August 10, 2026
Edition 100
Salisbury & Avon Gazette £14M SCHOOL PLANS GET GREEN LIGHT www.salisburyandavon.co.uk
FULL STORY: PAGE 3
Scheme - which will see 300 new places and improved facilities at Salisbury school - gets planning approval ABUSER JAILED Prison sentence for man who kicked woman in the head
STORY: PAGE 4
OPEN GARDENS Hatch House charity event unveils 2026 plans
STORY: PAGE 6
POETIC TRIBUTE Wordsmith issues new collection written for wife with dementia
STORY: PAGE 8
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Salisbury & Avon, August 10, 2026
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CCTV appeal Care home birthday barbecue!
A
SALISBURY care home celebrated its 20th anniversary with a tasty
POLICE are keen to trace these people in connection with a theft from a unit at a Salisbury industrial estate. The incident, which saw equipment taken from a unit on Churchfield Industrial Estate, occurred on July 9. Officers said they are keen to identify the people pictured as they “believe they may be able to help with enquiries”. Anyone who recognises the people pictured, or has information about the theft, should contact PC Hardwidge via 2629@ wiltshire.police.uk, reference 5460082442.
event. Milford House marked 20 years of serving the Salisbury community with a Summer BBQ gathering, with staff, residents and guests enjoying good food and live music. The home regularly holds events and activities for residents and neighbours. Originally built as a private home for the Earl of Ilchester, Milford House has been refurbished and extended, providing a mix of old architectural charm and purpose-built accommodation. General manager, Abhishek Bagchi, said: "It is important to recognise the hard work of our staff here at Milford House. "For the past 20 years, we have provided a caring home for
EDITORIAL
our residents as well as the best possible environment for our staff. "(The anniversary event) not only enables us to celebrate their hard work, but it's also an opportunity to thank the residents, their relatives and friends who have made Milford House a loving home."
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Walkers are being urged to sign up for the Midnight Walk fundraiser
Pictures: Spencer Mulholland Photography
Approval for £14 million Salisbury school expansion plan
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LANNING permission has been granted for a huge £14 million redevelopment of a Salisbury school. Capacity at Sarum Academy, in Westwood Road, will increase by 300 places, with more classrooms, improved sports provision and improved facilities being developed as part of the plan. Wiltshire Council has invested £14.6m in the scheme, with planning permission for the work now granted. The Sarum Academy expansion project will see: Refurbishment of part of the existing teaching block Construction of a new two-storey, net zero science block A new artificial sports pitch Conversion of an existing building for sports and physical education use Reconfiguration of teaching spaces to support an eight-form entry school, including additional art and music classrooms Once complete, the council said the development will provide “a modern learning environment helping more
young people attend school locally alongside their peers”. Cllr Jon Hubbard, cabinet member for education and skills, said: “Wiltshire Council is committed to investing in the education of our young people. We carefully plan for future demand so that we can provide as many local school places as possible. “It is important that young people can attend school in their local community and benefit from excellent facilities that
support their learning, wellbeing and future aspirations.” Morgan Sindall Construction has been appointed to carry out the work, with the firm saying it would “work closely with the school, staff and local community to minimise disruption”. Cliff Kinch, area director for Morgan Sindall Construction in the south, said: “The expansion of Sarum Academy is a really exciting project, as we know that it’s going to help
futureproof Salisbury’s educational landscape by creating hundreds of new secondary school places. “It’ll also be looking after the local community’s future generations in more ways than one, as its net zero design will provide a sustainable, high-end teaching environment for years to come.” Construction work is expected to be completed by the end of 2027. Sarum Academy is expanding
Picture: Sarum Academy
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Man jailed for beating woman including kicking her in the head
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ILLY Conners has been jailed for 19 months after he admitted assaulting a woman in her 30s. Conners, formerly of Castle Road, Salisbury, was put behind bars after admitting two counts of assault against the woman, from Melksham. The 26-year-old was sentenced at Salisbury Crown Court on Monday (July 27). The court heard how in April, Wiltshire Police received a call from the victim reporting she had been assaulted by Conners on multiple occasions, with whom she had been in a relationship with for only two months. On March 30, Conners assaulted the victim by biting her and spitting on her, as well as repeatedly calling her
derogatory names. Two days later, he accused the victim of messaging other people and pushed her to the floor. And on April 2, Conners assaulted the victim again, kicking her to the head after pushing her to the floor, punched her in the ribs and face and again spat in her face. When the victim tried to leave the address, Conners blocked her from leaving. The victim fortunately didn’t suffer any serious injuries. Conners was arrested, charged, and remanded into custody. After the hearing, T/DC Hannah Ferris, based at Central CID, said: “Conners’ behaviour was absolutely abhorrent, and I want to commend the victim for Billy Conners has been jailed for 19 months
FORDINGBRIDGE Fryern Court Road, Fordingbridge, SP6 1ND
having the strength to report his abuse to the police. Her courage in coming forward and detailing the awful assaults that Conners committed against her has meant that a domestic abuser has been put behind bars. “Cases such as this demonstrate the importance of our commitment to reducing
Picture: Wiltshire Police
and preventing violence against women and girls, one of the Force’s three key priorities. “If you or anyone you know is in a relationship and something doesn’t feel right, we would encourage you report it online or call 101. In an emergency or if a crime is in progress always call 999.”
Driving charges for man, 21
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A MAN has been charged with driving offences after a hare coursing incident near Ludgershall. Tommy Frankham, 21, of Sandy Lane, Bushey, Hertfordshire, has been charged with dangerous driving, driving without insurance, failing to stop for police and using a motor vehicle where the number of passengers carried is likely to cause danger. The charges came after an incident in April. Frankham has been bailed to appear before Swindon Magistrates’
Court on August 26. “The charge relates to an incident on April 25, when officers responded to an incident involving three vehicles reportedly hare coursing across rural land near Ludgershall,” a Wiltshire Police spokesperson said. “Seven people, including Frankham, were arrested and charged with being equipped for searching for or pursuing hares with dogs," the spokesperson added. They are due to appear at Salisbury Magistrates’ Court next month.”
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Hatch House Open Garden is back!
T
HE popular annual Hatch House Open Garden event returns for 2026 on Sunday, August 30, in support of the Salisbury Hospice Charity. Garden lovers will be welcomed to the estate from 11am until 4.30pm, able to take in the walled garden, while enjoying a host of other attractions. The day began as a simple idea between friends – a walk through the walled garden to raise money for charity – and has since blossomed into a much-loved tradition. From tea and cakes to stalls of second-hand treasures, the Hatch House Open Garden is a gathering that supports the community in a meaningful way. Lady Holly Rumbold, for whom Hatch House is home, created the Open Garden alongside her friend, Elspeth Vernon.
The Hatch House Open Garden event has become a popular fundraiser
"When our children were little, my friend and business partner Elspeth and I spent our summers at Hatch House," she said. "Those days were filled with pony rides, visits to Longleat, endless walks, and the bustle of cooking and laundry for six lively children. "It was busy, it was joyful, and it became the backdrop to an idea that has since grown into something very special. "One summer, we decided to open the gates of Hatch’s beautiful 17th-century Dutchstyle walled garden to raise a little money for charity.
"At first, all we offered was a gentle walk among the flowers. The takings were modest, but the seed had been planted. "The following year, we added tea, cakes, and clothes: a mix of surplus from our own wardrobes, our London shop, and glamorous cast-offs from my mother-in-law, strung up on a ladder by our gardener, Cyril Eldridge. "This simple gesture became a treasured tradition that raised far more than we ever imagined." Since those early days, the event has flourished. Now supported by Virginia Fairhurst,
Joanna Jacobs, and the Tisbury Fundraising Committee, the event welcomes visitors to browse second-hand treasures that tell stories of their own. Furniture, books, bric-a-brac, jewellery, and of course, the fabulous fashion which has become synonymous with the event. Most importantly, as guests step into this enchanting garden, they gain the opportunity to give something back. Every ticket sold on the gate, every purchase made, supports compassionate end-of-life and palliative care for local people – upholding the ethos at the heart of the enterprise. To date, the Hatch House Open Garden has raised more than £250,000 for Salisbury Hospice. The event runs from 11am to 4.30pm on Sunday, August 30 at Hatch House, Newtown, Tisbury. Entry costs £5 for adults, £2 for children.
