LIGHTS OUT ON 900 YEARS OF BOARDING AT CATHEDRAL SCHOOL
Headteacher says move comes amid "changes in parents' needs" STREET
Sign up early for flipping great Salisbury races!
AFLIPPING marvellous
Salisbury tradition is set to return this year bringing together workplaces, residents and visitors for a light-hearted competition that celebrates the city’s strong community spirit.
For 30 minutes on Shrove Tuesday – February 17 –everyday routines will be put on hold as teams and individuals swap desks and shop floors for frying pans in fast-paced pancake races to win the coveted Golden Frying Pan.
The line-up is expected to be as entertaining as ever, with competitors drawn from a wide range of backgrounds including retail, law, faith groups, broadcasting and civic leadership, alongside members of the public.
The mix of participants has become a hallmark of the event,
reflecting the diversity and togetherness of the Salisbury community, organsiers said, with willing participants urged to register early.
While the contest is known for its humour and friendly rivalry, it also carries a serious message at its heart, highlighting the importance of
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community action and the collective effort that supports local foodbanks throughout the year.
The same spirit that brings people together for a shared moment of fun is what helps ensure that neighbours are supported in times of need –whether through volunteering,
donating resources or making sure no one goes without food, organsiers added.
Anyone wishing to take part can register online at https:// forms.gle/ Wh1HXttDvTmr3hud7, by emailing clare@salisbury. foodbank.org.uk, or calling 01722 580 173.
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Lights out on boarding at Salisbury Cathedral School after 900 years
BOARDING at Salisbury Cathedral School is coming to an endputting the lights out on more than 900 years of pupils living-in.
The school, formed in 1091 by St Osmund, the nephew of William the Conqueror and Bishop of Salisbury, will become a full day school from September 2027.
Head Sally Moulton said the move came amid changes in parents' needs, with fewer than five per cent of its 220 pupils now boarding.
"The decision has not been taken lightly, has come following a careful and considered review by the governors and forms part of our long-term strategic planning," she said.
"Our decision reflects both national and international trends, which show a sustained decline in demand for boarding at prep school level, alongside a growing preference among families for high-quality local and regional day education.
"Increasingly, our pupils – including choristers – are being drawn from much closer to Salisbury, a shift that has been evident over the past decade.
"Boarding has played an important role in our history, and we recognise the contribution it has made to generations of pupils.
"However, it now serves a relatively small proportion of
Boarding is ending at Salisbury Cathedral School
our community. Continuing to invest heavily in boarding provision would not represent the best use of resources when set against our wider strategic priorities and the needs of pupils as a whole."
The school has been in Salisbury since 1241 and on its current site, in Cathedral Close, since 1947.
It leases The Old School House, which has accommodation for 45 pupils, from Salisbury Cathedral, and plans to re-invest the money saved into further improving the school experience for its pupils aged two to 13, including those in the Cathedral choir.
"This strategic decision will allow us to focus our resources and investment on areas that benefit every child, including teaching and learning, pastoral care and wellbeing, as well as music, sport and the arts, facilities, and co-curricular opportunities," Mrs Moulton added.
She said the school plans include extending its day beyond the current 7.30am to 6pm so all parents can benefit from further care, should they need it.
Choristers will continue to receive extended wrap-around care during evenings, weekends and while singing at services in the school holidays.
The school said the September 2027 change would give the small number of affected families as much notice as possible and time to plan, as well as giving the school the opportunity to consult fully with parents of choristers.
"We remain deeply committed to our choristers and the special partnership we have with Salisbury Cathedral, and we will work closely with families throughout this transition; parental voice will play a central role," Mrs Moulton said.
"This collaborative approach will support the development of
a future chorister model that reflects modern family life while maintaining our unwavering commitment to musical excellence and our partnership with the cathedral."
The head was keen to highlight the move was not dictated by financial pressures, and said: "The school is in a position of strength. We continue to enjoy a strong reputation for academic excellence, outstanding pastoral care, musical distinction and a broad, enriching educational offer.
"Demand for day places remains buoyant, with families attracted by our ethos, ambition and exceptional setting."
Staff, parents and stakeholders were informed of the decision today (January 30) and Mrs Moulton has written to each parent outlining the school’s reasoning for the decision and the next steps, together with a list of questions and answers.
"We remain deeply confident in our direction, values and ability to provide an exceptional education for our pupils," she said.
"We respect our tradition but this is about looking ahead to the future and we look forward to working closely with parents over the coming months and years, ensuring that every child continues to thrive as part of our community."
For more details visit salisburycathedralschool.com.
Rugby star back in city
A PACKED Salisbury Rugby Club welcomed one of its own last week as Harlequins and England rugby star Cadan Murley returned to his roots for a special evening in support of Salisbury Hospice Charity.
The event, titled Behind the Try Line, marked the official launch of the hospice’s sponsored walk campaign, The Big Try.
Interviewed by Gareth Robertson, Cadan spoke openly about his journey from junior rugby at Salisbury RFC to the professional game with Harlequins and, ultimately, pulling on an England shirt.
House closed
A HOME in Amesbury has been placed under a threemonth partial closure order after ongoing concerns about anti-social behaviour and drug use.
Police have been repeatedly called to the property in Haragon Drive amid fears of cuckooing vulnerability at the address and known offenders staying there.
Officers from Amesbury Police attended Salisbury Magistrates’ Court yesterday, where the order was granted following several months of evidence gathering in partnership with Abri Housing Association.
A police spokesperson said the closure order will remain in force until May 3, 2026, with the option to extend it for a further three months if required.
Renewed drive to tackle rural crime after summit
WILTSHIRE’S
Police and Crime Commissioner has welcomed a renewed drive to tackle rural crime following a tri-county summit.
