09/12/2011 BBC Points West

Hello and welcome to BBC Points West. It is by final night in the

chair after 28 years. -- my final night. In the headlines tonight:

Recognition for their special service in Afghanistan. Yeovilton's

naval aircrews are honoured with campaign medals by Prince Charles.

Also tonight - the broadcaster Peter Rowell is remanded in custody

on a string of sex charges. For the first time in this country

for 150 years, a new glove factory opens in the west.

And one of the great champions of National Hunt racing, Denman, is

forced to call it a day after a Hello and welcome to a very special

programme. First tonight, servicemen and women from Somerset

travelled to London today to march past Buckingham Palace and receive

Afghan war medals from the Prince of Wales.

Members of the Yeovilton-based Commando Helicopter Force have

recently returned from a demanding and dangerous operation in

Afghanistan. Today, proud families were with them to celebrate this

special occasion. John Maguire was there.

From the heat and dust of Afghanistan to a cold, clear London

morning. The men and women from the Commando Helicopter Force arrived

for a Royal appointment. Doing the honours at Clarence House, the

Prince of Wales, who flew with one of these squadrons back in the

1970s. And here to show their pride and as always, their support, the

sailors' and Marines' families. Very proud of him indeed, it is

lovely to see recognition for what they do. You can't ask for any more.

I met the Queen as well, but when I was Aleena hand, some years ago, at

that picture will go next to the other picture. Very, very proud of

course and it is wonderful to be here. I was just are there to be

the presence of so many brave men and women, it was nothing short of

an honour. It was a really nice way to finish off a tour in Afghanistan.

Deployments to Afghanistan are always tough and often dangerous.

And today, the chance for a first- hand account. He after me if I had

been shot that -- he asked me. did you say? I said yes. Tell us a

bit about that. It was a couple of occasions. I was working on the

Grand with 42 Commando lemur company, and during operations,

there was a certain amount of fire coming in in operations. Not a very

pleasant experience but it is one that does guy's face every day. --

those guys. In the grand surroundings of St James's Palace,

along with the well-earned praise for these servicemen and women,

thoughts turned to those still on active duty overseas. Preserve us

from the dangers of the sea and that the air. And the knowledge

that for many here, when they're back in the tents and hangars of

Afghanistan, these Royal State Rooms will seem a very long way

A driver's been sentenced to more than four and a half years in

prison after killing a Bristol man in a hit-and-run accident in Wales.

27-year-old Ian Hamilton died in the collision near Caerphilly in

July. 23-year-old Jamie Gray had been travelling at almost seventy

miles per hour in a thirty mile an hour zone.

The former ITV and BBC broadcaster Peter Rowell is in prison this

evening. He was remanded in custody after a hearing at Bristol Crown

Court. He's charged with various sex offences including rape. Here's

our home affairs correspondent Steve Brodie.

Peter Rowell has been a well-known broadcaster for both ITV and the

BBC over the last 20 years. He appeared on various television and

radio programmes and celebrity events throughout the west. He also

worked as a DJ for the commercial radio statio GWR. Earlier this

summer, the 53-year-old from Wickwar, near Bristol, pleaded not

guilty to allegations of rape of a girl under the age of 16, 16

allegations of indecent assault and the making of indecent images of

children. The charges followed complaints from five women in the

Bristol and South Gloucestershire areas. Up until now, he hasn't been

in custody on condition that he lived at home with his wife. But

this morning, that changed and the judge said he must remain in prison

until his next hearing in January. At that time, we'll know if Peter

Rowell will plead guilty - in which case, he would be sentenced - or

not guilty, which would lead to a trail. Peter Rowell sat in the dock

dressed in a dark blue suit. He spoke only to confirm his name. And

when the judge remanded him in custody until January 13th, he

stood up and left for the cells without comment.

You are watching BBC Points West and the last one Cresswell ever-

present before he retires tonight. -- Chris well. Stay with us as we

remember some of his many faces from the last 28 years.

All of that is to come. A man who posed as a qualified vet

in Wiltshire has been sent to prison for almost two years. 43-

year-old Patrick Keniry pleaded guilty to several counts of fraud

at Swindon Crown Court. He was given a 20-month sentence.

The Dean of Bristol says he may have to resort to legal action to

remove protesters camping on College Green. The group, which is

demonstrating against economic inequality, has been there for two

months. The protestors say they're expecting to stay until at least

spring. There are around 30 protestors living at the camp in

the shadow of the council chambers and cathedral.

Her Royal Highness Princess Anne has officially opened a new glove

factory today, the first in the country for 150 years. It belongs

to Dents, which had to build the new facility at Warminster in

Wiltshire to cope with an increase in demand. Its traditional hand-

made gloves are exported around the world, but sales have also been

helped by our recent cold winters. Will Glennon reports.

