22/12/2011 South Today

Tonight on Reporting Scotland: Extra police are on patrol in our

biggest city. A �5,000 reward is offered by

detectives hunting this man who sexually assaulted two woman in

Hello, I'm Sally Taylor. Welcome to South Today. In tonight's

programme: Fighting talk over ownership of the Falklands - a

former head of the Royal Navy says we need a nuclear deterrent there.

Punching the air- community sports projects share �2 million of grants.

Defying the odds - the army medic who lost his legs spends Christmas

with his family. The symphony conductor juggling life with being

an air steward. Nearly 30 years after a Task Force set sail from

Portsmouth and Southampton to re- capture the Falklands, a former

head of the Royal Navy is calling for a nuclear submarine to be

dispatched to the South Atlantic. Lord Alan West says a military show

of force is needed after a number of South American countries imposed

a blockade on the Falklands' ships. Argentina has repeatedly claimed

ownership of the Falklands and the dispute has escalated since the

discovery of oil. Steve Humphrey, who recently travelled to the

Falklands, reports on the latest developments. The British task

force sent to liberate the Falklands in the April 1982. Two-

and-a-half months later the Argentinian forces surrendered. Now,

nearly 30 years later, the dispute over sovereignty of the advance has

flared up again, fuelled by oil exploration. Some estimates say

there could be up to 60 billion barrels of oil in the waters, which,

if true, would make it as big as the North Sea oil field. In recent

months Argentinian President Cristina Kirschner has come to mean

he reinstated became other country over the islands. TRANSLATION: We

are going to get it back to international rights and peace. As

long as the for and Adams want to be sovereign British territory,

they should be. In a show of solidarity with Argentina, and

number of Argentinian - - and number of South American countries

have bands British ships from using the airport. Lord West says he

thinks Britain should display its military muscle. The great thing

about military forces is it is a very good deterrent and we need to

use it as a deterrent. We need to show the Argentines that this is

not a game. If they tried something again there we were taken very

seriously. A former British diplomat who served on the

Falklands says a lot of talking will now be happening behind the

scenes to get the shipping blockade lifted. This is a decision taken by

at trade bloc. Of course, we all find it very reprehensible and it

will be damaging for the Falkland Islands fishing interests, but

Britain will be focusing on purely diplomatic means to fines and exit

to this problem. There is a large British military presence on the

Falklands with around 1000 personnel. Meanwhile, in London,

the Foreign Office says it is working hard to try to make sure

actions by countries inside South America don't isolate the Falkland

Islands people would damage their livelihoods. What do we know about

what's been going on behind the scenes? The Foreign Office says

that last with the Uruguayan ambassador was called in to explain

his reasons for supporting this blockade. They also said that they

are having urgent discussions with countries in the region. The

Foreign Office has been strong in terms of saying no one should doubt

our determination to protect the Falkland Islanders's right to

determine their own future. I think if you did a poll in the Falkland

Islands 99 per man % of people want to remain British. Do you think we

will see some sort of retaliation over here? Last night the head of

the Falkland Islands fishing companies said that if the blockade

continues for any length of time, perhaps people in the UK might - -

might like to stop buying Argentinian goods. So, lots of

talking at the moment, but so far no indication that the UK

government wants to beef up our military presence in the South

Atlantic. An inquiry has begun into child

protection policies within the Diocese of Chichester after

concerns were raised. The Archbishop of Canterbury made the

announcement earlier today but would not comment any further.

Current protection arrangements within the diocese will be looked

at with a report due in February. The investigation has been backed

by the Bishop of Chichester. Two teenagers have been found

guilty of taking part in rioting in Reading last August in which a gang

of up to 40 people smashed their way into a wholesalers. Police were

called to Makro in Whitley in what was seen as a copycat outbreak of

violence after riots in London and several other cities. Thousands of

pounds worth of goods were stolen. Our reporter Joe Campbell's been in

court. Joe, what more can you tell us? This was all about the night

the riots came to Reading back last summer. Some 30 to 40 people

smashed through the doors of the front of the store and then as

Staff Hague in the back of the building then went on the rampage

wrapping around �14,000 worth of expensive electrical goods. After

what had happened and other cities, the police were ready. Within two

minutes the first officers were on the scene and began to make arrests.

