Reporter Gavin Hewitt followed with a special report on obtaining property insurance in areas flood damaged by the storms in July. He flew by helicopter over Tukesbury again, "the town that became an island" before landing and speaking to a couple of locals. First was Mr Socker, (perhaps Sucker) who has had the misfortune to purchase a property in a known flood area. It seems that he will be struggling to obtain insurance cover. Second was Mr Clemence (show some clemency), who had also been flooded but claimed it was not really fair about changes in insurance underwriting, as he had not made a claim for 40 years. We saw many images of the past flooding to illustrate this feature.
Politics was next - images of Gordon Brown and David Cameron having a heated debate or argument were shown as we heard yet again that "the past makes way for the future" and of a "changing balance of power at Westminster".
The trial has begun of five Muslims accused of organising terrorist training camps in the UK. Images of turban coloured individuals partaking in paintballing were displayed, it appears that this was in fact part of their education, we saw them clambering over logs etc. with their paint loaded assault rifles before moving on to their street preaching and links with the 7/7 bombers. One apparently boasted that the 52 dead in the 7/7 bombings "would not do him for breakfast".
Judge Chubb, the man blown up his shed whilst his wife gathered the washing, followed, as today his bird on the side, or mistress, Kerry Sparrow, gave evidence at the inquest into his death. She claimed that there is no way he would have committed suicide however at one point stormed out of the courthouse during questioning.
Posties strike, we saw covert pictures of cages full of mail, the backlog we were assured. Talk was of "Spanish practices" and to this end we saw a post office informant, his face obscured and voice disguised, he told he works three hours and gets paid for eight. To close we saw the strikers, gathered round the ubiquitous fire-in-the-oil-drum, a right gang of ner-do-wells and bad eggs, or we so are led to believe.
Another school shootinhg in America, 2 adults and two children shot before a suicide, the culprit is said to have had a "history of violent and erratic behaviour.
Our health service is improving, 3000 psychotherapists are to be recruited to help with the growing problem of anxiety and depression. We heard that these are the most common mental illnesses and that the majority of counselling will be carried out via the telephone, which I find astounding. It seems that sufferers are "locked into negative ways of thinking" (some might say logical, although they would be depressed - catch 22), and that cognitive behaviour therapy may be of assistance, indeed "transform the lives of millions." Yesterday was in fact "a significant day in the history of psychotherapy".
To close, another report on progression, this one pop art including Warhol c1967 - particularly Marilyn Munroe. We heard details of an exhibition of works at the National Portrait Gallery in London. Particular reference was made to Munroe, in particular we heard of a "secular chapel devoted to her", and that she was an "icon", made from "a kind of magic" and of "art of the ordinary person". Almost a people's princess, remind you of anyone ? Make up your own mind, the link is here. It's all in a similar vein.
cheers
Terrorists at training camp ?
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