What’s inside this issue…
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Big names mark revamped City Hall
AHOST of big names are set to descend on Salisbury’s relaunched City Hall later this year.
The hall, which famously hosted The Beatles and David Bowie in years gone by, has remained closed to the public after it was used as a vaccination centre during the Covid pandemic.
But it now has a bright future, after new operators from MECA Swindon were approved to take on a 25-year lease by Wiltshire Council last week.
The first events to kick off the new-look City Hall are a family and also an over-18’s roller discos on September 12, followed by a talk by David Olusoga on History’s Missing Chapters on September 20 and The Sound of Springsteen on September 21.
unmistakable laugh, Jimmy Carr, is set for two back-to-back
shows on October 4 as he brings his Laughs Funny tour to the city, taking place at 7.30pm and 9.30pm.
The 7.30pm show is already sold out, with tickets for the
Morning, Kempt explained why he loves performing his 80s DJ party events.
He said: “It’s amazing, people absolutely lose themselves, singing to every
your dancing shoes and prepare to enjoy a night of pure ‘gold’.
Meanwhile, comedian Rhod Gilbert will be bringing his latest, sold-out show to the City Hall on November 16.
of life’s latest curveballs… with
Andy McIndoe and assistant Billy Moss working to get the garden ready
Picture: Finnbarr Webster
Woman is leaving her home due to charity house disruption
AWOMAN
said she has been driven from her home in Salisbury after persistent noise from “nuisance neighbours" kept her up for weeks.
The resident, who spoke on the condition of anonymity, said she enjoyed almost five years of peace at her home in York Road, pictured, before a neighbouring property was sold to national charity, Alabaré.
Alabaré provides vital accommodation and support for homeless people through its network of houses, drop-in centres and specialist support and is well known in the city, having organised The Big Sleep at Salisbury Cathedral for almost 20 years.
The resident said since her new neighbours moved in almost two months ago, she has experienced “constant” noise, including “relentless” banging, doors being slammed, arguments, and a persistent smell of cannabis.
She said the problems have not been resolved despite being in conversation with the charity and raising concerns directly with occupants.
The resident, who volunteers as a first responder at the weekend alongside her job during the week, said she is sick of living with constant stress, anxiety and a lack of sleep, resulting in her now putting her notice in for her flat.
“I have lived in my property for nearly five years, and not once have I ever had to complain about noise,” she said.
“Previous neighbours on my other side and my new current neighbour on my other
side have kids; I don’t ever hear anything from them.
“The noise is relentless. I feel I am being driven out of a home I love as I’m at breaking point.
“I come to work in tears every morning and this morning I have had to contact my doctor to get help from the mental health team as this situation has completely broken me as a person.”
She added: “I’m constantly being told as a neighbour I need to be supportive to these people, but where is my support?
“I’ve been told it’s my fault I have two jobs, which sees me often get up around 4am or 5am to get sorted for a first responder shift, as some of them start early.
“When the previous neighbours were next door I had three jobs at one point and never had these issues.”
A spokesperson for Alabaré said they have taken measures to reduce noise and will soundproof the property after Easter.
“At Alabaré, we provide vital support to the homeless, veterans, people with mental health challenges, learning disabilities and young people – who this property has always been intended for,” they said.
“After the lodger’s initial complaint was raised with us in March, we met with both the property owner in person at our head office in Salisbury, and in a phone call with the lodger at the end of March.
“As a result, we have taken immediate and proactive measures.
“We reminded our young people of our
strict noise and drug policies, adjusted door closers to make them quieter, and have committed to soundproofing the property – this will be installed after Easter.
“Moreover, we maintain constant dialogue through our support workers to reasonably address any emerging issues, and we will continue to monitor improvements closely.
“At Alabaré, we are proud of the overwhelmingly positive impact we have in our communities, and we remain fully committed to fostering safe and supportive environments for everyone involved.”
The resident, who is set to stay with a friend, said the situation has not improved and she is now on medication for stress and anxiety as well as being under the care of a mental health team, as she is “struggling to cope”.
She added: “I’ve looked into this matter of being informed and I believe when a charity or business buys a residential property they have to legally get it recessed as technically it is no longer residential.
“Then it has to be brought to the attention of the neighbours so they have a chance to have their say and oppose or accept.
“This consultation never happened.”
Alabaré's goal is to end homelessness, help people regain stability, improve their wellbeing and build bright, independent futures.
For more information about the charity’s services, visit www.alabare.co.uk.
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QUICK NEWS
Boy, 13, charged with rape
A THIRD boy has been charged with the rape of a 14-year-old girl in Fordingbridge.
The incident occurred on land adjacent to Fordingbridge Recreation Ground on Friday, January 17.
A 13-year-old boy, from Romsey, has now been charged with rape. He has been released on conditional bail, to appear at Southampton Youth Court on June 2.
Previously, a 14-year-old boy from Fordingbridge had already been charged with rape, threats to kill, possession of a knife blade/sharp pointed article in a public place and kidnap/falsely imprison a person with intent to commit a relevant sexual offence.
A second boy, also 14 and from Fordingbridge, has also already been charged with rape, threats to kill and kidnap.
Those two boys will both face trial at Southampton Crown Court which is set to begin on Monday, August 11.
None of the young people charged over the incident can be named for legal reasons, police confirmed.
Theft charges
TWO people have been charged after they were found to have stolen hundreds of pounds worth of toys, power tools and food in Salisbury.
Dean Brown, 45, and Jodie Brown, 27, both of Cook Court, Bishopdown, stole £123 worth of toys and games from WH Smiths, £505 worth of power tools from B&Q and £119 worth of food from Spar Longhedge.
They have been bailed to appear before Salisbury Magistrates’ Court on Friday, June 20.
Tributes to toddler - just 18 months old - who died in A303 crash
THEfamily of an 18-monthold toddler who tragically lost his life have released a heart-wrenching tribute.
Teddy Britten-Goddard sadly died following a crash on the A303 near Amesbury on March 28.
His family said: “It’s with a truly broken heart that I say this, but our gorgeous boy gained his wings today.
“He was truly the sweetest, most loving little character that we were blessed to have.
“Our hearts are shattered into pieces.
“Teddy Jason, this isn’t a goodbye, just a see you later.”
A Wiltshire Police spokesperson said: “The thoughts of those who attended the incident and the whole of
Wiltshire Police are with Teddy’s family at this difficult time.”
Four people – including two boys aged five and one – were injured after their grey Skoda Karoq collided with a white Peugeot 208 on the eastbound A303.
After colliding with the Skoda, the Peugeot then spun onto the westbound carriageway and crashed head-on with a silver Volvo V70 near the Bulford junction.
The Peugeot was being driven by a woman in her 20s who suffered serious but not life-threatening injuries.
The driver of the Volvo, a man in his 70s, suffered minor injuries.
A Go Fund Me was launched
to help Teddy’s family cover costs.
It reads: “The money will continue to be used to cover these every day costs until things become more stable.
“Some of the funds will be used to provide Teddy and his family with the best farewell possible.
“Any money remain will be donated to Ronald McDonald house and the paediatric unit who did a wonderful job at looking after Teddy and supporting the family.”
n Visit the GoFundMe at https://www.gofundme.com/f/ ua66d-donate-to-help-coverhospital-costs to make a donation to the appeal.
Flats plan for former library
THE former Durrington Library site could be demolished to make way for four new flats, plans reveal.
The library, which was housed in a well-used cabin, moved from its former site at 75 Bulford Road to its new home at the Robinson Room at Durrington Village Hall back in 2023 after the previous site reached the end of its structural life.
Salisbury-based DJH Property Services subsequently bought the former library site in late 2024 from Wiltshire Council.
The company has now submitted plans which
site
would see the porta cabin demolished to make way for four one-bed flats, complete with four car parking spaces.
