Salisbury & Avon Gazette - Issue 77

What’s inside this issue…

• Main pic: Open garden sale raises thousands for good cause page 10

• Above: Second city Lidl store gets the go-ahead from planners page 12

• Left: Salisbury man jailed for abusing teen in back room of shop page 11

EDITORIAL

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Work gets underway on eagerlyawaited Bemerton pump track

CONSTRUCTION

of a new pump track off Western Way in Bemerton in has begun.

The community facility aims to provide a place for people to ride bikes on a looped circuit as they build up speed over the bumps, rather than pedalling.

Contractors were set to be on site from Monday, September 15, to begin construction work - which is set to take around six weeks.

The project is being funded by Wiltshire Council as well, as well as with money from the UK Shared Prosperity Fund.

Community involvement was key to the creation of the pump track, as the idea came about after Wiltshire Council asked local people what they want to see near them.

“Local residents, through Community Conversations and the Bemerton Bright Ideas Community Panel, have shown a strong commitment to improving their area, and this project is the latest achievement in that ongoing effort,” Wiltshire Council said.

The area is near a skate park, a playground and Bemerton

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Work is underway on creating the new pump track in Bemerton

Pictures: Wiltshire Council

Standards cared for with pride

HRH

The Princess Royal looked on as the two regiments of The Household Cavalry laid up their current Elizabethan Standards at Salisbury Cathedral.

A special service on Tuesday (September 16) saw the princess - Colonel Blues and Royals - in attendance, along with Lt General Sir Edward SmythOsbourne, Colonel Life Guards.

During the service, the standards – or flags - were handed over to The Dean of Salisbury, The Very Rev Nicholas Papadopulos, for safe keeping.

The Household Cavalry is a union of the two most senior regiments in the British Army, The Life Guards and The Blues and Royals.

It is divided into the Household Cavalry Regiment, based at Bulford, and the Household Cavalry Mounted Regiment.

The service included The Household Cavalry Band and Salisbury Cathedral Choir, with the cathedral’s director of music, David Halls.

The organ was played by the assistant director of music, John Challenger.

Also present were The Rt Rev Stephen Lake, Bishop of Salisbury, Revd Tiann Morgner, Chaplain to the Household Cavalry and Rev Tom Sander, Chaplain to the Household Cavalry Mounted Regiment.

Lieutenant Colonel (Retd) Ralf Griffin, Regimental Adjutant, HQ Household

Cavalry, said: "The Household Cavalry, comprising The Life Guards and Blues and Royals, are immensely proud to be Laying-Up the final set of Sovereign’s Standards presented by Queen Elizabeth in 2014.

"The Regiments have driven their vehicles over Salisbury Plain since training for D-Day in 1944 to currently trialling the new AJAX vehicle fleet for the Army.

"Since 2019, The Household Cavalry Regiment has been stationed at Bulford and there can be no greater demonstration of our commitment to Salisbury and Wiltshire than asking the

cathedral to safeguard these sacred symbols of our history."

The Very Revd Nicholas Papadopulos, Dean of Salisbury, said: "Salisbury Cathedral receives these standards with pride. Symbols of their Regiments, of those who have served under them, and of those who have given their lives for them, they will have places of honour here.

"We are proud to support His Majesty’s Armed Forces and assure the servicemen and servicewomen of today – and all veterans – of our continual prayer for their safety and well-being, and for the peace of the whole world."

HRH The Princess Royal was in attendance at Salisbury Cathedral

Pictures: Finnbarr Webster

Hope that car park toilet block could reopen

TOILETS

at the Central Car Park in Salisbury could soon reopen.

The news comes after chiefs at Salisbury City Council (SCC) agreed to continue negotiations to acquire the freehold or a similar arrangement from Wiltshire Council.

The toilets closed at the end of March, drawing wide-spread criticism from residents who were also faced with the closure of the Market Place facilities.

The toilet block is currently owned by Wiltshire Council, and SCC has agreed to continue negotiations with the authority to acquire the freehold, or similar arrangement, on “acceptable terms” in a bid to reopen them.

A decision came after councillors discussed the issue at a meeting of the full council on September 15.

The Central Car Park toilets include a disabled toilet, baby changing facilities and have nearby blue badge parking – something the alternatives do not provide.

SCC leader, Cllr Sam Charleston (Lib Dems, St Paul's), said the council has made “very significant progress” in bringing the toilets back under the authority's control.

“[It has been] more or less agreed with some ironing out of the details that we will be taking back the toilet building via an asset transfer from Wiltshire Council,” he said.

“At that point it will come back into the city council’s

SCC will have to examine the state of the facilities before making a decision, they said.

ownership and we will be able to reopen the toilets. That is something that is within our power.”

An SCC spokesperson said no council officer has set foot in the toilet block since it was taken over by Wiltshire Council.

An assessment of the state of the toilets will be made once they have been handed back over, but they could in theory be opened as soon as the asset transfer is carried out.

“The key thing this council is going to have to consider, even if we get given this in the next three to five months, is that there is no budget allocated for cleaning and maintenance, so that’s where that full business case is going to be really important to help council make sure there is a budget in place,” an officer reported.

When asked if Wiltshire Council would provide financial assistance to help tide the city council over in the first few months of opening, councillors were told the “deal may be dead” if this request was made, as it is “not something Wiltshire Council would entertain”.

Cllr Chris Taylor (Con, St Paul's) said: “I’ve been banging on about these toilets for months now. At the last full council meeting, I raised the

topic again and a number of people said discussions were occurring with Wiltshire Council.

“That may or may not have been the case at a political level, but at officer level it wasn’t occurring at all. When I started digging, there was no negotiation or discussion and more alarmingly, Wiltshire Council decided we were no longer interested and handed it over to be marketed to a third party which strikes me as bonkers.”

Cllr Jeremy Nettle (Con, Fisherton and Bemerton Village) said it is “very disappointing” that as Christmas is around the corner that the toilets are unlikely to reopen in time for when a large number of visitors will come to the city.

“I would urge any discussion if possible to get these toilets opened as soon as possible,” he added.

SCC will be presented with an agreement, complete with a business case to establish the running costs, which councillors will eventually vote on.

More than 3,000 people have so far signed a petition calling for both the Central Car Park and Market Place toilets to be reopened.

The Central Car Park toilet block in Salisbury has been closed for some time - but could soon reopen

Picture: Google

Councillors Sam Charleston and Chris Taylor

Patrols tackle poaching

POLICE embarked on targeted patrols in Amesbury to try and put an end to incidents of fish poaching and illegal fishing.

Officers PC Gomm and PC Higton were joined by the Environment Agency Fisheries Department as they attended Amesbury Hatches and Lords Walk.

Two people were found without ID and without rod licences, and the force said they were recorded and directed to leave.

Six people fishing at Lords Walk were able to provide valid licences and paperwork.

A police spokesperson said: “These patrols help protect our waterways, support responsible anglers and ensure fishing rights are respected.”

Election call

A NEW councillor is wanted to join Salisbury City Council following the death of former councillor Bob Gann.

Cllr Gann, Labour representative for the St Edmund’s ward, sadly died by suicide.

An election to fill the vacant seat will be held if 10 electors from the city ward of Salisbury (Salisbury St Edmund’s Ward) write to the returning officer at Wiltshire Council by September 25 asking for an election to be held. Otherwise, the vacancy will be filled by co-option. If an election is called, it will take place no later than November 27.

Cathedral light show returns

SALISBURY’S

most iconic landmark will be lit up with dazzling light and dynamic soundscapes as Sarum Lights returns to the city.

Sarum Lights: Lost Worlds, supported by Trethowans, will run from November 4 to 8.

In previous years, the event has attracted more than 12,000 people from across the area.

This year will see the cathedral premier a brand-new light and sound show from Luxmuralis.

The impressive light show will explore the historical and mythical worlds that have been lost in time, from ancient gods and prehistoric art to medieval manuscripts and mythical lands.

On arrival, on the west front of the cathedral, visitors will see spectacular imagery from the most ancient lost worlds, in a kaleidoscopic display of Greek gods, Roman art and Etruscan iconography.

