What’s inside this issue…
Lloyd Armishaw Publisher newsdesk@blackmorevale.net 01963 400186
Kye Harman
sports@blackmorevale.net 01963 400186
Lorraine Drake
lorraine_drake@icloud.com 07850 529937
Guides gather to welcome opening of New woodland
ABRAND new Alternative Natural Recreational Green Space (ANRG) has opened up in Fordingbridge.
The new 14-acre woodland has been transformed from a previously inaccessible land at the Whitsbury Green development into a thriving natural space for the local community to explore and enjoy.
Trails now link the ANRG to Fordingbridge, Whitsbury Green and the nearby play park, providing a sustainable addition to the landscape.
The woodland was officially opened at a launch event that saw members of the Fordingbridge Girlguiding join up with developers Pennyfarthing Homes who created the ANRG.
Tom Lane, assistant project
ecologist from local consultancy EcoSupport, led the launch event. Tom curated a wilderness adventure tour for the children, guiding them through the woodland’s diverse habitats and wildlife.
The girls explored, discovered and learned how thoughtfully designed green spaces can support natural ecosystems while remaining accessible and enjoyable for all.
As the first to officially experience the new ANRG, the youngsters took part in handson activities, from spotting birds and insects to understanding how the ANRG helps to help biodiversity thrive.
The event blended environmental education with outdoor adventure, leaving the children inspired and more connected to their local landscape.
Sheetal Smith, sales and marketing director at Pennyfarthing Homes, said: “We are delighted that members of the local Girlguiding community joined us to officially open our new ANRG adjacent to Whitsbury Green.
“We are proud to have created this attractive, environmentally rich landscape for the community to enjoy and hope residents will appreciate yet another amenity close to their homes. Seeing the children exploring and learning with EcoSupport was wonderful, and we look forward to welcoming the community to watch the woodland change through the seasons.”
Sue Coatham, Brownie leader at Fordingbridge Brownies, said: “The mission for every girl who joins our local unit is that they learn to
think big, be bold and try their best.
“We’re so thankful to Pennyfarthing for organising this outing, it was a fantastic opportunity for the girls to broaden their horizons and discover more of their own local landscape. Tom did a brilliant job of bringing the woodland to life in a fun and interactive way.”
Tom said: “It’s been great to contribute to Pennyfarthing’s work on Whitsbury Green’s ANRG. EcoSupport exists to support both developers and the natural environment, and this event was a valuable opportunity to share our enthusiasm and knowledge with the next generation.
“We hope the children enjoyed exploring their local ecology as much as we enjoyed guiding them.”
Fordingbridge Girlguiding members joined up with Pennyfarthing Homes to celebrate the opening
Picture: Pennyfarthing Homes
Plan to revoke Stonehenge tunnel permission has “far-reaching” effects
PLANS to revoke planning permission for the Stonehenge tunnel scheme have been heavily criticised by Wiltshire Council.
The controversial scheme, which forms part of the larger eight-mile A303 Amesbury to Berwick Down, aims to alleviate traffic around Stonehenge.
It ran into road blocks in June last year as the newlyelected Labour government said it agreed “not to move forward with projects that the previous government refused to publicly cancel despite knowing full well they were unaffordable”.
And now, despite planning permission being approved previously, the government is planning to revoke the development consent order (DCO).
If successful, it would mean that if any future government wanted to proceed with the project, the whole process would have to start from the very beginning once again.
Leader of Wiltshire Council, councillor Ian Thorn, described the move as completely unacceptable – “not least because the government has done nothing to facilitate an early discussion on an
alternative solution.”
He said: “Our representation to the government will reflect this in the strongest possible terms.
“This proposal disregards years of planning, consultation and investment, and throws away a once-in-a-generation opportunity to improve one of the region’s most vital transport corridors.
“The consequences of this decision are far-reaching. It would condemn local communities to continued
Police appeal after leisure centre attack
POLICE are appealing for witnesses to come forward after a group of young people assaulted staff and smashed a window at a leisure centre.
The group reportedly threw unknown objects at an upstairs gym window at Tidworth Leisure Centre, at around 7.40pm on October 31, smashing one of the windows and causing approximately £500 worth of damage.
Salisbury Police said the group also entered the building and acted in an anti social manner before assaulting a member of staff.
Anyone who witnessed the incident should email 71058@wiltsire.police.uk and quote reference numbers 54250144808 and 54250144623.
congestion and rat-running; it would undermine efforts to unlock jobs and investment across Wiltshire and the wider south west; it wastes public money and the infrastructure already put in place; it compromises the environmental benefits that could have been achieved; and it also delays any future progress by forcing the entire process to start from scratch.
“This is not just a setback – it’s a complete step backwards for a region that is severely
lacking in government investment compared to other parts of the country.
“Wiltshire deserves better, the south west deserves better, and we will continue to fight for the infrastructure our communities need and deserve.”
More than £160 million has so far been spent on the project to date, and estimates had the overall cost of the project at around £2 billion.
People are being urged to have their say over the proposed order before November 21.
Former soldier arrested
A MAN wanted by Kenyan authorities in connection with an alleged murder in 2012 has been arrested by the National Crime Agency (NCA).
Former British soldier Robert James Purkiss, 38, was apprehended in Tidworth on November 6 by specialist officers from the NCA’s National Extradition Unit after a warrant was issued in September.