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Warning amid drought in Wessex
W
ESSEX - including Wiltshire - is among seven areas declared in drought by the Environment Agency (EA) following prolonged hot, dry weather. Half of England is affected by the announcement with large swathes of central, eastern, and southern England now experiencing a flash drought, brought about by a combination of very low rainfall and higher temperatures. With rivers running low, farmers are having to harvest crops early, wildfire risk is increasing, and millions of people are living under restrictions on water use. The environmental regulator has stepped up its operational response, including enhanced monitoring and controlling how much water can be taken from rivers and groundwaters. Helen Wakeham, director of water at the EA and chair of the
National Drought Group, said: “The hot and dry weather means we are currently using water faster than nature can replenish it. A second consecutive summer drought is an exceptionally serious situation and one that will have longlasting impacts on our environment, wildlife, and the economy. “We want everyone to stay safe and hydrated during the hot weather but every drop we can save is a drop more for nature and agriculture.” The seven areas in drought across the UK are: East Anglia, Hertfordshire and the whole of London, Thames Valley, Hampshire & the Isle of Wight, Devon & Cornwall, The West Midlands, Wessex (covering Dorset, Somerset, Wiltshire, and south Gloucestershire). Jim Flory, environment manager for the EA’s Wessex area, said: “Bristol, Somerset,
Dorset and Wiltshire are in drought, alongside Devon and Cornwall. The South West faces the same pressures as many other parts of England who are also in drought. Water demand is high, rainfall is low. “Water is precious. Not only do we rely on it but so does the environment, with protected, designated areas like the Somerset Levels and Moors reliant on maintained water levels. We all have a duty to use water wisely and we investigate all cases of water being abstracted illegally from the environment.” Representatives from the National Drought Group which includes the Met Office, government, regulators, water companies, farmers, Canal & River Trust, anglers and conservation experts – held a dedicated drought briefing with Water Minister, Emma Hardy, on July 28.
The group reviewed impacts, preparedness, and drought response actions across England, with water companies being told to prioritise fixing leaks. There is also additional work to secure supplies into the autumn. Ms Hardy said: “Our climate is changing, droughts are becoming increasingly common, and we need to be prepared for this new normal. “We’re delivering long-term change in the water industry and driving record investments in infrastructure, including nine new reservoirs. “We expect water companies to follow their drought plans, to go further and faster to reduce leaks, and to ensure supplies are not disrupted even in the driest of weather.” The current drought now means there have been three droughts in the past five years – 2022, 2025 and now 2026.
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Nurse Rosemary's dementia journey inspires husband's poetry collection
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ETIRED English teacher John Cox has released a personal collection of poems inspired by the memories he shares with his wife - as she lives with dementia. Mr Cox has put together the moving verses while supporting his wife, Rosemary, as she lives with the condition and has released them - with all proceeds going to the Salisbury District Hospital Stars Appeal. Memories for Rosemary is a deeply personal collection written to celebrate and renew memories from their lives together, he said, as the couple live with her condition, which means she continues to recognise people and communicates her understanding through smiles and facial expressions. "Last December I wrote A Christmas Crown for Rosemary, a sequence of 15 sonnets about our lives together," John explained. "I read it to Rosemary and was deeply moved by her response. When I'd finished, I asked if it was all right. She smiled and actually said, 'Yes'. The poetry somehow sparked in her something beyond what talking might do. "I've gone on to write more poems in different forms, with travel often a recurring theme,
and have also written about memories of my life before I met Rosemary. "Having shared the poems with family and friends, I would like them to reach a wider readership and to benefit the Stars Appeal, which does such hugely important work for so many people." The project also reflects Rosemary's lifelong dedication to healthcare. A nurse throughout her career, she trained at St Thomas' Hospital in London and worked as a coronary care nurse at St Bartholomew's Hospital when she and John first met. After moving to Salisbury and raising a family, Rosemary returned to nursing at Salisbury District Hospital, working at the Spinal Treatment Centre before transferring to Salisbury Hospice. Her final role was as a Sister, liaising with medical staff across the hospital on palliative care. "Having given so much to so many during her working life, Rosemary is now the recipient of nursing care. Excellent nurses may not always make good patients, but she has become one," John went on. In recognition of both Rosemary's nursing career and the care she has received, all
John Cox with his book, Memories for Rosemary
proceeds from sales of Memories for Rosemary will be donated to the Stars Appeal, the charity supporting Salisbury District Hospital. Dave Cates, from the charity, said: "It is incredibly generous that the proceeds from Memories for Rosemary are coming to the Stars Appeal to support our work with patients and families at Salisbury Hospital. We are very grateful
to John for choosing to support our charity in this way and wish him every success with the book." Copies of Memories for Rosemary cost £10 and are available from Salisbury Information Centre, in Fish Row. The book can also be ordered online for £12, including postage and packaging, via www. memoriesforrosemary.org.
Tisbury talk will explore link between art and nature HOW nature presents a subject elsewhere will be the topic of an art talk in Tisbury next month. On September 10, art historian Sara Radice will be at the tithe barn, at Messums West, to give a talk entitled Landscape, Man & Memory. “Landscape paintings can take many forms, from pragmatic topographical records of ownership, or ideal recreations of a classical golden age of nymphs and shepherds, to Paradise itself,” a spokesperson said.
“In this lecture, Sara will be looking at another type of landscape, one which depicts a specific place, but the essential subject lies elsewhere, somewhere beyond or beneath it. “These works examine humans’ encounters with Nature and their interventions with the wild, both physically and spiritually.” Artists set to be discussed reflect TS Eliot’s idea that “all time is eternally
present”, they said. “In their landscapes and sculptures, traces of earlier forms survive like palimpsests: whether it is hints of the unknown gods of our ancient ancestors, or the rock formations created through violence and pressure – ice, water, and fire – or fossils, fragments of bones, and human activity that emerge as our coastlines crumble,” the spokesperson went on. n For more details and to buy tickets – priced at £15 for adults and £8 for children over 10 – visit www.messums.org/ performance-page.
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Man abused pregnant partner
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ILTON man Howard Ingram has been handed a seven-year restraining order and a suspended prison sentence after a series of violent attacks on his former partner. The 31-year-old, of North Street, Wilton, appeared at Salisbury Crown Court on July 17 after pleading guilty to three counts of assault occasioning ABH and intentional strangulation. As well as the restraining order, he was given an 18-month prison sentence suspended for two years. The court heard how Ingram’s relationship with the victim started reasonably well but deteriorated over a period of time. In July 2023, during a disagreement, Ingram physically tried to remove the woman from his vehicle, using a full can of coke to hit her repeatedly in the face, causing a
black eye. The following month, Ingram grabbed and choked the woman before getting her in a chokehold, causing her to struggle to breathe and eventually lose consciousness. During another disagreement, he punched her to the face multiple times causing a broken nose and other facial injuries. The assaults continued even when the woman was pregnant, with Ingram, pictured above right, pinning her up against a wall before throwing her to the ground, the court was told. In a victim impact statement read out in court, the woman spoke directly to Ingram, and said: "You destroyed me to have me at your beck and call. You manipulated your friends and family from the day we met to believe I was this awful person so when you allowed me to see your true colours, they would never believe me. You played your smear campaign right from
the start. "As much as it pains me to say, you do deserve whatever punishment comes your way, and this is no longer in my control. But I pray that nobody ever suffers by your hands again. "I have come out of this stronger and happier than ever before. Yes, I am still recovering and that recovery will take time, perhaps even years. But it can take place inside the loving, safe, happy family that I have around me. "If you were to lay your hands on a person – child or woman – more vulnerable than me – I don’t think they’d live to tell the tale. If I just walked away from all this without taking action, leaving you free to do the same to someone else, I would never be able to forgive myself." Local crime investigator, Natalie Dalton, said: "Ingram subjected the woman to a
sustained campaign of violence, including strangulation, physical assaults and repeatedly using force against her. "His actions were controlling, dangerous and completely unacceptable. There is no place in society for offenders like Ingram." She added: "Although still recovering from this relationship, her faith, her family and wider support network have helped her to reach this point, and I hope this sentencing also helps provide her with some form of closure."
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Saddler Mark takes leadership reins!
