18/08/2011 BBC Points West

Welcome to Points West. In their headlines tonight: Tribute to the

officer who loved his job. Wootton Bassett on ASBO latest

soldier to make his final journey home.

Also tonight, some celebrate in the West, but why UCAS would not have

got an A * today. Watch the birdie, the man behind

this says it is not a fake speed camera, it is a bird box.

And catching up with a new cycling craze sweeping but West, but these

are cyclists have no brakes. Good Evening.

Thousands of teenagers across the West have spent the day celebrating

or commiserating after collecting their A-level results. Many of them

will be off to university this autumn, but some face a tense wait

to find out if their results are good enough. James Hassam reports.

The smile said it all. These results, four A-stars, were better

than this student said she'd ever dreamed of. And once she'd digested

the news, it was time for a hug. And another one. And another one.

Everything was a blur on the page. I had to get someone else to read

them out to me. To her evident shock and delight,

Claire's become the first student from this college to make it to

Oxford. Next door, in the library, these students were not yet ready

to celebrate. They were trying to get onto the UCAS website, trying

to work out what their future holds. There is plenty of advice and

support there. It is disappointing for some of them who have missed by

one grade. It is hard, but that is part of growing up, isn't it?

In Taunton, plenty of cheers, hugs and high-fives. But, inevitably,

some worried faces. Those who had done well were sparing a thought

for others. I feel sympathy for those who have to go next year and

pay �9,000 per year. Especially those who did not get their choice

this year. Lots more smiles here at Hanham

High School in Bristol. The congratulations on these balloons

fitting for this partially sighted student - who got an A-star, two As

and a B I had a lot of migraines and I

couldn't sleep at night and there was a lot of issues, but it was

worth it. It was also worth it for these very

happy students at Redknock School in Gloucester. I got an A, B and A

C. I got an A * and to as. I am really chuffed.

The pass rates for students this year in Bristol was 97% in state

schools and colleges. Figures aren't yet available for Somerset,

Gloucestershire, Wiltshire or Dorset.

Back in Hanham High School, Shaban's secured his place at

Exeter University. One of the lucky ones looking forward to the autumn.

While the others face an uncertain wait and some tough choices.

An investigation's underway into why a website at the Cheltenham-

based University Admissions Centre crashed on its busiest day of the

year. UCAS has said the service had to be closed because traffic on the

site was four times higher than a year ago. Earlier we spoke to our

reporter Howell Griffith, who has been at the UCAS headquarters since

first thing this morning. It has been a busy tense and

difficult day here at the UCAS headquarters. Pence for the

thousands of people calling him. Many will not have the results they

were hoping for and will need to go into clearing. Also difficult for

the management here because for several hours part of the website

was off-line. They could not cope with the amount of people. Managers

were apologetic. I do apologise to everyone who has had any anxiety

added to this tough day. We have had a very busy morning. At one

stage we were getting 450 hits per second on the track website. All

other services have been fully available. The track website we did

take down for a short while and we have been ramping it back up and

false services will be resumed. Thousands of phone calls have been

coming in. The lines will continue into this evening and will probably

close at 7:00pm. Whatever happens, they will be back at 8:00am

tomorrow morning. Here are people monitoring social networking site

to give advice. The advice is to stay calm, not rush into big

decisions. There are thousands of places available and everyone wants

to make sure they get on the right course.

Well, despite all the problems with the UCAS website, tonight many of

the West's students are still on a high from achieving the results

they wanted. And joining us now via Skype are three students, Claire

Rammelkamp from Bristol, Toby Smith from Taunton and Shannon Hilton

from Swindon. If I can start with Clare, Clare I

think we saw you before also remind us what the grades were that you

got and the University you got into. I needed three as to get into

Oxford and I managed to get for a start. I'm sure it was all down to

so much hard work. How a where are you of the competition? You are

really up against it this year. was aware of the competition after

my interview. They told me there were twice as many students as

usual this year. I think it was definitely worth it to avoid the

fee rise. It is interesting you should mention that. Shannon, you

are smiling so I presume you got what you wanted. I was predicted

for as and I got them so I am happy. But you are not choosing to go this

year are you? I did not get into any university for medicine so I am

happy to take a gap year. So you are faced with going next year and

the fees are rising. How do you feel about that? I have been told

that I will come out with a debt of around �100,000. It is a lot of

money to a, but a career that will hopefully be worth it. A positive

attitude. You seem to be taking the news well. Toby, what grades did

you get? Toby, can you hear me? I am not sure that Toby can hear us.

