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​THE son of well-known and popular Brixham fisherman John Sanders, who died last year, is planning a sponsored skydive in aid of Rowcroft Hospice.

John Sanders, known as The Colonel, died of cancer aged 51 in September 2009.

A year to the day he died, son John, 30, is planning to jump out of the sky in memory of his dad.

He will be joined by his sister Rebecca's partner Jamie Marler, 27, who is also undertaking the daring feat at Dunkeswell Air Field on Saturday.

Rebecca said: "They had two dates available for the jump and the one in September was the anniversary of Dad's death, which was quite poignant.

"They saw the jump to raise money for Rowcroft advertised in the Herald Express and they thought they would have a go at it.

"They've never done it before and they're both very nervous.

"Dad's death is still very raw and for them to do this on the day of his anniversary is something we can do as a family to mark the occasion.

"It gives us all something to think about, rather than just the fact that he's gone.

"It's also a way of thanking Rowcroft Hospice who looked after Dad at home. They sorted out little things like putting a handrail on the stairs for him.

"They worked with his doctors and consultants and they were really, really helpful.

"They were there for everyone, the whole family, not just Dad, and they were fantastic."

John, who lives and works at his mum Angela's pub, The Queens Arms in Station Hill, and Jamie, a taxi driver for Ace Taxis, must raise at least £395 each to do the tandem skydive.

Some of the money has been generously donated by pub regulars who have been putting money in a jar over the past few months.

Rebecca said: "People have been putting in fivers and tenners, there's even a £50 note at the bottom of the jar. They've all been really, really generous.

"We are going to have a raffle to guess how much money is in the jar and the winner will get half and the rest will be donated to Rowcroft."

To sponsor the pair, either pop into the pub or visit Ace Taxis in Union Lane, or visit www.rowcrofthos pice.org.uk/how-can-you-help/make-a-donation.

THERE will be a delay in the trial of a Dawlish man who is accused of attacking his girlfriend and trying to burn down the couple's home.

Jason Jerome, 39, whose address is in the High Street, was due to face trial at Exeter Crown Court on September 22 but a new date is now going to be arranged.

Jerome, who is in custody, was not required to appear when his case was listed for mention.

At an earlier hearing, he pleaded not guilty to three charges involving an incident at the house on March 11 last year.

These are attempted arson which was reckless about whether life could be endangered, assaulting Ellen Jones, occasioning her actual bodily harm and an offence of affray.

The arson charge stated that the house belonged to Miss Jones, while the affray charge alleged that Jerome's behaviour involved, used or threatened unlawful violence towards another and would have caused a person to fear for their personal safety.

Prosecutor Mary McCarthy asked for the trial to be adjourned for administrative reasons. The hearing was also attended by defence counsel Bathsheba Cassel.

Judge Barry Cotter QC agreed to adjourn the trial, which is estimated to last for three days, but did not set a date at this stage. He said a new date would be arranged once the administrative issues were resolved.

A SKIP hire owner who dumped rubbish on unauthorised land near Totnes has been fined £2,600.

Bankrupt Richard Goodwin, 40, the former owner of Totnes Skips, started dumping building and household waste at his land at Bakerside, Moreleigh, because he could not afford the £90 tipping charge at Lee Mill in Plymouth.

He admitted operating a waste facility without an authorised environment permit when he appeared before Torquay magistrates.

Prosecutor Kieran Martyn told the court that environmental health officers spotted Goodwin with a full skip near Harbertonford in October 2009.

They became suspicious because there are no official dumping sites nearby.

Witnesses said they had seen Goodwin take two skip loads a day to and from the site over five months.

Mr Martyn told the court environmental health officers made repeated efforts to stop the dumping at the site, which included skip-loads of roof tiles, metals, tyres, food and garden waste.

Mr Martyn said: "The agency says that the offence is deliberate and reckless and Goodwin knew that he should not be using the site as a waste transfer station, yet he continued to do so."

The court heard Goodwin was owed £7,000 when a major contractor went bankrupt.

He struggled to find the money to pay his tipping costs and instead piled the rubbish at his land.

Prosecutor Richard Porritt said: "He accepts he has been at fault."

Goodwin was fined £2,000 and ordered to pay £615 costs.

HEATHFIELD teenager Pip Whiteley has made it through to the regional finals of a major coffee contest for the second year running.

Pip, 18, who works at the Costa store in Newton Abbot, will today compete for the title of Barista of the Year 2010 against contestants from across the South West at the regional final.

