I qualified to be a priest in 2002 and have worked in Chelmsford,Winchester and Salisbury Diocese. In 2013 I moved to Harnham and have been here since. A Diocese is the regional area in which churches are grouped into.
How did it all start?
That's a long story! I knew from the age of 17 that I had a nagging feeling I was meant to be a priest. Partly because I enjoyed helping people, listening to their concerns and taking up causes for social justice. And partly because when I prayed this is what kept coming to me. I knew it would be a difficult job and it was not legal for women to be priests at that time, so I avoided it until I was in my late 20's. Before undertaking the priesthood, I began my career by training to be a school teacher and first taught in London and abroad. On my return I met with the appointed persons who discern if you would make a good priest, and got accepted through the selection process. When I heard I had been selected it was daunting but I celebrated by going night clubbing in Leicester Square!
What does the job involve?
The job has many aspects from the management of trustees and budgets to governance in schools. From leading worship in churches to supporting those who have been bereaved or who are getting married. No two days are ever the same and my diary is always full. One day I could be at assemblies with over 300 children, that usually involve acting and singing. And another, I'm providing quiet pastoral support, by visiting people who have lived on their own or in care and need a listening ear.
There is a job description described in the Service of Ordination, which is both legal and worship, which includes: "Serving the community in love, helping the poor and sick and lonely, listening and speaking out for the oppressed and powerless. So - ‘that the love of God may be made visible’ - ".
Additionally, I help people to grow in their faith and enjoy helping people learn. I pray daily for the members of the church, the wider community and the world. Some people I come across feel lost, or that life is unfair. I try and help them get back on the right track, and enable others to go out and show them the love of God. One of the hard parts of the job is sometimes you never know what happens to the people you've tried to help. It’s a big task and love that each day is different.
All Saints Church.
St George's Church
What qualifications do you need?
The official line is - To be in good standing in the community. However, once selected, you will need to have a diploma or degree in theology, (how to talk about God and interpret the scriptures in the light of when they were written, and apply them in today’s context). I studied applied theology that included both Black and Feminist Theology. As well as Pastoral Care and did a dissertation on how overseas experiences of different cultures, can aid social justice in home nations. I've also recently completed an MA on leadership and the church.
What’s the best part of the job?
It's got to be the people. I love meeting different people from all walks of life and enabling others. I also enjoy seeing them grow in their understanding and experience of God.
What’s the worst part of the job?
I think this varies according to your personality, but for me I find the worst parts are administration. Getting the balance between rules and appropriate care. In difficult times my role sometimes represents what people are angry about, and like many other leaders, I can get the brunt of it.
What advice would you give to someone who was looking to do this as a career?
Start by belonging to a worshipping community and explore with the leadership of that community a way forward. Get experience in life. Pray!
Click here for Church of England Common Worship Ordination Services.
Click here for Church of Scotland Ordination Booklet.
About the interviewer:
David Walker spent over thirty years working as a technician with the Theatre, Film and TV industry before deciding to change career and move into journalism. He studied with the BCJ and received his Diploma in 2016. Now he works freelance covering online, print and radio broadcast. His specialist areas are Motorsport, Travel, The Arts and the Mars One Project, although he is never afraid to try anything new and relishes a challenge wherever possible.
I’d like to say I’m able to see the good in people. But
in recent times I’ve discovered new depths that a predator will turn to. Back
in February I lost my wife to cancer, and since her passing I’ve now twice
become a target on social media, from scumbags posing as young women who want
to, “get to know me more”.
The first was obvious and I could smell a rat within five
minutes. “She” had only two photos on her Facebook profile. The images showing
a curvaceous young girl probably in her twenties wearing skimpy clothes that
barely touched the edges. She said she was a hairdresser from Texas who claimed
to have lost both parents at the age of four. And the only thing that would
make her happy was “a real man to make her feel like a queen”.
Now I may be vulnerable right now, but I’m not stupid;
so, decided to play along and waste their time. For the next hour we chatted, and
I fed her a pack of lies saying I was 98 years old, live in a straw house on Bodmin
moor and take my annual holiday in Azerbaijan. But no matter what I threw her
way, she still came back professing my profile photos made her have special
feelings towards me. It was a complete crock of s**t!
However, this was a children’s playground compared to my
next stalker. Here, with just a single photo on their LinkedIn profile they
amassed over 500 connections. This one was more subtle than the last and the
conversation was slower. They initiated the dialogue stating they were bored
due to lockdown and just fancied a chat. I’m far from looking for a new partner
but I am lonely, especially in this wretched lockdown. So a chat with a connection
on a professional business platform was a welcome relief. Over the next few
days, we would each leave the occasional message as they tried to gain my trust.
But when I started to ask more about them, I began to get suspicious with their
answers, and it wasn’t long before the same pattern started to emerge.
The person in question went by the name of Malissa, and
said they were a 33-year-old travelling nurse from Canada. However, a quick search
of their profile photo revealed two interesting things. “Malissa’s” LinkedIn photo
is identical to a Facebook profile under the name of Alia dating back to 2016. Further research however reveals the
actual person in the profile photo is 36-year-old American born Playboy model,
Sara Jean Underwood.
I’ve notified both LinkedIn and Facebook that this
photograph is being used on these popular platforms so hopefully they will take
appropriate action. As for “Malissa”, I told her I was going to write this
article and asked why she had made a fake profile. Within minutes, it was
amusing to see her side of the conversation had disappeared, and the profile
was instantly deleted. In the meantime, for anyone else who thinks they can
take advantage of someone who is recently widowed, my advice to you, is don’t
waste your time with me!
I’m now having to readjust back into the single life
once more and deal with my loss. My wife was the most wonderful person you
could ever meet. She was kind, funny, warm hearted and generous. Now I have a
massive hole in my heart that will never properly heal. She may not physically
be with me, but I will still always love her, until the end of time.
To see more about how cancer in the family really
affects your life, click on the link below to follow my wife’s journey as she
dealt with dealing with this wretched disease.
