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Cash approved for footbridge replacement

AT LEAST one footbridge in one of Salisbury’s best-loved parks is set to be replaced.

Salisbury City Council (SCC) has approved £39,830 to allow the work to go ahead.

The money comes from a Section 106 Agreement linked to Queen Elizabeth Gardens, where a developer agrees to pay cash as part of a planning permission.

The money will go into the authority's general reserves to help fund the replacement of at least one ageing footbridge in the park.

The decision was approved by Full Council at a meeting on May 26, paving the way for work to be included in the council’s 2026/27 budget.

The bridges, which have become a familiar feature of

Queen Elizabeth Gardens, are believed to pre-date the park’s major refurbishment in 2010, although their exact installation date is unknown.

Council officers have already spent £5,720 from the original funding pot on structural surveys, drawings and plans to assess the condition of the bridges and explore replacement options.

The council said replacing the structure is important not only to maintain public access through the park but also to safeguard the long-term future of one of Salisbury’s most popular green spaces.

Queen Elizabeth Gardens, close to the city centre and River Avon, attracts walkers, families and visitors throughout the year.

Cllr Sam Charleston, leader at SCC, said: “Starting this work now will help to ensure the future of Queen Elizabeth Gardens as a community hub for residents to enjoy.”

The funding forms part of a legally binding planning agreement, with the council now expected to progress plans for replacing at least one of the park’s ageing bridges.

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Care home with good song vibrations!

MUSIC, memories and plenty of singing filled the air at a Salisbury care home as residents were joined by special guests for a heartwarming afternoon during Dementia Action Week.

Residents at Laverstock Care Centre welcomed members of the community for a special Music and Memories event, complete with high tea, live performances and classic songs that had everyone singing along.

The care home, a supporter of Wiltshire charity Beyond Dementia, marked the week with staff proudly wearing purple – the recognised colour for dementia support – while also encouraging fundraising for the charity.

A surprise highlight came when Hazel and Pauline from the Sing for Life choir joined residents for the afternoon.

The choir, which supports people affected by cancer through music and friendship, is currently paused while members search for a

new leader.

Invited initially for tea and entertainment, the pair soon found themselves centre stage alongside Laverstock wellbeing lead Barry, who regularly accompanies residents on the piano.

As trays of cakes and sweet treats were wheeled in, residents enjoyed a lively singalong featuring favourites including Blue Moon, Fly Me to the Moon and a spirited rendition of White Cliffs of Dover, with some residents even taking to the microphone.

Staff said the event highlighted the powerful role music can play in sparking memories, lifting spirits and bringing people together.

Home manager, Erin O’Shea, said: “What a lovely afternoon we’ve had. I’m delighted Hazel and Pauline came along, and for them to join in and perform made the afternoon extra special.

“We all know how music brings people together and this event ticked every box.”

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Underage cadets were able to buy knives at Wiltshire shops in sting op

RETAILERS have come under scrutiny after a series of test purchases revealed concerning failures in knife sales checks.

The operation was part of Sceptre, a national campaign aimed at reducing knife-related violence, and saw police conduct weapon sweeps and undercover test purchasing across Wiltshire.

During the operation, police cadets were able to buy knives in multiple stores without being challenged, raising concerns over how effectively retailers are enforcing age verification rules.

In Trowbridge, six businesses were tested – only two refused to sell knives to the underage volunteers. In four cases, knives were sold without any request for ID.

In Devizes, two out of three shops failed the test.

In the Tidworth and Amesbury area, further checks found one business also failed to comply with the Challenge 25 policy.

The results have prompted renewed warnings from police leaders, who said retailers must do more to prevent knives falling into the wrong hands. Alongside enforcement activity, Wiltshire Police also used the week to launch two new initiatives aimed at tackling knife crime at source: the Wiltshire Police Bleed Kit Partnership and a trial Safer

Man in court charged with murder of baby

A SALISBURY man has appeared in court charged with the murder of a four-week-old baby boy.

Jamie Fulford, 26, appeared at Winchester Crown Court on June 2 charged with murder.

The charge relates to the death of a baby boy who was admitted to Salisbury District Hospital with serious injuries on September 1, 2022. Tragically, the child died eight days later, on September 9.

During the hearing,

Fulford pleaded not guilty to the charge.

He was released on bail and is due to appear at Salisbury Crown Court on January 11, 2027.

The baby’s mother, Sophie Egerton, 22, also of Salisbury, has been charged with causing or allowing the death or harm of a child.

She appeared before the court separately and was also granted bail. Egerton is next due to appear in court on September 22.

Knives replacement scheme, which offers households at higher risk the chance to swap traditional kitchen knives for safer rounded alternatives.

Superintendent Mike Vass said the week had combined prevention, education and enforcement.

“We’ve had a really busy week of proactive, preventative work with the launch of the

Bleed Kit Partnership and the Safer Knives scheme,” he said.

“Both initiatives should have a positive impact on our communities and reflect our commitment to tackling knife crime in Wiltshire."

Police also engaged with young people, taking a knife arch into schools and colleges including Bradon Forest School in Purton, New College Swindon and Salisbury College.

Anti-social behaviour hotspot manager, Lianna Bradshaw, said the retail failures were a serious concern, and added: “It’s really disappointing to hear a number of retailers failed to uphold the challenge 25 policy and it shows more needs to be done."

Police and Crime

Commissioner Philip Wilkinson said the results showed both the need for prevention and accountability, adding that funding from the Drug Forfeiture Fund was being reinvested into community safety initiatives designed to reduce violence and protect vulnerable people.

Himalayan trek raises more than £90,000 for hospital charity

A GROUP of fundraisers who trekked through the Indian Himalayas are celebrating raising £91,973 for the Stars Appeal.

The 29-strong team took on the demanding challenge earlier this year, travelling from McLeod Ganj, home of the Dalai Lama, and spending five days navigating steep mountain trails and high-altitude climbs of up to 3,000 metres.

Their efforts – and fundraising success – were celebrated during a special evening at the White Hart Hotel in Salisbury on June 2, where the final total was revealed.

Among those taking part was Adrian Abbott, from Salisbury, who decided to tackle his first-ever trek after receiving care at Salisbury District Hospital following a cardiac arrest in 2023.

He said: “I’m really proud to have played a part in raising this fantastic total, and I feel very fortunate to have met such an inspiring group of people.

