13/11/2013 East Midlands Today

week with snow mainly in the north. That's all from the BBC News at Six

so it's This is East Midlands Today with

Anne Davies and me, Dominic Heale. Tonight ` rice, flour and fervent

prayers for the victims of the Philippines typhoon. Members of the

Filipino community rushed to send aid to families at home. It is

heartbreaking to see the Filipinos being affected by this. Also, a

campaign confronting domestic violence backed by a mother whose

daughter was killed. Abuse against your partner, girlfriend, is not

cool. It is not acceptable. From tap and ballet to T`shirts. The

investors helping less promising business ideas take off.

And Danny survives meningitis to take part in the Children in Need

rickshaw. Look at me, I can do it! Good evening and welcome to the

programme. First tonight, the burial of the dead has begun and the

clear`up is underway. But for many with relatives in the Philippines,

the wait goes on. Among them a Leicestershire man facing an

agonising delay in hearing from his wife. Filipino communities here in

the East Midlands are doing all they can to help the aid effort following

the typhoon. To tell us more, Rebecca Sheeran is in Leicester

tonight. Good evening, I am at the Filipino

express, a shop in Leicester but this is the heart of the community

which has pulled together in such tragic circumstances. People are

donating clothes and food which will be sent to those who need it. The

tragedy has affected people across the East Midlands and our reporter

has been talking to some of those families. They only married six

weeks ago and was speaking on line as the typhoon struck. Since then,

nothing. Andrew's daughter has been helping him at their home to try to

find news. We don't know what to do. I am doing everything I can to keep

in touch with her but as soon as you get in touch, we will be together

quickly after that. The anxiety of relatives has only been heightened

by images like these 0 relatives has only been heightened

by images like these of the aftermath of the storm. Every day,

you see the news, you can't bear to watch it. The people who lost their

families, they are crying out for food. It is heartbreaking to see the

Filipinos being affected by this. The Filipino community is being

helped by others to raise aid for those in need. Today, they collected

food from this cash and carry. It is just unbelievable. Family have come

together, the community have come together and this is the support we

get. It is tremendous. Many came to work as nurses and carers like

Francis, her family are OK but now provide shelter to others less

fortunate. The house was flattened by the typhoon. They are living at

my mums house. They are living with what they have. A reality brought

home by pictures on the internet. Now, Andrew hopes social media will

help him to contact his wife. Well, you heard how important the

supplies will be to those in the Philippines. Joining me is someone

from the Leicestershire Filipino society. What do you need? People

donated clothing, shoes, food, canned goods, noodles, dry stuff. We

urge everybody to donate what they can in terms of clothing,

medication, paracetamol, sanitation stuff, detergent and especially

canned goods. How important are the supplies to getting to those people?

Very important because as you can see it is six days since the tragedy

happened and people are hungry, very hungry. There is no food, everything

is devastated. There is no food so it's important we give what we can

so people can eat and have clothing for survival. Thank you. Everybody

here busy trying to get supplies ready, they are asking for people to

come forward with donations and they hope this will reach those who

really need it next week. Let's hope there is a big response. More

protests against council budget cuts and job losses. Up to 800 jobs could

go at Nottinghamshire County Council. It's looking for savings of

?154 million over three years. It's led to a bitter political row.

Labour blames government cuts. The Tories are branding the budget

proposals "incompetent and vindictive". Simon Ward reports.

They gathered to make their voices heard. All councils are having

budgets cut 0 heard. All councils are having

budgets cut but these protesters say nothing she is being hit too hard.

