02/05/2012 South East Today

Welcome to South East Today. I'm Rob Smith. And I'm Polly Evans.

Tonight's top stories: The Sussex grandfather who's set to

become the oldest person in the UK to have a sex change on the NHS.

4th if I have a feeling that I was rank being a man and that my true

self- is as a woman. Signs that our crucial ground water

supplies are recovering after the April deluge.

Also in tonight's programme: 160 more police officers are to be

issued with Tasers in Sussex. A very special delivery for the

Kent mum who gave birth to a 13- and-a-half pound baby boy. And we

hear from the renowned Nairobi Chamber Chorus as they rehearsed in

Kent for a one-off Royal Good evening. A 78-year-old

grandfather from Sussex is set to become the oldest person in the UK

to undergo a sex change operation on the NHS. Born as James Rose,

Ruth Rose has been living as a woman for the last six years. By

the time the procedure is performed next year, she will be 80. However,

some patient groups have criticised the operation on someone of that

age, saying the money could be Ruth Drenthe about being a woman

from the age of nine. It wasn't until her fifties that she started

dressing as a woman and then six years ago she said goodbye to James

for ever. I felt I was wrong been a man and my true self as the

feminine side of me. Last month, the NHS preliminary agreed she

could have a gender reassignment. By the time she has the operation

she will be 80. So people are saying it should not be paid for on

the NHS, it is a lot of money. have an empathy for that feeling,

but there are people who over eat against that Dr's advice. There are

people who have as much and cannot give up smoking. There are many

other aberrations against the NHS, which I might consider worse as

mine. But with the NHS strapped for cash, some would argue that when

balancing the improvement in quality of life, with the money it

would cost, it is not worth paying for the surgery. In a statement,

Gender identity disorder is recognised as a medical condition.

Money has been set aside for people with this condition. In Ruth's case

it has come rather late in her life. But she says the operation will

still be worthwhile. We are not freaks, we are just people and we

are doing something that for us, is necessary. It is not a fetish. We

are hoping to live normal lives as normal people and be accepted as

such. She hopes to have the operation at the Charing Cross

hospital in October next year. Well, that was our reporter Fiona

Irving, who is in Brighton outside the offices of the primary care

trust which is paying for the surgery. Fiona, how long has gender

reassignment been available on the NHS? It has been available since

the 1960s, but it is only since a ground-breaking trial in 1999 that

each Primary Care Trust has to consider each case on its

individual merits. It can cost �14,000 for the operation, there is

a robust procedure of diagnosis before the operation is carried out

and they say they cannot discriminate on the basis of age.

As the Environment Minister has warned that the threat of

standpipes in the streets is still very real if we have another dry

winter, there are signs that water from one of the wettest Aprils on

record is starting to top up our underground supplies.

The drought was officially declared in December last year. In March,

Southern Water was allowed to start taking water from the Medway in an

effort to top up the reservoir at Bewl water.

And now the levels in our underground aquifers are still at

exceptionally low levels, but as our Environment Correspondent

Yvette Austin reports, they have now started to rise. One of the

wettest April's on record. The downpours of the past few weeks the

stark contrast to the past two years of dry weather. Our

reservoirs were left at record low levels. But today it emerges there

are some areas that are recovering. You can see a sudden increase in

groundwater levels to where it would be normal for this time of

year. But if you look here, we are still in to be exceptionally -- in

the exceptionally low at area. Reservoirs are starting to look

healthy as well. Back in February, this was a boy should have been

virtually four. Now it stands at 60 %. Southern Water had been allowed

to pump from the River Medway to get it there. Meanwhile, this river

was flowing under the bridge at the rate of 125 litres a second. By

this Monday, that had increased to 1680. But this relief from the drum

may be temporary. A month ago the water levels were lower and it is

much higher now because of all of the heavy rain, but there is not

enough water to replenish the ground water levels that will help

to feed the river. The Environment Agency says we need two more months

like a poor to get us out of the danger zone and the water companies

say we need a wet autumn and winter. They are not ruling out standpipes

next year, neither is the Environment Secretary. It is

difficult to tell whether we will have the wet winter we need, but

where as it is unlikely we will have standpipes this year, if we

have another dried winter, that becomes more likely. But for now,

it is enough to warn that we are in a drought and must be careful with

a water. And you can see how the South East

is coping with the drought and how it plans to cope with future dry

winters on Drought 2012: An Inside Out Special. Coming upon a

programme - how a win now and wildlife photographer is passing on

his knowledge to the next generation.

They courted controversy when police started using them ten years

ago, but now the Sussex force is training more officers to use Taser

stun guns. Their use is also being extended beyond specialist firearms

officers so neighbourhood response teams can use them if someone

It administers 60,000 volts of electricity. It is about improving

our service to the public and responding more efficiently to

incidents of violence. We feel that Taser offers us that. From October

0160 response team officers baulk use their guns. Concerns have been

raised. It is an alternative to a gun, but I don't want us to have an

increasingly armed police force. My big concern it will affect the

relationship between the police and the public, and for the worse.

