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New course on environmental conservation
Would-be conservationists will have the chance to further develop their interest in the countryside thanks to a new college course.
Duchy College Rosewarne will start its new City and Guilds level three Diploma in Environmental Conservation this month.
The course is designed to give students the practical skills they need to manage and work in the countryside.
It includes planning and carrying out habitat management, identification and the surveying of plants and animals, caring for the public, how to run environmental projects and lots more.
Nick Taylor, conservation course manager, said: "The great thing about this new course is the amount of time the students will be spending outdoors, it's very hands on and they will be getting stuck in to practical projects and learning about their natural environment.
"Students on the course will visit many of the rich variety of surrounding habitats in West Cornwall as well as making use of the close links between the college and the conservation industry. We still have limited places available on this course and it's not too late to apply."
The year-long course will be run two days a week at the Rosewarne Campus in Camborne.
For further information, call 01209 721321 or visit www.duchy.ac.uk .
Monday: heavy rain, Max Temp: 18°C (64°F), Min Temp: 11°C (52°F)
Wednesday: heavy rain shower, Max Temp: 18°C (64°F), Min Temp: 11°C (52°F)
Man said friend was driving when car went through camera, then denied knowing him
A MAN has narrowly avoided jail after spinning an intricate web of lies about a friend to avoid paying a £60 speeding fine.
Brian Watkins-Gill, 64, from St Peters Close, Torquay, claimed a former friend was behind the wheel of his Ford Mondeo when it was snapped by a speed camera at Plympton, Plymouth in May 2008.
After it was established the friend Robin Pengelly had since moved from his former Exmouth home to Spain, Watkins-Gill was arrested and charged with perverting the course of justice.
However, the defendant continued to insist a man with a similar name and address as his friend had been test driving his car at the time of the offence.
He was fined £500 and sentenced to a suspended six-month jail term on Friday after a judge branded his tale 'wholly unbelievable'.
Speaking from his Spanish home in Torrox, near the Costa del Sol, 53-year-old Mr Pengelly said: "I feel totally betrayed and very upset. The anger has subsided over a period of time and I was very upset a person I had known for 20 years and had helped out when he was unemployed had done something like that.
"We arrived back from Spain unaware this had gone on, and I applied for a new driving licence and was shocked a friend had done this.
"You can imagine that living in Spain it has been difficult just communicating.
"There has been numerous emails and phone calls since coming back and total shock at establishing that it was what I thought was a friend of mine that had put me in this situation.
"The journeys to court have been horrendous.
"I was in total shock that I was in that situation.
"I was totally betrayed.
"When I was in court I thought there might be some acknowledgement, or he would say 'I am sorry' but there was nothing. He never made eye contact with me and to stand there and swear on the Bible, it was an absolute betrayal of our friendship."
The court heard stunned Mr Pengelly, who used to live in Exmouth, returned home from Spain last June to find six penalty points and a total of £600 of fines on his driving licence and that debt collectors were looking for him because of the unpaid fine.
Police then discovered Watkins-Gill had falsely named Mr Pengelly as the driver after he told police about his licence.
However, Watkins-Gill refused to admit a charge of perverting the course of justice and pleaded not guilty.
He insisted a stranger had responded to an advert to test drive his car from Torquay to Plymouth.
Watkins-Gill said the driver, an 'R Pengelly', wrote his name and address in his diary — but that the book had subsequently been destroyed.
He also denied that Mr Pengelly, whom he had holidayed with and who had sold him his greeting card business, was a good friend and said he did not know his address.
A jury at Plymouth Crown Court unanimously found him guilty in July this year and he was sentenced to six months in prison, suspended for two years, at Bristol Crown Court.
Judge Recorder Pringle QC warned Watts-Gill he had been extremely close to going to prison if it not for his previous good character and a serious illness to his wife.
He said: "Running a trial in which your evidence was wholly unbelievable does you no credit whatsoever.
"One can only imagine Pengelly's anger about finding out what had happened."