Inside the chamber, the budget savings proposals are debated, this

is raw politics. The lines are drawn between Labour and the

Conservatives. The council leader says he cannot 0

Conservatives. The council leader says he cannot say which people will

lose their jobs. Every area of activity across the council will be

affected. That could be children's services, adult and youth services,

it could be libraries. That is unavoidable given the severe

financial constraints we face. What is the point of being a Labour

councillor? Budget reductions have to be made but if the Conservatives

were still leading, what would they do? We need large companies to run

the business parts, they are not front`line services, the business

parts, other councils have done that. Beverley works in the library

service, she has been told her job is under threat. Getting communities

to run their own libraries, they will not have the expertise, it will

suffer. It is putting responsibility on communities to do that. And in

the end, I can see it closing. The cuts are ideological and

unnecessary. There is the money there but the political will is that

they have other priorities. Council tax is due to increase by 2%, a new

round of consultations started today and people in the county are

encouraged to give their views. Still to come ` in sport. An

emotional night on the ice. Yes, there were tears at the

testimonial for David Clarke ` one of the best players in British Ice

Hockey. I lost a few man points from the boys and the supporters. It was

an emotional night. Three people have been held by

police over a fatal shooting in Arnold. The body of a man was found

at a house in Laneham Avenue on Monday evening. Two men, aged 29 and

22, were arrested this morning on suspicion of murder. A 49`year`old

man arrested yesterday is also in police custody.

Police are investigating a report of fraud linked to over ?13 million

worth of repairs to council homes in Leicester. A man has been arrested

as part of the investigation into Leicester City Council contracts

between 2007 and 2011. A number of other people have also been

interviewed as part of the investigation. Details of the

council's internal inquiry were revealed when, by mistake, it

published online a report by its corporate counter`fraud team.

A mother whose daughter was beaten to death by an ex`partner is

battling a new approach to domestic violence. Two women are killed every

week by their partner or X. A study is calling for young people at risk

of becoming abusers to be mental ward. In Nottingham, they have

discovered a different way of getting the message across.

Wrapping against violent against women. Casey was beaten to death by

her ex`partner in Nottingham. This message is music to her mum's is. If

it appeals to young people, it is fantastic. It is saying to them,

abuse against your partner, girlfriend, is not cool. It is not

acceptable. If you can save one person from going through that, then

you have done something good. It was recorded to show in schools, the

national release coincides with a major study. Experts at Manchester

University questioned a number of young people at risk of becoming

abusers, they talked over a thousand 13 and 14`year`olds and a quarter of

them had already abused a girlfriend or boyfriend. The study found that

are already 16, 17 and 18`year`old men committing lethal and repeated

acts of domestic violence. The researchers want young people mental

ward but accept it costs. This is a way of reaching them. It was never

intended to... It is working so we have tapped into something that is

positive. It is released this month. It is so important that the message

like this is out there. Next ` a new army of volunteers being trained to

look after their local communities. Villagers in Nottinghamshire are

being asked to help protect nearby homes and businesses from flooding.

But its not just about co`ordinating sand`bags ` these flood wardens will

have much greater powers. Carolyn Moses reports.

A scene which is familiar to many. Rivers running onto roads and roads

becoming rivers. This is set in the bottom of a valet, when it floods,

it floods and what makes it worse isn't just the water, it is the

traffic. The Post Office has been flooded seven times in 18 months. He

has raised stock off the floor but he says what goes by in the floods

can make life worse. People with 4x4 is think their vehicle can go

through anywhere. What they don't realise is the way they create

dashed the wafer goes over flood defences. Even travelling ten miles

an hour, you create a wave of a foot high. That creates its own problems.

The problem`solving is part of a response team being trained to react

and keep cars away. We are local people, local knowledge and we can

respond quickly. We have permission and a legal right to close the road

and we will do that. If you are looking at widespread flooding, it

is logistically difficult to get the support out from places around the

county. So, the advantage of the scheme is to have those in place,

local people with local knowledge who can act. The idea is going down

river. The council wants to train more wardens. They may not stop the

water coming, but the hope is they will stop things making it worse. A

group of investors are taking a chance and backing passionate ideas

that can't get financial backing from 0

that can't get financial backing from the banks.