Coronavirus, the Pandemic that’s gripped the world and
brought it to a standstill. Every country across the planet is now affected by
the crisis one way or another. Millions of people are facing hardship in ways
that we’ve never experienced before. From senior politicians to rock stars,
this virus takes no mercy and is coming to a neighbourhood near you.
In February this year, I lost my wife. She was my rock, my soulmate and my
Angel. After two years of fighting cancer, she lost her life at the age of just
45 and was cruelly taken away from me and her family. We had barely even
started to work our way through the grieving process when Coronavirus started
to hit the world and social isolation became the new buzzwords.
For me, I’m now having to adjust to life once more as
a single person. I’m only a couple of years older but right now I feel I’m in
my nineties. As the virus spread from China to Europe and then the States, we watched in vain as
country after country started to go into lockdown. In the UK, we’re now five
weeks in and like most of others, the unemployment rate skyrocketed. All my clients have dropped by the wayside and I'm unable to claim any benefits. My outgoings have increased but my income has dried up, and my closest friends are an hour's drive away. On social
media I see people getting restless – fights are breaking out and the masses are desperately trying to find new and
different ways to keep themselves occupied.
Day one of lockdown saw me mowing the lawn, clearing
the garage and even hoovering the car. By day three the oven had been cleaned
and cobwebs dusted from off the ceiling. They say that you need to keep busy
and stay in a routine, but I wonder how many of us are doing that? As the days go by, I'll admit, it's getting more difficult to think of what to do.
Life in my house is now so very different. There is no
background noise that my wife loved. No TV, no radio, no chatter. Just silence.
I can’t sleep, I’m eating less and am getting thinner. This blog is a personal cry
for help because I don't know where to turn, and yet, I’m physically unable to communicate with the outside world in the same way as
before. Noise is a distraction – and an unwelcome one at that. But the
isolation and sheer loneliness are turning in on me. It’s a kind of a viscous circle
and the sad thing is that I know I’m not on my own.
I’m currently trying to do my best in socially
isolating from others whenever I go out to get fresh air or exercise. I’ve not
been shopping in seven weeks and reckon I can last one week more before I must
go out and get supplies. So, the question now is, am I just deeply sad brought
on by a series of unfortunate circumstances. Or am I heading towards
depression? My wife and I boarded the cancer rollercoaster in October 2018 and
since then I’ve not got off. Being in isolation is hard at the best of times
but being recently widowed and then thrown into isolation is even worse. I love my wife so much and miss her enormously. I'm not sure how much longer I can carry on. davidwalkerfj@gmail.com
Thursday, 5 December 2019
I'm sitting in the back room of a Macmillan centre at a hospital near the coast, waiting for my wife to finish a course on mindfulness. Around the room there's an array of leaflets on how to cope with Cancer. Four orange chairs surround a small table and four blue chairs are in a semicircle with three occupants. Their conversation revolves around sandwiches, crocodiles and Eric Clapton's mother!
I've been in this room countless times over the past two years as my wife is receiving her own cancer treatment. Every few weeks we make the fifty mile round trip after she first had surgery, followed by chemotherapy and now immunotherapy. We've had highs, lows and everything in-between, but the one constant amongst everything is I've always been her unofficial carer.
People across the country every day of the week take up the mantle when a loved one falls ill. Just like having kids, no-one ever gives you a manual on what to do, you just have to get on with it and learn from your mistakes. So as I sit here, I wonder how many other carers feel as frustrated as I do when you watch the person you love slowly start to die in front of your eyes with this wretched disease, and you know there is nothing you can do about it.
Caring comes in many forms, ranging from giving someone a lift to an appointment through to clearing up vomit off the bed sheets at 3am. When a person is going through cancer you quickly learn to adapt to ever changing mood swings as they too feel extreme levels of frustration. The only difference here, is that you are usually the one in the firing line who normally cops the screaming and shouting, as they try and release their pent up anger. You know it's not personal, but its difficult not to be hurt.
To give you an example, this morning my wife asked me to get her coat, scarf and a bag out of the cupboard whilst she tidied her hair. Because I didn't do it in the exact order she requested, she flew into a rage. Sadly, her outbursts and examples like this are all too common and there are days when it seems I just can't do anything right in her eyes. She does apologise and admit that I'm not actually to blame, but merely she finds it difficult to express from mind to mouth what she's trying to portray. They call it chemo brain, as it's a typical side effect from when a person receives chemotherapy treatment. So if you're reading this blog and thinking my wife is a monster - she isn't. It's just frustration.
As a male member of the species I'm doing the typical thing of keeping everything to myself and not what I keep being told to do, which is reach out to others. For me, I find that writing helps me to "brain dump", and sometimes I produce masterpieces worthy of print, but other times my work is mediocre at best. However, as a carer, no matter how hard you try and keep things on the straight and narrow. No matter how difficult it is when you are being screamed at, and no matter how many times you stare into the abyss in the middle of the night; it's important to remember you are not alone.
Now I'm not the kind of person who can speak easily in a group. In fact if it is ever possible to avoid this kind of scenario then I would try at all costs to run away. But I have heard of circumstances where for some people this does work. Of course, you could also go with one to one counselling, but for me, that seems like a waste of money when you could say exactly the same thing to a good bunch of mates down the pub. People kept urging me to seek help as they could see I was struggling, so eventually I gave into pressure and spoke with a doctor to get the ball rolling.
The first thing they asked me was did I have any suicidal thoughts? This threw me slightly, but then I had to admit the answer was yes. It's true to say I've considered on more than one occasion what life will be like for me after my wife goes, and will I really want to carry on? The sheer thought of being lonely brings me out in sweats and I feel a chill run straight down my spine. I'm not a religious person and don't really believe in the concept of heaven or hell, but it would be nice to think that we would be reunited in the "afterlife" if such a thing ever exists. The doctor however, reassured me that my thoughts were in fact perfectly normal. But if I then started to plan how to end my own life, it's a whole different ball game. I was given a couple of phone numbers to ring to arrange an appointment with a professional, and that was the end of the consultation. But as of yet, I've still to make the call.
