09/11/2012 BBC Oxford News

Welcome to the programme, in tonight's programme: the police

officer who dragged a woman to herself, the Chief Constable is

order to give him his job back. felt that the -- the behaviour was

disgraceful, I recognise that his four years ago. No room at

Christmas, the Troubles are finding a place to sleep. And Tom Conti.

Good evening. A former Wiltshire Police officer, caught on CCTV

dragging a woman across the floor and throwing her into a cell, will

be given his job back. The decision has been announced today by a High

Court judge - who's also ordered Sergeant Mark Andrews be paid

thousands of pounds in back pay. You IMI custody now, you will be be

-- you why in my custody now, you will be required. Sergeant Mark

Andrews is seen dragging this woman across the floor, she is seen

falling to the floor, before striding to get up. He only

received five days in prison, and the conviction was overturned. The

judge said he was dealing with a drunk woman, and was not meaning to

help her. I still get panic attacks. I am pine for a while, but I get

you to panic attacks. -- I am fine for a while. Wiltshire Police took

the case to a High Court judge. Today, they all have to give him

his -- a border to give him his job back. I recognise that we have to

give him his job back. I thought it was disgraceful. Mark Andrews will

come back to the force, and will be into a -- integrated., he has been

trying to clear his name for four years. He has been through hell for

the last four years. He was beginning to give up that he would

establish justice. With the police divided, the Police Federation said

that justice had finally been done, and it was right that he got his

job back. More than four hundred trees are to

be dug up and destroyed at a new housing development in Oxfordshire,

after they were found to be infected with ash dieback. The

disease was discovered on saplings at the Kingsmere development near

Bicester, where the ash trees have been planted. They will now be

removed and burnt. The infected trees had been imported from

Holland. The chancellor George Osbourne has

announced millions of pounds investment into space science in

the UK - including developing a major hub at Harwell in Oxfordshire.

The move would create one hundred new hi-tech jobs at the site. Its

part of a plan to increase the amount Britain contributes to the

European Space Agency by around seventy million.

A charity working in Oxford says it's confident it can find homes

for the city's rough sleepers by Christmas. Critics say night

shelters are already at capacity and high rents make it hard for

people to afford housing. But those behind the No Second Night project

insist the system is working. Recovering alcoholic Bryan Farmer's

been homeless for 12 years. It's three months since his last drink.

He's been assessed by the no second night team in Oxford and given a

bed here until they can organise a more permanent solution. If he was

not for the rooms here, I would be sleeping on a park bench with a

terrific hangover, with absolutely nothing to look forward to. It is

through a place like this, even with my background, that it has

helped me out a immensely. The aim is to break the cycle of

homelessness by getting people off the streets as quickly as possible.

Since the project launched at the end of the summer, just over 40

rough sleepers have been housed. The project leader's determined no

one should be sleeping rough in the city by the end of the year. It has

been very successful. It has been faults, we have managed to move

people on, whether that be to hostels, or to get them into

private accommodation, or into families. But some still slip

through the net. Sudanese refugee Omar Al Shafar has been homeless

for seven years. The director of this day centre in Cowley says the

current system's full to capacity and more needs to be done to free

up spaces. What we need to do is to move people on higher up the system,

and move them out of accommodation that is shared, in order to make

space at the bottom, to people who are desperately compromise. That's

echoed by these rough sleepers who can't get a bed. I have been out

here for six months, it doesn't work. They have not got enough

resources or people. But for Bryan, it's a new start and by helping HIM

to move on, the team says it'll be able to help many more off the

streets and into a home. Still to come in this evening's

programme: A major milestone - for a world first. Oxford's Helen House

children's hospice turns thirty. Find out how it's still leading the

way in care. Also - she's been called the new Vera Lynn. We meet

the Oxfordshire singer - raising money for the armed forces.

Feeding the troops in Afghanistan is a massive operation and it

starts here in Oxfordshire. Each week, hundreds of tonnes of fruit

and vegetables are transported from a depot in Bicester - to the front

line. The firm behind the supply started as a family greengrocers.