He appeared at Westminster Magistrates’ Court last Friday (November 7) for extradition proceedings to begin. He was remanded into custody until his next
appearance at the same court this Friday (November 14).
According to the BBC, Purkiss was arrested in connection with the killing of 21-year-old Agnes Wanjiru – and his lawyers said he “vehemently denies” murder.
The body of Ms Wanjiru was reportedly found in a septic tank near a hotel close to a British Army training camp in the town of Nanyuki, three months after she had gone missing in March 2012.
Purkiss told the court he intends contest the extradition.
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Cathedral show hailed “incredible”
VISITORS to Salisbury Cathedral’s Sarum Lights show took a glimpse into lost worlds.
The popular light and sound show experience, by Luxmuralis, returned to the cathedral on November 4.
This year’s theme took visitors on a journey through history, exploring ancient cultures and societies lost in the sands of time.
The cathedral’s West Front came alive with imagery from the ancient civilisations of Europe, while the cloisters were illuminated with cave paintings and intricate patterns drawn from early cultures.
Inside, light and sound transported visitors from the Garden of Eden to the Middle Ages of the Church. Legendary lost worlds, from Atlantis to Troy, also came to life.
After the opening of the display, a cathedral spokesperson said the event was
“incredible”.
As well as the visuals and sounds, an interactive installation called Illuminated Ages, where visitors were encouraged to write about something important they have lost or found, or add colour to a decorated letter inspired by the beautiful designs found in medieval manuscripts, ran alongside, with the display growing throughout the week.
The event finished on November 8.
Pictures by Finnbarr Webster/Peter Walker/Martin Cook
Charity fireworks event for Zoe
THE night sky above Steeple Langford north of Salisbury will be a sea of colour as a firework display is set to raise money for a children’s cancer ward.
The display will take place at Steeple Langford Cricket Club from 4pm to 9pm on November 22 and will feature a raffle as well as a burger van and stalls.
A JustGiving page has been set up for the event which is being held in memory of Zoe Cook who sadly passed away on November 27, 2007, aged 17.
Zoe was diagnosed with Rhabdomyosarcoma, a soft tissue cancer and money is now being raised for the Piam Brown Ward at Southampton Hospital, which cares for children from birth to 16 with all forms of cancer, as a way to say thank you for their efforts.
Zoe’s sister and best friend Rosie said: “After many trips to the doctors and being told it was
ear infections and sinusitis to then being blue lighted up to Southampton Hospital where scans were done and being told the most devastating news that Zoe had cancer.
“She had rounds of chemotherapy and radiotherapy which did clear the cancer, however Easter 2007 Zoe went for a check up scan which then
we were told some more heartbreaking news that the cancer was back however this time it was untreatable.
“There was nothing they could do. Zoe then just wanted to live her life to the full until it was her time to become an angel! We created some amazing memories which myself and my family will hold
onto for a lifetime.
“And now we want to give something back to Piam Brown Ward to say a huge thank you for everything that they did not only for my sister but the whole family!”
n Visit www.justgiving.com/ page/lightuptheskyforzoe to support the fundraising effort.
NEVER TOO EARLY TO PLAN YOUR CHRISTMAS HOLIDAY
SATURDAY 21st DECEMBER
SATURDAY 21st DECEMBER
MONDAY 23rd DECEMBER
SUNDAY 22nd DECEMBER
SUNDAY 22nd DECEMBER
MONDAY 23rd DECEMBER
Agnes (5 day)...........................................................
MONDAY 23rd DECEMBER
SUNDAY 18th JANUARY MONDAY 19th JANUARY FRIDAY 30th JANUARY
MONDAY 23rd DECEMBER
Enjoy a winter wonderland tour based in Feldkirch and experience a sleigh ride and a train journey on the Glacier Express and marvel at the spectacular alpine scenery.
MONDAY 23rd DECEMBER
MONDAY 23rd DECEMBER
This tour is the perfect chance to see how the Scots celebrate Burns night and enjoy some of Scotland’s stunning scenery.
Singles Galore (5 day)..................................
MONDAY 23rd DECEMBER
Twixmas and New Year breaks also available, call for details Heart of Europe & the Glacier Express ..........................................
MONDAY 23rd DECEMBER
MONDAY 23rd DECEMBER
Weymouth ‘at leisure’ (5 day).......................................
MONDAY 23rd DECEMBER
A special murder mystery-themed tour in Torquay. With entertainment each evening, an Agatha Christie quiz and a 1921 themed murder mystery dinner. Will you be able to solve the case ?
Oxford inc. Blenheim Palace (5 day)............................
Fresh plans for 400 homes submitted - including country park proposal
CONCERNS have been raised over plans to build hundreds of new homes, a primary school, a local centre and a country park on fields at the edge of Salisbury.
Thrive Architects put together plans on behalf of Vistry Western to build the 406 houses on land south of Netherhampton Road near West Harnham, Salisbury.
The plans form the second phase of a masterplan to build a total of 640 homes in the area, Wilton Gate, which was approved in June 2020.
This second phase of development was previously granted planning permission earlier this year, but newly submitted plans have seen some minor changes.
The plans said: “The design for phase two was developed to reflect the approved masterplan while incorporating the changes within the north-west corner of
the site as a result of the school site being relocated.
