06/09/2011 Spotlight

Testing times... As consumers are hit by job losses and higher

inflation, a leading food bank charity reports a big rise in

people coming forward. If it weren't for this service, and we

know what to do to be honest. It's a godsend.

Good evening and welcome to Spotlight. The Bishop of Truro says

some are struggling to afford basic meals and is calling on

supermarkets to help those most in need.

Also tonight... Free travel row - bus companies in

Cornwall say dozens of routes could be axed as a result of proposed

cuts in council subsidies. And whether you know the number on

every engine or just love the romance, we have a locomotive treat

for you. A leading food bank charity has

told Spotlight that thousands more people in the South West are

relying on food banks as the harsh economic climate shows little sign

of easing. Three years ago, there were just three food banks run by

the Trussell Trust in the region, helping more than 800 people. Now,

there are eight, helping more than 6000 people. It comes as a leading

clergyman is urging supermarkets to help those in desperate need by

supporting food banks. The Bishop of Truro, the Right Reverend Tim

Thornton, says growing numbers of people are unable to afford basic

meals. Our community affairs correspondent reports.

The cost of living seems to be going up and up. Bills for fruit,

for gas, electricity and transport are rising relentlessly. Some

people are unable to afford even the basics. At this supermarket in

a row, shoppers are invited to give what they can to help those in need.

Donations will go to the local foodbank. People on a low income

are don't have an income could do with help. It is a good idea.

it surprise you that there are people who literally cannot afford

to eat in this country? No, No, my husband works and we find it

difficult to eat. It must be really hard for people who do not have

anything. It makes you feel you have done something worthwhile.

There are people who are more down then you. There are people who are

redundant and have families and they have got nothing.

donations end appear at the foodbank in Truro. So far this year

it has helped people with problems such as low income, its debt, in a

plot -- unemployment or benefit cuts are delays. It is hard, it is

demoralising. I am struggling. If it were not for this service, I

wouldn't know what to do, to be honest. It's a godsend. For some

three banks, demand is outstripping supply. -- a food banks.

We are in a difficult time. Again, it says on the Cornwall Council

website, you would imagine all is well, but rural areas there you

have poverty and deprivation have sharply felt needs. The foodbank

offers support for many, but they are a short-term solution.

Underlying problems of poverty and debt remain.

Earlier, I spoke to Eunice Halliday from Plymouth food bank. I asked

her about some of the people who used the food bank service.

There is no typical person. We have had people who have run their own

businesses and come to difficulty. A third of the people are feeding

children, a lot of families. We have had families where both

parents were working and illness or redundancy has struck and I have

had to come in for food. We have a lot of young people who are unable

to find work or training that is appropriate for them and are living

away from home. They may have left care and not have a good situation.

Across the range, really. A lot of people start work and do not get

paid for four weeks. If you have been on benefits, you do not have

the reserves to keep you going. do you know people have a genuine

need? Is there an assessment or can anyone turn up? People get referred

to us. We have got 88 agencies around Plymouth, people like Ms

Citizens Advice Bureau, agencies for people with an dictions --

addictions, Social Services,, people like that. They could be

helping someone with other issues and they can give them a voucher.

Quite a few of them referring the say that dealing with the food

aspect helps people. It is not just about eating, but it is about

getting sustenance and concentrating on other things.

find that people come out happier than when they came in. It is not

just the food, it is back but we can listen to them and we can refer

them to other agencies. We have a lot of things on site. We have a

work club and literacy groups as well.

Cornwall Council has released new figures about the number of people

sleeping rough in the county. During May and June this year, 88

people said they slept out for more than a week, up from 76 in the last

survey in October. The council says it is taking the issue seriously

and will target those most at risk. 16 people were rescued off the

Dorset coast after a sail training vessel got into difficulty in gale-

force winds. The South Devon-based Brixham trawler was dismasted in

rough seas near Portland Bill yesterday. No one on board was

injured. The vessel was towed to Weymouth by the RNLI's seven class

lifeboat, Beth Sell. Some homes have been without phones

and electricity today after strong winds brought down trees and cables.

There was also minor flooding. In Cornwall, the weather forced the

cancellation of all sailings on the Scillonian Ferry and all flights to

the Isles of Scilly. Bus companies in Cornwall say

dozens of routes could be axed as a result of proposed cuts to the

amount it pays to cover free travel for bus pass holders. The bus

operators claim their views have not been taken into account in

proposals which are due to be put before Cornwall councillors. The

council says it needs to save money in all areas of its budget.

