02/04/2014 South Today

brightness between the clouds. The outlook is mixed. Thank you.

brightness between the clouds. The Hello, I'm Sally Taylor. Welcome to

South Today. In tonight's programme: three arrests and a police apology

for mistakes they made. New developments tonight in the case of

Blake Fowler, the seven`year`old who died more than two years ago.

From hunger strike to the Houses of Parliament ` the Gurkha campaign for

better welfare. Recognition for the man who found

King Henry VIII's warship Mary Rose. And 75 years young ` Sir Robin

Knox`Johnston announces his next big adventure. This idea occurred to me

and I have no regrets. I want to go and do it. I am really fired up.

There's been a significant development in the death of a

seven`year`old boy in Southampton more than two years ago. Blake

Fowler died from a brain haemorrhage. The circumstances were

investigated by Hampshire Police at the time but no action was taken.

However today, they've confirmed they're running a murder

investigation and they've made a number of arrests. Our reporter

James Ingham joins me now. James, remind us of the details of this

case. Seven`year`old Blake Fowler died in

December 2011 as a result of receiving very severe head injuries.

At an inquest in November last year it was heard he was in the care of

his stepfather and staying in his grandmother's house in Southampton.

The stepfather said he injured himself falling from a so far. ``

sofa. The coroner said there were uncertainties. There was a police

investigation. They decided not to refer it to the Crown Prosecution

Service. But today they have confirmed that following a review it

is now a murder inquiry and they have arrested three people. They are

the stepfather and his brother who are being questioned on suspicion of

murder and causing or Al Allingham the death of a child, and his

mother, arrested for causing or allowing the death of a child.

What have the police said? They acknowledged their failings.

Any statement the assessment Chief Constable has said...

This is a significant development more than two years after Blake

Fowler died and five months after the inconclusive inquest.

Two brothers have appeared in court this morning charged with the murder

of a Hampshire businessman. 35`year`old Choudhry Zishan was

attacked in the early hours of Sunday morning on his way to work at

a newsagents in Eastleigh. He died in hospital of head injuries shortly

afterwards. 22`year`old Jonathon McKinley and 25`year`old Samuel

McKinley, both of no fixed address, were remanded in custody.

Gurkha veterans have told MPs they are the victims of institutional

discrimination. The veterans group save thousands of ex`Gurkhas would

happily return to Nepal if they had enough money to live on.

In 20 years Army service Gyanraj Rai probably never had a prouder

experience. Marching up to the Palace of Westminster to address

members of the House of Commons. This is what we wanted. We wanted

the British public and politicians to know how badly the Gurkhas were

treated. His threat to starve himself to death had forced the

government's hand. Today he was joined by ex`Gurkhas who told how a

minister had acknowledged they were a last remnant of an imperial past.

He made it clear that it's because we are a colonial army. But that

really should... It made sense in a Gurkha regiment. The British

officers are still referred to by their old names. It sounds like it's

in the days of the Raj. They are still living in those days. They

find it very hard to get off the high horse. Those who packed today's

hearing had a hint of the MPs' thinking ` possibly using some of

the substantial aid budget for Nepal to write what the all`party group's

chair accepts is a wrong. It wouldn't take very much money to get

a decent pension to some of those pensioners with nothing. Those

people would be able to spend the money locally in Nepal and I suspect

that would have a better outcome for raising standards there than writing

cheques for big`ticket items. After today's evidence session, the plan

is to have a debate on the floor of the House of Commons itself. The

members of the all`party Parliamentary group must then get

down to the more difficult task of drafting a report which, in the

words of the chair, is not only morally right but also acceptable to

whoever is in Downing Street not just now but also after the next

general election. It's one of the few clubs for young

people in a small Sussex town, but one that's faced with closure.

Arundel Youth Club has been told by West Sussex County Council to leave

the premises it's rented for nearly 40 years. It wants a private nursery

to use the space instead to meet demand for places. But the club's

organisers have refused. Back where they say they rightfully

belong. The Arundel Youth Club hasn't met since January when its

landlord, West Sussex County Council, told it to leave. But last

night the youngsters were back, organisers claiming the eviction

contravened their lease. Words can't explain how we feel. The shop was

immense. `` shock. All sorts of emotions went through. It is

depriving young people other place to go. Some of us go to different

schools so we don't talk often a part from youth clubs. I have

qualifications I would not have known about without the youth club.