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MASTER saddler from Salisbury has taken the reins in a prestigious national role. The Society of Master Saddlers has announced city saddler Mark Romain MBE, who has spent more than 50 years dedicated to the craft, has been installed as Prime Warden of the Worshipful Company of Saddlers. Mark, training officer of the Society of Master Saddlers and founder of The Saddlery Training Centre in Salisbury, was installed during a historic inauguration ceremony at Saddlers' Hall in the City of London on July 20. The Worshipful Company of Saddlers traces its origins back to the 12th century and was granted a Royal Charter in 1363. As Prime Warden, Mark now serves as the company's principal ambassador and leader for the next year, presiding over
its Court, representing it throughout the City of London and beyond, and guiding its charitable and educational work. "Becoming Prime Warden of the Saddlers' Company is a huge privilege and something I never dreamed would happen to me," said Mark. "Along with the position comes much responsibility and I will do my best to fulfil those duties throughout the year." Mark's career in saddlery began in 1973, when he took up an apprenticeship in the trade at just the start of what would become a lifelong vocation. After 13 years working at the bench as a saddler, he became a saddlery training advisor for The Countryside Agency. When that organisation closed in 2000, Mark and his wife Dawn set up The Saddlery Training Centre in Salisbury, which they have run together since. The Centre is an approved
Mark Romain and wife Dawn at Saddler's Hall, London
assessment centre for the City & Guilds National Saddlery Skill Assessment and Qualification Scheme, working in close association with the Worshipful Company of Saddlers, the Society of Master Saddlers and UKFT, the saddlery sector's skills body. Based in Salisbury, the
Centre offers a flexible approach to training, including a New Entrants Scheme for those not eligible to join a formal apprenticeship, alongside a range of courses for saddlers, harness makers and apprentices looking to build industryrecognised qualifications and hone their skills.
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Bryan goes off-road for good causes
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RYAN Simmans is preparing to take on a challenging cycle from London to Brighton - off-road - to raise funds for the British Heart Foundation (BHF) and raise awareness of accessible housing. The 65-year-old cyclist is passionate about accessible housing as it helped his mum stay safe and independent in her home for longer. He moved into his mum’s home in Wylye Lodge, Wilton, five years ago to support her when she was unwell. "For disabled and older people like my mother, having a home that’s designed to allow you to move about more freely, one you can get around, and use inside and out – not just live on the ground floor – is so important for a person’s independence, health and wellbeing," Bryan said.
Bryan is heading off-road for good causes
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Habinteg Housing Association. Having lived with a painful heart condition when he was younger, Bryan is also using his personal experience to fuel his support for BHF. "My heart condition, although not life threatening, was very painful," he said. "Even though I haven’t
experienced it for years now, it was a very worrying time. "I want to raise money for BHF to help it fund lifesaving research into heart and circulatory diseases." Now, he is preparing to embark on the London to Brighton off-road bike ride on September 19. It takes a challenging 61-mile, off-road route from Walton-on-Thames, across the South Downs on to the coast at Hove Lawns. Bryan has been training for the sporting challenge since the beginning of the year, cycling the 10-mile round trip from his home in Wilton to his gardencentre workplace and back each day. n For more information, and to back Bryan's appeal, visit his Just Giving page at https:// www.justgiving.com/page/ bryan-simmans-1.
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Visit gets Ken back on the green!
R
INGWOOD care home resident Ken was bowled over when he returned to the green for the first time in a decade. Ken, who lives at Care South-run St Ives House, visited Bournemouth Bowling Club in Meyrick Park to revive a hobby from years ago. Previously a member of Braeside Bowling Club in Ringwood, Ken was given the chance to try out his skills once again alongside some fellow residents from St Ives House, and from Alexandra House in Parkstone and Wickmeads in Tuckton. The event was organised to celebrate Care South’s sponsorship of the club’s scoreboards. Residents were supported by Phil Newman, president of Bournemouth Bowling Club, alongside Liz, club treasurer
and Ladies Captain, and club member Chris. “It was marvellous. I haven’t played in about 10 years, so it was very good. The weather and the people were also good,” said Ken. Anne, who lives at Alexandra House, said: “I thoroughly enjoyed it. We had lots of help from the club. We had lovely weather, so it was a beautiful spot to do some bowling.”
All residents attending were given the chance to have a go, with some taking advantage of the club’s specially adapted ‘Bowls Royce’ wheelchairs, which can be used on the bowling green. Charlotte Mitchell, resident activities and lifestyle lead at Care South, added: “The residents had such a brilliant time chatting, swapping top tips and watching everyone have a
go at Bournemouth Bowling Club. It was great for Ken and the other residents to reconnect with a familiar pastime, while also being able to introduce the sport to others that hadn’t had the chance to try it before. “We’re incredibly grateful to the team at Bournemouth Bowling Club for giving everyone such a warm welcome and making the day so enjoyable.” Club president Phil said: “It was lovely to see that Ken has retained his talent for bowling despite a long break. He was able to advise some of the other residents who were new to bowling about their technique, and they achieved some fantastic scores as a result. “We’re always looking for new talented players and we’d warmly welcome any of the Care South residents to come back again for a re-match.”
Summer fayre raises £900 towards church restoration A SUMMER fayre that took visitors back in time raised a very modern £900 towards the restoration and expansion of a historic church. St Peter’s Church, in Fugglestone, Wilton, held its Medieval Summer Fayre on
Saturday, July 25, attracting scores of families, residents and history enthusiasts. Boasting entertainment, including music from visiting organist Susan Pykett, Morris dancing and folk music by Sarum Morris, as well as
traditional fairground games, cream teas, and a turn at soaking a few of the trustees in the stocks, the event raised more than £900 towards the ongoing church restoration and expansion for wider use by the community.
Salisbury & Avon, August 10, 2026
News
salisburyandavon.co.uk
A-CLASS ROOFING & CONSTRUCTION LTD (A-Class Roofing) is an established roofing and construction business within the Wiltshire and wider areas. We are a fully licensed and insured roofing business and perform our work with pride, safety and professionalism. We appreciate how important your home or business is to you and therefore we ensure our work is given the same care and attention to detail as we would complete if we were performing on our own property.
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We cover all aspects of roofing and have a wide knowledge of new build roofs and the older heritage roofs. We are confident when assessing and inspecting each individual property or building and can assist with repairs as necessary A-Class Roofing also have their own scaffolding company so all works and construction will be in house which therefore ensures everything will be run in a smoothly manner and we are not awaiting third parties to assist. Our scaffolding company have a dedicated team who are able to measure up and draw the required scaffolding for your needs and work with our clients to make sure that all safety regulations are in place and that our scaffolding is designed correctly to meet the needs of the works being undertaken. Clients’ safety, well-being and expectations is our priority.
Office: 01722 485910 Email: admin@A-Classltd.co.uk Web: A-Classltd.co.uk www.facebook.com/p/A-class-roofing-and-construction-LTD-100076139361493
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16
Salisbury & Avon, August 10, 2026
News
salisburyandavon.co.uk
Salisbury & Avon, August 10, 2026 salisburyandavon.co.uk
17
Arts & Entertainment
Enjoy summer in and around Salisbury
S
UMMER is in full swing in and around Salisbury and there’s lots going on to keep the whole family entertained. Whether you’re looking for something little ones will love, an educational visit to keep young minds active over the holidays, or want to find something with a slightly slower pace, you should find what you’re after. Running throughout the six week break until September 5 is the Salisbury Bear Hunt challenging families to spot a cuddly hoard of 100 teddy bears hidden around the city centre. Entry forms are available from Salisbury Information Centre and Julia’s House Charity Shop. On Tuesday (August 11), artist Emma Kerr will be on hand at The Young Gallery in Salisbury Library for a free Travelling Monsters Workshop. Participants will be able to make monster collages and adventure books inspired by the Mick Maslen Urban Scene’s exhibition in Gallery 2 with activities ranging from collage and drawing to book making. A spellbinding adaptation of a children’s classic is also happening on Tuesday when Quantum Theatre takes on The Tale of Peter Rabbit and Benjamin Bunny. Families are invited to grab a blanket and a picnic for the much-loved production. Salisbury Museum has a variety of Discovery Days running on Tuesdays throughout August. On August 11, go on a Barmy Burial Making adventure to learn all about the things left in graves through history, on August 18 the Animal Amulet Art day invites visitors to create their very own animal amulet to take home, inspired by the figurines and jewellery within the museum, and on August 25, the Book of Me! activity will have bookbinder Tamsin Loveday on hand guiding participants through making their very own book all about
tickets, visit The Wardrobe website. n Discovery Days – Salisbury Museum When: August 11, 18 and 25, 10am-4pm Cost: Free with museum entry – Adults £10.99, Children £4.95, family ticket £24.99 For more information, visit the Salisbury Museum website. their lives, hopes and dreams. Meanwhile, Salisbury Cathedral is hosting arts and crafts activities every Wednesday in August, inspired by their Joyful Noise programme. The next two topics are ‘rhythmic ribbons and bell bracelets’ followed by ‘windchimes’ finishing up with ‘back to school bags’ at the end of the month. Visitors can also get creative with the ‘Super Sounds’ outside trail. Also at the cathedral this month is an opportunity to dance the afternoon away at the free event, Swing Unlimited: Music on the Lawns. Bring your picnic blanket, enjoy an ice cream, head to the bar and soak up the sun on August 16. At another event on Tuesday, children aged three to 10 can enjoy a free, interactive storytelling session with Kristina Stephenson at Amesbury Library. Children’s tickets will need to be booked via the library in advance. Proving the summer holidays don’t need to break the bank, lots of activities that won’t cost you a penny are happening on Guildhall Square this summer. Fayre on the Square, which runs until September 6, is bringing the seaside to the heart of the city including a wide range of activities, such as mini golf, boules, skittles, swingball, table tennis, table football, chess, sandpits, giant Jenga and Connect 4, as well as food & drink, and live music and entertainment from morning to evening.