“The changes provided challenges in terms of amending the access to align with the new school position and phase one layout, together with incorporating a suitable drainage strategy for this phase.”
A wildflower meadow and bat/bird boxes have also been included in the latest plans.
Salisbury City Council members asked for the application to be deferred when they discussed it in a planning and development meeting last week on grounds that councillors were given insufficient time to consult on the plans.
They also had issues with uncertainty over the community infrastructure levy and Section 106 obligation – planning charges that local authorities use to fund infrastructure projects.
Councillor Pauline Church (Conservative, Wilton) also asked for the plans to be considered by Wiltshire Council’s planning committee should council officers recommend approval.
Out of the 406 homes, 147
would be classed as affordable, made up of 82 affordable rent properties and 65 shared ownership units.
The housing mix would be 10 one-bed flats, 92 two-bed houses, 173 three-bed houses, 114 four-bed houses and 17 five-bed houses.
According to the plans, a new roundabout would be created off Netherhampton Road to create an access to the site.
When your Salisbury & Avon Gazette reported on the plans previously, many readers got in touch to express their concerns.
P Arnott said: “I think it is a dreadful idea. The road to town will never manage the amount of cars. Harnham will be polluted with exhaust fumes. I thank you for ruining Harnham.”
The applicant said any additional traffic generated by the proposed development would not be significant and that the plans would help address Wiltshire Council’s shortage of affordable homes.
To view the plans, visit the planning section of Wiltshire Council’s website and search reference PL/2025/07605.
How the proposed homes could be laid out
Picture: Thrive/Wiltshire Council
Trio cleared after Just Stop Oil powder protest at Stonehenge
THREE Just Stop Oil activists have been acquitted following a protest where orange powder was sprayed on Stonehenge.
Rajan Naidu, 74, Niamh Lynch, 23, and Luke Watson, 36, were cleared of all charges following a 10-day trial at Salisbury Crown Court.
Naidu and Lynch were accused of using two colour blasters filled with cornflour, talc and an orange dye to spray the ancient monument on June 19, 2024 – just days before around 15,000 people descended on Stonehenge for the summer solstice.
The court was told how Watson bought the equipment used in the protest and had driven his co-accused to Stonehenge.
The trio denied charges of damaging an ancient protected monument and causing a public nuisance after the stones were targeted as part of a fossil fuel protest.
All three accepted taking part in the protest and cited in their defence “reasonable excuse” and
their rights under Articles 10 and 11 of the European Convention on Human Rights to freedom of speech and freedom to protest.
They argued it was a peaceful protest, and that no last damage was caused to the stones. The powder was cleaned off the stones at a cost of £620.
Speaking after the verdict, Rajan Naidu, an activist for social justice and environmental protection from Birmingham said: “The judicial system must wake up and begin to play its
shamefully neglected role in defending us and other species from rapacious billionaire class climate criminals – the ruthless corporations that extract vast profits and other benefits as they trash and pollute with impunity; industries and businesses that destabilise and devastate entire environments and now threaten our beautiful planet’s biosphere, our one and only life support system.
“Life and survival before greed and profit! We need a global Fossil Fuel
Nonproliferation Treaty right now.”
Niamh Lynch, a Masters student in Ecology and Conservation from Bedford, said: “I refuse to accept that it has to be this way, that billions of living beings should be needlessly suffering and dying, to make a few rich people richer.
“I just want things to be better, I just want things to be fair and right. If you see something you love being hurt, you do everything you can to help. It’s quite simple. It’s totally natural.
“I might not be able to do much but I categorically refuse to do nothing. I refuse to stand by and watch as our world burns around us.”
Luke Watson, 36, a carpenter from London said: “I’m glad of the verdict but feel the last two weeks have been a complete waste of public money and that a case involving £620 of damage should have been dealt with in the magistrates court.”
The protest took place at the sacred stones in June last year
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Volunteering
Businesses making a difference
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.
GIVING staff a chance to volunteer within work hours – without losing pay or holiday – is a powerful way for businesses to make a real difference in their communities.
More and more firms are discovering that supporting employees to lend a hand means everyone benefits – the community, the staff and the business itself.
M Group Highways, which has depots at Melksham, Chippenham and Wilton, near Salisbury, has the highways contract with Wiltshire Council. As part of the contract Social Value Manager Tom Price organises the company’s 130 staff to go out on ‘lend a hand’ days.
So far the company’s volunteers have worked on dozens of projects for charities and voluntary groups free of charge and have even worked with their own suppliers, like Tarmac and Travis Perkins, to secure free materials.
Among their projects have
been building beds and shifting furniture for KFR in Devizes, which collects and restores unwanted furniture and white goods all from over the county and then sells it at low cost.
The M Group team also transformed an allotment and garden for disability group Amesbury Green Fingers and have worked with Dorothy House Hospice and Julia’s House Children’s Hospice.
“It gives our staff a meaningful way to have an impact in their own communities, and obviously the charities like it as well,” says Tom. “When we look at the benefits for the company, it’s great for morale because our employees love doing it.”
Tom researches and contacts charities to ask if they need help with a project. “It’s huge for them because they may not have any of the skills and they don’t know who to speak to for help,” he says.
