25/10/2011 South Today

Hello. Welcome to South Today. In tonight's programme. Thieves steal

a bronze war memorial weeks before Remembrance Day. What it represents

is the lost soldier, you know, the unknown soldier, and it is terrible.

Who could do something like that? The MP Mike Hancock appears at a

deportation hearing, and denies he passed on any classified

information to an alleged Russian spy. Farewell to Norrie. Who was

the last living link to the Dorset author Thomas Hardy. I am live at

the ebb stadium as Aldershot Town arrive ahead of the match of their

lives against Manchester United the Alpats alterrible. That is how a

community reacted to the news that two weeks before Remembrance Day, a

bronze war memorial statue has been stolen in Tidworth. The First World

War soldier was installed in the garrison town by the Royal British

Legion in 199. Police are hunting two men, who have been captured on

CCTV, stealing the one off statue. Look. This CCTV footage has been

watched over and over again, and still the Royal British Legion in

Tidworth is no closer to finding out who made off with their

memorial in the dead of night. People round here are outraged, and

disgusted by what the cowardly thieves have done. What it

represents is the lost soldier, you know, the unknown soldier, and it

is terrible. Who could do something like that? These things mean a

great deal to the community, to serving members, and to people that

have lost loved ones, in conflicts and wars. The man at the centre of

this picture co-ordinated the funding. His daughter said the loss

would have his turning in his grave. It has been like losing him again.

He passed away three-and-a-half years ago and I have had people

going "I am so sorry, it meant so much to your father." It opens

wounds again. Had the war memorial been commissioned today it would

cost �20,000. The original artist is willing to replacement for

fraction of that. The mould is round and you can take off most of

the fees so it will end up being about the �10,000. The bronze was

sourced as a foundry here. It weighed round 75 kilos. I have made

a call the a local dealer who says the scrap value is round 2.97 a

kilo. If that was the thieves's intentions their efforts would have

netted them �222. Today all the club has left is a replica. Police

investigations are continuing but Remembrance Day is just over a

service will go ahid but there will be no statue to provide a focal

point. I think it was a professional job. I think that they

had to know what they were doing because they didn't damage the base

at all. So I think they knew what they were doing, and I think nau

they knew what they have got. a pittance to the thieves it will

cost thousands to replace. It is worth more to this town. It is bad

enough they have done this, but even worse, knowing what two weeks

time is, that the timing, you know. It will never been a good time do

something like this, but to do it within such a short space of time

before Remembrance Day is awful. avoid add crowded media presence

today, the Portsmouth south MP Mike Hancock made a surprise appearance

at the deportation hearing of the alleged Russian spy Katia

Zatuliveter. Mr Hancock denied on more than one occasion he did

anything wrong during an alleged four year affair with his Russian

researchers. He said he did not pass on material that was

classified. Ms Zatuliveter is fighting deportation at a hearing

in London. We have been listening to the proceedings. Tell us more

about what happened today Most of the hearing had been taking place

behind closed door, on the grounds of national security. It was only

just after 3.00 this afternoon, that the doors were thrown open to

the public. As people filed in they found the sight that greeted them

was of Mike Hancock, the MP for Portsmouth south, who has been very

much at the centre of this story, sitting there in the witness box,

giving evidence to the Special Immigration Appeals Commission. Now,

he was then, we weren't sure ou long he had been been giving

evidence but he was questioned for 20 minutes or so. What happened,

given that was the only, if you like, only time it was open to the

public? Well, he was asked a lot, in fact, act a visit to Iraq, which

was suggested had taken place in 2006. Now, Mr Hancock said he had

not made a visit with the Select Committee to see British troops at

that time. But then an extract of a diary from Ms Zatuliveter was read

out. She said "I think I'm in love. He has gone to Iraq today he won't

be able to write or call. I don't know what do with myself." Mr

Hancock said he had been due to go on that visit, but for some reason,

he couldn't recall why, he had had to pull out at the last minute. He

said he might have given her the impression he was going. That was

crucial of course because questions have been raised about the journals

authenticity. I understand there was questioned about another

report? That was a report on the possibility of confrontation with

Russia in the future. Now, it was suggested by Ms Zatuliveter in fact

he had asked her to forward this to a Moscow TV channel he denied he

would ever have done that, the QC said if it had been found to have

happened it would have been embarrassing. "I didn't do it he

said." Thank you. Up to 100 residents in Swanage are spending

the night in sheltered accommodation after gas leak.

Emergency services were called to Victoria Avenue earlier today. A

rest centre has been opened at the United Reform Church hall. The gas

board said the incident won't be resolved until tomorrow. Aldershot

will be playing the gave of their lives against Manchester United, it

is the Carling Cup and Tony Husband is there with all the action.