Police leaders, MPs and rural organisations from Wiltshire, Hampshire and Thames Valley attended the meeting.
The focus was on crossborder crimes such as hare coursing, machinery theft and damage to farmland.
All three forces agreed that closer coordination is now essential to protect rural communities.
PCC Philip Wilkinson said the summit highlighted how mobile and sophisticated rural crime has become.
“Rural crime does not recognise county boundaries, and neither should our policing response,” he said.
“By sharing intelligence, coordinating patrols and learning from each other’s
successes, we can ensure that every officer and every deployment has the greatest possible impact.
“Working together makes us faster, smarter and far more effective at disrupting the criminal groups who target our countryside.”
Thames Valley Police shared how digital reporting tools and intelligence systems have helped them track rural offending.
Wiltshire will explore similar methods to strengthen its response.
Meanwhile, Wiltshire Police reported a slight drop in agricultural theft but a rise in hare coursing.
Inspector Andy Lemon said the increase reflects more public reports, and enforcement has also stepped up.
He added: “In the past year, Wiltshire has seen a significant rise in hare coursing.
“Between September 2024
and August 2025, we received 240 reports – a 21.8% increase. We need the public’s help to build an accurate picture of the problem.
“Rural crime has a profound impact on farmers. They have to repair damaged gates, fences and farmland.
“In one incident, three cows were killed after escaping through a damaged fence and wandering onto a road.”
Mr Wilkinson said that trust between police and rural residents is vital.
“Rural policing relies on trust and cooperation,” he said.
“When residents report suspicious activity, even if it seems minor, it gives the police vital information.”
Wiltshire Police will continue engagement with farmers, rural groups and cross-border operations such as Operation Ragwort to target organised offenders, the PPC and force said.
Leaders gathered to discuss rural crime
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Road closures coming during water system roadworks
THE next phase of a £250,000 project to improve the water supply along Wiltshire’s border with Hampshire is set to begin next month - bringing road closures lasting up to eight weeks.
Teams will return to the A343 between Salisbury and Andover to replace almost a mile and a half of ageing water mains, with a section of the road closed to through traffic.
The first phase of the project, covering the stretch east from Lopcombe Corner towards Middle Wallop, was completed between September and December under a speed
restriction and traffic lights.
However, a review of the safety arrangements with the council’s Highways department determined that a full road closure was necessary for the second phase to protect both workers and road users.
The closure will run between Lopcombe Corner and Jacks Bush.
A signed diversion will be in place via Salisbury Road (A343), Andover Bypass (A303), Romsey Road/Leckford Lane (A3057) and Salisbury Hill/Stockbridge Road (A30).
A Wessex Water spokesperson said the road
would close during the work for safety reasons.
“This important project is replacing an existing water main that has been deteriorating over the years and bursting, causing a loss of supply and disruption to the network for our local customers," they said.
“Road closures are always a last resort but, after reviewing the outcomes from the first phase with Wiltshire Council, it was decided a closure was appropriate for the final phase of the scheme to help ensure safety is maintained.
“We’ve again written to customers across a wide
surrounding area to advise them about this work and are also working with local bus providers to ensure they are aware of the impact on their routes. We apologise for any inconvenience caused.”
The firm said it is investing heavily in the supply network, renewing ageing mains, maintaining and improving facilities to store and move water, and reducing leaks.
Wessex Water added it repairs around 16,000 leaks each year and spends around £16 million annually on managing and preventing water loss.
Piece of cathedral history revealed thanks to the frost!
A FROSTY morning at Salisbury Cathedral has uncovered a hidden piece of its history.
Lines of frost on the grass last month revealed the original foundations of the cathedral’s 13th-century Bell Tower.
Built as a standalone structure beside the main building, the tower fell into disrepair by the mid-1700s. The cost of maintaining it proved too high, and it was demolished in 1790.
Normally only visible during dry summer weather, the frost this week offered a rare glimpse of the tower’s footprint.
The outlines were captured in a striking photograph by Martin Cook, posted on the cathedral’s social media.
Visitors and history enthusiasts got to see, for a brief moment, where the Bell Tower once stood, a reminder of the Cathedral’s long and evolving story.
The A343 will initially close from Lopcombe Corner towards Middle Wallop
Picture: Google
The outline of the bell tower footprint can be seen in the bottom corner of the photograph
Picture: Martin Cook/ Salisbury Cathedral
Pub launches new food-led scheme
AHISTORIC Salisbury pub that was brought back to life at the end of last year is turning up the heat with the launch of a new street food–led kitchen concept.
The Dust Hole, in Tollgate Road, is run by city-based Dark Revolution Brewery and also known as The Railway Inn.
The venue is now hosting Indriya Kitchen, an Indian street food venture operating every Friday and Saturday.
Designed to feel relaxed, welcoming and full of flavour, Indriya Kitchen will bring vibrant Indian comfort food into the heart of the pub.
The venture is run by chef James Spencer, who says the focus is on accessibility and enjoyment.
“I wanted Indriya at The Dust Hole to feel easy,” he said. “Come in, grab a pint, eat something comforting and leave happy.”
The menu centres on small
plates packed with flavour, including chaat-style dishes, alongside vegetable and meat Thali trays that can be shared or enjoyed solo.
In a nod to both tradition and sustainability, Indriya is also launching a tiffin scheme every Friday and Saturday.
Guests can purchase a reusable four-tier tiffin and fill it with a Thali for £30, before returning week after week to have it refilled – a modern twist on an age-old Indian dining ritual.
Sundays will see a fiery transformation of the kitchen as Salt + Fire takes over, serving its signature coal-fired Sunday roasts cooked exclusively over open flames.
Andy from Salt + Fire said: “We believe the best roasts are forged in flame and finished with care. We couldn’t be happier to be doing exactly that in the heart of The Dust Hole.”