I don't know how much longer I will be a carer. I certainly never envisaged that I would be put in this position, so don't even know if I'm actually entitled to any assistance, financial or otherwise. As a self employed person I guess the answer is no, but if you are reading this and you can offer any help or advice then I would be glad of some input. We're hoping that the immunotherapy will at least keep the cancer in a state of limbo, and if it works then my wife should be able to receive this drug for the next two years. Last week we heard that the National Institute for Clinical Excellence (NICE) has turned down the proposal for her specific drug to be accepted into the NHS. This is on the grounds of amongst other things, its cost. However, there may be a reprieve in January when it gets reviewed again, so here's hoping.
In the meantime, I will carry on helping my wife wherever she needs me. Whether it's getting some shopping through to making the tea; if it helps her to cope with life then I will do whatever is required. We have an incredible bond between us which is definitely being tested right now, and at times I can abundantly see why some couples split up due to the pressure. For me, even though I'm struggling, it's still nothing in comparison to what she is going through. My wife is a superstar, she's my soulmate, my rock, my best friend.
This, is Laura Walker. In November 2018 Laura was diagnosed with stage 2 bladder cancer and an operation would be required to remove the full bladder. On New Year's Eve, she underwent an 8 hour operation to have her bladder removed along with a full hysterectomy, 56 lymph nodes and a section of her lower colon. The surgeons then re-fashioned her colon to make a new bladder for her called a "Neo Bladder". The pictures below start from New Year's Day 2019.
24 Hours after the operation and Laura is sedated in the High Dependency Unit of University Hospital Southampton.
Receiving her second blood transfusion. The first was during surgery.
3 days after surgery and she takes her coffee for a walk!
Hospital food. At this stage Laura has a daily restriction of just 750ml over a 24 hour period.
She went into hospital with just the one blue bag, but came home with a total of seven bags containing allof her medical equipment that she will need for the upcoming weeks.
9 days after the operation, she breaks free from hospital!
Just six weeks later and the first of her Chemotherapy treatments start.
A cannula is used for the drugs to enter the body. Depending on which part of the cycle, treatment can last up to five hours at a time.
Shortly after Easter and Laura is admitted to hospital with sepsis.
Although the china tea cups and cake provided by the hospital volunteers do try and help make you feel at home!
Meanwhile, this is David's view at various times of the day and night.
These machines regulate the flow of the drugs into the body and have a really annoying beep which never seems to stop.
Laura's daily intake of drugs.
Instead of using a cannula, Laura now has to receive all treatment through a picc line in her arm which is inserted into a major vein for several months. However, due to various issues, a total of three picc lines were used throughout Laura's treatment.
The chemotherapy drugs are now starting to show on her skin and hair,along with some weight loss.
But she still has her sense of humour.
One of many trips to to A&E in the middle of the night. This one was due to severe dehydration.
A typical menu.
By May the effects are really starting to show.
After a large spike in body temperature, we are in A&E again. This picture was taken around 5am.
Laura in an isolation ward as she is neutropenic. By the time this picture was taken, she had already spent nearly four weeks in isolation on three separate occasions and received 2 more blood transfusions.
Another trip to A&E. This time at 3am.
June, and Laura stays in bed all day to save up enough energy to watch the Kaiser Chiefs at an open air concert that night. It was worth it!
Early July. The weight loss is now very significant with over 23kg gone in just 5 months. Chemo treatment has been stopped early after 5 complete sessions as it was deemed to be doing more harm than good at this stage.
Mid July and SUCCESS!!! After her first scan, Laura is given the "all clear" and can now say she has beaten Cancer! Happy doesn't even come close...
3 months on and Laura has permission from the hospital to act as an ambassador, giving people an insight and to tell her story. She now helps others around the world to make their own informed choices and a better understanding of what to expect. Here she can be seen here talking to someone from Canada who had some questions regarding upcoming surgery. At the end of just an hour on the phone, they felt happier and more relaxed, ready to face the enemy that is cancer.
Unfortunately, the story doesn't end there. In late October 2019 we had a significant blow, as more cancer cells were detected in her liver. Despite further treatment, in December 2019 she was diagnosed as terminally ill and the effects on her body took its toll. On 1st February 2020, Laura gave her last breath in the hospice at Salisbury surrounded by her husband and family at her bedside. Our lives have been torn apart by this wretched disease.
She was my life, my rock, my soulmate. And someone who will always remain deep in my heart. I don't know what the future is going to hold for me, but I do know that from now on, life will be very different. Prior to her death, Laura asked for people to make a donation on her "Just Giving" site, which was to raise funds for the charity Fight Bladder Cancer. A few of us managed to get this sorted and were thankful for everyone who donated, as we managed to raise somewhere in the region of around £20K (if memory serves me right). In addition, Laura also asked me (David) to sell off her beloved Marmite collection which totals nearly 300 items! A separate blog for this can be seen by clicking this link here of which the money raised from this sale will go to St Raphael's Hospice in South West London. The details of which can be seen below.
Our heartfelt thanks go to all the staff at University Hospital Southampton and also to Salisbury district hospital. During that time we estimate that Laura has been treated by over 400 medical professionals from District nurses through to Porters, A&E staff, X-Ray teams, Ward staff, Laboratory technicians, Surgeons, Consultants and more. But equally, we'd like to thank the unsung heroes. These are the people who by making a completely selfless act saved the life of Laura. It took seven people donating their blood to help keep her alive. The NHS require over 135,000 units each year, so if you can spare just 15 minutes out of your day then please give blood and help save someone else's life today.
General statistics:
Laura was treated by over 400 medical staff.
The 24 hour oncology emergency number was called 12 times resulting in 10 emergency trips to hospital.
All visits to A&E were after 10.30pm and usually lasted a minimum of four hours at a time.
The longest wait was 18 hours due to a massive bed shortage in Salisbury hospital who had an outbreak of Norovirus.
Around 55 additional trips to hospital were made for routine appointments and treatment. This isn't including all visitations by David while Laura was in hospital for prolonged stays.
Approximately £400 was spent in car parking fees.