A lot of those there simply fled into the night. The trial has been

taking place at three of the people alleged to have taken part. Mr

McCarthy was found hiding in a wish you buy. A 17-year-old was also

today found not guilty of burglary, but of violent disorder he was

found guilty. A third man, Mark Murray, he was found not guilty of

all charges saying that what it happened was that he had come

across these items when he made his way home from the pub. When will

they be sentenced? The two teenagers sentenced - - the two

teenagers found guilty to day and five others will be sentenced in

February of next year. More than 40 local sports clubs

across the South are to receive a share of �2 million as part of the

Olympic Legacy Fund. In some cases, the clubs will get money to improve

old facilities that are difficult to maintain and run. Others will

receive cash to convert buildings into new venues. The overall idea

is to get more people taking part in sport in the year of the 2012

Olympics. Chris Coneybeer explains. Sports heroes of the past, Matthew

Pinsent, Sally Gunnell and Roger Black, all their connection to the

south. And all of them a source of inspiration for our athletes of the

future. Some of that future lies here at this cricket club, hidden

among stall trees in a quiet spot near Totton on the edge of the New

Forest. The club is well supported locally, but its ground has seen

better times. The nets are worn-out and useless. �25,000 from the

National Lottery Olympic legacy fund will provide new ones. We are

a community club, but everybody wants to achieve to the best of

their abilities. The coaches that we have at the club can have that

happen. Keeping people involved and participating is the most important

aspect. The money will be very welcome, but they still need funds

to fix a broken scoreboard. Other sports getting money a concluded

gymnastics boxing and bowls. The ideas to give local sport a big

boost in get more local people actively involved. The money is

going to clubs in an even spread Next year there will be new heroes

in the making. William Fox Pitt, Lucy and Kate MacGregor, each

hoping for success. Each providing the inspiration for the South's

sports people of the future. A Government Minister says many

schools in Portsmouth are failing to sign up to a new reading

initiative. Figures released by the Department for Education show only

two out of 39 schools in the city have applied for help to use the

phonics system, despite poor standards of reading among 11-year-

olds. Portsmouth City Council says schools either already have

sufficient equipment and training, or will apply in future years.

Still to come in this evening's South Today: Three great nominees,

but who will win our Unsung Hero Voters have been going to the polls

today in a by-election for a place on Brighton and Hove City Council.

People have been voting in the Westbourne ward in Hove. The by-

election is taking place because of the resignation of Conservative

councillor Brian Oxley. Polling stations close at 10.00pm tonight

and the result is expected to be announced tomorrow.

