Salisbury & Avon Gazette - Issue 88

Persistant beggar is handed ban from shops

AMAN from Amesbury has been handed a three-year Criminal Behaviour Order (CBO) after being convicted of persistent begging in the town.

Tatenda Mushandu, of Maple Way, appeared before Salisbury Magistrates’ Court on February 10 where he was found guilty of four counts of persistent begging in a public place. He was fined for the offences.

Following the conviction, magistrates imposed a CBO lasting until February 2029, placing a series of strict conditions on Mushandu.

Under the order, the 40-yearold is prohibited from approaching members of the public to request donations or implying he needs donations. He must not sit or loiter within 50 metres of any shop or business in Amesbury.

He is also banned from entering the entirety of Solstice Park Services, including all car parks, footpaths and areas between commercial premises within the retail park boundary.

Mushandu, pictured, must not enter Co-Op on Boscombe Road, Co-Op on Salisbury Street, or One Stop in Sandell Place, Amesbury, with any breach of the order being treated as a crime in progress.

Members of the public are asked to contact Wiltshire Police on 999, providing Mushandu’s name, a description of his clothing, his exact location and direction of travel if he has left the area, and details of the alleged breach.

PC Emma Smith, from the Amesbury Neighbourhood Policing Team, said: “I am pleased that the court has seen fit to deal robustly with

EDITORIAL

Mushandu’s chronic offending by issuing this three-year CBO.

“His behaviours have caused harassment, alarm and distress to members of the public, in particular people shopping at and working in local retail outlets.

“This will allow police to take positive and swift action against him going

forward, should he breach the order. If Mushandu breaches any of the conditions imposed, he commits a criminal offence and is liable to arrest and once again he will be put before the courts.

“The restrictions imposed on him sends out a clear message that this type of anti-social

Lloyd Armishaw Publisher newsdesk@blackmorevale.net 01963 400186

Kye Harman Sports Editor sports@blackmorevale.net 01963 400186

Lorraine Drake Distributor lorraine_drake@icloud.com 07850 529937

behaviour will not be tolerated and our team are working to seek similar conditions against other known local perpetrators of retail related offences in Amesbury.”

Anyone with concerns about behaviour in their area should call 101, or 999 in an emergency.

ADVERTISING

07714

VOLUNTEERS supporting Salisbury Hospital’s Charity are celebrating after raising more than £71,000 through the Stars Appeal bookshop and bucket collections last year.

The impressive total was revealed at a special presentation attended by volunteers and hospital staff.

During the year, the bookshop – located in the hospital’s main entrance –raised £47,024.74, while bucket collections and contactless donations brought in a further £24,329.93.

Stars Appeal ambassador

Book sales raise £71,000 for Stars Appeal

Sister Ingrid Webb, who works on the Neonatal Unit and attended the presentation, praised the efforts of those involved.

She said: “This is a fantastic achievement for our wonderful bookshop and bucket collection volunteers, and we are hugely grateful for the time and dedication they give in supporting the charity.

“We would like to say a massive thank you to them and to all the patients, visitors and staff who so generously support the bookshop and bucket collections, helping to make a difference to thousands of

patients, their families, and hospital staff.”

Money raised by the Stars Appeal helps to fund new medical equipment, improvements to hospital buildings and a wide range of projects designed to support patients and make their time in hospital more comfortable.

During the presentation, volunteers were shown some of the initiatives their fundraising has helped to support.

These included emergency patient clothing and toiletry packs, as well as new voice amplifier devices that are helping patients with hearing

difficulties communicate more easily with doctors and nurses.

Volunteers also had the opportunity to meet Pembroke Cancer Unit aromatherapist Shelley Baker and Children’s Unit play assistant Emma Lewis, whose roles are funded by the charity.

The Stars Appeal continues to rely on the dedication of volunteers and the generosity of the local community to enhance care at Salisbury District Hospital.

n For more information about the Stars Appeal, visit www.starsappeal.org.

Bertie is back after mystery disappearance!

A PONY believed to have been stolen from a field in Semley has been safely returned. Bertie, who had recently been rehomed by the Riding for the Disabled (RDA) Wilton Group, was reported missing yesterday, prompting concern among volunteers and supporters.

The Wilton RDA group, which provides riding opportunities for disabled children and adults, thanked supporters for spreading the word and helping raise awareness.

In an update shared on social media, the

group confirmed the pony has now been put back in his field.

“Bertie is back. He was anonymously put back in his field,” the group said.

“Thank you so much to everyone for sharing the post. The horsey community came together and we are so grateful.”

The appeal had been widely shared by your Gazette and across local equestrian networks and community pages after Bertie disappeared.

No further details have been released about where Bertie had been during his disappearance.

Fish and chip shop arrest

IMMIGRATION

officers and police arrested a man working at a Salisbury fish and chip shop during a special operation.

On February 9, officers visited several premises in the city centre, to prevent exploitation of staff by ensuring they were working legitimately and that appropriate health and safety measures were in place.

One male, working at Charlie’s Fish and Chip shop, was arrested by Immigration Enforcement Officers on suspicion of working without an appropriate visa.

He has been bailed to attend court at a later date. If found guilty of working illegally, the business could also face a significant fine.

Insp Tina Osborn said: "We work closely with our colleagues from Immigration Enforcement as they carry out their work to help support safe and appropriate working conditions and prevent illegal working."

For more details, visit https://orlo.uk/PdMe1.

Bank to close

A RINGWOOD bank is set to close amid a raft of branches being axed by Lloyds.

The chain has announced 95 sites made up of 53 Lloyds Bank branches, 31 Halifax and 11 Bank of Scotland outlets will shut between May this year and March next year.

The closures include the Lloyds Bank branch in Ringwood High Street.

Lloyds said the closures were coming as more customers choose to bank online.

“Customers want the freedom to bank in the way that works for them and we offer more choice and ways to manage money than ever before,” they added.

Thousands of potholes filled

MORE than 2,700 potholes have already been repaired across Wiltshire this year, as crews battle the impact of weeks of heavy rain on the county’s roads.

With persistent downpours recorded on nearly every day so far in February, Wiltshire Council says the wet weather is taking a growing toll on the highways network.

Alongside its regular highway maintenance teams and contractors, the council has redeployed all 18 Parish Stewards to focus exclusively on potholes that meet its defect criteria over the coming weeks in a bid to tackle the surge. Cabinet member for highways, Cllr Martin Smith, said: “We have now had persistent and heavy rain on

nearly every day so far this year, and it’s taking a toll on our highways network.

“We have seen a rise in potholes on some Wiltshire roads and we’re working hard to address these issues as quickly as we can.

“So far this year we have repaired more than 2,700 potholes, and we are continuing to repair many more each day.

“Our teams are actively responding to residents’ reports, and to boost this effort, we’ve asked our 18 Parish Stewards to focus solely on pothole repairs in their areas over the coming weeks.

“We were making progress on potholes – reports in 2025 fell by 28% compared to 2024 and we were also rated in the top 16 councils by the Department for Transport (DfT)

for having good local road conditions.