“The trek was tough, and definitely not a holiday, but reaching the camp together as a team and seeing those incredible mountain views was really special.”

Fellow trekker Colin Ford, from Salisbury, who has been treated for three separate cancers, completed his third Stars Appeal challenge as a way of thanking hospital staff for the care he received.

The charity has already unveiled its next adventure – a 100km trek across the Sahara Desert in February 2028. See www.starsappeal.org/event/ stars-appeal-trek-2028 for details.

People can hand in knives in amnesty bins around the county Picture: Wiltshire Police

Your chance to see police hub plans

PEOPLE are being given their first glimpse of plans for a major new policing hub near Salisbury - and police chiefs want to know what you think.

Wiltshire Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) Philip Wilkinson is preparing to submit an outline planning application for a Southern Policing Hub at Old Sarum, with public consultation events set for later this month.

The new base, planned for around six acres of land off Mitre Way, would replace Bourne Hill Police Station, which police leaders have said is no longer fit for modern work.

Indicative plans, including early ideas for the site layout, landscaping and building design, will be unveiled at a series of public events this month when residents can ask questions and give feedback before the application is

formally submitted.

The site, secured conditionally by the PCC late last year, is intended to become a central base for response officers, neighbourhood policing teams and operational support staff serving Salisbury and south Wiltshire.

Mr Wilkinson said the project had been years in the making but insisted the next stage was about listening to people.

“Securing the land was an important milestone but this stage of the project is about listening,” he said.

“We are on track to submit an outline planning application by the end of the summer and before we do that, it is vital that local people understand what is being proposed and why and have the opportunity to talk to us about it.”

Police leaders said more than a dozen alternative sites were considered before Old Sarum

was selected because of its transport links, size and long-term potential.

Chief constable Catherine Roper said modern police buildings were essential for effective policing and added that well-designed bases help officers respond faster and

remain visible in communities.

There are currently no plans for a custody suite at the site, although the land could allow future expansion if policing needs change.

Public drop-in events will be held at Salisbury Football Club on June 24 and June 27.

PCC Philip Wilkinson, inset, will discuss the new plans

Developer reveals plan for 310 homes

PLANS for 310 new homes on the edge of Salisbury have been unveiled.

Developer Wyatt Homes have revealed plans for a neighbourhood extension on land between Coombe Road and Salisbury Road, south of Harnham.

While a formal planning application has not yet been submitted, the scheme is now moving through the early stages of the planning process, and a public consultation is underway.

The proposed development would include around 310 homes, with 40% classed as affordable housing, alongside a new nursery, open green space and the possibility of a restaurant, café or small commercial space.

Wyatt Homes said the site, which was included in Wiltshire Council’s draft Local Plan, could create a “connected neighbourhood extension” to

Salisbury, with walking and cycling routes, landscaping, allotments and new tree planting.

The housebuilder has already submitted an Environmental Screening Opinion request to Wiltshire Council – a formal process to determine whether a full Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) is required before any future application is pursued.

Wiltshire Council has ruled the EIA will be required, meaning further environmental studies must now take place before a full planning application is lodged, set to be later this year.

Residents will get an early chance to see the plans and question developers at a public exhibition between 3pm and 7.30pm on Wednesday, June 10 at Harnham Social Club.

Wyatt Homes said feedback from the community will help shape the final scheme before it is formally submitted.

People are being asked for their views on plans for 310 new homes in Harnham

Ambitious £22m plan for Playhouse

SALISBURY Playhouse has unveiled ambitious plans for a £22 million transformation aimed at securing the venue's future for generations to come.

The major redevelopment project, called Stage the Future, was revealed on June 5 as the theatre celebrates its 50th anniversary.

Plans revealed as part of the initiative would modernise the historic venue, making it fully accessible, Net Zero and fit for 21st-century theatre-making, while upgrading technical facilities, workshops and wardrobe spaces.

For a theatre that already welcomes more than 200,000 visitors a year and stages around 350 performances annually, leaders said the investment is vital to protect its future.

The Playhouse is one of only three full professional producing theatres in the south west,

creating its own productions as well as hosting touring shows.

Over the years, stars including Ewan McGregor, Ruby Wax, Rupert Everett, Timothy West, Prunella Scales, Claire Sweeney, Hermione Norris and Pete Postlethwaite have appeared on its stage.

But the Playhouse’s impact stretches beyond performances. Through its Take Part

programme, the theatre works with more than 15,000 people every year, including young people, older residents, people with special educational needs or disabilities, and those experiencing loneliness.

Leaders said new production facilities would strengthen Salisbury’s reputation as a centre for theatre craft and skills, helping to train the next

generation of actors, technicians and creatives.

Rosa Corbishley, co-CEO and executive director, called the plans a “pivotal moment” for the theatre.

“This is a pivotal moment for the Playhouse – it’s a chance to honour five decades of worldclass theatre and ensure the next 50 years are even greater,” she said.

Co-CEO and artistic director, Gareth Machin, added: “Investment in this redevelopment is vital in unlocking our full producing potential.”

The Playhouse said it has contributed an estimated £40m to the local economy over the past three years, while supporting around 350 jobs.

The ambition is for the redevelopment to be completed over the next three years, with further details expected in the coming months.

Salisbury Playhouse could see big changes in the coming years

Colonel getting on his bike for charity

ARETIRED army colonel is preparing for an extraordinary endurance challenge when he sleeps rough overnight before cycling 140 km to raise money for homeless veterans.

Richard Winstanley OBE, an ALABARÉ trustee and former army officer, will take part in The BIG Sleep in London on Friday, June 26, before setting off by road bike back to Salisbury the following morning: Armed Forces Day.

The challenge begins at St Paul’s Cathedral, where 200 people are expected to take part in the first-ever public sleepout at the iconic landmark, aiming to raise £200,000 for homelessness charity ALABARÉ, which supports veterans across the South West and Wales.

But for Richard, simply sleeping out was not enough.

“I just thought the sleep-out itself was probably not tough

enough,” he said. “There’s a certain connectivity in cycling from St Paul’s back here to Riverside House in Salisbury.

“It’s 140 km, and I’ve got a good friend coming with me who’s not doing the BIG Sleep to help keep me awake. But it’s just to raise a bit more awareness, and hopefully more funds.”

Richard has already raised more than £8,000 for the charity, which runs 16 Homes for Veterans, including supported accommodation for former service personnel facing homelessness.