Benchmark Development Planning Ltd, who submitted the plans on behalf of the applicant, said the porta cabin is in “very poor condition” and that the proposal would help meet local housing need.
n To view and comment on the plans, visit the planning section of Wiltshire Council’s website and search reference PL/2025/03532.
Teddy Britten-Goddard tragically died
Bishop pays tribute to Pope Francis
CHRISTIANS around the world reacted with sadness to the news that Pope Francis passed away on Easter Monday (April 21).
Pope Francis, the first Latin American leader of the Roman Catholic Church, died following a stroke and subsequent irreversible heart failure.
This comes after he previously battled double pneumonia for five weeks.
Among those expressing their grief following the news was the Bishop of Salisbury, Rt Revd Stephen Lake, who said: “At the end of a long but wonderful Easter Day, celebrated by thousands of people all over the diocese, I chose my reading for the Easter week ahead. I have picked the autobiography of Pope Francis I, simply entitled HOPE.
“I woke this morning to the news of Pope Francis’ death. May he rest in peace and rise in glory.
“I offer my respect and condolences to all Catholics in our shared communities.
“To have greeted the crowds on Easter Day and to have offered the Easter blessing must have been a comfort to Francis as much as it was to all people of good faith.
“He was a holy and pastoral leader, a true disciple of Jesus
Christ.
“His dedication to justice and his humble leadership touched millions of people, well beyond the Catholic church.
“On the final page of his book there is one line which sums up for me, what Pope Francis was all about.
“He wrote: ‘Tenderness is not weakness. It is a true force.'”
Dean of Salisbury, the Very Revd Nicholas Papadopulos, said: “The Christian world has lost a leader of transparent holiness and spiritual authority.
“We give thanks for Pope Francis, we mourn him, and we pray for him.”
Pope Francis, born in Buenos Aires, Argentina, was elected as Pope in 2013. His funeral took place on April 26.
Bishop of Salisbury Stephen Lake, left, paid tribute to Pope Francis, right
Bra collections are back for 2025!
SALISBURY Soroptimists are aiming to break their record and collect more than 6,000 bras across the Salisbury area over the next couple of months.
The organisation collects “gently used” bras before packing them up and shipping them to women in need in Africa.
They say that unlike many charity bra collections, these bras will be saved from landfill and material recycling centres to be used by women who otherwise wouldn’t be able to afford such a garment.
“In many parts of Africa budgets are tight and women [are the] lowest on the family pecking order of expenditure – a bra may be considered a luxury item,” a spokesperson said.
The bras are distributed by various charities working in local communities, and the Soroptimists can accept bras that can be reused, new or
lightly used.
“Almost everyone has a bra which lurks in a corner and isn’t often worn,” said Salisbury Soroptimist president Michele Smith.
“Why not liberate it and let us send it to Africa where someone will use it?”
Salisbury Soroptimists are working with ZABRA –Afreebra initiative, an organisation founded by
Jeanette Kruger.
Jeanette has been financing the storage and transport of the bras until she recently retired.
She is now seeking financial donations to help the work continue.
“Salisbury Soroptimists have made a donation and hope others might be able to help too via the Zabra JustGiving page,” a spokesperson added.
“Even a small donation from
Last year saw the soroptomists collect more than 6,000 bras
some of our supporters would be really helpful in enabling this campaign to continue.”
Collection points can be found at Five Rivers Leisure Centre and 60 Endless Street.
Anyone able to collect bras for their area or club are asked to contact Salisbury Soroptimists at sarumsoropts@ gmail.com.
The group collected a record 6,014 bras last year.
VE Day 80 events
SALISBURY is set to celebrate 80 years since the end of the Second World War next week.
Members of the Royal British Legion and Salisbury City Council are hosting the 80th anniversary event of Victory in Europe Day (VE Day) at 5.30pm next Thursday (May 8) on the Guildhall Square.
The Salisbury RBL band will be on hand to provide music, which will be followed by the VE80 Proclamation at Salisbury’s War Memorial at 6pm, delivered by the Town Crier.
A short Act of Remembrance will then follow.
A Salisbury City Council spokesperson said: “The short service will provide an opportunity for everyone to pause for a moment and reflect on the many millions of people who died during this conflict, as well as pay tribute to those who fought and died for the freedom we all enjoy today.
“The bells of St Thomas’ church will ring out afterwards, joining other churches and cathedrals in celebration of the end of this terrible conflict in Europe.”
Back in business after hanger fire
TWObusinesses which were affected by a devastating fire at Old Sarum Airfield have now reopened.
Both GoSkyDive and Hangar 3 Old Sarum café welcomed people back at the weekend, nine days after a huge fire ripped through the Grade II-listed Hangar 3 on April 17.
The fire, which is being investigated, partially collapsed the hangar and destroyed the café in the process.
The café officially reopened to the public on Saturday, April 26, at its new location, opposite Boscombe Down Aviation Collection, with a temporary kitchen.
An online fundraiser, set up by Salisbury Bike Night, helped make the move happen £1,890 was raised to get the business back on its feet.
A café spokesperson said: “We honestly cannot thank you all enough for the incredible
support — it truly means the world to us.
“All the donations, dropped-off items, and kind words have been amazing, and we’re so grateful.”
Nearby skydiving centre GoSkyDive cancelled its skydiving activities following the fire which saw “key parts” of its operational buildings affected.
But it welcomed people back on April 27 following a clean up, despite previously suggesting they may not re-open until early May.
Meanwhile, police have
appealed for witnesses to come forward and are seeking more footage.
The fire came after Old Sarum Airfield Ltd received planning permission on appeal to build 315 homes, a flying hub and leisure facilities at the site
earlier this month.
An investigation is ongoing into the cause of the fire, and Wiltshire Police want to speak to anyone who was in the area shortly before the fire started.
A spokesperson said: “We would like to speak to anyone
who recorded the fire to send it through to us, including those who were nearby and not necessarily at the scene itself.”
n Anyone with footage should email it to 70382@ wiltshire.police.uk.
The fire tore through Hanger 3 at Old Sarum Airfield on April 17
Picture: GoSkyDive
Hundreds put best feet forward for night-time fundraiser!
HUNDREDS
of people walked through the night to help raise thousands of pounds for Salisbury Hospice.
It was a party atmosphere as 321 walkers took to the city’s streets on Saturday, April 26, for Salisbury Hospice Charity’s annual Midnight Walk.
Walkers were dressed head-to-toe in glitter and glam as they helped raise £42,000 to support patients and families across the community.
Whether tackling the six- or 10-mile route, each person walked with purpose—many in memory of loved ones, others in appreciation of the support their families had received during difficult times.
The evening began with a moving address from Nikki
Spicer, chair of trustees, who reflected on the vital role the hospice plays in the lives of so many.
That emotional moment gave way to a burst of energy, thanks to a vibrant Clubbercise warm-up led by local instructors Claire and Penny.
With music pulsing and glow sticks waving, the crowd danced and laughed, ready to begin their journey through the city.
Greig Futcher, events fundraiser at Salisbury Hospice Charity, said: “It’s humbling to see so many people come together in support of Salisbury Hospice. To raise over £42,000 is incredible.
“We couldn’t do it without every single walker, volunteer, and of course, our brilliant
sponsor Webbed Feet. The community’s support means the world to everyone here.”
A particularly poignant moment came at the west door of Salisbury Cathedral, where walkers were invited to pause, light a candle in memory of someone special, and write a dedication for Salisbury Hospice’s memory book.
Many participants wore personalised t-shirts displaying names, photos, and touching tributes, proudly walking in honour of those they were remembering.
A Salisbury Hospice Charity spokesperson said: “A heartfelt thank you goes out to the incredible team of volunteers who made the event possible— from registration, photography
and route marshalling to cheering on participants and offering care at the finish line.
“Special appreciation also goes to headline sponsor Webbed Feet, whose generous support helped make the evening such a glowing success.”