Watkins-Gill, who still insisted he was innocent after being found guilty, also received a £500 fine and was ordered to carry out 150 hours of unpaid work.
Police called when college's World War One re-enactment gets too realistic
A SOUTH Devon college, which has built its own First World War 'trench', sparked a police alert when one wartime re-enactment session got a little too realistic.
The police were called in after a building worker thought he saw an armed man pointing a rifle at pupils and staff at Kingsbridge Community College.
What he had in fact spotted was a student dressed in a military trench coat several sizes too large and a tin hat, 'armed' with a wooden rifle.
Officers immediately contacted Kingsbridge Community College where officials were able to assure them the youngsters and the wooden rifle were harmless.
Nevertheless officers from Kingsbridge police station went to the college to see for themselves, inspected the six foot deep trench and left without taking any action.
"It caused a lot of wry smiles," said a school spokesman. "The police arrived and satisfied themselves that everything was all right."
The 30 metres of First World War trench has been built by the pupils themselves over two years as part of a history project.
Around 40 youngsters aged from 11 to 14 years were involved in this year's Challenge Week activity programme involving the history of the First World War.
The youngsters had raided the school's drama department for military trench coats and steel helmets – along with the wooden rifle.
The youngsters then re-enacted conditions in the trenches during the Great War: looking at what food the troops ate, how they tried to stay safe in the trench environment and even about First World War military manoeuvres – including notorious 'over the top' assaults.
Rower Pope, principal of the 1,350 pupil college, said: "It has given the students a real insight into some of the challenges facing First World Wart soldiers.
"They all enjoyed themselves and it gave them a great sense of satisfaction."
The police alert happened when a building worker working on the college's new English centre spotted one of the students dressed up and carrying the wooden rifle.
Police confirmed that they had been called to the school following an initial report that someone was pointing a shotgun or a rifle at the school.
He said that officers had spoken to staff and been assured it was part of a re-enactment.
Fifty workers made redundant as building firm goes into liquidation
UP TO 50 jobs are thought to have been lost after one of the South West's oldest building firms ceased trading.
Buckfastleigh's Blight and Scoble Ltd is in the process of being placed into liquidation after 'difficult trading conditions' forced it to fold.
All employees were made redundant last week. It is unclear at this stage how much money is owed to creditors.
The Exeter office of accountants and insolvency specialists Bishop Fleming has been appointed to oversee the firm's affairs.
A brief statement issued by Bishop Fleming said: "Due to difficult trading conditions the company ceased to trade on August 26, 2010, and all employees were made redundant at that time.
"Jerry O'Sullivan and Sam Talby, of Bishop Fleming, are advising the directors regarding the company's financial position and assisting with the formalities to place the company into liquidation.
"Meetings of the company's members and creditors are to be held on Wednesday, September 8, at the Devon Hotel, Exeter, when the company will be placed into liquidation and a liquidator appointed."
According to its own website, Blight and Scoble was formed in 1895 and incorporated in 1956 and has been a family-run business for more than 100 years.
The firm has worked on notable developments in South Devon including a painstaking restoration of historic Sandford Orleigh, in Newton Abbot, in the early 1990s and The Robins respite centre at Dartington, which opened in 1999.
This year Blight and Scoble has been working on a major £1.2 million contract for Devon & Cornwall Police's new major crime investigation unit in Linhay Business Park, Ashburton.
A police spokesman said: "Devon & Cornwall Police can confirm we have received notification that Blight and Scoble is in the process of being placed in liquidation.
"This will not have an impact on the police operationally, but it may result in a delay on the completion of the new premises."
According to its website, Blight and Scoble has been owned by the Palk family since the early 1980s and employs 50 people across Devon.
One creditor, who did not wish to be named, said: "We were told as soon as it happened.
"We have been left out of pocket by quite a bit.
"I also think it's a shame it's happened because it's a local firm."