Government figures suggest around 6,000 veterans are currently at risk of homelessness in the UK.

Since opening its first veterans’ home in 2009, ALABARÉ has supported more than 2,000 former military personnel, helping with housing, mental and physical health, employment and

independent living.

Reflecting on the cause, Richard said: “It’s a great shame that we have anybody who is homeless, for whatever circumstance, particularly veterans who have served our country.

"Nobody wants or chooses to

be homeless. This is our chance to help them, to raise some money and awareness, and to improve their lot.”

To find out more about Richard’s fundraising mission and to donate, visit https://www. justgiving.com/page/richardwinstanley-2.

Retired colonel Richard Winstanley training ahead of his cycle effort for ALABARÉ, which gets underway on June 27

Wilton man, 36, travelled to abuse child - but was met by police instead

AWILTON man has been jailed after pleaded guilty to a string of child sex offences and cocaine possession.

Christopher Saunders-Pope, of Randalls Croft Road, was sentenced to three years and four months by HH Judge Townsend at Swindon Crown Court on May 28 following an investigation by the South West Regional Organised Crime Unit (SWROCU).

Saunders-Pope was arrested by SWROCU officers in March 2024 after communicating online with who he thought was a teenage boy.

The 36-year-old travelled within the county, intending to meet the child to sexually abuse, and was met by officers and subsequently arrested.

In April this year, he pleaded guilty to attempting to engage in sexual communication with a child and arranging/facilitating commission of offence of sexual activity with a child.

He also admitted three counts of making indecent photograph/ pseudo photograph of a child, distributing an indecent

photograph/pseudo photograph of a child and possessing extreme pornographic image.

In addition, Saunders-Pope was found guilty of possessing a class A drug (cocaine).

Det Insp David Wells, from SWROCU, said: “When we arrested Saunders-Pope, he had travelled that day having made plans to abuse a young boy. Instead, he was taken into

custody and prevented from causing the harm he intended.

“Law enforcement agencies are constantly across the internet working to identify anyone looking to abuse or exploit children. SaundersPope’s arrest was part of this ongoing work.”

HH Judge Townsend also handed Saunders-Pope a 10-year Sexual Harm

SaundersPope has been jailed for three years and four months

Prevention Order.

Anyone concerned about their thoughts or behaviour towards children or the behaviour of another person, can seek help via the Stop it Now confidential helpline on 0808 1000 900.

n Further support is available from the Lucy Faithfull Foundation via www. lucyfaithfull.org.uk.

Police campaign over rogue traders

RESIDENTS in parts of Amesbury are being urged to stay alert to rogue traders and doorstep scams after a major reassurance campaign.

Police visited more than 100 properties across Westland Close, Virginia Close, Vernon Close, Chesterfield Close and Purvis Close on June 2 amid concerns that doorstep crime tends to rise during the summer months.

PC Smith, PC Garrett and PCSO Douse joined Wiltshire Trading Standards to speak directly with residents, offering advice on how to avoid being pressured into costly and unnecessary work.

Police said rogue traders often target properties by knocking unexpectedly and claiming urgent repairs are needed to roofs, guttering, driveways, gardens or trees.

In some cases, residents are offered a “free survey” before being pressured into paying for expensive work that may not be necessary.

People were warned not to agree to deals on the doorstep or feel rushed into making decisions.

Instead, police advise getting written quotes, researching companies carefully and using trusted accreditation schemes such as Buy With Confidence.

Homeowners are also being encouraged to avoid paying cash or handing over money upfront before work begins.

Officers said social media reviews alone should not be relied upon, and urged people to check insurance, qualifications and waste licences before hiring tradespeople.

Police are also asking people to keep an eye on elderly or vulnerable neighbours who may be more likely to be targeted.

Concerns about suspicious callers or rogue traders can be reported to Trading Standards on 0808 223 1133, while emergencies should always be reported via 999.

Christopher

Picture: Wiltshire Police

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We cover all aspects of roofing and have a wide knowledge of new build roofs and the older heritage roofs. We are confident when assessing and inspecting each individual property or building and can assist with repairs as necessary

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New pitches and changing room plan

NEW football pitches and a future changing facility could soon become a reality in Salisbury after city councillors backed plans linked to a major housing development.

Salisbury City Council has agreed in principle to take on two football pitches at St Peter’s Place, alongside almost £800,000 in funding to help maintain them and support the construction of a changing facility.

The decision was approved at a Full Council meeting on May 26, and forms part of a Section 106 agreement tied to the St Peter’s Place development involving Persimmon Homes, Wiltshire Council and private landowners.

Under the agreement, the city council would receive £799,297 to support the long-term upkeep of the pitches and help fund a

new pavilion-style changing facility.

Council leaders said the proposed building would primarily support sport but could also become a wider community asset for residents.

The facility would be designed to meet standards set by Sport England, the Football Association and building regulations, while allowing for

SHIRLEY ALLUM

wider recreational use where possible.

The move marks the latest step in the council taking responsibility for community facilities secured through the development.

The authority has already agreed to adopt allotment sites and cemetery obligations linked to St Peter’s Place.

Cllr Sam Charleston, leader

of Salisbury City Council, welcomed the decision.

He said: “We are delighted to take on this responsibility for these pitches, as well as starting the process for a changing area that can become a real community asset for residents.”

Work on formal legal agreements with Wiltshire Council will now start before plans are developed further.

FASHIONS & LINGERIE

19th June

first 5 swimwear customers

Knitting for mum raises group funds

ACREATIVE TikTok knitting challenge has helped raise vital funds for a Salisbury singing group.

Bethany Basham raised £215 for the Salisbury Breathless Singers, which supports people living with serious lung conditions, after launching an online knit-a-thon inspired by her mother’s involvement in the group.

The challenge saw Bethany knit a line for every pound donated, turning a simple idea into a growing online fundraiser.

Her mother, Sarah McCubbin, regularly attends the singing group after being diagnosed with bronchiectasis and chronic respiratory failure. She credits the sessions not only with helping her breathing, but also with improving her emotional wellbeing and sense of connection.

The group, run by Sounds Better CIC, had recently faced a funding shortfall.

To keep sessions running, organisers temporarily merged the Salisbury Breathless Singers with an Introduction to Singing for Lung Health course, combining both groups while they secured longer-term support.

Seeing the impact the sessions had on her mother, Bethany decided to step in.