If you fancy heading further afield, the Great British Summer at Stonehenge is also running until September 6, inspired by timeless holiday traditions and a fun day out for the whole family. Knock down the tin can alley at the fairground games, pick up new tricks at the circus skills station and dive into some puppet antics. Kick back in a deck chair with a delicious ice cream, then grab a bucket and build an epic sandcastle. Kids can grab a Great British Summer activity passport and collect special stamps to complete their summer adventure. What’s on in Salisbury and surrounds n Salisbury Bear Hunt Salisbury City Centre When: Until September 5 Cost: Free For more information, visit the Julia’s House website. n Travelling Monsters Workshop – The Young Gallery, Salisbury Library When: August 11, 11am-1pm Cost: Free For more information, visit the Young Gallery website. n The Tale of Peter Rabbit and Benjamin Bunny – The Wardrobe (Rifles Museum), 58 The Close, Salisbury When: August 11, 3-4:30pm Cost: Adults £18, concession £15, children £14, family ticket £50 For more information, or to buy
n Family craft sessions – Salisbury Cathedral When: August 12, 19 and 26, 9.30am-3pm. Cost: Free with Cathedral entry – adults £12.50 in advance or £14.50 on the day, children under 12 free, children aged 12-16 £8.50 in advance or £9.50 on-the-day, local residents free with valid proof of address For more information, visit the Salisbury Cathedral website. n Interactive storytelling session with Kristina Stephenson – Amesbury Library When: August 11, 2.30-3.30pm Cost: Free Booking required via Amesbury Library on 01980 623491. n Swing Unlimited: Music on the Lawns – Salisbury Cathedral When: August 16, 1-4pm Cost: Free For more information, visit the Salisbury Cathedral website. n Fayre on the Square – Guildhall Square When: Until September 6 Cost: Free For more information, visit the Salisbury City Council website. n Great British Summer at Stonehenge – near Amesbury When: Until September 6, 10am-5pm Cost: £29 for adults, £14.50 for children (ages 5–17), £26.30 for concessions, £72.70 for family ticket. Members go free. For more information visit the English Heritage website.
18
Salisbury & Avon, August 10, 2026
Your Pictures
salisburyandavon.co.uk
Sunset in sunflowers, by Gail G
Buzzing, bubbles and sunsets... Sunset in Amesbury, by Colin Newbury
Buzzing, by Claire Sheps Sheppard
Salisbury & Avon, August 10, 2026
Your Pictures
salisburyandavon.co.uk
Lavender, by Carol Byrne
Wilton church, by Paula Simpson Bubbles, by Samantha Watts
Salisbury Cathedral framed as viewed from the Maltings shopping centre, by Rich Safe
19
20
Salisbury & Avon, August 10, 2026
Volunteering
salisburyandavon.co.uk
Family time could inspire the next generation of volunteers Litter picks and community clean-ups are a good way for families to volunteer together
Wessex Community Action (WCA) is the council for voluntary services in Wiltshire and provides practical support for community organisations on funding, governance, planning, policy development, recruiting and leadership. This monthly volunteering column looks at all aspects of volunteering and how people can give up their time for the benefit of their communities...
T
HE most memorable family days out don’t have to be a wallet-busting trip to a theme park, they could involve spending a few hours making a difference together. Most of us as parents invest time into shaping out children’s outlook to be considerate and helpful and volunteering is a brilliant and effective way of demonstrating that. Children are always curious and eager to get involved and will always take on board the message that having fun and doing something good can go hand in hand. There are many volunteering opportunities that are perfect for families, including helping to spruce up the park, supporting a community event or raising money for a favourite charity. Whatever the activity or the cause, volunteering can show young people how much of an impact can be made by relatively small acts of kindness – and how that impact is
multiplied when people come together. Those small acts help develop confidence, teamwork and empathy and being part of a group and experiencing community spirit is far more powerful than just being told about it. That experience will stay with them far longer than one more afternoon staring at a screen. In Wiltshire there are plenty of ways for families to lend a hand. Community litter picks are a great place to start, with groups regularly welcoming children accompanied by an adult. It doesn’t require much effort to fill a rubbish bag but the sense of achievement and the fulfilment of leaving somewhere tidier than it was when they found it is priceless. Many groups need volunteers for fundraising events throughout the year and families can support sponsored walks, fetes and community
celebrations by helping with refreshments, selling raffle tickets or welcoming visitors. They are also easy and enjoyable ways to meet new people. Families who have an affinity with the outdoors could look at activities organised by Wiltshire Wildlife Trust, which runs conservation events that are suitable for all ages. Spending time outdoors caring for green spaces is a great way to spend time together and get to know the area, while giving something back. Check for opportunities at wiltshirewildlife.org. WCA’s Wiltshire Together online platform (www. wiltshiretogether.org.uk ) lists hundreds of opportunities from charities and community organisations across the county, with many organisations welcoming young volunteers or families working together. Once registered, volunteers can search by location, interest and availability to find roles that
suit both their skills and their lifestyle. Volunteering doesn't have to be formal, either. Delivering shopping to an elderly neighbour, collecting donations for a foodbank or helping at a school fundraiser all count. The important thing is showing children that helping others is simply part of being a good neighbour. Children pick up a great deal from what they see than what they are told. Volunteering together means families aren’t just strengthening their communities, they are inspiring a new generation of volunteers into the bargain. n WCA works with charities and groups to help them support volunteer training and development, and helps them develop links with the community. To find out more, contact Stacey Sims at community@ wessexcommunityaction.org.uk.
Salisbury & Avon, August 10, 2026
21
Home & Garden
salisburyandavon.co.uk
Making gardening nice ‘n’ easy...