I can tell you that Toby got fantastic grades and he did get

into university. He was certainly smiling before. If I can come back

to you, Clare, if we are looking at students at home at the moment

worrying about their grades, what advice would you give them? There

is always the option to take a gap year. Of course that would mean

higher fees, but I think it is probably really worth it for the

experience and you can get a lot more to put on your UCAS form and

you can go travelling. There is always clearing and the clearing

stations are available for people to call up now. Thank you very much.

And if you haven't got the grades you wanted, or you're still not

sure whether you've got into the university of your choice, you can

New images have been released of people suspected of being involved

in recent outbreaks of violence in Bristol and Gloucester. Detectives

in Bristol are continuing to examine this CCTV footage of the

disturbances in the city ten days ago to try to identify those

involved. Gloucestershire police have also released new images of

people they are trying to trace. They were photographed during

disturbances on August the 9th. You're watching BBC Points West.

Still to come on the programme: City are back on track as Maynard

strikes twice. And the "bird box" putting the brakes on Somerset

The South West has now raised �6 million for the Disasters Emergency

Committee to help starving people in east Africa. That's 12% of the

�50 million raised around the country since the appeal went out

six weeks ago. The government's just announced a �25 million aid

package, but the situation remains dire. 12 million face starvation. 2

million children are malnourished. You've helped so much. But more is

needed. Earlier, two people, key to the fund raising effort, spoke to

Chris. To get the latest, I am joined by a

member of the Muslim community in Bristol. Very active among young

people and Roger James from Oxfam in the region.

There is a big drive behind fund raising at this time, isn't there?

It is a time for giving full us Muslims. It is one of the pillars

of Islam. You see it among the mosques and the community

organisations, everyone is fund- raising and giving money. Our young

people getting involved? Light in every section of the community, you

have some disaffected young people, but also engaged proactive members

of the Muslim community. They are quite involved in fund-raising.

Being active, supporting other Muslims. One of the key charities

involved is Islamic Relief a member of the EEC. What kind of suffering

are they reporting back to you? From what I have heard, they have

gone up there, they are speaking to people and they are young people,

young children with elbows and arms the size of their little finger.

They can't physically give them food, they have to go on trips

first. This is what is actually happening. Thus casting is the

place to allow us to feel some of that suffering -- thrusting. This

time of the year we always remember those less fortunate than as.

Roger James, what are you focusing on? Oxfam is supplying water in

Somalia at the moment. We have a programme helping 100,000 people.

We have a cleaning programme for young people. The situation is

extremely serious. 50% of the children are malnourished. We have

a population of 564,000 people at immediate risk of dying. That is a

population bigger than the size of Bristol. It is a region ripped

apart by war. People are very worried that their money get

through and does actually make a difference. Will the money get lost

on the way. Can you assure us of that? Oxfam has worked in that

region for many years. We are in Somalia's and we are operating with

our staff on the ground and with partners on the ground so we are

ensuring the money gets through. Money raised by people here, we are

looking after it and want it spent saving lives on the ground.

anyone out there is looking to give money to this appeal, look to give

to a charity that is part of the DC. Oxfam is one of those. It could not

be more important to act now. you very much.

The town of Wootton Bassett paid tribute to another fallen

serviceman this afternoon. Lieutenant Daniel Clack, from the

Gloucestershire-based First Battalion the Rifles, was killed in

Afghanistan earlier this month. It's the battalion's fourth loss

during its current tour of duty. Our Gloucestershire reporter Steve

Knibbs has been in Wootton Bassett today.

