25/02/2013 Inside Out Yorkshire and Lincolnshire

Good evening. Welcome to inside it Good evening. Welcome to inside it

Good evening. Welcome to inside it where tonight we have a bird's-eye

where tonight we have a bird's-eye where tonight we have a bird's-eye

where tonight we have a bird's-eye view of Leeds. Some weeks I have to

view of Leeds. Some weeks I have to view of Leeds. Some weeks I have to

skip meals. We investigate the skip meals. We investigate the

growing problem of malnutrition growing problem of malnutrition

growing problem of malnutrition which is putting the health of

which is putting the health of which is putting the health of

thousands at least -- at risk. thousands at least -- at risk.

thousands at least -- at risk. thousands at least -- at risk.

There is great wealth in some areas There is great wealth in some areas

There is great wealth in some areas and great poverty and others.

and great poverty and others. and great poverty and others.

Johnson has boosted London. Is it Johnson has boosted London. Is it

Johnson has boosted London. Is it Johnson has boosted London. Is it

time for the North to get its own time for the North to get its own

time for the North to get its own time for the North to get its own

mayor? Give us the kind of powers mayor? Give us the kind of powers

mayor? Give us the kind of powers that Scotland and London already

that Scotland and London already that Scotland and London already

that Scotland and London already have and what has goal. Up we

have and what has goal. Up we have and what has goal. Up we

followed Jan Leeming as she followed Jan Leeming as she

followed Jan Leeming as she searches for the war hero behind

searches for the war hero behind searches for the war hero behind

searches for the war hero behind the name. I asked to sponsor a

the name. I asked to sponsor a the name. I asked to sponsor a

the name. I asked to sponsor a French pilot and this is the name I

French pilot and this is the name I French pilot and this is the name I

was given false up given. was given false up given.

was given false up given. was given false up given.

We often here we are eating too We often here we are eating too

We often here we are eating too much but tens of thousands are

much but tens of thousands are much but tens of thousands are

pitting their health at risk pitting their health at risk

pitting their health at risk because they are not getting enough

because they are not getting enough because they are not getting enough

out. We investigated the growing out. We investigated the growing

problem of malnutrition. problem of malnutrition.

problem of malnutrition. problem of malnutrition.

Leeds is one of the richest cities Leeds is one of the richest cities

Leeds is one of the richest cities Leeds is one of the richest cities

in the country. But it has a hidden in the country. But it has a hidden

in the country. But it has a hidden problem. A problem more associated

problem. A problem more associated problem. A problem more associated

with the developing world than with the developing world than

with the developing world than modern Britain. And that problem is

malnutrition. malnutrition.

malnutrition. Thousands of people in Leeds and

Thousands of people in Leeds and Thousands of people in Leeds and

West Yorkshire are not getting West Yorkshire are not getting

West Yorkshire are not getting West Yorkshire are not getting

enough to eat. It's a problem that enough to eat. It's a problem that

enough to eat. It's a problem that affects some of the most vulnerable

affects some of the most vulnerable affects some of the most vulnerable

people in our society the elderly, people in our society the elderly,

children and struggling families. children and struggling families.

children and struggling families. children and struggling families.

Angela Taylor is a single mum with Angela Taylor is a single mum with

Angela Taylor is a single mum with three children. She's always worked

three children. She's always worked three children. She's always worked

three children. She's always worked or volunteered but had to give up

or volunteered but had to give up or volunteered but had to give up

her job because of problems with her job because of problems with

her job because of problems with child care. Things are so tight

child care. Things are so tight child care. Things are so tight

she's been doing without her own she's been doing without her own

she's been doing without her own she's been doing without her own

meals to make sure her children get meals to make sure her children get

meals to make sure her children get meals to make sure her children get

enough to eat. Some weeks I have to enough to eat. Some weeks I have to

enough to eat. Some weeks I have to enough to eat. Some weeks I have to

skip meals, I have to go without skip meals, I have to go without

skip meals, I have to go without skip meals, I have to go without

eating so my children can eat. eating so my children can eat.

eating so my children can eat. eating so my children can eat.

much do you think you have a week much do you think you have a week

much do you think you have a week much do you think you have a week

much do you think you have a week to spend on food? On my bad week it

to spend on food? On my bad week it to spend on food? On my bad week it

to spend on food? On my bad week it to spend on food? On my bad week it

can be as little as �10. I can do can be as little as �10. I can do

can be as little as �10. I can do can be as little as �10. I can do

it on �10, it's like, but it's it on �10, it's like, but it's

chips, fish fingers, chicken chips, fish fingers, chicken

chips, fish fingers, chicken nuggets, beans, and Weetabix.

nuggets, beans, and Weetabix. nuggets, beans, and Weetabix.

nuggets, beans, and Weetabix. skipping meals Angela is at risk of

skipping meals Angela is at risk of becoming malnourished herself.

becoming malnourished herself. becoming malnourished herself.

becoming malnourished herself. if my gas say goes on Thursday we

if my gas say goes on Thursday we if my gas say goes on Thursday we

don't have gas until Saturday, don't have gas until Saturday,

don't have gas until Saturday, don't have gas until Saturday,

unless I borrow money which is what unless I borrow money which is what

unless I borrow money which is what I usually do. Sometimes you're left

I usually do. Sometimes you're left I usually do. Sometimes you're left

with the very stark choice between with the very stark choice between

with the very stark choice between heating the house or feeding the

heating the house or feeding the heating the house or feeding the

children? Yeah, yeah, I have to children? Yeah, yeah, I have to

children? Yeah, yeah, I have to children? Yeah, yeah, I have to

heat the house for the kids. I need heat the house for the kids. I need

heat the house for the kids. I need heat the house for the kids. I need

them to be warm and that will them to be warm and that will

them to be warm and that will probably be when I'll be skipping

probably be when I'll be skipping probably be when I'll be skipping

more meals but obviously the kids, more meals but obviously the kids,

more meals but obviously the kids, they will get everything I can

they will get everything I can they will get everything I can

possibly get for them. But there's possibly get for them. But there's

possibly get for them. But there's another reason Angela is struggling.

another reason Angela is struggling. another reason Angela is struggling.

Her youngest daughter Emelia is Her youngest daughter Emelia is

Her youngest daughter Emelia is lactose intolerant. She has a

lactose intolerant. She has a lactose intolerant. She has a

serious allergy to milk and milk serious allergy to milk and milk

serious allergy to milk and milk serious allergy to milk and milk

products. So I've had to cut all products. So I've had to cut all

products. So I've had to cut all dairy out of her food completely

dairy out of her food completely dairy out of her food completely

dairy out of her food completely now. And what does that do to the

now. And what does that do to the now. And what does that do to the

bills? It's shocking cos the dairy bills? It's shocking cos the dairy

bills? It's shocking cos the dairy free products are really really

free products are really really free products are really really

expensive. These were a pound. expensive. These were a pound.