Costa's Barista of the Year is an annual, global competition to find a special barista who will be crowned Champion of Champions and win a holiday for two to a country with a coffee connection.

Baristas will be judged on their coffee making ability, their knowledge, passion and customer service.

The winners of the seven regional finals will meet at the Champion of Champions Final at Costa's Roastery in London next month.

Last year Pip came fourth in the London final and she hopes to do even better this year.

She said: "I'm so excited about being in the competition again. I feel more confident than last year and better prepared.

"The area heat in June was great fun. It was like being on Masterchef where they have to talk while they're preparing their dishes.

"I'm really looking forward to the regional heat next week and can't wait to serve the judges my special signature drink.

"I'm calling it Heart of Gold and it contains a single espresso, cherry concentrate, molasses, nutmeg and one more secret ingredient."

SHALDON'S popular regatta celebrations ended on a high note, bathed in glorious August sunshine.

And this year's event, which came to a close on Monday, has been declared a resounding success by organisers.

The week-long calendar of festivities has been crammed with 100 different events including beach sports, boat racing, live music and traditional games.

The grim wet weather finally gave way to bright blue skies as the regatta reached its climax on Monday with the pillow fight, sailing, beach cricket, a grand draw and the annual prize giving.

Regatta spokesman Leigh Extence said: "The pillow fight took place in wonderful sunshine bringing out a record crowd to watch.

"It saw many old rivalries revisited, at one point even two brothers found themselves nose-to-nose as they aimed to do battle."

The prize-giving ceremony in which all the cups and trophies from the week were handed out to winners was conducted by Newton Abbot MP Anne Marie Morris.

Mr Extence said: "Regatta chairman Mark Pile thanked various members of the community, visitors and others who work so hard as helpers, committee members and participants, not only for the help given but also for the enthusiasm with which they participated in the events."

A TORQUAY paraglider suffered spinal injuries after slipping during take off and crashing into playing fields.

Police, ambulance and paramedics went to the King George V playing fields off Teignmouth Road just before 8pm on Tuesday.

Torquay fire station Watch Commander Dave Crawford said firefighters helped paramedics move the injured man into the ambulance.

He said: "He was taking off, and you have to run a bit before the engine kicks in — which it did.

"I think he must have slipped and tipped forward and the propellers broke with the flyer sustaining suspected back injuries with the jolt."

Mr Crawford explained paramedics spent time giving the injured man pain relief and ensuring they got him away from the seat of the motorised paraglider and on to a spinal board.

Paramedics also fitted the man with a neck brace before he was transferred by ambulance to Torbay Hospital for further medical treatment.

"He was in quite a bit of pain," said Mr Crawford. "When we arrived he was still in his seat, although the canopy had been removed by his pals."

An ambulance spokesman said the casualty's injuries were not considered serious.

"He was conscious at the scene," he said.

A police spokesman confirmed officers attended the scene of the accident. He said there would be no investigation as there was no requirement for a licence to fly what is classed as a self-propelled hang glider.

On Saturday, a man in his forties from Yealmpton died after plunging 150 feet to the ground at Plymstock in a paragliding accident. The tragedy is being investigated.

A RAIL users' group in Totnes has claimed victory in its fight to stop a rise in London-bound fares.

Totnes Rail Transport Group says it has persuaded First Great Western to change the rules so that passengers from South Devon can get cheap-rate early trains to London.

It follows a recent £15 rise in the price of the walk-on Super Off-Peak tickets.

But the cheap-rate ticket passengers would not arrive until 3.24pm at the earliest by a direct train.

Now, the group has announced it has been successful in persuading First Great Western to change the rules.

Both the 09.22 train and the one at 10.14 will, from December 12, qualify for the Super Off-Peak fare of £68.70 instead of £84.

The cheaper fare structure will apply for anyone boarding these trains at any station from the start of the route at Penzance.

Previously passengers could catch several earlier trains for the cheapest fare and arrive by lunchtime.

"The fares difference is more than £15 from Totnes," said Ronnie Plagerson, Totnes Rail Transport Group's co-ordinator.

"We pointed out to the railway company that this increase could be quite a hardship in this area."

Totnes Rail Transport Group says it works for the benefit of local rail passengers.

Ms Plagerson said: "We are concerned to maintain a balanced membership so that we can represent the views of all users, including students, business and leisure travellers."

Anyone interested in joining Totnes Rail Transport Group should email plagerson@bridgetown.eclipse.co.uk or call 01803 866786.

