09/05/2014 BBC Oxford News

That's all from the BBC News at Six, so it's goodbye from

Good Evening. BBC South Today's been given special

access to a drug and alcohol support group in Oxfordshire which is

planning to open its fourth centre in the county due to increased

demand. Lifeline's helped more than one thousand alcoholics and addicts

since it started two years ago. One of those addicts has been a heroin

user for 35 years, spent nearly 20 years in prison and has nine

children. But now he's clean. This is Dennis' story.

I started getting in trouble when I was 12, I was arrested for a violent

criminal was 14. By 17, I was addicted to heroin. If I want a

better light, I didn't even want to wake up, as soon as I opened my

eyes, the obsession was on me. I knew I had to get up, TRANSLATION:

To myself up to do shopping, there were no robberies, I was out

thieving in shops and making 30 to ?40. He cannot see the illness. If

someone has broken the arm, you can see it. ``

you normally see signs of it. If you're not fully committed, it

doesn't work. This time, the difference was I came in to the

service, I wanted to, no one pushed me. I took it off my own back,

because it had got to a stage that I could not manage any more. I didn't

like myself. They say once you love yourself, you can love others, I'm

starting to understand that. It has been ten months, and a lot has

happened, things... Words fail me, really. The young offenders is where

I would like to work, because I was young once and no one showed me the

way. Knowing that I come from a background of drug and alcohol for

35 years, to put that down and start helping other people, start caring,

you know, is a miracle. An incredible recovery. To see more

of Dennis' story, just head to our Facebook page ` the details are

A 20`year`old woman's been sexually assaulted in an alleyway in Oxford.

It happened as she walked down the Cowley Road on Monday evening. The

offender's thought to be a slim, black man, around five foot five

tall. He was wearing white shoes and one single black leather glove.

The Oxford Stadium has been saved from being turned into a new housing

site. The city council had rejected planning permission for 200 new

homes and now the developer's confirmed it won't challenge that

decision. The owner wants to rent the site for leisure purposes,

meaning greyhound racing and speedway could return to the site.

Her Royal Highness the Duchess of Cornwall has been in Oxford today to

officially open a new ?12 million research centre. The bone disease

unit is being run at the Nuffield Hospital in Headington. It

specialises in research for people with arthritis, osteoporosis and

other joint problems. Tom Turrell was there for the opening.

The Duchess of Cornwall in Oxford to officially open a new research

centre which it is hoped will help those with bone and joint conditions

like osteoporosis and arthritis. Royal Highness is patron of a

charity that raised the money needed to build this new facility. She was

last here in 2007, osteoporosis is a condition close to her heart, both

her mother and her grandmother suffered from it.

During her visit, a tour with a demonstration of some of the

technology. Around 13 million people suffer with arthritis and

osteoporosis and surgical simulators like this help doctors practise

tricky operations outside of theatre. The professor in charge

says the work conducted here will really help patients most in need.

Without centres like this, we will not be able to take discoveries into

the clinic, so we need groups of people who are focused on that

translation, on designing the trials, on conducting the trials and

recruiting the patients into the studies. The truth of the matter is

we're living longer and longer and we're demanding our quality of life

keeps pace, too. If that's going to happen, then those that deal in the

business of joints and bones know there's a lot of work still to be

done. A permanent memorial has been

unveiled in Didcot to honour seven bomb disposal experts killed in Iraq

and Afghanistan. The town has already named seven new streets in

their memory. All the soldiers were based at the Vauxhall Barracks.

Jeremy Stern reports. They'll always be remembered by

their family and friends. Now they're a part of the town in which

they were based. Members of the 11 EOD regiment were honoured at

ceremony in Didcot's new Great Western Estate. It was the idea of a

town councillor. This is therefore the people and the relatives, their

home was Didcot, they gave everything for our country and our

town, so if we can give a little back. The seven soldiers who lost

their lives since 2003 were Staff Sergeant Chris Muir, Warrant Officer

Gary Odonnell, Captain Dan Shepherd, Staff Sgt Olaf Schmidt. Captain Dan

Read, Staff Sgt Brett Linley and Captain Lisa Head.

Some of the new residents have been finding about the heroes who their

roads are named after. It is something very different and

original. I think it is lovely. Quite unusual, it is the first time

I have come across it. I think it is a good idea. Given like a fitting

tribute, being so close to the barracks. I am glad they have done

it. Didcot is continuing to grow. It's possible more roads will be

named after soldiers who died over the past few decades. But today's

congregation prayed for those currently in service to stay safe.