Funds raised from this year’s Midnight Walk will go directly towards helping Salisbury Hospice Charity continue its mission of funding compassionate care and comfort to patients and their families living with life-limiting illnesses.
n To find out more or to make a donation, visit salisburyhospicecharity.org.uk. Pictures by Spencer Mulholland and Donald Capewell
MP hits out at Kneecap over 'kill MP' concert comments in 2023
CONSERVATIVE
MP for Salisbury John Glen has criticised hip-hop trio Kneecap after footage emerged of one of the members reportedly telling concert goers to ‘kill their local MP’.
Counter-terrorism police are said to be assessing footage of the controversial band at a concert in November 2023 that appeared to show one of the members saying, “The only good Tory is a dead Tory. Kill your local MP".
The issue was brought up by Mr Glen (Conservative, Salisbury) in the House of Commons on Tuesday (April 29), where he highlighted the danger of comments such as these given that two MPs have been murdered in recent history – Sir David Amess in 2021 and Jo Cox in 2016.
“Every time I come into this house, I stand underneath the plaque of Jo Cox and I look over and see the plaque of David Amess and it seems impossible that within 10 years, two of our colleagues could have been murdered in that way,” he said.
He added: “When I read the words, ‘The only good Tory is a dead Tory. Kill your local MP. Up the Hamas, up Hezbollah’, I cannot see what time interval needs to take place for that to be deemed an offence.
“I recognise what the minister says entirely about these processes needing to happen independently, but speed of justice contributes to confidence in justice.
“As a former arts minister who worked to support masses of creative industries – with very few of them probably supporting me or my party –I’m very clear headed about the use of the music export growth scheme.
“But I do hope that the honourable gentleman, who I know to be a very decent man,
that in his work in defending democracy task force, will make sure proactively that all taxpayers’ money does not go to any organisation or creative group that produces language like that, that has such a negative effect on the way politics is conducted and the way that we’re seen in this place.”
Kneecap was previously given arts funding – and last year the group won a discrimination case against the government and was awarded £14,250 after it withdrew grants for the band.
In reply to Glen’s comments, the Minister of State for Security Dan Jarvis (Barnsley North, Labour) said: “I agree with the right honourable gentlemen.
“He’s right – this has provided us with a moment to reflect. The words that he repeated are utterly vile and they make my blood boil.
“As a former senior minister
himself, he will know the importance of the operational independence of the police, but I think he made his point in a very reasonable way.
“With regards to comments about funding, I think he’s absolutely right again, and that is why the secretary of state, as a matter of urgency, will now be looking into these matters.”
Following the fallout, Kneecap issued a statement on X where they apologised to the families of Sir David Amess and Jo Cox.
The statement reads: “To the Amess and Cox families, we send our heartfelt apologies, we never intended to cause you hurt.
“Kneecap’s message has always been — and remains — one of love, inclusion, and hope. This is why our music resonates across generations, countries, classes and cultures and has brought hundreds of thousands of people to our gigs.”
They added: “They want you
to believe words are more harmful than genocide.
“Establishment figures, desperate to silence us, have combed through hundreds of hours of footage and interviews, extracting a handful of words from months or years ago to manufacture moral hysteria.
“Let us be unequivocal: we do not, and have never, supported Hamas or Hezbollah. We condemn all attacks on civilians, always. It is never okay.
"We know this more than anyone, given our nation’s history.
“We also reject any suggestion that we would seek to incite violence against any MP or individual. Ever. An extract of footage, deliberately taken out of all context, is now being exploited and weaponised, as if it were a call to action.
“This distortion is not only absurd – it is a transparent effort to derail the real conversation.”
Salisbury MP John Glen attacked comments by hip-hop band Kneecap during a debate in the House of Commons
Hospital open day
PEOPLE can go behind the scenes at Salisbury District Hospital during an open day next month.
Between 10am and 3pm on Saturday, June 7, visitors will get the chance to discover what happens at the hospital - and meet the people dedicated to delivering care.
Tours and a host of attractions will be on offer and entry and parking are free. Food will also be available.
Shirley Allum Fashions & Lingerie
Date for your diary Wednesday 14th May
ADVERTISING FEATURE
BRA FITTING DAY with Lucy from FANTASIE & WACOAL will be in store 10am – 3pm. 7 out of 10 of us are wearing the wrong size bra, are you one of them?
Come in and have a bra fitting on Wednesday 14th May and receive 10% off all Fantasie bras and every purchase enters you into a free raffle to win a bra on Wednesday 14th May.
Sizes D-H cup.
All our lingerie team are qualified bra fitters and happy to advise on your perfect bra. We stock for 30AA to 48K so something for everyone.
Fantasie also do an amazing smooth easy brief in lots of colours. Not forgetting we also stock Sloggi Briefs from Triumph – still a few 4 packs available in white, black and nude.
Looking forward to seeing you.
Railway devotees set to head to show
SALISBURY Railex will be welcoming model railway enthusiasts to a new venue this year.
This year’s event will see more than 20 layouts of all popular gauges on display at the Thruxton Centre, Thruxton Circuit, just off the A303 from 10am to 4.30pm on May 17 to 18.
The mammoth Bournemouth West and other such locally named layouts as Chitterne will be on display.
This family day out has free parking, disabled access to all areas and catering.
A dozen stands are provided by some of the model railway leaders in the industry, including Peco and Bachmann Collectors Club.
A spokesperson said: “Come and join us and learn about model railways and try out some of our special layouts for Shunters and Juniors. See Brooklands at Thruxton the first time
For more information and ticket details, log on to www.
FASHIONS & LINGERIE
FITTING DAY
WED 14 May th Lucy from Fantasie in store 10am-3pm Free raf fle to win a bra From 12 -17 May th th Sizes from D to HH
High quality care in Wiltshire
At Salisbury Manor care home in Wiltshire, our highly trained teams are experts in providing high quality care from residential, nursing and dementia care, to short term care. Our purpose-built home offers luxurious facilities, including a coffee shop, hair salon, cinema and beautiful landscaped gardens.
A lifestyle tailored to you
At our ‘good’ CQC rated home we’ll support you to continue living your life the way you choose. We’ll learn all about your interests and preferences so we can create a fully personalised lifestyle plan that you’ll enjoy whether it’s gardening, cheese and wine socials or playing chess.
Trust us to care
Salisbury Manor care home in Wiltshire is part of Care UK, the country’s most awarded large care provider. We’ve been delivering high-quality, person-centred care for over 40 years.
In our recent relative survey, 93% of families were impressed with how the staff treat their relative with kindness, dignity and respect ^ and 93% were happy
that staff keep you informed of changes or updates in care^.
To find out more about Salisbury Manor, call 01722 638 210 Salisbury Manor Shapland Close, Salisbury, Wiltshire, SP2 7EJ careuk.com/Salisbury-manor
^Care UK relative survey April & September 2024. Study operated by QRS Market Research, an independent survey agency.
Monday 2nd June 2025 11am - 12.30pm
Meet Rosie, an Occupational Therapist from the NHS, who will give advice on how to reduce the risk of falls in older age, from simple balance exercises to tips on how to fall-proof your home.
Trusted to care.
To book please call 01722 638 965 or email suzanne.hesk@careuk.com
Hundreds gather for charity run
MOREthan 300 people gathered in Tidworth at the weekend to raise money for a military children’s charity.
The Tidworth 10K and Family Fun Run, organised by Andali Events and RUK Systems, raised nearly £4,000 for the Little Troopers charity.
Held in April to mark the international Month of the Military Child, 100 runners, including service personnel, veterans and running enthusiasts from the local community, set off from the Tidworth Oval to complete the multi-terrain, closed road race through the beautiful Wiltshire countryside.
200 people of all ages, from 18 months through to 15 years, also took part in a 1K fun run around the Tidworth Oval Stadium track.
The runners’ efforts will help Little Troopers to continue its work to support children who have one or both parents in the British Armed Forces.