expensive. These were a pound. Tonight she's cooking two cheap

Tonight she's cooking two cheap Tonight she's cooking two cheap

Tonight she's cooking two cheap pies and a tin of mushy peas for

pies and a tin of mushy peas for pies and a tin of mushy peas for

pies and a tin of mushy peas for the four of them. I don't even know

the four of them. I don't even know the four of them. I don't even know

the four of them. I don't even know if the kids'll like them but they

if the kids'll like them but they if the kids'll like them but they

if the kids'll like them but they were a pound, but my baby can't eat

were a pound, but my baby can't eat were a pound, but my baby can't eat

them. She has special bread and them. She has special bread and

them. She has special bread and special cheese with a bit for

special cheese with a bit for special cheese with a bit for

special cheese with a bit for Emelia. Do you ever waste food?No,

Emelia. Do you ever waste food?No, Emelia. Do you ever waste food?No,

Emelia. Do you ever waste food?No, Emelia. Do you ever waste food?No,

I always, if I open a tin and some I always, if I open a tin and some

I always, if I open a tin and some I always, if I open a tin and some

left, I'll put the rest in a box left, I'll put the rest in a box

left, I'll put the rest in a box left, I'll put the rest in a box

and save it for tomorrow. And if and save it for tomorrow. And if

and save it for tomorrow. And if and save it for tomorrow. And if

the kids leave any tea, then I'll the kids leave any tea, then I'll

the kids leave any tea, then I'll probably eat it. Angela is not

probably eat it. Angela is not probably eat it. Angela is not

alone. Food poverty in Leeds is alone. Food poverty in Leeds is

alone. Food poverty in Leeds is becoming so serious that this year

becoming so serious that this year becoming so serious that this year

alone four new foodbanks are being alone four new foodbanks are being

alone four new foodbanks are being established right across the city.

established right across the city. established right across the city.

established right across the city. The first one is in Armley and is

The first one is in Armley and is The first one is in Armley and is

The first one is in Armley and is being set up by St George's Crypt

being set up by St George's Crypt being set up by St George's Crypt

with the Trussell Trust. Leeds is with the Trussell Trust. Leeds is

with the Trussell Trust. Leeds is very much a patchwork city where

very much a patchwork city where very much a patchwork city where

there's a great wealth in certain there's a great wealth in certain

there's a great wealth in certain areas, and great poverty in others

areas, and great poverty in others areas, and great poverty in others

and it's not just necessarily and it's not just necessarily

and it's not just necessarily poverty, it's hard times, people

poverty, it's hard times, people poverty, it's hard times, people

find themselves suddenly on hard find themselves suddenly on hard

find themselves suddenly on hard times, so we decided to do

times, so we decided to do times, so we decided to do

something about it. We're expecting something about it. We're expecting

something about it. We're expecting something about it. We're expecting

a massive take up. At the moment a massive take up. At the moment

a massive take up. At the moment I'm actually fending off e-mails

I'm actually fending off e-mails I'm actually fending off e-mails

and phone calls at the moment and phone calls at the moment

and phone calls at the moment asking for food but we are

asking for food but we are asking for food but we are

expecting a huge influx of people expecting a huge influx of people

expecting a huge influx of people wanting the foodbank from West

wanting the foodbank from West wanting the foodbank from West

Leeds. If the experience of Leeds. If the experience of

Leeds. If the experience of Leeds. If the experience of

Bradford is anything to go by, the Bradford is anything to go by, the

Bradford is anything to go by, the Bradford is anything to go by, the

four new food banks in Leeds are four new food banks in Leeds are

four new food banks in Leeds are four new food banks in Leeds are

going to be very busy. Bradford has going to be very busy. Bradford has

going to be very busy. Bradford has the longest running and most well

the longest running and most well established foodban kin West

established foodban kin West established foodban kin West

Yorkshire. We help all sorts of Yorkshire. We help all sorts of

Yorkshire. We help all sorts of people, people can get into crisis

people, people can get into crisis people, people can get into crisis

people, people can get into crisis for all sorts of reasons be it debt

for all sorts of reasons be it debt for all sorts of reasons be it debt

for all sorts of reasons be it debt or benefit delays and all of them

or benefit delays and all of them or benefit delays and all of them

or benefit delays and all of them need a little helping hand. I think

need a little helping hand. I think need a little helping hand. I think

it's a much bigger problem than it's a much bigger problem than

it's a much bigger problem than it's a much bigger problem than

people realise. A lot of people out people realise. A lot of people out

there are struggling silently, there are struggling silently,

there are struggling silently, people that you'd otherwise think

people that you'd otherwise think people that you'd otherwise think

were healthy and happy, but were healthy and happy, but

underneath they're really underneath they're really

struggling. Families that can't struggling. Families that can't

struggling. Families that can't support their children or parents

support their children or parents support their children or parents

support their children or parents that give up their food so that

that give up their food so that that give up their food so that

that give up their food so that their children can eat. How big is

their children can eat. How big is their children can eat. How big is

the operation here? Last year we the operation here? Last year we

the operation here? Last year we the operation here? Last year we

gave out almost 12 tons of food. gave out almost 12 tons of food.

gave out almost 12 tons of food. gave out almost 12 tons of food.

This is a couple of parcels here. This is a couple of parcels here.

This is a couple of parcels here. This is a couple of parcels here.

It's almost 13 kilos of food, and It's almost 13 kilos of food, and

It's almost 13 kilos of food, and It's almost 13 kilos of food, and

this would last them for three days, this would last them for three days,

this would last them for three days, all their meals, breakfast, lunch

all their meals, breakfast, lunch all their meals, breakfast, lunch

and dinner. Breakfast, lunch and and dinner. Breakfast, lunch and

and dinner. Breakfast, lunch and dinner. One of the volunteers here

dinner. One of the volunteers here dinner. One of the volunteers here

dinner. One of the volunteers here is Mark Kay. He came to the

is Mark Kay. He came to the is Mark Kay. He came to the

foodbank originally as he didn't foodbank originally as he didn't

foodbank originally as he didn't have enough money to feed his

have enough money to feed his have enough money to feed his

have enough money to feed his family I first came here as a

family I first came here as a family I first came here as a

family I first came here as a family I first came here as a

client cos I was in a lot of debt. client cos I was in a lot of debt.

client cos I was in a lot of debt. client cos I was in a lot of debt.

I were working, and as you do when I were working, and as you do when

I were working, and as you do when you're working you get loans and

you're working you get loans and you're working you get loans and

you're working you get loans and stuff and then I lost my job. It

stuff and then I lost my job. It stuff and then I lost my job. It

were horrendous. We'd rather pay us were horrendous. We'd rather pay us

were horrendous. We'd rather pay us were horrendous. We'd rather pay us

debts off than buy food. To start debts off than buy food. To start

debts off than buy food. To start debts off than buy food. To start

with I was really ashamed that it with I was really ashamed that it

with I was really ashamed that it with I was really ashamed that it

had got that far. But once I come had got that far. But once I come

had got that far. But once I come here, you know everybody. Really

here, you know everybody. Really friendly, really helpful, and

friendly, really helpful, and friendly, really helpful, and

friendly, really helpful, and helped me get back on my feet.

helped me get back on my feet. helped me get back on my feet.