Free bus travel for the over- sixties and other groups, such as

disabled poppet -- passengers, is popular. One bus passenger says can

says the very first count for 50% of business. Cornwall council is

cutting the amount it pays operators from 70% of the average

adult fare to 50%. Bus operators say it will make many writs on

profitable and they will close. People will not be able to get to

work. There will be disenfranchised. We will not be able to go between

towns. Add it week's notice, they would lose their ability to get to

work. People would be trapped in their houses and unable to get out

because they have no means of transport. It would head the

economy of Cornwall. It would hit the tourist industry hard because

people would not be able to get about. People might say this is

scaremongering -- scaremongering. We have no wish to give idle

threats. It is economics. If you take 30% of revenue away, bus

services will suffer. Spotlight has spoken to several other bus

operators in Cornwall who agree with the gloomy assessment. In a

statement, Cornwall Council points out that it has slightly increased

the level of reimbursement at 50% of the average adult single fare.

It says it wants to carry out a review of the bus network in

Cornwall and it would like bus companies to re-tender for services

supported by Cornwall Council. It will be discussed at County Hall

tomorrow. You're watching Spotlight from the

BBC here in the South West. Lots still to come tonight including

beach polo... We'll be on the sands at watergate Bay as top

international players battle it out. New name new life - a happy ending

to this homeless dog's tale. Bell-ringers at Exeter Cathedral

are preparing for their most unusual recital yet. It's for an

event this Sunday, when John Lennon's Classic, Imagine, will be

played in memory of those who died a decade ago on 11th September.

Leigh Rundle has been to rehearsals. These are the cathedral bell

ringers, Wainwright they have never run before. The idea, to use a John

Lennon's legendary song, to commemorate 9/11, was the

brainchild of a conceptual artist. If religions take more

responsibility for religious tolerance, and try to communicate

the song's message. For the wringers, playing modern melodies

has been challenging. It is not something we normally consider

because the way the bells are rung normally it would be impossible. We

have arranged the ropes so they are to -- connected to be clappers. You

do have to ring very slowly. recital, funded by the Arts Council,

will have a silent piece walk before it, starting at Exeter

mosque. People will be gripped by this project. Especially people who

have come a long, or people wandering by, and realising it is

not an average peal of bells. think it is a great idea. There

should be something like this to remember 9/11. I do not think it is

appropriate for a church because it seems to be anti Christian. Other

people might think differently. That is my feeling. The event

cannot feel the to provoke different reactions. The organisers

are hoping it will bring together people of all faiths and ages in

peace and remembrance. A care provider in South Devon says

the need for day provision is becoming ever more essential, as

cuts to public services deepen. The South Devon Rural Housing

Association says it believes more of us will have to get used to the

idea of paying for our own care in the future.

Far from City in a chair, these pensioner's are reaping the

benefits of having regular T'ai Chi lessons. They said their fitness

and well-being has vastly improved to the extent that some of them

even practise at home. I used to fall out of bed anyway. I used to

do it in bed. Then I fell out and broke my collarbone. Because you

are practising in bed? I am sure that was not meant to happen! The

centre opened in April and offers a range of activities. South Devon

Rural Housing Association runs 40 sessions a week with an average of

30 different customers. It is the only dedicated day-care service in

Totnes. The closest is in Kingsbridge. It is �28 a day for

those not funded by Social Services. The Association Inc -- insists it

is value-for-money. If you consider they had individual services in

their own home, you would be looking at �15 per are. You would

not get the advance of the social activity and interaction, and the

activities we have provided. -- get the extras. We will have to get

used to paying for things that were traditionally delivered for free.

third of the users fund themselves. Some provide food and transport

funding. It seems to keep me fitter and keeps my mind active and

generally helps. It has brought me out to meet a different people.

am more motivated and looking up to things. The association says it is

taking its dare court -- day-care role -- a decade -- data model to

rural Devon. 12 years ago, a devastating fire

took hold in the centre of Exeter at a disused water mill close to

the historic quay. What seemed like a disaster at the time has been

turned into an opportunity, and the area has been reborn as a green

lung for the city. Back in 1999, the remains of this

male in Exeter seemed an unlikely location for a wildlife haven.

Thanks to the hard work of the Devon Wildlife Trust, this area is

now a burgeoning with life and it is one of the wildest places in

Exeter. We came here in 2007 and really try to encourage wildlife

back into what is a brownfield site in the middle of the city. And it

has worked. Otters have returned and there is a diversity of species,

which you might not expect in the city. We did a survey recently and

recorded 150. Compared with arable farmland, it is much better. There

are other things I want to show you. This is not just any old roof, it

is a green roof. The plants here are from the same family, and they

need to be robust. They are providing a great service to

wildlife and human beings. You can see pollinating insects visiting

them. And there are no drainpipes Borders worth. It soaks up the

water. We do not get pollution. Our hope is that there will be more

broods like this one. The project links abbeys had with other

wildlife rich areas. The'greening of this urban space is more

successful than they would have hoped. -- re-greening. The hope is

it will increase. The speed and excitement of Polo on

the beach has returned to Watergate Bay in Cornwall, for the fifth year.