He had to go through more than a dozen operations and never thought

he would have a family, but today Sergeant Simon Harmer is preparing

to celebrate Christmas with his family. Simon, an army medic from

Winchester, lost both his legs after stepping on a makeshift bomb

while on patrol in Afghanistan. But as Catharina Moh reports, he defied

the odds and is now enjoying time with his wife and 10-month-old

daughter. It is a picture perfect Christmas

scene, but two years ago Sergeant Simon harbour was lucky to escape

it is like. We last met him in 2009 during a training exercise with a

field hospital unit just before diploma to Afghanistan. An

experienced veteran from Bosnia and Iraq, he was well aware of the

dangers then. Explosions do go one out there. We have to look after

the people around us, so we can just go rushing in because they're

often secondary devices. Four weeks into his deployment on attachment

with the Coldstream Guards he lost both his legs. He had been married

just three months. We have patrolled about 200 metres outside

of the base and I activated a bomb. I was unconscious for a split-

second. On the first Briton came up to treat me, I had to tell him what

to do as I am a medic. The only thing going through my mind was

getting back to my wife. At the time he feared he might never be

able to have children, but in February this year Marisa it gave

birth to a little girl. It is a different path to the one we

thought we would take when we got married, but we have got this

little lady here, so everything has come good in the end. Simon can do

most avidly duties, but after have more than a dozen operations. I

don't think I would have a imagines that I was have everything they

have now. If it wasn't for organisations like Help For Heroes

I don't think we would have been any were close to it being as happy

as we are now. Simon needs to go still for rehabilitation, but the

couple have to have a few more additions to their family in the

future. Now we meet someone who is living

the dream. This week it is Mark Andrew James, who is founder and

conductor of the Sussex Symphony Orchestra. But he juggles that life

with being an air steward. I went to meet him in Brighton as the

orchestra prepared for its carol I am driven by music. It is part of

me and my soul. I am really looking forward to making music and giving

our audience a real treat. It is the most extraordinary driving

force. From wielding a baton to scaling the heights, Mark is

equally passionate about his life as an air steward. No two days are

ever the same. You get the opportunity to fly around the

World's. I look forward to going to work every day. Do you ever wake up

and wonder where am I when you're flying around the world? Often a

wake up and open one eye and think, which hotel is this, which country

is this? I had better watch it otherwise it will go to the toilet

in the wardrobe or something like that! So, how did you become a

conductor? That all started really at school when I was 16. I said to

my room mates, I think I'm going to put an orchestra together into a

punch-up for charity at the end of the year, so between us we did. I

waved my white stick and say - - things seem to happen in the right

time and I thought, I quite like this! You have to be a communicator.

It is all very well knowing to music, but you have got to

communicate. It is a two-way thing. Much better. On Monday I am off to

Hong Kong, which is fantastic. Great for Christmas shopping! They

have the list like this! I to take scores with me on trips and I am

lucky that I can read the score and curate in my mind. When I'm walking

down the aisles, I am listening to something. Excuse me sir, can I

have some water? Sorry, I can't hear you! Ever delivered a baby?

Quite close, I have to say. We had the water and the towels out and

the bits and pieces and we landed in Corfu. I was saying, keep your

legs crossed! It was touch-and-go. You tend to look after divy Eye

peas, don't you? Everybody is important! Everybody is important.

Everybody is first class to me. Just before you start, it is the

most magical moments. Everybody is looking at you. If all you have got

to do is just graced this little white stick once and everybody

starts doing something, it is extraordinary. Do you think you are

living the dream? I must be. I am having a ball, an absolute ball.

There is something warm and cosy inside that happens when I'm doing

anything with music. I am incredibly privileged to be able to

do this. And flying? She doesn't want to go to visit all these

places? I am living to dream without a doubt.

Tomorrow night we have a special treat. For the last Christmas

programme, the Sussex Symphony Orchestra will be playing their

version of Jingle Bells. Here is a In the second of our look back at

50 years of South Today, we look at the slightly odder moments we have

had over the years. Here's Sarah Farmer.

Having gone through miles and miles of Film and videotape, we have

uncovered some of the lighter moments of 50 years of festive fun,

and restart her journey tonight with the rather eccentric group

called the wallies on a group of hippies to set up camp at

Stonehenge. This promises to be one of the most unusual Christmas

parties ever held. There will not be any gatecrashers for one good

reason, there aren't any gates. This party is being held bike in

the middle of Salisbury Plain. What about the people giving the party?

The hosts all have one thing in common, they are all called Wally.

How many people do want to turn up? As many as one to come? How many

could you accommodate? We have enough room appear for 20 or 30

people. Stuffing a turkey is simple. A piece of kick.

In 1971, an army chef wasn't listed to show her to put it to staff at

Turkey. We have removed the wishbone to make the carving of the

turkey easier. A small piece of television magic, and it is now

three hours later and are 14 pound bird is done perfectly. I am quite

pleased with it. A major culinary triumph. Over the years, we have

celebrated big events with special outside broadcasts, but back in

1978 we went one better and travelled back in time to see what

a Christmas would be like during the Victorian era. What some of all

night! Hello ha! What a lovely fire. Jenny Mary, and Dawson, Peter

McCann and Bruce Parker all got into the festive spirit. I think it

is one of these new Christmas cards. Isn't it beautiful? It was the

night before Christmas and all through the House not a crank - -

not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse. The following year

the staff are Christmas party did not would go to plan. It is him!