“I wanted to do something a bit different to help the local singing group, and that’s when I came up with the idea of the knit-a-thon,” she said.

“The support has meant a great deal, and I’m grateful to everyone who contributed. The funds raised will help the group continue providing a space for people to come together and enjoy singing.”

The money will now help

Renew your garden waste collections!

THOUSANDS of households are being urged to check their garden waste subscriptions or face overflowing bins and missed collections this summer.

Wiltshire Council has issued a reminder to residents that garden waste subscriptions expire on June 30 with customers needing to renew by Saturday, June 27, to avoid any disruption to fortnightly collections.

The warning comes as demand for the service remains high, with council crews collecting more than 26,000 tonnes of garden waste from over 80,000 households across the county in the last year alone. For many households, the service is a summer essential, helping dispose of everything from grass cuttings and hedge trimmings to weeds, leaves and cut flowers.

A yearly subscription costs

support the group’s return to its regular venue in Wilton on Tuesday afternoons.

Director of Sounds Better CIC, Liv McLennan, said the challenge highlighted both the importance of the service and the ongoing struggle to fund it.

“Securing funding for Singing for Lung Health is an

ongoing battle, but we know that it serves the community and our members have seen great results with it – so we don’t want to give up.

"We’re hoping that others will be inspired by Bethany’s great idea, and help us to raise more funds to keep the group going."

Public Notice

£78 per bin, with all collected waste composted locally before being reused.

Residents who pay online should already have received an email reminder, while households without registered email addresses are being contacted by letter.

The council said renewing online is the quickest option, though customers will now need to log into – or create – a Wiltshire Council account as part of new security measures. Households are also being reminded to make sure bins are clearly marked with a house name or number, as collection crews now use in-vehicle technology to confirm which properties have signed up to the service.

Residents can renew online or by phone.Those who do not wish to continue the service do not need to contact the council.

LICENSING

ACT 2003

APPLICATION FOR A PREMISES LICENCE

(Section 17 of the Act)

Name of Applicant: THE BREAD MENACE LTD

Postal address of premises: 112 Fisherton Street, Salisbury, SP2 7QY. The application, if granted, is to enable the following licensable activities on the Premises Licence: Sale of alcohol, Thur-Mon: 12:00 – 22:00. A copy of the application may be inspected by visiting https:// www.wiltshire.gov.uk/licences permits-new-premises-applications or by emailing publicprotectionnorth@wiltshire.gov.uk

Any representations by a Responsible Authority/Interested Party or other persons must be received in writing within 28 days of this notice, by email to publicprotectionnorth@ wiltshire.gov.uk or by writing to The Licensing Authority, Wilt shire Council, Public Protection, County Hall, Bythesea Road, Trowbridge, BA14 8JN.

Date of Notice.................02/06/2026

End of Consultation………30/06/2026

It is an offence to knowingly or recklessly make a false statement in connection with an application, punishable on summary conviction with an unlimited fine.

Bethany's efforts, main pic, raised money for the group her mum, inset, attends Pictures: TikTok/Just Giving

Padel, coffee and wellness the order of the day for farm expansion plans

AWORKING farm between Salisbury and Blandford could soon become home to the area’s first rural indoor padel club - complete with a New Zealand-inspired café and wellness space.

Plans have been submitted to Dorset Council for Chalk & Padel, a proposed sports and leisure venue at Thorneydown Farm, on the A354 near Sixpenny Handley.

If approved, the development would bring three indoor padel courts, serving players from north Dorset and south Wiltshire.

The project is the idea of third-generation farmer Ben Chick, who said the move was about helping farming survive while creating something genuinely useful for people.

“Farming is under huge pressure right now, and diversification has to mean building something that genuinely adds value to the area, not just surviving,” he said.

“This is a working farm, and it always will be. But sitting alongside the farm, we have the chance to create something this part of Dorset has never had.”

proper time together.”

The planning application is with Dorset Council, and if approved, Chalk & Padel hopes to open in late 2026 or early 2027.

The proposal has already attracted backing, with supporters arguing the venue could become a valuable social and sporting hub for rural communities.

James Elwood said a local padel club “would be incredible”, adding: “Sport brings everyone together and is a huge asset, especially in a rural location.”

Padel, often described as a mix between tennis and squash, is Britain’s fastest-growing racket sport, with participation soaring nationwide.

Yet central and north Dorset currently have no venues, meaning enthusiasts often travel more than 25 miles to the Bournemouth area to play.

Alongside the courts, the plans include Aroha Coffee, a NZ-inspired café, changing facilities and wellness spaces.

Developers said the aim is to

create a destination people visit for more than just a quick game.

Ben added: “I’ve been dealing with chronic fatigue over the past couple of years, and it completely changes how you look at life. You realise how important health, community and connection actually are.

“We want to bring an incredible sport to an area that currently has nothing, and create a place where people come not just to play, but to connect, recharge and spend

Others described the plans as a major boost for health and wellbeing, with one supporter calling it “a fantastic asset for all the rural communities in the surrounding area”.

Harriet Bush said the development would provide “a valuable community space focused on health, wellbeing, and social connection in a rural area where opportunities like this are limited”, adding that its mix of sport, café facilities and wellness spaces could benefit all ages and help younger people stay active and engaged locally.

Breach of behaviour order ends in fine

A SALISBURY man has been ordered to pay more than £2,300 after admitting breaching a legal notice designed to stop ongoing anti-social behaviour towards a neighbour.

Michael Babey, of Whatcombe Brow, pleaded guilty at Salisbury Magistrates’ Court on Thursday, May 28, after previously denying the offence.

The court heard Babey deliberately approached a neighbour in an intimidating manner and used abusive and degrading language – behaviour which breached a Community Protection Notice (CPN) already in place against him.

Magistrates were told the incident formed part of an ongoing pattern of behaviour, despite previous formal efforts to

resolve the situation.

Babey had originally been served with the CPN on April 24, 2024, following concerns about persistent anti-social behaviour affecting the quality of life of others. The breach was reported on March 1, 2025. After initially pleading not guilty at Salisbury Magistrates’ Court in June last year, Babey later changed his plea to guilty. He was fined £249, ordered to pay a £100 victim surcharge, and hit with £2,000 in prosecution costs, bringing the total to £2,349.

A two-year injunction had already been granted in September 2025 to protect the affected neighbour while the case was progressing through the courts.