“The recent adverse weather has obviously highlighted that there is a lot more to do.

“We are ploughing an extra £5m into preventative road maintenance, for the next three years over and above the grant that the Department for Transport gives us. This is the only way we can make our roads more resilient.”

He encouraged anyone who spots a pothole to report it to us using MyWilts.

When potholes are reported, they are assessed and prioritised under the council’s highways inspection manual, with the most severe defects repaired within 24 hours. Major routes such as the M4 and A303 are managed by National Highways.

Police warning over floodwater driving

MOTORISTS have been urged to take extra care on flooded roads after concerns were raised about vehicles creating damaging waves in an already affected village.

The warning comes after PC Evans visited Coombe Bisset to help tow a stranded vehicle from the flooded area.

He said some vehicles passing through standing water at speed, generating large “bow waves” that were pushing water towards nearby

homes. He reminded motorists floodwater can conceal serious hazards, including potholes, and may cause significant damage to engines and electrical systems. In some cases, water can also lead to brake failure.

PC Evans said: “Fast-moving water is extremely powerful. Please take care.”

Drivers are advised to avoid standing water wherever possible and never attempt to drive through moving floodwater.

Faeces fears over river amid bathing application

PLANS to secure official bathing water status for a stretch of river in Salisbury have been brought into focus by recent evidence of faecal contamination.

For the Love of Water (FLOW), a community interest company, is seeking to have part of Queen Elizabeth Gardens designated as an official inland bathing site.

The area, where the Hampshire Avon meets the River Nadder, is popular for paddling and picnicking, particularly among families.

FLOW says its shallow waters make it well suited to bathing without conflicting with fishing or paddle boarding.

The application was submitted to DEFRA last October, with a decision expected in April.

Designation would require the Environment Agency to monitor water quality regularly, publish results and investigate pollution sources, providing clearer information for river users and putting pressure on polluters.

FLOW says community support for the project has been strong, with a consultation last year showing “overwhelmingly positive” feedback for protecting and improving the river.

However, interim findings from volunteer-led testing reveal a more concerning picture, the group said.

Throughout 2025, volunteers supported by Surfers Against Sewage collected samples from the River Avon at Queen Elizabeth Gardens and the River Nadder near the Old Mill pub.

Tests at a UKAS-accredited laboratory focused on E coli and intestinal enterococci, standard indicators of faecal contamination.

The results, published last month, showed spikes in pollution during and after rainfall, and unexpectedly high

readings in dry weather, suggesting multiple or persistent sources.

A FLOW spokesperson said: "The risk to river users increases significantly during and shortly after rainfall, even at locations that are otherwise heavily used and valued."

They said continued monitoring, a full year of data and advanced techniques such as DNA source tracking are needed to identify pollution pathways and drive effective action.

A DEFRA and Environment Agency spokesperson said: “We are responsible for monitoring and reporting on bathing water quality at designated sites during the bathing water season.

“However, we continue to work closely with the agriculture sector, water companies and local communities throughout the year to improve water quality.”

Salisbury City Council, which owns the gardens, voted to support the bathing water application last July.

A spokesperson said community monitoring provided

“valuable additional insight” and reinforces the importance of ongoing monitoring rather than relying on isolated samples.

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PRetail and apartments plan for landmark antiques centre

ERMISSION is being sought to convert Salisbury Antiques Centre into offices, retail and residential properties.

The site, at 94 Wilton Road, Salisbury, has been home to the antiques centre for many years but the application to Wiltshire Council said it is "unviable as a long-term business".

Founded in the 1990s, the antiques centre building was developed in the 1920s for removals company, Pickford's, and now includes antiques sales on the ground, first and second floors, with a self-contained

two-bedroom residential unit on the third floor.

And the application outlines how the plans would see space offered to a "wider variety" of occupiers, with additional residential accommodation created.

"While once an internationally-renowned antiques retail centre, trade had been declining in recent years, and the owners do not believe the current use to be sustainable in the future," the plans said.

"The internet has affected the antiques market significantly and the rise of online auction

houses has unfortunately had the effect of removing the real-time antiques shop from the high street.

"Therefore, to ensure the building can remain in useful occupation, the owners are seeking to convert the building to suit a wider variety of occupiers and to provide additional residential accommodation."

A previous planning application approved 10 flats on the site, but lapsed without the development taking place.

The proposals would see retail space created on the

ground floor, with offices on the first floor, two apartments on the second floor, with the existing penthouse apartment retained on the third floor.

External areas would be retained for car parking, with 11 spaces, as well as a new vehicular access to Wilton Road.

New shopfronts would be installed on the ground floor, "in-keeping with the original design", the plans added.

For more details on the scheme, and to comment, see wiltshire.gov.uk and search reference PL/2026/00522.

Police remove people from home amid 'cuckooing' fears

AMESBURY Police have safeguarded a woman after reports of suspected “cuckooing” at her home in the town.

Officers were called to the property on February 10 following urgent welfare concerns raised both to the control room and directly to officers.

Neighbourhood and response officers attended quickly and found the tenant alone. The home was secured to prevent the return of two adults who had been living there uninvited since Tuesday, February 3.

Police established the pair were in the

early stages of exploiting the resident and had previously been linked to similar activity in the area.

With the tenant’s permission, officers removed the personal items of the two non-residents and returned them at a neutral location.

An amount of Class A drugs was also seized, and related drug paraphernalia was safely disposed of.

Both individuals have been ordered not to return to the property.

The tenant has been fully safeguarded,

with support from immediate family and her housing association notified.

Cuckooing is a where criminals take over a person’s home to use it for criminal activities.

This often involves the victim being manipulated or coerced into allowing their home to be used for criminal purposes, such as drug dealing.

Amesbury Police said the swift action demonstrates their commitment to protecting vulnerable residents and preventing exploitation in the community.

Allotment fly-tipping plea

MORE rubbish has been dumped at town allotments in broad daylight.

The latest incident, discovered last Friday morning, is said to be part of a growing problem of illegal and irresponsible waste disposal at Amesbury allotments, in Stockport Road.

Amesbury Town Council said fly-tipping at the allotments has become an increasing concern and is placing an unnecessary burden on resources.

The council urged anyone who may have witnessed suspicious activity, vehicles or individuals in or around the allotments to come forward.

Residents were previously warned after wood chippings were delivered to the site without prior approval.

A spokesperson said: “Any unauthorised deliveries are classed as fly-tipping and we

Picture: Amesbury Town Council

will take appropriate action and report deliveries we have not approved.”

The council confirmed all instances of fly-tipping are being logged and reported to the relevant authorities.

Fly-tipping is a criminal offence and can carry significant fines and potential prosecution.

Residents are being

encouraged to remain vigilant and report any concerns as efforts continue to address the issue and prevent further illegal dumping in the area.

n Anyone with information should contact Amesbury Town Council on 01980 622999 or via info@amesburytowncouncil. gov.uk.

NEWSinBRIEF CCTV appeal

POLICE want to trace this person in connection with a theft from a Salisbury cocktail bar.