06/05:16: Heavy Rain - South West England
05/20:56: Heavy Rain - South West England
Monday: heavy rain, Max Temp: 18°C (64°F), Min Temp: 12°C (54°F)
Tuesday: heavy rain shower, Max Temp: 18°C (64°F), Min Temp: 9°C (48°F)
Sunday: light rain shower, Max Temp: 20°C (68°F), Min Temp: 14°C (57°F)
Saturday: sunny intervals, Max Temp: 20°C (68°F), Min Temp: 13°C (55°F)
Sunday: sunny intervals, Max Temp: 21°C (70°F), Min Temp: 15°C (59°F)
Monday: heavy rain, Max Temp: 17°C (63°F), Min Temp: 13°C (55°F)
Moment crew reached cliff plunge man
THIS picture shows the moment lifeboat volunteers reached a man who had fallen 100ft down a cliff in Torquay.
Shot on a helmet camera, the image shows Torbay Inshore Lifeboat crew member Matt Maxted first ashore and discovering the 53-year-old artist from Orpington, Kent, who was lying injured among the rocks at the bottom of cliffs at the Kilmorie end of Meadfoot Sea Road.
The man, who has not been named was on holiday with his wife and is understood to have slipped when he was looking at places he wanted to draw.
Mr Maxted was joined by Dr Alex Rowe and Darryll Farley aboard the D-class inshore lifeboat John William Hirst.
The artist had suffered serious injuries and was conscious and talking, but coastguards who co-ordinated the entire rescue effort from their Brixham base said he had sustained a head injury, a broken leg and arm during his fall.
RNLI crew member and GP Dr Rowe administered immediate medical help to the stricken man and a decision was taken to call in the Coastguard Rescue Helicopter from Portland to evacuate the man.
The artist was understood to be stable in hospital on Thursday afternoon.
To view the RNLI lifeboat rescue footage on video visit www.thisis southdevon.co.uk
Ark in the Park day for Family Church
TORBAY Family Church is holding Ark in the Park today.
The day of fun-filled family activity is being jointly organised by the Chelston- based church, Lower Chelston Residents Association and the Community partnership.
Bill Allen from Torbay family church said the event would be held in what is known as Pretty Park in Old Mill Road, Chelston and the event will start at 11am.
There will be a bouncy castle, craft stalls, games, competitions, music and a barbecue.
A special puppet show will also take place and the stage will be built in the shape of the ark.
Children will also be able to have their faces painted as well as a have a chance to race an ark down the river.
"The event is designed as a celebration for the kids before they go back to school," said Mr Allen.
A HERITAGE open day will take place at Cockington Court on Friday.
The day will include a guided walking history tour together with talks on the medieval church and film footage.
A separate tour will guide people to the horse and carriages and craft businesses.
Pre-booking is essential by calling Pam Montague on 01803 607230 or by emailing events@cockingtoncourt.org
There will also be a cream tea day at the court on September 18.
Farage to run again for UKIP leadership
THE UKIP conference kicked off in Torquay yesterday with the news the former party leader is back in the race for the party's leadership.
Former leader Nigel Farage threw his hat into the party's leadership contest on the first morning of the two-day conference at the English Riviera Conference Centre.
He stood down from the leadership as he tried to fight to become the MP for Buckingham earlier this year.
His campaign hit the national headlines when he had a miracle escape from a plane crash during the general election in May.
The party's last leader, Lord Pearson of Rannoch, quit last month saying he was "not much good" at party politics.
Mr Farage said he asked delegates assembled in Torquay whether they wanted him to stand for the leadership and they had responded enthusiastically.
He is frontrunner to win the leadership contest.
Fellow MEP David Campbell Bannerman has also declared himself as a candidate.
Speaking to the Herald Express following his announcement, Mr Farage said he made his final decision to stand over breakfast yesterday morning.
He said: "I haven't taken this decision lightly. I have agonised over this."
He said he knew Torquay and Paignton well as a friend and colleague of former South West MEP Graham Booth, who owned the Torbay Motel.
"It's good to be back," he said. The conference ends today.