The new food programme
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builds on a model already proving popular at Dark Revolution’s Old Sarum taproom.
General manager Ali Everett said: “At our Old Sarum taproom we welcome visiting street food traders, and it works
really well. Great beer and great food is what our customers love.
“We decided to replicate that model at The Dust Hole, welcoming talented local independent chefs into the kitchen to offer high-quality, delicious food.”
Hospital staff in sustainability push
STAFF at Salisbury NHS Foundation Trust have been taking part in low-carbon activities during the fourth annual Sustainability Week.
There was a varied programme on offer including low-carbon living, sustainable travel and greener food choices.
Hospital departments and local partners came together to showcase practical ways to reduce carbon, save resources and support the Trust’s net zero ambitions.
Sustainability Week highlights included staff participation with free lowcarbon food samples, expertly prepared by the catering team.
The Reclaim and Sustain Centre Team also gave a demonstration on how to repair, reupholster and reuse furniture and equipment.
In addition, there were free ‘Dr Bike’ health checks, supporting greener and more active travel, and a Q&A with a Salisbury Reds representative on bus services and ticket options.
The Trust said feedback and suggestions gathered during the week will be reviewed, with several ideas already being explored for implementation.
Sustainability manager Gemma Heath said: “Sustainability Week showed just how engaged our staff are with making positive, practical changes.
“From choosing lower-carbon meals to repairing bikes and sharing ideas, colleagues really embraced the opportunity to get involved.
“The suggestions we received, particularly around food and catering, are incredibly valuable, and we’re looking at how we can turn these ideas into action.”
Chef Paul Norbury serves the expertly prepared low-carbon food samples
Appeal after mystery photos found on charity shop camera
AFORGOTTEN roll of film discovered inside a 90-year-old camera has revealed a series of previously unseen photographs and sparked a growing mystery about who took them.
The find came after a budding photographer bought a vintage camera for £10 from an ALABARÉ charity shop in Wilton, intending it simply as a decorative addition to his desk.
Once home, he realised the 1930s Zeiss Ikon Baby Ikonta still contained used film.
Curious to see whether anything could be salvaged, he took the camera to Salisbury Photo Centre, where general manager Ian Scott carefully examined the roll and decided it was worth attempting to develop.
Using gentle techniques to avoid damaging the fragile negatives, Ian slowly coaxed the images, believed to be more than 70 years old, into view –with unexpectedly successful results.
“With old film, you never quite know what condition it might be in or whether it has been damaged by light or dust over time,” he said.
“It was amazing how clearly the photos came out after so
many years.”
The photographs appear to show a family skiing holiday to St Moritz, Switzerland, with several images taken outside the iconic Badrutt’s Palace Hotel.
Several skiers are pictured wearing numbered bibs sponsored by Cow & Gate, suggesting they were taking part in an organised competition rather than simply holidaying.
After Salisbury Photo Centre shared the images on social media, the story quickly gained attention, including a response from Cow & Gate itself.
The company commented:
“These are amazing, what a glimpse into the past. It’s so special to see Cow & Gate featured in memories like this. Thanks for bringing these unseen images back to life.”
Alongside the winter scenes, another photograph has added to the intrigue.
It shows around 18 women enjoying tea in the garden of what appears to be an English manor house, thought to have been taken during the summer months.
Where and when the image was captured remains unknown.
Speculation online has
ranged from guesses about the era to theories about the family involved, with one follower suggesting a possible link to the Gates family.
Ian hopes that continued sharing of the photographs may eventually help identify the people behind them.
“There appears to be a great story behind these photographs, and it would be brilliant if someone could recognise a face amongst them,” he said.
“At the very least, it has been a privilege to have played a small part in preserving these moments from the past.”
RNLI branch appeals for extra fundraising volunteers
THE Salisbury and Wilton fundraising branch of the RNLI are on the hunt for volunteers who can spare a few hours to help with their annual £15,000 mission.
Comprised of a committee and a collection crew of volunteers, the branch pulls in much-needed cash for the lifesaving activities of the RNLI.
The team has a close relationship with the nearest Lifeboat Station at Mudeford, whose crew often support them at events.
The area covered by the branch has grown in the last few years and now includes all South Wiltshire and as far west as Shaftesbury in Dorset.
A spokesperson said: “The number and range of our fundraising events have increased, and we are very keen to expand our collection crew. We hold collections at supermarkets and garden centres, sell RNLI merchandise from our pop-up shops in Salisbury Market and participate in local
events such as Wallop Wheels and Wings and Downton Cuckoo Fair.
“We also hold two events in the Guildhall Square every year as part of the RNLI’s Mayday Appeal and Lifeboat Saturday national fundraising efforts.
“You can volunteer for as many or as few events as you wish.”
For more information, contact branch chair Matthew Sykes by emailing rnlisalisburywilton@gmail.com.
Ian Scott with the camera and below, some of the pictures on the film inside
PCC fears reform plans will create 'super forces' and strip local control
POLICE and Crime Commissioner for Wiltshire Philip Wilkinson has warned a planned reforms risk stripping communities of their voice and redirecting funds away from frontline policing.
Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood has announced the largest reform of the UK policing since it was founded two centuries ago.
Proposals include force mergers, investing more than £140 million in state-of-the-art police technology, a senior national co-ordinator role for public order policing, and faster response times.
But PCC Wilkinson said while he supports parts of the Home Office white paper –From local to national: a new model for policing – including standardised training, equipment and enhanced national capability for counter-terrorism and organised crime, he opposed some aspects of the scheme.
He said the proposals to create large regional “super forces” and abolish PCCs would centralise power, undermine
local accountability and threaten the community-based policing that residents rely on.
"Bigger isn’t always better – being better is better," Mr Wilkinson said. "Creating large regional forces risks swallowing funds, stripping away local accountability and weakening the policing communities rely on."