The CCTV image has been released as part of an investigation into a theft from Kludo, in Milford Street, in the early hours of February 1.

"We appreciate the images are not of great quality, but it's hoped that the female or those who were with her may be able to recognise her," a police spokesperson said. Email PC Scott via 2975@wiltshire.police.uk, reference 54260012804.

LOCAL PICK UPS

Meetings over fire station closures

ASERIES of public meetings are set to be held in towns and villages affected by controversial proposals to close eight fire stations.

Residents in Wilton and Mere – two of the eight stations across Dorset and Wiltshire earmarked for closure – will be able to hear directly from representatives of Dorset & Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service (DWFRS) and put their questions forward in person, with online sessions also being held.

In Wilton, sessions will take place at Castle Meadow Pavilion in Castle Lane on Monday, March 9, from 6pm to 8pm and Tuesday, March 10, between 10.30am and 12.30pm.

An online dial-in session is scheduled for Tuesday, April 21 from noon to 1pm.

Wilton Fire Station currently operates one fire engine and one water carrier, crewed by 13

on-call firefighters, and serves a population of 12,751.

DWFRS says closing the station would deliver annual savings of £233,764.

Each mobilisation currently costs £1,788, and the service estimates response times would rise by 58 seconds if the station were to shut.

In Mere, public meetings will be held at Mere Lecture Hall, in

Salisbury Street, on Wednesday, March 4, between 6pm and 8pm, and Thursday, March 5, from 10.30am to 12.30pm.

An hour-long online session will follow on Thursday, April 23, from 6pm.

Mere Fire Station has one fire engine and seven on-call firefighters, covering a population of 6,762.

According to DWFRS, mobilisations cost £2,565 each, compared with an average of £1,831 for a similar station.

The service says closing the station would result in annual savings of £211,909 but would increase average response times by four minutes and 55 seconds.

The consultation on the proposed closures runs until Friday, May 15.

The Fire and Rescue Association has condemned the move, warning that more than 70 firefighters could face redundancy.

Chief executive officer, Tristan Ashby, said: “Mass redundancies have not been seen in any fire and rescue service before.

“Yet the councillors who make up Dorset and Wiltshire Fire Authority have set about the task of sacking their firefighters and closing stations with alacrity.

“The whole basis of this consultation is flawed. When undertaking such major changes, the fire service should have considered the impact

upon the service as a whole and identified alternatives to the governance body.

“This was not done. The previous chief fire officer identified stations he wanted closed, and lo and behold, the fire authority has rubber stamped the proposals.

“Firefighters and the communities they serve will have to fight tooth and nail to preserve these fire stations.

“They can be assured that we will leave no stone unturned as we seek to stop these proposals being implemented.”

Stations under threat are Charmouth, Cranborne, Hamworthy and Maiden Newton in Dorset, and Bradford on Avon, Mere, Ramsbury and Wilton in Wiltshire.

The authority says the recommendations follow three years of analysis examining all 50 stations in the service, using data from 2019–2024 to assess activity levels, response performance, financial implications, risk and alternative cover.

DWFRS chief fire officer, Andy Cole, said: “This financial pressure reflects a long-term reduction in central government funding for fire and rescue services, combined with rising costs that sit largely outside our control, such as the addition of National Insurance and pay award costs, as well as a below national average council tax contribution."

Behind-the-scenes look at hospital is promised

SALISBURY District

Hospital is once again inviting the community to immerse themselves in what life at the hospital is all about during a special event.

Visitors to the facility's Open Day on May 16 will be able to discover more about the workings of their local hospital through demonstrations, activities and displays across a wide range of departments.

Last year’s event featured the popular toy hospital, hi-tech lifelike simulation manikins and a ‘fracture clinic’, where children were given plaster casts on their arms.

Organisers say this year's event promises another "fascinating experience for all ages, as it has over the past three years".

A host of activities and entertainment will be on offer at the open day

Managing director, Nick Johnson, said: "We’re delighted to invite everyone from our community to come and get a behind-the-scenes look at what our skilled, dedicated staff do every day to provide quality care to our patients.

wide variety of roles that make our hospital work. This is our fourth year, and it promises to be bigger and better than ever, offering a great day of fun and entertainment for the whole family."

"Visitors will learn about the

The Hospital Open Day is set

to run from 10am to 3pm on Saturday, May 16. Public parking will be free. Visitors can also travel by Salisbury Reds buses R1, 29 or 44. Food, refreshments and ice cream will be available, with more details to follow.

Music workshops hitting the right note with care home residents

ACARE home in Wilton is supporting residents living with dementia with new fortnightly musical workshops.

Wilton Place Care Home recently welcomed music education specialist Asta for the new Making Music workshops.

Music is recognised as an effective way of engaging people, including those with dementia, which makes up a large proportion of care home residents.

Evoking memories, music unites and connects people, no matter their age, to a moment in time and brings joy both to those performing and those listening.

Residents used their voices, bodies and instruments to create a range of interesting sounds.

Care home general manager, Antoinette Roberts, said: “This workshop was such a brilliant idea, we’re so excited to welcome it to our home. Our residents love music; it brings them so much joy. We look

forward to their visit every fortnight.

“Our varied life enrichment programme keeps residents active, and provides a daily choice of engaging physical, mental and spiritual activities.”

Council welcomes SEND funding

WILTSHIRE Council has welcomed what it describes as ‘a major breakthrough’ in the long-running funding crisis surrounding children with special educational needs and disabilities.

The government has announced it intends to write off around 90% of historic SEND deficits built up by councils across England up to the end of the 2025/26 financial year.

The shortfalls relate to the High Needs block of the Dedicated Schools Grant, which funds specialist support for children and young people with SEND.

The move could significantly ease pressure on council finances in Wiltshire where

leaders had already set aside £18 million to help manage the growing deficit through their involvement in the government’s Safety Valve programme.

Even so, the authority expects to carry a remaining deficit of around £15 million for 2025/26, which it will still need to fund.

Leader of Wiltshire Council, Cllr Ian Thorn, said: “The government’s decision to write off a substantial proportion of SEND deficits is welcome news for Wiltshire and our SEND local area partnership.

“It will allow us to plan with far more confidence, and

because we have carefully managed our financial position, we can continue with our focus on improving experiences and outcomes for children and

families with SEND.

“While we await further details from government, the initial picture seems far more positive than before.

“We also look forward to seeing the government’s long-term SEND strategy. The current system is not sustainable and brings significant uncertainty for families and for local authorities during already challenging financial times.

“We expect more information soon and hope it leads to a system that is fit-for-purpose and works better for everyone.”

Further details on long-term SEND reform are expected shortly, with councils hoping for greater certainty as they plan future services and budgets.

Online

is off to a flying start for Symonds & Sampson’s Agricultural Auctions department., with online listings proving to be invaluable for both marketing lots to a national and even international audience.

We have recently conducted entire dispersal sales online rather than on-site, with impressive results. Auctioneer

George Russo reports that, in an Online Sale, an unreserved piece of machinery or vehicle is more appealing to prospective purchasers as it is portrayed to be more genuine, being sold directly from the farm.