They finance and mentor entrepreneurs from the East Midands,

through a scheme called "Street Startup". It's already helping one

man who used to be homeless, and a former ballerina. Our Social Affairs

Correspondent, Jeremy Ball, reports. Vince is so proud of being mixed

race he turned it into a fashion label, a Jamaican flag and union

Jack. He started selling T`shirts on the streets when he was homeless in

Derby. He turned it into a successful business and it wasn't

easy. Ten years ago I dream about getting an investor. It was

difficult. I did not know how I would take it to the next level. I

did not have a shop, premises or backing or investing. All I had was

a bag of T`shirts. The world would be a better place if we embrace the

issue. He is now getting professional help and he is an

executive taking advantage of tax breaks. He has persuaded Vince to go

for a global market and to attract more customers. Vince is thinking

big, focusing on quality, it could make a lot of money. Vince is very

very passionate and I think unless you really believe in the business

without passion, I do not think you can invest. Business has a bad

reputation, an element of putting some of that back into the East

Midlands. The first start`up investment helped pay for this

performing arts centre, it was set by Carmen who used to be a

professional dancer. If we do not have the money, the banks would not

lend. They will not lend, start`ups. It has helped us to renovate the

building, secure the 0 It has helped us to renovate the

building, secure the lease, equipped facilities, state`of`the`art. The

results have been dramatic. More than 100 young people are using this

start`up business venture, a new facility that is music to their

ears. 0 ears.

Fantastic. We wish them the best. And, we have been inundated with

offers of help from you after we aired a story yesterday about a

94`year`old war 0 aired a story yesterday about a

94`year`old war veteran who was the victim a distraction burglary. After

the theft, Bernard Whittaker from Leicester said he was worried he

wouldn't have enough money to pay for his carer. Bernard, who was a

Japanese prisoner of war, is registered blind. We'd like to thank

everyone who's got in touch with us offering to help him.

First, there were tears, applause and thousands of fans at a moving

testimonial last night. They turned out to honour one of the best

British ice hockey players of all time. David Clarke is captain of

Nottingham Panthers and joined the club 11 years ago but this year he's

celebrating ten seasons with the Panthers. 0

They flew in from all over the world. It is going to be a great

night. Some of the biggest names in world ice hockey. We are happy to

come 0 world ice hockey. We are happy to

come back. They are here for David Clarke, the fans say he is more than

just an ice hockey player. He came to the hospital to see me. He was

marvellous. He really was. Marvellous. A superstar. A cracking

player. Long may he be here. Amazing. 0

player. Long may he be here. Amazing. If I was younger, I would

go for him. Now 32, he has played for the Panthers for ten years. I am

really nervous. I can't wait to get out there. He is a solid solid guy.

If you need anything, he is there. 3000 fans turned out on a cold

Tuesday night for his testimonial. He is a good person. He is one of

those men who inspire you to be a better person. That is the best

compliment I can give him. He has done everything I have tried to do.

An 0 done everything I have tried to do.

An all`star side from the past be the current Panthers team, 19`12.

I lost a fume and points tonight amongst the boys and supporters. I

wasn't intending on crying but was emotional. Nice to show my

appreciation to them. He has helped make the Panthers the best team in

British ice hockey. But for once, it wasn't about the sport, it was a

thank you to a player who is a class act on and off the ice. He isn't

retiring by the way and will be around at Panthers for a good few

years to come. Onto cricket and big news out of

Nottinghamshire today. The club have signed Australian fast bowler Peter

Siddle as their overseas player for the 2014 season.

Football and Notts County manager Shaun Derry 0

Football and Notts County manager Shaun Derry says he doesn't want his

players "hiding" during matches. Derry was incensed by the display at

Oldham last night in the Johnstone's Paint Trophy. The Magpies were

thrashed 5`1. It was only his second game in charge. Derry described the

defeat as unacceptable and apologised to the one hundred and

forty six fans who made the journey to Boundary Park.

Motorsport and Derby's British Superbike Champion Alex Lowes will

make the step up to the world stage next season. He'll race 0

make the step up to the world stage next season. He'll race for the

Crescent Suzuki team in World Superbikes, following his dramatic

title win at Brands Hatch last month.

Time now to meet our second finalists in our search for BBC East

Midlands Sports Unsung Hero 2013. Monica and Sean White both have full

time jobs. But evenings and weekends they devote themselves to

trampolining and gymnastics. They've been doing it for thirty years ` and

still have a spring in their step. As Mark Shardlow reports.

Trampolining is exciting for the kids. They learn things easily. It

is not as hard as gymnastics. The 29 years, Monica and Sean have given

their time to coach trampolining. It is something I have done for years.