it is the elderly who are it is the elderly who are

particularly vulnerable to particularly vulnerable to

malnutrition. Hannah Diskin works malnutrition. Hannah Diskin works

malnutrition. Hannah Diskin works for the NHS as a community

for the NHS as a community for the NHS as a community

dietician for the Leeds Eating and dietician for the Leeds Eating and

dietician for the Leeds Eating and Drinking team. Malnutrition is a

Drinking team. Malnutrition is a Drinking team. Malnutrition is a

growing problem and it often goes growing problem and it often goes

unrecognised, undiagnosed and isn't unrecognised, undiagnosed and isn't

unrecognised, undiagnosed and isn't often talked about. We estimate

often talked about. We estimate often talked about. We estimate

often talked about. We estimate that about 3% of the population in

that about 3% of the population in that about 3% of the population in

the UK are living with malnutrition the UK are living with malnutrition

the UK are living with malnutrition and in Leeds that means about

and in Leeds that means about and in Leeds that means about

23,000 people are malnourished and 23,000 people are malnourished and

23,000 people are malnourished and 23,000 people are malnourished and

a further 36,000 people are at risk a further 36,000 people are at risk

of malnutrition. Someone with of malnutrition. Someone with

of malnutrition. Someone with malnutrition will be more likely to

malnutrition will be more likely to malnutrition will be more likely to

pick up infections, more likely to pick up infections, more likely to

pick up infections, more likely to have illnesses, they'll be more

have illnesses, they'll be more have illnesses, they'll be more

likely to visit their doctor, and likely to visit their doctor, and

likely to visit their doctor, and likely to visit their doctor, and

have stays in hospital and are more have stays in hospital and are more

have stays in hospital and are more have stays in hospital and are more

likely to have a longer stay in likely to have a longer stay in

likely to have a longer stay in hospital compared to someone who's

hospital compared to someone who's well nourished. Hannah's first

well nourished. Hannah's first well nourished. Hannah's first

appointment is with Tony and Pat appointment is with Tony and Pat

appointment is with Tony and Pat Sheridan. Hi Pat, it's Hannah.

Sheridan. Hi Pat, it's Hannah. Sheridan. Hi Pat, it's Hannah.

to see you. Tony has Multiple to see you. Tony has Multiple

Sclerosis and has difficulty Sclerosis and has difficulty

Sclerosis and has difficulty swallowing. He's recently lost a

swallowing. He's recently lost a swallowing. He's recently lost a

swallowing. He's recently lost a lot of weight. How's the eating and

lot of weight. How's the eating and lot of weight. How's the eating and

drinking going since I was last drinking going since I was last

drinking going since I was last drinking going since I was last

here? I might be eating a bit less here? I might be eating a bit less

here? I might be eating a bit less but I'm still holding me own.

but I'm still holding me own. but I'm still holding me own.

You're still holding your own. And You're still holding your own. And

You're still holding your own. And You're still holding your own. And

Tony, last time I was here we were Tony, last time I was here we were

Tony, last time I was here we were talking about how important it is

talking about how important it is talking about how important it is

talking about how important it is to eat little and often because you

to eat little and often because you to eat little and often because you

to eat little and often because you haven't got a very good appetite so

haven't got a very good appetite so haven't got a very good appetite so

haven't got a very good appetite so you struggle to eat a large amount

you struggle to eat a large amount you struggle to eat a large amount

at any one time. Yeah. Sometimes at any one time. Yeah. Sometimes

at any one time. Yeah. Sometimes you have porridge for breakfast.

you have porridge for breakfast. you have porridge for breakfast.

Sometimes you have some porridge? Sometimes you have some porridge?

Sometimes you have some porridge? Sometimes you have some porridge?

Stir it all round nicely to a nice Stir it all round nicely to a nice

Stir it all round nicely to a nice soft consistency so he can swallow

soft consistency so he can swallow soft consistency so he can swallow

it down because he has awful it down because he has awful

it down because he has awful problems as you know. Are you

problems as you know. Are you problems as you know. Are you

adding the cream and milk powder? adding the cream and milk powder?

adding the cream and milk powder? Cream and milk powder and sugar.

Cream and milk powder and sugar. Cream and milk powder and sugar.

Cream and milk powder and sugar. Full fat milk and cream are really

Full fat milk and cream are really Full fat milk and cream are really

important. You need to make sure important. You need to make sure

important. You need to make sure it's as nourishing as possible to

it's as nourishing as possible to it's as nourishing as possible to

stop you losing any more weight. stop you losing any more weight.

stop you losing any more weight. Sadly Tony died unexpectedly a week

Sadly Tony died unexpectedly a week Sadly Tony died unexpectedly a week

after we filmed with him. His after we filmed with him. His

after we filmed with him. His family wanted his contribution to

family wanted his contribution to family wanted his contribution to

family wanted his contribution to be included in this film. It's not

be included in this film. It's not be included in this film. It's not

just the elderly who have problems just the elderly who have problems

just the elderly who have problems getting enough food. It's a problem

getting enough food. It's a problem getting enough food. It's a problem

that also affects children. And that also affects children. And

that also affects children. And that also affects children. And

making sure kids get enough to eat making sure kids get enough to eat

has some surprising benefits. has some surprising benefits.

has some surprising benefits. has some surprising benefits.

At the David Young Academy in Leeds, At the David Young Academy in Leeds,

At the David Young Academy in Leeds, which serves an area where more

which serves an area where more which serves an area where more

which serves an area where more than a third of all children live

than a third of all children live than a third of all children live

in poverty, breakfast is free and in poverty, breakfast is free and

in poverty, breakfast is free and compulsory for all pupils. The head

compulsory for all pupils. The head compulsory for all pupils. The head

teacher is Ros McMullen. Well, I teacher is Ros McMullen. Well, I

teacher is Ros McMullen. Well, I think it's quite clear that if

think it's quite clear that if think it's quite clear that if

people haven't eaten a breakfast it people haven't eaten a breakfast it

affects their performance. Results affects their performance. Results

affects their performance. Results in the academy have risen

in the academy have risen exponentially and attendance has

exponentially and attendance has exponentially and attendance has

improved year on year, behaviour improved year on year, behaviour

improved year on year, behaviour has improved year on year, academic

has improved year on year, academic has improved year on year, academic

achievement has improved year on achievement has improved year on

achievement has improved year on achievement has improved year on

year, and we think that one of the year, and we think that one of the

year, and we think that one of the year, and we think that one of the

key elements to that has been the key elements to that has been the

key elements to that has been the key elements to that has been the

way that we feed the children. way that we feed the children.

way that we feed the children. you didn't provide this breakfast

you didn't provide this breakfast you didn't provide this breakfast

are there some children coming to are there some children coming to

are there some children coming to school with nothing to eat? Yes.

school with nothing to eat? Yes. school with nothing to eat? Yes.

school with nothing to eat? Yes. And why is that? With some children

And why is that? With some children And why is that? With some children

And why is that? With some children it will be because they do not get

it will be because they do not get it will be because they do not get

it will be because they do not get out of bed early enough to eat

out of bed early enough to eat out of bed early enough to eat

before they leave the home, with before they leave the home, with

before they leave the home, with some children it will be because

some children it will be because some children it will be because

some children it will be because it's not part of the family routine

it's not part of the family routine it's not part of the family routine

it's not part of the family routine to eat a breakfast. I think it's

to eat a breakfast. I think it's to eat a breakfast. I think it's

to eat a breakfast. I think it's also down to the fact that it is

also down to the fact that it is actually increasingly difficult for

actually increasingly difficult for actually increasingly difficult for

families to cope in these families to cope in these

increasingly tough economic times. increasingly tough economic times.

increasingly tough economic times. increasingly tough economic times.