“Comprehensive listings include photos and videos, providing a reassuringly full description of the lots, providing ‘buyer confidence’ which has been reflected both in terms of numerical value, and also in terms of bidders being located from a far wider field than would be expected to attend a sale in person.

“Although Online Timed Auctions have their place and can still achieve good prices for our Vendors, we still firmly believe that a hybrid onsite auction with online bidding offers the full package and will our first option when a Vendor comes to us with a dispersal sale.”

Symonds & Sampson looks forward to several significant on-site dispersal sales at farms in Hampshire, Devon, Somerset, and Dorset this Spring, as well as the South Dorset Collective Sale on 19th March and a new Axminster Collective Sale in May. Further collective sales are in the pipeline, planned for the New Forest in the Summer.

The Agricultural Auctions team, Greg Ridout, Paul Heard, James Morrish, Harriet Andrews and George hold regular onsite livestock auctions, fodder sales, and sales of standing crops. If you have any machinery, equipment or items to sell, irrespective of size or location, they would be pleased to assist. Please contact George on 07494 588013.

Salisbury firm creating 130 jobs

ASALISBURY-based homecare company is set to recruit 130 new care professionals over the next 12 months as it looks to double in size within three to five years.

Abicare currently delivers around 3,000 domiciliary care hours and 70 live-in care hours each week.

By the end of this year, it aims to increase that to 4,500 domiciliary hours and 94 live-in hours per week.

With branches in Salisbury and Swindon, as well as Pontypool and Crickhowell in South Wales, the company is targeting growth across all its key operating areas.

Plans include adding 1,000 weekly care hours in the south west – covering Salisbury, Swindon and Bradford-uponAvon – and a further 1,000 hours in South Wales across Monmouthshire, Powys and Torfaen.

It also hopes to expand live-in care nationally by an additional 40 hours per week, which would result in £2 million annual growth if achieved.

Chief operating officer Matt Hibberd said demand for homecare is rising sharply.

“With demand for quality homecare continuing to rise

across all areas of the South West, we are receiving an unprecedented number of enquiries, both privately and from our local health service partners, for individuals who wish to be cared for in the comfort of their own home,” he said.

“In order to meet this increase in demand and also support the Government’s ‘home first’ initiative, we need to grow our team and are therefore looking to appoint a minimum of 130 new carers to deliver a range of personal and social care services to our expanding portfolio of care recipients.

“It’s a hugely exciting time for all involved as we drive towards our overall aim of making Abicare the first choice for exceptional homecare in the South West and we are looking for the right people to join us on this journey. I would urge anyone interested in a fulfilling career in care to get in touch.”

No previous experience in the industry is required, the company said, with full and part-time roles available, and a full induction, comprehensive training and access to ongoing development and wellbeing

Homeless people helped to avoid the cold during emergency measures

AHOMELESSNESS

charity says emergency winter measures have helped dozens of rough sleepers off the streets during recent spells of freezing weather.

ALABARÉ has been working alongside Wiltshire Council to provide extra bed spaces during recent storms, when a Severe Weather Emergency Protocol (SWEP) is activated, triggered when temperatures drop below zero or conditions pose a risk to life.

During the most recent cold weather activations, the charity supported 11 people between November 19 and 21 last year, and a further eight people between December 30 and January 12 this year.

Emergency accommodation was made available at Alabaré Place in Salisbury and Unity House in Chippenham, with drop-in services in both towns also seeing increased demand.

Of those helped, four people – 21% – have since moved into ALABARÉ’s supported living accommodation.

Two were given places through the charity’s Homes for Veterans service, while six remained with ALABARÉ until

alternative accommodation was secured through the council.

One person has since moved into private rented housing.

Terence, who accessed support through SWEP, described the impact the service had on his life.

“I got released from prison around a year and a half ago and moved from pillar to post from there,” he said.

“I’ve lived in lots of places that didn’t work out, and then I was sleeping in a tent, just as the frost hit and the emergency support was brought in.

“ALABARÉ took me in off the streets. I was just expecting a room to be honest, but they’ve

given me a great opportunity with a flat, and it’s really taken me in a new direction. It’s been great, and I’m doing really well now.”

Director of care and support at ALABARÉ, Naomi Webb, said: “Sleeping rough is incredibly difficult for people at the best of times, but during freezing weather, it could genuinely be a life-or-death situation.

“Through the SWEP, we can offer additional support that keeps more people warm and safe and points them towards longer-term help.

“Our drop-in centres provide hot meals, showers, and advice

Terence is among those who have been supported through recent bad weather

for those facing homelessness, but working with Wiltshire Council during particularly tough weather is that extra facet of help that can really make a difference.

“We’re grateful to the authorities locally for their proactive approach to keeping people safe. We’d encourage everyone in Wiltshire to keep an eye out for those who might need somewhere secure to sleep and report their concerns to StreetLink so we can ensure the right support is given.”

The charity’s Winter Appeal has raised nearly £40,000 to support rough sleepers and other vulnerable people.

Help improve Wiltshire's connection

RESIDENTS are being urged to help shape Wiltshire’s digital future through a new online platform aimed at improving broadband and mobile coverage.

Wiltshire Council has launched Digital Wiltshire, a website designed to keep people informed about the rollout of gigabit-capable broadband and to gather local insight on mobile signal problems.

The platform allows residents, businesses and community groups to report mobile ‘not spots’ – areas with poor or no signal – whether at home, at work or while travelling.

The council says this real-world feedback will help build a clearer picture of where improvements are most needed.

Leader Ian Thorn said: “Good connectivity is no longer a luxury, it is essential for modern life.

“Reliable digital access supports emergency services, helps protect our most vulnerable residents, and makes sure our rural communities aren’t left behind.

“Local knowledge is invaluable as many mobile coverage issues go unreported, and local people’s insight can directly influence future investment and infrastructure.

“By telling us where the gaps are, local people are helping us make Wiltshire safer, stronger and better connected.”

The council is asking people to explore the Digital Wiltshire platform, report coverage issues and share the tool within their communities.

It says better connectivity can strengthen emergency resilience during severe weather or major incidents.

Digital access is also vital for health appointments, emergency alerts and staying connected, the authority said, while improved infrastructure could help close the rural digital divide, attract businesses and support economic growth.

The council said shared local data will give it the evidence needed to push for investment and deliver improvements where they are most needed.

n For more information, visit www. wiltshire.gov.uk/article/15366/DigitalWiltshire.

Constable is coming back to Salisbury

ASIGNIFICANT

oil painting by John Constable is set to return to the city that inspired it this summer, as A View of Salisbury from Harnham goes on longterm public display.

The loan, to The Salisbury Museum, coincides with the 250th anniversary of Constable’s birth and is described as particularly fitting given the artist’s close and enduring association with the city.

Painted in the early 1820s, the work depicts Salisbury Cathedral, the River Avon and surrounding water meadows from the eastern end of Harnham ridge, looking due north.

Though modest in size, at just 12 inches by 20ins, the oil on canvas captures recognisable landmarks and highlights Constable’s skill in oil sketching – then a relatively innovative approach to landscape painting.

