08/07/2013 Look North (Yorkshire)

Welcome to Monday's Look North. On the programme tonight. Tributes to

the Wakefield man killed in a hit and run while on honeymoon in

Mexico. He was just a friendly, amiable person. It is so sad,

especially on his honeymoon. Also tonight. We meet the little girl

whose life was saved after her mum donated part of her liver. And a

110 years young - happy birthday to Sheffield's Ralph Tarrant, who is

the oldest man in Britain. We are turning back the clock over 20

years at Fulford Golf Club with a big-time golf tournament. This is

the European Ladies' Amateur Team Championships. It takes place this

week. The crowd as assembling for the opening ceremony. Top-quality

golf is assured. And what a difference one year

makes. This time last year it was the wettest summer for 100 years.

This time, the hottest first date is set for the Great Yorkshire Show.

Join me live later on. Good evening. Tributes have been

paid to a man killed in a suspected hit and run in Mexico, while he was

on his honeymoon. 55-year-old Ray Cottam from Wakefield had only been

married to his wife Karen for a matter of days when the tragedy

happened. She is being comforted by family at their home in Middlestown.

They had only just become man and wife. The couple married in West

Yorkshire last month. They set off for a luxury honeymoon in Mexico.

It was here that 55-year-old Ray Cottam was killed in a suspected

hit and run crash. He was well known in Middlestown and also here,

where he ran a fish and chip shop. People have remembered a man who

would do anything for anyone. was a very nice man. Everybody

loved him. Always a lot of cars going to the fish and chip shop. He

was very popular. Everybody knew him. More as a friend. He always

smiled. He would deliver fish and chips locally. He was just a

chips locally. He was just a friendly, amiable guy, it is so sad.

Especially on his honeymoon. Foreign and Commonwealth Office

At the betting shop where his widow worked, staff have started a

collection for the family. Karen has flown back to England and is at

home, being comforted by her family. Appeals are being made for more

people to become organ donors. The NHS Blood and Transplant service

has begun a campaign called Pass It On. They are encouraging people to

talk about donation so that relatives know what to do when a

loved one dies. In Yorkshire, 780 people are waiting for a transplant.

So far this year 86 people have benefited from a donation. But

during the same period, five people have died due to a shortage of

organs. As part of National Transplant Week, our reporter has

been to meet a North Yorkshire mother who donated part of her

liver to her seven-year-old daughter. Lydia takes nine types of

medication three times a day. This seven-year-old's survived cancer

and a living organ transplant. Two years ago, she was diagnosed with a

rare cancer. It spread to her liver. Her parents were told she had just

weeks to live. I cannot put it into words how it makes you feel. You

have to get on with it. We made the best of life and went on holidays

and did everything to make sure we did not have any regrets.

surgeons in Birmingham gave the family hope. They removed various

family hope. They removed various organs during a marathon operation.

Four months later, and transplant consultants first removed part of

the liver and it was transported to the liver and it was transported to

a hospital five miles away and transplanted into Lydia. The use of

living donors is not use but this is an unusual case because it is

from mother to daughter. What did we do to make you better? What did

we do with the cancer? He chucked it in the dustbin! I was

apprehensive as you would be with two members of your family going

into surgery on the same day. We took them risk because we wanted to

give her the best chance of having life. OK? So-so. We look at her and

we have hope again. We have an opportunity we would not have, we

were told. It is nice to know that she has my liver and it has saved

her. Lydia will have to take anti- rejection drugs for the rest of her

life, but it is a small price to pay for this family.

Later on Look North: We speak to the North Yorkshire camerman who

captured this dramatic footage of the Piper Alpha tragedy 25 years

ago. Other news from around Yorkshire. A jockey who was

seriously injured during a race last week has had brain surgery.

Brian Toomey, who is based in Hambleton in North Yorkshire, was

racing in Scotland last Thursday when his horse fell. He has had an

operation to reduce swelling on his brain and will be kept sedated for

the next few days. There are concerns about prostitution in part

of Bradford. 1600 people in Manningham have signed a petition

saying it is a major problem there. The police have told BBC Radio

Leeds there have been 52 arrests in connection with it, in the last

three months. Train services have resumed after months of disruption

due to a landslip on the line at Hatfield Colliery in South

Yorkshire. 1.4 million tonnes of material moved all four tracks back

in February, affecting services between Doncaster, Scunthorpe and

Cleethorpes. Hourly trains between Doncaster and Goole started this

morning, with a full service expected by the end of the month.

