01/12/2011 South Today

Hello, I'm Sally Taylor. Welcome to South Today. In tonight's

programme: On location - the jurors in the

Georgina Edmonds murder trial visit the scene of her killing.

Hundreds of firefighters tackle a warehouse blaze, but for one

business, it's the second time in months. I had only just got back on

my feet after the last fire and then 1st December, the first phone

call I get is a friend telling me my Warehouse has burned down.

Business is booming for one south coast company with worldwide orders

for years. And actors needed as a Horsham film

company recreates a piece of second Tracing the steps of a man on trial,

jurors have today visited the site where Georgina Edmonds was killed.

The pensioner was found beaten to death in her home in Brambridge

near Eastleigh in 2008. Matthew Hamlen from Bishopstoke denies her

murder. Alex Forsyth reports. Set back from the road in a

peaceful spot is fig Tree Cottage. Today the jury came here to see

where Georgina Edmonds died. They were shown the kitchen where her

body was found by her son Harry. The jury heard that the 77 year-old

was tortured before being beaten to death with her own marble rolling

pin in January 2008. The jury made their way along this

tow path that runs past Mrs Edmans home. It was here that her mobile

phone was found discarded in undergrowth a few weeks after her

death. The prosecution says it is this route that Matthew Hamlen took

after killing her. From fig leaf -- fig Tree Cottage,

the jury went on to other sites. They were taken to the Tesco

Express store. This is where a man, the prosecution say, his Matthew

Hamlen was caught on CCTV trying to withdraw cash using Mrs Edmans card.

The jury was then bought to this green where a man of the same

description was seen putting something in a dog waste bin on the

night of the death. The last stop on the visit was here,

the present, where Mr Hamlen lived at the time. The prosecution said

that the jury has traced the steps that must have known talk after he

killed Georgina Edmonds. Matthew Hamlen who is 33 denies murder. The

case continues. An investigation is underway into a

serious fire that has destroyed a number of industrial units in

Basingstoke. More than a hundred firefighters from Hampshire,

Berkshire and Surrey tackled the blaze in Bessemer Road. One

business affected belongs to Robbie Fraser from the town and, as David

Allard explains, it's not the first time his company has been hit by

A spectacular fire at, capping an unlucky year for one Hampshire

businessman. I supply affordable musical

instruments for education authorities. All of my stock was

destroyed three months ago down in Lasham and there was a fire there.

I have just got back on my feet and on the 1st December, exactly the

same thing happened. This one obviously his lightly soiled

because it was destroyed in the last fire and I have another 150 of

these in the Warehouse. It is a double whammy.

Malcolm runs another company on site. Last night he feared the

worst. I had a horrendous bang because at the flames were 15 or 20

ft above the building. Last night I was wondering if insurance would

cover everything especially with the financial climate at the moment.

It things things will get worse, I was worrying. The fire separation

of the building has held the fireback very well so the rear of

the building, the roof has collapsed and there walls as well.

Our crew worked efficiently to stop the fire spreading. Fire

investigators are trying to establish how and where the fire

started. Insurance loss adjusters are standing by to assess the

damage, but for businesses here, this fire is the last thing that

they needed. A Royal Navy captain from Southsea

and his crew have helped capture pirates in the Indian Ocean.

Captain Gerry Northwood of The Royal Auxilliary Fleet Ship Fort

Victoria, assisted with the rescue of a group of fisherman attacked

off the coast of Somalia. Royal Marines arrested seven people. The

ship is now transferring them to the Seychelles.

Sussex Police say no further action will be taken against a 33-year-old

man from Worthing who was arrested on suspicion of animal cruelty. He

was arrested after a dog, which was dragged underneath his car, was

killed. Officers investigating the incident believe it was an accident

and not deliberate. It's millions of pounds in debt and

runs many of Bournemouth Council's services. The company Mouchel

published its accounts today, confirming fears that it's in

serious financial trouble. Bournemouth has outsourced a number

of departments to Mouchel and was due to extend its contract. Now

that's in doubt. Caroline Richardson has more.

The council's contract with Mouchel was worth �300 million over ten

years. It took over four departments, including IT and

Benefits, and wanted to take over more, including HR and Finance. If

more, including HR and Finance. If other councils could be persuaded

to come on board, Bournemouth believed it could cut the budget by

40% and create 600 jobs. Millions of pounds have been saved, but only

20 new jobs have been created. The council is now looking into

Mouchel's financial stability before transferring any more staff

or departments or extending the contract. Today, Mouchel posted

annual losses of �65 million. As well as handling some of

Bournemouth Council's departments, it has contracts with the MOD, BAE

Systems and looks after hundreds of miles of motorways and trunk roads

in England. Its shares fell by 25% following

today's announcement and its Chief Executive predicted that more pain

was to come. UNISON says it's always been sceptical of Mouchel.