As visitors enter the cloisters, they will walk through an immersive display of cave paintings depicting animals, geometric patterns and objects from prehistory.

Inside the cathedral, a world of knights and castles will greet visitors, with medieval manuscripts, art and maps from the Middle Ages illuminating the dramatic architecture, referencing the medieval origins of the building, and

accompanied by a speciallycreated soundscape.

At the east end of the cathedral, imagery of the Garden of Eden will fill the Trinity Chapel, while in the nave of the cathedral visitors will experience an impressive journey through mythical lost worlds such as Atlantis and Troy, and an encounter with dinosaurs.

Sarum Lights: Lost Worlds will run from 5.30pm each evening, with 15-minute timed entry slots available.

Tickets cost £12 for adults£10 on the opening night - and £6 for children and are available from www.salisburycathedral. org.uk.

Former police officer used system to stalk ex

A FORMER Wiltshire Police officer has been handed a suspended sentence after he used police systems to stalk his ex girlfriend.

Andrew Edwards, 31, from Chippenham admitted to carrying out 27 searches of his former partner, her male friends and her new partner through police systems without a lawful policing purpose.

Edwards, pictured, also visited his ex’s home on 31 occasions – both on and off duty – and asked colleagues to research her social media as he had been blocked.

He served as a response officer in Chippenham and was suspended from his duties as soon as the force became aware of his actions.

He resigned from the force

on May 6 during the criminal investigation.

Edwards appeared at Bristol Crown Court on September 12, where he pleaded guilty to the offences.

He was sentenced to 20 months imprisonment, suspended for two years. He was also ordered to complete 20 rehabilitation activity requirement days, three months of trail monitoring and 100 hours of unpaid work.

Assistant chief constable Ian Saunders described Edwards’ actions as “totally unacceptable”.

Mayor on his bike - for a good cause!

SALISBURY’S Mayor will embark on a bike ride through the redeveloped River Park to view the new cycle routes and promote active travel in the city.

Mayor, Councillor John Wells, will be joined by the Cycling Opportunities Group Salisbury (COGS) as they set off from the Guildhall Square on September 28 at 2.30pm.

The mayor’s ride is an annual popular event, and COGS are welcoming residents and other councillors to come along to join in with the bike ride.

Cllr Wells said: “I am grateful for the opportunity to show support for cycling around Salisbury and welcome the work which COGS have been doing for many years to raise the profile of cycling.

“Active travel has a large part to play in helping to resolve the traffic issues in our city as well as providing proven health benefits.”

COGS will also donate to the mayor’s chosen charity, Salisbury-based homelessness charity Alabaré, which provides accommodation and support to disadvantaged and vulnerable people.

Chair of the group, Rob Jacobs, said: “We are absolutely delighted that Cllr John Wells will join us.

“We are all aware of the

mayor’s interest in active travel and should any cyclists wish to join the cavalcade we will be leaving from the Guildhall Square at 2.30pm on Sunday, September 28 to follow either low traffic or traffic free routes around the city.

“This will incorporate stretches of the new cycle path through River Park which has been opened this year. Please come along and show your

support for Cllr Wells and active travel.”

COGS was set up in 1994 and campaigns with Salisbury City Council and Wiltshire County Council for safer infrastructure for cyclists in and around Salisbury.

The group is currently working on active strategies enabling residents to walk, wheel and cycle round the city.

IT’S NEVER TOO EARLY TO PLAN

Riders pictured during a previous cycle

Dog rescued after wandering into drainage pipe - and getting stuck

ADOG was left significantly muddy – but unharmed –after it was rescued from a drainage pipe.

Ruby was being walked on Manor Road, in Upton Lovell near Warminster, when she decided to venture into the pipe, getting herself stuck.

Firefighters were called into action, and the service contacted Wiltshire Council and its contractors M Group to support the rescue.

Council teams dug through the verge and into the pipe to free Ruby, who, after around three hours, was reunited with her owner.

Councillor Ian Thorn, leader of Wiltshire Council, said: “This was a real team effort, and our thanks go to our highways officers, our contractors M Group, and Dorset and Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service for

working together at pace to free Ruby.

“We were really pleased to be able to reunite Ruby with her owner, and hopefully she’ll continue her adventures above ground in the future.

“Our teams will be returning to the site this week to repair the pipe and verge.”

Emma Richards, highways supervisor at M Group, said: “We’re proud of Connor and Ryan for working with the council and fire service to free Ruby.

“Their teamwork and persistence helped ensure a happy ending for both Ruby and her owner.”

Firefighter Nathan Collins,

who was in charge of the rescue, said: “Sometimes we need the support of other agencies for the incidents we attend, and the swift arrival of the team from Wiltshire Council Highways and their partners meant we were able to get Ruby back into the safe keeping of her owner.

“We’re really pleased that Ruby is now out of harm’s way, so a big thank you to everyone who helped to free her.”

Ruby can now expect a deep scrub in the bath.

E-scooter seized by police

AN e-scooter was seized and will soon be destroyed by police after officers found it being ridden by a young person in Tidworth.

The vehicle was confiscated by special constables from the Specials Road Safety Unit on the evening of September 11.

Although legal to own, privately-owned e-scooters can only be ridden on private land with permission from the landowner - excluding them from public roads, pavements or in parks.

“Please remember that it

illegal to ride an electric scooter in a public place unless in an official trial area where e-scooters are hired with the correct insurance,” a police spokesperson said. “There are currently no trial areas in Wiltshire. Those seen riding them illegally risk having it seized under the Road Traffic Act and as they are impossible to insure, you won’t get it back.”

Officers patrol also encountered one person using a mobile while driving, and one incident of careless driving.

The rescue team with a muddy Ruby after her ordeal in the pipe

Picture: Wiltshire Council

New footpath plan

ANEWfootpath could be built to make it easier for those with disabilities or mobility issues to access the River Park from Coldharbour Lane.

Coldharbour Lane crosses Ashley Road and connects the allotments to the rest of the city, running past the River Park.

Following concerns raised by residents, Salisbury City Councillor Chris Taylor (Con, St Paul's) has proposed a new footpath alongside Dennis Marsh House, connecting the pavement of Kingsland Road to a drop kerb opposite the entrance to the River Park, to the rear of 9 Westminster Road.

His plan was discussed at a Full Council meeting on September 15 after residents said the 70-metre stretch of road at Coldharbour Lane to the River Park entrance is “potentially hazardous” as it forces those with disabilities and mobility issues to walk in the middle of the road.

“This is city council land and road, it is adopted so there’s no money from Wiltshire Council available – this is entirely our problem,” Cllr Taylor told the meeting.

He added: “This will be of benefit to other people rather than just those in the St Paul’s area. Lots of people will access the River Park this way, including school children."

A cost of £35,000 was suggested in the motion, with funding potentially coming through Community Infrastructure Levy funding – a pot developers contribute to fund local infrastructure, facilities and services.

Cllr Sven Hocking (Con, Harnham East), who seconded Cllr Taylor’s motion, said: “£35,000 divided by 70 (metres) is £500 a metre to put that path there.

“I’d like to tender for that if I may, because I reckon I can do a decent job for an awful lot less than that. That is ridiculously large amount of money to pay for what is going to be Tarmac path.”

Cllr Samuel Foster proposed an amendment for the council to seek full quotes and come back for further discussion.

Cllr Ricky Rogers (Lab, Fisherton and Bemerton Village) praised Cllr Taylor for raising the issue with the council.

“This was a plea from a person who is partially sighted for uses this path quite frequently and wants to see it made safer for him and his carer when he travels down it," he said.

“Its a very narrow stretch, it doesn’t feel safe when you’re walking along and a car passes you.”

He added: “What’s persuaded me to support this, despite it being a large sum of money, is the fact that this is going to be one of the main entrances River Park project.

“This will be a major route in and that path adds to the importance of having a safe route into that park.”

A final decision will be made once quotes are sourced.

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A new footpath could link to the River Park entrance

Sun shines on a special charity event

THEsun was shining on a stunning 17th-century walled Dutch garden last weekend as people came together to raise much-needed funds for Salisbury Hospice Charity.

Sir Henry and Lady Rumbold generously opened the garden of their family home at Hatch House near Tisbury on September 6 as they welcomed hundreds of visitors.