He pointed out that Wiltshire delivers strong policing with fewer resources than the national average, highlighting that smaller, connected forces
can achieve more for less.
Mr Wilkinson also dismissed claims that abolishing PCCs would save money, warning that the reforms could actually increase costs while leaving local policing underfunded.
“Neighbourhood policing must stay local. It only works when shaped by communities and backed by genuine local accountability,” he said.
“The public deserves a say in their policing, and I will make sure their voice is heard.”
The PCC urged a phased,
evidence-led approach that focuses on efficiency, leadership and national consistency, without undermining local services.
He added that residents want faster response times, more officers on the beat and better shared systems, but these come from proper investment, not removing local accountability.
The white paper has sparked debate nationwide over how to balance cost, efficiency and community engagement in policing.
Video captures 'run-off' flooding
"WE did warn (of) this at planning, back in 2019."
Those were the words of a councillor who videoed flooding on a Salisbury road during recent storms.
Wiltshire Cllr Brian Dalton (Lib Dem, West Harnham) caught the flooding on camera as he drove in Netherhampton Road on January 27.
He claimed the water was from a nearby housing estate which had "run off" on to the major route, causing problems for drivers on the busy road.
"I did warn about flooding back in 2009 – the run-off surface water - and this is exactly what this is," he said. "It’s in two places; by the roundabout and about 150 yards or so heading east.
"If you tarmac a permeable surface, you get consequences."
He added: "This will happen each time there's heavy rain. It never flooded here before now."
The councillor is now set to raise the issue with Wiltshire Council.
PCC for Wiltshire, Philip Wilkinson
Cllr Dalton caught the flooding on camera
Street seller markets to return next month
STREET sellers are returning to Salisbury city centre next month for the first of a series of themed family events.
Salisbury City Council’s Salisbury Street Sellers markets are back on March 8, followed by events on May 10, July 12 and September 13, in the Market Place.
Running from 10am to 4pm, each market will have a unique theme, featuring a variety stalls and activities, and showcasing county businesses.
The first market will see pet lovers of all ages invited to join the fun, running alongside Salisbury Dog Show on Sunday, March 8, run in association with Salisbury Dog Trainers.
"Explore a range of stalls offering everything from tasty dog treats to artisan gifts, take part in pet-themed activities, meet local vets and trainers, and
enjoy delicious food and drink," a spokesperson said.
"Bring your furry friends along and enter them in the competitions, hosted by
Street sellers will return to
Especially Dogs – no preregistration required, just turn up on the day."
They said each market event would celebrate creativity,
next month
craftsmanship and talent. For more information, visit the city council website, or email markets@ salisburycitycouncil.gov.uk.
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Fined over tipped barbecue
ALARKHILL man was fined £1,000 after being caught fly-tipping a barbecue on a Salisbury industrial estate.
The incident was reported after CCTV captured a large barbecue and other items falling out of a moving van in Telford Road, on the Churchfields Industrial Estate.
After briefly stopping to check the van and the offloaded items, the driver is seen to get back in the vehicle and drive off, leaving the items strewn in the road. Officers traced the driver and, when questioned, he claimed to have attempted to retrieve the items but found them gone.
However, photographic evidence taken by officers the following morning confirmed the barbecue, pictured, was still there.
Because a fixed penalty notice is not a conviction in court, the person cannot be named.
Cabinet member for highways, street scene and flooding Cllr Martin Smith said: “Fly-tipping is unacceptable and will not be tolerated in Wiltshire, whether it was intentional or not.
“In this instance the items were left in the middle of the road, on a busy industrial estate. This is not only illegal but created a hazard for other road users and costs taxpayers’ money to clear up.
“Our enforcement teams work tirelessly to investigate these offences, and our message is clear: if you fly-tip in Wiltshire, you will be caught and fined."
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NEW SEASONS ARRIVALS
Salisbury unites to mark Holocaust Memorial Day at emotional service
SALISBURY came together yesterday to mark Holocaust Memorial Day 2026 with a moving civic commemoration centred on remembrance, reflection and shared responsibility.
The event opened with a candle-lighting ceremony, setting a quiet and respectful tone for a programme shaped around this year’s national theme, Bridging Generations.
Speeches, readings and video contributions reflected on the importance of passing memories and lessons from the past on to future generations.
Those attending heard from the mayor of Salisbury, Cllr John Wells, alongside Salisbury City Council chief executive Asa Thorpe, who also read a letter from Prime Minister Sir
Starmer. A recorded video message from John Glen MP was also shared.
Particular thanks were paid to members of the local Jewish community – Ilana NatelsonCarter, Yve Beyfus, Peter Beyfus and Irene Kohler – who
spoke with honesty and courage about their family histories and personal experiences, bringing powerful first-hand perspectives to the morning.
The commemoration concluded with a prayer and a moment of quiet reflection on the collective responsibility to
challenge hatred, prejudice and discrimination in all its forms, with attendees then invited to sign the Book of Condolence.
n Further information about Holocaust Memorial Day can be found at www.hmd.org.uk.
TickeTs £10-£40
under 19’s £7.50 with an adult sALisBURY cATHeDRAL
online: www.salisburycathedral.org.uk/ arrangements/monteverdi-vespers tel. 01722 656 555
email: boxoffice@salcath.co.uk or at the door (subject to availability)
Keir
Mayor of Salisbury, John Wells, spoke at the moving service
Rev takes on canon chancellor role
MEMBERS
of Salisbury Rotary Club were given a detailed update on the present condition and future direction of Salisbury Cathedral at a recent talk by the Dean, the Very Reverend Nicholas Papadopulos.
Speaking to Rotarians, friends and guests, the Dean – an honorary member of the Club – offered an engaging overview of cathedral life today, the progress of major restoration works and the next phase of development planned for the historic site, as well as its wider role within the city.