Poverty and the poor will always be Poverty and the poor will always be

with us. People's circumstances with us. People's circumstances

with us. People's circumstances change everyday, and you never know

change everyday, and you never know change everyday, and you never know

change everyday, and you never know what's round the corner if you are

what's round the corner if you are what's round the corner if you are

in full time employment. We're in full time employment. We're

in full time employment. We're in full time employment. We're

seeing an increase in demand so we seeing an increase in demand so we

seeing an increase in demand so we expect that to continue over the

expect that to continue over the expect that to continue over the

coming year. It's a huge problem coming year. It's a huge problem

coming year. It's a huge problem and it's growing. We haven't seen

and it's growing. We haven't seen and it's growing. We haven't seen

all the impact of the benefits all the impact of the benefits

all the impact of the benefits changes. All that's going to come

changes. All that's going to come changes. All that's going to come

changes. All that's going to come in within at least a year so we

in within at least a year so we in within at least a year so we

in within at least a year so we have to see what the tidal wave

have to see what the tidal wave have to see what the tidal wave

brings. While there are some brings. While there are some

brings. While there are some initiatives to offer much needed

initiatives to offer much needed initiatives to offer much needed

help, it seems malnutrition in help, it seems malnutrition in

help, it seems malnutrition in help, it seems malnutrition in

Yorkshire is a problem that is not Yorkshire is a problem that is not

Apology for the loss of subtitles for 50 seconds

Yorkshire is a problem that is not Is there a political figure or a

Is there a political figure or a Is there a political figure or a

maybe an entrepreneur who's up to maybe an entrepreneur who's up to

maybe an entrepreneur who's up to maybe an entrepreneur who's up to

the task here? What image does the the task here? What image does the

North project? Lacking jobs. North project? Lacking jobs.

Lacking investment. Lacking someone Lacking investment. Lacking someone

Lacking investment. Lacking someone Lacking investment. Lacking someone

like this. I'm taking a journey. In like this. I'm taking a journey. In

like this. I'm taking a journey. In like this. I'm taking a journey. In

search of a Boris for the North. Do search of a Boris for the North. Do

search of a Boris for the North. Do search of a Boris for the North. Do

we need one? Would we be wealthier? we need one? Would we be wealthier?

we need one? Would we be wealthier? we need one? Would we be wealthier?

More to the point, who would want More to the point, who would want

More to the point, who would want More to the point, who would want

the job? The debate has reared its the job? The debate has reared its

the job? The debate has reared its the job? The debate has reared its

head because of the think tank IPPR head because of the think tank IPPR

head because of the think tank IPPR North. They say the North needs

North. They say the North needs North. They say the North needs

more powers. A leader like Boris, more powers. A leader like Boris,

more powers. A leader like Boris, more powers. A leader like Boris,

who's not afraid to wield them. who's not afraid to wield them.

who's not afraid to wield them. Mayor of London has powers over

Mayor of London has powers over transport, police economic

transport, police economic transport, police economic

development. He can get a meeting development. He can get a meeting

development. He can get a meeting development. He can get a meeting

with a bank, he can knock on the with a bank, he can knock on the

with a bank, he can knock on the with a bank, he can knock on the

door of Number 10 he can get door of Number 10 he can get

door of Number 10 he can get himself on the front of any

himself on the front of any himself on the front of any

newspaper. So, would a Northern newspaper. So, would a Northern

newspaper. So, would a Northern newspaper. So, would a Northern

Boris put us on the map? I'm going Boris put us on the map? I'm going

Boris put us on the map? I'm going Boris put us on the map? I'm going

to start with a man who's a Mayor, to start with a man who's a Mayor,

to start with a man who's a Mayor, too, and he's already been dubbed

too, and he's already been dubbed too, and he's already been dubbed

the Boris of the North. Boris the Boris of the North. Boris

the Boris of the North. Boris doesn't have much control over

doesn't have much control over doesn't have much control over

London. I have total control over London. I have total control over

London. I have total control over Doncaster, so maybe they should

Doncaster, so maybe they should Doncaster, so maybe they should

Doncaster, so maybe they should call him the Pete of the South.

call him the Pete of the South. call him the Pete of the South.

call him the Pete of the South. might not know the way around his

might not know the way around his might not know the way around his

new building, but Peter Davies new building, but Peter Davies

new building, but Peter Davies certainly knows his own mind. He's

certainly knows his own mind. He's certainly knows his own mind. He's

controversial he overruled his own controversial he overruled his own

controversial he overruled his own council to close the libraries.

council to close the libraries. council to close the libraries.

This morning, he's discussing anti- This morning, he's discussing anti-

This morning, he's discussing anti- social behaviour. Peter is in the

social behaviour. Peter is in the social behaviour. Peter is in the

social behaviour. Peter is in the middle of a power meeting. They are

middle of a power meeting. They are middle of a power meeting. They are

discussing new powers to deal with discussing new powers to deal with

discussing new powers to deal with alcohol on the street. When you're

alcohol on the street. When you're alcohol on the street. When you're

Mayor it's all about power. It Mayor it's all about power. It

Mayor it's all about power. It Mayor it's all about power. It

works when you're a small fish in a works when you're a small fish in a

works when you're a small fish in a works when you're a small fish in a

big pond, but can it work on a big pond, but can it work on a

big pond, but can it work on a big pond, but can it work on a

regional level? So, if I was to ask regional level? So, if I was to ask

regional level? So, if I was to ask regional level? So, if I was to ask

you a direct question, would you be you a direct question, would you be

you a direct question, would you be you a direct question, would you be

the Boris of the whole North? the Boris of the whole North?

the Boris of the whole North? The idea is ludicrous.

The idea is ludicrous. The idea is ludicrous.

The idea is ludicrous. Why doesn't he want the job? Well,

Why doesn't he want the job? Well, Why doesn't he want the job? Well,

Why doesn't he want the job? Well, he thinks there are too many local

he thinks there are too many local rivalries between northern towns

rivalries between northern towns rivalries between northern towns

rivalries between northern towns and cities to ever join forces. So,

and cities to ever join forces. So, and cities to ever join forces. So,

and cities to ever join forces. So, the best way to make the North more

the best way to make the North more the best way to make the North more

prosperous, is to use your power prosperous, is to use your power

prosperous, is to use your power prosperous, is to use your power

only to improve your own town. only to improve your own town.

only to improve your own town. only to improve your own town.

think each area has to lift itself think each area has to lift itself

think each area has to lift itself and encourage the people in each

and encourage the people in each and encourage the people in each

area to lift themselves. I'm trying area to lift themselves. I'm trying

area to lift themselves. I'm trying area to lift themselves. I'm trying

area to lift themselves. I'm trying to get a sense of what we need to

to get a sense of what we need to to get a sense of what we need to

to get a sense of what we need to do to get the best out of it.

do to get the best out of it. do to get the best out of it.

There's almost the sense that in There's almost the sense that in

There's almost the sense that in the North we're divided. Well, we

the North we're divided. Well, we the North we're divided. Well, we

are! So, we shouldn't unite?Well, are! So, we shouldn't unite?Well,

are! So, we shouldn't unite?Well, are! So, we shouldn't unite?Well,

you can't unite. So, what do we do you can't unite. So, what do we do

you can't unite. So, what do we do you can't unite. So, what do we do

to get the best out of the North? to get the best out of the North?

to get the best out of the North? to get the best out of the North?