Over 2000 miles were driven to and from hospital for appointments and visitations. This equated to six tanks of fuel at a cost of just under £400
Seven people gave blood to save one person's life.
Although no actual figure is disclosed, it's estimated that the cost of the chemotherapy drugs run into the thousands of pounds per treatment.
Three picc lines were used during treatment
If you were affected by this story and would like to make a donation at your nearest blood bank, then we'd love to hear from you. So far we are aware that all of the blood which was given to Laura has now been replaced by the generosity of family and friends who we think are awesome. And if you know someone who would benefit from this blog then feel free to share it with them. Just copy the link in the browser and paste it on your social media or any groups that you belong to.
******************************************************************* Laura was also an advocate of the British Heart Foundation, of which David managed to raise approximately £6500 (including gift aid) for them by selling off some of her Marmite collection as per Laura's wishes. If you would like to make a donation to the British Heart Foundation, then you can do so using the Just Giving website click on this link here. ********************************************************************
Or copy and paste the full link into your browser here
The more that Laura could help others, the more it gave her the strength to carry on each day. She was a truly incredible woman who I loved dearly with all my heart and more. We never know what's coming round the corner, so hug your nearest and dearest, tell them you love them and NEVER waste a second to enjoy your life together.
Fly Tipping is nothing new but in recent months
there’s been an alarming rise in the level of waste dumped in hedgerows and
bushes around Salisbury.
Written by David Walker.
From oil drums and fridge freezers to furniture and
even a car petrol tank, Old Shaftesbury Drove by the racecourse has recently
become a mecca for people engaging in their dirty habits and spoiling the environment
for the rest of us. The level of rubbish left by the wayside can sometimes
determine the punishment given but it’s not unusual to see a fine up to £50,000
with even a custodial sentence. So why are people risking themselves of getting
caught performing this illegal act? Do they find it difficult to use the
facilities, or are they just plain lazy?
It’s a well-known fact that the recycling centre on
the Churchfields Industrial Estate is far from being user friendly. Indeed, Salisbury City Councillor John Baber MBE described the site as “difficult,” a sentiment which
was echoed by Councillor Sven Hocking. To be able to use the site you need to
provide proof that you are a resident of the city. This is because people have
been coming from places such as Southampton and Romsey to dispose of their
waste on the Salisbury site, which inevitably takes up more room leaving less
for residents to clear their waste.
Anyone using a van, flatbed vehicle or large trailer
needs to have a permit to use the site. If you don’t have one them you will not
be able to offload your refuse. The permits are obtained free of charge from
the council, but this does seem a waste of resources and costs by
administrators processing an application, printer ink, paper and postage!
After the last local elections, Salisbury council
undertook all the city cleaning work from Wiltshire County council and over the
past twelve months they’ve had to review a significant number of contracts when
it comes to keeping everywhere clean and tidy. Nick Daley from Bemerton Heath
never liked to see overflowing waste bins and felt as though there was a
significant drop in the number of street cleaners in the city. Whereas Craig
Chapman, a resident on Brown Street was unhappy at the amount of black refuse
bags there are left on the streets. Craig also added, “If you look at areas
such as Andover which is beautiful, I feel as there is no pride in our city”.
When those points were raised with the Council, both
Councillors Baber and Hocking were eager to point out that over the past twelve
months there has been a significant investment into the cleaning of the city;
stating that things are much better than they were twelve months ago. This
includes an extra sixty waste bins located on various streets plus new
equipment and vehicles. Street cleaners now operate seven days a week as
opposed to a previous five days, and extra clean-ups done after market days and
special events. In addition to this, a new scheme will soon be launched by the
council to educate people in waste management as well as proposed on the spot
fines for anyone seen dropping litter.
Whilst it’s clear that the council are working hard to
improve things, to make all of this happen was not done overnight and getting
the new contracts in place for all works were only finalised recently. Therefore,
we should start to see a greater improvement as time progresses. One of the
biggest concerns from people who were asked about their views on this subject was, the quantity of refuse bags left on the side of the road – especially on a
Saturday and Sunday night around the main take away establishments. Councillor
Baber stated the fast food outlets have been requested to keep the pavements
outside their establishments clear of rubbish, adding he finds it frustrating
when people leave their own refuse bags next to a waste bin which makes an area
look unsightly. As I was researching for this article, I noticed several bags
located around the town at eleven O’clock on a Thursday morning which was
hardly a short time after the takeaways had closed. However, Councillor Hocking
stated that all refuse bags are collected “on a daily basis”.
But what about someone who tries to do the right thing
when disposing of their rubbish and is let down by the system? Steve and Hazel
Linard from Netherhampton did just that after they bought a new three-piece
suite. They logged onto the council website and paid £12 to have their old
furniture taken away which they thought would quickly happen. Over three weeks
went by before someone from the council finally collected their old items off
their driveway, which by now had been subject to the elements and were looking
rather dishevelled and no longer fit for purpose.
The company now running the recycling site on
Churchfields is FCC Environment who were awarded the contract at the end of 2017. I’m told they hope to improve the usage of the site making it more user
friendly for everyone. But despite repeated requests to find out what is
actually going to be done, no-one has yet come back to me with an answer. Hopefully
if a level of investment is made at the recycling centre, then we should see a
significant improvement in its usage and a lot less fly tipping. Site
supervisor Graham who’s been working there for nearly six years says that they
already take large items such as furniture and fridges, so there should be no
reason for anyone to dump their waste illegally.
If you see an area that has been used as an illegal
dumping ground then you can report it quickly and easily to Wiltshire council
via their website, who will come and clear the offending items away. And if you
own a car which recently had a garage replace the petrol tank, then I'd like
to hear about it where I will pass on the information for further
investigation. Sadly, you will never be able to eradicate fly tipping
completely, but if we all work together then united we can make the world a
better place to live.
Famous for Stonehenge and the Cathedral, the city was soon to play host of an event that made the World stage.
What started off as two people found unconscious on a park bench, soon became a tale of Attempted Murder, Intrigue and a test of International Domestic Relations.