A CPN is a legal tool used by Wiltshire

Council and police to tackle repeated anti-social behaviour that negatively impacts people living nearby.

Council cabinet member for environment, Cllr Paul Sample, which includes public protection, said authorities would continue taking action where needed. He said: “We take incidents of antisocial behaviour very seriously, particularly where they have a continued impact on residents’ quality of life. CPNs are only issued where there is a clear and persistent impact on others, and in this case, they were put in place to address ongoing antisocial behaviour. We will continue to take appropriate enforcement action where necessary to protect residents and maintain community safety."

Chalk & Padel aims to offer something new in Wiltshire and North Dorset

Tom appointed to lead £20 million regeneration scheme in Bemerton

ASALISBURY man has been chosen to help shape the future of Bemerton - thanks to £20 million of funding.

Tom Belshaw has been appointed as independent chair of the Pride in Place Salisbury Bemerton Community Board, which will oversee a decadelong programme of investment aimed at improving everyday life in the area.

The government-backed scheme could bring major investment in community facilities, public spaces, youth opportunities and neighbourhood projects, with residents expected to play a key role in deciding priorities.

Mr Belshaw, who has lived in the area for nearly 15 years, brings experience in community development, governance and youth work.

He currently works for a Salisbury-based national charity

and is also a trustee for two local youth charities.

The board will bring together residents, businesses, councillors, community groups and public sector organisations to create a shared ten-year vision for Bemerton.

And he described the

appointment as a “real privilege”.

“I believe Bemerton has great strengths and assets – from its people to its spaces and places – and this is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to build on those good things,” he said.

“This investment in our community is not just about the next 10 years; done well, it can unlock other opportunities for decades to come.”

He added that his priority would be ensuring local residents remain at the centre of decision-making.

Wiltshire Council cabinet member for economic development, regeneration and assets, Cllr Helen Belcher, said she was “delighted” with the appointment, adding the funding would help build a “stronger and thriving Bemerton”.

Meanwhile, Salisbury representative Cllr Ricky Rogers said he looked forward to working with Mr Belshaw and residents to help shape the area’s future. Applications are now open for people wanting to join the community board with residents encouraged to get involved before the June 24 deadline.

Grants to help young people into work

CHARITIES

helping young people overcome barriers to employment are being invited to apply for a share of £150,000 as a major funding programme reopens this month.

The Persimmon Charitable Foundation has launched its second funding round of 2026 with grants aimed at projects supporting young people aged 14 to 25 into work, education and training.

Applications opened on June 1, with registered charities across the UK encouraged to apply for funding to tackle disadvantage, improve employability and boost opportunities in communities facing economic and social hardship.

The foundation, set up by housebuilder Persimmon Homes, supports projects

focused on social mobility, youth development, learning and training.

Since 2021, it has donated more than £3 million to charities and community causes.

Three charities secured £50,000 grants in the foundation’s first funding round earlier this year, including Hamara Healthy Living Centre in Leeds, Newcastle United Foundation and The Benjamin Foundation in Norfolk.

Closer to home, Young Somerset has also previously benefited from foundation support, alongside organisations such as Bristol City FC Robins Foundation.

The foundation was established in 2015 to support communities where Persimmon Homes operates.

However, its open

application programme only launched last year, widening access and giving more charities the chance to apply for funding.

There are two rounds of grants each year, with a total of £300,000 available in 2026 through six £50,000 awards.

Foundation chair Anthony Vigor said: “We want to improve outcomes for young people, and particularly those not in education, training or employment. If your charity is

focused on supporting employability, we encourage you to apply.”

Applications close at 11.59pm on Sunday, June 21 with successful organisations due to be announced in September.

n For more information and application details, visit persimmonhomes.com/ corporate/foundation/openapplication-programme.

Tom Belshaw has been appointed independent chair of the Pride in Place Salisbury Bemerton Community Board

The Bristol City FC Robins Foundation was a recipient from last year's Persimmon Charitable Foundation grants

Family-friendly day of activies in city planned to honour Armed Forces

MEMBERS of the UK Armed Forces will be honoured at a special event in Salisbury later this month.

On June 28, the city will mark Armed Forces Day with a series of family-friendly events in Salisbury Market Place.

The event is being organised by Salisbury City Council, with a spokesperson said it offered a "fantastic opportunity to honour the brave members of our Armed Forces, past and present, who have dedicated their lives to the service of our country".

Running from 10am to 4pm the event has been supported by Headquarters South West.

For 2026, the celebrations will open with a procession, including representatives from the Armed Forces, Lord Lieutenant’s Office and Salisbury City Council, and MP John Glen, leaving The Guildhall at approximately 9.55am, before heading down Fish Row, Butcher Row and across the Market Place.

Opening speeches will be delivered by Cllr Jenny Bolwell, Mayor of Salisbury, and Colonel James Bird, Commander of Joint Military Command South West.

"Join us for this familyfriendly event, with military displays, free make and take workshops, children’s fair rides,

SPETISBURY CHURCH & VILLAGE, FETE and Dog Show, Saturday 27th June, 12 – 4 p.m. At Spetisbury Manor DT11 9EB, Everyone welcome, £1 adults, children under 16 free

LAVERSTOCK MIDSUMMER MUSIC FESTIVAL 20-21 & 27-28 June 2026 Free entry. All donations gratefully received, contribute to the restoration of our 1858 Gray and Davison pipe organ. www.stmarkstandrew.org

and face painting, as well as street food, retail and Armed Forces charity stalls, plus live entertainment throughout the day," a council spokesperson said.

A full schedule, visit the Salisbury City Council website, at salisburycitycouncil.gov.uk.

Meanwhile, there is still an

opportunity for retailers, food and drink vendors, or Armed Forces charities to get involved via the council website.

"With many visitors and residents of Salisbury attending every year, it is a great occasion to showcase your organisation in the heart of the city centre," the council added.

Carnival picks 2026 charities

WILTON Carnival has announced the four organisations set to benefit from its 2026 fundraising efforts.

This year’s selected causes are Entrain Space, Wilton School, Wilton FC and Seeds 4 Success.

Each group will receive support from surplus funds raised through the annual community event.

Organisers have said the carnival continues to play an important role in supporting charities and voluntary groups at a time when many are facing increased financial pressures.

Over the past five years, the event has donated a total of £13,434.05 to a wide range of causes across Wilton and Salisbury, including food

support services, youth groups, schools and disability organisations.