The youth club shares a floor of Arundel's library building with this

nursery. The council wants that to expand to meet demand for places.

It's offered to compensate the club but it's asserting its legal right

to remain, with backing from supporters. I get involved when I

see injustice and bullying. The kids enjoy it. What else would they be

doing? They are going to stay here until we sort out something

sensible. There's frustration from this little club that a council

appears to have ignored the legal process to get what it wants. But

teenagers here are determined to keep this long running service alive

and at this venue if their battle succeeds. They should have

negotiated and perhaps found different accommodation what they

can't do is throw them out onto the street.

It's cost more than ?8 million and boasts the latest therapeutic

facilities for people living with dementia. A private care home

officially opened today in Lymington. Linden House used to be a

council facility. But it's been rebuilt by the private sector, and

fees for residents are about ?1000 a week. Dementia is a growing problem.

There are more than 820,000 people living with the condition in the UK.

It costs the UK economy ?23 billion per year. In Hampshire, there are

currently 18,000 people with the condition. And that's forecast to

rise to 24,000 over the next seven years. Roger Finn reports.

This is what ?8.5 million buys you. This is one of four so called

'themed areas' at Linden House. This themed area is Linden Square, which

brings outside inside. We have three shops here for residents to browse

around, look at various bits and pieces or stop and have coffee in

the coffee shop. Linden House will eventually be home to 60 residents

with dementia, and everything has been thought through from their

point of view. Colours are bright to aid the identification of different

areas. And everywhere there are details to provoke memories. From

displays to a bus stop in one of the gardens. Paths are circular to avoid

confusing junctions. The first resident moved in yesterday. Her son

gave me a tour of her bedroom, complete with en suite bathroom. He

revealed the bill he's having to pay ` ?1100 a week. Initially, I was

shocked but as my mother has been in these systems for almost a year now

I understand the cost because so many people are involved in their

care and I can understand how it is so expensive. I think the issue is

more in having Government or local help some more people can afford to

have their parents or relatives living in places like these. Linden

House was once owned by Hampshire County Council, and the fees were

half what they are now. Hampshire say the property was no longer fit

for purpose but why couldn't they have rebuilt it into something like

this? That was always a possibility but what we have to take account of

is our resources. To be very frank, we have been cash strapped for many

years now, particularly the last three or four. Some who move in here

may have part of their fee met by social services or the NHS. But most

will pay themselves. Still to come in this evening's

South Today: where are the women? We take a look at a lack of female

coaches in sport. The Mary Rose, Henry VIII's warship,

is one of the nation's most famous and precious pieces of history ` now

conserved in a purpose built museum in Portsmouth. While most people

have heard of the Mary Rose, some feel the amateur diver who led the

search for her, Alexander McKee, hasn't had the recognition he

deserves. A campaign to celebrate McKee's contribution is reaching a

climax tonight with the unveiling of a bust at the Mary Rose museum.

Briony Leyland is there. The speeches are underway and there

is an expectant atmosphere. On display are some of the 19,000

artefacts found with the Mary Rose. Hundreds were involved in conserving

the ship. But tonight the focus is on Alexander McKee and stop without

his determination the Mary Rose might never have been found.

Sceptics doubted him saying he was chasing a ghost ship but Alexander

McKee always believed he could find the Mary Rose. A passion that began

in childhood crew to dominate his adult life as he and his team of

divers, Mad Mac's Marauders, searched the Solent sea bed. The

most important known wreck in north`west Europe is here. Somewhere

here. And I will spend my time on that and even if I fail I won't have

wasted the time. In 1970, they found a Tudor cannon, vital evidence that

the Mary Rose was there. Soon after, professional archaeologists joined

the project and the tone changed. Friends say Alexander McKee's role

was much reduced. There were personality clashes. No doubt about

that. Eventually, he was out of the picture. In fact, on the day the

Mary Rose was raised he was only invited aboard the salvage ship with

other VIPs at the insistence of Prince Charles. The new Mary Rose

Museum does have an Alexander McKee Gallery, telling the story of the

search but campaigners wanted a bust of him on display to focus attention

on his role. They've raised more than ?6,000 and the museum has

agreed to display it. Do you think this recognition is

overdue? I actually believe that we have a lot of recognition in the

museum. He is mentioned more times than any other individual in the

Museum including Henry VIII but it is lovely to have a bronze bust of a

very fine man, which I'm told is very lifelike, to signify him and

put him back in the gallery. He died in 1992, ten years after the Mary

Rose was raised. His admirers hope his contribution and spirit of

adventure will now never be forgotten.