The team at Little Troopers also arranged lots of fun family activities to celebrate the Month of the Military Child including circus skills, crafts, face painting and balloon modelling.
Louise Fetigan, founder of Little Troopers, said: “Thank you so much to Tidworth
Garrison and all of our runners and families who came together to support this event to celebrate the Month of the Military Child.
“Military children are a special community that deserve to be acknowledged and celebrated, and days like today make such a big difference for the work our charity does ensuring that these young people always have somewhere to turn.”
Andy Silvey, from Andali Events, added: “We were delighted to have the opportunity to organise these events with Little Troopers.
“It was great to see so many
runners and families enjoying running together.”
Every penny raised in Tidworth will support the crucial work that Little Troopers does supporting thousands of military children each year through resources, events and initiatives.
This includes the Little Troopers at School programme, Little Troopers Therapy Programme, Little Trooper of the Month award scheme, Little Troopers All Together reconnection weekends and the charity’s annual Christmas Smiles campaign.
Visit littletroopers.net.
FRunners at the Tidworth 10K and Family Fun Run, in aid of Little Troopers
Picture: Dominic Parkes
They're off and running!
Picture: Dominic Parkes
Two
Picture: John Rose Photography
How Anthony overcame challenges in life to develop passion for reading
ALUDGERSHALL
man who left school not being able to read is now a keen reader thanks to support from his wife and Salisbury-based service Read Easy.
81-year-old Anthony overcame being ignored at school, caring for his wife, Doreen, hard work on his allotment and slight dyslexia to complete all five manuals of the reading course.
He was presented with a certificate and a book token after completing the course during a special celebration at Ludgershall Council offices, which was attended by the mayor, Owen White
Anthony married Doreen when he was 51 and for a long time she did not know that he could not read. It was only about 10 years ago that she realised.
He said that he does not know how Doreen found out.
“I never told her that I couldn’t read because I was ashamed of it,” he said.
Doreen said it was about 10 years ago that she first became aware that Anthony had difficulty reading, and recalls when she realised.
She said: “I think we were doing something and, I thought, hang on can you read? It just suddenly twigged.”
She started teaching him before Read Easy. “We got going and then the allotment season came in, and that was it. But I did get him doing little bits.”
Anthony felt let down at his school in Essex and wished that more effort had been put into helping him to read, rather than sending him off to help the caretaker.
“They never used to worry about me in the classroom,” he said.
“I left school at 15 on a
Friday and I started work on the Monday on a farm.”
He then moved into horticulture as a foreman on a fruit farm, followed by a short stint in a factory.
Later he became a selfemployed painter and decorator, which he had to stop when he broke his back in 1999.
When told about Read Easy, he decided that this was the time to learn.
After initial discussions and a meeting with Rosie, his reading coach, and a Read Easy coordinator, Anthony embarked on his journey into the unknown, with some trepidation, in January 2024.
To begin with, his sessions were held in the council offices but then went online when Rosie moved away.
Now he feels a great sense of achievement and is very grateful for Rosie’s ‘great tutoring, encouragement,
friendship and support’.
He added: “You are never too old to learn.”
Rosie said: “Anthony is an inspiration as he has approached all reading sessions with cheerful determination. He has a wicked sense of humour and it has been a privilege to have been part of his reading journey – I am going to miss our sessions.”
When he is not working on his allotment, Anthony is enjoying his reading, including The Railway Children and a book about Anne Frank.
Read Easy offers free one-to-one reading coaching in spaces that are public but with some privacy.
Anyone who knows of someone who cannot read or would like to volunteer for Read Easy, which is currently looking for more coaches, is asked to email sewrecruiter@readeasy. org.uk or call 07942 382318.
Anthony, left, received a certificate and book tokens in recognition of his efforts
Marie walking for wards despite on-going treatment
AWINTERSLOW
woman –currently being treated for breast cancer – is set to take part in a charity challenge to support the “phenomenal” work of the hospital charity, the Stars Appeal.
Marie Gower was diagnosed with breast cancer in September last year.
She said she was terrified ahead of her first chemotherapy treatment, but that efforts by staff at the Stars Appeal meant “the most amazing difference".
Marie is now set to walk the 10k Walk for Wards challenge on July 6 with her husband Trevor to say thank you for the care she has received in the Pembroke Cancer Unit at Salisbury Hospital.
The 44-year-old said: “At my first chemotherapy treatment I was terrified, and my emotions were very much raised.
“The whole of the Pembroke Suite staff were amazing and kind, but I still couldn’t stop crying.
“It was towards the end of my first treatment that I met the
wonderful Stars Appeal Aromatherapist.
“The aromatherapy really made me feel pampered and me again at a time when I really was feeling anything but me.”
Stars Appeal projects support thousands of local people with cancer at the hospital.
The charity funds the latest treatment and diagnostic equipment for patients with cancer as well as extras that make time in hospital more comfortable including the Stars Appeal aromatherapist, free hot and cold drinks, and snacks during chemotherapy treatment.
Marie added: “The Stars Appeal really has made the most amazing difference not just to me, but also my husband as we have gone through my cancer treatment.
“The Stars Appeal provide funding within the Pembroke Suite which has helped me in so many ways from the aromatherapy to the hot drinks and snacks whilst undergoing treatment each week, which are fantastic.”
The charity also funds other projects to help patients with cancer, including free headwear and dedicated swimming sessions in the hospital’s pool, as well as wellbeing programmes such as prehabilitation, which offers one-to-one support to help patients prepare for surgery and treatment.
It also funds enhancements to the furnishings and décor of the Pembroke Cancer Unit, and built and maintains the hospital’s first-ever Breast Unit.
“The work the Stars Appeal funds is phenomenal so anything we can do to raise awareness and funds to help others feel an extra arm of support and benefit as I have at such an awful time is an absolute privilege,” Marie said.
“This is the first time we’ve done Walk for Wards, but it won’t be the last.
“My husband has been with me every step of this journey and more – the emotional and
day-to-day support, helping me come to terms with my diagnosis, each scan, the tears, the hair loss, exhaustion and simply driving me to and from all my appointments.
“To be able to do the walk together and make a difference and give something back is the icing on the cake.”
n To join the Stars Appeal’s 20th Walk for Wards this July, register for free at www. starsappeal.org/event/walk-forwards.
Participants can walk 3k, 5k, 10k or the new 15k route for their chosen ward or department at Salisbury Hospital. the impact of military trauma.
Marie with the Stars Appeal Aromatherapist and inset, with husband Trevor
Pictures: The Stars Appeal /Spencer Mulholland
Heritage list could protect spiritual celebrations
ANEW
heritage list could provide extra protection for spiritual celebrations at Stonehenge.
The government will soon be asking people to nominate their favourite traditions that best reflect where they live to be included in the new Inventory of Living Heritage in the UK.
Inclusion in the list would ensure the traditions, which could include Gloucestershire’s cheese rolling race and London’s Notting Hill Carnival, will be protected as the list aims to keep track of crafts, customs and celebrations that are valued by people across the country.
The government said traditions central to the rich tapestry that makes up the UK’s many cultures and identity will be considered and those added to the list will help “protect them for future generations”.
Nominations, which are expected to open later this year, will be accepted in seven categories: oral expressions (poetry and storytelling), performing arts, social practices (festivals and customs), nature, land and spirituality, crafts, sports and games and culinary practices.
Heritage minister Baroness Twycross said: “The UK is rich with wonderful traditions, from Gloucestershire’s cheese rolling to folk music and dancing and the many heritage crafts that we practice, such
as tartan weaving and carving Welsh love spoons.
“I would encourage everyone to think about what traditions they value so that we can continue to celebrate them, tell our
national story to the rest of the world and safeguard the traditions that make us who we are.”
Long-time campaigner for free access to Stonehenge, King Arthur Pendragon, suggested solstice and equinox celebrations at the neolithic site should be included in the list amid fears of ‘sanitisation’ by local authorities.