As events unfolded they were recorded in this blog with the most recent located near the top of the page.
Written by David Walker
Introduction
On Sunday 4th March 2018 former double agent and Russian Spy Sergei Skripal 66 and his daughter Yulia 33 were found unconscious near a children’s play park in a Wiltshire shopping area. As a result of the discovery and subsequent series of events, Police quickly turned this seemingly random situation into a major incident.
The two were treated in ICU at Salisbury District Hospital after they were exposed to an unknown substance but without showing any signs of visible injuries. At the time of the discovery, Public Health England stated based on current evidence there doesn’t appear to be any risk to Public Health.
This blog is a day by day account of events as they unfold in what is undoubtedly turning out to be a tale of attempted murder, intrigue and a test of international diplomatic relations. All starting from Salisbury, a location in quintessential rural England.
Sergei and Yulia Skripal
Friday 18th May 2018
It has just been confirmed that Sergei Skripal has now been released from Salisbury District Hospital and moved to a secure location. It's now nearly eleven weeks since he and his daughter Yulia were found slumped on a park bench in The Maltings area of the town, close to the Bishops Mill pub and Zizzi's restaurant where they both ate and drank.
No further news is currently available.
Tuesday 1st May
Unless there are any further breaking developments, this blog will now be brought to a close. The residents of Salisbury are going about their everyday lives, the cleanup of the infected areas is well underway and all the news teams have gone. The only two outstanding issues that still remain are shops are still struggling by the Maltings area due to lack of footfall, and Sergei Skripal is still believed to be in hospital. No word on his current health has been made, or even if he is still actually within the hospital complex. It's all gone very quiet!
Please feel free to share this blog or use it for reference if you wish. I've tried to keep it as simple yet accurate as possible as this has been a real piece of history in the making. The whole incident took place just 1 mile from my home; people from outside of the area joke and say "Have we had a wash?" Or even, "Have we been sprayed clean?" But the truth is that for 99.9% of the population of this city nothing happened. No-one fell ill, no-one became contaminated and thankfully, no-one has died. However, from here on Salisbury will now become famous for three things. Stonehenge, the Cathedral and... Novichock!
Monday 23rd April
The cleanup begins...
Friday 20th April
Additional barriers are being put into place at 9 key locations around the town where the Nerve Agent Novichock is said to be, prior to the clean up. However, note that although the barriers are at the entrance to such locations, with the exception of Zizzi's restaurant, in these photos, all other areas are still exposed for anyone to see.
Maltings Shopping Area
Just to the right of the above picture. This is the area where the park bench was located where Yulia and Sergei Skripal were found.
On the opposite side.
Zizzi's Restaurant.
The latest BBC news article on the cleanup can be seen here.
Thursday 19th April
A meeting will be held this evening for the people of the town at Salisbury's City Hall arts venue. It's expected that the council will be outlying plans on how best to move forward with bringing much needed income back into the town, now that a more detailed "clean up" process is soon about to begin. More details on this later.
Tuesday 27th March
The UK Government has released a Press statement saying that up to £2.5 Million Pounds will be released to the City of Salisbury to help its residents and shop keepers get through this difficult time. The full statement can be read here.
Thursday 12th March
The Organisation for the Prohibitions of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) have confirmed they agree with the UK's findings about the chemical agent used against Yulia and Sergei Skripal. But they have not gone as far as to identify it as Novichock. Russia are still denying that they had anything to do with the attack against the Skripals but Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson has said, "There can be no doubt what was used". In addition, he stated "There remains no alternative explanation about who was responsible. Only Russia has the means, motive and record".
Wednesday 11th March
In a statement issued through the Police, Yulia Skripal has rejected any help from the Russian Embassy "at the moment". She says that she is currently not strong enough to give a full media interview and that "no-one should speak for her or her father". However, Russia is casting doubt that the statement really does belong to Yulia and said that it raises new questions.
Yulia also went on to say that she has found herself in "a totally different life than the ordinary one I left just over a month ago". Adding, "I have specially trained officers available to me, who are helping to take care of me and to explain the investigative processes that are being undertaken. I have access to friends and family, and I have been made aware of my specific contacts at the Russian Embassy who have kindly offered me their assistance in any way that they can. At the moment I do not wish to avail myself of their services, but if I change my mind I know how to contact them".
The Russian Embassy replied to this statement by saying that this "Only strengthens that we are dealing with a forcible isolation of a Russian citizen" and have called on the UK authorities to "Urgently provide tangible evidence that Ms Skripal was not deprived of her freedom".
Russia are still denying that they had any dealings with the poisoning of Yulia and Sergei Skripal which took place in Salisbury around five weeks ago, and have accused the British of inventing a "fake story".
Over twenty countries are in the process of expelling Russian envoys in one of the biggest cases of joint solidarity with the UK since World War Two. Independent tests on the nerve agent that was used on the Skripal's have been conducted by the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW). A copy of their findings is due to be published tomorrow.
Viktoria Skripal. Credit: Sky News
In the meantime, while Yulia and her father were being treated in hospital, Yulia's cousin Viktoria Skripal who lives in Russia, gave interviews to various international news agencies. In these interviews, Viktoria claimed that Yulia was planning to ask for Political Asylum - although she didn't know in which country. This however seems to be in contrast to Yulia as she stated, "I thank my cousin for her concern for us, but Viktoria's opinions and assertions are not mine and they are not my father's". Adding, I ask that she does not visit me or try to contact me for the time being".
Monday 9th March
5 weeks after being discovered on a park bench in the Maltings area of Salisbury, Yulia Skripal left hospital and was taken to a secure location.
Friday 6th March
The main man at the centre of this international story, Sergei Skripal has also woken up. He is now off the critically ill list and is said to be responding well to treatment. More to follow...
Thursday 5th March
Yulia Skripal has now started to show signs of improvement and as such has prepared a statement which was issued by the metropolitan Police. You can read what she has to say here.
Thursday 22nd
As Theresa May arrived for a summit in Brussels it is deemed that she will tell her European counterparts that Russia "Does not respect borders". Despite claims many member states say that they are behind Britain and will support the UK (regardless of many months of testy Brexit negotiations); it would seem that nearly all have not yet put any sanctions of their own into place against Russia.