“I just have to make sure that whatever we do is going to be meaningful and sustainable,
which can be quite difficult. I wouldn’t want to spend thousands of pounds worth of material and 100 volunteer hours on a project that isn’t going to be kept up.”
Jon Yates, chief executive of homeless charity Doorway in Chippenham, has been grateful to Chippenham pharmaceutical company Chiesi, whose staff helped move roomfuls of equipment into storage as the charity recovered from a catastrophic flood at its Citadel base. Chiesi’s staff also dug over Doorway’s allotment.
“They moved all the stuff we had upstairs here in the Citadel and in other facilities, and they organised it all for us and put it all into our store, which was brilliant,” he says.
“They had a lot of manpower and they did it in half a day. Then they sent five or six people to the allotment. For them it was two half days’ work and they loved it, and it really helped us.”
Building a long-term relationship with a company is helpful for a charity because
when it understands how the charity works and what its needs are, it can plan its volunteering better. Says Jon: “If you’ve got stuff you need doing, it’s great but when you get an offer and you think ‘we haven’t got anything we really need doing right now’ that can be an issue.
“If you get to know a company and can plan ahead, a long lead time is quite a good idea.”
WCA’s free community portal, Wiltshire Together, has a listing of volunteering opportunities across Wiltshire. Sign up and search local opportunities at wiltshiretogether.org.uk.
WCA works with charities and groups to help them support their 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.
M Group Highways staff from its Wilton depot with staff at Amesbury Green Fingers’ garden and allotment
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Box of Delights opening in Salisbury
AUDIENCES will be able to enjoy the BBC classic television series The Box of Delights on the big screen at Salisbury Cathedral.
The unique evening will take place on December 5.
The Box of Delights was first screened on BBC1 on Sunday evenings in the lead up to Christmas in 1984, with the final episode airing on Christmas Eve.
Since then, it has built up a cult following of fans, with its own fan website and Facebook group.
Based on John Masefield’s 1935 children’s novel, the story is a fantasy adventure about a schoolboy, Kay Harker, who is entrusted with a magical box which allows him to time travel, embarking on a thrilling journey to protect the box from an evil magician.
The television series was hailed as ground-breaking because of its mix of live action and animation and was the most
expensive children’s series the BBC had made up to that point.
The series went on to win several BAFTA and RTS awards.
The theme music to the television series has become a popular seasonal classic, with its arrangement of The First Nowell from composer HelyHutchinson’s Carol Symphony, and the final episode ends with a carol service in the fictional
WINCANTON 2025 CHRISTMAS FAIR. Wincanton Racecourse, Tuesday 25th November, 10-4pm. £5 entry. Supporting Children’s Hospice, South West.
CHRISTMAS FAIR. Shaftesbury Town Hall. Sunday 23rd November, 10.30-2pm.
TOP BRASS AND WIND CONCERT BAND, St Marys Church, Gillingham. Saturday 29th November, 6.309pm. Featuring Dorset Mutineers Shanty Singers, FREE entry, Donations to Food Bank and NORDDIS Charities, Gillingham.
SHAFTESBURY EMPORIUM, Friday 14th, Saturday 15th & Sat 22nd November, 94.30pm, Town Hall Shaftesbury, Lots of wonderful locally crafted & consumable items for sale. Free Entry, Supporting DSAA & Weldmar Hospice
Tatchester Cathedral – making Salisbury Cathedral the perfect venue to enjoy the series.
Salisbury Cathedral has been given special permission to screen the series as part of its programme of Advent and Christmas events.
It will be shown at 7.15pm, with festive drinks available to purchase throughout the evening.
A cathedral spokesperson
said: “It is hoped that the screening will attract those who remember the original series on television, offering a welcome dose of nostalgia at this time of year, as well as introducing the festive classic to a whole new generation of children.”
n Tickets for The Box of Delights: Festive Screening can be purchased from the Salisbury Cathedral website, at www. salisburycathedral.org.uk.
Choir on the lookout for new voices
A FORDINGBRIDGE choir is on the lookout for new recruits –and people don’t need to audition to join.
Fordingbridge Choral Society meets every Wednesday from 7.30pm to 9.15pm at the Catholic Church on Salisbury Road.
It welcomes all new members – regardless of singing ability –and the first three months are free.
The choral society said: “If you do decide to join on a more permanent basis there is an annual sub to pay but for young persons/school and university students it is very much reduced and payments spread over an extended period.
“Most of the pieces we sing are of a classical/choral nature and have usually three concerts per year with extra engagements around Christmas and Easter.
“We have a Winter Concert in the beautiful St.Mary’s Church in Fordingbridge (our usual venue for concerts) on November 29, so why not come along and get a feel for what we sing?
“In 2027 it is our 50th anniversary and already we are planning special events both social and musical to celebrate the occasion why not come along and be sure to be part of that and share that excitement.
“If you need more detail or information please visit our website or contact our secretary on 01425 656348.
“Please give it some thought we’d love to welcome you and I can assure you that you will get a lot of pleasure and healthy benefits from singing and being part of the choir.”
Top tips to land Black Friday bargains
SHOPPERS unite - Black Friday is coming!
Retailers are preparing their best offers - and bargain hunters are readying their readies to bag some delicious deals on the biggest shopping day of the year.