He opened the evening with a light-hearted observation, revealing that the most frequently asked question at the visitor kiosk after entering through the High Street gate was: “Where is the Cathedral?” — a remark that prompted immediate laughter, given the building’s unmistakable presence.
Turning to the present day, the Dean outlined the significant progress that has been made in recent years.
Scaffolding has now been removed, a major repair programme has been completed, and the cathedral is said to be in its best condition since the mid-13th century.
Work is about to commence on the north walk of the cloisters, while two substantial glazier projects are currently underway.
Looking ahead, the Dean identified three immediate priorities for the cathedral. These include bringing all staff together under one roof, as they are currently spread across
four locations; addressing the shortage of meeting space, with only one meeting room presently available; and rehousing the Cathedral’s precious archive of historic documents – some dating back to medieval times – in conditions that properly protect them.
He explained that these objectives could be achieved through the upgrading of the Grade I-listed Leaden Hall.
Plans, previously reported on by the Salisbury and Avon Gazette, include using its garden to house the archives, providing space for educational work with children, creating a public reading room for researchers and developing additional meeting room facilities.
Any changes would be subject to planning permission, which is due to be considered by local authorities shortly.
In closing, the Dean highlighted the cathedral’s spiritual, cultural and economic relationship with the city.
Around 300,000 people visit
the cathedral each year, with more than 11,500 people attending main Advent and Christmas services in 2025.
Major events such as Sarum Lights, which attracted 12,000 people, and the Flower Festival, attended by 14,000, underline its role as a focal point for the wider community.
The cathedral also played a vital civic role during Covid, with 35,000 people receiving vaccinations there in 2021.
Like all UK cathedrals, Salisbury Cathedral is a registered charity and is governed by a Board of Trustees known as The Chapter, chaired by the Dean.
Financial support from the national church is limited to the stipends of three clergy, meaning that all other income – around £19,000 per day –must be generated by the cathedral itself.
This includes revenue from tourism (with free entry for residents in SP1 to SP5), the shop, café, car parking, rental income, fundraising and investments.
Campaign for fairer school funding
A CAMPAIGN is continuing to address "unjust" funding for Wiltshire schools.
Wiltshire Council has called on county MPs to support a push for fairer education funding, highlighting major disparities between funding for pupils in the county compared to others.
As part of the f40 group – a coalition of the UK’s 43 lowest-funded local authorities – Wiltshire continues to receive significantly less funding per pupil than many areas.
For 2026/27, the council ranks 23rd lowest for mainstream funding and 25th for high needs SEND funding out of 151 local authorities.
The authority said Wiltshire receives 36% less per pupil than
Hackney for general school funding, and 70% less than Camden for children with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND). If Wiltshire were funded at Camden’s level, the council says its forecast Safety Valve deficit would be entirely eliminated.
Cabinet member for children’s services, Cllr Jon Hubbard, said: “Wiltshire’s children are being failed by a funding system that is plainly unjust. Our schools and families are being expected to do more and more with significantly less, and it is putting our young people at a real and measurable disadvantage.
“We have dedicated staff doing extraordinary work, but
goodwill alone cannot close a funding gap of this scale. This isn’t a marginal issue. It’s a systemic failure that is holding back thousands of children.”
Jackie Fieldwick, CEO of Brunel Academies Trust and Uplands Enterprise Trust, which runs special schools and mainstream resource bases in the area, echoed the concerns.
She said: “All schools are struggling to balance their
budgets, but those in the lowest funded areas are forced to make even more cuts.
“This often affects key teaching staff, resources, and extra-curricular activities. Now is the time to review the whole education funding system so all pupils are supported equally.”
Demand for SEND support continues to outstrip funding, with local authorities across England projected to have a cumulative SEND deficit of £6 billion by April 2026 if no changes are made.
Wiltshire remains part of the Department for Education’s Safety Valve programme, tackling a forecast in-year deficit of £49.4m, which is expected to rise to £104.5 m by the end of the financial year.
The Dean with Salisbury Rotary Club President, Alan Corkill
Laughs galore at Scouts' panto
SALISBURY’S Scouts and Guides have wrapped up another triumphant pantomime season with their 2026 production of Camelot.
Months of preparation through last autumn and winter paid off as the cast and backstage team delivered a show that delighted audiences of all ages.
One parent highlighted the impact on young performers, and said: "Just to say, the work you do with those kids and the experience you create for them is amazing – you are helping them make life long memories and for that I’m eternally grateful to you for all the hard work you put in."
District lead volunteer for Salisbury Scouts, Ian Jack, attended the final performance of the show, written by Ben Crocker and adapted by Sarah Heath, and praised the cast.
He said: "(I) honestly haven’t laughed so much in a long time. Well done one and all – it takes guts to perform and seeing you all do so well made me rather proud to be able to say that I’m DLV. You make my role worthwhile."
Mayor of Salisbury Cllr John Wells said: "Scouts and Guides bring a warm glow to a chilly
Scouts and Guides celebrated a successful panto season of their production, Camelot
Saturday evening.
"Salisbury and South Wilts Guides and Scouts brought fun and laughter to a full house with the final performance of their January pantomime (Camelot) at the Studio Theatre in Ashley Road.
"The audience was treated to an evening show full of music and humour by a talented and enthusiastic cast of over 40 young people aged eight to 18 (plus one adult scout leader!).
"Backed up with proficient backstage team the show was an
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event of which parents and the Scouts and Guides organisation should feel immensely proud.
"As mayor I have had the privilege of attending several Scouts and Guides events in the past year, as on every occasion, the event has brought the best out of our young people.
"Confidence, teamwork, enthusiasm and the sheer joy of performing to their audience was abundantly evident from start to finish – and not a microphone in sight."
