, a huge craft area for adults, perfect location, and a great selection of real ales and ciders…
Purbeck Valley Folk Festival is so much more than just a great music festival.
Tickets have been selling fast already with record numbers of festival-goers buying tickets for this year’s festival before they even left the site last year!
Great value at £140 (£70/£30) for 4 nights, including camping. For more information - www.purbeckvalleyfolkfestival.co.uk
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Salisbury Museum’s Festival of Archaeology is being launched this year with a talk from the highly acclaimed and world-leading geneticist and archaeologist, Professor Turi King.
Professor King, who is renowned for uncovering one of history’s biggest forensic DNA mysteries - the identification of King Richard III’s skeleton, will talk at the Salisbury Methodist Church, St Edmund’s Church Street, on Thursday 24 July at 7.30 pm.
The talk, “DNA Detective: Using DNA to Uncover the Secrets of our Past,” will uncover how DNA has revolutionised genealogy and forensics, helped trace long lost family members, catch criminals, and make remarkable historical discoveries.
Professor King, who features in the BBC2 Programme, DNA Family Secrets with Stacey Dooley, has revealed how unique DNAs can identify individuals and their families and how a surname can offer a glimpse into the lives of people’s ancestors.
The Festival of Archaeology is on 26 & 27 July and brings together archaeology, heritage organisations and re-enactors to showcase the archaeology of the region; with something for everyone – from toddlers to retired professors.
Tickets to Professor Turi King’s talk cost £15.00 and are available on the Salisbury Museum website. Admission to the Festival of Archaeology is a £5 donation per adult and will includes entry to the museum.
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Pre
by Sally Gregson
LAVENDERS have been part of our domestic lives in this country since we started gardening. They are native of the Mediterranean region with silver-grey leaves and aromatic flowers that relish the hot, dry climate.
Their very name is associated with ‘laundry’ and washing clothes – the words have the same Latin root. For centuries we have tied bunches of lavender flowers, or put lavender bags between the washed sheets, not only to scent the linen, but to preserve the sheets from the attentions of moths and mould.
Over the years, gardeners have selected the best forms,
with the largest, most highly scented flowers. Lavenders such as Lavandula angustifolia ‘Seal’ were selected by a commercial laundry in the eponymous Kentish village for its long stems and big ears of flower.
Lavender heads were picked in the morning before the flowers were fully open and bunched and tied just below the heads with thread. The stems were bent back down to enclose the flowers in a cage of stems and tied together. The ‘bag’ was then tied up with ribbon and placed among the linen.
In traditional gardens, English lavender, Lavandula angustifolia, was preferred to the alternative French Lavender, L. stoechas, which is less
tolerant of our wet English winters. In the days before glasshouses were more commonplace, a wet winter would decimate a collection of lavenders growing in the open ground.
French lavender, Lavandula stoechas, is well worth taking the extra trouble to grow. It has big ears and is perfumed of eau de cologne rather than traditional lavender. And it has a wider colour range than English lavenders. Not only are they available in every shade of lavender possible, but there are
by Sally Gregson
MANY of our best-loved herbs are not native to our cold, damp climate – they come from the hot, dry areas around the Mediterranean. And they particularly dislike our wet winters, so wise gardeners take cuttings or collect seed as an insurance policy.
Lavenders were introduced centuries ago by the Romans and must have been reproduced by seed or cuttings. Usually, it is advised to take these cuttings in September, but they are just as easily, and often more successful, taken in midsummer. The snag this year especially is that the current hot, dry weather is not ideal for taking cuttings. If our heatwave should fade away noisily in flashes of thunder, as soon as possible before the next one, take some lavender cuttings. They should root quickly and the resulting young plants will have grown sufficiently to be
also white, pink and regal purple forms to delight a sunny garden. Lavandula stoechas ‘Rosea Kew Red’, is especially striking, for example. It has bright white petals like hovering butterflies, over dark magenta flowers.
Lavandula stoechas is happy grown in a large pot all summer. It could be moved into the shelter of a cold greenhouse for the winter, just to keep it from drowning. Cut it back in spring and move it outside to a sunny place for another summer.
It is often advised to take lavender cuttings in September, but they are just as easily, and often more successfully, taken in mid-summer
potted up before October. Choose non-flowering shoots if possible. Flowering plants always prefer to reproduce by seed at the expense of roots. Take cuttings of the current year’s growth that are about 10-15cm long.
Nip out the tips that would contain flower buds if they
could. Plant hormones that make flower rather than root will be contained in the shoot tips.