The last Friday in November has become a pivotal purchasing period - with many taking the opportunity to tackle their Christmas gift list early.
But before you start spending, what is the best way to bag that bargain of a lifetime?
Here are some top tips on how to make sure you make the most of the discounts on offer.
* Make a list of what you need to buy
Being prepared - and targeting specific items - is a good way to ensure you don’t get swept up in shopping fever. Make your Christmas lists now - and stick to them when the big day comes.
* Budget in advance
Another thing you can do before hitting the shops, is make sure you know how much you want to spend.
It is easy to be blinded by big signs offering seemingly huge discounts - but stay within your limits to ensure you don’t end up with a bad case of buyer’s
regret.
* Do your research
With your pre-prepared list in hand, it’s worth having a look around now at things you may want to buy. You can compare prices, models, read reviews and guides, which means you could have a list of specific brands and models to look out for on Black Friday.
This is particularly relevant when it comes to things like technology and electrical goods.
If you know how much they cost now - you will know what a good deal looks like.
* Don’t panic buy!
It is extremely easy to get caught up in buyer fever on Black Friday. However, remember many retailers run their promotions over a number of days, at least across the last weekend of the month, so you have time to take a breath, think about your buy before taking the plunge.
Savour Salisbury as you make a start on your Christmas shopping
AS shoppers head out to secure their mostwanted purchases over Black Friday weekend - a host of activities will already be underway in Salisbury city centre.
Salisbury City Council is running a programme of events in the run-up to the festive period - including the last weekend in November.
Christmas on the Square will be running throughout, featuring a host of attractions and events, including Santa’s Grotto, food stalls, live music, a bar and more, all running in Market Square.
A Festive Market will also take place on November 30, with a host of stalls on offer as you take in the city’s shops between 10am and 4pm.
“There are plenty of chances
to explore the stalls, indulge in delicious food and drink, and find those special gifts for your loved ones,” a spokesperson said.
“Celebrate the festive season with Salisbury City Council and enjoy what Salisbury has to offer.”
For more information on
what’s happening in Salisbury in the run-up to and over the festive period, visit salisburycitycouncil.gov.uk/ whats-on.
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Farming Report reveals struggles of farmers
MORE than half of farmers are considering leaving the industry, according to a new study.
The shocking figures was revealed in the latest McCain’s Farmdex report, with the NFU saying the responses “highlight the stark realities of farming in 2025”, reflecting historic levels of low confidence recorded in the NFU’s own farmer confidence survey.
The McCain Farmdex report surveyed 200 British farmers during July and uses a mixture of statistics and personal testimonies to capture the sentiment of the industry. It found there are fears around the future of family farms, with 95% expecting them to decline over the next decade if the current trajectory persists.
Of those surveyed, 61% said their work negatively impacts their mental health, which McCain said was largely driven
by a combination of stress about finances, anxiety about the future of farming, and overwork.
The report identified government policies, rising costs, and lack of investment as the top three biggest threats to the long-term growth of British farming.
There is cause for optimism however, with farmers embracing innovation and technology to build a sustainable future. More than two-thirds said investment in technology was critical for the sector’s future and 71% have already adopted sustainable practices on farm.
NFU President, Tom Bradshaw, pictured, said: “The results of this survey are not surprising and highlight the stark realities of farming in 2025. Farmers and growers are continuing to face huge challenges from price volatility, extreme weather, uncertainty
around the future of environmental schemes and changes to inheritance tax, which are impacting hugely on mental health and left confidence within the sector at a record low.
“Our own farmer confidence survey revealed that the current state of farming has, for the first time ever, resulted in investment across the board drying up, with farmers not able to make investments in key areas such as
machinery, infrastructure and energy efficiency, creating a significant barrier to growth.
“With the Autumn Budget just weeks away, our message to government is clear – look at the alternatives on offer to the family farm tax and deliver policies that will help build resilience, profitability and productivity in the farming sector and allow farmers to invest. In turn, we can continue to produce more sustainable, climate-friendly food, meet our domestic environmental targets and deliver national food security.”
Vice-president of agriculture at McCain GB, James Young, called for a cross-sector approach to tackle the challenges facing the industry, and added: “It is crucial that industry bodies, the government and businesses work together to heed the warning signs in the Farmdex and take action to support farmers.”
News from the Vet Rounds by Louise Silk, Veterinary Surgeon, Synergy Farm Health
By the time this article is printed our east team will be well into beef PD season. It will be interesting to see how the cows have performed. The hot dry summer has left its mark on cow condition and the general feeling is that will have had some effect on fertility. Autumn rain has resulted in a definite spurt of grass growth over the last month or so but the ground in this region is still very dry.
Ram MOTs have been done and, like with the cows, ewe condition is variable. It was nice to see show success for our clients at Wilton Sheep Fair recently! The number of cases of Bluetongue has increased steadily in September and October but thankfully many clients have vaccinated their animals and we have seen little of it clinically.
In other news, we congratulate our vet Tom Angel on passing his European Diploma exams! Tom is one of the few vets in the country to hold this prestigious qualification, and joins our elite group of RCVS recognised specialists (other Synergy Cattle specialists are Jon Reader, Alastair Hayton and Keith Cutler, our Small Ruminant specialist is Emily Gascoigne).
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Gearing up for popular festive sale
CLARKE’S Auctions are preparing for their December sale taking place between Christmas and New Year.