Alexander McKee's widow is here. She will say a few words before the bust

is unveiled. Thank you very much everyone who has come here and to

celebrate Alexander McKee. Thanks to all our dear friends. If he were

here, he would stand there with a big, wicked grin on his face and

would say, I have made. I always wanted to make my mark in life. So

here we are. We will unveil this. APPLAUSE.

Now the chief executive. I raise a toast to Alexander McKee and all who

were involved in this. Alexander McKee.

A proud day for the family. With me is one of his daughters. I think we

are all thrilled that this has been created and put in the museum and it

recognises what my father and all the divers achieved in their long

journey to find this ship. Overdue? It may well be but it is wonderful

that it has happened. And this dominated all of your lives in your

family briefly. From the age of seven, I remember lots of

conversations about it. My dad was always trying to get people to

believe it was really there and then it happened and it is an amazing

thing. Well deserved recognition.

Now, at what age should we think about retiring gracefully or just

putting our feet up? Well one 75`year`old from Portsmouth has

decided to enter a solo transatlantic yacht race.

Reassuringly, he does have a little previous experience. He is none

other than national sailing legend Sir Robin Knox`Johnston ` the first

man ever to sail around the world, nonstop, on his own. Steve Humphrey

went to meet him. He is a British sailing legend and

now, just weeks after celebrating his 75th birthday, Sir Robin

Knox`Johnston has announced he's unfurling his sails and embarking on

another big voyage. He will be competing in the prestigious

transatlantic Route De Rhum race. Some people would say at the age of

75 you should be putting on the slippers and mooching around, not

doing epic adventures like this. Boring. That would be terrible. I

don't think I could bear it. I really couldn't. I've got a very low

threshold for boredom. And once I get an idea in my head I tend to

rush along and do it. You don't hear of many 75`year`old heading off on

that kind of race but knowing Robin I wasn't surprised. He just can't

keep still and good on him. In 1969 he sailed into the record books,

watched by millions on TV. And Robin Knox Johnston has sailed nonstop

around the world. Now 45 years later he is going to race 3500 miles from

Saint Marlowe in France to Guadaloupe in the Caribbean. I did

the Sydney Hobart this year and so enjoyed it. I realised how much I

had missed the excitement of ocean racing. I like single handing anyway

and I've got my own boat. I thought it was ridiculous. I've got the

boat, I might as well use it. He will be competing in the Route De

Rhum in this open 60 yacht. It's the same one that he sailed

single`handedly around the world seven years ago in the VELUX race.

My boat is a good, strong, well`built boat and I have

confidence in her and I think that's very important and I've got time to

get her ready properly. He'll be starting the race on November the

2nd. Sport now.

Last night we reported the comments of Hampshire batsman Michael

Carberry, where he criticised the England management for freezing him

out. Well, his county chairman Rod Bransgrove has now joined the

debate. Speaking at last night's BBC Radio Solent cricket forum,

Bransgrove indicated that Carberry's quotes in a newspaper interview, are

likely to put a dent in the player's chance of England selection going

forward. I don't think from Michael's point

of view that these comments will necessarily assist his career. We

don't have an administration that really welcomes appraisal or

criticism and I don't suppose those comments will be particularly well

received, as constructive or helpful as the maybe in the right forum. You

can hear that on the BBC sport website.

There are only three days to go until the world's most famous horse

race ` the Grand National. For Berkshire trainer Nicky Henderson,

it's one big prize that's always eluded him. But he says this year is

his best chance of winning the Aintree showpiece. For the first

time, Henderson has four horses in the race, and as Lewis Coombes found

out bright and early in Lambourn this morning, final preparations

have gone well. It's the side of the Grand National

few get to see. A canter as morning breaks over Berkshire's Racecourse

Valley. Leading from the front ` Hunt Ball, Triolo D'Alene,

Shakalakaboomboom and Long Run ` finely tuned to perform just when it

matters. The Grand National was something completely different. You

are asking a horse a different question and I think first and

foremost is I want all of them home safe and sound. After 33 failed

attempts, this is another chance to win the one that's so far got away.