It's been an exciting day here at one of Wiltshire's oldest

businesses. They've been making gloves at Dents here for more than

230 years. They have been in this new �4 million facility since May,

but it was officially opened today by Princess Anne.

A simple task but one marking a new era for a longstanding company.

This is what Princess Anne came to see. Skilled workers, handmaking

the finest leather gloves. For some, today was the highlight of many

She was a really nice woman. A very nice to us. We have had a lot of

fun. She showed a lot of interest, I showed her the lead that where it

came from and what we made out of it. Europe may be on a downturn,

but Dents is on the up. They're selling gloves faster than they can

make them. We have increased turnover by 48% on the back of two

cold winters, but it did surprise us how much of an increase we did.

A lot of it has gone to the Far East, Belgium, but also the UK

market has been very vibrant. some of those foreign partners told

me it's the traditional British quality that's so attractive.

very much like the UK styling and the long history. And we liked the

leather. Do they sell well in Japan? Of course, 40% up last year.

The company has expanded into handbags and other leather

accessories. As for Princess Anne, her thank-you gift was, you've

guessed it, a nice pair of gloves. Looks so smart.

A teenager from Wiltshire has become the youngest person to ski

to the South Pole. 16-year-old Amelia Hempleman-Adams spent more

than two weeks trekking across Antarctica.

She's been with her father, David Hempleman-Adams, the well known

west adventurer. They've endured sub-zero temperatures of minus 55

Celsius along the way. Amelia reached the Pole at half-past one

this morning, after skiing 97 miles in all. Yesterday was our last day,

about 40 nautical miles, it was a really long day, I can't believe I

made it. I am really relieved in a way that I actually made it and I

am really proud to have actually completed it. I am really happy to

have had this experience and it is something I would never forget.

I am sure. What a great experience. Now for some sport - and a football

derby which promises plenty of edge and the retirement of a legend.

Not this one - that's to come - but Denman, the legend of National Hunt

Racing. Here's David Passmore. Yes, the former Gold Cup winner,

trained by Paul Nicholls in Somerset, is forced to call it a

day. That is to come. But first to the the passion and high-octane

excitement of a football derby at the Memorial Stadium tomorrow.

Swindon Town will put their 13- match unbeaten run on the line

against Bristol Rovers. Geoff Twentyman - veteran of such

encounters - looks ahead to what's sure to be a great occasion.

Both sides have had a real boost to the last seven days. Swindon made

it through to the area final of the Johnstone's Paint Trophy and our

two games away from a Wembley final. Rovers beat at AFC Totton that will

host Aston Villa in the third round of the FA Cup. Both parties know

tomorrow will be no ordinary Saturday. It will be a feisty game,

I suppose, and baby food ball will go out of the window. It is a derby

game, so everyone will be buzzing. It will be a tight prospect but we

know we can get some points from their game. They know they will be

think-in they can win the game, but that is not so bad for us. If they

come forward, it will make for a really good game. Swindon are

unbeaten in eight league games. Defending very frugally and we have

the best goals against in the league, so that is going to be a

problem for Rovers tomorrow, but if they can get the first goal, then

that will make Swindon could out and attack them. The players will

emerge from this tunnel at 2:55pm tomorrow for a proper game of

football. Swindon are unbeaten in 13 games and whereas Rovers are yet

to win back-to-back matches. Matt Richie is missing for Swindon, he

is suspended. I will go for at close game, maybe one apiece.

-- a close game. And congratulations to Cheltenham

manager Mark Yates, who's been named the League Two Manager of the

Month for November. The biggest tournament in club

rugby throws up a mouth-watering tie this weekend, with Bath facing

the defending European Champions Leinster. The Irish province are in

good form in their league, while Bath are struggling. Bath need a

win to stay in the hunt for a quarter-final spot, and despite

being the underdogs, the game has certainly captured the imagination

of the city. It's the hottest ticket in Bath

this weekend. We are sold out. Yes, they have

been very popular. The Rec will be full for the visit of the European

Champions. A game Bath can't afford to lose. Massive, especially the

way Bath are playing at the moment, not playing very well. So it is

going to be the hardest game of the season, which they need to win.

When Europe against it, team spirit comes forward and you might seek a

surprise -- when you are up against it. It will be fantastic to see

them go back and pile into them, hopefully. Leinster have won two of

the last three Heineken Cups. And like any Irish side, winning in

England is a massive motivation. Whenever we see the Premiership

side coming over, because it is so well televised, you think the big

boys are coming over and it is a chance to take them down a peg or

two. It is going to be big for the Irish players but it is a massive

game for us as well. Bath's form is a worry, but injuries haven't

helped. Lewis Moody joined a long line of casaulties this week.

can't get into get treated, that is powerful it is in there. There is a

big waiting list, it is what it is -- that is how fault it is.