M
OST of us want a garden we can actually enjoy, somewhere to sit with a cup of tea on a summer morning, or a space that looks cared for without having to worry about maintenance every weekend. But not all of us have the time or the gardening know how to spend on our outdoor space. As part of its Make it Bloom campaign, British Garden Centres has put together some simple ideas to give a garden impact with little work, whatever your experience or the size of your outdoor space. Start with containers CONTAINER gardening suits any size of garden, even if you have a small patio or a balcony. There’s no digging, no difficult soil and no weeding to worry about. You choose your plants, pop them in a pot and enjoy them. Lavender is a great place to start, with its fragrant, drought tolerant nature, and is irresistible to bees. Heuchera offers year-round interest with its striking foliage, trailing lobelia tumbles beautifully over the edge of pots all summer, and sedums are virtually impossible to kill in a sunny spot. For shady corners, hostas bring lush, architectural leaves to spaces where little else will grow. If you tend to forget to water, look out for containers with built-in self-watering reservoirs to keep plants happy even when life gets in the way. Plant perennials PERENNIALS come back year after year without needing to be replaced, slowly filling borders and genuinely getting better with age, so you can have a border or container with little maintenance. Rudbeckia brings cheerful golden-yellow flowers from late summer into autumn, while Echinacea produces bold, daisy-like blooms in pinks and purples that pollinators can’t resist. Geranium ‘Rozanne’ is a real workhorse as it flowers for months on end and spreads
gently to cover bare ground. Salvia nemorosa and Crocosmia ‘Lucifer’ both deliver real drama with almost no effort, and once you have a good mix established, a perennial border largely looks after itself. Scatter wildflower seeds A WILDFLOWER patch is possibly the most effortless garden project there is. Scratch over a small patch of ground, scatter your seeds, lightly rake them in and simply wait. Look for mixes that include Ox-eye Daisy, Corn Poppy, Cornflower and Field Scabious as all of them self-seed readily, attract bees and butterflies in good numbers, and many will return entirely on their own the following year, making this a garden feature that gets easier over time, not harder. Lay some stepping stones A SIMPLE path of stepping stones protects your lawn from heavy foot traffic, keeps mud out of the house through the wetter months and can make even a modest garden feel much bigger if you let it curve gently through the space. Tuck a few low-growing thyme or chamomile plants between the stones for a lovely fragrance when you walk over them and combine with gravel for a finish that’s both attractive and weed-resistant. Mulching ONE afternoon spent mulching can save hours of weeding over the months that follow. A layer of bark chippings, garden compost or gravel spread over borders suppresses weeds
before they get started, locks moisture into the soil so you water less often and gradually improves the soil structure as it breaks down. Aim for around 5cm deep, applied in spring or autumn, and keep clear of direct contact with stems. Add shrubs and ground cover plants SHRUBS are among the most underrated plants in a low maintenance garden, giving you year-round structure and seasonal interest with very little in return. Viburnum tinus flowers in winter, stays evergreen all year, and barely needs pruning. Hydrangea paniculata asks for just one cut in spring before producing spectacular blooms all summer. For bare ground between plants, spreading ground cover like
Vinca minor, Alchemilla mollis and Geranium ‘Rozanne’ block out weeds naturally, letting plants do the work. Julian Palphramand, head of Plants at British Garden Centres, said: “People often think gardening is too complicated, too time consuming or that they simply don’t have the space. What we love about these ideas is that they prove otherwise. A pot of lavender on a doorstep, a handful of wildflower seeds scattered in a sunny corner, and a few perennials planted and left to settle in are small things that make a real difference, and anyone can do them. You don’t need expertise or hours to spare. You just need to start somewhere, and the rewards follow very quickly.”
EX-DISPLAY SHEDS, Stables/field shelters, summerhouses, offices, workshops, agricultural 01935 891195
Suppliers of quality Compost and Topsoil
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22
Salisbury & Avon, August 10, 2026
SALISBURY & AVONPER
P3
M BU
GAZETTE
Z 10
U1
Arrow words Infer
Z 10
Cut shorter
Ridiculous person (6,2,3)
Make law
Strap attached to a horse’s bit
The British Queen
1
11
Handle roughly
Form
13 Cabbages and potatoes
High-___ safety jacket
Bend a limb
Large
Loving lip touch
New York airport (inits)
Coach
Wordsearch Invertebrates
S T I M I C T R O E L E C O O
T I O G P A C S U P E S N C P
I M Q K U I D O S B H K S C C
ANT BEE CICADA COCKROACH CRICKET FLY LEECH LOUSE
C R O S S L Q S E R O C O T T
K E D U T E S T R I E C E P L
I T D P I A S C C H K D O E E
N Y I O M S C C C R S L I N L
S I U T C C Y R O D M K E P A
E L Q C K U I A G T D Y L F S
21
23
Optical glass
T E C P E I E S L C K P T C C
5
5
6
11
13
12
14
14
15
6
7
7
8 10
17
Insulting remark
Child’s toy (abbr)
4
10
12
15
16
16
Bawl
Wireless internet (2-2)
Gospel writer
4
3
ISSUE 100 ISSUE 35
9
Common numeric base
Female fox
Claim
2
S1
E1
8 9
Nickname for Evelyn
Moroccan city
salisburyandavon.co.uk
Crossword 1 2 3
Opts
Razing
L1
C T S O H C C C A D A C I C H
T S E T K H I C C L D B R K C
MOTH OCTOPUS SCORPION SLUG SPIDER SQUID STICK INSECT TERMITE
S I O E Q I S O A K A I E E T
C M T O U D S O C I R L E L N
17
18
18
21
19
22
20
23
24
4 6 4
24
Down Down 2 Off the cuff (2,3) 2 Off the cuff singing (2,3) 3 Highest voice (7) 3 Highest singing 5 Self-rule (12) voice (7) 5 Self-rule (12) 6 Short-legged breed of dog (5) 6 Short-legged breed 7 Alternatively (7) of dog (5) 7 Alternatively (7) 8 Housing estates (12) 8 Housing estates (12) 14 Error (7) 14 Error (7) (7) 16 Lumpy 16 Lumpy (7) without a script (2-3) 18 Speak 18 Speak without script(5)(2-3) 20 He lives in aalamp 20 He lives in a lamp (5)
2 9 6 1
20
22
Across Across 1 Decision-making power (3-2) 1 Decision-making power (3-2) 4 Lap (7) 4 Lap (7) 9 Sheep protector (8) 9 Sheep protectorhurry (8) (4) 10 Go quickly; 10 Go quickly; (4) lines (6) 11 A stanzahurry of eight 11 A of eight(5) lines (6) 12stanza Self-respect 12 Self-respect (5) 13 Weapon supplies (4) 13 Weapon supplies (4) 15 Confess to something: ___ up (3) 15 Confess something: ___ up (3) 16 Jokes;toteases (4) 16 Jokes; teases (4) 17 Involuntary muscle contraction (5) 17 Involuntary muscle contraction (5) 19 Adequate (6) 19 Adequate (6) 21 The main room in a palace (4) 21 The main (8) room in a palace (4) 22 Collar 22 Collar (8) (7) 23 Wordy 23 Wordy (7) with a keyboard (5) 24 Writes L24 Writes with a keyboard (5)
C E T T N O I P R O C S R A
19
Easy sudoku
8 8
7 1 5
3 7 2
5 9 5 8
5
6 1
7
4 1 8
Brain chain 25
RESULT
÷5
-40%
+25
-50%
×1/2
23
Salisbury & Avon, August 10, 2026 salisburyandavon.co.uk SALISBURY & AVONPER
P3
M BU
GAZETTE
Z 10
U1
Sudoku 3D puzzle
1
2 5
9 2
7
3
8
6 9
3 9
4
5
6
9 2 5 6
2 1
2
1 3
3 8
4 9
6
1
3
4
7
7
7 5 2
5
ISSUE ISSUE100 35
2
13
15
16
17
4
21 5
3
7
8
4 9
11
12
12
6
14
15
13
16
18
17
6
8
71
2 8 1
9
2 6
1
10
9
5
3 6 5
9
1
3
5
4
10
4
9
9
6
8 8
3
8
2 3 7 5
6
9 8
2 3
9
2
1
7
2
S1
E1
Cryptic crossword
8 4 7
L1
Z 10
19 2
20 3
9
23
23
10
19
22 6
21
20 7
24
11
Across Down Across 1 8 Source of oil in Sevastopol I venture (5) 1 Chat is in this way retrograde in hands o 8 Source of oil in Sevastopol I venture (5) 9 Raise a reform 14 to suppress start of unrest in 12 13 doctor (6) 9 Raise a reform to suppress start of unrest in Place 1 to 9 once into every black-bordered 3x3 area as well as each 2 large part of world? (7) 2 Measure across item read wrongly (8) large part of world? (7) 3 10 A decoration on wall curtailed in southern 3 One succeeding in broadcast on radio (4 10 A decoration on wall curtailed in southern of the 54 rows indicated by the coloured lines. Rows don’t 4 island for warriors (7) 4 Flawless figure in India for twins (6) island for warriors (7) 5 11 See about say mournful work (5) 16 work (5) 17 18 in onset of winter? ( 5 Stoppage increased 1115See about say mournful 6 12 Offer custom in a port possibly with 6 Part of supermarket, we hear, in Skye, 12 Offer custom in a port possibly with enthusiasm (not half) (9) maybe (4) enthusiasm (not half) (9) 7 14 A lot of speed and weight (3) 7 Prohibit around a US city loose jacket (6 14 A lot of speed and weight (3) 13 15 It’s put on road and pitch (3) 13 Manage newspaper that is covering end 1519It’s put on20 road and pitch (3) 21 16 Brave 22 indication to show decisive sporting razzmatazz (8) 16 Brave indication to show decisive sporting 40× 15+ 648× 4 35× 14 moment? (4,5) 14 Exciting experience with companion taki moment? (4,5) 19 Not needing introduction, outstanding frame of tasty panelled work (8) 19 Not needing introduction, outstanding 15 antique (5) 15 Decline initially discounted in cup (6) antique (5) 17 21 One24 from Lhasa, maybe, I guess in sun (7) Place numbers 1 to 9 23 216× 17 Greek character supported by small 21 One from Lhasa, maybe, I guess in sun (7) 23 Experience a distant line (7) once aeach into rebellion (6) 23 Experience distant lineevery (7) 18 24 Some gun cleaned for pawnbroker (5) 18 Sensitive proposal (6) 24 Some row, gun cleaned pawnbroker (5) columnforand 20 20 US lawyer about to get challenge (4) 11+ 0 17+ 20× 8+ 15+ 22 bold-lined 3x3 box. 22 Miserable waste (4)
cross
the thick black lines.