With the curtain down on
Camelot, preparations are already underway for the next pantomime, promising another season of music, laughter and young talent.
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Work underway on £800,000 dam repairs at Stourhead
MAJOR conservation work is underway to safeguard Stourhead’s iconic lake, as the National Trust begins an £800,000 project to secure its long-term future.
Specialist contractors have arrived at the Wiltshire estate to carry out repairs to the historic dam that holds back the man-made lake, a defining feature of Henry Hoare’s 18th-century vision for what became known as ‘Paradise Valley’.
Built more than 275 years ago, the dam was designed to flood the landscape and create the sweeping vistas that have made Stourhead internationally renowned.
Recent monitoring has shown the dam is allowing increasing amounts of water to pass through its embankment wall.
While not an immediate safety risk, the National Trust says action is needed now to prevent more serious long-term damage.
The works will see 4.5-metre-long piles installed across around 50 metres of the 220-metre dam to strengthen its structure.
“The lake at Stourhead is the heart of the garden’s design and a vital part of its heritage,” said Nigel Hellier, National Trust project manager.
“Holding around 178,000m³ of water, equivalent to more than 70 Olympic swimming pools, the dam is under constant pressure.
“A small leak can become a bigger problem, so these repairs are essential to maintaining the integrity and beauty of this historic landscape.”
The project is expected to be
A piling sheet is lowered on to others sheets in the compound at Stourhead
completed by early spring, ahead of the Easter holidays, with the garden remaining open throughout.
While a short section of the lakeside walk near the dam is closed, most paths are unaffected and visitors will be able to watch the conservation work as it takes place.
To help maintain access, two new walking routes have been introduced: Aeneas’s Walk, taking in the Temple of Flora, Grotto and Pantheon, and Apollo’s Walk, which offers views from the Temple of Apollo. The house will also remain open for bookable ‘Behind closed doors’ tours.
During the works, entry has been reduced to £15 per adult, with National Trust members continuing to visit for free.
Head gardener, Tim Parker, said: “Stourhead is not
Stourhead without it’s magnificent garden lake, thus amplifying Henry Hoare’s Paradise Valley, this was his final but most impactful stroke of the brush on the canvas of his living work of art situated in Wiltshire.
“This repair work is essential to the long-term security and integrity of this world-renowned landscape and standout example of the Georgian landscape garden movement.”
General manager at Stourhead Philip Niemand said the investment went beyond repairing infrastructure.
He added: “Approximately £800,000 will be invested into this project which is about so much more than repairing a dam – it’s about safeguarding a masterpiece of Georgian design for everyone to enjoy, now and for the future.”
The dam in its preparation state before sheets are installed
The iconic lake at Stourhead
Picture: Tony Gill/National Trust
Picture: Lucy Fenna
Picture: Lucy Fenna
Why are we trialling car-free days?
SALISBURY is a historic and vibrant city, and we want to ensure our city centre remains a safe, attractive and healthy place for everyone.
We are exploring the idea of trialling up to three car-free days in parts of the city centre.
Such trials would only take place after extensive consultation with Wiltshire Council Highways, Salisbury Reds and the local police to ensure satisfactory vehicle access to the city while creating some temporary, additional, pedestrian-only spaces.
It is intended that these trials will enhance the safety and effectiveness of large events where we might expect many thousands of residents and visitors to descend on the Market Place. Examples being Salisbury International Festival, the Christmas light switch on and the celebration of 800 years of the Charter Market.
This initiative signals Salisbury City Council’s motivation to help protect Salisbury’s historic streets and
Jeremy Nettle is a Conservative Salisbury City Councillor for
Fisherton and Bemerton Village
allow them to be explored on foot or cycle more safely from time to time.
We are conscious that our retailers, our pubs/restaurants and entertainment venues are going through a challenging time, so this is a way of supporting our local businesses by putting on better large events that will attract people to want to come into Salisbury and spend time in the city centre.
Similar such car-free days have been introduced elsewhere as a practical, visible way to improve urban life. This places car-free days within a clear local context of climate action
and urban quality-oflife goals.
The main reasons that cities implement car-free days are:
1. Improved air quality
Reducing vehicle use cuts emissions, helping to lower CO₂, nitrogen dioxide and particulate levels. This is especially relevant where local climate or clean-air strategies highlight pollution reduction as a priority.
2. Encouraging walking, cycling and public transport
Car-free days give residents an opportunity to try alternative modes of travel such as walking and cycling more safely. The City Council supports better cycling provision and reduced reliance on motor vehicles.
3. Supporting climate-change goals
Car-free days are relatively low-cost, high-visibility actions that support wider carbonreduction strategies, such as promoting renewable energy,
reducing waste, improving public transport, and reimagining road space.
4. Making city centres more enjoyable
Traffic free streets are quieter, safer and provide a much more pleasant environment for shopping or visiting cafés and restaurants. This often boosts footfall for such local businesses, and events and helps cities trial new public-realm layouts.
5. Raising awareness
It is hoped these trial days will act as public demonstrations of what is possible with relatively small or subtle changes to traffic flow, helping to shift attitudes towards supporting longer-term changes including improved cycling routes and increased opportunity to shop in traffic free areas.
The council will work with our Partners e.g. the chamber of commerce, BiD, the City Hall and Wiltshire Creative to identify the best possible dates/ events, and gain their feedback.
'Remember who's always been here'
WITH the amount of Conservatives who have defected to Reform and the party itself alluding to and edging ever closer to the views held by Nigel Farage and co, it’s getting increasingly difficult to tell the difference betwixt and between the two parties on the right of British politics.
Meanwhile, the Liberals and Greens are going as far as they can the other way to show us that they are different and vying to show us that they are more caring than each other. With all this 'virtue signalling' and 'political correctness' from both of them it’s getting just as difficult to choose between them on the left.