We have removed almost 1 million tonnes which has been removed from

site to different places and the people involved, train operators

and passengers, they have had to get buses for months. It has been

significant. The National Railway Museum has had record breaking

visitor numbers since the opening of a new exhibition. For two weeks

only the six surviving A4 locomotives have been lined up in

the great hall. 75 years ago, one of the class, Mallard, set the

world steam speed record of 126 miles an hour. Since Wednesday,

43,000 people have visited. On Saturday alone, 13,000 came through

the door - that was the highest daily total ever recorded at the

National Railway Museum. It is 25 years since 167 people died in the

Piper Alpha oil rig explosion off the coast of Scotland. Paul Berriff

from North Yorkshire was a young photographer at the time. He was

there by chance, filming with search and rescue teams. He

captured the only pictures in the immediate aftermath of the

explosion and he's been speaking to some of the survivors for a new

film about the disaster. At this moment there was a massive

explosion. When a series of explosions ripped through the Piper

Alpha oil rig in 1988, the extraordinary footage was captured

by Paul Berriff, a film-maker. He was on board the first rescue

helicopter. As we approached, be could feel the heat penetrating the

helicopter. I touched the side and it was hot. We were one mile away.

The temperatures were up to 1600 degrees centigrade. Car gearboxes

miles at that temperature. You can imagine, having a human being in

that. 25 years later, he has made a new film about the disaster. 167

men died but there were survivors. No star of them kept it to

themselves and many survivors have not told their wives about it --

most of them kept it to themselves. I wanted to make that a, from that

night. You are under a grill, there is no other word to describe it.

The top of my head started to cook. I thought I was going to be burnt

to death, I thought I might be drowned. I thought I would sooner

drown. I think that is a more peaceful death. It is 25 years ago

and I remember it like yesterday. I was 70 yards away from the platform.

The heat was intense. People were jumping off. They were jumping over

the side. It was horrific. The film is a moving testament to a

horrifying episode that lives vividly in the memories of those

who were there, Paul Berriff included. And you can see Fire in

the Night on BBC Two at 9 o'clock tomorrow. Why these ladies from

Austria are helping to put Fulford Golf Club back on the golfing map.

I feel like singing. Maybe not. And this man was in his 30s when Fred

Perry won Wimbledon. Find out the secret of a long life from

Britain's oldest man. Now for the sport here's Tanya. You are hot off

the plane from hungry when it Adams has been doing well in the

championships. It is her first tournament since

the Olympics. She could not have been further away from the 10,000

people who watched her win the gold medal. We were in a fixed tent.

There was just enough seating for team-mates. You would not have

known this championship's was taking place. There were two gold

medallists, there was her and the legendary Katie Taylor. She was

rusty. She did admit that. She has had an injury. But she came through

the tournament seamlessly. This is what she had to say after she got

the gold medal. I feel really good. I am really pleased to come back

and get a gold medal. She was a tough opponent. She was, I BOX her

in the Olympics, in the qualifying stages, and I knew I would be up

against it. This week has been superb. It has gone better than I

could imagine. I wanted the gold medal and I got what I wanted. My

wish came true. And you got back to boxing. That is what I am all about.

It is my passion. It is nice to take a gold medal home to England,

as well. Looking around, this is a far cry from the XL arena and the

Olympic Games, but you focused and you were not put off. Definitely,

this is what I like about boxing. It does not matter where I am

boxing, it could be in a field and I would perform as well. Now, for

me, I have two weeks of rest and back to training camp and back to

business and wait for my next tournament. It will be a big year

next year. We have the Commonwealth Games, European Championships, and

I am hoping to make history in the Commonwealth Games, the first time

women's boxing will be there. I hope your mother has run on the

mantelpiece for another trophy! She will have to build our new

extension in house. Alistair Brownlee returned from an ankle

injury to win Saturday's World Triathlon Series race in Kitzbuehel.