The day was complete with various fundraising events –including a vibrant marketplace of pre-loved designer clothing, vintage treasures, accessories, books, toys, and homeware.

More than £29,500 was raised which will support the vital work of Salisbury Hospice Charity which offers compassionate care and support to patients and their families in the local community.

Stalls were buzzing with activity, while food lovers enjoyed homemade cakes, a sizzling Compton McRae BBQ, refreshing Pimms, and ice cream in the sunshine.

The stunning Dutch garden and sweeping views over the Vale of Wardour provided a perfect backdrop to a day filled with community spirit.

Lady Rumbold said: “I am thrilled with the total raised, it is

so rewarding for everybody who worked so hard, so many hours of effort but so much fun! Together, we are doing well by doing good.”

Salisbury Hospice Charity thanked both Sir Henry and Lady Rumbold for welcoming people to the event.

“Special recognition goes to Lady Rumbold, her family, and her dedicated team of helpers for the countless hours spent preparing the sale items, as well as to the Tisbury Fundraising Committee for their exceptional

efforts in helping to run the event,” a spokesperson said.

“We also would like to thank the many volunteers whose hard work ensured the event went smoothly and are very grateful to everyone who donated items and attended the open garden.”

Tamsin Murley, community fundraiser for Salisbury Hospice Charity said: “We are absolutely thrilled with the incredible total raised.

“It truly reflects the dedication of so many amazing volunteers who put in countless

hours both in the lead up to and throughout the weekend.

“We are so grateful for everyone’s support, the unwavering commitment of our Tisbury Fundraising Charity Registration No 1123314 Committee and above all for Sir Henry Rumbold’s generously in providing the venue and for Lady Rumbold – the true heartbeat of the event.”

This year’s event was supported by sponsors Bloomfield & Associates Ltd and Farnfields Solicitors.

Lady Rumbold, inset, said she was “thrilled” with how much money was raised Pictures: Salisbury Hospice Charity/Spencer Mulholland

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Controversial plan for second Lidl store in Salisbury is approved

CONSTRUCTION

on a second Lidl store in Salisbury will soon begin after plans for a new outlet were approved.

The new supermarket will sit on the Churchill Way West Retail Park, replacing Smyths Toys and HomeSense, which left the premises at the start of the year.

The German supermarket giant already has a store in Hatches Lane, but the new premises will allow shoppers in the west of the city to access their products without travelling across Salisbury.

But not everyone welcomed the plans when they were first announced.

In total, 117 letters objecting to the supermarket were sent to Wiltshire Council, with many taking issue with the loss of Smyths Toys as the nearest store now is almost an hour away in Southampton.

One reader said: “How many more downmarket supermarkets do we need in Salisbury? We

actually need a large toyshop and Homesense is good for all sorts of homeware.

“I hope lots boycott this Lidl store because I know there is a great deal of anger about these plans.”

Another said: “So the only decent toy shop in Salisbury is closing. There aren’t any children’s clothes shops in town (very limited) – what does Salisbury have against kids?

“Also, Homesense is the only place to buy half decent, good quality home goods. This is so sad. Do we honestly need another Lidl?"

Concerns over the impact of the existing traffic and already busy roundabouts were also raised. But some welcomed the news, as the new supermarket would be in walking distance for the older generation, it would provide a discount

supermarket for those closer to Wilton and would help reduce traffic congestion along Southampton Road.

Wiltshire Council planning officer, who approved the plans in July, said the plans are “fairly modest” but recognised the large amount of objections received.

The existing Lidl store located in Hatches Lane will remain open.

Ray's egg paintings are on display

ACOLLECTION of paintings by a former education manager are being showcased at Fisherton Mill in Salisbury.

Artist Ray Walker retired from working as a manager in further education colleges in 2022 and set about creating small-scale paintings, something he first worked on in his late 20s.

The paintings are inspired by nature, ceramics, and the use of colour.

The work is informed by imagery from medieval manuscripts, Japanese art, Indian miniatures, and early 20th century modernist painting.

A simple still-life format is used to express themes and ideas.

Spencer Mulholland

Within the paintings objects are painted in egg tempera where raw pigment is mixed with egg yolk – a technique used in Europe up until the early Renaissance when this method

was replaced by oil painting.

Egg tempera allows for thin transparent layers of colour to be built up so colours can glow through each other.

The backgrounds are painted in gouache, a technique where

pigments are mixed with gum Arabic, enabling flat opaque blocks of colour to be applied to the surface.

All the paintings are presented in hand-painted box frames.

The new Lidl will replace the Smyths Toys and Home Sense stores

Nicola and Sybil at the Stars Appeal Bookshop

Picture:

Hugh Anderson, from Downton Distillery, being presented with the award by Natasha Dochniak, of Hampshire Fare

Picture: Downton Distillery

Downton firm scoops top gong

A DISTILLERY in Downton made its debut at the Alresford Show at the weekend – and the company walked away with a top award.

The Food & Produce Trophy Shield was presented to Downton Distillery at the show on September 7, Hampshire’s annual celebration of rural life. The show celebrates the best of Hampshire, and holds arable competitions, a dog show, a horse show and more.

Downton Distillery, a small artisan distillery just outside the Hampshire border in Wiltshire, was one of the businesses recognised as it crafts internationally award-winning spirits.

Founder Hugh Anderson was presented the trophy by Natasha Dochniak of Hampshire Fare.

He said: [It was] totally unexpected, but what a day, brilliant sunshine, inspiring

producers, and the best community spirit you could wish for.

“Huge thanks to everyone who came by, old friends and the naughty twins for their cheeky grins and the horror on their faces when they were given sample cups of Great Bustard water.

“Extra hugs to those who’ve had a tough year, you know who you are, we are proud to be part of such a special community.”

Downton Distillery is well known for its flagship Explorer’s Gin and Great Bustard Gin. The business partnered with a conservation group in 2024 to donate £10 from every bottle of Great Bustard Gin sold to charity.

Visit www.downtondistillery. com to find out more about the company and to view their products.

Off-road bike seized by police

POLICE

have seized an off-road motorbike after receiving reports of it being ridden illegally in Tidworth and Ludgershall.

Officers from Wiltshire Police’s road policing unit and special road safety unit have been working with neighbourhood officers to tackle the issue which they say has been causing a “nuisance”.

An off-road bike was seized by officers on Friday, September 12, and the rider will be prosecuted for driving offences.

The bike will be destroyed.

“We know that these bikes are often shared or swapped between riders, so our teams will continue to take action against anyone caught riding them illegally, regardless of ownership,” a police spokesperson said.

The force said riding motorcycles on pathways, in parks, or in other public spaces is not only unlawful but also dangerous.

Riders often lack protective gear, ride recklessly, and put both themselves and pedestrians at serious risk of harm.

Neighbourhood Inspector Gavin Brewster said: “I want to reassure the community that when we receive reports of this behaviour, we will act.

“Working alongside our specialist operations units, we will robustly deal with anyone riding illegally and in an anti-social manner.

“This can result in vehicles being seized and crushed, alongside prosecutions for document offences, and even careless or dangerous riding charges.

“Offenders risk disqualification from driving before they have even obtained their licence.”

The public are being asked to keep their eyes peeled for any similar incidents.

“Together, we can reduce the risk to the public, hold offenders to account and prevent further incidents from happening,” Inspector Brewster added.

Care home residents share knowledge

WILTON Place care home

residents had the chance to share their plethora of local knowledge to newcomers to Salisbury at a recent trip to Victoria Park.

Residents who have lived in the area all of their lives got a chance to shared their local knowledge and stories to residents that have recently moved to the city from other areas.

They chatted to locals and tucked into some refreshments

at Upshake and Brew before returning home.

Antoinette Roberts, general manager of Wilton Place, said: “Our residents have really enjoyed their day out.

“Trips out in the home’s minibus are a regular event for the residents, and we always ask for ideas on where they would best like to go.

“The day was a lot of fun, residents were able to reminisce on the local area, and we had great weather for the outing.”