Museum director, Adrian Green, said the loan was especially meaningful given Constable’s deep personal connection to the city in one of the artist's most productive periods.

Constable made several visits to Salisbury while staying with the Fisher family, including the Bishop of Salisbury, a key patron, and his nephew John Fisher, a close friend.

The artist also spent part of his honeymoon in the city in 1816.

The painting has been owned by the same family for more

than 60 years and has recently been the subject of detailed research by art historian Timothy Wilcox, a leading Constable scholar and author of Constable and Salisbury: The Soul of Landscape.

As part of that research, the work was examined alongside a near-identical version now held at the Musée du Louvre in Paris, reflecting a period when

Constable often produced similarly sized versions of compositions.

Visitors will be able to see the painting in the museum’s Salisbury Gallery, displayed alongside a drawing by Constable and engravings of his work by David Lucas. The loan runs to 2030 and complements works by the likes of JMW Turner and Rex Whistler.

FASHIONS & LINGERIE

NEW SEASONS ARRIVALS

£250 boost for town men's shed

AGROUP supporting

men’s wellbeing in Amesbury has been given a £250 boost thanks to an annual initiative.

Mayor, Dr Monica Devendran, and community champion Andy Derry visited the Amesbury Men’s Shed last week to present the cheque.

During the visit, Mayor Cllr Devendran highlighted the vital role the Men’s Shed plays in supporting mental health and wellbeing in the community.

Members work together on projects, providing a space for social interaction, skill-sharing, and camaraderie.

Mayor Cllr Devendran said: “It was a pleasure to visit the Amesbury Men’s Shed and see the important role it plays in supporting mental health and wellbeing in our community.”

The donation is part of the

annual Tree of Lights appeal, which gives back to community groups while recognising the efforts of volunteers and residents who help keep Amesbury connected.

Each year, the town hosts a Tree of Lights ceremony, giving people the chance to remember a loved one or special friend

during the festive season.

Residents make a donation, and their tribute is marked with a bulb on the tree.

The initiative, which Andy helped spearhead, has supported a range of organisations, including Amesbury Girls Brigade and the Amesbury Soul Singers.

The mayor added: “My sincere thanks to everyone who contributed and helped make this possible.”

The Men’s Shed welcomes new members and volunteers, offering a supportive environment for people to come together, learn new skills and contribute to projects.

Brass band concert as a 'thank you'

THE sound of brass and youthful enthusiasm will fill Salt Lane next month as the Southern Area Salvation Army Youth Band arrives in Salisbury for a special free concert – a musical “thank you” to the community.

A group of young musicians from across the south will perform at 2.15pm on Sunday, March 1, at the Salisbury Salvation Army Hall.

The event is a gesture of gratitude for the support residents have shown towards the charity’s social work.

“We are so excited about this special event,” said Captain Martin Davison, leader of Salisbury Salvation Army.

“We wanted to give something back to all the kind people who support Salvation Army work in our area, and this seemed a great way of showing that appreciation.”

The band promises a lively and varied programme, ranging from traditional brass band marches to contemporary

arrangements from film and musical theatre.

Earlier in the day, the musicians will accompany hymns and congregational singing at the 10.30am Sunday service before returning for their afternoon “musical festival”.

All the young performers give their time freely and even cover their own travel expenses

– a commitment that underlines the spirit behind the event.

“It’s wonderful to witness young people being encouraged in their musical gifts in this way by dedicated Salvation Army musicians and then being able to share together as a group in these kind of concerts,” added Captain Martin.

“I was blessed to be taught to

play the cornet at 8 years old with three of my friends, and we all still play in bands many years later, it’s been a gift for life.”

No tickets are required but seating is limited to 150 for fire safety reasons, so early arrival is advised, with updates being shared on the Salisbury Salvation Army Facebook page.

Easter garden and cathedral events

SALISBURY Cathedral is gearing up for the busiest and most significant season in the Christian calendar, with a series of services, talks and events throughout Lent, Holy Week and Easter.

Lent begins on Wednesday, February 18 with Ash Wednesday services featuring music from the Cathedral Chamber Choir and a sermon from The Rt Revd Stephen Lake, Bishop of Salisbury.

Crosses will be marked on foreheads with ash as a symbol of repentance and turning to God.

This year, probationer choristers helped prepare the ash, made by burning last year’s Palm Crosses.

Communion services at 7.50am and noon will also include the imposition of ashes.

The popular Lent Talks course returns each Monday evening under the theme ‘What is Truth?’, exploring Christian perspectives on truth in an age of fake news, internet algorithms and rapid technological change.

Speakers include Anna McNamee, Ross Meikle, Revd

Canon Dr Tim Bull, Revd Canon Professor James Woodward and Canon Chancellor Kenneth Padley.

Each session concludes with discussion and Compline, sung by choirs including the Farrant Singers, Sarum Voices and the Cathedral Chamber Choir.

On Fridays during Lent, visitors can enjoy homemade soup and sandwiches at the Canon Precentor’s home in the

Close, with proceeds supporting medical projects in South Sudan, continuing more than 50 years of diocesan fellowship and prayer.

The Easter Garden returns on Friday, March 20 outside the Cloisters Visitor Entrance.

Designed by award-winning horticulturalist Andy McIndoe, the Mediterranean planting illustrates the story of Jesus’ death and resurrection,

remaining in place until Pentecost on May 24.

Families can take part in Easter-themed crafts, storytelling, and reflective trails on Saturday, March 28, continuing until April 19, with activities including making card crosses, wool sheep and exploring the cathedral grounds.

n For full details on services and events, visit salisburycathedral.org.uk.

Resident artist ready for solo display

SALISBURY’S Fisherton Mill will host a solo exhibition by one of its own artists, Annmarie Thomas, from March 14 to April 11.

Titled Then, Now and In Between, the show returns to the Main Gallery with a carefully curated collection spanning five years of the artist’s work.

During her time as a resident artist at Fisherton Mill, Annmarie has explored shifts in style, emotion, and perspective, producing a body of work that bridges her creative past and present.

Each painting tells a story, from early experimental pieces

to recent works marked by confidence and clarity.

Annmarie said: “Putting this exhibition together has given me the chance to indulge in reminiscence, to recall what inspired me, and to appraise objectively how my style has evolved over the years.

“And Fisherton Mill has been at the heart of that evolution… inspired by the beautiful surroundings, supported by the ever-helpful team and fuelled by the very best, totally handmade, cake.”

The exhibition offers an intimate glimpse into the creative process, reflecting on how artistic language changes

alongside life itself. Admission is free.

There will also be meet the artist sessions on Saturday, March 14 and Saturday, April 4,

between 11am and 3pm. n For more information, log on to www.fishertonmill.co.uk

Market dates for Wilton Village sale

AN EXCITING new community market is set to launch in Wilton next month, bringing a mix of food, craft and artisan stalls.

Our Local Market will debut at Wilton Village, formerly The Guild, on the weekend of March 14 and 15, marking the first in a series of dates planned throughout spring.