The Labour government under Kier Starmer and Tony
Blair before him have long moved from their traditional socialist values on the left and tried to be everything to everyone, taking up and holding
King Arthur Pendragon is a former and proposed Independent Parliamentary candidate for Salisbury
pleasing less of the people less of the time.
Watching the various leaders giving interviews to the various media politicos, I honestly cannot see any one of them, and that includes the incumbent, leading this country. They are far too angry on the right and far too ‘wishy washy’ on the left, which leaves us with Labour and Kier Starmer, who always looks to me like a rabbit caught in the headlights when asked a difficult question.
the centre ground, forgetting that you can only please some of the people all of the time, and all of the people some of the time and appear instead to be
I know where my vote's going at the next general election, and it won't be to any of them, and when the other parties parachute in their candidates to stand against me, remember who’s always been here.
Until next time...
Early sowing is cool beans!
by Sally Gregson
AMONG the earliest crops to pick from the vegetable garden are broad beans that have been sown in November/December. The variety Aquadulce is the classic, slow-growing form that needs to be sown in the winter.
If you are just starting your new vegetable bed, and have forgotten or overlooked autumn-sown broad beans, it is tempting to think this famous overwintering form will respond to the warming soil if it is sown after Christmas and produce its bean-pods earlier than the main-crop. But it grows slowly. The pods will appear, but later in the season, not in May, but at just the time the blackflies are becoming prolific, waiting for your delicious crop of beans. Overwintered broad beans should start into productive growth early in spring, and the small, sweet beans should be ripe before mid-summer. But if
a few main-crop broad beans are sown into a large deep container in January, and brought into the relative warmth of a cold greenhouse, they will produce beans a few weeks early. The blackfly might still find them, but they would avoid any of destructive spring frosts.
Sow the beans individually 5cm deep with the black scar facing downwards. Water them well and put the pots somewhere warm and sunny. It is a good idea to give the emerging plants a liquid feed high in potassium. Tomato fertiliser works well. Make sure it is well diluted.
Mice are public enemy number one when sowing peas and beans. A little crumpled netting should deter the hungry ones.
After a cold, wet winter, a plate of small broad beans, picked young and sweet, dripping with melted butter, will make all the bother worthwhile.
62,000
Sudoku 3D puzzle
Cryptic crossword
Across
1 Element from zone in Cuba (4)
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.
4 Bruce too confused to get mathematical quantity (4,4)
8 Agreement in a cricket club or ground lately (6)
9 Harsh cut close to face (6)
10 Inactive maid leaving bottles (4)
Down
Element from zone in Cuba (4)
Bruce too confused to get mathematical quantity (4,4) 8 Agreement in a cricket club or ground lately (6) 9 Harsh cut close to face (6) 10 Inactive maid leaving bottles (4) 11 Rota Walt disrupted
11 Rota Walt disrupted in unsparing conflict (5,3)
13 At home with lift that’s ill-fitting (13)
16 Give comfort to son in love when time’s gone (8)
19 Large-scale Eastern film (4)
2 Frequency of an event in police department from now commonly expressed (9)
3 Miss in competition for intimate photo (5-2)
4 Promotion in upcoming college for trainee
5 Bachelor on American vessel by leading pickup point? (3,4)
6 Victor in haunt upset opponent (5)
7 Old Arab in row (3)
12 Property in area that’s first given honour (9)
14 Fruit that could be forced? Nonsense (7)
15 Lethargy in a rite requiring reform (7)
17 Make solemn allegiance in Sunday sport
20 English river over long time source of photos (6)
22 Posh conservationists taken with regret? That’s false (6)
23 Republican guy in place that’s filthy and awful (8)
24 Support a book and film (4)
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.
18 Escape European lecturer due for replacement (5)
21 A game in the past (3)
Numberlink
The primary goal is to link all the pairs without the lines crossing or overlapping
Word Chain
Word Chain
Can you climb the word ladder? At each step a new word must be formed by changing one and only one letter, and without rearranging the order of the letters.
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.
Domino Puzzle
Domino
Dominoes is a classic game, but in this puzzle version the aim is to divide the grid into a full set of dominoes (with 0 as a blank).
A tick-off chart of dominoes is usually provided alongside the puzzle to help the solver, and although these samples use standard 0-6 dominoes the set can be varied, as can the layout and shape of the
Wordsearch 2
Double K Words
BAKKIE CHUKKA DEKKO HOKKU JACKKNIFE KNICK-KNACK LEKKER MARKKA
PONDOKKIE PUKKA SHIKKER SUKKAH TIKKA TOKKIN TREKKED YUKKY
Word Square Puzzles
Word Square Puzzles
How many words of three or more letters can you find by tracing out a path from letter to touching letter, without visiting any letter more than once in any given word?
In these puzzles diagonal moves can be or can not be allowed, as you choose - allowing diagonal moves typically means that many more words can be found I R C B E S E R P Y O S R P H T S
Volunteering
Students are building confidence and community spirit through volunteering
Wessex Community Action is the council for voluntary services in Wiltshire and provides practical support for community organisations on funding, governance, planning, policy development, recruiting and leadership. This monthly volunteering column looks at all aspects of volunteering and how people can give up their time for the benefit of their communities.
STUDENT Volunteering Week 2025, from February 9 to 15, is led by the Student Volunteering Network and supported by universities, schools and colleges.
It celebrates the contribution to communities that students make and highlights the benefits of engaging a young, enthusiastic workforce who are looking for ways to grow their life experience.
The reality of course is that there are plenty of young people already getting on with volunteering quietly, giving up their time alongside their studies, but there are many others who’d be willing to lend a hand if they felt welcome.
By engaging schools and colleges to offer volunteering opportunities, the voluntary
sector could open up a rich seam of resource.