People look at what I'm doing in People look at what I'm doing in

People look at what I'm doing in Doncaster and that'll get them

Doncaster and that'll get them Doncaster and that'll get them

somewhere along the line! So, it's somewhere along the line! So, it's

somewhere along the line! So, it's the Peter masterplan? The Peter

the Peter masterplan? The Peter masterplan will work everywhere.

masterplan will work everywhere. masterplan will work everywhere.

masterplan will work everywhere. But you don't want to lead it?

But you don't want to lead it? But you don't want to lead it?

I'm committed to the people of I'm committed to the people of

I'm committed to the people of Doncaster and I'm not committed to

Doncaster and I'm not committed to Doncaster and I'm not committed to

the people of anywhere else. the people of anywhere else.

masterplan is about selling masterplan is about selling

masterplan is about selling Doncaster to the world, but ruling

Doncaster to the world, but ruling Doncaster to the world, but ruling

Doncaster to the world, but ruling it with a rod of iron. He thinks

it with a rod of iron. He thinks it with a rod of iron. He thinks

the Northern economy could bloom if the Northern economy could bloom if

the Northern economy could bloom if you focus on your own patch.

you focus on your own patch. you focus on your own patch.

Doncaster has got everything. Doncaster has got everything.

Doncaster has got everything. Doncaster has got everything.

you're such a good salesman for the you're such a good salesman for the

you're such a good salesman for the you're such a good salesman for the

area, don't we need that for the area, don't we need that for the

area, don't we need that for the area, don't we need that for the

whole of the North? I don't want to whole of the North? I don't want to

whole of the North? I don't want to whole of the North? I don't want to

sell the rest, but if they want to sell the rest, but if they want to

sell the rest, but if they want to come around for some ideas.

come around for some ideas. come around for some ideas.

Peter's not up for it. But Peter's not up for it. But

Peter's not up for it. But campaigners say a united North is

campaigners say a united North is campaigners say a united North is

campaigners say a united North is the only way forward. We've got a

the only way forward. We've got a the only way forward. We've got a

very divided England, where all the very divided England, where all the

very divided England, where all the power and economic growth that

power and economic growth that power and economic growth that

there is is concentrated in London there is is concentrated in London

there is is concentrated in London there is is concentrated in London

and the South East. Give the North and the South East. Give the North

and the South East. Give the North power and control over its own

power and control over its own power and control over its own

destiny. We're not talking about destiny. We're not talking about

destiny. We're not talking about independence or a Northern People's

independence or a Northern People's independence or a Northern People's

independence or a Northern People's Republic. We are saying give us the

Republic. We are saying give us the Republic. We are saying give us the

sort of powers that Wales and sort of powers that Wales and

sort of powers that Wales and sort of powers that Wales and

Scotland has got and watch us go. Scotland has got and watch us go.

Scotland has got and watch us go. Scotland has got and watch us go.

So, maybe our Boris of the North So, maybe our Boris of the North

So, maybe our Boris of the North So, maybe our Boris of the North

should be a business brain? This is should be a business brain? This is

should be a business brain? This is should be a business brain? This is

what I call The Castle! Started out what I call The Castle! Started out

what I call The Castle! Started out what I call The Castle! Started out

with 200 quid and a Ford Capri. with 200 quid and a Ford Capri.

with 200 quid and a Ford Capri. Built it into biggest minibus

Built it into biggest minibus Built it into biggest minibus

company in UK. Dave Fishwick is company in UK. Dave Fishwick is

company in UK. Dave Fishwick is another prospective Boris. A self-

another prospective Boris. A self- another prospective Boris. A self-

made man from Burnley, passionate made man from Burnley, passionate

made man from Burnley, passionate about revitalising the economy of

about revitalising the economy of about revitalising the economy of

the North. The biggest problem is the North. The biggest problem is

the North. The biggest problem is the North. The biggest problem is

it's very hard to start up a it's very hard to start up a

it's very hard to start up a it's very hard to start up a

business in the North. You go to business in the North. You go to

business in the North. You go to business in the North. You go to

the bank and the bank just says no. the bank and the bank just says no.

the bank and the bank just says no. So, to change that, Dave Fishwick

So, to change that, Dave Fishwick So, to change that, Dave Fishwick

So, to change that, Dave Fishwick took on the banks in London by

took on the banks in London by took on the banks in London by

setting up his own in Burnley. setting up his own in Burnley.

setting up his own in Burnley. setting up his own in Burnley.

Welcome to the Bank of Dave!! We Welcome to the Bank of Dave!! We

Welcome to the Bank of Dave!! We help people achieve 5% on savings,

help people achieve 5% on savings, help people achieve 5% on savings,

help people achieve 5% on savings, then lend that money out to local

then lend that money out to local then lend that money out to local

businesses that can't borrow from businesses that can't borrow from

businesses that can't borrow from High Street banks. I actually

High Street banks. I actually High Street banks. I actually

High Street banks. I actually applied to run the Bank of England!

applied to run the Bank of England! applied to run the Bank of England!

applied to run the Bank of England! applied to run the Bank of England!

Can I do a worse job? If Dave were Can I do a worse job? If Dave were

Can I do a worse job? If Dave were Can I do a worse job? If Dave were

Boris, he'd use banks like his to Boris, he'd use banks like his to

Boris, he'd use banks like his to get the economy moving by investing

get the economy moving by investing get the economy moving by investing

in local businesses. How are we in local businesses. How are we

in local businesses. How are we doing? It's like a fairytale! This

doing? It's like a fairytale! This doing? It's like a fairytale! This

is Michelle's shop. That were a is Michelle's shop. That were a

is Michelle's shop. That were a derelict building a few months ago

derelict building a few months ago derelict building a few months ago

derelict building a few months ago and we've lent her money to open

and we've lent her money to open and we've lent her money to open

her own wedding business. There's her own wedding business. There's

her own wedding business. There's Qatoo, he runs the carpark. He

Qatoo, he runs the carpark. He Qatoo, he runs the carpark. He

borrowed money to move house. And borrowed money to move house. And

borrowed money to move house. And there's Roy the Jewellers. He lends

there's Roy the Jewellers. He lends there's Roy the Jewellers. He lends

there's Roy the Jewellers. He lends money off me to buy gold and

money off me to buy gold and money off me to buy gold and

diamonds. This whole street is diamonds. This whole street is

diamonds. This whole street is connected to you! It's all about

connected to you! It's all about connected to you! It's all about

lending money out, getting the lending money out, getting the

lending money out, getting the economy going again. So, could a

economy going again. So, could a economy going again. So, could a

charismatic Boris be good for charismatic Boris be good for

charismatic Boris be good for business? I think someone to stand

business? I think someone to stand business? I think someone to stand

business? I think someone to stand up and say look the North's a

up and say look the North's a up and say look the North's a

up and say look the North's a bloody good place to live, it's a

bloody good place to live, it's a bloody good place to live, it's a

really good place for the economy, really good place for the economy,

really good place for the economy, really good place for the economy,

it's a really good place to work it's a really good place to work

it's a really good place to work it's a really good place to work

then it'd work out. If I could help, then it'd work out. If I could help,

then it'd work out. If I could help, then it'd work out. If I could help,

I would. Never mind help, why don't I would. Never mind help, why don't

I would. Never mind help, why don't I would. Never mind help, why don't

you do that job? I'm sure there are you do that job? I'm sure there are

you do that job? I'm sure there are many capable people who could do

many capable people who could do many capable people who could do

many capable people who could do that job. If I was asked to help,

that job. If I was asked to help, that job. If I was asked to help,

that job. If I was asked to help, then of course I would help. When

then of course I would help. When then of course I would help. When

then of course I would help. When you drive round a town like Burnley,

you drive round a town like Burnley, you drive round a town like Burnley,

you see the industrial heritage, you see the industrial heritage,

you see the industrial heritage, you're reminded of the sheer power

you're reminded of the sheer power you're reminded of the sheer power

of the North in driving the of the North in driving the

of the North in driving the industrial revolution. But now it's

industrial revolution. But now it's industrial revolution. But now it's

as if the North is downtrodden. as if the North is downtrodden.