The older of the two Brownlee brothers returned after missing the

last two events, and was first to cross the finishing line. Younger

brother Jonny had to pull out of the race because of a stomach bug.

In rugby league, Castleford Tigers have turned down an offer for Rangi

Chase. The stand-off who scored at the weekend during their defeat to

St Helens. Castleford have said Salford's offer was way below the

valuation they have for the 27- year-old, and also said Chase is an

integral part of the club's future. Huddersfield Giants moved up to

second place in the Super League after a late win against Hull FC

yesterday. Skipper Danny Brough scored the decisive try late on to

earn the Giants a 22-16 win. An earlier hit on Luke Robinson saw

the scrum half leave the field, Giants coach Paul Anderson was very

unhappy with the shoulder charge. I am sure that will be something we

will be discussing when we bring you the action from the weekend,

including again tonight between Wakefield and windows macro. Three

Yorkshire cricketers have been named in the initial squad for next

month's women's Ashes between England and Australia. Barnsley's

Katherine Brunt has been selected after returning from injury. Also

selected are Lauren Winfield and Danielle Hazell. Unlike the men's

Ashes, the women's competition will be decided using a points system

over one test match, three one day games and three T20 matches. That

is almost all of the sport. You have been deserted this evening. It

was tuck getting Harry out of the offers, I'm told, and down to the

golf course. He has met some of the finest lady golfers. From all over

Europe. Look at the sunshine. It is fantastic. Cue the music. The band

comes out right on time. You are seeing the 19 nations of these

wonderful lady golfers taking part in the European Ladies' Amateur

Team Championships. They are making their way behind the flags. It is

remarkable. The first time in over 20 years the club has had such a

big event. Is the course ready, is the club are ready? This is your

answer. For 20 years, the club hosted a

major golf tournament but in 1991 it stopped. This week, the course

will showcase women's amateur golf in Europe. The standard is

incredibly high. The Good Old Days of Fulford Golf Club, Tony Jacklin,

Lee Trevino, Sam Torrance. They won here. And there was Bernard Langer.

This is the 17th, where Bernard Langer in 1981 played his third

shot from the trees. As you do. COMMENTATOR: He must not make a

accidental chip of the tree. He must get the ball. They are

applauding because he got it out to be green.

The Finland team are highly fancied and they agreed that the return of

Fulford Golf Club to the world stage is a welcome one. I remember

coming in the early 1980s and it's lovely to see it being used for

this event and in such good condition. This is a practice day.

Do they get nervous? I am sure they will tomorrow. It is nice they can

have a couple of practice days. They have probably seen the course

quite a bit. We have had practice rounds and it will be good to get

going and focus on the job in hand. That Swedish ladies are a

formidable team. The forecasters looking good and it is hoped the

crowds will turn out in force. The course looks superb and that is a

credit to the ground staff. lads come in at five o'clock in the

morning. Some of them will go around and cut the greens. What I

and the other lad will be doing, areas like this on the green, where

it is trying, we will hand water those areas -- where it is dry. It

keeps its uniform. Everyone believes that the weather forecast

can be believed for the rest of the week.

Not a bad opening ceremony. The last of the 19 nations make their

way. There is cheering for England, who are one of the favourites. This

is a free event. We encourage the public to watch the event. The

standard will be fantastic. Please come and watch. What time does it

start? It will be on until Saturday, tomorrow it starts at 7:30am and

the last time out well before 3pm. Some of these ladies are incredible.

They hit the ball farther than I do. -- Harry, most people hit the ball

further. You are based just abound here. How

good is the standard? The standard is magnificent. These are the

future Tour players. This is the final amateur step before they turn

to the professional ranks. It is nice that the event is given a bit

of colour and the importance with this kind of event, it shows a lot

of work has gone into it. It is magnificent. The club is absolutely

magnificent, the best condition I have seen in 30 years. We are

looking forward to it. Just a word about the ladies in the England

side we should look out for. All of them. The Swedish and the Spaniards

are quite good. Sweden, Spain, Germany, Italy. So many good teams.