Avocado first. You like avocado. It is good, yes. We haven't had it yet.

You don't like it? You brought us coffee! This is very good coffee.

Very well could, very nice pheasant. They come on, get out come in the

kitchen! I was expecting you to come in with

great big sideburns and a Victorian jacket.

You have kept this quite a seek it, this unsung sporting hero. We will

tell you in moments. Some other sports news to start. All our

football clubs are gearing up for a typically busy festive season. The

Portsmouth manager, Michael Appleton, has said today he is

hoping to bring a winger to the club during the January window.

Appleton lost the services of West Brom's George Thorne after he was

recalled by the Baggies and he is hoping to freshen up his squad,

despite the continuing uncertainty over finances at Fratton Park.

Kevin Pietersen has pledged the rest of his county cricket career

to Surrey. The club have announced that the 31-year-old former

Hampshire batsman has extended his contract and while he remains

centrally contracted to England. He will stay at the Oval in the

domestic game. So, now to the moment where we tell

you who's won this year's BBC South Sports Unsung Hero award. If you

have been watching all week, you will have seen our three finalists:

Mike Bruce Burgess, who runs the New Forest runner's club. Phil

Donoghue, from Aldermaston Junior Rugby Club. And Anne Nugent, from

Ringwood Seals. Here is a sneak behind the scenes at the judging

and a surprise visit to the winner. Our panel, drawn from regional

sports administration and journalism. There were some tough

decisions to make. Are judging is complete and we have had some very

strong candidate, but the panel have come up with the winner, so

let's go and meet them. Could I interrupt you very briefly.

The came to see you recently. Again tell you something tonight. Dr BBC

South's unsung hero. The how do you feel?

Fantastic! Absolutely amazed. Brilliant. I am gobsmacked. She

came to get every single chemotherapy treatment I had.

is fantastic. We're all really proud of her. They love her, don't

they? Well done. And is in Australia at the moment, so she

will be watching the Sports personality of the year from

Australia. That she has now been shortlisted for the National Awards.

She will be watching the programme to see if she may get the national

Now, the weather. I saw lots of people walking around in T-shirts

today. It is five for six degrees above the national average. We do

have some lovely pictures. Sunrise on a deserted Southbourne Beach in

Dorset. This photo was taken by Lee Nevitt. It was a bright and sunny

start to the day in Hampshire. Peter Raw captured the vibrant red

colours on Broad Street in Alresford. 11-year-old Jonny

Rushent took this picture of Christchurch Priory under cloudy

skies this afternoon. The we will hold on to the mild

conditions overnight, but tomorrow night the Gold there will take over.

Over the Christmas period we will see the man dare make a return.

Item about tonight there will be increasing cloud cover that it

should stay dry. A fairly mild night with temperatures above the

seasonal average, five or six degrees above the average

temperatures for this time of year. It should stay dry until the

morning. We start the day tomorrow on a cloudy note that for a weather

front edge its way into the Atlantic. This could be heavy in

places to read the day, pushing its way south and east words.

Temperatures will be up to 11 or 12 Celsius and the winds will be

strong. As that weather front moves its way through, behind it the air

will be a lot cooler. Tomorrow night the called there will make a

return but temperatures plunging into single figures. These are the

values in our towns and cities. Perhaps into minus figures in the

countryside comes at the risk of a touch of frost on Christmas Eve.

Please guys ahead first of all. The best of any brightness will be the

further south and east Europe. Today should stay predominantly dry.

Christmas Day will be a cloudy day in general, but mainly dry but the

winds will start to pick up speed. A very similar picture on Boxing

Day. The winds will be strong coming in from the south-west. The

judge stay predominantly dry, but there will be a good deal of cloud

around. So, for the Christmas weekend, a frosty starts, but

turning milder as we head towards Christmas Day. The winds of will

pick up on Christmas Day and Boxing Day. Here is your summary for the

rest of the week. A lot of rain around tomorrow and strong winds,

but once the rain pushes through, a foster start the day on Christmas

Eve. Christmas Eve and - - Christmas Day and Boxing Day and