Organisers say the market will feature a carefully curated selection of local food producers, artisan makers, crafters, artists and independent retailers.

The aim is to showcase talent from around the area while creating a welcoming space for residents and visitors alike.

Owner of Wilton Village, Chris Brammall, said they are “absolutely delighted” to welcome Our Local Market to

the retail centre.

“It’s fantastic to see the space being used in a way that brings people together and supports local traders.,” he added.

“The market fits perfectly

with our vision for the village, and we’re really pleased to see it come to life.”

Event organiser, Jennie Lawrence, said the team is looking forward to establishing

the market as a regular fixture in the town’s calendar.

“We’re really looking forward to seeing a wide range of market traders at Wilton Village and bringing something fresh and exciting to the area," she went on.

“Our Local Market is all about showcasing local makers, supporting independent businesses and creating enjoyable, well-organised events that people want to return to. We’re excited to see this market grow.”

Further confirmed dates for the market are April 11 and 12, and May 9 and 10, running from 10am to 4pm on each day.

Organisers said the event is designed to offer shoppers the chance to pick up unique gifts and local produce while enjoying a day out in Wilton.

'Raising prices will bring little revenue'

WELCOME to budget setting time at Wilshire Council.

Us councillors are used to long meetings but this time, under the new Liberal Democrat administration, we are in for a treat. Instead of lasting a day, the next one is scheduled to take two!

Why, you may ask? Because this time the administration is going to make our normal day-to-day stuff more expensive and annoying, all under the virtue signalling banner of 'net zero', and they are not going to get an easy time.

What does that mean for us in Salisbury?, I hear you ask. Well, a few snippets below. If you’re sitting comfortably, then I’ll begin...

Visiting the Household Recycling Centre at Churchfields will now need an appointment. No more, "I think I’ll take a load of stuff to the dump later". Now you will have to go online and find a time convenient to the council’s administration, rather than you.

If you are retired, fine, but if you work like most of us, then good luck finding a weekend slot.

Three-weekly black bins collections, separating blue bin recycling into two, and yet another bin for weekly food waste, as if three bins (four if you have garden waste) are not enough. More ugly, and now

Sven Hocking is a Conservative Salisbury City Councillor for Harnham East

the additional hour. If both, then that’s an extra £4 per day, £80 per month.

smelly, bin-lined streets on the way.

Extending morning and evening parking charging from the current 8am to 6pm, to 7am to 7pm. If you once parked in a council car park and to set off for work by 8am you’ll have to get up and pay or leave home an hour earlier. If you return home at 6pm, now you’ll have to pay

Sunday parking charges are being aligned with weekday charging, so for Salisbury, welcome to a 600% increase for all-day parking. I am sure that’s going to be a winner with our local and independent businesses! Also, the maximum stay in the short-term car parks is being aligned with weekdays. Spare a thought for those souls who come in early and stay late to provide tea and biscuits in places like Salisbury Methodist Church. These kind, elderly volunteers currently park in Salt Lane. Well, not anymore, as they will only have three hours, thus will have to use Central or Culver Street, and pay up to £12 for the privilege. Or give it up.

I get the council needs money to deliver services, but these raise almost no additional revenue, while needlessly disaffecting the residents and businesses in the city.

It is the battle to stop this that will take another day.

New party makes for interesting times

THEY say a week’s a long time in politics and there are many more to come before the next General election, and only two since last I spoke here.

You could, however, dependent on what happens next, be forgiven for thinking very little has changed.

However, with the formation of a ‘new’ party under Rupert Lowe - formerly Reform, then Independent, now Restore Britain - with 50,000 members claimed in the first 24 hours it could, as they say, make it ‘a whole new ball game’.

Prior to Rupert’s launch, it looked like Reform were the ones to beat and as such all the other parties were seeming to act with a herd mentality and taking a swipe at them at every

opportunity.

That may now all change, as there is now a brace of parties on the right of British politics

King Arthur Pendragon is a former and proposed Independent Parliamentary candidate for Salisbury

to ‘run’ for the same seats.

Meanwhile, on what is the new left of British politics, the Greens and Liberals seem to be spiralling down to get as much ‘clear water’ between them and Nigel and Rupert as they can.

I remember when reporters once asked Liberal candidates if they backed their party policy to decriminalise cannabis, which now seems almost mild compared to the Greens stance on heroin and other class-A drugs.

who, liable to split the vote, may gain from the electorate, unless of course they do some future deal with each other not

With Even newer Labour falling out of favour because of the very same sort of perceived scandals as the disgraced Tories, it leaves us all thinking we will simply have to vote for the best of the bad bunch.

Interesting times.

Until next time...

Home & Garden

Wildlife group hails milestone as efforts start to bloom...

THE first flashes of purple have appeared in Churchill Gardens, marking a small but significant milestone for a community planting project in Salisbury.

Salisbury Wildlife Group has announced that crocus bulbs planted in the autumn have “finally” begun to flower, bringing early spring colour to an area previously dominated by utility grass.

The bulbs were donated by the Rotary Club as part of its international Purple for Polio awareness and fundraising campaign.

They were planted during the

autumn half-term by members of Salisbury Wildlife Group, Salisbury City Council and families.

The group described the sight of the first blooms as an “overwhelming sense of relief” after months of waiting.

Beyond their vibrant colour, the crocuses are intended to serve a dual purpose.

As well as highlighting the ongoing global effort to eradicate polio, the flowers provide an early source of nectar for pollinators emerging at the end of winter.

The planting also introduces greater biodiversity to Churchill

Gardens where grass has traditionally been managed for practical rather than ecological value.

The group said the leaves will need to remain unmown for at least two months after flowering.

Allowing the foliage to die back naturally helps the bulbs store energy for next year and can also act as a nurse crop, offering cover for other plants and small invertebrates.

The result, organisers said, is a “win-win” – a splash of spring colour for visitors to the gardens and a boost for local wildlife.

While modest in appearance, the first crocus spike has been warmly welcomed by those involved in the project, who said it signals both the changing season and the success of a collaborative community effort in the city.

Volunteers plant Salisbury's first urban micro-forest

SALISBURY has planted its first urban micro-forest, creating a new green space at Fisherton Meadows.

The initiative, led by Salisbury City Council’s parks department in partnership with the Salisbury Wildlife Group, used a mix of trees and shrubs including Dogwood, Hazel, Hawthorn, Blackthorn, Guelder Rose, Spindle, Silver Birch, and Beech.

The micro-forest was planted using the Miyawaki method, developed by Japanese botanist Akira Miyawaki. By planting a

dense mix of species at a higher-than-usual density, the method aims to encourage a faster growth and a thriving, self-sustaining habitat.

Despite Storm Chandra, volunteers and council staff successfully established the

woodland, which is now expected to grow rapidly and provide a valuable environmental and community resource.

The Fisherton Meadows micro-forest is part of Salisbury’s wider rewilding efforts, which aim to enhance urban biodiversity, provide educational opportunities and give residents access to natural green spaces.

Officials hope the project will serve as a model for future micro-forests across the city, showing how innovative planting techniques can make a real difference for both people and wildlife.