Some top international players are taking part and Eleanor Parkinson

has been soaking up the atmosphere. Watergate Bay is best known for its

surface but today the sport is on horseback. The beach is hosting its

annual polo on the beach competition. I have with meet Andy

Burgess. I organise the power with the help of the hotel. It is quite

a challenge but good fun. What is polo on the beach and how does that

different from polo on an arena? Grass polo is for a side on a big

field. We'd play arenas stern polo on an area 100 yards by 50. --

every net style. A lot of that these horses played last year, so

they are acclimatised. Some of their new ones are not used to it

but we will see how they get on. They should be all right. You have

got some British squad members this year. Yes, two of our highest

handicapped English players. Also, professional players from Surrey.

Also, eight polo club owner and myself, and I run at the Polo

School. It is difficult with the wind. His polo just for rich

people? I have seen a lot of champagne. He does not have to be.

Nowadays, you can just have lessons, very simple. I will not keep you

very long. I am just about to jump Scores of rail enthusiasts were in

the region today to catch a glimpse of something of a rarity - a steam

locomotive on a special run through Devon and Cornwall. Scott Bingham

went along to see the Atlantic Coast Express.

Emerging from the nest, -- the list, this train is bound for Plymouth.

The Atlantic Coast Express is on time at 11:11pm. -- 11:11am.

brings back a lot of memories come at just the excitement of the steam,

the old locomotives. You can match it. It is a beautiful part of the

country. I have never been west of Plymouth previously. It has been a

first for me. Very nice indeed. far as we can see it is the first

time a mainline in June has gone to Newquay since the 60s. -- engine.

It is very exciting for everybody. It is a different matter on the

footplate of the 70,000 Britannia. It has consumed around 3,000

gallons of water and 200 tons of coal since Newquay. It is hard work.

You are creating the steam. When it goes right it is very satisfying.

This grand old lady is 60 this year. She will return to the main line in

2010 after a four-year absence and a major overhaul. These were

typical engines that did run in the last years of steam into Plymouth.

ADRIAN KOREN. -- A whistle. That is what I like, the whistle. Hopefully

there will be more trips in the near future.

Some stories really do have a happy ending. You remember back in June,

we feature Derek the dog, who's spent more than half his life in

care. The RSPCA in Somerset just couldn't seem to find him a home.

They tried three times, but every time, he kept coming back. Then, a

Spotlight viewer saw his feature on the programme and the rest is

history. Do you remember Derek, the dog then

no one wanted? He has a new name and a new home and seems like a new

dog. What can you say? He is almost the love of my life, apart from my

wife, obviously. He is brilliant. He needs a lot of exercise. He is

energetic. My parents saw him on the news and the same day, he was

in a newspaper. They read the story and said, that dog is for a target.

-- taka. Old glimpses of the naughty Derek sometimes appear.

soon as you give him a bath, he will run out into the fields and

find the biggest car pack he can and roll in it. The dog gets taken

for a 10 mile run every day. He is named Boogie after a book, about a

guy who takes his friend's dark on a 500 mile walk, and the dog is a

nightmare and a disaster. He next people's sandwiches and things like

that. I was blood enough to suggest he is not perhaps the best looking

dog in the world. I am the first to admit he isn't a licker -- licker.

He is a long way off what I would have chosen, but we love him.

grow to love him in time. I would not swap him for the world. He is,

without doubt, the best joke we have ever had. -- the best dog we

have ever had. Sometimes dreams come true.

Isn't that a nice story! Good old The weather has been quite

inclement today. Not only have we had heavy rain but quite strong

gusts of wind. This was the strength of the wind this morning.

The rest of the week is unsettled and continuing windy as well. Low-

pressure moving away from us. Not some isobars and lots of cloud.

This has kept as a very wet and he's still raining across the

Channel Islands. Clear skies heading our way tonight as the

weather front moves to the east. We are between weather systems.

Hopefully, bright and dry tomorrow, although more cloud is spilling

ahead of the weather systems to give further wet weather on

Thursday. It will be very unsettled for at the next few days. The rain

was very intense earlier. This was earlier today at Buckland Abbey.

Our cameraman got a thorough soaking. The rain is still picking

out some colour. The gardens, as well as the flowers, looking pretty

splendid, despite the wide whether -- wet weather. Autumn has come

early, with plenty of fruits ready for picking. The strength of the

wind a bit of a concern for later in at the week. I think the wind

will drop overnight. A quiet night for many of us. Some showers. It

around. Most of those will fade away by the morning. Tomorrow,

morning sunshine. Quickly, the cloud will appear and start to

generate Chas. By the end of the afternoon, it is rather cloudy. At

least it will be dry with westerly winds. Temperatures of 17, possibly

18 degrees. For the Isles of Scilly, expect a mainly dry day with sunny

There is a brisk westerly breeze. Thursday, we return to wet and wind

with a brisk west or south-west wind. Showers on and off throughout

the day. Low cloud beginning to appear. A wet start to Saturday but