DELEGATES from the UK Independence Party will descend on Torbay for their annual conference tomorrow.

The party's two-day annual conference at The Riviera International Centre is expected to attract 700 national delegates.

Speakers at the conference, entitled A Positive Vision for the Future, will include Petr Mach, young leader of the new Czech Eurosceptic party.

Also speaking will be Lord Stoddart of Swindon, a former Labour MP and chairman of the Campaign for an Independent Britain. The leading Eurorealist will be joined by Andy and Denise Harris of Afghan Heroes.

Nigel Farrage, the former party leader who cheated death in a plane crash during the general election campaign, will also talk at the conference this year.

UKIP's leader Lord Pearson of Rannoch stood down almost a fortnight ago, less than a year after taking the post.

Ellacombe ward councillor Julien Parrott, who stood for the party at this year's general election, said: "I am proud, and so is the whole of UKIP Torbay, that the UKIP national conference is coming to our Bay."

He said UKIP would set out how bad the state of the nation is at the conference, while explaining there are genuine choices about how to turn things around.

"Some people have got some funny ideas about what UKIP stands for," said Mr Parrott. "Visitors to the conference will see that it is a truly democratic party, run for the people and run by the people.

"Why not come along and find out for yourself? We can promise a fascinating and challenging programme on both days, featuring contributions from across Europe and beyond."

RESIDENTS say a proposed development of 185 flats in Preston is not supported by the public.

Midas Homes had claimed there was 'outright support' for its Hollicombe Gas Works development after a public exhibition.

But residents and members of campaign group Preston Residents and Parents Against Toxic Dust said more than 800 people have objected to the proposals.

It is concerned about the health risks posed by plans to clean up the contaminated gas works to make way for the development.

Dr Andrew Robinson, a member of Preston Residents and Parents Against Toxic Dust, said: "Midas claim 160 people attended their exhibition, 46 forms were returned and of those, 38 per cent were in favour of the development. Well, 38 per cent of 46 forms works out at 17 people. That is slightly less than 11 per cent of the attendees."

He added: "There are over 800 objections to Midas' proposals lodged with the Council.

"The Preston Residents and Parents Against Toxic Dust Group has more than 500 members and more than 200 people attended the public meeting held at Preston Primary School in June."

Residents have been vocal about opposing the plans, including making a protest song and organising demonstrations.

The group is unhappy about issues including the safety of remediation and the dangers posed to children at the school and residents in the area from toxic dust, traffic problems resulting from the development of the site and the duration of the project.

Mr Robinson said: "We are not Nimbys; we are parents and residents who are trying to protect our health and safety and that of our children."

WHAT started as a rain-soaked disaster finished as a sky-high triumph for Dartmouth.

The town's annual regatta was hailed a super success story as thousands of people flocked to the riverside town for funfair rides, fireworks, rowing races, rock and roll and the Red Arrows.

However, regatta organisers firstly had to overcome erroneous national press reports that the Red Arrows were not coming because of fears the fly-by vibrations could cause fire gutted buildings in Fairfax Place to collapse.

Next they had to overcome monsoon-like conditions on the first day of the regatta — leaving parts of the town flooded.

The popular regatta opening ceremony had to be held indoors for only the second time in the event's 166-year history, revealed regatta chairman Jim Brent.

The weather turned in time for all the main events — including a fantastic Red Arrows display watched by tens of thousands of visitors.

"Friday's weather was wonderful," said Mr Brent. "The Red Arrows flew, the Typhoon flew and nothing fell down."

He said the early bad weather had been a 'disappointment'.

"It started off with a monsoon but it ended absolutely fabulously," said Mr Brent.

"There is always an atmosphere at Dartmouth Regatta. It's a family event and it feels it. It really is a nice place to be.

"The regatta ball was a success and the rock night sold out. People were still partying in the bandstand very late on Saturday night.

"The whole thing was lovely and it was very, very busy."

He said the Park & Ride system had been a success story.

"South Hams Council improved the number of buses and that was massively effective and there were no problems getting in," said Mr Brent.

THE Berry Pomeroy estate is getting rocked again this weekend – by a three-day festival organised by the daughter of a duke.

Last year Henrietta Seymour, the 21-year-old daughter of castle owning Duke of Somerset, organised a successful two-day festival outside the walls of the famously haunted Berry Pomeroy Castle.

This year the festival has moved further down the Gatcombe Valley with more local bands and other events.

The Curiouser Gathering is expected to attract some 500 people and comes with 30 bands, a theatre circus, more than a dozen workshops and a children's day with treasure hunts and even a tuck shop.