Flower power to lighten gloomy days

by Sally Gregson

AT this sun-starved, flowerhungry time of year we gardeners fall prey to a chronic disease. It’s called ‘galanthophilia’, and it’s very contagious. It causes the sufferer to get down on bended knees before that pure white innocent, the snowdrop – Galanthus – the better to admire its exquisite refinements.

Our winter gardens may well be a triumph of green structure and elegantly shaped trees but by February we urgently need a dose of flower power. So, it’s no wonder that when the first snowdrops pierce the bare black soil to reveal their porcelain white flowers, our hearts lurch. Snowdrops were introduced here later than you might think, during the 16th and 17th centuries from southern Europe, Italy in particular. They settled quickly in the leafy soils of our

deciduous woodland, where they emerge, flower and set seed before the leaf canopy closes in late spring.

Now there are a surprising number of different species and named forms in our gardens that have captivated ‘galanthophiles’ for at least a century. The common snowdrop, Galanthus nivalis, has small, slender greyishgreen leaves and a green blotch on each inner petal, or segment. It’s the shape and shade of this blotch that seems to bring out galanthophilia in some – and the shade of green, or even yellow that arouses passion in others.

amateur who gave all his time to their selection and wrote lots of notes which are now in the hands of the Royal Horticultural Society.

A notorious 19th century galanthophile was James Allen. When Allen was breeding snowdrops there were more than 500 cultivars in cultivation at that time. He is credited with breeding at least 100 of them. He was a very enthusiastic

He is credited with breeding two of the most popular cultivars – G. Merlin and G. Magnet. Merlin boasts solid

green inner segments to its flowers, while Magnet has clearly defined, v-shaped markings. Both plants are strong and vigorous and naturalise well by division. The seeds are usually infertile, which means that the clumps are all true to name.

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

Sudoku 3D puzzle

Across

Cryptic crossword

Across 1 Condescend to sojourn around Ohio (5)

1 Condescend to sojourn around Ohio (5)

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 Eastern way of speaking not caught in variant of a newspaper? (7)

9 Graduate with tie and car spread microorganisms (8)

10 Some comedian affectedly vulgar (4)

Killer Sudoku Pro

Down

4 Eastern way of speaking not caught in variant of a newspaper? (7)

2 Jewelled headwear? It is put up by a London art institution (5)

9 Graduate with tie and car spread microorganisms (8)

3 Old team played with a line in pale brown

10 Some comedian affectedly vulgar (4) 11 A warm drink found in good university – and cake (6)

11 A warm drink found in good university – and cake (6)

12 A medic touring hospital spontaneously (2,3)

13 Firm with a liberal source of energy (4)

Killer Sudoku Pro

15 Greek character in hotel embraced by another (3)

5 Small drink before a moment is restricted friend in a sensational way (12)

6 Smell initially ignored in freshwater fish (5)

7 Policeman averse to cooked rice (7)

12 A medic touring hospital spontaneously (2,3) 13 Firm with a liberal source of energy (4) 15 Greek character in hotel embraced by another (3)

8 Old car Liam’s repaired showing selfcongratulatory attitude (12)

14 Enthusiastic acclaim on a TV I fancy after Oscar is given (7)

16 Recalled regret over currency (4)

16 Recalled regret over currency (4)

17 District fringing new stadium (5)

17 District fringing new stadium (5) 19 Area abandoned around Malta nearly (6)

19 Area abandoned around Malta nearly (6)

21 Aspect of the sea is drawn, it’s said (4)

22 Sickly American, one in operation? That’s false idea (8)

23 Analysis is broadcast to many around Austria (7)

24 Northern jug is more recent (5)

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.

16 Unusual names arranged almost as a crowd (2,5)

18 Put up some reflective rectangles (5)

20 Make noise in retirement? (5)

21 Aspect of the sea is drawn, it’s said (4) 22 Sickly American, one in operation? That’s false idea (8)

23 Analysis is broadcast to many around Austria (7)

averse to cooked rice (7)

8 Old car Liam’s repaired showing selfcongratulatory attitude (12)

14 Enthusiastic acclaim on a TV I fancy after Oscar is given (7)

16 Unusual names arranged almost as a crowd (2,5)

18 Put up some reflective rectangles (5)

20 Make noise in retirement? (5)

Numberlink

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

Word Chain

Word Chain

Can you climb the word ladder? At each step a

word

be formed by changing one and only one letter, and without rearranging the order of the letters.

Killer Sudoku Pro

Place numbers 1 to 9 once each into every row, column and bold-lined 3x3 box.

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

Domino Puzzle

Domino

Dominoes is a classic game, but in this puzzle version the aim is to divide the grid into a full set of dominoes (with 0 as a blank).

A tick-off chart of dominoes is usually provided alongside the puzzle to help the solver, and although these samples use standard 0-6 dominoes the set can be varied, as can the layout and shape of the

Wordsearch 2

Monkeys

CAPUCHIN COLOBUS DE BRAZZA’S HOWLER LANGUR MANDRILL NIGHT PATAS ROLOWAY SAKI SNUB-NOSED SPIDER SQUIRREL TAMARIN VERVET

Word Square Puzzles

Word Square Puzzles

How many words of three or more letters can you find by tracing out a path from letter to touching letter, without visiting any letter more than once in any given word?

In these puzzles diagonal moves can be or can not be allowed, as you choose - allowing diagonal moves typically means that many more words can be found E N O I L T M L S R A S E C U V I

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Bluetongue (BTV) in the UK: 2025 summary and 2026 outlook

By Tom Clarke, Clinical Director. Synergy Farm Health

THE 2025 Bluetongue season saw a significant rise in cases, driven overwhelmingly by Bluetongue strain BTV 3.

By January 2026, a total of 272 cases had been confirmed since July 2025. Most English cases were BTV 3, with only isolated cases of strain BTV 8.

Cases continued to emerge through late 2025 and early January 2026, with a large proportion of infections from overwintered virus multiplying up and recirculating.

Infections increased later in the season due to the hot, dry summer being less favourable to midges, which only increased in number and activity in the wetter, less hot autumn period.

Infections from incursions of midges carrying the virus from Europe to the UK occurred mainly in the far south west and east of the country.

Monitoring of clinically unaffected herds has shown

varied results - 28% of herds in Somerset and Dorset had animals which had been exposed to the virus. This rose to 61% in Devon and 70% in Cornwall.

The take home message is that there is considerable variation in immunity between herds.

On farms that have not vaccinated there is a real mixture of exposed and unexposed animals.

Outlook and planning for 2026:

While we cannot predict the weather for 2026, we know that there is a significant level of back ground virus circulating within the UK.

If climatic conditions in 2026 are more favourable for midges (compared to the hot, dry summer of 2025), we can expect to see more BTV infections and earlier in the season.

In addition, overall risk of further incursions of midges from the EU to the UK has been raised to medium level, so the potential for new infection arriving is also still a major factor to consider.

Vaccine uptake was relatively high

Tom Clarke, of Synergy, below, is helping people tackle Bluetongue

in our region, and major outbreaks of milk drop in dairy herds and deaths/abortions in sheep flocks were minimal as a result.