Remove the leaves at the base of the cutting where they would contact the compost and dip the prepared cutting in hormone rooting powder. Tap off the excess and insert
the cuttings into a pot filled with a 50:50 mixture of grit and potting compost. Water the cuttings in to settle the soil around the stems. Label the pot with the name, number of cuttings and date taken, and place somewhere cool out of the sun. Beneath the greenhouse bench is ideal.
Check daily to see if the cuttings have rooted and remove any that are clearly dead.
After a week or so, once they have started to root, gradually take the pot out and slowly give the cuttings more light and air. If they have rooted well by September they can be potted up into small, 9cm pots of gritty compost, and put somewhere light and airy, and frost-free. They should have made good plants by next spring ready to plant out.
Across
8 Lacking advanced coaching for cooking Italian food (7)
Place 1 to 9 once into every black-bordered 3x3 area as well as each of the 54 rows indicated by the coloured lines. Rows don’t cross the thick black lines.
9 Learner with lack of difficulty getting contract for term (5)
10 Sound of calm in musical work (5)
11 Western Republican taking in Arab port, martial type (7)
12 Film about fashionable circle with drawing of images? (12)
Down
1 Opening in Austria and Spain for feast (5)
2 Home was altered over time to a degree
3 Treat favourably expert point about Cuba
4 Inspection that is taking place in Volkswagen (4)
5 Hymn about love a girl arranged (6)
(12) 16 Polite matron mistaken about a
6 Revolutionary religion rejecting society in African country (4)
(12) 20 A number with line penned by
7 Withdraw extremists from rule over region
16 Polite matron mistaken about a big city? (12)
20 A number with line penned by guitarist, abnormal phenomenon (7)
23 Head working with charge (5)
24 Small shoot to appear with no end of rain (5)
25 Unusual prude’s detaining soprano in masquerade (5,2)
Killer Sudoku Pro Place numbers 1 to 9 once each into every row, column and bold-lined 3x3 box. No digit may be repeated in any dash-lined cage, and all the digits in any cage must add up to the value shown in that cage.
13 Blunder largely showing sentimentality (3)
14 Most burdensome struggles in warm condition (8)
15 Declaration by dinosaur, maybe, in stalemate (7)
17 Ohio with set of mountains producing fruit
18 Island more attuned for chemical substance (6)
19 Foolish writer held up during appeal (5)
1 Opening in Austria and Spain for feast (5) 2 Home was altered over time to a degree (8) 3 Treat favourably expert point about Cuba (6) 4 Inspection that is taking place in Volkswagen (4) 5 Hymn about love a girl arranged (6)
21 Brutish type restrained by progressives
22 Odd day about old Star Wars character
6 Revolutionary religion rejecting society in African country (4)
7 Withdraw extremists from rule over region (7) 13 Blunder largely showing sentimentality (3)
14 Most burdensome struggles in warm condition (8)
15 Declaration by dinosaur, maybe, in stalemate (7)
17 Ohio with set of mountains producing fruit (6)
18 Island more attuned for chemical substance (6)
19 Foolish writer held up during appeal (5) 21 Brutish type restrained by progressives (4) 22 Odd day about old Star Wars character (4)
THElonger you are in the councillor role, the more you see why the cost of everything local government versus the real world, where most of us exist, are poles apart.
The 'most expensive issue July 2025' award is probably going to be the cost of replacing some timber and leadwork on the Poultry Cross, and while the final figure is not yet in, we are already being warmed up to the tune of "hundreds of thousands rather than the tens of thousands of pounds".
'Why is this?', you may well ask. After all, in times past a local builder would be used to replace the timber and then climb on the roof and mend the flashing, job done.
Well, in today’s world where unelected quangos and unchallengeable guidance rule the public sector world, rather than the above, it’s way more complicated. First there needs to be a staged plan, and as a Grade I-listed structure, that means
anybody involved, architects, surveyors, builders, structural engineers etc, must be a 'specialist' or 'consultant' or 'specialist consultant'.
Then, a tender document needs drafting which will of course need to be written by another 'specialist consultant', followed by the tender process for a 'specialist' contactor to carry out the work.
Cllr Sven Hocking is a Conservative Salisbury City Councillor for Harnham East and a Wiltshire Councillor
the owner, is only applying the process rules as it sees them.
But, I believe the cost of works should be in keeping with the actual objective, that is to fix the problem in a timely manner using appropriate materials, at a sensible price.
Rather than shrug their shoulders and accept the first offer, the city council administration should instruct council officers go to the market with a brief that says, in effect, 'recognising this is a Grade I-listed monument, give me a quote to fix it please'.
And of course, English Heritage needs to be continuously placated to ensure the end contractor only uses 'heritage' nails and tools from the time the Poultry Cross was first constructed etc!