Lunch in Camp Bastion for the troops putting their lives on the

line. Their food is always have the highest quality. The journey begins

here, all of the fruit and vegetables is -- are carefully

chosen. A they have a long journey, they are carefully chosen, as firm

as they can be, so they can survive the journey. This is a family

greengrocer, employing nearly 1,000 people, sending food to the troops,

a major contract. We're looking out potatoes, carrots, all the staple

foods. We will be looking at 70 tons of potatoes that will go out

on our export business. 80 tons of onions, it is big business. That is

in one week. While the first produces -- produces flown out, the

big-name brands go all the way on the ground, a long journey. We have

difficulties crossing borders. We want to provide the food that they

want to read. When they are abroad, they want to try different things,

but they also want a slice of home. Sausage, beans, things that come

from home, things that you buy over their taste different. For those

involved, feeding the troops has been a lucrative contract.

Thousands of soldiers are due to leave Afghanistan next year,

wherever they go next, they were still demand the best, and perhaps

the delivery will be easier. The world's first ever children's

hospice, set up in Oxford, is celebrating a milestone this month.

It's thirty years since Helen House opened. There are now forty nine

hospices in the UK providing care for children but back in 1982 there

was nothing. Helen House was pioneering and is still seen as

leading the way in children's palliative care. In a moment we'll

speak to its founder Sister Frances Dominica who is still very involved

today. First let's take a look inside to see some of the work they

Six-year-old Joshua has been coming to Helen House most of his life. He

has a very rare condition that means in the future he will be

unable to walk, talk or swallow. Here, he can play like any other

child. This is one of the most joyful places I have ever worked.

It focuses on making the most of the children's lives. Enjoying

every positive they can. They will do whatever they can to meet the

needs and wishes of the child and their family. That has been the

farce since they opened 30 years ago. The idea of a man inspired by

family friendship. respite care is an important part of what is

offered here. Sexier -- six-year- old Benjamin has muscular dystrophy.

Here he can stay with his family. Alongside this role, they are there

for the final moments are they -- of a child's life. We are faced

with complicated conditions, perhaps the first one it seemed.

There is not always there President, a we have to look at the disease. -

- there is not always a precedent, and we have to look at the disease.

It is a challenge that the staff deal with well, here at and that

their sister Hospice, saying Douglas, care, comfort and

compassion is everywhere. -- St Douglas. A model for compassionate

everybody in care. Sister Frances is with us in the

studio. How proud are you of what has been achieved? It is very

exciting, it is teamwork, a brilliant team. One of the most

exciting things is that the concept has spread around the world. I had

just come back from Japan. How has this become such an integral part

of Oxfordshire life? People are very supportive, that is lovely.

Many of the children who have come here, and the young people, have

been Oxfordshire families, relatives have become involved, and

funding has spread. Has the funding come from far and wide? Funding has

spread further than just this county. Anyone watching this

programme he may have an interest... Have you struggled over the years?

If people are very generous. It is a cause that most people feel, yes,

I would like to do something about that. You haven't felt the need to

compete? I don't think we are aware of that, perhaps the fund-raising

team would say differently! Can you see into the next 30 years? I am

not very good at looking into the future, but we are on a steep

learning curve, and everyone who comes to last teaches us something

new. Our job is to listen and learn, and do our very best for each and

every child and young person. job continues for the time being?

Are until they push me out! Thank Still to come: Isn't that such fun!

From an embarrassing dad in Miranda to performing in Oxford. We catch

up with Tom Conti. A special service has been held, remembering

members of the Armed Forces who died in the line of duty. The Royal

British Legion creates Field of Remembrance. This year 40,000

wooden crosses have been planted at Lydiard Park. They pay tribute to

those killed in Afghanistan. It is held ahead of Armistice Day on

Sunday. Next Friday is a big day for Children In Need and the

millions raised each year have a million -- have a massive impact on

projects was benefit. In Swindon, the What's Next project helps

people with learning disabilities to make their own decisions about

their lives. The project leader is Cat Murphy and works in a drop-in

centre in the town. The What's Next project is for 14 to 18 year-olds.