Killer Sudoku Pro
Killer Sudoku Pro
No digit may be
9÷
14+
23+
1
4
6×
14+
2
42×
15+
32+
16+
2
8÷
Across repeated in any dash8 Source of oil in Sevastopol I venture (5) cage, and all in 9 Raise a reform to lined suppress start of unrest large part of world? the(7)digits in any cage 10 A decoration on wall curtailed in southern must add up to the 14× island for warriors (7) value work shown 11 See about say mournful (5) in that 12 Offer custom in a port possibly with 3÷ (not half) (9) enthusiasm 14 A lot of speed and weight (3) 15 It’s put on road and pitch (3) 16 Brave indication to show decisive sporting moment? (4,5) 19 Not needing introduction, outstanding antique (5) × from Lhasa, maybe, I guess in sun (7) 21192 One 23 Experience a distant line (7) 24 Some gun cleaned for pawnbroker (5)
cage.
n Puzzles copyright © Any Puzzle Media Ltd
Brain chain (hard version) 87
RESULT
+82
-3
÷2
+142
Down 1 Chat is in this way retrograde in hands of doctor (6) 2 Measure across item read wrongly (8) 3 One succeeding in broadcast on radio (4) 4 Flawless figure in India for twins (6) 5 Stoppage increased in onset of winter? (6-2) 6 Part of supermarket, we hear, in Skye, maybe (4) 7 Prohibit around a US city loose jacket (6) 13 Manage newspaper that is covering end of razzmatazz (8) 14 Exciting experience with companion taking in frame of tasty panelled work (8) 15 Decline initially discounted in cup (6) 17 Greek character supported by small rebellion (6) 18 Sensitive proposal (6) 20 US lawyer about to get challenge (4) 22 Miserable waste (4)
÷3
For the solutions, turn to page 30
24
Salisbury & Avon, August 10, 2026
SALISBURY & AVONPER
P3
M BU
GAZETTE
Z 10
U1
Codeword 1
A B
2
11
14
3
11
8
2
22
22
11
13
13
25
1
15
O
21
S
2
6
I 6
7
23
22
5
18
7
6
11
13
6
6
10
21
24
3
15 22
15
22
20
3
6
16
21
25
3
16
6
7
23 3
15
26
5
13
22
25
24
3
21
T 12
4
11
19
14
2
22
6
10
24
6
21
3
15
17
3
21
3
4 7 8
10
7 10
9 1
W
6
X 6
11
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
Moderate Sudoku
5 8
10
Y Z
3
9
Numberlink The primary goal is to link all the pairs without the lines crossing or overlapping
Word Chain
HULA
HUMP
PARK
DRYS
3 9 4
5 3 5 4
1 2 3
8 4 1 2 5 7 RESULT
×10
Word Chain Can you climb the word ladder? At each step a new word must be formed by changing one and only one letter, and without rearranging the order of the letters.
Brain Chain (Hard) 2
Brain Chain (Easy) 2 -26
U V
15
16
6 9 5 4 5 7
6 2
Q
S 22
3 5
4
R
2
2
35
ISSUE ISSUE100 35
2
O P
1
2 7 8 9 6 8
S1
E1
1
N 24
4
6 21
21 21
2
25
8
M
15
13
6
K
15
2
23
H
L
5
25
11
G
J
9
6
E F
13
21
C D
15
Z 10
Numberlink
18
M
salisburyandavon.co.uk
L1
÷2
+4
330
RESULT
÷5
+319
-80
×2/5
+173
25
Salisbury & Avon, August 10, 2026 salisburyandavon.co.uk SALISBURY & AVONPER
M BU
GAZETTE
P3
Z 10
U1
24×
192×
19+
60×
18+
25+
A A T E S
I
R
I
L P F R E A
C T A T R E E E W G T R A N E 5
2÷
O U C R 14+
I
I
I
T B P
I
L O
I
I
L A A A
S A N E H E T T W H N R A T R
6×
3
S N G S T
E O G A G V A U C N R A L A M
9+
T B S S L E 4×
ISSUE ISSUE100 35
N T C E R F R P G O S L T C A
4
432×
2
S1
E1
Adventure Playground
14+
I 7÷
L1
Wordsearch 2
Killer Sudoku Pro 72×
Z 10
A D E A E E N B Y A Y G P T S 3÷
216×
14+
11+
20×
2
13+
N N A E L S L A O N L A M S P D U A A O N A T P A E K L U R
35×
P O G F D I
11+
3
I M T R A
L K W I
32×
R W E Y R T W P T
R P E C O N N M R A D E A P
T R 18+
I
N
I
I
L G U L G
Place numbers 1 to 9 once each into every row, column and boldlined 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.
Domino Puzzle
1 0 2 6 1 1 4 Domino
6 1 3 6 3 3 4
1 4 4 0 0 5 3
4 6 6 1 6 4 2
5 0 3 5 5 0 1
1 3 4 0 5 4 6
0 0 3 5 2 2 2
3 6 2 5 2 5 2
Dominoes is a classic game, but in this puzzle version the aim is to divide the grid into a full set of dominoes (with 0 as a blank). A tick-off chart of dominoes is usually provided alongside the puzzle to help the solver, and although these samples use standard 0-6 dominoes the set can be varied, as can the layout and shape of the grid.
Y
A T N U O F P A A
N E A T C O N E C L
Killer Sudoku Pro
I
ACTIVITY NET AERIAL WALKWAY CONE CLIMBER FENCING FOUNTAIN LOGS PLAY HOUSE PLAY PANEL
I M B E R
RAMP ROUNDABOUT SAND PIT SEE SAW SHELTER SPRINGER TARGET BOARD TRIM TRAIL
Word Square Puzzles
S R E L O I C T H
E N P S I E S T T
Word Square Puzzles How many words of three or more letters can you find by tracing out a path from letter to touching letter, without visiting any letter more than once in any given word? In these puzzles diagonal moves can be or can not be allowed, as you choose - allowing diagonal moves typically means that many more words can be found
For the solutions, turn to page 30
26
Salisbury & Avon, August 10, 2026 salisburyandavon.co.uk
LOCAL SERVICES SALISBURY & SURROUNDING AREAS
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Items for Sale ELECTRIC MILK FROTHER 4 in 1 milk steamer automatic hot or cold in black bought on e-bay never used was £18, our price £6 Tel: 01722-338960 after 5pm
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28
Salisbury & Avon, August 10, 2026
Antiques & Collectibles
salisburyandavon.co.uk
Gun market buoyant at summer sales
H
OLTS Auctioneers are just concluding their summer auction cycle, which is proving to be another great success. The UK and international market for sporting and historic guns is still very buoyant. Each Holts auction cycle normally generates a hammer value of around £2 million with some very interesting and often valuable guns consigned, some at local valuation days. HOLTS, who are based on the Sandringham Estate in Norfolk, are a specialist auction house catering for antique and modern firearms, militaria and related accessories. The Holts team are now valuing and accepting consignments for their autumn auctions with valuation days throughout the region. The next local ones are the Thursday, August 27, at The NFU Mutual Sturminster Newton and Wednesday 9th September at The GWCT Fordingbridge. For a full list of venues please see the HOLTS website, www. holtsauctioneers.com. To book an appointment or discuss a valuation or home visit, contact David Thurgood on 01297 306123 or by email at westcountry@ An EM Reilly & Co .410 sidelever hammer shot gun that recently sold for £3,500 holtsauctioneers.com.