Having said this, it would seem that the door is open to Russia if they want to engage in diplomatic talks, as at least a war of words is a far better option that a war of action. The best comment of the day came earlier this morning from the UK Culture Secretary Matt Hancock who said on Breakfast television, "The best response to the Salisbury attack would be for England to go to the World Cup in Russia... and win it"! A sentiment which was echoed in a radio broadcast which I gave earlier today on Talk Sport Radio.
Monday 19th March
A team of international specialists arrived at Porton Down today to remove a sample of the suspected nerve agent Novochock. This is so that they can perform independent unbiased tests of their own whereby the results will be made public for the whole world to see. Meanwhile, as the investigation continues, the Army today removed Yulia Skripal's car for a more detailed examination.
As a side note - in Russia, Vladimir Putin today won a General Election granting him 6 more years in office. Some people believe that the recent events in Salisbury were done deliberately prior to the election so as to increase an "Anti Western" feeling and therefore give strength and backing to ensure Mr Putin wins.
Vladimir Putin.
Sunday 18th March
Russia's EU Ambassador Vladimir Chizhov hinted on the "Andrew Marr" TV program that maybe the nerve agent identified by the UK Government's defence research agency at Porton Down, could have actually originated from the same establishment.
A full outline of the story can be seen on the BBC news web pages here.
Saturday 17th March
Russia has announced that it is going to expel 23 UK Diplomats and that they too have just one week to leave the country.
Friday 16th March
It was announced that the Police have launched a murder probe into death of Russian Nikolai Glushkov in London. The Metropolitan Police said a post-mortem examination found the cause of the 68-year-old's death was compression to the neck. Possibly by hanging.
Mr Glushkov received political asylum in Britain after being jailed in Russia for money laundering and fraud He was found dead at his home in New Malden, southwest London on Monday. Scotland Yard said its Counter-Terrorism Command is leading the investigation "because of the associations Mr Glushkov is believed to have had" but they were quick to add, there is "nothing to suggest any link to the attempted murders in Salisbury, nor any evidence that Mr Glushkov was poisoned".
Earlier, Russia's Investigative Committee, which reports directly to President Vladimir Putin, announced it had opened a murder investigation into Mr Glushkov's death. With reference to the Salisbury case, the committee said in the same statement that it will probe the "attempted premeditated murder" of Yulia Skripal, adding it was ready to co-operate with the British authorities.
One of Mr Glushkov's friends was late Russian oligarch Boris Berezovsky, who fled to London in 2000 following a row with Vladimir Putin. The Russian embassy said it had sought Mr Glushkov's extradition in 2015 "for committing a number of severe financial offences on the territory of Russia", but the British Government refused.
After Mr Berezovsky was found hanged in the bathroom of his Berkshire home in March 2013, Mr Glushkov told The Guardian he would "never believe" his friend took his own life, but an inquest into Mr Berezovsky's death recorded an open verdict.
Mr Berezovsky was also a friend of Russian dissident Alexander Litvinenko, who was poisoned with radioactive Polonium-210 in London in 2006. Police and the security services are expected to examine allegations that a series of deaths on UK soil, including the Berezovsky case, may be linked to Russia.
Nikolai Glushkov
Thursday 15th March
US President Donald Trump has given his support to Theresa May and the UK Government in their stance against Russia. The White House says it "stands in solidarity" with "its closest ally" the UK and supports its decision to expel 23 Russian diplomats.
In the statement, Mr Trump's press secretary Sarah Huckabee-Sanders said the US wanted to ensure "this kind of abhorrent attack does not happen again", describing the expulsion of Russian diplomats from Britain as "a just response".
Former NATO chief, Anders Fogh Rasmussen, told BBC Radio 4's Today programme the attack was part of a "wider strategy" by Russia against Europe. He said it was time to "fight back" with prolonged sanctions and measures to target individuals close to President Putin, adding "anything short of full solidarity with the UK will be considered a victory by the Kremlin".
The White House
Meanwhile, Theresa May visited Salisbury today to see for herself what was going on. At the same time, shop keepers in the Maltings area were making complaints that they are losing business due to the significant amount of reduced footfall in the area. They have been reassured by the council that some kind of rescue plan is underway for them and that a meeting will be held tonight.
Prime Minister Theresa May looking under pressure from the previous few days events.
Credit: Graham Wallen
The Prime Minister was briefed by Public health experts as Sergei and Yulia Skripol remain critically ill in hospital. The US, Germany and France in conjunction with the UK have now all said in a joint statement that Russian involvement was "the only plausible explanation". However, Russia continues to deny any involvement and has vowed a "swift response" to the expulsion of it's Diplomats.
Gold bullion
In other news, Defence Secretary Gavin Williamson revealed today that the Government will invest £48M in a new chemical warfare defence centre. This will be at Porton Down which is the same establishment that discovered what substance was used on the Skripal's.
Wednesday 14th March
The deadline for Moscow to respond to the British Government's request has now passed. Russia claims to deny any involvement and state they will not give a response until they have seen a sample of the nerve agent used. Meanwhile, in New Malden, South West London, Counter-Terrorism Police are investigating the death of a Russian Businessman who was a close friend of Putin critic Boris Berezovsky. At present, the Police are stating that they are not connecting this incident with that of the ongoing investigation in Salisbury.
Boris Berezovsky
The Prime Minister Theresa May said this morning that she would announce a series of measures against Russia later today after Prime Minister's questions. Moscow stated that it would be willing to co-operate with the UK if a formal request for clarification was made under the Chemical Weapons Convention. This normally allows a standard of a ten day response to any request, rather than just the 24 hours which has been given here. Russia also stated that it had no motive to carry out such an attack and that any steps taken by the Prime Minister would lead to "retaliatory measures".
During this time, the UK called for an urgent meeting of the UN Security Council and also briefed NATO's North Atlantic Council. Nato's allies have expressed their deep concern at the use of a nerve agent in this way.