I do a mixture of group work and 1- 1. They have a variety of different

learning disabilities who need a lot of help to communicate. This is

Sam. Sam is our, Scott for the charity. Young people find it

easier to talk through the profit. -- family is our and Ascot. A --

Sam his arm Ascot. He wants to be a DJ. Now he is a DJ. For we are just

talking about the programme today. Have fun. I come here once a week

and it has helped me with my learning disability. I travel on a

bus. But Britain's my day up a bit. When I come in, everybody will say

well done. -- it brightens my day up. It is respectful. He went to

the radio station and we had a phone call a we arrange a meeting.

For as much of that as possible, I supported him. He had to do it.

Then came in and let us and was delightful. Great sense of humour.

He does say he is the station manager, which is great, gives me a

day of! He quickly became part of the team. He learned skills and

recording, editing, his first interview was with the mayor of

Swindon. He is a living testimony to how people can do things if they

want to. He you are on air in five minutes. A I am doing well. When

the station opened in 2008, I started listening to the Motown

shows. You are really into it now? Yes. I was in a good mood when I

listened to it. Do you want to introduce the song? This is dancing

in the street. Before I met Cat Murphy, I did not how to speak out.

In it could not have been more successful. It has had a big impact

on him in terms of his confidence and what he wants to do next.

want to get out a bit more, make friends and start going places.

Last year, 138 were involved in a project. We have received 95,000

from Children In Need previously and we are lucky enough to be

successful in reapplying. We are continuing for another three years.

The acting legend Tom Conti has been in Oxford this week appearing

in Rough Justice at the city's Playhouse Theatre. With a list of

credits, he is a man when you see or hear him, you feel you know him.

He has been telling me that is a problem for his character in the

production which uses the audience as the jury. With mercy killing in

the news, Tom told me this role has been timely. It is very much of the

moment. Killings like this, mercy killings, they have filled the news

for a long time now. The play was written many years ago. But this

argument has been going on very long time. This is a particularly

emotional event because of who this man is. -- who this man has killed.

He has pleaded guilty to manslaughter immediately. The law

says this smells like murder to us. Let us try you for murder. He is

known by the whole country as a famous face and suddenly he is in

the dock at the Old Bailey and he makes a foolish decision to defend

himself no-one with any sense would do that. He thinks he can appeal to

the decency and fairness of people. Decency and fairness and law are

not happy bedfellows. You mentioned the character is known by the

country. You can relate to that. Almost anyone in any generation has

been touched by your work. I must be careful not to commit a crime!

That is true. A lot of people know you. My life can be told in a few

phrases. One is, can I touch your hair from a schoolgirl? You move on

to, oh, my mum loves you. Finally, you are one of my gran's favourites.

If all at the same time sometimes. That is good. Yes. You are nearly

at the end of the run. You have enjoyed it? Are you ready for a

rest? If from the boards, yes. But we want to take the plane to London.

That will not be until the new year. I have a book to finish. My head

will be down on Monday morning. Last week, I call you in Miranda

for the first time. -- I caught you. It was the Christmas episode.

Another example of the York funny side. Let us have a look. -- of

your funny side. Suitcase! I do not know where you get your clumsiness

from. I laughed out loud watching that. I'm assuming Christmas will

not be like that for you. Hopefully not! It is funny, you can either do

falls or you count. High made times did you have to do that? Just the

once. You can't do it badly because you have to do it 10 times. Great

any year. -- great to meet you. Tom Conti.

Onto sport, and a look ahead to this weekend's action.