He said that if these celebrations are not
protected, there are concerns that English Heritage – which manages the site – could eventually turn them into a commercial event rather than a spiritual celebration.
He said: “I feel that any such recognition [such as inclusion in to the Inventory of Living Heritage in the UK] would aid us.
“It would be another string to the bow in our arsenal against what is clearly the idea of the local authorities – English Heritage and Wiltshire Council in particular – who would, given half the chance, completely sanitise what should remain a spiritual celebration rather than what they would turn into a commercial event.”
Previously, King Arthur spoke to your Salisbury & Avon Gazette and accused Wiltshire Council and English Heritage of attempting to create a “monopoly on parking” around the nationally important site after access to a byway, which offered an unrestricted view of Stonehenge, was curtailed for months, forcing people to pay to park at the Stonehenge Visitor Centre car park instead.
The Inventory of Living Heritage in the UK list comes as a result of the UK signing up to the 2003 Unesco Convention on the Safeguarding of Intangible Culture Heritage, which requires member states to compile an inventory of living heritage practised by communities in each country.
Spiritual celebrations at Stonehenge could be protected, said King Arthur Pendragon, pictured below inset
Picture: English Heritage
Venue saved by locals crowned club of the year 2025 in Camra awards
ACLUB which has gone from strength to strength after it was saved by members in 2017 has been chosen as the local Club of the Year by the Salisbury & South Wiltshire Branch of the Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA).
Netheravon Working Men’s Club was founded more than 100 years ago – with the club’s 93-year-old trustee Pete Hayward joining in 1949.
Club chairman Gary Davis joined Pete as they received their winner’s certificate from Chris White, the local CAMRA chairman, and Keith Foster, co-ordinator of the branch’s Club and Pubs of the Year competition.
Keith said the club is a “tremendous community asset” and provides a “friendly and welcoming social hub”.
He added: “It is a great place to meet with friends for a drink, including some well-kept real ales, and a chat, and to take part in a range of activities and social events.”
Gary Davis, who, with a team of volunteers, works hard to keep the club going, said: “We are surprised and delighted
to win this award.
The games area is set to get a major makeover if Wiltshire Council plans are approved from closing.
“We are at the heart of the community in Netheravon, which is a close-knit village, and we provide a welcome to everyone who comes through our doors”.
The club still has the original minutes book from the meeting which founded it in June 1920.
It hit financial difficulties on at least two occasions – once in the 1980s and again in 2017 when it was six weeks away
Loans from members kept it afloat, economies were made and it has survived and prospered.
The club holds a big family event on Boxing Day, serves a free curry on Remembrance Sunday, stages a ‘Netheravon’s Got Talent’ night, and provides an annual three-course dinner for its life members at just £5 a head. It also acts as a community warm space for
those struggling with their heating bills and runs darts and skittles competitions and a quiz. It is lucky enough to have Stonehenge Ales, run by James and Nicola Robinson, just a short walk away and the brewery’s Heel Stone is the permanent beer at its bar.
Astonishingly, the club is still in the same prefabricated building that it acquired and moved to the site in Netheravon High Street in 1925.
Care home enjoys St George's Day celebrations
IT was all dragons and roses at Wilton Place Care Home in Wilton as residents and staff celebrated St George’s Day on April 28.
The home was a sea of red and white as staff decorated it to create a nostalgic English street party feel, and residents gathered in the bistro to enjoy a typical English tea party.
The Woodford Ukulele Group entertained residents with their usual talent and energy with upbeat, well-known favourites that everyone could sing along to.
The group members entered into the spirit of the occasion as they arrived dressed in red and white with one chap in full St George regalia.
Activities coordinator, Fiona Long, said: “We celebrated in style and the atmosphere was great, it was a joy to see the residents engaging and enjoying each other’s company, some even having a go with the band’s musical instruments.”
Testing RAF planes
ON April 11, group captain Ron Burrows gave us a fascinating presentation of his years as an RAF pilot under the heading ‘Testing Fast Jets 1962 – 1988’.
He emphasised that his talk was largely about his experience of the historic RAF, rather than an account of how it operates today.
Ron first served as a pilot in Aden; there he trained for many hours on a variety of jet planes.
There the British had a presence, striving to prevent the ingress of insurgents from surrounding Arab States.
Once trained, he joined the squadrons on round-the-clock duty supporting the British Army. At that time the airport in Aden was one of the busiest in the world.
With no modern satellite devices, the pilots had to find targets marked by personnel on the ground who laid day-glo strips or created smoke indicators.
Ron remained in Aden for two years and then returned to the UK where he spent time as an instructor before progressing to his main role as a test pilot, at first with the United States Navy and then in England at Boscombe Down.
The main aim was to make sure that the aircraft produced by designated suppliers matched the claims of those suppliers and, also met the needs of the military services.
If a plane was designed to perform in very low temperatures, then it was put through icing tests to see if it performed satisfactorily.
Cold temperatures, for instance, can cause problems with the hydraulics on an aircraft. Similarly, tests were devised to test the performance of aircraft in very hot and very dusty environments.
Obviously a test pilot flying a new design of aircraft with no simulators available to prepare him and only a few hours in which to study the instruction manual, ran risks and often there were unexpected outcomes; noses that suddenly rose or dropped, landing procedures that didn’t quite go as planned.
Ron had a few narrow escapes and admits he was lucky.
As well as testing the flight of aircraft, the base at Boscombe Down was responsible for testing ejector seats and conducting trials on missiles to discover the best way to launch them from aircraft, like the Jaguar, that could be carrying a load as heavy as a World War Two Lancaster bomber.
Eventually Ron retired, largely unscathed, and had time to present talks like the one given to us.
It was fascinating, and members thanked Ron for giving time to share the obvious enthusiasm he still has for the subject.
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Sarum Probus Club report by Peter Matthews
Great news for the great bustard!
VISITORS
to Stonehenge are being asked to keep their eyes peeled for a Great Bustard which has been spotted close to Stonehenge.
Great Bustards – known as the world’s heaviest bird – was hunted to extinction in the country, with the last bustard shot in 1832.
The Great Bustard Group (GBG) has been releasing hundreds of chicks on Salisbury Plain since 2013.
It is part of a project to protect the vulnerable species.
Gertie is one of the chicks who has made a comeback, and she has been spotted hanging out in front of the neolithic stones.
A Stonehenge spokesperson said: “Special visitor alert. Meet Gertie the Great Bustard.
A great bustard at Stonehenge
The bustard’s size made it an easy target for hunters, leading to its extinction.
The GBG said the population is growing thanks to successful breeding.
“The first nest was located in 2007, and the first chicks in 2009,” a spokesperson said.
“In 2022 we located over 20 nests, but there are undoubtedly more. Approximately one third of the UK population is wild bred and parent reared in Wiltshire; the rest being hand reared birds from either Russia or Spain.
“The GBG has released birds at three different
“Once extinct in the UK, this majestic bird has made a
comeback to Salisbury Plain thanks to dedicated conservation efforts. Spotting Gertie is a rare treat! If you do see her near the stones, please zoom in with your camera and keep a respectful distance.”
An adult great bustard can be up to a metre (3ft) tall and weigh up to 44lb (20kg). Its wingspan can reach nearly eight feet (2.4m).
locations across south Wiltshire, some 10 to 15 miles apart and there is some interchange between the groups. All three groups are breeding, and the population is growing."
Scouts fly the flag at St George's Day event
OLD Sarum Castle saw flags raised on the castle ramparts at the weekend as Scouts from across Salisbury took part in their annual St George’s Day event.
The many Beavers, Cubs, Scouts, Explorer Scouts and Leaders gathered at Hudson’s Field on April 27, where they then processed into Old Sarum Castle on the hottest day of the year so far.
As they entered the castle, the district and group flags were raised on the castle rampart by the flag bearers.