as if the North is downtrodden. Much greater unemployement. All the

Much greater unemployement. All the Much greater unemployement. All the

indices of deprivation are much indices of deprivation are much

indices of deprivation are much indices of deprivation are much

greater in the north of England. So, greater in the north of England. So,

greater in the north of England. So, greater in the north of England. So,

in a way, we're united in adversity. in a way, we're united in adversity.

in a way, we're united in adversity. in a way, we're united in adversity.

The most deprived region is the one The most deprived region is the one

The most deprived region is the one The most deprived region is the one

where I was born and live. The where I was born and live. The

where I was born and live. The North-East. Could a Boris of the

North-East. Could a Boris of the North-East. Could a Boris of the

North come from a charity North come from a charity

North come from a charity background, and understand some of

background, and understand some of background, and understand some of

background, and understand some of these problems? So, 10 years ago I

these problems? So, 10 years ago I these problems? So, 10 years ago I

these problems? So, 10 years ago I started a charity called A Way Out,

started a charity called A Way Out, started a charity called A Way Out,

which deals with women who are which deals with women who are

which deals with women who are trapped in addiction, poverty and

trapped in addiction, poverty and abuse. In Westminster, who's

abuse. In Westminster, who's abuse. In Westminster, who's

fighting on behalf of the North- fighting on behalf of the North-

fighting on behalf of the North- East saying what about investing in

East saying what about investing in infrastructure, transport?

infrastructure, transport? infrastructure, transport?

Jessie were Boris, she'd make Jessie were Boris, she'd make

Jessie were Boris, she'd make transport her priority. I'm taking

transport her priority. I'm taking transport her priority. I'm taking

the train from Newcastle to the train from Newcastle to

the train from Newcastle to Middlesbrough. It's just under 40

Middlesbrough. It's just under 40 Middlesbrough. It's just under 40

Middlesbrough. It's just under 40 miles by road. I might be some time.

miles by road. I might be some time. miles by road. I might be some time.

miles by road. I might be some time. HST is a great example. We are

HST is a great example. We are HST is a great example. We are

improving links from London to improving links from London to

improving links from London to Leeds and Manchester. What about

Leeds and Manchester. What about improving the transport links

improving the transport links improving the transport links

across the region? That's where across the region? That's where

across the region? That's where campaigners say a Boris for the

campaigners say a Boris for the campaigners say a Boris for the

North could step in. We should North could step in. We should

North could step in. We should create something like Transport for

create something like Transport for create something like Transport for

the North, similar to Transport for the North, similar to Transport for

the North, similar to Transport for London. It would allow us the

London. It would allow us the London. It would allow us the

powers and spending that TfL has. powers and spending that TfL has.

powers and spending that TfL has. We are about to arrive in

We are about to arrive in We are about to arrive in

Middlesbrough. We are run time. If Middlesbrough. We are run time. If

Middlesbrough. We are run time. If Middlesbrough. We are run time. If

I was heading to London, in the I was heading to London, in the

I was heading to London, in the same time, I would be almost

same time, I would be almost same time, I would be almost

halfway there. The point is, halfway there. The point is,

halfway there. The point is, according to Jessie, poor roads and

according to Jessie, poor roads and according to Jessie, poor roads and

railways stop people getting jobs. railways stop people getting jobs.

railways stop people getting jobs. railways stop people getting jobs.

If we can get to places, we're If we can get to places, we're

If we can get to places, we're If we can get to places, we're

totally cut off. Do we need a Boris totally cut off. Do we need a Boris

totally cut off. Do we need a Boris totally cut off. Do we need a Boris

of the North? Would you be up for of the North? Would you be up for

of the North? Would you be up for of the North? Would you be up for

of the North? Would you be up for it? To be a voice that would make a

it? To be a voice that would make a it? To be a voice that would make a

difference in the north, I would difference in the north, I would

difference in the north, I would definitely do it. Journey's end.

definitely do it. Journey's end. definitely do it. Journey's end.

I've met three leaders with three I've met three leaders with three

I've met three leaders with three different visions of how to create

different visions of how to create different visions of how to create

different visions of how to create a stronger North. Do we need a

a stronger North. Do we need a a stronger North. Do we need a

a stronger North. Do we need a Boris to build bridges? Or do we

Boris to build bridges? Or do we Boris to build bridges? Or do we

just concentrate on our own corner just concentrate on our own corner

When Jan Leeming decided to sponsor When Jan Leeming decided to sponsor

When Jan Leeming decided to sponsor a Battle of Britain Memorial, she

a Battle of Britain Memorial, she a Battle of Britain Memorial, she

a Battle of Britain Memorial, she had no idea what it would lead to.

had no idea what it would lead to. had no idea what it would lead to.

had no idea what it would lead to. She froze -- she chose the name of

She froze -- she chose the name of She froze -- she chose the name of

a French pilot the sponsor. That a French pilot the sponsor. That

a French pilot the sponsor. That started a five-year journey to find

started a five-year journey to find started a five-year journey to find

it more about him. She uncovered it more about him. She uncovered

it more about him. She uncovered the story of a remarkable hero.

the story of a remarkable hero. the story of a remarkable hero.

the story of a remarkable hero. On the South Coast, near to where I

On the South Coast, near to where I On the South Coast, near to where I

On the South Coast, near to where I live, there is a wall covered in

live, there is a wall covered in live, there is a wall covered in

names. These were the brave airmen names. These were the brave airmen

names. These were the brave airmen who fought the Battle of Britain,

who fought the Battle of Britain, who fought the Battle of Britain,

saving us from invasion against saving us from invasion against

saving us from invasion against overwhelming odds. Never in the

overwhelming odds. Never in the overwhelming odds. Never in the

overwhelming odds. Never in the field of human conflict was so much

field of human conflict was so much field of human conflict was so much

field of human conflict was so much been owed by so many to so few.

been owed by so many to so few. been owed by so many to so few.

been owed by so many to so few. Five years ago I decided to sponsor

Five years ago I decided to sponsor Five years ago I decided to sponsor

one of the inscriptions on this one of the inscriptions on this

one of the inscriptions on this memorial. There are 13 French names

memorial. There are 13 French names memorial. There are 13 French names

on this Wall of Remembrance and, on this Wall of Remembrance and,

on this Wall of Remembrance and, because of my French ancestry, I

because of my French ancestry, I because of my French ancestry, I

because of my French ancestry, I asked to sponsor a French pilot. I

asked to sponsor a French pilot. I asked to sponsor a French pilot. I

was given the name Rene Mouchotte. was given the name Rene Mouchotte.

was given the name Rene Mouchotte. was given the name Rene Mouchotte.