A man has been arrested on suspicion of robbery after someone dressed as

Santa walked into the Next store in Cowley and threatened members of

staff with a knife. It happened just before Christmas last year. The man

stole money before escaping on a bicycle. Police say they've arrested

a 23`year`old man from Cowley ` he's been bailed until later this month.

Employees at the Honda plant in Swindon have until today to apply

for voluntary redundancy. So far, 191 people have applied, but there's

still a shortfall. A further 109 compulsory redundancies are expected

to be made and the formal process is due to start next week. The car

manufacturer is cutting jobs because of falling sales in Europe.

The number of people facing food poverty in Oxford is on the rise,

but some charities are trying to solve that by making use of the food

we waste. Community groups are trying to address that problem by

making use of the food we throw away. Today, free soup was cooked

and dished out in Oxford, made from piles of unwanted food. Sinead

Carroll was there. Few people would turn down a free

lunch, even if it is made from leftovers. There is so much food

here. Last year, we fetch 600 people and we think there will be more this

year. All of that food would have gone and eaten. `` uneaten. Today's

event was run by volunteers, it launches a project called Feeding

the Gaps, linking those who need food with services who have a

surplus. In Oxford, there is a lot of food poverty, and we tend not to

see it. You have to know how to cook it, you have to

be able to afford to cook it. An equivalent of six meals is thrown

away by an average British family each week. Why waste what is good?

To spread the word about being wasteful. You when you realise how

much is wasted, it is better to be used. We need to address that. Thank

God for people like this. of Wight than our own weather

presenter tonight, Sarah Farmer. Sarah, dare I say at this point, how

is it looking? Well, actually we speak. Halo has disappeared into the

distance. The safety pilot, if he feels it is losing control at any

point, he will take over and either try and land it safely in the boat

or into the sea, just to prevent anything happening that is bad.

Fingers crossed we don't need to resort to that. The journey time

estimated to be about 12 minutes but there is a tail wind so we could be

on Southsea in the mainland in a bit less than, that in ten minutes'

time, or so, where Tom help worth is waiting for the arrival of Halo.

Tom, can you see it, yet? Sayeria, I can confirm I see no drone! I have

to say, the visibility is pretty good here. It is very, very windy

here in Southsea. This body of water, the Solent has been crossed

by hovercraft boats, aeroplanes, windsurfers and even a boat in a who

will he yoeed out pumpkin has gone across here `` a hollowed out.

But to date no unman drone has. That's where we think Halo will

change things and earn itself a place in the history books. It is a

big challenge for a little drone. Fingers crossed. Halo isn't the only

drone the university has been developing. They have also been

developing Two Seas. I went to wilt shire earlier to put it through its

places. `` Wiltshire. The team from the University of

Southampton is here to test an experimental unmanned aerial vehicle

called Two Seas but first they have to put together. It sounds like a

strimmer, two petrol engines provide the power but the wind is strong

today and the drone will be pushed to its limits. This is more than a

student project. They hope to make it a commercial success and team

leader, Dr Steven Prior wants to know how the drone will perform in

bad weather? We obviously need to actually inform the customer where

the limits are. This is probably just over that limit. So we are

pushing it to the extreme here. We need to do that to prove the air

worthiness of the frame and to make sure it can fly in conditions as bad

as this. Two Seas is a maritime surveillance aircraft. It's cheaper

than a helicopter. More portable and can stay in the air for five hours

at a time. Looking at trawlers, identifying trawlers, recording

their position, recording their time that they were out and the GPS

location and obviously looking for you know, smugglers, people

trafficking, pollution of the seas, accidents, investigations and

everything in between. The team's recently submitted an application

for European Union funding to develop a system for transporting

cargo between ro moat islands. If you can imagine `` remote islands.

