Salisbury college courses merge

TWO Salisbury-based theological training institutions have merged to become one college. STETS (the Southern Theological and Training Scheme) and Sarum College formally joined forces last month. The new college will be called Sarum College, and remains based in Cathedral Close, next to Salisbury Cathedral.

MPs block questioning of Lord Green

CONSERVATIVE MPs on the parliamentary Public Accounts Committee have blocked an attempt to require Prebendary the Lord Green of Hurstpierpoint, the former chairman of HSBC, to answer questions about the tax-avoidance scandal at the bank. The Labour MP Austin Mitchell had wanted to question Lord Green, but his suggestion was voted down by the committee's Conservative MPs.

'Dishonest' treasurer sentenced

A CHURCH treasurer convicted of stealing more than £20,000 from a Newcastle parish was described as "unchristian" and "thoroughly dishonest" as he was sentenced to a suspended eight-month prison sentence and 200 hours of community service. The treasurer, Mark Conway-Wilcox, who used the money to fund a gambling habit, admitted four counts of theft from St Wilfrid's, Newbiggin Hall.

Church musician dies in road accident

ONE of the leading British Roman Catholic church musicians, Nick Gale, died after being knocked off his motorbike by a cement lorry, which did not stop, in central London. Mr Gale, aged 39, who was previously director of music at St George's Cathedral, Southwark, was involved in the collision on Kensington High Street on Tuesday morning.

Correction: In a recent Diary column (20 February), the Ven. Christine Allsopp was given the wrong title. She is Archdeacon Emeritus. Our apologies.