Already a fantastic atmosphere in the ground. There will be more than

7,000 fans here to see Manchester United. It may not be their

strongest side who will take on the team, it will still be a memorable

occasion for those ta have managed to get one of those tickets to be

here, for the biggest game since this club reformed. They went bust

in the '90s and of course they have had a long road back, which

culminated in promotion a couple of years ago. If you lock at the

contrast between the two clubs it shows you the gulf between United

and Aldershot. A turn over for United of �331 million. For

Aldershot, just �3 million a year. You look at the capacities they

play to. Old Trafford 76,000 fans. It will be 7,000 for Aldershot.

3,000 normally. The value of players. Wayne Rooney may not play

tonight but he is worth �50 million. Ben Herd, the Aldershot skipper

will fetch �125,000. It's a big gulf. It is a big game and

Aldershot have to try and cause an upset here tonight. More from here

later on. Look forward to it. The Government's says it is clearly

disappointed by Cunard's decision to take its ships away from the

British registry. It the company's fleet will no longer carry the name

of Southampton, as it removes the fleet from the UK shipping register.

It seems no cruise ship remains on the British register, raising

concerns among the union and passengers. Remember this? Queen

Elizabeth, naming the Queen Elizabeth. What could be more

British than that? But, from today, the ship is no longer British. This

will happen to Cunard's other two ship, the name of Southampton on

the stern painted over, replaced with Hamilton, in Bermuda. Last

week, Cunard told us the reason was to allow lucrative weddings at sea,

and that is partly true. But there could be another reason. It is

called the equality act. It is derived from European Union

legislation, and it requires crew from all EU kuntroibs paid equal

wages, to British crew. Most ships sailing from Southampton employ

many eastern European worker, in the past, they have been paid less.

Here is the officers' union. think it does good to the UK,

because I think the main issue is not to be seen as being taken

advantage of seafarers from peerer regions. It is time to end

discrimination. This is what happens on land. I can't see any

reason I shouldn't happen on British ships. The rules about

equal rates of pay only apply to Europeans, people from other parts

of the world continue to be paid less on British ship, as they have

been for generations. The Department for Transport said this

afternoon that under rules changed in August, the Government has taken

the minimum necessary measures to satisfy the European Commission,

while safeguarding the continued competitiveness of the UK fleet.

Nevertheless, Cunard is taking away all its ships, for the first time

in 170 years. Its famous Queens have only ever been British

registered until today. Cruise web forums have furious passengers.

Several people claim they won't travel on Cunard again. In one poll

96% of those taking part opposed the reflagging. Cunard did want to

be interviewed but it is by no means alone in doing this. Most

other lines have done it already. So, we searched for the largest

British registered cruise ship sailing from a British port. And

here it. The Hebridean princess, built in 1964. It carries just 50

passengers. A sign of the times. The Isle of Wight council has been

accused in the high court of being all over the place in its plans to

cut adult social care. It has been taken to court by two people with

special needs who say the authority failed them. They say the council

did not make clear the impaict of changes brought in last February.

The council says the cuts are a result of reduced funding from

Whitehall. Full consultation will begin over proposals to cut more

than 200 jobs at south cam honesty council. Still to come this evening.

Remembering Norrie Woodhall who has died at 105 and was the last living

link with the great Thomas Hardy. The Isle of Wight has become one of

the first areas in the country to get a new non-emergency number for

the NHS. From today, people living there can dial 111 at any time of

day or night, to access local services. It is part of a plan to

phase out the existing telephone service from NHS Direct, which will

end in England in April 2013. If successful, the scheme could be

rolled out nationally. Short changed, sworn at and sold faulty

goods. Some of the problems shoppers with learning difficultys

have been facing in Portsmouth. Now the City Council has introduced a

new initiative to protect vulnerable people. We have been

finding out more. I thought that was Michael Jackson. Pete and Chris

like broution as much as the next shopper but they haven't always

felt welcome. Their learning difficulties make their nervous and

that wasn't helped in the past when shop assistants were unhelpful or

rude. All they want is the same common courtesy we expect when we

go shopping and that is what is written on their card which they

show to shop staff Do you want some head phones? Pete and Chris are

shopping on Commercial Road part of the safer shopping area scheme.