The union wants an even more thorough review of outsourcing as a

whole and proof that real savings are being made.

A new production line for A new production line for

hovercraft has been officially opened in Southampton today.

Griffon Hoverwork, based in Woolston, has doubled its staffing

in two years with almost all the orders coming from outside the UK.

And, as our transport correspondent Paul Clifton explains, this is a

manufacturing business that's booming despite the economic

climate. Ben Pratt puts the finishing

touches to stay too small harbour craft. They are destined for

Indonesia. Then started as an apprentice and the company is

recruiting more. At the moment we have five apprentices working in

different trades doing day-release to colleges.

On the production line, big aircraft on the way. This is

griffon hovercraft's largest ever order. A dozen vessels for the

Indian Coast Guard. It is an enormous bill for us. We have three

years' work for this project. Thereafter we have customer support,

training, training pilots, training engineers after-sales. So, you know,

it is years of work for as potentially.

Rob is an experienced pilot. A world of the craft racing champion,

he was also a stunt pilot in a James Bond film. This hovercraft

was built for the Royal Marines, but 85% of Griffon Hoverwork's

business is overseas. They have 170 craft in 40 countries. And a full

order book. The Indian Coast Guard order for 12 has led to an Indian

Army contract which is currently under discussion for 80 something

that, -- hovercraft. Sir if 12 was something stupendous, 80 world

result in work for this part of the Solent long into the future. That

is but one of many seriously important contracts that we are

pitching for. The company now also has firm orders from coastguards in

Canada and Coria. There is work for years to come. With 160 staff, the

company has doubled in size in a last two years and plans to do the

same again. The shadow armed forces minister

says extra funding for Rushmoor council, after an influx of former

Gurkha soldiers, is just scratching the surface of the problem. Kevan

Jones met those dealing with the new arrivals today. He acknowledged

his Conservative opposite, local MP Gerald Howarth, had been right to

warn of problems when the last government agreed to let the former

Gurkhas's settle in Britain. But the real worry now was what to do

with an influx of many aged Nepalis. The majority of people it coming

into Aldershot part of retirement age and above. That will create a

real problem in the future in terms of social services. That serious

piece of work needs to be done. Still to come in this evening's

South Today: The excitement builds It is fair to say ASE Totton will

never go to Wembley with a chance of lifting the Cup, so it has

indeed come to them today. More details later.

HMS Victory will undergo a �16 million restoration as part of a

five year contract awarded to BAE Systems. Vital maintenance work

began at Portsmouth's Historic Dockyard in July. This will be one

of the most extensive overhauls of Nelson's Flagship since she was

repaired following the Battle of Trafalgar in 1805. She'll stay open

to the public as the work takes place.

Residents in Brighton and Hove are being faced with higher council tax

bills next year to maintain services. The green led authority,

in its first budget, is rejecting a government grant to keep the tax

frozen. Instead it wants to increase bills by 3.5% to avoid

cutting even more services. Sean Killick is in our Brighton newsroom.

Sean. Here is Britain's first add the

green council budget proposal and the Greens are finding that they

have to juggle principles are practicalities. They need to fight

�17 million of savings which will mean job losses, cuts in services

and they are proposing a 57p per week average increase in council

tax. The mayor's car will soon have a

different registration number. Its historic plate will be sold to

raise �150,000 for Community grants. It is just one measure announced in

this green Party budget. Their top priority is protecting the

vulnerable, but some services, such as road maintenance, will be cut.

The coalition government is cutting its support to the City by a third

over four years and we are having to make difficult decisions because

of that. Some of the road maintenance will not happen, we

have to judge that against a child going into care. 120 jobs may go

despite the increasing council tax. The government is offering millions

if councils free council tax, but Brighton has declined.

I think that is a huge mistake because they will be asking

families in Brighton to pay more at a time when they should be on their

side. Today there were mixed views. We should not do it. Why not?

the moment, in this day and age, no one can afford it all the time.

Phil that our council is good and if they feel they need to increase

it to provide services, then that is probably what they need to do.