Wilton Place residents enjoying their trip

Have your say over river bathing

ACONSULTATION has been launched to gauge residents’ views on whether part of the River Avon through Salisbury should officially receive bathing water status. If the status is achieved, water quality would be closely monitored for harmful bacteria and viruses with legal obligations placed on industry to reduce sewage pollution near sites.

The site in question is a shallow stretch between two footbridges at Queen Elizabeth Gardens, a favourite spot for paddling and picnicking.

Salisbury Clean Rivers, supported by XR Salisbury, FLOW, Wiltshire Wildlife Trust, Wildlife Wellbeing CIC and Salisbury Transition City, sent a letter to Salisbury City Council in July to raise concerns over the water quality in the River Avon.

In this letter, the group is proposing for the bathing water status application to be submitted at Queen Elizabeth Gardens – an area popular with families – which would help assess water quality at the site and inform improvements in river health.

It comes after the group said the River Avon fails to meet targets set by both the Environment Agency and Natural England.

After receiving backing from city councillors, the groups have now launched a consultation which will run until October 10.

Love Of The Water said: “Designation does not just provide data. It helps drive real improvements in water quality and gives communities the tools they need to hold polluters to account.

“It also empowers people to make informed choices about

enjoying their local river.”

An in-person consultation event is set to take place on September 30, running from 7pm to 9pm at The Meeting House, 51 Wilton Rd, Salisbury, SP2 7EP.

“Every opinion counts, and your input will help shape the future of the River Avon in Salisbury,” a spokesperson added.

The River Avon flowing through Queen Elizabeth Gardens

Picture: Google/James Roddie

Air quality on the rise as developers set to face new rules for homes

PEOPLE

are able to breath easier in Salisbury after work took place to improve air quality in high-traffic areas of the city.

Salisbury’s London Road/St Mark's Roundabout, Wilton Road/St Paul's Roundabout and the city centre are classified as air quality management zones (AQMAs) as they previously breached the annual mean objective of nitrogen dioxide, a pollutant commonly associated with traffic emissions.

The area previously breached the annual mean objective of 40µg/m³, along with areas elsewhere in the county such as Masons Lane in Bradford on Avon, Herd Street/London Road in Marlborough, New Road/ London Road in Calne, Haynes Road/Warminster Road in Westbury and Brewery Corner in Devizes.

These areas, often characterised by narrow, canyon-like road layouts and heavy traffic, presented challenges for pollution dispersal, Wiltshire Council said.

However, sustained efforts through the council’s Air

Quality Action Plan (AQAP), targeted monitoring, and community engagement have helped to deliver significant improvements.

Wiltshire Council’s 2024 annual status report, submitted to Defra in July, confirms that nitrogen dioxide levels have remained below the national objective in all AQMA for the first time.

This paves the way for the potential revocation of some AQMAs, over the next 12 months in line with Defra’s technical guidance, which requires either three consecutive years of data 10% below the objective or five years below the threshold.

Councillor Paul Sample JP, cabinet member for environment and climate, said he is delighted with the results.

“Air pollution contributes to the equivalent of 30,000 deaths in the UK this year – according to the Royal College of Physicians,” he said.

“No-one in Wiltshire wants to live in a county that has high levels of air pollution. This work is all about safeguarding and improving the health of

residents – and future generations.

“I am delighted that the quality of air in our eight AQMAs now meets the targets set. It is a big environmental and public health milestone.

“However, the hard work won’t stop. Wiltshire Council are committed to gathering evidence to help us maintain and improve air quality.

“Our air quality annual status report has been sent to the Government. It summarises our efforts to reduce air pollution and improve air quality.

“It includes the launch of the Wiltshire Community Air Network. Our AQAP will make sure we stay on track in making Wiltshire a great place to breathe.

“We have also launched an air quality supplementary planning document. This is expected to go forward for adoption by the new administration in October. Lots of positive work has taken place and there’s much more to come as our focus shifts to tiny particles like PM2.5.”

The landmark aligns with Wiltshire Council’s broader

environmental priorities outlined in the new council plan, which emphasises protecting the environment for future generations and promotes healthier lives.

A key measure in the AQAP is the development of supplementary planning guidance as development within the county has a significant influence on the county’s roads which are the primary source of nitrogen dioxide.

Guidance has been developed and will be considered by the council’s cabinet at its meeting in October, that will require developers to not solely focus on nitrogen dioxide levels within the eight AQMAs but also recognise increasing public concern about very fine particulates (PM2.5) and on electric vehicle infrastructure.

The council’s Wiltshire Community Air Network, which launched earlier in the year, has a particular focus on PM2.5.

For more information on Wiltshire’s air quality initiatives, visit Wiltshire Council’s Air Quality page at www.wiltshire.gov.uk/envhealth-air-quality.

St Mark's roundabout - one of the key areas for air quality in Salisbury

Picture: Google

Hundreds of beloved pets receive blessings at special service

ALLcreatures great and small were in attendance at Salisbury Cathedral to receive a unique blessing.

The city place of worship hosted a congregation of pets on Saturday, September 13, for the annual Service Of Blessing For Our Pets.

More than 250 pet owners, animals, and their families were in attendance to give thanks "for all of God’s creatures, for the joy and companionship that they bring to peoples’ lives".

Among those blessed were more than 60 dogs, as well as guinea pigs, mice, cats, gerbils and a tortoise.

The service was led by the Very Revd Nicholas Papadopulos, Dean of Salisbury and Revd Sophie Ferguson, and included readings, hymns, and music from Salisbury Cathedrals Girls Choir and Junior Choir.

Music included John Rutter’s All Things Bright and Beautiful, and an excerpt from Michael Flanders and Joseph Horovitz’s Captain Noah and His Floating Zoo.

The Very Revd Nicholas Papadopulos, Dean of Salisbury, said: "We love our pets – as faithful companions and as so much more.

"They offer invaluable support to the visually impaired. They contribute to the resilience of the vulnerable. And they play a vital role in our agriculture.

"The service was uplifting and enjoyable for everyone, allowing us to give thanks to God for the integral part that our pets have in our lives."

Hundreds of pets were blessed at Salisbury Cathedral Pictures: Max Willcock

Pictures by Max Willcock

City Hall to host country music show

COUNTRY music fans in Salisbury can rejoice as a new music event is set to come to the city this December.

Summer in Nashville Presents: Country Roadshow arrives at the Salisbury City Hall on Friday, December 5 from 6pm until 11pm.

People are being asked to dust off their cowboy boots and Stetsons for a night of unforgettable entertainment.

The event promises a line-up of performances including new and undiscovered country acts, alongside tributes to some of the genre’s most iconic legends.

It comes after the success of previous shows featuring crowd-favourite tributes to country icons Luke Combs and Shania Twain.

Adding to the atmosphere, the world-famous Cotton Eyed Disco will bring its renowned energy to the dancefloor,

Kiri

organisers said, while guests can also look forward to line dancing, competitions with prizes, and a host of surprises throughout the evening.

In true Nashville style, the first 100 attendees through the doors will receive a free cowboy hat, ensuring the spirit of the Wild West is alive and well in Salisbury.

Tom Cullen, marketing manager for the event, said:

“We’re excited to bring ‘Summer In Nashville Presents: Country Roadshow’ to Salisbury this December..

“As our first dedicated country music event, we’re expecting a strong response and anticipate tickets will sell quickly.

“Attendees can look forward to exceptional live performances from tribute acts honouring country music’s most celebrated legends, complemented by a

Golding Theatre Arts is an award winning performing arts school providing exceptional, part time theatre training in singing, dancing and acting for ages 18 months - 16 years old.

KG Theatre Arts is an all-inclusive, friendly yet professional Theatre School which is suitable and welcoming to all levels from beginners to advanced.

We offer inspirational, creative, and fun classes taught by industry professionals and offer exciting performance opportunities including international performances, such as Disneyland Paris.

We are also proud to offer: NATD Musical Theatre Examinations, Ofqual Regulated Dance Qualifications and Trinity Guildhall Examinations.

Enrolments are now open! Why not come and try one of our classes?

SATURDAY Old Sarum, Salisbury

For ages 18 months - 16 years

Miss Katie, Principal salisbury@kirigolding.co.uk www.kirigolding.co.uk

diverse range of entertainment.”

n The event is 18+ and tickets are on sale via www. summerinnashville.com/ salisbury.