Wootton Bassett fell silent again. People from all walks of life

shoulder to shoulder in mutual Lieutenant Daniel Clack was a

promising young officer leading his patrol into an Afghan village he

was killed. Five of his comrades were also injured. The padre tells

us he remembers Lieutenant Daniel Clack Park enthusiasm. He was so

intense taking it all in. When I heard the news of his death,

immediately my mind saw his face. A day after he was killed that was

what he was going to do, go to a conference.

This will be the last repatriation in Wootton Bassett. Tony and

Lorraine have been to most of them. I feel so sad, really.

Ken Scott has a mission to collect the messages left on the war

memorial. Messages that would otherwise be lost.

It breaks my heart to think that we have lost these young people and

they are only children. To me, they are just children. I know they are

men, they are 18 all in their twenties, but still they are

children to me. They are somebody's child.

Wootton Bassett is not wavering in hit support of the fallen, but they

pray that today will really be the There is huge relief at asked don't

gate this afternoon. Both City's goals were scored by Nicky Maynard,

the play at Leicester spent most of the summer trying to sign.

It was a new look Bristol City in attitude and personnel. They

dropped David James and barely had the pleasantries been completed and

City were ahead with a pile-driver of a shot from Nicky Maynard.

He gave the team more used to conceding the first goal, a much

needed boost. It is nice to get the early goal. I think we started well

and the last couple of games, we did not start as well. It is nice

to start well and benefit from getting a goal. Maynard had a

chance to make it 2-0 just before half-time.

I hit it well. Obviously it it just crossed off the bar. If it had been

no way it would have been the perfect penalty. When City's meal

was mud, it allowed Leicester to equal or La -- equalised.

The favour was returned when Maynard got the goal which gave

An amazing amount of pressure has been put on us after two games. So

to go there and go and beat Leicester who were one of the

favourites to go up, is a fantastic result.

Relief all around. The man who Leicester tried so hard to sign was

City's saviour. The manager hoping this performance does not attract

more offers for Maynard before the transfer season closes.

It is almost the year until the Olympic Games.

Over the next fortnight, more than 100 athletes will be spending time

at the University of Bath. As so we have spent the day with some of the

early arrivals. The Olympic Village, a unique

resident all the best athletes in the world. It is being recreate it

right here in Bath. Next year, British Para Olympians will be

based here before moving on to the Games. Today was the turn of tennis

and local players to make sure everything was up to scratch.

By the end of August, 11 sports will have been here. We are multi-

sport team. We should not underestimate the need to build 300

individuals into a team that are all actually trying to achieve

personal best. Britain's most famous Paris Olympian was also at

the University. The veteran of five games giving her own seal of

approval. For the Paralympic athlete, being at Bath will be the

icing on the cake. It is really exciting and makes me look back and

think it would have been nice to up at something like this when I was

competing. Among the hopefuls, these athletes both live and train

in Bath already, but are clearly delighted at the whole squad

finally being here. The final preparation should be stress-free.

The simulation comes can help with those because it makes everything

runs smoothly. Everybody feels comfortable with what will happen.

Everything is on hand for the athletes from food to space to

relax. The British team wants another second place or better in

the medal table at London. I getting this come bright, Bath will

play its power -- play its part. A fake speed camera, which has

appeared on unmade road in Somerset, is causing a stir among motorists.

Officials plan to pay a visit to the man who put it up and asking to

take it down. He says it is just a bird box and he does not see why it

should go. One of these is real, one is not,

but can you spot the difference? A fake one is on the left. But

judging from the brake lights here, many motorists to come across the

new yellow box of certainly fold. It is fixed to the tree so it looks

a little bit suspicious. I am not sure if it is the real thing.

