A BENCH commemorating 50 years of the Samaritans in Salisbury has been placed on the Cathedral Green.

Inscribed with the words ‘people don’t always listen – Samaritans do’, the bench was received and dedicated by The Revd. Canon Edward Probert, chancellor of Salisbury Cathedral . When it opened in 1962, the branch was housed in Salisbury College premises and was only the sixth to open in the country.

Salisbury Samaritans now help thousands of callers ever year and has a dedicated team of 85 volunteers there to listen in hours of need.

The branch, now situated in Milford Street, is holding an open day on Saturday, October 6 from 11am to 4pm for the public to look around and meet and chat with volunteers. Local ladies choir, Fiona Clarke’s Babes & Ballads will also be singing to celebrate the 50th anniversary in the Old George Mall on Saturday, October 20 from 11am to noon.

If you would like to find out more about becoming a volunteer, the branch holds monthly information evenings and the next is on Friday, October 12 at 7pm. Call 05603 120 206 for more details.