I knew nothing about this man, so I I knew nothing about this man, so I

I knew nothing about this man, so I decided I would research his story.

decided I would research his story. decided I would research his story.

It's been a long and challenging It's been a long and challenging

It's been a long and challenging project, but along the way I've

project, but along the way I've project, but along the way I've

been helped by many new friends, been helped by many new friends,

been helped by many new friends, been helped by many new friends,

taking me to places as far apart as taking me to places as far apart as

taking me to places as far apart as Paris and York. You did something

Paris and York. You did something Paris and York. You did something

many official researchers didn't do, many official researchers didn't do,

many official researchers didn't do, you made this story passionate.

you made this story passionate. you made this story passionate.

you made this story passionate. started my quest by looking up Rene

started my quest by looking up Rene started my quest by looking up Rene

Mouchotte's war records. They show Mouchotte's war records. They show

Mouchotte's war records. They show Mouchotte's war records. They show

him to be a Spitfire ace, killed in him to be a Spitfire ace, killed in

him to be a Spitfire ace, killed in him to be a Spitfire ace, killed in

him to be a Spitfire ace, killed in battle at the age of 29 - one of

battle at the age of 29 - one of battle at the age of 29 - one of

only 13 Free French pilots who only 13 Free French pilots who

only 13 Free French pilots who escaped to Britain rather than live

escaped to Britain rather than live escaped to Britain rather than live

under Nazi rule. He became the under Nazi rule. He became the

under Nazi rule. He became the first Frenchman to lead an RAF

first Frenchman to lead an RAF first Frenchman to lead an RAF

Squadron, was a Battle of Britain Squadron, was a Battle of Britain

Squadron, was a Battle of Britain fighter ace and after over 300

fighter ace and after over 300 fighter ace and after over 300

sorties was killed in action in sorties was killed in action in

sorties was killed in action in 1943. I also discovered that

1943. I also discovered that 1943. I also discovered that

Mouchotte is a name still familiar Mouchotte is a name still familiar

Mouchotte is a name still familiar to servicemen, thanks to the

to servicemen, thanks to the to servicemen, thanks to the

to servicemen, thanks to the diaries he kept. We all know of the

diaries he kept. We all know of the significance of Mouchotte and,

significance of Mouchotte and, significance of Mouchotte and,

indeed, other famous airmen whose indeed, other famous airmen whose

indeed, other famous airmen whose indeed, other famous airmen whose

roads here at Biggin Hill Patch are roads here at Biggin Hill Patch are

roads here at Biggin Hill Patch are named after. But Mouchotte in

named after. But Mouchotte in named after. But Mouchotte in

particular because it's the biggest particular because it's the biggest

particular because it's the biggest road on the patch. The significance

road on the patch. The significance road on the patch. The significance

road on the patch. The significance of him is not lost on the residents

of him is not lost on the residents of him is not lost on the residents

here. There's a book that goes here. There's a book that goes

here. There's a book that goes round the Patch and everybody who's

round the Patch and everybody who's round the Patch and everybody who's

round the Patch and everybody who's read it signs it and passes it on

read it signs it and passes it on read it signs it and passes it on

read it signs it and passes it on to the next guy. The book is a

to the next guy. The book is a to the next guy. The book is a

collection of Rene's war diaries. collection of Rene's war diaries.

collection of Rene's war diaries. His first-hand account of life as

His first-hand account of life as His first-hand account of life as

His first-hand account of life as an RAF pilot, much more than just a

an RAF pilot, much more than just a an RAF pilot, much more than just a

description of missions and sorties. description of missions and sorties.

description of missions and sorties. There are personal notes here about

There are personal notes here about There are personal notes here about

fear, fatigue, anger at bureaucracy fear, fatigue, anger at bureaucracy

fear, fatigue, anger at bureaucracy and, very sadly, descriptions of

and, very sadly, descriptions of and, very sadly, descriptions of

watching his friends die in battle. watching his friends die in battle.

watching his friends die in battle. watching his friends die in battle.

We had been flying for over an hour We had been flying for over an hour

We had been flying for over an hour We had been flying for over an hour

when I suddenly saw the fatal white when I suddenly saw the fatal white

when I suddenly saw the fatal white when I suddenly saw the fatal white

cloud. As they made for the coast, cloud. As they made for the coast,

cloud. As they made for the coast, cloud. As they made for the coast,

my poor Charles, if only he had my poor Charles, if only he had

my poor Charles, if only he had my poor Charles, if only he had

listened to me. I wanted to know listened to me. I wanted to know

listened to me. I wanted to know more about this man's background. I

more about this man's background. I more about this man's background. I

started with an address in Paris, started with an address in Paris,

started with an address in Paris, started with an address in Paris,

the villa where he was born. It's the villa where he was born. It's

the villa where he was born. It's now apartments, with no trace of

now apartments, with no trace of now apartments, with no trace of

his family here anymore. I knew his family here anymore. I knew

his family here anymore. I knew his family here anymore. I knew

from his diaries he'd had a sister, from his diaries he'd had a sister,

from his diaries he'd had a sister, from his diaries he'd had a sister,

but was she still alive? One thing but was she still alive? One thing

but was she still alive? One thing but was she still alive? One thing

gave me a glimmer of hope - Rene's gave me a glimmer of hope - Rene's

gave me a glimmer of hope - Rene's family tomb at Pere Lachaise

family tomb at Pere Lachaise family tomb at Pere Lachaise

family tomb at Pere Lachaise cemetery was well cared for. I left

cemetery was well cared for. I left cemetery was well cared for. I left

cemetery was well cared for. I left a letter there, in the hope someone

a letter there, in the hope someone a letter there, in the hope someone

a letter there, in the hope someone who cared about Rene would pick it

Rene has been well researched. Rene has been well researched.

Rene has been well researched. Nobody had found his sister. It's

Nobody had found his sister. It's Nobody had found his sister. It's

Nobody had found his sister. It's around this point of the story that

around this point of the story that around this point of the story that

I first discovered Elvington. The I first discovered Elvington. The

My friend lives near York and she'd My friend lives near York and she'd

My friend lives near York and she'd My friend lives near York and she'd

seen an item on the local news seen an item on the local news

seen an item on the local news about the French airforce at

about the French airforce at about the French airforce at

Elvington. She thought I should get Elvington. She thought I should get

Elvington. She thought I should get Elvington. She thought I should get

in touch. We get a lot of requests in touch. We get a lot of requests

in touch. We get a lot of requests for research. Actually visiting the

for research. Actually visiting the for research. Actually visiting the

for research. Actually visiting the tomb, that struck me as being such

tomb, that struck me as being such tomb, that struck me as being such

a passion that you deserve this a passion that you deserve this

a passion that you deserve this a passion that you deserve this

much support as you could get. much support as you could get.

much support as you could get. and I began to correspond, but

and I began to correspond, but and I began to correspond, but

didn't meet straight away. In the didn't meet straight away. In the

didn't meet straight away. In the meantime, I'd received an email

meantime, I'd received an email meantime, I'd received an email

from Paris. My mother-in-law found from Paris. My mother-in-law found

from Paris. My mother-in-law found the letter in late October,

the letter in late October, the letter in late October,

beginning of November, when she beginning of November, when she

beginning of November, when she beginning of November, when she

went every year to put flowers on went every year to put flowers on

went every year to put flowers on went every year to put flowers on

the tomb. She called me. She said, the tomb. She called me. She said,

there's this letter... Hubert's there's this letter... Hubert's

mother-in-law was Jacqueline mother-in-law was Jacqueline

mother-in-law was Jacqueline Contain, the sister of Rene

Contain, the sister of Rene Contain, the sister of Rene

Mouchotte, and she was still alive. Mouchotte, and she was still alive.