We have had several shots and we've been close. We have had four

realistic horses who have had chances. We have gone too long

without winning so we'll just take it as it comes. The horses will be

transported to Liverpool on Friday. But even premier athletes need time

to relax. With this the most gruelling of races, for those

closest to them, this is also a time for worry. This is as big as it

gets, really, being involved with a horse and going to the National. I'm

so soft over this horse. He is my pride and joy so I want to come home

safe. For Henderson, it's been a case of close but no cigar.

Runner`up twice and two years ago Shakalakaboomboom was winning with

just two fences to go, before fading. After an illustrious career

there's still one trophy missing. We have been close enough a few times

but it would be nice to win one before it's all over. Find out

Saturday if its 34th time lucky. In Rugby Union, London Irish have

signed second row forward Sean Cox from Edinburgh for next season.

When you think of the great sports coaches of recent generations, the

household names, who springs to mind? Sir Alex Ferguson? Sir Clive

Woodward? But what about top female coaches? Maybe not many. Why is

that? Tonight, Alexis Green brings us the first of her reports on

women's participation in sport. The ratio of female to male coaches has

increased over recent years, but only by a very small margin, as

Alexis has been finding out. Marie Buzzard coaches tennis with

her husband, David. Volley, volley, volley! She's eager to find work

elsewhere because there's not enough work for both of them at Gosport

Tennis Academy. I've been trying to get a better job for myself for the

last six or so months. I just feel that they look at my CV and go,

that's great, but, I'm a female, so what other things am I doing? Got

kids. A Government survey suggests that only 25% of all coaches are

female. And of all qualified coaches only 17% are female. The number of

women gaining a qualification above level one is increasing but last

year it was only 16%. Marie's currently on a national programme to

become a top`level coach and, even on that, she is outnumbered by men.

I'm taking my level five coaching and there's only three females on

that course out of 13, so it shows you the lack of females in the

coaching environment. Go, Hannah! Good effort, good girl!

In a group of seven children she coaches, there's only one girl.

Marie's daughter, Hannah. When I go to county training, it's normally

just me. Probably because more boys like sport, and girls like doing

other things. Tears of Joy from Jessica Ennis. We are all familiar

with successful sportswomen but what we don't see that often is elite

female sports coaches and maybe that is a problem for young women today.

If we had more women coaches that would be more inspiring for girls to

obviously continue doing sport as there would be more role models for

the girls to look up to. We need to, like, change the stereotype and

what it is viewed as, as sport, and improve that so more girls want to

play just like the boys do. John Driscoll is the executive director

of Sports Coach UK, which works on increasing the amount of women

coaches. He believes the big difference between the sexes is

confidence. I know we should avoid generalities but it is true that

often men think they can do something till they are proven wrong

and women think they can't do something until they are proven

wrong. So women often lack confidence to come forward into the

coaching world. Next week, we talk to a woman who has made it to the

top in her field. Pretty good. And we find out what is being done to

increase the number of female coaches.

Now, though weather. It is mixed for the next few days.

We have some pictures for you. Roger Betteridge took this photo of a New

Forest pony looking out over Beaulieu Road pond in Hampshire.

Steve Michelle took this close up of a pheasant in the sunshine in

Eastleigh. And Alison Barnes captured a

partridge in Horton`cum`Studley in Oxfordshire.

The weekend will be a mixed bag. There will be rain and showers at

times. It will be cooler than recent days but there will be some sunny

spells. Saturday is the best of the two days. Tonight it is mainly dry

with mist and fog. There is a chance of the odd shower, more so in the

West. Otherwise, under clear skies mist and fog will form. We expect a

mainly dry start to tomorrow. The cloud will increase through the day

for western areas with a few showers. Light and patchy in nature.

The further east, the more dry and bright and higher the temperature.

Temperatures are lower tomorrow and the wind is fairly light. Tomorrow

night will be much like tonight. A mainly dry start to the day tomorrow

and also Friday. Friday is a mainly dry day with light winds. The slim

chance of the odd isolated shower but most places will be dry. Perhaps

some mist and fog to start. Mainly dry tomorrow except a few showers

for western areas. Friday is better than Thursday with some bright

spells in the afternoon and light winds. Saturday is the best of the

weekend because Sunday will be very wet and windy. There is a ten day

forecast on the website. There'll be a news summary at 8pm

and we'll Remember this man Lakshman from Sri

Lanka who lost his leg and fashioned a new one from tin? Well, a charity

from Hampshire have been trying to raise money to buy and fit a

prosthetic limb for Lakshman. Tomorrow we'll find out how they are

getting on.