If you can imagine someone living on a remote island that requires food,

service, goods up to 10 or 20kg at a time. Why would you fly a piloted

system or wait for a boat to arrive when you can despatch an unmanned

transportation mule. The high wind has put Two Seas to the test,

normally it would have no trouble keeping up with a smuggler speedboat

but in this test, into the wind, it was able to hover in the air N

conditions like this, it would be too dangerous to fly the smaller

drone, called Halo Halo is mainly used for reconnaissance. If it is

something you want to have a look at in further distance or dangerous

system, you can send in an unmanned system to have a look in a safer

manner. Although it couldn't fly here, this is the drone that's on

its way. It has a good success record. It won a competition for an

unmanned flight in America but the crossing of the Solent has never

been attempted before. If this ditches in the sea, how much of a

disaindependent or work down the drain? Well, considering if it is

the only one of its kind it would be upsetting because we would have to

make a new one. It won't be the end of the world. Are you sure it is up

to the job of flying across the Solent. Absolutely. We have proven

it in America. I think we will make it across safely. That's Mehmet

finishing up the report. We will rejoin Tom in Southsea in a few

moments' time. Let's move on to sport now. Tony Husband is with me.

We will talk to the Sholing team in a moment. Yes. We, but it is hard to

believe it is 12 months since the day of Andrew Simpson. It's a year

to the day since Andrew Simpson, or "Bart" to his friends, died when his

catamaran capsized. To mark the anniversary, a training centre has

opened in the Dorset`born sailor's name at the Weymouth and Portland

National Sailing Academy. Fellow Olympic Gold Medallists Sir Ben

Ainslie and Iain Percy cut the ribbon, Katy Austin was there too.

Friends, family and colleagues of Andrew Bart Simpson gathered to see

a new sailing centre launched in his name. His death in training for the

America's Cup last year shocked the sporting world. He was a larger than

life character. Everybody loved him. He was very, very special person and

I think that's reflected in the support that we have had to open the

sailing centre here and really get the next generation through to help

local kids get out on the water. Fellow Olympic sailor Ian Percy grew

up with Simpson. He was there when he died but is looking positively to

the future. He was all about helping people. He helped me into the Sydney

Olympics. I remember standing on this spot here after the Olympic

trials and he said to me what are we going to do to win you a gold medal?

That's what he was about. No man gave more to his friends and family.

The centre is a way of carrying that on, giving to many more children.

The new centre will be the hub of the activities run by the Andrew

Simpson Sailing Foundation, giving Portland not just an Olympic legacy

but a personal legacy from one of Britain's great sailing characters.

Bart would be delighted at this news: Giles Scott claimed the Finn

European title in La Rochelle today. Brighton and Hove Albion will have

to overcome a first leg deficit if they are to reach the Championship

play`off final. They lost the first leg of their semi`final clash with

Derby at the Amex last night despite taking the lead through on`loan

striker Jesse Lingard. Derby soon levelled through. Chris Martin's

penalty after Craig Forsyth was brought down. The visitors then took

the lead through Martin's shot which hit the bar and went in off the

Albion keeper Thomas Kuscak's back. The return leg is in Derby on Sunday

night. Southampton boss Mauricio Pochettino could be in charge for

the last time when Southampton face Manchester United on Sunday. The

manager's pre`match press conference did little to allay fans' fears that

he could leave this summer, along with some of the team which has

taken Saints to a record league points total. Mauricio Pochettino

has used a translator since day one so his message it fans will be

crystal clear. Today the answers will be far from that as he refused

to end speculation that he could leave the club this summer. This

Sunday when the game finishes against Manchester United our

project of five years, that has been happening for the last five years

will come to an end. I think it is up to the Board to discuss with me

the new project that will be in place starting next season. It is

not really up to me to decide when those talks you happen but the club,

overall, has to explain to me what this new project is going to consist

of and how it is going to start next season. Saints will finish 8th this

season with a record points total. Pochettino's players are targets. So

is T what of Adam Lallana and today's headlines? Zorb So he he.

I pretty much have the same information as you have. The club

has not spoken to me. Pochettino has 18 months left on his contract but

with Spurs reportedly keen on luring him away, there is plenty for fans

to fear. What is his message? You can't live in the fear of what is

going to happen in the future. What is important now is to enjoy this

moment, to enjoy the present, to relish the magnificent season we

have had. It is the end of a remarkable season at St Mary's on

Sunday but it feels it could be the end of an era, too. Fans hoping he

will stay. Southampton have announced a new title sponsor this

afternoon, in the electronics firm Veho.

From one team in red and white to another ` Sholing Football Club from

Southampton will be at Wembley tomorrow for the final of the FA

Vase. They take on West Auckland in the biggest game in their history.

Everybody needs a Cup Final song. Brother Goose a Southampton`based

band produced this Forestieri Sholing agency trip to Wembley. ``

for sholing's trip to Wembley. Tomorrow this will be their stage. I

never thought I would have an opportunity to play at Wembley and

how it would feel to score here would be out of this world. I would

say most of our players should be playing at a high level to be

honest. Getting on to this pitch and surroundings they will thrive. There

was good advice for them, too. Try and treat it like any other game.