The benefits are obvious – students gain confidence, experience and a better understanding of the area they’re studying and being part of a team, either out in the open or indoors, in a positive atmosphere can promote wellness, wellbeing and physical health. There are also a host of opportunities that could chime with younger peoples’ zest for initiatives that fight climate change.
Voluntary groups and grass roots charities can welcome extra pairs of hands and an injection of energy by tailoring what they offer, such as fewer hours to fit in around studies and mentoring from more experienced hands.
Wiltshire College & University Centre students have been working alongside volunteers from the Cotswold Voluntary Wardens with fencing, tree planting, scrub clearing and coppicing.
Lecturer Lara Dawson said: “The brilliant thing for me is that they're working with people of other generations who are mentoring them and developing them socially and academically. By working with them, talking to them and passing on experience in the workplace they are building up their skills and confidence.”
Today’s student volunteer could be tomorrow’s trustee, organiser or long-term supporter so it is worth making them feel welcome now.
Wessex Community Action’s
free community portal, Wiltshire Together, is the ideal place to look for volunteering opportunities, both short and long term, for students. Once registered, you can set up a profile with your preferences and search organisations looking for help by area. Sign up and search local opportunities at wiltshiretogether.org.uk.
n WCA works with charities and groups to help them support volunteer training and development, and help them develop links with the community. To find out more, contact Volunteer and Community Development Advisor Stacey Sims at community@ wessexcommunityaction.org.uk.
Wiltshire College & University Centre students working with the Cotswold Voluntary Wardens
£169,000 funding boost to continue schemes to cut congestion on county roads
PROJECTS aimed at reducing congestion on Wiltshire roads will now go ahead after securing more than £150,000 of funding.
Wiltshire Council has been awarded £169,000 from Active Travel England (ATE) to support active travel initiatives to help more people walk, wheel, and cycle for everyday journeys across the county.
The funding was initially granted to the council in summer 2025, but the project designs needed to be approved by ATE before the council could proceed.
Of the £169,000, £140,000 is to support the construction of Wiltshire School Streets pilot projects, which improve safety, reduce congestion and encourage more active travel on the school run, encouraging and enabling people to walk or cycle, rather than use the car.
It will initially look at six Wiltshire schools in five areas,
with the potential for more schools to take part shold the pilot be successful.
The remaining £29,000 of funding will be used to continue the design of a Park Wall to Lower Road shared-use path in Quidhampton, a missing link on the Wilton to Salisbury active travel corridor.
The project will provide a shared-use path between Lower Road, Quidhampton, and the junction of the A3094 Netherhampton Road and the A36 Wilton Road (Park Wall junction) that meets the Department for Transport's cycle infrastructure design, known as LTN 1/20.
The ATE award will fund detailed design of the scheme, allowing an accurate cost estimate to be developed and to support future bids for construction funding.
Cllr Martin Smith, Cabinet member for highways, said: "This funding from Active
New survey shows car crime fears
MORE than a quarter of drivers (26%) have been the victim of vehicle crimeincluding theft or vandalism - in the past 12 months, according to new research.
Those who live in towns and city centres are much more likely to have been targeted, with 45% of motorists in these areas experiencing vehicle crime compared to just 15% in rural postcodes and one-in-five (20%) in the suburbs or the outskirts of towns, according to the RAC.
Travel England allows us to continue improving the infrastructure that helps residents choose to walk, wheel and cycle more often.
"The School Streets pilot programme and the Quidhampton shared-use path will help to provide safer, more accessible routes for children, families and commuters.
"These projects support our wider goals to promote safer active travel options, improve public health, reduce traffic congestion and cut carbon emissions, as set out in Our Wiltshire Plan."
n See wiltshire.gov.uk/ highways-new-active-travelschemes for more details.
Almost a fifth (19%) of urban drivers say their car has been vandalised with deliberate scratches and dents over the past year, while 13% have had possessions stolen from their vehicles. In rural areas, the corresponding rates are just 7% and 2% respectively, the data showed.
RAC Insurance spokesperson, Simon Williams, said: "It’s very worrying to see so many drivers have experienced some form of vehicle crime over a 12-month period.
"Having a vehicle vandalised is both unbelievably annoying and expensive but having one stolen is a horrible violation, incredibly stressful to resolve and inconvenient to cope with, given how important cars are to our daily lives."
Brain chain (hard)
Crossword
Word Square (left)
CRIB, ERE, IRE, IRES, PRESCRIBE, RIB, SCRIBE, SERE Word Square (right) HIS, PRY, SOP, SOPHIST, SOPHISTRY, SOPS, SOY, SPRY, TRY
Revving up for grand prix items...
CThe collection is made up of more than 500 books and represents a significant offering for collectors and specialists in the field.
Single owner collections are particularly desirable at auction as they tend to attract strong interest due to their consistency and provenance, often achieving higher prices as a result.
Clarke’s Auctions has extensive experience in handling such collections and has successfully sold many notable single owner consignments.
Clarke’s Auctions welcomes enquiries from anyone considering selling an interesting collection or individual items.
Home visits can be arranged – or prospective vendors can visit the salerooms in Gillingham.
Enquiries about consignment into any of Clarke’s upcoming sales, probate or insurance valuations, or full or part house clearances can be made to Richard Clarke or Karen Marshall on 01747 685592 at the salerooms at The Old Glove Factory, Buckingham Road, Gillingham SP8 4QF.
Previous collections have included gold coin collections, railway memorabilia made up of locomotives and rolling stock, an extensive Royal Crown Derby paperweight collection, an unusual collection of taxidermy and a highly regarded single owner collection of scratch-built steam engine models, including a miniature Showman’s traction engine.
A Bernt Petersen Danish mid-century design rosewood stool. Sold for £1,600 hammer