Let us start with football tonight where Milton Keynes welcome

unbeaten Sheffield United to Stadium MK. The Dons have won their

last two matches in League One, but drew their FA Cup tie on Wednesday

night with Cambridge City. It means they have had one less day to

prepare for the visit of Sheffield United. It is typical we do not

always get the green, and we asked to keep the game on the Tuesday. I

hope the, comes back and helps us out. We are disappointed we are not

higher in the League with more points. Performances have merited

more points that what we have. This is a test against the team that are

flying high. They will be enjoyable. Sheffield United drew 0-0 with

Swindon at the County Ground midweek. Tomorrow, the Robins are

away to Walsall in League One. Whilst in League Two, Oxford United

are at home to Torquay, looking to bounce back from their defeat at

the Kassam to Dagenham on Tuesday. In Rugby Union, there is a break

from League action for London Welsh. The Exiles rest stand-off Gavin

Henson as the Kassam Stadium plays host to LV Cup action for the first

time. Exeter return to Oxford having tasted defeat against London

Welsh in the Premiership back in September.

In motorsport, it is an important weekend for Oxfordshire MotoGP

rider Bradley Smith. Smith, who turns 22 later this month, has his

final ride in Moto2 as the season concludes in Valencia. The Wheatley

rider steps up to the main MotoGP class next season which will start

with a first test next week. And finally to wakeboarding, where

we told you last week about Chloe Goudie from Buckinghamshire who was

off to the junior World Championships in the Phillipines. I

am glad to report the 17-year-old junior champion has qualified for

the final which takes place tomorrow. That is all the sport.

She is being described at the new Vera Lynn. But it is not just the

sound of Oxfordshire singer songwriter Rebecca Poole that is

reminiscent of another era, she says the 1940s passion inspires her

too. Now she is taking her big band around the world as she raises

money for the armed forces. Sinead Carroll went to meet her at her

home in Nettlebed. I have a romantic idea of the era, whether

it is true or not. I feel back then people really did appreciate what

they had because of the walls. -- the wars. I love the big bans the

played. Glenn Miller. They all strike a chord in my heart.

Hotly tipped as one to watch, singer songwriter Rebecca Poole

from Nettlebed has not just been inspired by wartime musicians, she

is following in their footsteps too. The Vera Lynn, big inspiration. You

have got a signed photograph of her and a letter. Tell me how this came

about. Her music from that time was hugely inspirational to me. I sent

her the song and said I would love to hear what she thought. I said

she had been a huge influence. said music is a great way to give

lessons to young people. The single This Is The Song is

backed by the RAF band, with proceeds going to Help For Heroes.

I wrote the song so I could say thank you do them and keep the

memory alive for me because I think we should feel very grateful to be

living in this free society. Rebecca's schedule is busy. When we

met near her childhood home in Nettlebed, she was recovering from

singing to England fans at Wembley and about to sing at a Grand Prix

concert in Abu Dhabi. Despite her jetset lifestyle, Rebecca says

Oxfordshire will always be home. is lovely to be able to release

this song and have so much support from the village. I know they have

sent out newsletters. I have been asked to go and perform for a

concert for Henley College. That will be amazing. I will encourage

the students from their to live out their dreams. I do not know why

they have picked me! Plan is to close the A34 have been delayed

because of bad weather. It is second -- is the second time it has

been put on hold. It will now get We have a lot of rain to get out of

the way. The rain will move in through the night, making it cloudy

and wet. Initially, the rain will be light and patchy. It is tied in

with this band of rain. As it comes closer, it will bring showery

outbreaks of rain. Expect a few spits and spots initially. Cloudy

skies. After midnight, that is what we will see heavy downpours. A bit

of a wet one. Overnight lows of seven degrees. Tomorrow, the rain

will clear quickly. There might be the odd shower lingering. But for

most, a dry day. In the sunshine, it will be cooler. Temperatures of

ten degrees. Saturday night into Sunday is going to be cold. They

could be some frost. On Sunday, it will be dry with decent spells of

sunshine. Temperatures will struggle to reach double figures.

On Monday, it starts off nice and bright but quickly we will see

cloud and rain moving in. That sets us up for an unsettled week. Sunday

for most of us will be a cold day but decent spells of sunshine. On

Monday, the cloud clouds over. We have rain crossing all of us

tonight, leaving us with sunshine tomorrow. Sunday looks good but

next week is more unsettled. The top story: The High Court judge