Mark Warner, district PR and media team lead, said: “On a bright sunny day, the gathering of all of the Beavers, Cubs, Scouts, Explorers and Leaders was a spectacular sight in the setting of Old Sarum Castle.”
Attendees were serenaded by two bands: The Wiltshire Caledonian Band and St Andrews Pipe Band who lined the entrance to the castle.
The service was led by district chaplain Reverend Katy Ullyatt and the district lead volunteer Ian Jack.
A number of guests joined the Scouts on the day, including the Mayor and Mayoress of Salisbury, the President of Salisbury Rotary Club and the Guide Commissioner of Sarum Division, who were hosted by selected Explorer Scouts.
Cathedral choir takes trip to Netherlands
THESalisbury Cathedral Choir has returned from a tour of the Netherlands, where they brought their rich choral tradition to some of the country’s most historic and beautiful churches.
More than 40 singers, made up of 29 choristers between the ages of eight and 13, alongside 12 adult singers, toured the country from March 31 to April 7.
They performed a series of concerts, evensongs, and a
mass, offering audiences the opportunity to experience their breathtaking harmonies in stunning sacred spaces – all under the watchful direction of David Halls, and with John Challenger and Jacob Costard at the organ.
Mr Halls, director of music at Salisbury Cathedral, said:
“Touring the Netherlands has been an enjoyable experience for all of us and a great opportunity to share our beautiful music abroad.
“The combination of magnificent music in gorgeous settings, alongside enjoying the local history and culture, made this tour truly wonderful for the choristers”.
The choir began their tour in Zutphen, before travelling to Leiden, Utrecht, Wijk bij Duurstede – before singing Mass at St Nicholas Basilica, Amsterdam.
A choir spokesperson said the highlight of the tour was the final Evensong in St Bavokerk
in Haarlem, as the church boasts one of the most renowned organs, not only for its sound and beauty but also because it has been played by Mozart and Handel. Chorister Oscar has now been added to the list of those who have played the impressive instrument.
The choristers also had time to let off some steam, playing football at each tour stop, visiting museums, windmills and taking boat rides down the canals in the warm sunshine.
Plans for street kiosk with wifi refused
WILTSHIRE Council has refused plans which would have seen two new communication kiosks built in the city –complete with defibrillators and wifi.
New World Payphones (NWP) submitted plans to bring a new communication kiosk on the pavement outside Bradbeers department store on Blue Boar Road, but the plans have been refused on grounds that the new kiosk would ‘clutter up’ the pavement.
Plans were submitted for a kiosk opposite 1 to 3 Milford Street, but it was again refused on similar grounds.
In their plans, NWP said the new kiosk
would provide a “safety net” for those without access to a landline or working mobile, adding that in areas with poor mobile coverage, a public telephone box can be the only option for making calls, including to the emergency services.
The proposed installation would have included a phone system with the ability to accept debit/credit cards, interactive wayfinding to display public information via a touchscreen, equipment for the provision of wifi access points, a defibrillator and a digital display for advertising.
Wiltshire Council said it has undertaken
“significant improvements to the public realm” where the kiosks were proposed to make the area more attractive to pedestrians.
It says the proposal would be “very prominent, imposing and visually discordant within the historic streetscape”.
The council added: “The proposal would also add to street clutter and reduce the width of the public highway and would therefore adversely affect the safety and operation of the local highway network.
“The harms identified are not outweighed by the very limited public or other benefits of the proposal.”
Salisbury Cathedral Choir at the Domkerk Utrecht above, and, right, at the Walburgis Park, Zutphen
Microchip warning as two in court
DOG owners who fail to microchip their beloved four-legged friends could be faced with prosecution – and a hefty bill.
That’s the stark warning from Wiltshire Council, whose Dog Warden Team recently prosecuted two people for failing to update the dog’s ownership details on the microchip database.
It is a legal requirement to microchip their dogs and ensure the details stored on it are up to date.
Microchipping is in place to enable identification of a dog and helps authorities reunite stray pets with their owners.
Updated microchips also act as a deterrent to dog theft and give vets and officials the ability to easily contact an owner in an emergency.
Microchipping for dogs over
eight weeks of age was made compulsory in England, Scotland and Wales in April 2016.
Parvis Khansari, corporate director, place, at Wiltshire Council, said: “Our Dog Warden Team work hard to keep unsupervised animals off the street as stray animals can pose a danger to themselves and to others.
“When a dog goes missing it can be distressing for both the dog and their owner.
“All dogs must legally be wearing a collar and a tag in public places and be microchipped with their details
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“This is quick and painless for your dog and increases the chances of you being reunited with them if they go missing.”
Charlotte Gumm, 39, from Trowbridge, failed to appear at Salisbury Magistrates Court on April 10 and was found guilty in her absence of failing to comply with a notice requiring her to update her dog’s ownership details on the microchip database.
She was fined £220 and ordered to pay costs of £584.69 to Wiltshire Council and a victim surcharge of £88.
Her dog, Stella, was collected as a stray in September 2023 and April 2024.
On each occasion, Stella was taken to the council’s holding kennels as the incorrect ownership details were stored on the microchip database.
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Gumm contacted the holding kennels and provided proof of ownership and paid the appropriate fees.
She was served with notices on three separate occasions requiring her to update the information on the database within 21 days.
Despite multiple attempts by the council’s dog wardens to contact Gumm via letter, phone
and email, the details on the database were not updated.
Meanwhile, 40-year-old Nathan Ashton, also from Trowbridge, appeared at Salisbury Magistrates Court on April 10.
He pleaded guilty to failing to comply with a notice requiring him to update his dog’s ownership details on the microchip database.
He was fined £50, ordered to pay costs of £50 and a victim surcharge of £20.
Mr Ashton immediately updated his dog’s microchip following the hearing.
His dog, Ronnie, was collected as a stray in August 2024 and taken to the holding kennels as the correct ownership could not be traced by the wardens, as the incorrect details were found to be on the microchip database.
Ashton contacted the holding kennels and provided proof of ownership and paid the appropriate fees.
He was also served with a notice requiring him to update the information on the database within 21 days but failed to do so.
Wiltshire Council dog wardens collected a total of 245 dogs as strays in 2024/25, the authority said.
Sowing lettuce for sunny days ahead
by Sally Gregson
FEW things signal that summer is around the corner more than the appearance of young lettuce plants in local nurseries and garden centres. Everybody’s vegetable patch is looking a little devoid of things to eat, but there are always plenty of spaces to grow a few lettuces. Often, they can be less than straightforward to germinate, however. Many lettuce seeds suffer from heat-induced dormancy. The seed needs to be stored somewhere cool, such as in a sealed plastic box in the fridge. If you have rushed out and bought new seed from the local garden centre, it has often been kept for sale in a hothouse. The seed will have been victim to wildly fluctuating temperatures, especially this spring. So, buy seed online
from a reputable seed merchant who stores seed correctly, to ensure your seed is viable. There are one or two other vegetable seeds that are notorious for not germinating easily during a hot spring –celery is less commonly grown these days, but can also suffer from heat dormancy. Lettuce seed should be sown little and often while it can, to keep up a constant supply. The seed should germinate within a fortnight and the seedlings ready to be thinned within a month.
Very early sowings are often subject to those destructive late-spring frosts. A decorative cloche could be placed over the seedlings for protection, so long as it does not hinder the germination by heating the soil beneath too much. A cloche
might also protect the lettuces later in the season from visitations of aphids and cut-worm moths. But generally, lettuces suffer from few pests beyond the occasional visiting slug or snail.
There are so very many different varieties to choose from it can be tempting to sow too many. Small households might want to try ‘cut and come again’ forms whose leaves can be red, crisp or curly. Hearted lettuces are delicious turned and
cooked briefly in good butter and sprinkled with chopped chives and black pepper to serve. It’s a delicious way of using up a glut. Or try a few small, sweet ‘Cos’ lettuces. They too grow quickly and easily and form the basis of many Mediterranean-style salads. Dishes of salade Nicoise come to mind – crisp tuna fish, anchovies, boiled eggs and blanched French beans, turned with dressed cos lettuce leaves. A delicious summer awaits.