This sale has traditionally been their most successful of the year, largely because very few other auctions are held during that week and as a result, they attract thousands of bidders from the UK and around the world - many of them eager to treat themselves to something special - and subsequently they have historically achieved higher prices for lots in this sale.
Past Christmas sales have seen anything up to two thousand lots being offered and have achieved prices ranging from the hundreds to many thousands of pounds with jewellery, gold and silver consistently being the best sellers.
Gold has seen an increase in price of 113% and silver an
increase of 99% in the last five years making now the perfect time to part with those necklaces, rings or bracelets that
are no longer worn or single earrings and broken chains that have been languishing in the bottom of the jewellery box.
They are currently accepting entries and would be delighted to assess any collectable items you may wish to consign.
These could include small and interesting pieces such as snuff boxes, jewellery, portrait miniatures, coins and medals, Chinese ceramics, bronzes, or jades, as well as unusual ceramics or any hidden treasures that might be tucked away in a cupboard or drawer - items that could be sold to put the proceeds toward something more useful or enjoyable.
If you have anything that you would like advice on or to consign please call to arrange a home visit or a visit to their salerooms in Gillingham. For any Probate Valuations, Insurance Valuations or Full or Part House Clearances please phone either Richard Clarke or Karen Marshall on 01747 685592 at The Old Glove Factory, Buckingham Road, Gillingham, SP8 4QF.
& Collectables Next Sale Monday 29th, Tuesday 30th & Wednesday 31st December Viewing Days
Friday 9th & Saturday 10th August
Monday 22nd, Tuesday 23rd and Wednesday 24th December Now accepting entries
An original Fry & Sons 'Fry's Pure Concentrated Cocoa' enamel sign. Sold for £1,600.
Clarke’s Auctions o er free home visits and verbal valuations. Now accepting items for this and future sales e Old Glove Factory, Buckingham Road Gillingham, SP8 4QF 01747 685592 enquiries@clarkesauctions.co.uk
855109 enquiries@clarkesauctions.co.uk Antiques & Collectibles Sale
Old Glove Factory, Buckingham Road Gillingham, SP8 4QF 01747 685592 enquiries@clarkesauctions.co.uk
Starting a vegetable plot
by Sally Gregson
THERE are countless books and innumerable websites devoted to growing vegetables. So much so that it can be quite daunting. Where to start? What to plant? How much work and effort will a vegetable garden take? And have you got the time? Regardless, once you have tasted fresh vegetables grown within feet of your kitchen, you will be converted. It’s wisest to begin small and grow, rather than start by clearing an enormous area. A few vegetables planted in the border could provide a welcome addition to any meal. But it does help to prepare the places you are going to use, and to sow and grow plants that will both be welcomed by the family and be easy to grow. Now, in autumn, is the time to clear the spaces between the perennials,
checking there are no hidden bulbs below the surface. Rake in some garden compost, sit back and relax.
Alternatively, if a bigger area is required, the same preparations need to be done. Clean the area of perennial weeds – the docks, dandelions, nettles and any other unwanted bullies. Ensure their roots are taken out completely so they don’t get the wrong idea. And throw the debris away, not on the compost heap. Try to ensure these persistent weeds don’t have a chance to set seed or you might be shocked at their opportunism.
Once the area has been weeded, the organic method of discouraging them is to cover the area with sheets of plain cardboard. Large boxes can be dismantled and laid out on the ground, robbing any seedlings of light. By spring, the cardboard will have
decomposed and the ground beneath should be ready to grow vegetables.
Seed merchants advertise their wares online from the onset of winter. Their seeds are stored correctly – not in a greenhouse with its extremes
of temperature. And they have a will to grow once they are sown in the ground at the right time or in a heated propagator a little earlier. There is a great art to growing vegetables and success brings its own rewards.
EX-DISPLAY SHEDS, Stables/field shelters, summerhouses, offices, workshops, agricultural 01935 891195
3D
Across
1 Claim without justification a quantity of money in the Home Counties (6)
Place 1 to 9 once into every black-bordered 3x3 area as well as each of the 54 rows indicated by the coloured lines. Rows don’t cross the thick black lines.
4 Remove suspicion from inspector with second gun, say (6)
9 Bust-up excluding a polymathic comedian (3)
10 Manly trio working in ordinary state (9)
11 Prominent feature with a country in Asia (5)
Sudoku Pro
12 Celebrated characteristic of popular restaurant? (7)
14 Function society held among transport people – entrepreneurial types? (11)
Down
1 Act upon dubious fact about iron (6)
2 Needles kept among rusty links (5)
3 Title many presented as wrong way of thinking (9)
5 First person put up poster for Cretan mountain (3)
6 English novelist largely skilful and friendly
7 Bay is choppy in Middle East perhaps (5)
Vase hidden by furniture (3) Killer
8 Statue, say, gained by exciting male round Germany – an athletic award? (6,5)
13 Challenge meant to alter formal declaration
17 Break down in lane, say, after crashing (7)
18 Offer in section of hospital to remain (5)
20 Inspire enthusiasm in jaded male with suit? About time! (9)
22 Drink broth sparing nothing (3)
23 Some former miners in fur (6)
24 Good man keeping bay, say, in thoroughfare (6)
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.