I enjoy coaching them. I enjoy seeing them learn things. Does that

make it easier question they spent 30 hours a week organising the club.

I enjoy doing new moves. It feels like you are flying. I like doing

somersaults. Hundreds of children have come through the club, enjoy

the physical and social side of sport. They are nice and have helped

me get through the levels of trampolining. They do everything for

the kids. Coaching, setting up early, they 0

the kids. Coaching, setting up early, they help pack 0

the kids. Coaching, setting up early, they help pack away. Loads of

Christmas parties and stuff, things outside training. This is their

legacy, their son who is a coach at the club himself. They have been

doing it since before I was born. I grew up with the club and they were

coaching me for 20 years. Without these people, there would not be the

clubs and provision there is. They get involved in the club and also

gymnastics and the county and they help out in other events by going to

judge in competitions. It is fantastic to get into the final and

be nominated. The things 0 fantastic to get into the final and

be nominated. The things that have been said about us is fantastic. It

motivates us even more to want to do it because people feel this way

about what we are doing. That's Monica and Sean White, from the

Phoenix Trampoline Club near Ilkeston ` our second finalists.

We're taking to the water tomorrow ` for our third and final unsung hero.

I can't believe it is that time of year again. Well, it is of course

BBC Children In Need week and now we take another look at how the money

raised makes a real difference to the lives of children and young

people. Umbrella is a project in Derbyshire that allows youngsters

with physical or learning difficulties to enjoy a social life.

One rather special member is Daniel. He joined the group after surviving

meningitis and he's taking part in the BBC's One Show rickshaw

challenge. Mainstream youth clubs and leisure

centres are often not accessible and they provide a safe environment to

learn social skills, make friends and generally act like teenagers.

Nicola works with these young people and sees 0

Nicola works with these young people and sees first`hand how it changes

their lives. They can be quiet, not much communication, over the weeks

and months they build their skills and they are chatting and you see

them laughing. It is amazing. We have had good friendships built from

the youth club. Have you got good friends here? Yes, the best mates

ever. Daniel was suffering from meningitis. It nearly killed him. I

was practically, a perfect teenager. In December 2009, I caught

meningitis. It put me in a coma. Umbrella has made my life what it

is. What is that? Building self`confidence,

is. What is that? Building your life? Yes, from a pile of

rubble to a brick house. If Children in Need had not helped, where would

you be now? I would be in a coffin, ten feet under. I am jolly glad you

are not. What are you looking forward to? Look at me! I can do

it. My next challenge. The rickshaw

challenge. He is so excited about what he will do and it's amazing for

him. Amazing to think the Children in

Need money helped you and you are raising money for Children in Need.

Would you have dreamt you could do that? No. To anybody watching now.

Please donate. Why? To help people like me. Somebody in your family

might go through it. Look at that, fantastic. Well done, Daniel.

Children in Need is on Friday. Come to the tennis centre, it starts at

6pm. Let's catch up on the weather

forecast. It has been a lovely day, I

apologise because we cannot show the weather pictures at the moment. We

are having technical problems. A lovely day, all thanks to high

pressure which has kept us settled. Things are changing, a weather front

is creeping up on us. Some rain tonight, the rain isn't an issue, it

will clear out of the way by the morning. What you will notice

tomorrow is the wind, a strong and blustery wind, that will make it

feel quite chilly. A lots of dry and bright weather tomorrow. We had

gorgeous sunshine this morning, clear blue skies, the clouds have

been increasing ahead of the weather front. The cloud is thickening up,

the wind picks 0 0 front. The cloud is thickening up,

the wind picks up with splashes of rain through the night. The cloud

and wind and rain, it will keep as much milder. Temperatures at sixes

and sevens. Tomorrow morning, if you are the showers are still around,

but they will fade away into the morning and the cloud will melt

away. Lots of lovely sunshine in the afternoon, it may look good, it will

feel quite chilly. A strong north westerly wind, eight or seven

degrees. It will feel more like three or four in the wind. The wind

eases down into Friday, pressure building back in. A decent day for

the end of the week, lighter wind and feeling warmer.

It was lovely first thing this morning. See you for the late news.

Goodbye.