Given the risks in 2026 for BTV infection are the same or higher than in 2025, our advice continues to be to vaccinate to protect your livestock.

The licence for booster doses of the vaccine is currently undergoing authorisation, but trials show a reduction in clinical signs for 12 months and that an annual booster will extend protection for another year.

For cattle, this means a single dose booster (compared to the two dose primary course) and for sheep, a single dose will also be effective as a booster.

Our Bluetongue webinar held in early February proved of interest to many clients, and was a great success.

A large number of farmers tuned in to hear the latest advice on vaccination, thoughts on the outbreak in 2025 and what is anticipated for 2026.

If you missed the webinar, you can watch by scanning the QR code, left.

Mildred is here: Bentley Continental GT Supersports

IF YOU want a car that is unique and special, you’d better get a move on. Mildred has arrived and time is short. Conceived back in September 2024, Project Mildred has been carefully shrouded in secrecy, from the outside at least. The internal excitement must have been feverish in comparison, given that it was a mere six weeks between the board’s nod of approval and the appearance of a test car. A little more than 12 months later, Mildred has been revealed as the new Bentley Continental GT Supersports.

What began with a small engineering team wondering how a rear-wheel drive, sub-two-tonne Continental GT might behave dynamically, has led to the Bentley Supersports being described as the most driver-focused Continental GT ever. 100 years after the birth of the first Bentley ‘Super Sports’, the nameplate returns to Bentley for only the fourth Supersports model in history.

It may be based on the Continental GT, but the new Supersports is nearly half a tonne lighter than the standard car, much of that coming from the powertrain changes and a prolific use of carbon fibre. The hybrid system has gone, the all-wheel drive system has gone, the rear cabin is gone, and the aluminium roof is now a carbon fibre panel. Even things like sound insulation and ‘unnecessary in a driver-focused GT’ assistance systems have been removed. New exterior details have then been added to make this the most aggressive Bentley Grand Tourer ever.

A new lower front bumper, with an integrated front splitter (the largest aerodynamic splitter ever fitted to a road-going Bentley) includes two new channels that feed cool air to the front brakes and engine

respectively. A new lightweight mesh grille, with a design unique to Supersports, is laser cut in extremely fine aluminium. Two pairs of stacked dive planes sit at the corners of the front bumper, working in conjunction with the splitter to reduce front lift. A new rear diffuser, built into an all-new rear bumper construction includes vents for the rear wheel arches. And to complete the look, a one-piece, fixed rear spoiler is fitted to the top of the boot lid.

Not only do these changes add to the aggressive look of the Supersports, but together, the additions generate an extra 300kg more downforce than a Continental GT Speed.

Inside what is now a two-seat cabin, highly bolstered sports seats have been positioned lower in the car, the space where the rear cabin used to be is now covered with a carbon fibre and leather shell, and there is extensive use of leather, Dinamica, and even more carbon fibre to create a performance-focused space. You can’t sacrifice every comfort, so the seats still feature 11-way electric adjustment and heating.

As already mentioned, the powertrain of the new Supersports is non-hybrid and rear-wheel drive to reduce weight, with a new, strengthened 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8 at the heart of the car.

Featuring a stronger crankcase, uprated cylinder heads, and larger turbos, the Bentley Supersports sends 657bhp to 22-inch forged aluminium alloy rear wheels via an uprated eight-speed double clutch transmission and eLSD. The engine breathes through a full-length titanium sports exhaust and should be good for a 3.7s sprint to 62mph and a top speed of around 192mph.

The suspension and driving modes have been specifically tuned to work in perfect conjunction with the new RWD setup, with new wishbones, rear axle, springs, and dampers keeping the power on the tarmac. And when it comes to stopping again, you can rely on the largest automotive braking system in the world - 440mm Carbon-Silicon-Carbide (CSiC) discs on the front axle, clamped by 10-piston calipers, and 410 mm discs with four-piston calipers at the rear – fitted as standard. But if you want one, you really will have to be quick.

Bentley premiered the new Continental GT Supersports at a special event in Dubai at the end of January. Order books will be

officially opening in March with deliveries due to commence in early 2027. The only catch is that Bentley will be handcrafting just 500 examples. Although, that’s not really the only catch. Aside from the very limited numbers, there is also the small matter of the price tag, or lack thereof.

A quick glance at Bentley’s website is enough to reveal the words, “Enquire to Buy”, which only ever means one thing. The general consensus seems to be that anyone making a serious enquiry should expect to be handing over around £400,000 – and that’s likely just a starting price. You can imagine which direction it will go after the nice Bentley representative suggests perusing the options list.

Oh, and in case you were wondering, Project Mildred is a reference to Mildred Mary Petre, a racing driver, powerboat racer, and pilot who, in 1929, drove a Bentley 4½ Litre around the Montlhery circuit in France, solo, for 24 hours, averaging almost 90 mph and establishing a new endurance record at the time. Quite a feat for today, let alone almost a century ago.

Brain chain (hard)

Crossword

Word Square (left)

CITE Ill, Ills, Lie, Mien, Mil, Mill, Mills, Millstone, Not, One, Stone, Ton, Tone Word Square (right)

Ace, Are, Car, Care, Era, Eras, Ice, Race, Rev, Sac, Veracious, Vicar, Vice

Lots from F1 to 19th century bicycle

CLARKE'S Auctions' February sale saw some strong results with the private collection of Formula One motor racing memorabilia belonging to the late Peter Stayner, head of partner management for McLaren Formula One Racing, selling for above estimates and achieving some very strong prices among many collectors and fans of F1 racing.

Peter started his career at Snetterton Race Course in Norfolk, where the renowned racing driver Ayrton Senna trained during his formative years. He amassed many press photographs, many of which were signed by Senna and other famous drivers.

A black & white team photograph of Ayrton Senna and a presentation board, both signed by Senna, fetched £1,200 hammer, and a collection of official F1 paddock passes used by Peter Stayner for various Formula One races - including

The early 19th-century 'running machine' sold for £3,100

Brazil and Abu Dhabi - all mounted on a display board,

fetched £400.

Other interesting lots included a 19th-century child’s boneshaker type bicycle with traces of the original paintwork. Based on the early 19th century Draisine or ‘Running Machine’, a bicycle without pedals, this child’s example sold for £3,100 hammer, and a Royal Worcester miniature porcelain six-person tea service, each piece painted and signed by William Roberts, sold for £2,600 hammer.

The next Antiques & Collectables sale will be held on Friday and Saturday, March 13 and 14. For enquiries regarding consignment into this sale or any future sale, or for any Probate or Insurance Valuations or Full or Part House Clearances, please phone either Richard Clarke or Karen Marshall on 01747 685592 at their salerooms at The Old Glove Factory, Buckingham Road, Gillingham, SP8 4QF.

&

Units 1 & 2 Kingsettle Business Park, 01747 855109 enquiries@clarkesauctions.co.uk Antiques & Collectibles Sale Friday 9th & Saturday 10th