Coldplay tribute show set to light up Salisbury City Hall - literally!

THE inside of Salisbury’s City Hall will be lit up with LED wristbands when a Coldplay tribute act comes to the city.

Sky Full Of Stars: A Tribute To Coldplay will be bringing the sounds and spirits of one of the world’s biggest band to City Hall on November 15.

The band, described as the most authentic tribute to Coldplay, will be playing favourites including the anthemic Viva La Vida to the uplifting A Sky Full of Stars, plus all the fans songs love, including Clocks, Yellow, Paradise, and Hymn for the Weekend.

Coldplay concerts are made particularly special as the venues are lit up with pulsating wristbands – and

this is being replicated at City Hall as attendees will be given their very own glowing wristband.

Organisers said: “Whether you’re a lifelong Coldplay fan or just looking for an unforgettable night out, Sky Full of Stars delivers dazzling performances, stunning visuals, and an atmosphere that truly brings Coldplay’s greatest hits to life.

“So, grab your tickets, bring your friends, and get ready for a night packed with music, energy, and moments you won’t forget.”

Tickets can be purchased on the City Hall website.

All under 18’s must be accompanied by a parent or guardian on a maximum 1:4 ratio. The gig is for those ages 14 and over.

Come and enjoy the delights of

Fisherton Mill

Fisherton Mill is a beautiful Victorian grain mill in the heart of Salisbury, home to an award-winning Gallery and Shop, Artist Studios & Café.

The Mill hosts creative workshops and exhibitions throughout the year, whilst the Gallery Shop is full of wonderful gifts for all budgets and unique artworks, handmade with love.

Looking to meet and eat? The Gallery Café is hailed as a ‘Local Gem’ in the prestigious ‘Good Food Guide 2025’, is recognised seven times in the Observer’s National Food Awards and according to the Daily Telegraph has ‘puddings to die for’!

Further details and opening hours at www.fishertonmill.co.uk

CELEBRATING SALISBURY

Salisbury Fireworks - Lighting Up the Sky for Hospice Care ADVERTISING FEATURE

Get ready for an unforgettable night of dazzling displays and community spirit as Salisbury Fireworks returns to Salisbury Racecourse on Saturday 1st November 2025!

This spectacular family-friendly event promises a 12-minute firework display, delicious food stalls, and live music from ‘This is Queen’ - the perfect way to kick off your Bonfire Night celebrations. Gates open at 5.30pm, with the main display lighting up the skies from 7.30pm.

By joining us, you’ll be helping to raise vital funds for Salisbury Hospice Charity, supporting local patients and their families when it matters most. Every ticket sold helps provide compassionate end-of-life care across our community.

So, wrap up warm, bring your loved ones, and enjoy a magical evening while making a difference.

Book your tickets now: www.salisburyhospicecharity.org.uk/event/salisburyfireworks

Salisbur y

CELEBRATING SALISBURY

Lenses Frames Repairs

Visit our showroom for a wide range of frames and sunglasses.

We can perform some repairs in-house.

We can fit your latest prescription lenses into your existing frame, subject to condition.

Enjoy free parking with no appointment necessary.

Salisbury Eyewear Ltd, Unit 8 Ashfield

Road Trading Estate, Ashfield Road, Salisbury, SP2 7HL

Telephone: (01722) 340088

Email: info@salisburyeyewear.co.uk

Tim Bouverie: Allies at War

Tuesday 30 September · Salisbur y Museum

Behind the Churchill–Roosevelt–Stalin alliance

Piano Recital: Philip Clouts with Ron Phelan

Wednesday 8 October · Arundells

Jazz piano with Af rican, gospel and Cuban influences

Silent Film: Underground (1928)

Sunday 19 October · St John’s Place, Bemer ton

Classic thriller with live piano accompaniment

Gyles Brandreth & Nicholas Soames

Friday 24 October · Godolphin School

Stories, wit and insight f rom Churchill’s Grandson

Salisbury

Eyewear was first started in 1979 by Martyn and his father Frank Sales as Sales Optical Services as a spectacle lens manufacturing business and Martyn has continued to run the business to present day.

Martyn’s vast expertise allows us to handle complex prescriptions.

Although we don’t test eyes, you can bring in your latest prescription and view our vast range of frames on display. We offer lenses at factory prices, and we can put new lenses into existing frames at no extra cost. This is dependent on the condition of the frame and is at your own risk, but we shall advise accordingly.

We are located just outside of the city centre and have free parking on site. There is no need to make an appointment. Please feel free to come along and visit our showroom.

We are open Monday to Friday 09:00 to 17:00 and Saturday 09:00 – 14:00.

200 Years of British Marine Painting

Thursday 6 November · Arundells

An illustrated talk by a Woolley & Wallis Exper t

Piano Recital: Clara Rodriguez

Thursday 13 November · Arundells

The acclaimed Venezuelan pianist returns

Margaret Thatcher: Iain Dale

Friday 14 November · Salisbur y Museum

A f resh look at Thatcher ’ s legacy

Swing into Christmas

Sunday 14 December · Arundells

Uplifting jazz, swing, and blues

Autumn Events

Blades cut through at auction

CLARKE'S

Auctions in Gillingham recently held their two-day September sale and saw some pleasing results, with a number of their singleowner collection of bladed antique weapons fetching good prices.

A 19th-century Turkish Kilij-Pala sword with older Persian blade and horn handle sold for £1,600 including premium, a 19th century Chinese Export mother of pearl box containing many mother of pearl gaming counters also fetched £1,600, and a beautifully painted 19th century Indian gilt metal mounted Mughal portrait miniature on an ivory brooch depicting the Mughal Emperor Akbar Shah II fetched £680 including premium.

Within their jewellery section, two Suffragette jewellery pieces set with

precious stones representing the colours of the movement sold well, and a heavy 9ct gold curbed necklace sold for £1,120. They are busy preparing for their October 10 and 11 sale and

will be offering a large quantity of Hunting and Sporting-related items consigned from a local farmhouse deceased estate including horse racing-related engravings and paintings and

silver items. There will be silver hunt-related items, including an impressive silver trophy cup engraved with S&W Wilts Hunt Cup, dated 1933, and a large silver salver engraved for the Wylye Valley Hunt Point to Point Races, dated 1924. They are taking entries for this and all future sales, including their bonanza threeday Christmas sale, being held between Christmas and New Year and if you have anything that you would like to enter or get advice on values please give them a call to arrange a home visit or a visit to their salerooms in Gillingham. For any Probate Valuations, Insurance Valuations or Full or Part House Clearances, please phone either Richard Clarke or Karen Marshall on 01747 685592 at The Old Glove Factory, Buckingham Road, Gillingham, SP8 4QF.

&

&

Next Sale Friday 10th & Saturday 11th October

Friday 9th & Saturday 10th August

An original Fry & Sons 'Fry's Pure Concentrated Cocoa' enamel sign. Sold for £1,600.

A late 19th century Richard’s Chronosphere Terrestrial Globe. Sold for £850 hammer.

Now accepting items for this and future sales

Clarke’s Auctions o er free home visits and verbal valuations.

The Old Glove Factory, Buckingham Road Gillingham, SP8 4QF 01747 685592 enquiries@clarkesauctions.co.uk

Units 1 & 2 Kingsettle Business Park, 01747 855109 enquiries@clarkesauctions.co.uk Antiques & Collectibles Sale

e Old Glove Factory, Buckingham Road Gillingham, SP8 4QF 01747 685592 enquiries@clarkesauctions.co.uk

An Andrew MacCallum (British, 1821-1902) watercolour - Old Trent Bridge - sold for £1,364 including premium

Foolproof bulb for colour after Christmas

by Sally Gregson

AS the spring bulb catalogues drop through the letterbox, it’s a very pleasant summer task to look through and choose bulbs for planting in the autumn.

Checking out the details online often throws up new ‘must-haves’.

It’s easy to get carried away.

Pots of spring bulbs make very acceptable Christmas presents for gardening friends and relatives. Or perhaps a more exotic plant.

Potted hippeastrum, that we used to call amaryllis, have been developed over the years and some of the new forms are especially lovely.