By 1pm, news was breaking that Theresa May has ordered out of Britain a total of 23 Diplomats, citing that they have one week to pack up and leave the UK. These are identified as "Undeclared Intelligence Officers". This is the largest mass expulsion since 31 Diplomats were ordered out in 1985 after double agent Oleg Gordievsky defected.
In addition to the ordering out of the 23 Diplomats, Theresa May wanted to send a clear message to Russia and imposed additional sanctions. They include...
- Increasing checks on private flights, customs and freight.
- Freezing Russian state assets where there is evidence they may be used to threaten the life or property of UK nationals or residents.
- Ministers and the Royal Family boycotting the Fifa World Cup in Russia later this year.
- Suspending all planned high-level bilateral contacts between the UK and Russia.
- Plans to consider new laws to increase defences against "hostile state activity".
Mrs May told MP's that Russia had provided "no explanation" as to how the nerve agent came to be used in the UK, describing Moscow's response as one of "sarcasm, contempt and defiance". Adding, "The use of a Russian-made nerve agent on UK soil amounted to the unlawful use of force, she said".
Russia's response via its Embassy to the comments made by Theresa May said, "The expulsion of 23 Diplomats was unacceptable, unjustified and short sighted".
Credit: Somerset Live
Meanwhile, Police have cordoned off a stretch of Hyde Road, in Gillingham, Dorset, and Army personnel and vehicles were pictured entering the cordon on social media. According to a Metropolitan Police Spokesman, "The military is assisting police to remove a number of vehicles and items from areas of Dorset, following the incident in Salisbury. The public should not be alarmed and the public health advice remains the same. The military has the expertise and capability to respond to a range of contingencies. The Ministry of Defence regularly assists the emergency services and local authorities in the UK. Military assistance will continue as necessary during this investigation".
Credit: Sky News
Tuesday 13th March
By 6pm there was no public word that Britain had as of yet heard anything from the Russian Ambassador, leaving just six short hours until the end of the deadline. Earlier today, outside of New Scotland Yard in London, Assistant Commissioner Neil Basu said 35 other people have now been seen in hospital. 34 of which had been assessed and discharged, while the condition of one person is being monitored as an outpatient.
Assistant Commissioner Basu also revealed Miss Skripal had flown into Heathrow Airport on 3 March. He appealed for witnesses who saw the pair in her father's car - licence plate number HD09 WAO - between 13:00 and 13.45 GMT on the day of the poisoning. The car was left in Sainsbury's upper level car park in the Maltings shopping area before the Skripals went to the Bishops Mill Pub and then the restaurant Zizzi.
Credit: Ben Whitlock
By 7pm the BBC provided an update with a response from Russia. Click on the link here to see what has been said.
Monday 12th March
From a Media point of view, all but a handful of journalists have now moved on from Salisbury. Prime Minister Theresa May chaired a meeting with the Security Council and heard the latest intelligence on the nerve agent attack. The meeting brought together senior ministers, as well as intelligence and military chiefs, where they considered whether there was enough evidence of who is behind the attack, and to take action if it is the right time to do so. Later that day, the Prime Minister said in the House of Commons that "It was clear that Mr Skripal and his daughter were poisoned with a Military grade nerve agent of a type developed by Russia". This is a part of a group of nerve agents known as Novichock. She continued, coupled with other evidence, "The Government has concluded that it was highly likely that Russia was responsible for the act against Sergei and Yulia Skripal". This brings forward two possible options. Either it was a deliberate targeted attack by Russia on British soil, or somehow Russia lost it's stock and it fell into the hands of others.
Prime Minister Theresa May
Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson
Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson therefore summoned the Russian Ambassador to the Foreign and Commonwealth Office and asked him to explain which of the two possibilities it is, as well as give an account as to how the nerve agent made its way to Salisbury and ultimately with Sergei Skripal and his daughter. A deadline of Tuesday at midnight has been given.
In the meantime, Police are still actively working on the case and by Monday evening became very interested in both a white van in the town of Winterslow less than ten miles from Salisbury town centre. As well as the multi storey car par in the centre of Salisbury. The reason behind both of these areas of interest currently remains a mystery.
At the end of her speech, Theresa May stated, "Should there be no credible response, we will conclude that this action amounts to an unlawful use of force by the Russian state against the United Kingdom". If this doesn't happen, then Mrs May will outline the UK's next actions on Wednesday.
Sunday 11th March
Some facts and figures are starting to come to light. A total of 21 people were taken to hospital to receive medical treatment. 180 soldiers have now been deployed to help with the clean up. 250 Police are working on the case looking at 200 pieces of evidence and talking to over 500 witnesses. Although Prof Dame Sally Davies, the Chief Medical Officer for England said the risk of harm to fellow diners was "low", people who were in the area at the time are being advised to wash all of their possessions. A formal Government statement can be read here.
The advice to wash possessions applies to anyone in either venue between 13:30 GMT on Sunday 4 March to closing time on Monday.
- Clothes should be washed, ideally in a washing machine.
- Clothes which cannot be washed, for example if they need dry cleaning, should be double bagged in plastic until further notice.
- Mobile phones, handbags and other electronic items should be wiped with baby wipes, which should be bagged in plastic and put in the bin.
- Other items such as jewellery and glasses should be washed with warm water and detergent.
- Hands should be washed after the handling of any items suspected of being contaminated.
Meanwhile, Police have turned their attention to the cemetery where Sergei Skripal's wife and son are buried. A large tent has been erected above their graves and it is believed that they are looking for traces of nerve agent. However, they have confirmed that as of this time, no bodies will be exhumed.
A group of Journalists just opposite Zizzi's Restaurant.
Saturday 10th March Military personnel continue the big sweep today by collecting an ambulance which was first on the scene at The Maltings. The road leading to Sergei's house was now closed off by Police allowing access to direct residents only and no-one else, and it is discovered that traces of Nerve Agent are found at the Zizzi's restaurant. Home secretary Amber Rudd gives another press interview, in it she states the following phrase... "Over 250 Counter Terrorism Police from 8 out of our 11 Counter Terrorism Units involved". As a journalist and blogger I have to wonder are there really over 250 dedicated individuals specifically working solely on this case and no other? We know that all resources are at their disposal; but when our services are already being stretched to beyond breaking point, how come the resources are available now and not at any other time? For me, the figures don't add up and I'd be happy to ask Amber Rudd if this is the case. You can watch the interview here.