Henrietta, who has just completed a six-month internship with a major events company, said: "Last year it went really well, which is why we are doing it again this year."

The festival begins tomorrow with the Surefire Theatre Circus and an organic fireside supper.

Headliners will be friends and family including Windmills of Your Mind singer Noel Harrison, Tom Hodgkinson from the Idler Academy and well-known bands such as Bert Miller and the Animal Folk, Dave Daw, The Sun Groove Messengers and a Brighton band called Rob The Rich.

DJs from all over the country including Guy Laurie and the Funhouse Twins will also be involved.

On Sunday the festival is dedicated to children, hosting 'forgotten' children's games and workshops.

Tickets for the three days will set people back £40 unless they buy them from the Harlequin Book Shop in Totnes where they will cost £30.

The Sunday children's day costs £25.

The site includes a stream and two orchards.

Said Henrietta: "It's a great place for people to come together and show of their talents."

She said people had been working on the site for some time preparing the site with various facilities.

She said she has built a 'house' out of camouflaged tyres where people can relax out of the rain if the weather turns bad.

A MAN 'cracked' and caused almost £5,000 of damage to what would have been his 'dream home' after the building project turned 'sour'.

Magistrates sitting in Torquay heard Phillip McCarthy, 43, of Swains Muse, Torquay, caused between £3,000 and £4,999.99 of damage to a property in St Albans Road.

The property, which used to be the Treetops Hotel, is being renovated.

The court heard McCarthy, who pleaded guilty to criminal damage, damaged walls and fittings with a crowbar.

The court was told the father of three became angry after visiting the property, which used to belong to him, and thinking the area looked like a 'bomb site'.

Prosecutor, Mark Haddow, said: "He was clearly upset and picked up a crowbar and took his anger out on inanimate objects."

Magistrates heard McCarthy had transferred the property into the name of his father after building costs spiralled out of control and his marriage broke down.

The court was told before the damage McCarthy phoned his father-in-law saying: "If you do not get out of my life and the life of my wife and children I will not be responsible for what I do."

After the damage the magistrates heard McCarthy left a message on his father-in-law's voicemail saying it was just the 'start'.

In mitigation David Charles said: "This was a family investment which had gone sour. It was to be a dream home for him and his wife and their three children.

"For the last eight months he had been on site renovating the property."

He added: "In a short space of time he has gone from being a property owner to owning nothing and sleeping on his sister's sofa. It is against that background that his anger built up."

The court heard McCarthy visited the property after his father-in-law informed him another £47,000 would need to be spent.

"When he got there he described it as looking like a bomb site," said Mr Charles. "So he cracked and picked up a tool that was there and vented his feelings on the property."

The case was adjourned for pre sentence reports until September 15.

TORBAY Council's Tory group leader Kevin Carroll is a brave man indeed.

Today Mr Carroll has waded into a row over the venue for a forthcoming council meeting.

The meeting will discuss the future of the sensitive Wall Park site at Brixham, and there have been calls from the new Brixham Town Council for the meeting to be held in the port.

Torbay council says no. Brixham council vice-chairman Mike Morey says the larger bay body is scared. Mr Carroll says Brixham is getting too big for its boots, and that Mr Morey should stop jumping up and down and go through the proper channels instead.

Oh dear.

Mr Carroll will be aware that hell hath no fury like Brixham scorned, and would probably have been safer facing down a fire-breathing dragon than making an enemy of the port.

But on this occasion some may say he might just have a point.

It is true that the Wall Park development is a huge issue for the town of Brixham.

The current proposals include plans for 231 homes, 14 holiday chalets, a care home, two bat barns and use of land for caravanning and camping on the Wall Park site.

If it goes ahead, it will change the entire character of a certain area of Brixham.

Those who are objecting to the scheme believe it should be heard in Brixham, where local residents can attend without having to travel across the Bay.

They say a precedent was set when a vital Torquay application was heard in Torquay, rather than in the regular planning committee venue of Oldway.

But while these arguments are very persuasive, there are good reasons for having the meeting at Oldway.

Logistically, it would be problematical to uproot the committee at this stage and move everything to Brixham, and there is some substance in the claim that Torbay Council should decide an application of this magnitude in its normal manner.

That being the case, it is now for the people of Brixham who feel so strongly about this to get themselves to Paignton for the meeting and make their voices heard in the proper way at the proper forum.

Then Mr Carroll might discover that he really has grabbed a tiger by the tail.