I don’t mean to sound flippant, or suggest the conservation of historic assets doesn’t matter, nor am I beating up on the city council who, as
The Poultry Cross is not complicated or complex, the structure is simple and accessible, and the works required are not technically difficult.
If you don’t believe me, go and have a look, it’s the bits where the timbers meet the stone, and tell me if you think what is being proposed should cost you, the taxpayer, the average price of a new Ferrari?
ago, the country elected ‘Even Newer Labour’ to be our Government, while we here in Salisbury elected Conservative John Glen to represent us in Westminster as an opposition MP.
Let’s not single Labour out for criticism, there are plenty of political pundits out there doing that, but let’s look closer to home.
Who else stood to be our member of parliament a year ago?
Well, other than me standing as an Independent there were how many other candidates, do you even remember?
And what were their names these ‘party’ hopefuls?
As usual at general elections, they were either parachuted in, all claiming links and how important Salisbury was to them, or wheeled out just for the election.
Reform stood, as did the Greens and even-newer Labour, but what happened to them since?
Have we heard even a dicky bird from them?
How about the Liberals then,
wasn’t she a local councillor with a fortnightly column in this paper? What’s she been up to?
John Glen then, how’s his time in opposition? Is he making waves and holding even newer Labour to account?
I’m still here, and you have
heard my political opinions and leanings through this column.
You may have read through the pages of this and other local and national news and media of my challenging the authorities over issues of public access in and around Stonehenge, or taking part and officiating at spiritual Gatherings, or promoting poetry and the arts here in Salisbury.
Many of you have seen me around town because I actually live in Salisbury.
I hope that’s not all forgotten, as is usual, when next we elect our generals at the parliamentary elections.
When once again the ‘Party People’ roll out their candidates and they all try and assure you how much Salisbury really matters to them.
Until next time.
ADOZEN of England’s regional mayors have signed up to a scheme to provide a “national active travel network”, focusing initially on helping children to walk, cycle or scoot to school safely.
Their joint pledge is to "work together to improve our streets for everyone, for the benefit of the health, wellbeing and connectedness of our communities”.
The scheme has the backing of Chief Medical Officer for England, Chris Whitty, which he believes has the potential to “significantly improve” public health in the areas planning to implement the scheme.
The intention is to fit into wider efforts to devolve transport planning, working with Active Travel England (ATE) to implement schemes they think would help their area and also has the support of London Mayor Sadiq Khan.
The only regional Mayor not to sign up is Andrea Jenkyns (Reform) of Greater Lincolnshire which already has hundreds of so-called school streets and similar projects.
The initial focus from this autumn will be on the trips to and from school, with a pledge to create a combined 3,500 miles of routes safely linking schools to homes, town and city centres, and transport hubs.
Cllr John Wells is an independent Salisbury City Councillor for St Francis and Stratford and a Wiltshire Councillor, as well as mayor of Salisbury
Chris Whitty said:
“Increasing physical activity has health benefits across the life course. As part of this, we need to make walking and cycling more accessible, and safer, as well as access to green space easier and more equitable. This will help remove barriers to improving physical activity levels and could significantly improve the health of England’s increasingly urban population.”
There are obvious long-term environmental benefits in reducing our dependency of fossil fuels but there are also immediate health benefits for children and all local residents.
interventions such as safer road crossings and blocking motor traffic outside schools at drop-off and pick-up times.
Interested in air quality where you live?
Wiltshire Council have launched a scheme encouraging residents throughout the county to install PM.25 air quality sensors on their property free of charge.
Aspects of ‘active travel’ in the capital have already delivered a measurable reduction in the levels of respiratory conditions and hospital admissions in the city. UP to 120 school places for SEND pupils will be up for grabs in south east Wiltshire next year.
It will be based around
Chris Boardman, the former Olympic cyclist who heads ATE, said the focus on routes to schools followed focus group work which found that people are particularly amenable to messages about walking and cycling when it is about children being able to travel safely and independently.
The sensors are small, compact and the air quality data collected can be accessed online.
For further information contact communityairnetwork@ wiltshire.gov.uk.
More Wiltshire pupils with special educational needs will be able to stay close to home for their education rather than going further afield, according to Wiltshire Council, after plans for a new school property in Ludgershall were approved.
It comes after the Department for Education (DfE) granted approval to create the Exeter House satellite school in the grounds of the Wellington Academy site in Ludgershall.
The former boarding house on the site has been transformed into the satellite school for pupils with severe and profound and multiple learning disabilities.
It will have sensory and soft play spaces, 12 classrooms plus a specialist classroom for activities such as food technology and a life skills area.
The boarding school was closed down by Wellington Academy in July 2024. The new satellite school is linked to Exeter House in Salisbury and will be named Exeter House Wellington, with an opening date of autumn 2026.