HOLTS
AUCTIONEERS OF FINE MODERN & ANTIQUE GUNS
FREE VALUATION DAY
For guns, militaria, edged weapons and related items Thursday 27th August NFU Mutual The Creamery Station Road, Sturminster Newton Dorset, DT10 1BD
Wednesday 9th September The GWCT Burgate Manor Fordingbridge Hampshire, SP6 1EF
To book an appointment, arrange a free valuation or home visit please contact: David Thurgood 01297 306123 westcountry@holtsauctioneers.com WWW. HOLTSAUCTIONEERS.COM
A Bagpuss drawing which sold for £1,600
Picture: Canterbury Auction Galleries
Buyers bag a bit of Bagpuss at auction
M
ORE than 500 paintings, books and more by Bagpuss creator Peter Peter Firmin were sold at auction - with tital sales reaching more than £400,000. Artist and puppet maker Firmin - who was also known for work on iconic shows like The Clangers and Noggin the Nog - passed away in July 2018 at the age of 89. After his death, more than 500 pieces were found at his home, in Kent, and went under the hammer during a two-day sale at the Canterbury Auction Galleries. Works including The Clangers were among the most popular, with a piece featuring another iconic children's character - Basil Brush chatting to a mole, selling for £6,000. An animated Gabriel the Toad character and an
illustration of Nogbad firing a cannon at the Ice Dragon both fetched £4,200. Sale curator, Susanna Woodgate, said: "It was wonderful to see real fans managing to secure a keepsake of something they loved, or perhaps to share with their own children and grandchildren." As well as being sold, a number of finds from Firmin's are set to be donated to The Beaney Museum in Canterbury, which already has a display of characters given by the family. Smallfilms, which Firmin co-founded with fellow creator Oliver Postgate, produced some of Britain's best-known children's TV characters over three decades from the 1950s to the 1980s, with Bagpuss crowned the UK's all-time favourite children's television programme in a 1999 poll of viewers. An illustration featuring the Soup Dragon and two Clangers sold for £3,500 Picture: Canterbury Auction Galleries
Salisbury & Avon, August 10, 2026 salisburyandavon.co.uk
29
Antiques & Collectibles
Clarke's has sales for every item!
C
Free valuations every Friday at our Wimborne office
LARKE'S Auctions have become a respected name in the south west, offering a fresh and modern approach to buying and selling at auction, combining professional valuation services with a strong online presence attracts buyers from across the UK and abroad. Gold, silver, jewellery and coins continue to be among the strongest performing categories at auction with jewellery and collectable items consistently selling above estimate. Now is the perfect time to consign as gold prices have risen dramatically over the past few years, while silver has also seen significant gains, creating strong demand for quality pieces. Regular monthly sales feature a varied selection of antiques and collectable items, jewellery and fine art, attracting interest from both established collectors and first-time buyers. Single-owner collections
Clarke's is accepting entries for a sale running on Setpember 11 and 12
remain highly desirable, often attracting considerable interest due to their consistency, quality and provenance – factors that frequently result in stronger sale prices. Clarke's Auctions has extensive experience in handling such collections and have successfully sold a wide range of consignments including gold coin collections, vintage and modern jewellery,
Next Sale
European Ceramics & Glass; Clocks & Instruments; and Antique Furniture & Objects Saturday 12th September 2026 For a full list of our specialist sales please see our website
railway memorabilia, Royal Crown Derby paperweights, taxidermy, McLaren F1 memorabilia, and a collection of 19th century swordsticks. Whether you are selling a single item, downsizing, administering a probate estate or clearing an entire property, Clarke's Auctions offers expert guidance every step of the way. Free valuations are available at their Gillingham saleroom or in
the comfort of your own home. n For enquiries for consignment into their September 11 and 12 sale, 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.
Clarke’s Auctions
Auctioneers & Valuers
Antiques && Collectibles Sale Antiques Collectables Friday 9th & & Saturday Saturday12th 10th August Friday 11th September Viewing Wednesday 7th and Thursday 8th from 9.00am to 4.30pm
An 18th-19th century AngloIndian ivory inlaid vizagapatam desk Sold for £4,600
An Irish Limerick provincial silver sugar basin.
SOLD FOR £7,600 For free verbal valuations please contact Head Office & Salesrooms: Station Road, Semley, Shaftesbury SP7 9AN 01202 842 900 www.semleyauctioneers.com Offices in Semley, Wiltshire; Wimborne, Dorset; and South Kensington, London
An original Fry & Sons 'Fry's Pure Concentrated Cocoa' enamel sign. Sold for £1,600. Clarke’s Auctions offerFactory, free home visits and verbal valuations. The Old Glove Buckingham Road Now accepting items for this and 4QF future sales Gillingham, SP8 Units 1 & 2Factory, KingsettleBuckingham Business Park,Road The Old Glove Gillingham, SP8 4QF enquiries@clarkesauctions.co.uk 01747 685592 01747 855109 enquiries@clarkesauctions.co.uk www.clarkesauctions.co.uk enquiries@clarkesauctions.co.uk
01747 685592
30
Salisbury & Avon, August 10, 2026
Puzzle solutions Edition 100
R
PE
M BU
Easy sudoko 7 1 6 4 5 3 9 8 2
4 3 8 9 2 7 5 1 6
9 5 2 6 1 8 3 4 7
2 9 4 7 6 1 8 5 3
1 6 7 3 8 5 2 9 4
5 8 3 2 4 9 7 6 1
8 4 9 1 7 2 6 3 5
3 2 1 5 9 6 4 7 8
6 7 5 8 3 4 1 2 9
2
1
15+
7
4
5
6
11+
0
17+
3 8
14+
7 1 6
14+
9 5
9
8
3 6
2 23+
9
1
4
5
6×
2
16+
7
8÷
8
648×
6
3
2
1
7
4
9÷
9
4
8
3
9
20×
8+
5
1
9
4
3
5
2
4
42×
8
7
32+
3
4
8
4
5
6
1
9
2
4
8
216×
6 1 2
2
2
7 4
15+
7
6
1 8
3÷
3 9
192×
8
2
3
4
Brain chain 25
5
3
28
7
14
Brain chain (hard) 87
169
166
83
75
225
Cryptic crossword
8 9 6 4 1 5 7 5 3 8 3 3 6 2 7 6 5 2 4 5 1 7 9 7 2 9 9 4 1 8 8 1 4 8 6 4 1 4 2 4 2 3 3 7 9 1 7 3 8 5 6 1 6 6 7 5 3 3 5 8 1 3 9 7 4 1 8 9 6 5 9 9 6 1 98 5 2 3 9 16 4 2 5 8 2 2 7 5 7 4 8 1 6 8 4 2 5 6 5 3 7 8 4 1 6 2 4 9 2 4 7 7 3 9 2 9 1 3 5 9 3 3 2 7 8 1 4 3 5 7 5 6 5 6 7 8 6 2 9 7 7 9 4 2 2 3 1 3 6 4 7 6 1 8 5 4 4 8 9 2 9 8 1 5 6 2 8 1 6 4 7 4 9 1 2 7 9 3 3 9 5 6 8 5 2 1 8 6 8 3 4 1 5 1 7 8 2 3 4 8 1 5 2 4 3 7 98 3 1 6 5 68 4 3 7 9 3 9 5 7 7 2 5 6 2 6 9 1 4 1 8 6 3 7 9 5 4 2
G D H G F I B O L I V E E U R A S I A S A I M E L N S A M U R A I E L E G Y I E N Z A P A T R O N I Z E T O N E R U R T A R G A M E P O I N T R A U P E O L D E N T I B E T A N P A I I L Y D H O R I Z O N U N C L E Y E E Y E H R
Crossword
Arrow words
S A Y S O C I R C U I T D O D N O N S H E P H E R D R U S H O R V E G T O C T A V E P R I D E N L E A A M M O O W N K I D S I P D N P A S M E N O U G H RESULT S T D E N B E H A L L N E C K B A N D K I T E L I RESULT V E R B O S E T Y P E S
D P T E I R E W R E C K I N I L K M A V I S C F E Z V T A V E R B I G J F L E X W I T E D B J O H N L E
6
1
5
7
7 15+
5 2
1
5
14×
9
3
35×
6
Sudoku 3D puzzle 2
Killer sudoku pro 40×
Codeword
Killer Sudoku Pro
M H W P C A C O R O N A A B O U N D N S R R N N S K I T M O D I F I E D E T O L X S Y C O P H A N T I C S V C A C E L E B R A T I N G E R V E X E V A S I O N S J O I N E T K C A O B R E E Z E U N I Q U E Y P D E L S
72×
9
7÷
1
18+
6 3
2