These will flower in glorious Technicolor after Christmas,

long before the spring bulbs are up and about.

A good-sized hippeastrum bulb should produce more than one flower spike, and are so easy to grow, they are foolproof.

The old favourites, H. Red Lion and H. Apple Blossom deserve their reputation, but there are many new varieties to choose from.

For example, try H. Apricot Parfait with large soft apricotpink flowers with amber flares from a central green throat. It would certainly make a very welcome present at Christmas-time.

Plant the bulb in a pot just slightly larger than the bulb itself, that is adequately drained. Position the bulb so its top third remains exposed above the

compost. Then water it in well initially, but be sparing thereafter while the bulbs start to grow. Put it somewhere warm to start it off – a sunny, spare bedroom windowsill, for example.

But once the flower-buds start to arrive you can prolong the flowering by keeping it a bit cooler – about 18 centigrade is ideal, if possible.

Once the flower is over, cut back the head, leaving the green

stalk, and feed it every 10 days with a liquid fertiliser.

If the plant is still in leaf by next September, stop the watering and feeding and allow it to die down and go dormant for a time.

Once the top starts to show a little green again, repot it, water and feed it again, and it will soon produce another dramatic flowerhead or three to cheer the coldest months of next year.

Hippeastrum Red Lion ‘deserves its reputation’

Taking stock of summer past and starting to look forward and prepare

by Sally Gregson

SEPTEMBER always seems more like the beginning of a new year than the end of summer, but this year, after months of drought and intense sunshine, it is good to remember that the cool, and it is hoped damp, winter is still to come.

We gardeners are ever optimistic and any excuse to indulge in a little forward planning is welcome.

This year, more than ever, the prospect of rain, and lots of it, is well anticipated.

This summer has proven whether we have done enough mulching and planted the right plants in the right place, in all, been modern, 21st century gardeners able to deal with weather extremes.

In the meantime, we can plan ahead – console ourselves with bulbs fresh from the specialists, fat and ready to plant from October to November, and order a delivery of mulch – fibrous and moisture retentive to redeem our sun-dried, parched soils as soon as the rain arrives.

We perhaps should take stock of which plants we have lost, and whether it is right to replace them, or perhaps consider ordering more of those that survived this summer, always bearing in mind, however, that the next one could be as wet and cold as this one has been dry and hot.

Among those herbaceous perennials that do seem to have managed well in our Somerset clay soils are hardy geraniums and Alchemilla mollis – always a good combination; alliums, bearded irises and agapanthus that love to perch on top of the border soil in the sun; and the peonies that gave a good show, albeit with buckets of water thrown on them from time to time.

Every gardener could list those that suffered – from

Agapanthus and alliums have coped well in a hot summer and are stalwarts for every optimistic gardener

drooping Phlox paniculata; tired, dusty thalictrum; and unhappy dahlias that needed gallons of water, all bravely trying to grow in heavy Somerset clay that had baked hard.

Those with light, dry sands are in a far worse situation.

For those gardens it might be time to consider growing quantities of self-sowing ‘volunteers’ to provide colour.

Even in clay soils, the seedlings of Oenothera stricta Sulphurea, Nigella damascena Love in the Mist or that bright magenta little geranium G. Bill Wallis seem to power through hot adversity.

All these could be sown in spring after the winter mulch has been spread in autumn. They will guarantee a flowery summer whatever the weather.

We are getting our toilets back!

IAMwriting this article immediately following a Full Council Meeting of Salisbury City Council.

The council has not covered itself in glory over the last nine months, when the previous Lib Dem/Labour administration elected to close the Central Car Park Toilets and the Market Square Toilets to save money.

I have consistently opposed closing the Central Car Park Toilets which was arguably not necessary – and following the local elections I have been working flat out to get them reopened.

At our Full Council Meeting on July 14, we were told ‘discussions were taking place with Wiltshire Council’ and my motion to reopen the building was lost in the noise of the debate around the Market Square Toilets.

When I investigated the situation it turned out no such negotiations were taking place between Wiltshire and Salisbury

City Council officers.

I immediately set about talking to all relevant officers from both councils and was alarmed to discover Wiltshire Council had concluded that the city council no longer had any interest in the building and they had given it over to Middleton and Major to market in order to find a third party interested in leasing it.

Drastic and immediate action was required and being a Wiltshire Councillor I was able to write a personal letter to

Cllr Chris Taylor Conservative councillor for Salisbury St Paul’s on Salisbury City Council and a Wiltshire Councillor

All being well, Wiltshire Council will transfer the building to SCC with a long notice clawback clause – this was required just in case WC ever want to redevelop the Maltings area.

At tonight’s meeting I had to get a motion approved to allow officers to continue their negotiations and to agree to my proposal to reopen the toilets.

Councillor Ian Thorn – the leader. This led to numerous email and telephone conversations between us. He agreed to my request to stop any further external marketing and agreed to a meeting of all interested parties.

After some political shenanigans, that I had to work around, the meeting happened, and having spent hours on the phone listening to everyone’s concerns, I was able to help steer the conversation to a good outcome.

Various councillors felt obliged to air their views – but frankly I did not mind. I wanted only one result – that fellow councillors would approve my motion. Cllr Ricky Rogers suggested a very helpful amendment which charged councillors, in addition to officers, to work towards getting the toilets reopened – a good amendment and thankfully as the nearby pubs were all calling last orders I had a unanimous positive response to my motion. Hurrah! Salisbury will get at least one toilet block back before too long.

'Let's not follow the Disunited States'

INCREASINGLY,

we are becoming politically polarised in this country, in line with what is, and has been, happening in the United States for a while.

This was recently demonstrated as thousands of people took to the streets in London with The Unite the Kingdom (Tommy Robinson’s) march, and the counter march.

Clearly something is very wrong with government policy, as the numbers in attendance would suggest, and clearly there are those who disagree as the lesser, yet still substantial numbers on the counter march demonstrated.

At the same time as this was happening in the UK, there was news of a political assassination in the US - not the first and sadly most likely not the last.

Many US and UK politicians are pleading that the political

rhetoric be ‘dialled back’ and at the same time many people in both the ‘Disunited States’ and this ‘Disunited Kingdom’ continue to ratchet it up a notch, clearly taking not only an entrenched position on one side or the other but actively vilifying those who would take the opposing view.

King Arthur PendragonFormer and proposed Independent Parliamentary candidate for Salisbury

You only need take a cursory look on social media to see how diametrically opposed the views are, both here and in the US. I was brought up with a certain moral understanding that you did not speak ill of the dead, and find it hard to comprehend many of the views held by those who seem to

relish such assassinations and those who advocate retaliation of their own.

We have always followed the fashions and fads of the US. This is one instance in which I wish we would not.

People should be allowed to express their views without fear of physical violence, retribution, or state-sponsored censorship and should, as I have always advocated, and as famously stated by Voltaire, adhere to the maxim, "I may not agree with what you say, but would defend unto death your right to say it".

Perhaps dialled back a little, as our politicians have pleaded, it should read simply: "Say what you will, Be it in Love that harm none."

Inspired by The Witches Creed.

Until next time.

Chalk streams in the news - again

CATCHING up with some reading this weekend, a headline in the Salisbury Journal (September 4) caught my eye: “Not enough action is being taken to protect our precious chalk streams”, highlighting campaigners' claims streams flowing through Wiltshire and Hampshire have suffered “a decade of decline”.

Two and a half years ago I had my first Councillor’s Corner article in published in the Journal (March 9, 2023) - “Our Precious Chalk Streams are Dying”.

This is the title of a paper written by local freshwater biologist Cyril Bennett MBE in 2022, to draw attention the work of numerous trained volunteers unselfishly giving their time and energy to restoring our ailing world-famous Southern Chalk Streams. Sadly, little has changed.

Well done reporter Jamie Singleton for flagging up this travesty again, but it is not news.

Neither was it news when I published my article in 2023. The decline began long before the “decade of decline”.

A sentence from Jamie’s article points to the root of the problem: “Despite the decline, official assessments found the monitored sites all scored a high quality for invertebrates in 2015 and were still good quality in 2025.”