Lettuces can be less than straightforward to germinate
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Sudoku 3D puzzle
Cryptic crossword
Across
1 Rugby player straying in retreat (4,3)
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.
5 Youngster’s first chat at sea in sailing vessel (5)
9 Nun you flatter wrongly alas (13)
10 Fuss from bachelor and friend, mostly hilarious performance (8)
Killer Sudoku Pro
Down
2 A new Greek character with a line in child’s publication (6)
9 Nun you flatter wrongly
3 Kelvin currently left on border is learning
(13)
4 Bring fellow to eat (5)
10 Fuss from bachelor and friend, mostly hilarious performance (8)
6 Paintings hidden in partition (3)
11 Companion, blockhead destroying quiet (4)
11 Companion, blockhead destroying quiet (4)
12 Commercial document on book by the French? It’s recommended (9)
7 Keep back stoppage (4,2)
8 Yarn excited a groan (6)
12 Commercial document on book by the French? It’s recommended (9)
16 Arab, say, right away getting flexible pipe (4)
11 Associate to pass over old measure of distance (9)
16 Arab, say, right away getting flexible pipe (4)
17 See prim oddball with director that’s smiled weakly (8)
17 See prim oddball with director that’s smiled weakly (8)
13 Abuse at home son ultimately (6)
19 Health professional endangers lout in mixup (6,7)
19 Health professional endangers lout in mixup (6,7)
21 Some chippy Londoners in gateway (5)
22 Tome composed about chaps as a souvenir (7)
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.
14 Take up protest in Cyprus as amusing incident (6)
21 Some chippy Londoners in gateway (5)
15 Start again concerning shoe (6)
18 Second purpose for computing accessory
20 Pair also in hearing (3)
A new Greek character with a line in child’s publication (6) 3 Kelvin currently left on border is learning (9)
Bring fellow to eat (5) 6 Paintings hidden in partition (3) 7 Keep back stoppage (4,2) 8 Yarn excited a groan (6) 11 Associate to pass over old measure of distance (9)
Abuse at home son ultimately (6) 14 Take up protest in Cyprus as amusing incident (6) 15 Start again concerning shoe (6) 18 Second purpose for computing accessory (5)
Pair also in hearing (3)
•
•
•
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Country House Moves
'Hopefully, not my final column!'
ASI draft this article, in order to meet the paper’s print deadline, I am aware that it will be read well after the local elections on May 1 and I may no longer be a Salisbury City Councillor.
So, since this might be my last article, allow me to reflect on the last six months.
As regular readers of this column will be aware, I was co-opted onto the council in November so did not have to win over local voters.
However, since Christmas, I have been able to knock on all the doors in my ward four times which has allowed me to chat to at least half of the people I represent.
This particular activity has proved an emotional rollercoaster with some residents treating me like a ‘long lost friend’ but many others slamming their front door in my face without explanation.
My guess is that I am being blamed and punished for all the wrong doings of national politicians over the last couple of decades.
Trying to explain I have only been doing the job for six
months has rarely been sufficient for the door to be reopened!
Some of my most fun chats have been with staunch socialists. In reality, I readily identify with their philosophies at a local level. We Conservatives also want to provide the social care and community support desperately needed by our society –although perhaps how we find the funding might differ.
In recent days, some of my most depressing chats have been with people who have declared themselves as voters for Reform.
Cllr Chris Taylor Conservative councillor for Salisbury St Paul’s Ward on Salisbury City Council
I am hugely proud of all I have achieved, particularly for Sarum St Paul’s and Manor Fields Primary Schools.
I have sorted out safer parking areas when dropping off pupils, organised a team of 20-plus volunteers to refurbish a sensory garden and sorted a new lollipop crossing patrol –making our world better and safer for our children is the stuff that gets me out of bed in the morning.
Without exception, in my ward, they have not known the name of their local candidate –the man they would actually be voting for.
And since Reform has not published a city or county manifesto, they have no idea what their local policies are –and for balance I can say the same for the Green Party, who have provided no hint of how their candidates might improve our lot in Salisbury.
In the meantime – if I am no longer in a job – I am still glad I seized the opportunity to serve as a city councillor for just six months – it has been a blast and
If I’m out of a job, many thanks to the Gazette for allowing me to make these contributions. However, if I’m still in a job, watch this space – I have a heck of a lot to do in the next four years!
'£50m for attempt to dim the sun?'
THE Pope ‘passes’ and the UK Government under Kier Starmer seemingly picks up the baton, and looks to play God.
£50 million to a geoengineering project designed to research and attempt to dim the sun, and change the very nature of our atmosphere, as if mankind hadn’t done enough to change it already.
It’s likened to 'big pharma' and their policy of bringing out drugs to cure something we didn’t even know we had and constantly bringing out more to combat the side effects of the one’s we have already become reliant on.
Still, it keeps them in work and gives them a constant supply of revenue, does it not? But investing £50m the Government does not have, to
King Arthur Pendragon Former and proposed Independent Parliamentary candidate for Salisbury
support what at best is ‘dodgy science’ and at worst could make things exponentially worse for us lesser folk who live on this planet, is utter folly, and
quite possibly, looking back from some future point (with the benefit of hindsight), very dangerous, if not catastrophic. By the time you read this, the local May elections will have taken place and you will have seen for yourself the backlash there has been to this even newer Labour, who came in such a short while ago, riding the crest of the wave that promised change.
It seems more like more of the same to me and that’s why I am and always have been a believer in free, independent politics, Until Next time..
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The Music Baa, Salisbury. 27th-29th June 2025. TICKETS & LINEUP: https://www.tickettailor.com/events/ themusicbaa/1448785
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Farmers sentenced for mistreatment
farmers from Orcheston, near Salisbury, have been sentenced after they were found guilty of mistreating cattle.
The mistreatment includes leaving cattle without water and overcrowding the animals in a pen covered in deep slurry and mud.
Michael Babey, 69, and 52-year-old Julia Babey were sentenced at Salisbury Magistrates Court yesterday (April 24) after previously being found guilty of animal welfare offences and breaching a disqualification order.
The sentence comes after the pair were found guilty of the charges in March this year.
And in May 2024, Mrs Babey pleaded guilty to animal welfare offences, as well as aiding and abetting Mr Babey in breaching his disqualification order.
Mr Babey was sentenced to 20 weeks imprisonment suspended for two years and he was also ordered to pay costs of £5,000 and a victim surcharge of £154.
Mrs Babey was sentenced to a 12-month community order, fined £100 and must pay a victim surcharge of £114 plus £200 costs.
Both have also been disqualified from keeping all animals except cats, dogs and cockatiels for 10 years.
Parvis Khansari, corporate director place at Wiltshire Council, said: “We have a
Some of the cattle affected
dedicated team of animal health officers at Wiltshire Council who will act quickly to ensure that Wiltshire farmers and livestock owners take good care of their animals.
“Mr and Mrs Babey show little regard for the law and for the welfare of their cattle. I hope that the sentencing today sends a strong message that breaking animal welfare law and mistreatment of animals will not be tolerated in Wiltshire.
“If anyone has concerns related to the health and welfare of livestock, they can contact the animal health team on 0300 456 0100.”
The charges relate to cattle the pair kept on land at Tanners Lane in Shrewton.
Mr Babey was disqualified from keeping cattle and cows for five years in 2019 to prevent the risk of suffering to his animals in, after previously been disqualified from keeping equines in 2010, with the ownership of the cattle passing to Mrs Babey.
However, animal welfare officers found Mr Babey continued to care for and keep cattle, in breach of the order.
A site visit in November 2023 revealed that 11 of the 24 cattle were being kept in one pen in heavily soiled conditions, with the feeding area covered in deep slurry and mud.