Sussex Police say all officers will receive training and be selected

officers only represent 6% of the workforce. But what do the people

of Sussex then? For violent criminals, yes. But they use them

for people who are not violent. Probably a good thing. They do a

dangerous job. I would rather they did not. I'd rather they used

persuasive conversation because they always have done in the past.

How many Tasers are issued and how many officers will use them is a

debate that will continue for some time. Alex is in Hastings at the

moment. How frequently are they use?

Last year, up officers were authorised to use them on 205

occasions. They had previously refused to increase the number of

offices using them, but they have decided to do it now because of the

increase in violent crime. A former Kent Council leader has

been charged with fraud. Sandy Ezekiel, the former leader of

Thanet District Council, is accused with another man of fraud and and

misconduct in a public office. It's alleged one of the men improperly

used privileged council information in relation to the purchase of two

properties. The husband of an Ashford

hairdresser stabbed to death in her salon, has been remanded in custody.

33-year-old Natalie Esack died on Monday. 38-year-old Ivan Esack, who

is a former officer for Kent Police, was charged last night with her

murder. A 22-year-old man has been arrested

on suspicion of being involved in a fatal stabbing at Brighton flat. A

21-year-old man arrested on suspicion of murder has been

released on police bail. Police were called to the flat in Norfolk

Square on Sunday evening where 40- year-old Jeffrey Burrows was found

with fatal wounds. Police don't believe it was a random attack.

A Hastings man accused of murder has told a court he was prepared to

kill again. Christopher Hunnisett accepts killing 57-year-old Peter

Bick in Bexhill because he believed he was a paedophile. The 28-year

old told a jury at Lewes Crown Court today that everything he did

was to stop sex offenders hurting people. The prosecution say there

is no evidence that Peter Bick was a paedophile. Christopher Hunnisett

admits seeking medical help after having thought of wanting to kill

or her people. He claims no-one seemed concerned. It happened

whilst he was serving a life sentence for the murder of a priest.

Christopher Hunnisett admits bludgeoning Peter Bick. He tried to

interrogate him, believing he was a paedophile. He also claimed that

the 157 year-old had -- the 57- year-old had agreed to have sex

with a 15-year-old boy. The prosecution say it Peter Bick never

sent the replied text message. In court the prosecution said that

Christopher had sent the text to lay a false trail. Christopher

Hunnisett accepts manslaughter due to diminish responsibilities. The

prosecution said there is no evidence that Peter Bick was a

paedophile. Our top story tonight - patient

groups have criticised the NHS for agreeing to perform a sex change

operation on a 78-year-old grandfather. James Rose, who is now

known as Ruth, would be the oldest person in the UK to have gender

reassignment on the NHS. Also a special delivery for the Ken mother

who gave birth to a 13 and a half pound baby boy. And after the

wettest April on record, will it be staying dry for May? Join me later

to find out. Everyone from postcard

manufacturers to brewers are gearing up to make money from the

Queen's Diamond Jubilee celebrations this summer. Despite

the fact that the additional Bank Holiday last summer for the Royal

Wedding apparently damaged the UK economy, experts say growth fell by

0.5% because of the event, businesses across the South East

expect to do well from the celebrations this summer. Our

Business Correspondent Mark Norman Grabbing a business opportunity is

second nature at this factory. They produce postcards and souvenirs.

The Jubilee is the latest in a very busy 12 months. The royal wedding

last year represented 15 % of our business. This year, the Diamond

Jubilee is different, but I am looking at about 10 %.

Traditionally, beers have been bring to celebrate were occasions.

We wanted to celebrate an important event. It has only happened three

times in European history. There is an economic argument behind it

because this year has gone from a standing start to have been in the

top six but we sail. However, last year's were wedding lead to a drop

in output. This investment has been undertaken and would not have been

done otherwise if it wasn't for the Jubilee. It is only one day, but it

is a stimulus in itself and will outweigh the fact that people have

not be working. We the improvement in business for cast and a Bank

Holiday, it cannot be bad. -- with the.

He's spent much of his life chasing some of the world's most impressive

and ferocious animals. Now a top wildlife photographer from Kent has

decided to share his his passion and experience of big cats with

children. Steve Bloom's Big Cats Journal is designed to to inspire

the next generation. Charlie Rose has been to meet him.

On the trail of the big cats. These menacing creatures stir the

passions of what lies photographers -- of wildlife photographer Steve

Bloom and there is little he will not do to get the perfect shot.

have to react quickly. Your reflexes have to be fast. An animal

can be placid and then there will be a sudden movement and you have

to be so quick to capture it. You cannot afford to sleep on the job.

The it is all part of his latest book for children - Big Cats

Journal, where he gives readers a peek into how to get the best from

wild animals. You need to treat them with respect. You cannot go in

there and be bolshy and dominant. You have to give them the space.