15 Metal found shortly in middle of hut? (7)
16 Source of drink confusing to a pet (6)
17 Part of supermarket is swamped by drink
19 Paper lacking leader is matter under discussion (5)
21 Vase hidden by furniture (3)
Needles kept among rusty links (5)
Title many presented as wrong way of thinking (9) 5 First person put up poster for Cretan mountain (3) 6 English novelist largely skilful and friendly (7)
Bay is choppy in Middle East perhaps (5)
(6,5)
Challenge meant to alter formal declaration (9)
Metal found shortly in middle of hut? (7)
Source of drink confusing to a pet (6)
Part of supermarket is swamped by drink (5)
Paper lacking leader is matter under discussion (5)
Blessed are the peacemakers
IWRITE this article on Armistice Day, November 11.
As a Royal Navy veteran of 22 years, and Salisbury City Councillor, I have had the privilege of today, and on Sunday, parading in front of our Cenotaph to remember those Salisbury residents who lost their lives in the two world wars.
My father served on two fighter squadrons in the last war and I grew up spending regular visits to cemeteries in mainland Europe to visit my dad’s mates who failed to come home from their final sorties.
During the two minutes’ silence, I remember Lt Dave Tinker RN, who became a friend at university and, who was my ‘sea daddy’ (mentor) when I joined the RN a couple of years after he did.
Sadly, during the Falkland’s War, he was killed on the flight deck of HMS Glamorgan, when the ship turned away from an incoming Exocet missile in order to minimise the damage to the rest of the ship.
His father subsequently published his regular letters home which make for an illuminating, but upsetting, reminder of the good man we lost that day.
Radio 4’s ‘Thought for the Day’ on November 10 was led by Rev Lucy Winkett, who talked about ‘How do Wars end?’ and she challenged all of us, in our local communities, to both make and, keep the peace.
Chris Taylor is a Conservative Salisbury City Councillor for St Paul’s and a Wiltshire Councillor
Voices and blood pressures were raised, as we debated how we were going to respond to the requests and needs of local residents, and, more importantly, how we were going to fund the solutions.
Motions submitted at such meetings are the culmination of many, many months, if not years, of effort and research.
It is not surprising that the open criticism of such efforts can be extremely bruising.
As we fought our corners for our own wards, and issues that we held dear, I was glad that Lucy Winkett’s words of earlier that day still rang in my ears.
This was entirely apposite given the difficulties I faced on that day.
Countless meetings and discussions immediately preceded Salisbury’s most recent Full Council Meeting. It is astonishing to many that discussions about toilets and footpaths can engender such powerful emotions in those of us elected by, and committed to, our local communities.
Thankfully, the motion I was presenting was passed and I am hopeful of being able to make a section of Coldharbour Lane much safer for those with disabilities, mobility issues, and young children, to use in order to access and enjoy the new River Park Project and play area.
Still trying to make my part of the world a slightly better place to be.
Heads should rightly roll at the BBC
THE BBC is taking quite a hit, as I am writing this. Both the head of news and head of the corporation have fallen on their sword over the Panorama fiasco, while strangely no one from the programme has been as yet called to account.
I would have thought that the first thing to have happened.
Donald Trump’s press secretary’s tweet alluding to the fact that he was directly or indirectly responsible for their downfall shows that he is and does exactly what is claimed on the tin - Leader of the free world - and that worries me somewhat; that the President of the United States appears to exercise some degree of control over the United Kingdom.
There are those who say it was not that bad but I disagree.
It was not as was claimed by the Whitehouse, ‘fake news’. It was in the BBC’s own words,
King Arthur Pendragon is a former and proposed Independent Parliamentary candidate for Salisbury
service agency such as the BBC, is to inform. Entertainment to one side, if we cannot rely on the undistorted information they are broadcasting and cannot rely upon their news reporting to be an accurate, unbiased and un-doctored account, then they are no longer serving their purpose and worthy of our licence fee.
‘disinformation’. While they claim ‘the battle for truth is on’, it is their own ‘sleight of hand’ we have to worry about.
The main point of a public
Heads should rightly roll, not just for broadcasting but for the making of such a programme. You surely cannot edit in such a manner without clear intent and someone knew exactly what they were doing and why, with a clear view to ‘hoodwinking the public’ as the old criminal offence was called.
Until next time...
salisburyandavon.co.uk
The pantry is not just about food
LAST week, my role as mayor prompted me to take walk along Catherine Street to visit a specific destination, the Pantry.
For the benefit of people reading this article who have not visited the Pantry, tucked away in Catherine Street, it is run by a very small Salisbury City Council Communities Team supported by a regular and willing band of volunteers.
When I arrived unannounced on Tuesday, I was welcomed by Abigail (manager) and Annie (volunteer supervisor), a group of friendly volunteers, and local residents, all there for a common purpose, but it was not just about providing food, although that was their primary concern.
Essentially the Pantry is a community hub providing a much-needed point of contact for people struggling with common needs. It is a place to meet to do some ‘social shopping’.
Once a week they arrive to pick up a small range of food and other essential items (such as soap and shampoo, or even nappies!) to ease the pressure a tight household budget.
Membership costs £5 per week and entitles members to a selection of food up to the value of £30-£40.
For many it is also a place of warm and friendly social interaction, and an opportunity
to find help and advice.