Do you expect a big crowd? We would like a big crowd. I would like to

say if you have free time and play golf in Yorkshire, come down to

Fulford Golf Club. The background to this has been a remarkable build

up in the preparation. I have been speaking to the groundsman who has

spent a lot of time getting the greens perfect. The scene is set.

From early tomorrow morning, come on down. This is a free event. The

standard of golf is quite remarkable. From everybody Hay, I

will hand you back to the studio. Best of luck to the England team.

Next tonight, a tot of whisky and an active youth are what

Sheffield's Ralph Tarrant credits for his longevity. He turned 110

this weekend and is Britain's oldest man. He enjoyed a party with

his family in his home city to mark the day. Tom Ingall has been to

meet him. Went to reach 110, a scrapbook of

your life is something of a weighty tome. Frequent are the occasions

when reporter's knock on your door to ask the secret of a long life.

Happy birthday. Thanks. I had a bit of a do at Rutland Hotel. It was

quite a nice to from the day until 430. We had a few drinks. I have

never been one who would sit in a pub. Give me a glass of lager, my

lunch, I am satisfied. I never drink above one. He will confess to

a tot of whisky, that no doubt helps when birthdays come with

great grandchildren and great great grandchildren. There are many cards

to a range and he has had so many telegrams, Her Majesty is

practically a pen-pal. When I was young and fit, I did not have an

idle moment. I loved swimming. I once tried to swim from Scarborough

South. I got pulled over with the coastguard. Have you put the tea

in? Yes. A in 2008, we filmed Ralph and his wife as they filmed their

wedding anniversary, becoming the longest married couple until her

death at 102. It is an achievement. I do not think one in a million. I

am second in line to be the oldest man in Europe. It has been an

longer and rich life. And I can only at the words so far.

Absolutely wonderful. Happy birthday from everybody head. It

has been a hot weekend. We have the Great Yorkshire Show tomorrow and a

lot of sunshine tonight. It is a different picture there from last

year. What a pleasure to be here wearing

a T-shirt. My shorts will be on tomorrow. In June last year, it was

the wettest on record and we were in the middle of the wetter summer

for a century. We can remind ourselves how bad it was at the

show last year. Last year was the wettest summer in 100 years with

many events cancelled, which cost millions to the local economy. The

Great Yorkshire Show, the largest agricultural show in England, was

the biggest casualty. Never before had it been cancelled because of

adverse weather conditions. A 154th show has been cancelled for

the next two days. It is because of this, there was a deluge this

afternoon. The decision came before we went

live on air at the end of the first day and it followed another

afternoon of torrential rain, which caused the parking facilities to

become unusable. The cancellation cost �2 million. This year,

organisers left nothing to chance. This is how they improve things.

This is how they improve things. More than three miles of temporary

roads, almost 13,000 tons of stone and five-and-a-half 1,000 metres of

and five-and-a-half 1,000 metres of drainage. There is 170 acres of

extra parking. There is better access and we have drainage to make

sure we get water away. We have done housekeeping and maintenance

exercise is to make sure that if rain falls, it gets away so that

people can get in and out quickly. This year could be no it -- could

not be more different. The organisers are confident that if

heavy rain returns, a repeat of last year will not happen again.

There are winners and losers. People selling umbrellas made a

fortune last summer. The person selling hats nearby it is ordering

selling hats nearby it is ordering extra. It will be a fantastic

forecast. If you like it hot, tomorrow could

be one of the hottest parts to the show on record. 28 degrees. If you

do not like the heat, Wednesday does look cooler and cloud. It will

still be dry. You might enjoy that. If you like it in between, first

day, brightening up later. This evening, sunny, overnight dry with

clear spells. Cloud and missed will increase later. -- mist. Tomorrow,

it will be a grey start. Less extensive than this morning and

burning of quickly. It looks like unbroken sunshine for everybody

through the morning. We can look at the temperatures. It could get up

to 29, making it the hottest day of the year so far. Do not forget your

suncream and your hat. Wednesday, cloudy, brightening up on Thursday.

On Friday, it might turn out to be the hottest day of the year. The

temperature you can see is conservative and it might get up to

30 degrees in some areas on Friday afternoon. The good news is that

afternoon. The good news is that the beer tent has opened early.