Friday 9th March Home Secretary Amber Rudd visits the scene and talks to BBC news in an interview about the event, whereby she praises the work of the Police and other emergency services in Salisbury. Meanwhile, it is discovered that DS Nick Bailey didn't become exposed to the Nerve Agent on the site of location in the Maltings area as originally thought, but instead he contracted the substance at Sergei Skripal's house. This could throw a whole new light into how and where the Nerve Agent originated from, as it is found that Sergei's daughter Yulia arrived from Moscow to visit her father only the day beforehand.
Credit: BBC
Later that day, a task force of 180 soldiers who are specially trained in the use of handling chemical agents were drafted into the town to start a massive "clear up" of all substances known to be in the area. They started off at the district hospital removing a Police car onto the back of a lorry as it was believed this car had been the first on the scene, which then went over to the hospital.
Credit: Daily Mail
By nightfall, additional barriers were erected in front of Zizzi's restaurant to prevent anyone looking into the building. Whilst a Police presence is still guarding the front of the Bishops Mill pub, little is known regarding any further developments in this area.
Thursday 8th March
Home Secretary Amber Rudd has spoken to say that the policeman who was first on the scene to assist Sergei and Yulia still remains in a serious condition in ICU. However, he is now talking and engaging with others which is hopeful. She also stated in an interview with BBC Breakfast news that there "Is no cause for the public to panic."
Meanwhile Police are appealing for anyone who was in Salisbury on Sunday afternoon, in particular those who attended either Zizzi's restaurant or The Bishops's Mill Pub to come forward with any information they may have. A CCTV image taken just 30 minutes before the pair were found unconscious is of interest to Police as this shows Sergei with a blond haired woman carrying a large red bag, whereas his daughter has dark hair as you can see at the top of this blog.
By late afternoon the Policeman in hospital was named as Detective Sargent Nick Bailey. Wiltshire Police's temporary Chief Constable Kier Pritchard said it was too early to tell if Mr Bailey, one of the force's several officers who fell ill, would make a full recovery. He paid tribute to the "Well loved, well liked and massively dedicated officer", who had been commended in 2016 for work which led to a serial rapist being jailed. Mr Bailey is among 21 people who received medical treatment following exposure to the nerve agent.
Credit: Salisbury Journal / Getty Images
Wednesday 7th March
On Wednesday morning the Police turned their attention to Solstice Park, a nearby industrial area approximately ten miles out of town. Although at this stage no further information has been revealed. Later in the morning, the Government's Home Secretary Amber Rudd, announced that after a COBRA meeting they had further information on the type of poison used. Details would be issued in a press statement later that day. While the worlds press waited for updates, things took a slightly different turn of events when Fire and Ambulance crews were called to Sarum House, a property adjacent to Zizi’s. Here, a woman was seen boarding the ambulance by her own free will, although she was assisted by a Police Officer and a Paramedic. The Police refused to comment as to whether this was connected to the ongoing chain of events.
Credit: Simon Ward Photography
Meanwhile, just after 5.30pm Assistant Police Commissioner Mark Rowley, Head of Counter Terrorism Policing gave the following statement.
“Having established that a nerve agent is the cause of the symptoms leading us to treat this as attempted murder, I can also confirm that we believe that the two people who became unwell were targeted specifically.” He also added “A Police Officer who was first to attend the scene is now in a serious condition in hospital, but that there was no evidence of a widespread health risk to the public.”
At the same time the countries Chief Medical Officer Sally Davies changed the initial format given by Public Health England from saying there doesn't appear to be of any risk - to - there is a "low risk" of health to the people. Based on the evidence they have. A small, but nonetheless change of fact. Police also closed off The Bishops Mill public house as part of their investigations. No further details about these two establishments, or other locations of interest around the town - including Sergei Skripal’s home property - are currently being given. Later that evening, investigators wearing chemical suits turned their attention to an Ambulance station near to Salisbury District Hospital. It is likely that vehicles involved in this incident are based at this station.
An Ambulance enters into Salisbury District Hospital
Tuesday 6th March
Acting Chief Constable Kier Pritchard for Wiltshire Police stated in a press conference on Tuesday that “All measures were being taken with Public Health England and the NHS as well as local authorities in Swindon.”
Kier Pritchard
Because this is a fast-paced series of events, the London MET Police Counter Terrorism Network will now be leading the investigation but have stressed that this is not a terrorist incident and that they are keeping open mind.
Angus McPherson
The Police and Crime commissioner for Wiltshire Angus McPherson stated that “All measures necessary were being taken to protect the public.” This was reiterated by Kier Pritchard who commented “It is vital to continue an increased Police presence to reassure communities.”
Wiltshire Police Headquarters at Devizes
Late into the night on Tuesday, various Police cordons were extended although this was not known why as a few hours later they were reduced. Zizzi’s restaurant however had its cordon remain in place.
Monday 5th March
There are reports of several people have attended Salisbury District Hospital, each displaying symptoms of some form of poisoning. Police and Fire Brigade are called and a major Incident is declared. By Monday night, a nearby pizza restaurant on Castle Street was closed by Police on safety grounds pending further enquiries.
A Police Officer stands on guard outside Zizzi's
About me
Salisbury based David Walker spent over thirty years working as a technician with the Theatre, Film and TV Industry before deciding to change career and move into journalism. He studied with the BCJ and received his Diploma in 2016. Now he works freelance covering online, print and radio broadcast. His specialist subjects are Motorsport, Travel and The Arts, although he is never afraid to try anything new and relishes a challenge wherever possible. To contact David please email davidwalkerfj@gmail.com Click here for David's LinkedIn Profile A summary of all the accounts by the BBC can be seen here