A report derived from monitoring, carried out in partnership with the Wiltshire Fishery Association as part of the SmartRivers citizen science project, revealed the numbers of invertebrates were down by a staggering 77% and the range reduced by 17%.

For many years, River Invertebrate Monitoring (RIM) has been a standard method of measuring water quality. RIM testing, using just eight common pollution sensitive species, can

Cllr John Wells is an independent Salisbury City Councillor for St Francis and Stratford and a Wiltshire Councillor, as well as mayor of Salisbury

quickly detect a serious pollution incident and an alert can be quickly picked up by the local Environment Agency.

RIM testing virtually stopped over 20 years ago, when the water companies took responsibility for monitoring the quality of the water in our rivers and streams.

Furthermore, the testing process was abused by some water companies being ‘selective’ about testing the water. Samples were taken to avoid the timing of sewage discharge into the rivers. Furthermore, water testing was carried out upstream of sewage plants.

The Environment Agency responded to reports of pollution, but of course by the

time they arrived at the location the pollution had moved downstream and remained undetected.

RIM testing, using just eight common pollution sensitive species, can quickly detect a serious pollution incident and an alert can be quickly picked up by the local Environment Agency.

A volunteer survey in 2022 showed healthy populations of Mayflies, Stoneflies and Caddisflies in the River Till (near Shrewton) upstream of the Sewage Treatment Works (STW). Downstream of the STW, this dropped dramatically.

An Environment Agency survey confirmed this was due to untreated sewage. No action had been taken at the time of my article in 2023, and I wonder if it ever was.

Of course, in recent years water companies have been found to have not only neglected the quality of our rivers but also the infrastructure which supplies consumers. If you want to become proactive in helping to address this issue, I suggest contacting conservation charity WildFish.

Videos to support young people with SEND

YOUNG

people with Special Educational Needs and or Disabilities (SEND) have produced a series of films encouraging others to travel independently and expand their horizons.

Wiltshire Council is launching the videos, which feature young people who have successfully completed a Travel Training service.

The council teamed up with bus operator Salisbury Reds who provided a bus and driver to create real life scenarios on how to travel with confidence.

The films include road safety, reading bus timetables and using the bus app, plus hailing and boarding buses and buying

tickets in a variety of ways.

The service helps young people learn how to travel independently, opening up more opportunities to access school, college, work, volunteering, and social activities, as well as building confidence, expanding their social networks, and connecting with friends and family.

Starting as early as age 14, the service is tailored to each young person's pace, helping them develop essential life skills over time.

Cllr Jon Hubbard, cabinet member for children's services, education and skills, said:

"We're incredibly proud of the young people who took part in

our Travel Training service and are now helping others by sharing their stories. These videos show just how lifechanging the service can be, building confidence, independence, and opening up new opportunities.

"We're also very grateful to Salisbury Reds for their generous support by providing access to one of their buses and a driver, helping us create a realistic and engaging film that truly brings the experience to life.

"Their involvement has made a real difference in helping us showcase the impact of this service."

Salisbury Reds head of

communications, Nikki Honer, added: "Travelling on public transport helps people to live as independently as possible, so we were delighted to be part of this training.

"This also complements our own 'customer promise' training programme which all our drivers undertake - so they are more aware of our customers' needs.

"I hope all those who view these excellent films find them useful and enjoy travelling with us in the future."

n To watch the first of the travel training videos, visit https://www.youtube.com/ watch?v=ZqH1UIlJNhI.

Cryptic crossword

Across

1 Damage line for a vegetable (6)

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.

Killer Sudoku Pro

5 Take away wrongly child needing brief sleep (6)

8 Driver, say, in social venue (4)

9 Priest with quip about lecturer – describing a bachelor? (8)

10 A book by lounge is vividly lit (6)

11 Purpose when camping? (6)

12 Press tour gentleman hosts (4)

Down

2 A Democrat and liberal improvised speech (2-3)

3 Guy with US composer showing part of chest (7)

4 As a result of which nephew or otherwise tours university (9)

5 Tropical fish? Such is stunning on island

6 Director with split gets to wander aimlessly

Killer Sudoku Pro

14 By the sound of it, select film (3)

7 A priest supplied money ultimately in large quantities? (7)

15 Around yard, audibly disapprove of young man (4)

16 Allot a ship varied gin (6)

18 At college, team showing positive aspect (6)

20 Text untidily displayed? (8)

22 Bone bandaged by sorrowful native (4)

23 Unknown character ahead of schedule on an annual basis (6)

24 Number hear about a legal official (6)

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.

11 At home cousin mobilizes around 50 for involvement (9)

13 Substitute about to wait (7)

15 Crumbly food is divided mostly in short time (7)

17 Deduce information on queen (5)

19 Racket by Arab in foreign currency (5)

21 Climbing plant one tips for vibrancy (3)

As a result of which nephew or otherwise tours university (9)

Tropical fish? Such is stunning on island (3)

Director with split gets to wander aimlessly (5)

A priest supplied money ultimately in large quantities? (7)

At home cousin mobilizes around 50 for involvement (9) 13 Substitute about to wait (7)

(5)

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Health & Wellbeing

How new chairs are helping people stay by their loved ones' side during hospital stays

PATIENTS can now have their loved ones sleep by their side at Salisbury District Hospital thanks to 36 new specialist chairs.

Funded by the Stars Appeal, the ‘by your side’ chairs, which cost a total of £50,400, easily convert from an armchair into a comfortable bed, and mean vulnerable patients and those at the end of their lives can have someone close stay by their side.

Previously, relatives could only be offered upright or partially reclining chairs which were uncomfortable and very difficult to sleep on.

Gill Wade used one of the sleeper chairs and stayed with her husband Colin after his health deteriorated when he had pneumonia. Colin sadly passed away in June at 81.

Gill, who lives in Salisbury, said: “In the last week of my dear Colin’s life I stayed there with him all day and all night.

The sleeper chair made my stay so much more comfortable. It meant the world to Colin that I could be with him.

“I promised Colin I would not leave his side. Having somewhere to sleep enabled me to fulfil my promise to him. He was able to go to sleep holding my hand, knowing I was there with him, right to the end.”

The couple, who were married for 56 years, spent precious time together and Gill recalls one very special moment.

She said: “The last conversation I had with him, he got his hand out from the bed sheets and made a heart sign. Then he put his hands back and went to sleep.”

Jill Scott also used a ‘by your side’ chair to stay with her daughter Zoe Fox, 40, from Amesbury, who was being cared for on the Pembroke cancer ward and sadly passed away in March after being diagnosed

with secondary breast cancer, which had spread to her brain.

Jill, who lives in Shrewton, said: “I was so grateful to have had one to sleep on by my darling daughter’s side in her last week of life on the Pembroke Ward.

“It was a total godsend, knowing I could stay with her every minute of the day and night. I could never have left my daughter’s side, not for a minute. Thank you so much for providing these for relatives.”

The ‘by your side’ sleeper chairs are available in wards across the hospital. They were funded by the generosity of Stars Appeal donors, who each gave £1,400.

End of life care lead nurse and Stars Appeal ambassador Paula Dawson said: “These chairs are bringing comfort to so many families.

“We want to thank all the Stars Appeal supporters who have helped fund them. Your generosity is helping patients and their families be together during the most difficult of times.”

n To find out more about the Stars Appeal, Salisbury Hospital’s Charity visit www. starsappeal.org.

Colin and Gill Wade, above, and right, Jill Scott and Zoe Fox

Sister Rachel Barnett and Sister Beth Hernandez with two of the sleeper chairs

Pictures: Stars Appeal

Shoppers will pay more to buy British

MORE than half of south west shoppers would pay more for British higher-welfare labelled products rather than settle for cheaper alternatives, a survey has revealed.

A YouGov poll, carried out for RSPCA Assured, found that 65% would stay loyal to British products.

The findings come as RSPCA Assured supported Back British Farming Day on September 10 by urging those who eat meat, fish, eggs or dairy to choose trusted higher-welfare labels.

This includes free-range, organic and RSPCA Assuredlabelled products.

Charlotte Thomas, regional assessment manager at RSPCA Assured, said: “Every time you choose a product with a higher-welfare label, you help ensure farmed animals live better lives.