Yes, it is a final but, actually try and play to your strengths. That's

why you have got there. And, I really would say ` go out and play

your natural game and enjoy it. 3,000 fans will follow Sholing. They

start adds underdogs but having already won their league this

season, don't bet against them completing a double.

Good luck the Boatmen tomorrow. I'm going to Wembley. I'm looking

forward to it. Let's hope you come back with trophies. Earlier in the

programme we saw a drone take off from the Isle of Wight, and head for

the Hampshire coast. It's all part of our week looking at unmanned

aerial vehicles. The big question is, has it arrived safely across the

Solent? Let's rejoin Tom Hepworth, who can tell us. Tom.

Well, Sally, it's not here yet! This is, of course never been tried

before. We haven't been able to see T we have lost contact with it at

the moment. We don't what the situation is with it yet. It should

be here any second to be fair, but it is windy T may has delayed it. If

it has fallen into the sea, it does have flotation devices, so it can

float and may well be picked up. This device is waiting for a signal.

When and if it gets close enough, this will pick up the signal. It has

been silent so far, we have not heard anything. With me is Dr

Stephen Prior from the university. Do we know any more about where Halo

has gone? We don't know any more. We are waiting for reports from the

other side. It is a long way across. 4.4 miles is by far furtherer than

you can see. I'm not worried about that unduly but we are waiting for

reports. How much was this really pushing the envelope here. How much

of a test was this for Halo? A big test. Very few people have ever

attempted something like this before, so there is no shame if it

fails. I like to keep pushing the boundaries and this is what we are

doing. This is the reason we are doing it so see what systems like

this are capable of doing. What could systems like Halo do in the

future practically? What jobs could it be doing f it comes back? Small

scale delivery. Almost Am zone drones have been mentioned.

Pharmaceutical deliveries for patients in urban areas, as well as

from island o island. So transportation, small scale

observation, forest fires, agriculture, developments a whole

scale of things it could be used for. We hope that Halo does come

back and that it does have a future here. In terms of what we know here,

when we know more, we will let you know, Sally. We do hope that Halo

arrives safely T costs ?6,000 and many students have put in a lot of

work. But now, from a very, very windy, Southsea over to the weather

forecast with Sarah. Well the eyes are on the skies here

trying to keep a spot out for that drone but we have lovely cloudless

skies almost. You can see from the satellite picture a little earlier

today. We started with a bit of cloud and showers, too, but

eventually seeing clearing skies and a lovely sunny afternoon for many

parts of the region. Now the hovercraft just taking off behind

us. Into this evening and tonight it stays dry to end the day and bright

for most. It looks like, as we head through the first part of the night,

we get the cloud arriving and rain from the west with temperatures down

around #10e or 11 in many parts of the region. To start the day ``

around to 10 or 11. To start the day, a grey and damp one as well.

Looking ahead, we can expect to see wet weather first thing on Saturday

morning. But, that band of rain clearing through to the east and

then we are left with a brighter interval, some sunny skies. Before

we start to see some showers getting to work. Those showers could prove

to be on the heavy side. The winds really picking up as well. So

temperatures hitting 14 or 15 but it won't feel like that if you catch a

shower and the winds getting going. 50 miles per hour gusts around the

coast are possible. We look around the coast tomorrow night sticking

with the showers around the breeze. That's how we start the day on

Sunday. One or two showers to get us going through the morning. The good

news as we head into the latter part of the weekend is shows showers tend

to stay away. An improving picture into Sunday afternoon. Things not

looking too bad. Some brightness and sunnier spells to enjoy but looking

ahead into the new working week, more of the heavy showers in store

for Monday. By Tuesday, though, high pressure beginning to build and

things looking to become more settled for the middle part of the

week. Sally and Tony, back to you. I think Halo has gone off for a

holiday. Not hanging around with the rain

coming. Off further down. Warmer climes. That's it from us,

have a good weekend. More at 8.00pm and 10. 25. And don't forget

Sholing. Saturday night, a big night. I will

join 15,000 other people, walking through the streets of London in you

are a a our bras, all decorated up. It is the Moonwalk, racing money for

cancer charities. If you are a moonwalker, we will be there, wind,

rain, whatever. We will all be there. Have a good night. Goodbye.

Good luck.