The carnival committee said they are proud of the impact the carnival continues to have locally, thanks to the support of residents, volunteers and businesses who help make the annual event possible.

The 2026 carnival will take place on Saturday, July 4, promising an Out of This World-themed day of entertainment, parades and community celebration.

Further details about this year’s chosen causes - and how funds will be used - are expected to be shared in the coming weeks as preparations continue for the summer event progress.

Wilton Carnival will take place on July 4

Kids go Free to the Chalke History Festival – 22-28 June

The Chalke History Festival, 22-28

June - the UK’s leading celebration of history – returns to its stunning venue in Broad Chalke this month, bringing the past vividly to life through a rich programme of top-class talks, wide-ranging discussions, striking performances and dynamic living history experiences.

Sponsored by Evelyn Partners, this year’s event promises to be one of the stand-out occasions of the summer calendar, attracting the very top names and boasting a lineup of leading historians, household names and expert commentators whose views and analysis of both historical events and current world affairs are second to none. Alongside a tantalising line up of talks, discussions and debates, the programme for fans of getting up close and personal with history through immersive experiences, theatrical performances, hands-on activities and live music is more varied and eye-catching than ever before. Even better, all children, 15 and under go free to Chalke.

Plenty of VIP names will be speaking and mingling with the crowds, with some attending the festival for the first time, include Mary Beard, James Naughtie, Anne Applebaum, Alexander Armstrong, Harriet Walter, Anthony Scaramucci, Alan Titchmarsh, Antony Beevor, Tracy Borman and Tony Robinson.

Elsewhere on the festival site, visitors will have a feast of different activities to choose from. As well as the reconstruction of a magnificent late Iron Age Romano-British chariot by a team of artisans using ancient techniques, Abs Wisdom will delight with his Wizzo’s Rip-Roaring History old-time circus sideshow. There will be plenty of activities to keep the kids entertained too, including: the Rattlebox Theatre and Angel Heart Theatre with their blend of puppetry, storytelling and larger-thanlife characters; historic garden games like sack races, rolling hoops, skittles, and croquet; plus, interactive workshops offering tablet weaving and medieval calligraphy, and a chance for the little ones to try their hand at sword-fighting, archery, or axe-throwing.

Chalke would not be Chalke without that little bit ‘extra’ that makes the festival so special. From exquisite meals in the fine dining tent, mouth-watering local produce, street food and ice creams, thirst-quenching drinks at the Chalke Valley Tap, to vintage clothing and jewellery in the Emporium, the festival promises a truly wonderful day out. And it doesn’t stop there. The midsummer evenings provide a chance to swap ideas with fellow history buffs over a glass of something chilled by the firepit or dance the night away to ABBA’s Angels or The Brass Funkeys.

ADVERTISING FEATURE

Those who choose to glamp or camp under the stars will be glad the commute home is only up the hill, a matter of minutes away.

The Chalke History Festival, 22-28 June, will take place at Church Bottom, Broad Chalke, Salisbury, Wiltshire, SP5 5DP. Book now www.chalkefestival.com

Anthony Scaramucci and Living Historians at Chalke History Festival. Photo: Martin Cook

Crowds listening to Living Historians at Chalke. Photo: Ash Mills.

Getting

The Avon at South Mill, Amesbury, by Jane Luce

An almost spotless ladybird by Shelley O'Riordan Barry

Walkies!, by Scott Blackmore

Solitary poppy, by Tanya Louise

A Common Blue Butterfly visiting the garden, by Mark Warner

A patriotic ride, by by Alex Köntzle

A snail itch, by Sheila Beesley

A view from Xanten...

IHAD the pleasure of playing a small part in the biennial visit of the Xanten Twinning Association to Salisbury earlier in June.

Having visited two years ago as mayor and again last year with the Salisbury Xanten twinning group, it was lovely to see some old faces and plenty of new ones among the 50-odd German folk that came over.

Xanten is about half the size of Salisbury, but both cities have much in common. Tourism drives a large part of our incomes. Both have Cathedral (ours is bigger – of course!) and pedestrianised central squares which are used for music and cultural events.

Both have lakes and rivers and where Salisbury has Stonehenge, Xanten has a huge archaeological park, still being excavated, but marks the furthest north the Romans ventured into Europe. The city

was named Colonia Ulpia Traiana and supported some 10,000 people and garrison.

Like Salisbury, Xanten also has similar issues. As Salisbury has its water meadows, Xanten has a wildlife park. While both are lovely, anybody who thinks re-introducing beavers into our river system is a good idea, needs to pay them a visit!

Of greater significance however, Xanten too has a

housing problem which has seen prices and rents increase to the point of becoming unaffordable to younger generation.

There is no real industry, thus the youth are moving to the major cities for work, which are in turn becoming more expensive places to live.

Germany also has their 'green agenda'. They have no fossil fuel resources so invested heavily in nuclear power. However, a decade or so ago decided on a big push to net zero, so closed all their nuclear power stations and became reliant on imported natural gas. Then along came the war in Ukraine, and like here in the

UK, the chickens came home to roost. The cost of electricity is the same as ours, stratospheric, and the squeeze is being felt in both domestic bills and the competitiveness of their industries.

The one thing Xanten doesn’t have however is a traffic congestion. There is a decent highway network, and as is common with large parts of Europe, there are cycle paths everywhere.

Cycling has always been far more prominent in Europe than the UK, it’s partly a cultural thing thus the city was designed with this in mind, but secondly, the terrain is flat, not a hill in sight for miles, anywhere, so it’s easy, whereas Salisbury wasn’t and isn’t, and won’t ever be.

Our visitors will have left by the time you read this, but if you fancy a long weekend away, it’s a bit of a drive, Xanten is definitely worth a visit.

‘Japanese’ rose so easy to grow

by Sally Gregson

THE flora of Japan has long been sought after by Western gardeners for its delicacy, beauty and distinct differences. And Rosa rugosa, the Japanese native rose, is a good example. It is a strong rose species with deeply veined – rugose – leaves and large, heavily scented flowers. And it is quite different in appearance from traditional varieties.

Western gardeners have been crossing, growing and selecting from more than 300 different rose species for many centuries, but until the mid-19th century Japan was closed to foreign influences. And so, R. rugosa remained largely unknown in the West.

Japanese gardens then quite suddenly became very fashionable and by the late 19th

century Western gardeners were breeding and selecting some exciting and beautiful forms of the Japanese rose.