“With this one simple choice, you’re saying no to cages, no to fast-growing chickens, no to

inadequate enrichment and bedding, no to routine antibiotic usage and more.

“You’re also protecting those British farmers who adhere to higher-welfare standards from unfair competition from

News From the Vet Rounds

At the time of writing there has been very little rain for weeks, and Bluetongue virus is creeping ever nearer with a handful of confirmed cases but no serious outbreak of yet. This could change dramatically and our daily lives could look quite different at the time of reading… I think the only thing we can do is plan for the worst and hope for the best! Here are a few ideas –

- Try to reduce risky cattle movements, especially from the south east of the country.

- Consider badger-proofing vulnerable water troughs at pasture, as wildlife vectors of TB will be travelling further afield for their water if the drought continues. And remember that ruminants are thirsty creatures, so you might need a plan B if any bore holes dry up!

By Pete Siviter Veterinary Surgeon, Synergy Farm Health

cheaper, lower welfare imports.”

Higher-welfare farming is ensures animals live free from unnecessary stress and suffering and goes beyond minimum legal standards, provides

enriched environments, space to move, access to veterinary care, freedom to express natural behaviours and more.

The survey findings highlight just how much the UK public values animal welfare and how willing they are to back those farmers who adhere to higher welfare standards – such as free-range, organic and RSPCA Assured – with their weekly shop. With support from retailers and industry partners, more than 1,800 RSPCA Assured-labelled products are now available in supermarkets and on menus across the UK –giving shoppers plenty of choice when they look for higher-welfare options.

“However, globally billions of animals are still kept in cages, overcrowded sheds or barren pens with little opportunity to move freely or express natural behaviours,” an RSPCA Assured spokesperson said.

Shoppers are keen to buy British, according to the new poll Picture: RSPCA Assured

Smart ways to save on electric cars

it or not, electric cars are here to stay. The ban on the sale of new petrol and diesel models may not come into effect for another five years, but that’s more than half a lifetime in the automotive industry.

When the average car has a production cycle of around four to six years, and manufacturers are already working on the next one pretty much as soon as a new model goes on sale, the ability to plan long term is crucial.

Regardless of any political tinkering-around-the-edges with the timing and implementation, from the minute the ban was announced manufacturers started planning for an allelectric future.

The ban might not kick in until 2030, but the vast majority of the car brands we usually choose will have full EV lineups ready to replace outgoing ICE models within the next 12 to 18

months.

It doesn’t matter if it’s an Alpine or an Audi, a Vauxhall or a Volkswagen, the chances are there is already an electric alternative to almost all of the most popular models on the market. If not, rest assured there’ll be one along sometime next year.

The increased choice of new EVs has inevitably begun to push prices down too.

Yes, in most cases they still cost a little more than the equivalent petrol or diesel model, but that gap is rapidly shrinking and will continue to do so over the next few years.

In some cases, the Electric Car Grant Scheme of up to £3,750 has already brought EV prices in line with the equivalent ICE models.

And in a world in which most of us choose to lease our cars in one way or another, that price difference doesn't

necessarily have much of an impact on your monthly payment anyway.

If you’ve already switched to an EV, you’ll know how shrewd a move it is for your wallet, and not only in terms of the obvious savings on fuel costs. If you haven’t made the

switch, maybe it’s time you gave it some serious consideration.

Choosing a new car is obviously a big decision, even more so when you have to get your head around switching to a new technology at the same

time. If anything, choosing the car is probably the easy part.

With that in mind, I thought it might be useful to quickly highlight a few of the other benefits of an EV that don’t revolve around the car itself...

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Four- Wheel Laser Alignment

We use the latest specialist equipment to accurately check the front and rear wheels of your vehicle. If the alignment is not set correctly it will cause excessive wear to your tyres, steering and suspension componenents. To prevent high repair costs, or tyre replacement from misaligned wheels you could potentially save yourself money by checking the alignment.

Smarter home-charging

Many energy providers offer cheaper electricity rates overnight, and quite a few have also designed off-peak tariffs specifically aimed at those charging EVs at home. Charging your EV during these hours can significantly cut costs. You could also install a smart charger that can schedule charging during the cheapest times as well as optimising battery health. Many EV manufacturers also offer charging solutions alongside their vehicles, and there are grants available that could help with the cost of installing one in your own home.

Maximise free and low-cost charging

Some supermarkets—such as Aldi, selected Asda locations, and Sainsbury’s—offer free EV charging, while others charge between 25p and 83p per kWh. Some council-run car parks also offer free or low-cost charging points for EVs too. If you’re

already out and about, why not take advantage and top up your battery while you’re topping up the contents of the fridge. If you’ve got to go shopping anyway, you may as save some money while you’re at it.

Save on maintenance

The concept of the electric motor has been around longer than the batteries that power them, and in both cases that’s usually a century or so longer than many people would guess. The point being this is wellunderstood and surprisingly simple technology, and wellunderstood and simple technology equals cheaper technology.

Compared to an engine, an electric motor is far less complicated with far fewer moving parts to break down, offering much lower servicing and repair costs over time. Yes, an EV still requires regular servicing to keep the brakes, suspension, steering, etc, in proper working order, but

imagine a life without oil changes, without spark plugs or coils, without filters to change... the list is long, and getting rid of it will ultimately save you money.

Choose the right model

Not that long ago, EV ranges were admittedly pretty useless. With many models now offering ranges in excess of 300 miles and ultra-fast charging, that is no longer the case. But why waste money on something you don’t need? When choosing an EV, try to match the battery range to your actual usage.

The average commute in the UK is less than 10 miles each way, and most of us live within a few miles of all the shops and services we regularly rely on. There’s not much point in paying for a longer range that you might only make use of once or twice a year when even a sub-£20k EV will offer a range of around 130 miles, potentially giving you a full week of driving from a single charge.

AVANT GARDE

Salary Sacrifice schemes

Whether it’s for business or personal use, most of us already finance our cars through some kind of lease/contract hire agreement. That decision could work out to be even more financially beneficial if your employer offers access to an EV Salary Sacrifice scheme. This is essentially a tax break, allowing you to lease an electric car by giving up a portion of your salary before tax. You get to drive the EV you want, and in the process, lower your taxable income so you can offset the lease costs by paying less in income tax and National Insurance.

Choosing an electric vehicle isn't just an environmentally conscious decision; it's a smart financial move. With lower maintenance costs, government incentives, and savings on fuel, owning an EV can feel like putting money back into your pocket every time you drive.

Alan wins again!

ASINGER

from Ludgershall has received international acclaim for his recent album, And On With The Show.

Songwriter Alan Garmonsway was honoured at the International Singer Songwriters Association (ISSA) awards ceremony in Atlanta, USA, after he received the Gold Award.

Alan previously received a Silver Award by the ISSA for his previous album Stories in Time.

“To have my new album this year recognised as top of an impressive list of indie artists from around the world is absolutely amazing, he said.

“Especially so as I played all the instruments, did vocals, mixed and produced it all myself, with the help of some

additional vocals from my wife, Sue.”

Alan said this wasn’t the original plan however, as he had to step in to make the project a reality following the death of his band mate, Drew Thomas.

“The songs were written a while back with my good friend and bandmate Drew Thomas writing the lyrics and myself the music, melodies and arrangements,” Alan said.

“Drew sadly passed away before we could get down to recording the album in earnest, so I decided to take on the whole project myself. Singing his parts was a challenging and sometimes emotional experience, but it all came together in the end.”

Songs on the album all have strong storylines, partly because

Puzzle solutions

Drew was also a talented actor and theatre producer, hence the album title.

The ISSA said: “These outstanding artists and members have not only met all the required criteria for the rigorous nomination process, but have also received enough fan support to reach the prestigious finalist level—an impressive feat with over 50,000 votes cast.

“Following fan voting, the albums and songs were then

assessed by teams of music professionals and previous gold winners."

The Gold Award offers Alan the opportunity to now become a judge for next year’s competition.

n And On With The Show can be found on major streaming and download sites like Spotify, Amazon Music, Bandcamp, along with Alan’s other songs and albums.

(from pages 32-33) Edition 77