The pen was found to be non-compliant with legal requirements due to insufficient space for all of the cattle to lie
down simultaneously.
Water provided was highly soiled and not of suitable quality for the animals to drink.
Conditions had not improved when animal health officers visited the site again in January 2024.
This time, 23 cattle were found to have no access to water. One cow was seen to be licking from an empty water container for five minutes.
The vet’s opinion was that the cattle were being given insufficient amounts of water.
Records for the farm showed an overall mortality rate of 31% for cattle kept by Mr and Mrs Babey.
The overall mortality rate in England for all cattle in 2023 was 5.03%.
Picture: Wiltshire Council
Models help strong auction results
CLARKE'S Auctions in Gillingham saw some strong results at their recent sale with a locally consigned single-owner collection of more than 25 Bassett-Lowke boardroom models of pre-WWII RNLI steamships, yachts and other nautical related items all selling extremely well and another single-owner collection of Minichamps 1:12th scale Grand Prix British Superbike motorcycle models all finding new homes across the country. They are beginning to gain a reputation locally for offering large single-owner collections and are pleased to be auctioning a large collection of New Old Stock air rifles and pistols in their May 11 and 12 sale to include a SMK CR600W CO2 air rifle, a Remington Airacobra PCP air rifle, an Artemis M16A, Webley pistols and approximately one hundred and fifty lots of air rifles, pistols,
telescopic sights and other shooting related accessories.
If you have amassed a collection of antique or vintage items and would like advice on value or suitability for auction, Clarke’s valuers would be happy to take a look and advise, whether the whole or part collection, so please give them a call on the number below to arrange an appointment or pop along to their open valuation days being held on May 7, 8 and 9.
n For enquiries for consignment into their June 13 and 14 sale or any future sale, or for any Probate or Insurance Valuations or full or part House Clearances, contact either Richard Clarke or Karen Marshall on 01747 685592 at the Clarke's salerooms at The Old Glove Factory, Buckingham Road, Gillingham, SP8 4QF.
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Driver jailed over fatal M4 smash
ADRIVER
whose speeding on the M4 in Wiltshire during Storm Babet led to the deaths of a mother and her daughter has been jailed.
Firas Zeineddine, of Bluebell Drive, Keynsham, Somerset, appeared at Swindon Crown Court on April 28 after pleading guilty to two counts of death by careless driving.
The 46-year-old was sentenced to 12 months behind bars, and disqualified from driving for 18 months.
At around 9am on October 20, 2023, Cheryl Woods, 61, and Sarha Smith, 40, of Caerphilly, were stopped on the hard shoulder of the M4 eastbound near junction 17 for Chippenham with a vehicle from National Highways following a minor collision.
Shortly after, Zeineddine, who was driving a Tesla Model Y, aquaplaned while speeding at more than 90mph in the outside lane of the motorway.
He overcorrected his steering, colliding with the front offside bumper and then the steering axel of an HGV in lane 1.
The HGV then collided with and fell on Cheryl and Sarha’s vehicle, a Volkswagen T-Roc, while narrowly missing a Highways officer.
Cheryl and Sarha were sadly declared dead at the scene.
Investigating officer DC Sean Williams, from the Wiltshire Police Serious Collision Investigation Team, said: “This is an utterly tragic and needless incident which has seen two women lose their lives.
“Zeineddine’s speeding in the conditions was completely reckless and he admitted having impaired vision due to the amount of mist and spray that was coming off the road.
“Despite this, data from his
Tesla showed his speed was in excess of 90mph. Once his vehicle started to aquaplane in the standing water, due to the speed he was driving, he lost complete control.
“I’m pleased he has pleaded guilty which has prevented the victims’ family from having to relive the details through a trial.
“Cheryl and Sarha’s deaths sadly provide a clear illustration of why it is vital to drive to the conditions, no matter where you are.
“Any mistake or unforeseen incident, particularly at the speeds Zeineddine was driving, can have fatal consequences.”
After the crash, Cheryl and Sarha’s family paid tribute to the pair.
“Cheryl Woods, cherished by those in her life, fulfilled the roles of a loving mother, doting grandmother, cherished sister, and a dear friend,” they said.
“Her selflessness was a defining trait, consistently
prioritising her family’s well-being over her own, and she took immense pride in her Welsh heritage while nurturing a deep love for nature.
“Sarha Smith, in the footsteps of her mother, unselfishly devoted herself to her family’s needs ahead of her own.
“She was not only a mother, grandmother, sister, aunt and friend, but her absence leaves a void for those who relied on her radiant presence.
“Her legacy lives on through her six daughters, who will forever hold her memory close and strive to honour her with their efforts.”
Cheryl Woods and Sarha Smith tragically died after the incident on the M4
Picture: Wiltshire Police
Firas Zeineddine has been jailed for 12 months
Picture: Wiltshire Police
Hyundai hits the road for move to new premises in Salisbury
AHYUNDAI
showroom in Salisbury has opened to the public following a relocation.
The former Land Rover showroom on the Old Sarum Business Park has been upgraded to create a larger home for Hyundai in the Salisbury area.
Hendy Group, which represents 23 manufacturers across 68 sites along the south coast of England, says the new site will provide customers in the city and surrounding area with a wider choice of new and used cars, as well as access to a state-of-the-art workshop for service and MOT.
The company says growing interest in Hyundai models in the region has prompted a £400,000 joint investment from Hendy Group and Hyundai UK, which saw the transformed dealership open to the public on April 28.
The eight-car indoor showroom will display electric, hybrid and petrol Hyundai models, including Hyundai’s first electric performance model, the IONIQ 5 N, and the brand’s
popular plug-in hybrid SUV, the Santa Fe.
Before the opening, Paul Hendy, CEO at Hendy Group, said: "We’ve had a successful relationship with Hyundai in Salisbury for many years, and all our Hendy colleagues from the previous site will be transferred to the new one.
"This investment underlines our commitment to the brand as well as to current and prospective customers.
"The strong Hyundai product offering resonates with Hendy customers, and we’re confident this new site will attract new customers to the brand and improve the experience for existing ones.
"Two on-site electric vehicle chargers and a large parking area will make it much more convenient for customers to drop in for a browse or drop off for an aftersales booking.
"We look forward to
welcoming new and familiar faces through the doors and further building our presence within the local area."
The site will undergo further refurbishment in the coming months to enhance its aftersales offering.
An existing eight-bay workshop will be expanded to accommodate greater volumes of service, maintenance and MOT bookings.
80s classic Renault 5 Turbo is BACK!
THE Renault 5 Turbo is a classic among petrolheads.
Produced between 1980 and 1984, the three-door classic would travel from 0-60mph in under seven seconds, making it a speedy but affordable motor.
Good examples now sell for thousands in a motoring world full of nostalgia.
But now it is back, in the form of an all-electric version, Renault has announced.
Available for pre-order now – with an asking price of £135,000 – the Renault 5 Turbo 3E not only puts its predecessor to shame in the cost stakes – but also performance.
The French car giant says the 3E will be its most powerful car ever, with two
in-wheel electric motors sending 540hp –and a startling 4,800Nm of torque – through the rear wheels only.
With an aluminium base, carbon-fibre body and 1450kg kerbweight, that translates to a claimed 0-62mph sprint time of under 3.5 seconds.
It will charge the 70kWh battery from 15-80% in around 15 minutes using a high-speed charger, the firm said, with a total range of more than 249 miles. However, boy racers keen to get behind the wheel will have to wait. The Turbo 3E won’t arrive in showrooms or be delivered until 2027, with total production limited to 1980 units –matching the year the original Renault 5 Turbo was released.
Now though, customers can place orders on a dedicated website and select the dealer of their choice, where they will sign a reservation form and can choose the number of their future 5 Turbo 3E. For an early glimpse of how the car might look, a prototype is set to go on display at the Goodwood Festival of Speed on July 10.
A Hyundai on the streets of Salisbury