Rosa rugosa Roseraie de l’Häy, named for the renowned rose garden in Paris, is an especially beautiful selection that has won gardeners’ hearts since its introduction at the beginning of the 20th century. It produces deep magentapink flowers with a strong perfume all summer.

In autumn its leaves turn golden, and sometimes this variety produces a few fat red hips.

Most other forms of R. rugosa are as well-known for their buxom bounty as for their flowers.

Rosa rugosa varieties are very easy to grow – they shrug off black-spot and rust and give

Roseraie de l’Häy has won gardeners’ hearts since its introduction at the start of the 20th century

aphids a good run for their money. Their only fault lies, perhaps, with their overenthusiasm. But steeling the heart in spring, and cutting back about half of the previous year’s growth, results in a more manageable shrub.

Like all roses, R. rugosa is best planted in autumn into a deep, rich soil, and in subsequent years pruned back in the spring.

It is a greedy feeder, and when young and newly planted will need to be kept watered in dry spells.

Perhaps the rugosa forms don’t associate easily with other roses – their generosity can overshadow and outshine the quieter traditional roses. But placed in the middle of a mixed shrub border, or grown as a flowering hedge, R rugosa is in a class of its own.

EX-DISPLAY SHEDS, Stables/field shelters, summerhouses, offices, workshops, agricultural 01935 891195

Suppliers of quality Compost and Topsoil

Arrow words

Crossword

Sudoku 3D puzzle

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

Cryptic crossword

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 dashlined cage, and all the digits in any cage must add up to the value shown in that cage.

Comfort food (5) 7 Tell where student could be? (6)

hollow (6)

17 Creature that’s not identified still on island (4)

20 Game starts to excite really formidable competitor (5) 22 Lawyer holding independent place with award – and qualification (7) 23 Second ruse upset cat (6)

maybe like a brother and worker

12 Lecturer certainly not of a priestly type (3) 13 Some factual component in a play (3) 14 A jogging accessory? (8)

Fool curtailed way of speaking over

15 Most close attention in comfortable home 18 Dress in a party by the Royal Navy (5) 19 Special lubricant brings damage (5) 21 Develop good argument (4)

18 Dress in a party by the Royal Navy (5)

19 Special lubricant brings damage (5)

21 Develop good argument (4)

Numberlink

The primary goal is to link all the pairs without the lines crossing or overlapping

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 boldlined 3x3 box.

No digit may be repeated in any dash-lined cage, and all the digits in any cage must add up to the value shown in that cage.

Domino Puzzle

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 grid.

Wordsearch 2

Pulitzer Prize Winners

SHERWOOD TAYLOR UPDIKE WARREN WILBUR WILDER WILSON

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 M E R A G N N D I I P E P O T E V S

Quiet volunteering is vital for groups

Wessex Community Action (WCA) is the council for voluntary services in Wiltshire and provides practical support for community organisations on funding, governance, planning, policy development, recruiting and leadership. This monthly volunteering column looks at all aspects of volunteering and how people can give up their time for the benefit of their communities...

THE power that drives charities and voluntary groups comes from passionate volunteers and tiny teams working incredibly hard to support their communities, but what they can often lack are specialist skills that larger organisations or businesses might take for granted.

This is where skills-based volunteering can be transformative. A few hours volunteering from someone with finance experience can help a charity improve budgeting, strengthen financial controls or prepare more confidently for funding applications.

Legal professionals can advise on governance, safeguarding and policies. Someone with marketing or communications expertise may

help a small organisation sharpen its message, improve social media or reach isolated residents who need support.

Digital and IT skills are becoming increasingly valuable as groups try to modernise their systems, improve cyber security or use of potentially time-saving online platforms, but ironically don’t have the time or resources to pay for support.

These skills, that may feel part of a natural working day to someone who uses them all the time, can be hugely valuable to a charity. Using these skills doesn’t have to mean committing endless hours either.

Silver Salisbury, which supports older people, is looking for a treasurer to join its board of trustees.

Chair, Irene Kohler, said: “After many years with us we

are sad to be saying goodbye to our current Treasurer, Alan Mitchell, who has moved out of the area. His departure means that we’re looking for a new treasurer to join our friendly board.

“This important unpaid role will provide a strategic overview of our finances, ensure financial transactions follow appropriate policies and procedures, oversee the work of a paid bookkeeper and report on our finances to the trustees and the Charity Commission.”

Sustainable Warminster also needs a treasurer, said trustee Rebecca Krzyzosiak.

“Our projects and community activities depend on careful, thoughtful management of our resources,” she said.

“By keeping our finances organised and transparent, the

Treasurer helps the group plan confidently, build trust, and continue making a positive difference in our community.”

Whether your background is in finance, law, marketing, design, IT, HR or management, your skills could help a charity become stronger, more resilient and better able to change lives.

Sometimes the most valuable volunteering happens not on the frontline, but quietly behind the scenes.

WCA works with charities and groups to help them support volunteer training and development, and helps them develop links with the community.

n To find out more about the work of WCA, contact Stacey Sims at community@ wessexcommunityaction.org.uk.

Professional skills can be transformative for a charity like Silver Salisbury that doesn’t have the resources to pay for them

Mercedes‑AMG GLC 53 4MATIC+ offers lots of everything

IF you’re regularly travelling long distances in your car, you will understand the importance of comfortable seats and the ability to soak up the miles as effortlessly as possible.

At the same time, nobody really wants a car that handles like a narrow boat when you show it a country lane. It’s a harder balancing act than you might think. Unless that is, you’re a German carmaker with a very long history of doing exactly that.

It’s that history that the new Mercedes-AMG GLC 53 4MATIC+ is built on.

Mercedes-AMG has sharpened its mid-size performance GLC range, giving the GLC 53 4Matic+ a bit more bark, a bit more bite, and a significant boost in desirability.

Available in two body shapes, a sleek crossover coupe or an ever-practical SUV, the new GLC 53 combines sporty driving, a six-cylinder soundtrack, and fully variable all-wheel drive with dynamic Drift Mode for the full AMG experience.

The new GLC 53 takes the regular SUV shape and turns up the attitude, starting with the trademark AMG Panamericana grille and a deeper, more sculpted front bumper that gives the car a far more purposeful stance.

Broader tracks and subtly reshaped arches help it sit wider on the road, while the standard 21-inch wheels fill the bodywork without looking overdone.