Store managers know about the initiative and vulnerable people

can feel more confident visiting their stores. Now we have the card

it is easier. It is good. It is working well. It felt like you were,

they didn't want to know you. Since now the card it is like, now they

want to take notice. Trading Standards received complaints about

verbal abuse and faulty goods and decided to monitor the way people

were being treated. They were appalled at the results. I struggle

to believe that there will be, the shop assistants would be swearing

at people with learning disability, asking them to get out of the shop,

refuse to help them. I also experienced where people with

learning disabilitys were sold goods who were second-hand, who

were, should not be in a shop floor in the first place. Do you want me

to put the receipt in the bags. Trading Standards hope toex tend

the scheme across the whole city. Now tonight, questions will be

asked again about the state of the Boscombe surf reef as a full

council meeting. It comes on the day sign test display the result of

a three year survey. Over 100 species have been identified on the

reach which has surprised the team of biologists. The reef has been

closed to surfers since March after a sandbag was split over by a

boat's propeller but it if is quiet on the fairs, there is plenty under

the waves. Marine biologists from bon mouth have been diving on the

reef since it was built three years ago. They found a surprising amount

of life. Even after just a few months. It was one of those wow

dives. Everybody was up on the boat, talking about what they had seen

and how much there was on it, you know, how covered it was, and just

how much biodiversity there was there. They found over one one --

100 species. For two days the researchers are displaying some of

their finds and apart from monitoring it they are studying the

impact on marine life. The key think is how it performs as a

nursery. We are doing studies to determine whether young once might

be found in the spring and whether they grow and might even restore

some of the fisheries and other marine ecosystems in the bay and

beyond. Meanwhile the crucial sqe for surfers is when will it open

again? Last week the council had talks with the company that built

the reef. Winter proofing repairs should start in the next few weeks

weather permitting. That will ensure they can return next year,

they can work again on the reef and ensure it should be available to

open some time late spring, early summer me, year. The plan is to add

more sandbags to those already there to improve the wave. The

council says it will not cost them anything and will be paid for

through insurance and money with held from the original budget. Now

the last surviving member of Thomas Hardy's original theatrical group

has died at 105. Norrie Woodhall used to rehearse at hardy's home in

Dorchester. It is incredible to think Norrie knew and worked with

the author who himself was born in 1840. Until tend, Norrie continued

being involved in performing his works and her death comes as a huge

loss to the local theatre community. Norrie Woodhall was fond of the

stage. She died aged 105, and with her went the last person to know

the famous author Thomas Hardy first hand. In her youth, she

belonged to the writer's theatrical group, the hardy Players. He didn't

criticise anyone. No, he was very shy man. Very sensitive. They

rehearsed as his home in Dorchester in 1928 Norrie played Tess's

younger sister in the stage version of Tess. She even had a few extra

lines created for her. I had to rush across the stage, throw myself

in my sister's arms and say "Oh Tess, Tess ." That was all. He

asked me for my script, and he wrote in to it "I'm so glad you've

come home." He looked up at me and said "That's better, isn't it."

didn't top her, she became President of the newly formed Hardy

Players and performing his work to the end. Tired of digging potatoes.

Remembering the wonderful Norrie Woodhall who has died at the age of

105. We move on to sport now, and it is a big night for Aldershot, in

just under an hour they will play Manchester United in the Carling

Cup, and Tony is at the stadium tonight soaking up the atmosphere

where I think fans are already arriving aren't they? It is very

noisy, we are currently being entertained by one half of Chas and

Dave. It is Chas no Dave these days. Look at the crowd. This is what it

is like. The Carling Cup 7,000 fans are going to watch Aldershot

against Manchester United. How are you feel something are you excited?

I am. Come on! You were here 40 odd years ago. People were standing all

over the place. Thousands and thousands. We saw George Best play

that time. Brilliant. Fantastic player. Hopefully we will see a

good game today. We don't know the team news yet. Can you do it?

course. Let us try and win it. We don't know yet. Enjoy it. They are

certainly excited. And enjoying the music too. So Manchester United

have just arrive. But I have spent all day here at the stadium taking

a look round. For almost two decades Aldershot Town have been

heading in one direction. The last Football League club to go bust,

but like their club motto, they have risen back through the

league's quickly. Tonight is more than a football match. I mean this

is an event for us, it is not just a match. It is a bit like a Cup

Final in some respects, so huge amount of work, over and above our

normal day-to-day work, the fixtures we have had in the

meantime. For those who have been here from the beginning it is a

momentous occasion. Yes, it was to get football back in to Aldershot

and back to the Football League. We achieved that which was fantastic

but Manchester United here, could never have predicted that. Staging

this game is a big challenge for a League Two club used to averaging

crowds of 3,000. With Sir Alex Ferguson and his side they want

everything to be right, including the pitch. If he comments he's

comment, if he doesn't, I feel we have prepared 100 percent and we

are pleased with it. Well, this is the aaway dressing room. It is

basis, treatment table, it has probably seen better days. Sir Alex

Ferguson will have all his players in here, �30 million man Berbatov,

Michael Owen this is what they will have to get used to. Welcome to

Aldershot. The team found form on Saturday, beating Dagenham and

Redbridge 5-2. Although this won't be their strongest side, Ferguson

has promised a response from United. Aldershot will be as ready as they

can for that and those who resurrected the club will watch on

I would like to live, I have left the legacy and people have said to

me, that this football club must be in my blood. My reply to them is

not in my blood, it is in my bones P Well, this really has been a

dramatic rise, the rising Phoenix as they called Aldershot Town. They

had difficult times in the '90s when the club went out of business.