Anybody who knows about cameras, they have to have lines on the road

and there are no lines on the road. She is right, but this is a pretty

good reproduction. It even has its own security camera. Plainly, its

intention is to slow traffic which pleases some people. I think a

glimpse that yellow and they do touch the brakes a little bit.

idea? Very much so. The police say they are not worried. No law is

being broken but local planners say it may break planning rules so they

will be paying its own or a visit on Monday.

While the man behind all of this did not want to be interviewed, he

told me that this is a bird box which just happens to help slow

traffic down. The irony is that since the collapse of the Avon and

Somerset camera partnership won all speed cameras were turned off, this

is about as useful or useless as all of the others.

I am sure you will have thoughts on that. For a city that is full of

holes, Bristol is popular with cyclists. It is a designated

cycling city and today a festival of film gets under way to celebrate

the different facets of the cycling culture.

Cycle screen is in its second year round and this time it is stepping

outside the confines of the watershed Arts Complex to put a

screening on the big screen in Millennium Square.

Hello. Cycle City, it certainly feels like one. It is very slippy

and a wheel. This is where the festival will be coming on Saturday

night to do a big screening. It is a film about a special type of

bicycle. It is one that these guys are riding that is a little bit

unusual. Gavin's strange is passionate about

cycling. On the track, on the road, off the road. Every day he is

pushing pedals. He is a man who loves his bike. There is something

odd about this particular bite because it does not let you change

gear. This is the simplest kind of bike, really. Basically, your

pedals are directly connected to the back wheel so all the effort

you put in, if you'd go forward you go forward. It is a unicycle with

two wheels. It is very simple. Less can be more. The community of

fixed be a cyclist is growing. So much so that Gavin decided to make

a film about it. The film is made about people in

this community with a passion for this bike. Whether someone is

riding fast or just plain white polo. They are all interested in

their simplicity. This is one of a dozen or so events happening here

over the next four days. It is all part of cycle screen, a festival

dedicated to all things to wield. We have a diverse and wide cross

section of cyclists. The idea is to showcase the best films and talks

about their subcultures. We felt they needed to be something more

visible that people can see so a He thinks it was a no-brainer and I

am pleased to say he is here now. How is it going? Really well. We

are now in our second year and it is taking as outside. We have seen

the guys cycling today, how do you get that enthusiasm across on film?

Both cycling and films are accessible to all and they both

offer a form of a escapism. To me, together, it is a perfect marriage.

The perfect marriage and here is the place to be. 8:00pm on Saturday,

if that is your thing. Artists involved with the UK's

largest treat art festival have been working through the night in

Bristol. Dozens of graffiti artists from across the world have been

creating new work on Nelson Street in the city centre.

The project brings together international street artist working

in a variety of styles and Points West will be back there tomorrow to

see how the finished works turn out. It will be amazing.

Let's turn to the weather now, an awful lot of water in some parts.

Especially in Dorset and Wiltshire, was it?

Yes indeed. Nearly six mm in parts Yes indeed. Nearly six mm in parts

of Dorset. Red sky at night quite likely in some western districts

tonight. Bodes well for tomorrow. Tomorrow will be a completely

different story all around with a good deal of sunshine, hazy though

it may be. The reason that things are going to improve tomorrow is

high pressure reaching out from the south-west into the middle of the

day. We will have dry conditions. Saturday, by Saturday we have

another front lingering to the west of us. The rainfall radar really

showing how this wave on this front bought at heavy rain today. Still a

few showery outbreaks in some western districts, but they will

play away. That means pete Glastonbury and his daughter might

be busy again with the international space station as it

sailed overhead. 9:28pm it appears. 11:04pm will be a second pass. The

sky is clear through the course of the night and it will turn into a

chilly night. There'll be some mist and fog forming. Temperatures as

low as six or seven tomorrow morning. A totally different start

tomorrow. Blue-sky. The sunshine will turn hazy, but decent by the

will turn hazy, but decent by the evening. Temperatures up to 19 or

Finally, once again, we are thinking of their A-level students