Councillor Jon Hubbard, cabinet member for education and skills at Wiltshire Council, said: “We want all our children and young people to have the choice to be educated in Wiltshire.
“We have long-term plans to create more SEND spaces, and this latest satellite school is helping us achieve this.
“Exeter House Wellington will provide 120 additional special school places in the south east of the county and will make a huge difference for pupils and their families.
“Now we have the DfE consent, we can move forward and make the final changes for opening in the autumn of 2026.”
Jackie Fieldwick, MBE, CEO Brunel Academies Trust which will manage the site, said: “We are delighted to be working with Wiltshire Council to deliver 120 much-needed specialist places in Wiltshire.
“Brunel is committed to ensuring all our children and young people are given every opportunity to be engaged, inspired and empowered to lead safe and successful lives.
“This fabulous collaboration with Wiltshire Council will provide excellent opportunities for children and young people in the Tidworth and surrounding areas to be successful and happy.
“Local provision for local children and young people with additional needs that will support families and the community they live in.
“Brunel and Wiltshire Council opening doors, opening minds, and helping children and young people realise their potential.”
FARMERS are being urged to have their say over the replacement of funding formulas to tackle flooding and coastal erosion.
The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) has launched a consultation on funding rules to tackle the problem - and the NFU has also launched an online survey to compile
Cows Cows Cows
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responses from farmers.
The deadline for NFU submissions in July 16.
"The NFU welcomes the launch of this consultation and the proposal to stop using the current funding formula and replace it with a new approach," a spokesperson said.
"We have had a longstanding ask for a review of the flood funding formula.
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"We know the way that funding for flood defences is currently allocated, leaves farmers and rural communities at a higher risk than urban communities due to the current method for prioritising projects favouring the more populationdense, urban locations.
"We understand this approach, but the current system does not recognise the value of protecting agricultural land or
rural landscapes, and the benefits they provide, or consider the impacts to rural businesses, to critical infrastructure, to food security, and to the environment, when rural areas are flooded."
n For more information, and to submit a response, visit https://www.nfuonline.com/ updates-and-information/a-newapproach-to-flood-fundingconsultation.
by Ed Powell-Jackson,
Show season is upon us and we are busy with preparations. As well as hosting our Synergy Farm Health stand, for many of the shows we are also the official vets in attendance, which is my role at Melplash.
This involves an early start to check in livestock, as well as being on hand for any eventualities during the show itself. We also advise the show societies on any current disease concerns, such as Bluetongue or Avian Flu for example. It is always a pleasure to see our clients competing with such immaculately turned out stock, as well as to catch up with so many people off farm. Let’s hope for some wet weather before then, and sunny days come August!
Please do come and say hello to the Synergy Team if you visit any of the following shows this season:
27 JULY, TOTNES SHOW
7 AUG, HONITON SHOW 9 AUG, ELLINGHAM & RINGWOOD SHOW 13-14 AUG, GILLINGHAM & SHAFTESBURY SHOW
14 AUG, OKEHAMPTON SHOW
21 AUG, MELPLASH SHOW
6-7 SEPT, DORSET COUNTY SHOW
2 OCT, THE DAIRY SHOW
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HCClassics was founded in 2016 by classic car enthusiast and automotive designer Richard Carp, and is situated on an idyllic farm near Shaftesbury on the Dorset/Wiltshire border.
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UNWANTED VEHICLES bought for cash ●Mot failures ●Non-runners ●Unfinished projects ●end of life scrap vehicles ●minimum of £200 paid for complete vehicles.
Crossword
WITHover eight years of experience in running an auction house, Clarke’s Auctions in Gillingham have built a reputation for knowledgeable service, transparent sales, and outstanding results.
Their friendly, professional team understand the unique value and history of every item and treat each piece with the care and attention it deserves.
Whether you're downsizing, settling an estate, looking to sell a single item or a whole collection, they will make the process simple and stress-free for you.
With the market constantly evolving, there’s a growing demand for striking designer pieces and timeless antiques.
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Despite shifting trends,
high-quality gold and fine jewellery remain in vogue and interestingly, costume jewellery has seen a surge in value and desirability, sometimes rivalling that of traditional gold and silver pieces.
So, if you have a bag of costume jewellery tucked away in a drawer or at the bottom of the wardrobe or any old pieces you no longer wear, now might be the perfect time to bring it along and have them appraised.
n Clarke's are taking entries for their August Antiques & Collectibles sale and for enquiries for consignment, or for any probate or insurance valuations or full or part house clearances, please phone either Richard Clarke or Karen Marshall on 01747 685592 at their salerooms at The Old Glove Factory, Buckingham Road, Gillingham, SP8 4QF.