ONE of the tricks of the columnist’s trade is to check the ‘awareness calendar’ for the month to seek inspiration. It tells me that amongst other things, October is Black History, National Cholesterol , Lupus, ADHD, Breast Cancer Awareness and International Walk to School month and this week in particular International Brain Tumour and PH Awareness week and National Curry week.

But I think we should put in a bid for a special week (or month) next year. ‘Salisbury awareness month’

Regular readers of this column may recall that this summer I conducted a whistle-stop tour of Europe with my teenage son, visiting a number of iconic destinations. On some of these we opted for a guided tour. “Where are you from?” the guide would enquire. “UK,” we’d reply. “Whereabouts? London?” “No, Salisbury.” “Ah, Salisbury – Russian spies…” Salisbury was on the map.

“But,” I wanted to say, “That’s not the Salisbury I know! We’re not just the destination of choice for Russian assassins or a 30 minute stop-over for tourists en route to Stonehenge; we’re so much more.”

Each weekend I take Barney the beagle for an early morning run over the downs and look forward to the view of the city rising over the horizon as we crest Cockey Down. This weekend we were disappointed; the early morning mist obscured everything apart from the shadow of the nearest gorse bush.

The nerve agent attack on Salisbury has cast its own malignant mist over the city, obscuring the reality of the richness of its life; its landmark tourist attractions and its thriving cultural life that would be the envy of many other European destinations; last week’s acclaimed Literary Festival being just one example. Next year sees the return of the International Arts Festival and in recognition of its historic ties with the military, Salisbury plays host to June’s national Armed Forces Day Celebrations – all that on top of the Young Gallery, Playhouse and Arts Centre serving up a wide range of plays, performances, arts and artists. Salisbury even boasts a local independent commercial local radio station.

Our private and state funded schools, academies and University Centre College provide a range of high achieving educational opportunities; Salisbury FC are riding high in their league and the city abounds in arts and sports opportunities for enthusiasts of all abilities and persuasions.

Sure it has its share of social problems, but it also has a heart to deal with them; organisations like foodbank founders Trussell Trust and veteran homeless charity, Alabaré have both blazed national trails from their founding Salisbury HQs, testimony Salisbury’s bedrock of local volunteer and philanthropic support.

My work frequently takes me to London and beyond. Mr Putin’s best efforts have been unable to diminish the pleasure and privilege I feel when I come back home. Which awareness month shall we choose?