At the rear, a prominent diffuser, quad exhausts and a neat roof spoiler add just enough drama without tipping into excess. Coupe crossover versions obviously share the same design features but also manage to look even more purposeful and aggressive thanks to the sloping roofline. And the beating heart of the new model is a comprehensively redeveloped 3.0-litre engine with twin turbocharging and an electric auxiliary compressor.

That already sounds impressive, but it gets better when you find out that engine produces 449bhp, sending it to all four wheels via a nine-speed AMG Speedshift TCT transmission and the fully variable AMG Performance 4MATIC+ all-wheel drive. Another new feature is an electronically controlled rear-axle limited-slip differential with Drift Mode.

Yes, you did read that correctly. Mercedes really has put a drift mode in an SUV. It also features a secondgeneration integrated startergenerator (ISG) as a central component of the 48-volt on-board electrical system, allowing it to function as both an electric generator as well as taking on hybrid functions. This mild hybrid system controls energy recuperation, load point shifting, gliding, and restarting of the engine during the start-stop function – all of which is a technical way of saying it boosts efficiency so you can still achieve around 30mpg despite the immense power beneath your right foot. It also translates to impressive performance figures.

The Mercedes-AMG GLC 53 4MATIC+ can sprint to 62mph in just 4.2 seconds and has an electronically limited top speed of 155mph. This can even be increased to 167mph if you specify the optional AMG Driver's Package.

Before you start looking for your shoes to head down to the nearest dealership though, it’s time to admit to being a little premature with this one. Unfortunately, the official launch of the new GLC 53 isn’t due until late 2026. That means the finer details of UK specifications will remain a mystery for a while longer, but Mercedes has given a few hints with regards to trim levels. When it launches, you’ll

have one year to take advantage of the unique Golden Accents Package to celebrate the GLC 53’s arrival.

This limited-edition trim is finished in either obsidian black or graphite grey, with design details highlighted in “techgold” and an extensive equipment list to complement the special look. Matte black 21-inch AMG forged wheels in a cross-spoke design are accented with techgold rim flanges and wheel hub caps, and behind the wheels, glossy black brake callipers feature white AMG logos. The details also extend to the silver chrome fuel filler cap with AMG lettering.

The interior of the Golden Accents Package boasts AMG sports seats in elegant black leather with decorative stitching on the seats. The door panels and instrument panel also feature contrast decorative stitching in the same colour. The AMG carbon trim elements are woven with metallic threads, matching the techgold accents of the exterior, black door sill panels feature an illuminated AMG logo in white, and AMG floor mats with decorative stitching complete the look. Alternatively, there’s also an AMG Night Package with

exterior mirror housings and trim strips finished in high-gloss black, together with dark chrome tailpipe trims and door handles. This can be further enhanced with an AMG Night Package II, finishing elements such as the struts of the radiator grille and the AMG emblem on the hood in black chrome.

The AMG Design Plus Package is also an option. It comprises of a front apron with enlarged front splitter and additional flics in high-gloss black, an enlarged body-coloured AMG spoiler on the roof (SUV) or tailgate (Coupé), and a diffuser blade also finished in high-gloss black.

Granted, you would naturally expect a specifically designed launch trim to deliver more than the standard models, but nonetheless it’s a hint towards the kind of materials and technology you will find in those regular trim levels once all the details are revealed.

Another educated guess at this stage is that the list price for the new Mercedes-AMG GLC 53 4MATIC+ is projected to sit at around £100,000, which admittedly is quite a lot.

That would place it between the outgoing GLC 43 and the previous GLC 63, so it makes the most sense. And in return, you do get a more traditional, more characterful AMG SUV, with a muscular straight-six engine and a far more emotional driving experience. On paper at least, the GLC 53 promises the blend of long-distance comfort and back-road punch that AMG drivers have come to expect.

Crossword

Brain chain (hard)

age, and, din, ding, game, gamer, gem, man, nag, name, remand, remanding

Word Square (right)

pet, pets, pip, pipe, pop, pope, pot, pots, step, stop, stove, stovepipe, top, vote

Impressive lots inside and out!

AS summer arrives and gardens come into full bloom, Clarke’s Auctions in Gillingham is preparing to offer an impressive collection of outdoor and interior furnishings in its forthcoming auction on June 12 and 13.

Garden enthusiasts will discover a wide variety of pieces perfect for enhancing outdoor spaces. Among the featured lots is an Alexander Rose Portofino extending dining set, comprising a rectangular table and four stacking chairs. Designed for outdoor use, the treated metal frame offers excellent resistance to corrosion and is estimated at £80–£120.

Additional garden items include teak benches, decorative wrought-iron tables and chairs, terracotta planters planted with box trees, ornamental stone figures, cast-iron urns, and a striking pair of substantial iron estate gates measuring

A late 19th century Anglo-Indian Hoshiarpur octagonal bone and ebony inlaid chess board top table on folding base, with an estimate of £100 - £200

approximately three metres wide each.

The furniture section spans several centuries of design, from fine Georgian examples through to sought-after midcentury pieces.

Highlights include George II

wing armchairs, a set of Lancashire ladderback dining chairs, and a pair of stylish Swedish Gote Mobler armchairs dating from the mid-20th century.

Collectors will also find a 17th-century elm gate-leg table, an 18th-century oak dresser, a rare oak cabinet-on-stand with geometric decoration, together with traditional oak chests and occasional tables.

A charming assortment of painted furniture is also featured, including a Regency-style hand-painted compactum wardrobe, a French armoire, decorative console tables, shelves, mirrors, lamp stands, chests of drawers, and an unusual 19th-century grotto chair.

Along with the furniture and

Have

garden sections, the sale includes a number of notable decorative items. These range from an Austrian cold-painted bronze lamp by Franz Bergman to gold sovereigns, quality jewellery, and designer Louis Vuitton Damier Azur handbags.

Clarke’s Auctions continues to offer free advice for those considering selling antiques, collectables, jewellery, furniture, or entire collections. Valuers are available to visit properties or can assess items brought directly to the saleroom, whether a single piece or a vehicle full of consignments.

For entries into forthcoming auctions, as well as Probate and Insurance Valuations, Full House Clearances, or Part House Clearances, please contact Richard Clarke or Karen Marshall on 01747 685592. Clarke’s Auctions is based at The Old Glove Factory, Buckingham Road, Gillingham, SP8 4QF.