Whichever team we put out, we want to do justice. Have you know it is

bad before? Never. -- this bad. They could be forgiven for lacking

festive cheer at the moment. But a win against one of the best sides

in the world would surely change that.

Judd Trump, the young snooker player from Bristol. He's aiming

for a place in the final of the UK Championships in York. At the

halfway stage in his semi-final today, he's tied at four frames all

with Neil Robertson. The match continues at 7pm on BBC Two.

At the age of 11 and at the end of a career littered with Grade One

wins and the 2008 Cheltenham Gold Cup, Denman has been forced to

retire. Known as "The Tank" for his strength and staying power, the

horse injured a tendon in training yesterday and this morning trainer

Paul Nicholls made the announcement. But Denman is set for a fine

retirement and will continue to live next door to his friend and

rival, Kauto Star. This was the moment bad crowd

Denman's long than successful career, the 2080 Cheltenham Gold

Cup -- that crowned. But yesterday, he injured a tendon, and in the end

it was a simple decision for the owner and trainer to call it a day.

Paul Nicholls doubted he will ever have the privilege of trading such

a horse again. I don't feel deflated at all, because he has

retired in one piece effectively. If he was a young horse, he would

be back but I knew immediately and decided to retire him, which is the

right thing to do. He has many years left that will get the best

of whatever he does next. It is sad in some ways but I am pleased he is

one piece. For the rest of the season, Denman will continue to be

a neighbour to Kauto Star. Their rivalry has dominated National Hunt

for years. As a gelding, Denman can't go to stud. But Paul Nicholls

has said they will summer together out to the field bought -- before

deciding for a suitable arrangement for their retirement.

Back row was a true champion and not the only thoroughbred retiring

today -- Denman. Added the peak of fitness... No, OK.

The compared to an 11-year-old. -- compared to.

As it is your final programme, would you like to throw to the

weather? Yes, certainly looking cold over

there, and there are other Two Tone beat... Richard, but -- over to

Tony... Richard, Ian. As far as the weekend is concern,

it is going to be a game of two halves, we could call it.

Saturday, bar a few showers in parts of Somerset it is effectively

dry and should be some sunshine after a chilly start, whereas on

Sunday it will be windy with some rain and some of that will be heavy.

Next week very unsettled which could see some of the first snow

could see some of the first snow over the West Country high ground.

The pattern shows we are into a quiet spell for tonight. This guy

is clearing and we are under reform that -- under a full moon. As we

get into Sunday, you will see the isobars squeezing up and it will

turn windier with an area of raid which will move in from the West

that some of that will turn heavy as it does that -- rain. Tonight,

one or two showers dying away through Somerset and it is worth

mentioning that way you have had showers today, parts of Gloucester

and Somerset, there is a risk of icy stretches on untreated roads,

because it will turn into a chilly night, down to minus three in some

parts. A very chilly start tomorrow but having said that, a good deal

of sunshine for most of us. More cloud around the Bristol Channel

and here, you will have the focus for a few showers, but elsewhere

dry, with the cloud increasing from the West and the breeze picking up.

Temperatures will struggle after the cold start, may be added 5C,

six or seven if we come further south. In two Sunday, the breeze

has picked up and it would be as cold when it starts, but it will be

windy with some cloud around. Such showers are the morning and then a

band of rain, since all the elements giving some heavy rain

which will clear-out through the course of the afternoon.

Temperatures around 8C will be fairly typical. Beyond that, the

pressure pattern as we go through bad day remains benign, but look at

the developments. This could be a still be part of the weather into

next week for our neck of the words. It could start to bring some snow

over export, they be the Cotswolds and the Mendips, or similar into

Wednesday and by the end of the week as well. Chris, it has been a

pleasure serving with it. One good thing about you going is I have

much more revere the dressing rooms. You certainly needed as well. --

much more room. All the best to you, they the sun

shine on you in your future. Now, tonight is the end of an era

on BBC Points West. Chris is retiring after 28 years presenting

retiring after 28 years presenting the programme. Did you you know,

Chris, you are currently the longest-serving BBC regional news

presenter in the country? So as you bow out of the spotlight, let's

take a look at some of your very many highlights from the past three

decades. Good evening to a new look Points

West at 6:30pm. Their new look programmes back row starts next

week. -- Points West starts next week.

There have been many "new looks" in 28 years - but one has stayed the

same. Take Esmeralda. She has become

literally attached, not only to be... All of us here at BBC Points

West have become very attached to Chris. A man we all respect, admire

and love very much. 28 years of footage here. This

isn't a job for one reporter. A No, it definitely takes two. But

where do you start? It may be an exercise kebab but the

missiles are real and I am glad I am behind this plastic -- it may be

an exercise, but the missiles of rule.