Cllr John Wells Labour Chair of Environment and Climate Committee (Salisbury City Council)
The Pantry works in partnership with Acorn Community Bank offering access to financial inclusion advice. The Pantry also co-ordinates a range of social activities and warm spaces across the city.
It is run on a shoe-string budget supported by a lot of voluntary support and food donated by, Fareshare, Waitrose, Tescos, Nicholas and Harris, F3 Growing Project, and many small businesses across the city.
Food that is still edible but close to a sell-by date and therefore might otherwise end up in the bin en route to a landfill site. Other ‘non-perishable’ food items and essential items such as soap and shampoo are also donated by generous local residents.
The Pantry is well managed by Abigail
who keeps a database of visits and manages finances.
Apparently, for every £1 spent on the Pantry delivers the equivalent of £4 worth of support.
There are approximately 1,500 members registered at the Pantry, with an average of 100 ‘shops’ per week, feeding up to 350 people per week.
Obviously, there are seasonal ‘spikes’, particularly in cold weather, when some are forced to balance the needs of heating and eating but they are always busy.
Abigail and her staff justifiably talk proudly about the service they provide.
My visit to the Pantry had not been to access food, but like all the other people I met, I left in a much happier mood.
Budget blackhole has increased
ABLACKHOLE in Wiltshire Council’s finances has increased – partly due to the authority facing increased pressures in adult and social care services.
The council is required to deliver a balanced budget, but a previously predicted overspend of £6.5 million has now jumped to £6.6 million after just three months, representing 1.3% of the total £527 million budget and is a forecast.
Council chiefs previously dipped into reserves in September to try and bridge the gap, and the authority says it will “rigorously control costs” and make savings over the coming months to ensure the budget is balanced.
The main reason for the overspend has been laid at the feet of an increase in adult and social care services costs. It says pressures are being
driven by the complexity of the support required by people, with inflation and recent changes to employers National Insurance rates and thresholds have created additional challenges.
To combat the pressures, the council has proposed a range of cost mitigation measures, including restricting nonessential and discretionary spending, utilising earmarked reserves designated to support adult social care, including £84,000 from the Latent Demand Reserve, £90,000 from the Streamlining Adult Social Care Grant Reserve and £400,000 from the Public Health Grant Reserve.
“The cost pressures in adult social care are not being driven by a rise in the number of people receiving adult care funded support so demonstrating the council’s approach in this service is
working,” a spokesperson said.
“It is the complexity of needs that has increased, the meeting of which is more expensive. This includes young people transitioning from children’s services, people with autism and learning disabilities, and older adults with dementia and other health conditions.”
Children’s services are also said to be under pressure, despite the number of children in council care remaining below that of its statistical neighbours.
As of September 2025, there were 499 children in care, compared to a budgeted 453.
Councillor Ian Thorn, council leader, said: “A combination of issues such as continued high inflation and national insurance contributions create a perfect storm of tough financial pressure in areas where these key care services need to be regularly procured and fully
staffed.
“Even though the majority of our financial challenges are being felt across specific areas, we work as one council and one team of cabinet and officers at Wiltshire.
“We are actively reviewing savings plans, strengthening cost controls, challenging expenditure as to whether it is really necessary, staying very closely engaged with the areas facing the greatest pressure and ensuring our financial forecasting is as accurate as it can be right across the whole organisation.
“While the challenges we face are mirrored by councils throughout the country, the significant actions we are taking reflect our determination to deliver real value for money, long-term financial sustainability and protect vital services for our communities.”
This mistake could cost you
THE use of fog lights is a constant point of debate among drivers on UK roads. When should they be on, or more importantly, when shouldn’t they be?
And a new survey shows how the debate is well worth having – as most people use them at the wrong time –opening themselves up to a potential £1,000 fine and three penalty points.
The poll of more than 1,700 drivers, by eBay, found that 60% use their fog lights at the incorrect time.
The Driver & Vehicle
Standards Agency (DVSA) says fog lights should only be switched on when visibility drops below 100 metres.
However, in a further indication of a lack of understanding, 13% of UK drivers surveyed said they would use fog lights when visibility was less than 300 metres – again putting themselves at risk of a hefty fine.
Meanwhile, 15% said they check their fog lights every month with 24% admitting they had never checked them.
And fines can also be issued
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Abir Tewari, UK director for parts and accessories at eBay, said: “As the days get shorter, more motorists will be making journeys in the dark.
“It is important that all drivers know when to use the appropriate lights on their vehicle and how to keep them maintained.”
Of the 1,701 respondents who took part in the survey, 38% said they are nervous about driving in the dark, and 75% of this group said their fears were caused by bright headlights.
A further 22% say they wish they had the option to drive less at night, but don’t have another form of transport.
RAC senior policy officer,
Rod Dennis, added: “Unfortunately, for a lot of drivers the annual onset of darker evenings coincides with another unwelcome arrival – that of overly-bright headlights that they believe make driving more difficult due to dazzle and discomfort.
“While most of us have no choice other than to adapt to driving at night more often as the clocks go back, the fact headlight glare is the leading cause of nervousness underlines it’s a problem that needs tackling.
“At the same time, it’s important to remember that brighter headlights can give drivers a better view of the road ahead – so there’s a balance to be struck.”
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