Labour criticised parking feet services and say the council tax

will rise by 10% in three years. Conservatives were equally critical.

They have certainly declared war on the mare to assist -- motorists,

but we also see library hours reduced, graffiti squad sun all the

things important are the people of Brighton and Hove.

The council is now starting a two- month consultation. On their

website they even have a budget simulator. You can add or takeaway

money from certain budget. I am having a go at putting at 10%

increase on the early years and child care budget. Cutting my

increase at the moment is 18%, so nobody would vote for me.

He was killed while out riding his bike, just days after his 12th

birthday. Today friends and family of Steven Millington remembered him

during a sponsored cycle in Basingstoke. Since his death, five

years ago, Steven's parents have been working to improve cycle

safety and today they opened a new bike lane in his memory. Sarah

Holmes reports. Stephen Millington died just a few

days after his 12th birthday when he was knocked off his bike on a

narrow road. We would like to offer our heartfelt thanks for all of you

who have taken part in this sponsored ride.

Today, a new cycle lane was opened in Stephen's memory. His friends

and family have been working to make it possible.

It is an awful, awful experience that she would not wish on anyone.

This path is our way of trying to ensure that that will not happen to

other people going forward. Yes, it is very, it is nice to know that

something has come out of the tragic loss of our son, to be

honest. More than 20 of Stephen's friends

cycled the new bike lane. They are raising money for a permanent

memorial on the path. It is now said everyone has come

together to do the sponsored bike ride and show their respect to him

and his parents. It is a really good thing. I'm really happy I took

part. It is nice, everyone still remembers. It is a nice feeling.

Every year in the UK, more than 17,000 cyclists are killed or

injured, a quarter children. Break, the red cycling charity, says

cycling should be encouraged, but more should be done to protect

cyclists. Stephen Billington's parents hope the work they have

done in Basingstoke will protect other families from the tragic loss

they have suffered. They may not be elite athletes, but

seven volunteer sailors are living the Olympic dream. The crew of The

Boat Project have met for the first time. Next year they'll sail a boat

made of pieces of wood donated by members of the public. Its part of

the Cultural Olympiad. Ed Sherry has the story.

Among the mass and the sleek lines of the yacht, they hope that

something beautiful will emerge. Over 1200 donations of Ward were

donated, they have been catalogued and now the hard task begins.

of the square objects have been taped up, but will be fitted

together to form a background. Then, over the top of these will be items

which are less square. More familiar items. I have a tennis

racket appeal. These objects late in and get cut into the side.

The boat will launch in May. These are the seven who will take the

helm. It is just such an interesting idea.

The cross over of the arts with something very much to do with the

Olympics, something community-based, just the whole idea I fell in love

with. The Olympic torch goes a long land and we are going along the sea.

That is how we are looking at it. It is something special that we get

to be involved in. They all novice sailors who met for

the first time to take part in a series of team-building exercises.

They caught up with their idea of being involved in the Olympics.

To be part of something like this alongside the Olympics is a real

privilege. I am looking forward to every part of it. The training, the

meetings and then at the end, sailing down the Thames to the

opening a Olympics is a bonus. boat will then be part of the great

cultural -- cultural celebration. Here, the boat will be a great

symbol. As the eyes of the world turn to

London for the sport next year, the artists here hope that it will

showcase their creative talents on the world's biggest age.

The crew clearly looking forward to next year.

Onto sport and AFC Totton's preparations for the weekend's FA

Cup tie are being partly interrupted tonight by a special

guest. And no, Tony, it's not you. This is still the best trophy of

the lot. The One That kid's dream about. As I said earlier, it is not

the kind of day it that they have see Tottenham -- AFC Tottenham will

have. It has come here ahead of a massive game on Sunday. The

furthest Potterne have ever got in the competition. Round one was

starring for this man. He went into the record books by their -- for

the fastest hat-trick. What has life been like? It has been crazy.

I have had people coming up to me all the time and newspapers

contacting me. Are you looking forward to Sunday? I think all of

the boys are looking forward to it especially with live TV coming year.

We are all buzzing to get going. Player of the round as well. Let's

talk to the assistant manager. A good distraction tonight?

Yes, fabulous. It came a few weeks ago and we had the chance to have a

photograph with it. It is nice to have it here. Can you win this tie

and go through? 100%. We have a full squad of people. Some will be

sat on the bench, but like I said, we are strong. We have 20 lads

ready to rock and roll and do the job. We wish you good luck. A few

more people will have a look at the Cup tonight. Let's talk through

other news today. Reading Football Club have

announced losses of more than five million for the last financial year.