You have to use some body language which is submissive in the sense

that you must let the animals know you are not a threat. That has held

Steve Bloom to capture some amazing pictures. Can you tell me how you

have taken these phenomenal pictures? Well, leopards are really

hard to photograph because they do not want you to see them. Steve

Bloom's next project will be at the other end of the scale when he goes

into the Arctic. GB's women enjoyed a victorious

start to the Olympic hockey test event this afternoon. The team,

including Ashleigh Ball from Brighton and Canterbury player

Natalie Seymour, beat Korea 1-0, thanks to an excellent strike from

Alex Danson. It's the first time a competitive match has been played

on the new blue and pink pitch. She was two weeks overdue and was

expecting a large baby, but nothing could have prepared Abby Burt from

Minster for the reality that her second child ended up weighing

twice as much as her first. Baby Jack is just a week old, but is

already wearing clothes large enough for a three-month-old baby.

Peter Whittlesea went to meet him. When it comes to bonny babies, and

Jack takes some beating. His birth weight was a whopping �13, five and

a half ounces. It is no wonder his mother was advised that a Caesarean.

The Labour would not progress naturally, so I think it was a good

thing really, that we did not get to an emergency situation. It was

advised to just have the Caesarean. And how is he now? He is great. He

is our little bundle, or a would big bundle. He has just increased

from four ounces every ft 25, which has a lot for a newborn baby. Jack

was born on St George's Day. He measures nearly 23 inches. In Baby

terms, he is Super sized. normal-sized baby, nine months old.

This is what Jack has been in. We have been given a lot of close from

a friends, but we cannot use them. We also have to use bigger nappies.

Jack may be big, but he is way off the biggest. The heavies baby was

born in Canada in 1879, weighing �23. -- weighing �23 macro. -- 23

They've come all the way from Kenya and are on their way to Windsor

Castle, but tonight the marvellous Nairobi Chamber Chorus are in

Tunbridge Wells. The singers are drawn from all sorts of backgrounds

and tribal roots, but they come together to make a wonderful sound.

Tomorrow, they will be engaging with hundreds of children in a

workshop ahead of a one-off concert at Salomons, near Southborough. As

Robin Gibson reports, for some, it's the first time they've been

outside Kenya. Strangers in a strange country. Heathrow was left

with a warmth memorable blow at the arrival of the night -- Nairobi

Chamber Chorus this morning. First reaction? It is too cold. Even the

warm-up is a bit of an experience, Is there a special feeling in this

Corus? I believe there is. We put our best for forward each and every

time. -- best foot forward. Next week, they will be performing for

the Queen at Windsor Castle, but the conductor's father-in-law asked

the chorus to stop off in Tunbridge Wells to work with 500

schoolchildren ahead of a concert tomorrow night. I just wanted him

to share what I knew his choir could do with some of the children

over here. There should be 14 it schools which will deliver 500

children and I am sure they will enjoy it singing with the Nairobi

Chamber Chorus. They are from all over the country, but they live in

Nairobi. Three-quarters of them I University students. They represent

about 15 different tribes of Kenya. It is a sound that crosses and

unite many different cultures. Strangers they may be, but they

will leave here having made many friends. Robin, they have got a

fantastic sound, haven't they? certainly have and there are no

electronic gizmos. What you see is what you get. It is the voice of

Kenya's got talent. But don't listen to me. Here is the Nairobi

The Queen is in for a treat. Yes, and we are celebrating the diamond

jubilee by creating a mosaic. It will be on display in Bournemouth.

It will be made a from pictures of you lot. We think it is great to

have a word picture in the mosaic. But for posterity. I submitted a

photograph of me and my cat Lilley because I have not been well lately

and it will cheer me up. I sent in a photograph of my civil partner

and myself because we are strong royalists and we wanted to be a

part of history. This mosaic will be here long after we have gone.

you want to be part of history, dig out a photograph of two and send it

to us. -- a photograph or two. And if you do not have a computer at

home, you can take it to the library where they can scan it and

send it to us. Do check with your library beforehand to make sure

they are part of the scheme. And now for the weather. We have

got the rainfall totals in for a pot and it was very wet indeed. It

was the wettest April on record for the UK. In the south-east, it has

been the wettest since 2,000. The percentage rain fall represents 250

% of the normal rent we expect to say. We have got a Met Office

weather warning about heavy and persistent rain tonight. That would

clear tomorrow. A great start to the day. It will be feeling cooler.

The winds will take the edge of the temperatures. Today, a dry picture

with gentle northerly winds. But an increasingly -- but increasingly

unsettled. It will be wet, but it will stay pretty mild. Light

northerly winds will stay with us. Temperatures, eight or nine degrees.

It grows start to the day. It will brighten a little along the south

coast. Quite a cold field to the day. The winds staying with us.

Temperatures by the afternoon just about making double figures. Mostly

dry Prix tomorrow night. We might see some clearer skies. -- mostly

dry it through tomorrow night. Quite an murky start to the day on

Friday. Mostly dry, but we will see showers in the afternoon. That is

ahead of more rain on Saturday. It will be pretty miserable as we will

be holding on to the northerly winds. Mostly dry for Sunday, but