Mouchotte, and she was still alive. Mouchotte, and she was still alive.

I went to meet her on her birthday I went to meet her on her birthday

I went to meet her on her birthday I went to meet her on her birthday

I went to meet her on her birthday 101 years old! He was a boy he was

101 years old! He was a boy he was 101 years old! He was a boy he was

always happy, smiling, full of joy. always happy, smiling, full of joy.

always happy, smiling, full of joy. always happy, smiling, full of joy.

I had almost given up. When I got I had almost given up. When I got

I had almost given up. When I got the email, I cried. You did

the email, I cried. You did something official researchers

something official researchers something official researchers

didn't do, you'd found a living didn't do, you'd found a living

didn't do, you'd found a living didn't do, you'd found a living

link. It was on that same trip to link. It was on that same trip to

link. It was on that same trip to link. It was on that same trip to

Paris that Ian and I finally met. Paris that Ian and I finally met.

Paris that Ian and I finally met. Paris that Ian and I finally met.

We met at gates of Les Invalides, We met at gates of Les Invalides,

We met at gates of Les Invalides, We met at gates of Les Invalides,

at Henri Lafont's funeral. I got an at Henri Lafont's funeral. I got an

at Henri Lafont's funeral. I got an at Henri Lafont's funeral. I got an

email, you were in Paris, I said email, you were in Paris, I said

email, you were in Paris, I said come to funeral with me. Henri

come to funeral with me. Henri come to funeral with me. Henri

Lafont was the last surviving Lafont was the last surviving

Lafont was the last surviving French Battle of Britain pilot. He

French Battle of Britain pilot. He French Battle of Britain pilot. He

French Battle of Britain pilot. He was one of the men who fled Vichy

was one of the men who fled Vichy was one of the men who fled Vichy

France with Rene when, with five France with Rene when, with five

France with Rene when, with five friends, they stole a plane, flew

friends, they stole a plane, flew friends, they stole a plane, flew

from Oran to Gibraltar and escaped from Oran to Gibraltar and escaped

from Oran to Gibraltar and escaped from Oran to Gibraltar and escaped

to fly with the RAF. After the to fly with the RAF. After the

to fly with the RAF. After the funeral someone noticed he had no

funeral someone noticed he had no We all talked, we should do

We all talked, we should do We all talked, we should do

something about this. I decided to something about this. I decided to

something about this. I decided to something about this. I decided to

pick up the challenge. At the same pick up the challenge. At the same

pick up the challenge. At the same pick up the challenge. At the same

time, Ian and the air museum were time, Ian and the air museum were

time, Ian and the air museum were time, Ian and the air museum were

able to help with my research. They able to help with my research. They

discovered some remarkable newsreel discovered some remarkable newsreel

discovered some remarkable newsreel footage of Rene. NEWSREEL: The

footage of Rene. NEWSREEL: The footage of Rene. NEWSREEL: The

question is, he shut down the question is, he shut down the

question is, he shut down the thousandth plane? How on Earth did

thousandth plane? How on Earth did thousandth plane? How on Earth did

you find that film? He'd written you find that film? He'd written

you find that film? He'd written you find that film? He'd written

about it in diaries. It was hard to about it in diaries. It was hard to

about it in diaries. It was hard to about it in diaries. It was hard to

find him because not ID'd as Rene find him because not ID'd as Rene

Mouchotte. I couldn't cross- Mouchotte. I couldn't cross-

Mouchotte. I couldn't cross- reference. He'd pretended to be

reference. He'd pretended to be reference. He'd pretended to be

Canadian. As French airman, if Canadian. As French airman, if

Canadian. As French airman, if A few months later I was able to

A few months later I was able to A few months later I was able to

return to Paris. We held an return to Paris. We held an

return to Paris. We held an official medal presentation at the

official medal presentation at the British Ambassador's Residence.

British Ambassador's Residence. British Ambassador's Residence.

Sadly, Jacqueline was in failing Sadly, Jacqueline was in failing

Sadly, Jacqueline was in failing Sadly, Jacqueline was in failing

health and so couldn't be there, so health and so couldn't be there, so

health and so couldn't be there, so health and so couldn't be there, so

we took Rene's medals to her. We we took Rene's medals to her. We

we took Rene's medals to her. We we took Rene's medals to her. We

not only took medals, we took the not only took medals, we took the

not only took medals, we took the not only took medals, we took the

film. She was just so emotional at film. She was just so emotional at

film. She was just so emotional at seeing her brother. It was only

seeing her brother. It was only seeing her brother. It was only

three weeks later that Jacqueline three weeks later that Jacqueline

three weeks later that Jacqueline died. She's now buried with her

died. She's now buried with her died. She's now buried with her

brother in the Mouchotte family brother in the Mouchotte family

brother in the Mouchotte family brother in the Mouchotte family

tomb. My search for Rene and his tomb. My search for Rene and his

tomb. My search for Rene and his tomb. My search for Rene and his

family has taken up much of my life family has taken up much of my life

family has taken up much of my life family has taken up much of my life

since 2007. With the help of a since 2007. With the help of a

since 2007. With the help of a great many people, I've finally

great many people, I've finally great many people, I've finally

been able to complete his story, been able to complete his story,

been able to complete his story, been able to complete his story,

and found myself a new role. I'm and found myself a new role. I'm

and found myself a new role. I'm very honoured to be a Vice-

very honoured to be a Vice- very honoured to be a Vice-

President of the Allied Air Forces President of the Allied Air Forces

President of the Allied Air Forces Memorial. Rene served as a fighter

Memorial. Rene served as a fighter pilot. His fellow countrymen

pilot. His fellow countrymen pilot. His fellow countrymen

stationed here flew bombers, but stationed here flew bombers, but

stationed here flew bombers, but they shared a common cause, and

they shared a common cause, and they shared a common cause, and

they are all remembered here at they are all remembered here at

they are all remembered here at Elvington. Rene's is just one among

Elvington. Rene's is just one among Elvington. Rene's is just one among

many stories of sacrifice and many stories of sacrifice and

many stories of sacrifice and bravery. So, my journey has ended

bravery. So, my journey has ended bravery. So, my journey has ended

where it began and, after five where it began and, after five

where it began and, after five years of searching, Rene Mouchotte

years of searching, Rene Mouchotte years of searching, Rene Mouchotte

years of searching, Rene Mouchotte is no longer just a name engraved

is no longer just a name engraved on a wall.

on a wall. on a wall.

on a wall. That is it for tonight, and this

That is it for tonight, and this That is it for tonight, and this

series. We're still looking for series. We're still looking for

series. We're still looking for stories that you think are

stories that you think are stories that you think are

stories that you think are important, so get in touch. We will

important, so get in touch. We will important, so get in touch. We will