Chris has always been an exemplary journalist, full of integrity and

courage. He covered the first Gulf conflict.

Parachuted with troops who had fought at Arnham.

I was very honoured to jump with you. Lovely to see you save on the

ground. -- safe. And as an interviewer, he's

challenged not just one Prime Minister, but two.

That is what matters to people, not just income tax, but the overall

tax burden... Chris's continued success is

because he's just so very quick - as viewers found out when in the

studio was a �300,000 diamond. He has lasted! It has happened, I

don't believe it. -- he has lost it at. Can you see it? Looking for and

an urgent search... If you make the switch all right?

We've loved every minute of working with Chris and we know you love him

too. It is very sad, we will be seeing him on the television.

has given us great service above would like to wish him well. It is

very sad, we are going to miss him. I wish him all the best. It is

perhaps his good humour, his peelers charm that has made Chris

so popular over the years. -- Pls. Not least with his dedicated

follower of female fans. I am not sure I am getting this

quite right. Take your time over this one. Chris, will you marry me?

Cut. This is a really sad day, I can't believe Chris is going. You

have been so wonderful that you have looked after us. I think you

joined Points West just about the time we moved to the country and

there was a wonderful gentleness and sweetness about you, but also a

kind best under glamour, and very sexy bad, very attractive. Always

cheered us up. -- a very sexy man. A Cotswold treasure and good luck

with everything you do. Trust me, you don't hold down a

high-profile job like Chris's idea she was good at Chris is very good

at what he does -- unless you are good. U-turn on the news that there

he is, calm, pleasant and professional, even if everything is

crazy behind the scenes. He is a Rock, off screen and on, and he is

one of my dearest friends as well. So after so many years, it falls to

us to save for one last time,... Chris, it is back to you in the

studio. How lovely was that? You sexy man!

I know! She knows I feel the same way about how.

Now, we have a very special present from everyone at BBC Points West.

As a former Navy man, this is rather appropriate. RULE BRITANNIA

PLAYS. We decided to get the old sailor a

ship's Bell with Points West engraved on it. Chris used to be a

sailor and is now the proud owner of a small boat moored off the

South Coast, and his planning to spend High Barnet, so we must warm

by the shipping. -- and is planning to spend a lot of time on it so we

must warn other shippers. Please accept this after helming the SS

Points West for so many years. Blanket cover it means so much. It

will be fantastic pottering down the south coast, maybe I will even

try the tricky tides of the Bristol Channel and Taback see you. I have

a lovely little bath tub and she will go very nicely.

We reckon you have done at least 4,000 prime-time programmes, Mods

of broadcasting. You must have a few special message -- but so

broadcasting for you must have a few special memories.

Flying at the back of the Hercules, flying with the crews when we went

into the thick black smoke of the oil fires that Saddam Hussein had

lit when he left Kuwait. Just as exciting back -- back home, you

know what it is like, it is the privilege of the job, driving in

the morning, I like going to be interviewing the Prime Minister,

going hot air ballooning -- a light going to be. Or standing up to buy

these in floodwater question our or in my case, getting the coffee.

-- or in my case forced up you have been the face of Points West for so

long, how it has that been questioned our people are

recognising you more than they are made.

-- how has that been? People recognise you more than they do me.

I remember going to a local supermarket at just after I had

started that the lady said, don't I know you? I was thinking it would

be my first autograph, BBC Television... And she said, oh, I

thought you were my dentist. It is absolutely true.

It's those gorgeous teeth. After the programme, the fund will

continue, because we have got some surprises. Some of your colleagues

as you have truly never see them before getting really -- ready to

give you a real send-off, he raised them rehearsing earlier.

I didn't bow that was going to happen.

Prepare yourself for that. -- I didn't know.

As you retire Taback chapter in the history of BBC Points West closes.

-- a chapter. It is absolutely fitting that we leave the last

words to Chris on this special night.

We normally say that is it for now. Let me wish you instead a very

happy weekend, join us again next week if you can, from a sore, good

night. That is it, joined me and Gerald

next week. Had a good weekend.

From Points West, good night. From the news team, good night, I

hope you dodge by hailstones. Had a very good evening.

From May and the Bristol baby, good evening.

Have a great weekend. I had a little present for you. Let me give

you a kiss. That is all for now.

A I deserved it. Finally, this really is my last sign-off. After

such a long time with Points West that gave them all with the BBC, I

can say I have had a wonderful time. I have worked with some of the

nicest and most talented people in television and had done some of the

most interesting thing she could imagine. Most of all, I have so

enjoyed meeting so many of you and doing it for you, getting your