7
3÷
2
14+
8
20×
8 7 4 9 5 6 2
4
3
5
1
24×
2
3
60×
4
5 3
4
1
2
6
8
432×
25+
5
9
5
8
6
4×
3
8
3
1
5
7
4
11+
7
1
4
2
6
9 3
1 18+
9
7
19+
14+
4
3
9
6
2 5 3 4 7 9 1 6 8
6 8 9 1 3 5 7 2 4
9 6 2 5 8 4 3 7 1
5 7 1 9 6 3 4 8 2
8 3 4 2 1 7 6 9 5
4 1 6 8 9 2 5 3 7
3 9 8 7 5 1 2 4 6
7 2 5 3 4 6 8 1 9
Brain Chain (Easy) 2 35
9
3
30
15
19
7
7
2
1
2÷
14+
9+
4 2
216×
9 3
5 9 8
35×
1
8
5
7
2
6
3
Wordsearch F I G U R E O F F U N
T S T I C K I N S E C T S C L E T I M R E T Y I L T S I M C C I O Q O D D I U Q S E O T E P M G K S U P O T C O T E O T E I P U S T I M C K H K Q U T I C A I L E A S C U C H I D N E T C D Q S S C Y I C I S S O S R S O S T C C R A C C O O I L O U S E R C C O G A C A C P C E P B R I H R D T D L K I R K L E H O E K S M D A D A R O P E S K C C D L K Y C B I L C T C N S O E O I E L I R E E S C O C C T P E N P F C K E L R C O P C T L E L A S H C T N A
N L Y N K I S S
Word Square (left)
Word Chain
192×
2
6×
6
13+
5
HULA
HUMP
8
HULK
DUMP
7
BULK
DAMP
BALK
DAMS
BARK
DAYS
PARK
DRYS
1
4
3
5
6
11+
9
32×
8
2 4
clot, cloth, clothier, clothiers, hie, lore, lot, ore, rot, slot, sloth, tor, tore, tors
Word Square (right) its, nit, nits, pet, pettiness, sin, sine, sit, sits, tie, tin, tine, tines
Numberlink
Moderate Sudoko 1 4 7 6 2 8 9 5 3
(from pages 22-25) salisburyandavon.co.uk
1
Wordsearch 2 I A A T E S I R I
2 4 6 2
L P F R E A
N T C E R F R P G O S L T C A
3
4 7 8
C T A T R E E E W G T R A N E O U C R I
I S N G S T I T B P
E O G A G V A U C N R A L A M T B S S L E I
L O I
3 5
I
L A A A
7 10
9 1
S A N E H E T T W H N R A T R A D E A E E N B Y A Y G P T S N N A E L S L A O N L A M S P D U A A O N A T P A E K L U R
6
5 8
10
9
P O G F D I R W E Y R T W P T I R P E C O N N M R A D E A P T R I M T R A I
L G U L G I Y
L K W I N I A T N U O F P A A
RESULT
N E A T C O N E C L
I M B E R
Brain Chain (Hard) 2 330
66
385
305
122
295
Domino 1 0 2 6 1 1 4
RESULT
6 1 3 6 3 3 4
1 4 4 0 0 5 3
4 6 6 1 6 4 2
5 0 3 5 5 0 1
1 3 4 0 5 4 6
0 0 3 5 2 2 2
3 6 2 5 2 5 2
Salisbury & Avon, August 10, 2026
31
Politics
salisburyandavon.co.uk
'The people versus democracy...'
A
S I sit here on a beautiful moonlit night, fishing at a local lake, listening to all the things that, hoot, splash and really do go bump in the night, I find myself reflecting on the tranquillity of the moment and compare that with the nightmare, and I fear losing, battle against the creeping hand of the state vs the people and democracy. Four recent examples, planning related, which have started to test my faith… I seconded a 'Rights of Way' motion at Full Council in Trowbridge recently, which came from a particular footpath issue in one of my fellow councillor's divisions. Where one would expect the full force of planning/public protection/animal licencing enforcement to come down on the side of the residents’ lives made misery by another’s actions, it didn’t. How were those most
legally in date and out of date at the same – yes, really) but the Sven Hocking is bigger question is a Conservative from what principles of Salisbury City democracy can Councillor for you bring a report Harnham East to committee and use lawfare to try and bully the committee to vote for the 'right' decision? affected abandoned by the state The ability for me, other to deal with the issue Salisbury councillors, and themselves at significant legal others countywide, to 'call-in' costs to them? controversial planning At a recent-ish Southern applications for public scrutiny Area Planning Committee, is effectively being abolished in based on a supposed out-of-date the next few months. Ecology report, I moved a It looks like a decision to motion to go against officer call-in will be made by an recommendations, but was told as-yet-undefined planning if I voted for my motion, I officer and head of committee, would be breaking the law. and only then if they both agree. Not the case as it turned out In what world would (ecology reports can be both anybody allow a challenge to
Development planning starts
W
ILTSHIRE residents are being notified of a consultation over housing plans for the county which will soon be launched. A formal notice of work starting on a Local Plan has been issued by Wiltshire Council. The Local Plan helps shape how and where new housing, employment and infrastructure developments will take place - and residents are being warned the first consultation will launched by Wiltshire Council later this year. "On June 30, we published a formal notice to commence the preparation of a new Wiltshire Local Plan – the document that will help shape where homes, jobs and infrastructure are built across the county in the future," a Wiltshire Council
spokesperson said. "Alongside this, we’ve published a timetable showing the key stages of the process, including when you can have your say. "The first formal stage of consultation is expected to take place in September 2026. This will give you an early opportunity to share your views on what the Local Plan should include and how you would like to be involved. "We’ll have further details on how to take part in the consultation soon." Explaining the Local Plan, the council said: "The Wiltshire Local Plan will set out the long-term vision, spatial strategy and policies relating to the use and development of land which will be used to determine planning applications.
Alongside matters such as social, economic and environmental policies, housing and employment targets and site allocations, the plan will also incorporate the minerals and waste plan for Wiltshire relating to the supply of minerals and provision of waste management facilities." A 30-month plan preparation process is expected to begin on October 30. The timetable is also available to view during office hours - 9am to 5pm, Monday to
their decision if they didn’t have to? Wilshire Council planning have just updated their website to make it, and I quote “more user-friendly … while retaining the key functionality used to view planning applications, documents and public comments”. Except it doesn’t, and you can’t. As an example, due to data protection requirements, public comments are no longer visible except by specific request, have to be sanitised first, and only if there is time to do so. Imagine what you won’t be allowed to see, or be able to find out, when Site 8 at Coombe Road comes forward? We the people are being asked to pay, nay, told to pay, more and more for less and less while at the same time being pushed further and further away from the decision-making process and those that decide on our behalf, and that is going to have to change!
Property
Friday - at the following locations: n Trowbridge: County Hall, Bythesea Road, Trowbridge, Wiltshire, BA14 8JN n Chippenham: Monkton Park, Chippenham, Wiltshire, SN15 1ER n Salisbury: The Council House, Bourne Hill, Salisbury, Wiltshire, SP1 3UZ
BEDSITS and ROOMS TO LET in Tisbury. Please call: 07887-973627
Call us on 01963 400186
or email adverts@salisburyandavon.co.uk
+
Removals throughout Wiltshire and beyond
Call us now – 01722 322616 ◆ Complete packing services ◆ Overnight and long term storage and delivery ◆ UK wide removals ◆ Fine art, wine cellars, specialist items ◆ In person or remote video surveys ◆ European removals
Excellent
sales@armishaws.com | www.armishaws.com Foxmore Point, Netherhampton Road, Salisbury, SP2 8RA