Brian to join Merchant Navy Day parade
A MERCHANT Navy veteran is joining hundreds across the country for a memorial parade in London this weekend.
Brian Hill, 73, from Barton, Torquay, is heading to the capital for the parade to mark Merchant Navy Day.
The event this year is dedicated to HMT Lancastria, sunk in 1940 with the loss of more than 4,000 lives.
Mr Hill is a standard bearer for Torbay and the Exeter branch of the association.
He said: "The Merchant Navy is often called the silent navy as it is seldom remembered.
"But there are many seaman who have lost their lives over the years and should be honoured."
Mr Hill began his merchant naval career aged just 15.
He joined the Royal Fleet Auxiliary and later served with the Orient Line and on tankers with the Blue Star Line.
His 20-year career included 13 voyages to Australia, San Francisco, through the Persian Gulf and pacific islands.
His voyages amount to seven trips around the world.
He left the Merchant Navy in the late 1960s.
He moved to Cornwall and later worked as a driver for the local authorities, Snells Coaches and later Bayline buses.
The parade at Tower Hill tomorrow will be Mr Hill's seventh trip to London.
He said: "It is a special day. It is a chance to honour those we have lost and to meet old friends from across the country."
Driver used hammer to damage mechanic's car
A MOTORIST frustrated at his broken down car smashed up his mechanic's £12,000 vehicle in a fit of rage.
Paul Griffith, 47, from Coronation Road, Newton Abbot, used a lump hammer to smash up the Vauxhall Corsa belonging to his friend, mechanic Lee Wotton.
He admitted criminal damage when he appeared before Torquay magistrates.
More than £3,000 damage was caused to the bonnet and side panels.
The court was told that Griffith had bought a £400 car from another vendor and with the help of Mr Wotton.
But when the head gasket blew, he took out his rage on the mechanic.
Prosecutor Ed Canning said that Griffith had sent a series of text messages to Mr Wotton trying to chase up the MoT certificate and work on the car.
He added: "One text said 'Laugh it off while you can'."
Then Griffith went to Mr Wotton's house and smashed up his car using a lump hammer he was carrying in his rucksack.
Mr Canning said: "A witness heard him say: 'That will do for starters'."
In mitigation, solicitor Richard Porritt said that Mr Wotton had agreed to fix the car, though the responsibility lay with the vendor.
He added: "Eventually, Mr Griffith reached the end of his tether and went around with the hammer and hit his car with it.
"He regrets it immensely. He did it out of sheer frustration and rage."
Magistrates adjourned sentence for further information about compensation.
Griffith was remanded on conditional bail until the next hearing on September 17.
Ex-Gulls captain to play in charity football match
A CHARITY football match has been organised in memory of late Hele Rovers football player Simon Love.
The Hele Rovers Old Boys vs The Lansdown Old Boys match is in honour of the 33-year-old who died of an accidental drug overdose.
He had suffered for some time with poor mental health.
The fundraiser is in aid of mental health charity Mind.
It is being held at the recreation ground in Newton Abbot on September 19 at 11am.
Organiser Paul Hannah said: "We hope this game will both raise a significant amount of money for Mind and also give us all chance to remember, together, a much missed friend."
Ex-Torquay United captain Chris Hargreaves will play in the match.
And one of his shirts will be raffled as part of the fundraiser.
Torquay United has also leant support.
Dean Edwards, TUFC Commercial Manager said: "We were saddened by what happened but, always happy to support a worthy charity and support a local lad who followed Torquay United home and away"
Simon was brought up in Torquay and was a massive Torquay United fan.
He could often be seen singing in the Mini Stand and dreamed of one day playing at Plainmoor.
He was a former player for the Hele Rovers.
He was a regular at the Landsdown Pub in Belgrave Road.
Organisers are hoping to raise £1,000 on the day.
Organiser Sean Bartlett said he was thrilled that fans favourite Chris Hargreaves will take part.
"Simon would have loved to play alongside such a gifted player and true gentleman, he is someone we have all looked up to, we are delighted with his support".