It's in contrast to a profit of 1.4 million in the previous accounts.

The club put the loss down to their no longer receiving the Premier

League parachute payment. Reading say they're in good financial

health. The accounts show Sir John Madejski, the club's long term

benefactor, has loaned Reading �26.3 million.

No regrets. That's the message from Michael Appleton today as he faces

up to an impending cash shortage at Portsmouth Football club. Pompey's

holding company went into administration last week. The club

has weeks to find new investment, but Appleton says he's got to get

on with the job. We need backing, we need someone to

come in and take the club forward. I'll would imagine that someone

doing that will see the club as an investment. And if they make the

club and Investment, things like the infrastructure would not

probably be at the top of the list. Bournemouth have named Russ Wilcox

as their new assistant manager. Meanwhile Southampton have

completed the signing of Celtic defender Joss Hooiveld. The

Dutchman has signed a three and half year contract at St Mary's

after a successful loan spell. The 28-year-old cost Celtic 1.8 million

and it's thought Southampton have paid a similar sum to bring him

south. Surrey have strengthened their spin

attack ahead of next season. They've signed the former Indian

international spinner Murali Kartik. The 35-year-old will be available

for all formats of the game for the county.

Reading hockey club's Laura Bartlett has been named British

Hockey athlete of the year - the top individual award for any player.

The 23- year-old was part of the Scottish side that won the Euro

Hockey Nations Championships this year. It's capped a great year in

which she's also recovered from a serious knee injury. That is it

from here. We wish Potterne the best of luck.

Thank you very much. It's a film that lists Barrack

Obama and the head of the American air force among its supporters and

its being made by a company in Horsham. Shady Lady tells the story

of the 11 men who took part in the longest ever bombing mission of the

second world war. The final scenes are being filmed in Sussex later

this month and, as Danielle Glavin reports, actors are needed to help

The story of Shady Lady begins in 1942 with the bombing of Darwin.

Japanese pilots attacked the city destroying buildings and lives. The

fuel that fighter planes used came from Bolivia and Phil Dillon was

sent there. Shady Lady. A film that shows the story of that

mission and how they ran out of film. Helped by Aborigines, they

faced a race against time to repair the if the plane. The film crew

retrace their steps. The tyre tracks from where the

plane crash-landed was still there. The parts of the aeroplane that

they threw out of still there, ammunition is still there. It is

incredible. Fact not fiction film contacted

Barack Obama about the story which led to a presidential citation to

the commander of Shady Lady. I don't know why the story has not

been told up until now. I think it should and I am glad that we are

the ones telling the story. I hope it will inspire the people to make

similar stories. Later this month, parts of Sussex

will step back to 1943. The final scenes are being thumbed at a

secret location and the search for extras his arm.

What we will be filming in Sussex is the re-enactment of the scene

where there crew were being briefed on their mission. By chance we

found buildings in the Sussex area that would just like the buildings

in Darwin. The film will preview at the Cannes

Film Festival so it is a chance for budding film stars to shine.

Budding film stars to shine? It is a walk in for you.

Shall I audition now? Let's have a go them.

After a mild November, what does the 1st December bring as? It will

be chilly and dry with rain around be chilly and dry with rain around

easing fairly soon. On this picture you can see the cold front that has

decided to track northwards and give us a little bit of rain. I

think it will give us at least an inch fall of rain. Behind it, to

the far north and west, a very chilly picture. Temperatures down

to two Celsius. There is a risk of frost as we head into Friday

morning. Amy p start tomorrow, but beautifully bright. It will feel

like a crisp winter day. Into the afternoon, cloud will build up. The

wind will freshen up, why it? Because there is more rain on the

wave. On the weekend we are looking at significant much-needed rain. It

will give us some milder night. Temperatures by dawn five or nine

Celsius. Into Saturday it is a wet start with confusion about this

band of rain. It may ease the way, but slow to clear from the south-

east. Hopefully it, if we have the luck on Saturday, it may ease away.

The same cold front is a round on Sunday. So the threat of rain

remains. You can see the isobars tightly packed together. Certainly

a much colder feeling day on Sunday. On Sunday again no risk of rain. A

few blustery showers. You can see snowy activity further north so it

will be called before us. Wet and windy Saturday-Sunday, simple story

windy Saturday-Sunday, simple story on Monday.

Thank you so much for that. I hope you will be big -- with us tomorrow