They fought back. I have Colin Fielder who was a player pre92 and

came back ath as a player coach. A tremendous night for everybody

associated with the club. It means everything to the club. The hard

work that the chairman, to bring the club back in to now, John

McGinty will be looking down on all the players hoping they pull it all.

Manchester United one of the biggest global brands round. We see

how parent a club is to a town that only had 3 or 4,000 people watching

it. It plays a important role in the community. Of course. You get

all walks of people. 7,500 people will be here. Hoping for a miracle.

A club from Division Two could beat a Premiership team. It can happen.

With the support Aldershot have anything could happen. It could

happen. How will the players feel, they will come out and warm up in a

minute. What it will it be like for the players?. It is their Cup Final.

They have nothing to lose. They have to go ut, absorb it all and

enjoy the moment. They may never get in chance again so they have to

grab it with both hands and give a performance, that is all the crowd

are asking for, with them on their backs they can do it today.

United, just a little wobble at the weekend. More than a we believe, 6-

1 defeat. How will they approach it? More differently than they

would have done 1.00 on Sunday. I think they will have some of the

stars on the pitch. Tonight will be about getting some plied back. That

is difficult to say but it is all about pride tonight. We wish you a

good evening Colin. One of many ex- players who are back tonight.

Congratulations, and he will enjoy the evening along with lots of ex-

players who are here. There is another Carling Cup tie this

evening for Southampton. They rup against crystal palace. This game

is live on BBC Radio Surrey of course from five past seven with

full commentary. Mentioning Southampton they will give

youngsters a few debuts in south- east London. They are taking on

Crystal Palace. BBC Radio Solent has commentary on that and bourm

mouth, a important match after a home defeat after the weekend. You

can follow that on Solent as well. Last night, Brighton and Hove

slipped to another defeat. They were beaten 1-0 by West Ham. Let us

look at what happened then. Kevin Nolan scored the only goal of the

game. As by of a mistake at the back by the Albion who lost Gary

Dicker to injury. They are down in 12th. I have to say this has been

one of the better atmospheres to preview a match in. Everybody is

looking forward. We still have Chas and Dave or half of Chas and Dave.

Are you all excited? Are you all going to get a result tonight? Can

you do it? CHEERING AND APPLAUSE I think they are saying yes they can.

Thank you. I don't know whether it is Chas without the Dave, I think

we should have had Chas and Tony. That was good together. Good luck

Aldershot. It will be a great night for the fan. On to the weather. We

had a fair bit of rain. Both we did. Not as bad as the rest of the

country. We have had our share of showers. We have quiet pictures for

a change. Denet and Avon canal in longered for taken by condition.

Also taken this morning from Milford on Sea looking to

Christchurch by Vic. And John captured this broad main picture at

lunchtime today. But we have had a few showers and the showers are

still going on for many of us through this evening and overnight.

It will be drier inland though. I think the showers will become fewer

as we head into the jeev night peryoond clearer conditions will

develop. -- overnight period. Minimum is down to 7C for the far

north, round the south coast. Nine to ten by dawn. We keep the showers

going even through tomorrow morning and there is still that thunder

risk, a heavy risk through the morning but light eras we head into

the afternoon and thunder risk diminishing. Fewer showers by the

afternoon with lots more in the way of sunshine but we lose a degree on

the temperatures. 13, 14 at best and the winds still fairly breezy

at times. As we head into the evening and overnight, the first

part clearer and drier conditions as the showers fade away. The next

bit of trouble is brewing up from the far south-west. Proper rain

pushing up from the near continent and that rain will be round for

much of Thursday morning. Focus thoing the west of our patch, I

think Dorset seeing the heaviest of those downpours but as this rain

band tracks eastwards it is slow in its progress and is becoming weaker

all the while. On Friday as we see that rain band ease away, we will

see patchy drizzle at first. Not any risk of winds through Friday. I

think they will be fairly light as we head into the end of the week

and for Saturday as well, predominantly dry, albeit cloudy at

first. Brighter prospects and the winds turning lighter throughout.

So from rain to fairer conditions, by the end of the week and into

Saturday, although it will be very slow to clear, so Wednesday quite a

few showers through the morning, becoming lighter by the afternoon,

heavy rain by Thursday, and for Friday drier conditions, albeit

cloudy. Saturday mild weather and dry through much of the day. I like

your barometer. That was fun. To remind you, Aldershot Manchester

United, you can hear the full commentary on BBC Surrey. That

starts in about five minutes time for that. That is it from us.