SOME HOME TRUTHS ABOUT THIS ANNUAL DAY OF DECEPTION - 🃏😂

Report by Duncan Williams 

April Fool's Day, also known as All Fool's Day, is a day when people play practical jokes and spread hoaxes. It is celebrated on April 1st in many countries around the world, but have you ever wondered how this tradition began?

The origins of April Fool's Day are uncertain, and there are several theories as to how it came to be. One theory suggests that it dates back to the 16th century, when France switched from the Julian calendar to the Gregorian calendar. The new calendar moved the start of the year from April 1st to January 1st, but some people continued to celebrate the new year on April 1st. These people were mocked and called "April fools" by those who followed the new calendar, and the tradition of playing pranks on April 1st began.

Another theory suggests that April Fool's Day has roots in ancient Roman festivals, such as Hilaria, which was celebrated at the end of March. During this festival, people would play pranks on each other and wear disguises.

Regardless of its origins, April Fool's Day has become a widely celebrated tradition in many countries. Here in the UK it's regarded as open season for tricks, leg pulling and laughs.

One of the most famous April Fool's Day pranks was the BBC's "Spaghetti Tree Hoax" in 1957. The news programme aired a segment about a Swiss family harvesting spaghetti from trees, and many viewers believed it to be true. The prank demonstrated the power of the media to influence public opinion and the gullibility of the audience.

In recent years, April Fool's Day has taken on a new dimension with the rise of social media. Brands and companies often participate in the day by creating fake products or services, and many people use the day as an opportunity to share fake news stories or hoaxes.

While April Fool's Day may be seen as a lighthearted and fun tradition, it raises important questions about trust, deception, and the power of information.

Just think about the recent viral hoo-ha the AI generated pictures of the Pope, supposedly 'wearing' a giant white puffer jacket, have caused across social media.

In an age when misinformation is rampant and trust in institutions is low, it is crucial to be aware of the potential for deception and to approach information with a critical eye.

So, as you prepare to celebrate April Fool's Day this year, remember that the tradition has a deep and complex history, and that the pranks and hoaxes you encounter may be more than just harmless fun.

Tribute paid to late actor

ENGLISH actor Dudley Sutton has died aged 85. 

From 'The Post Series' newspapers

Dudley went to school in Lifton as a boy and used to visit Launceston regularly. 

He did acting work on stage, in TV and for films for over 50 years, and had a second home in Cornwall for many of them. 

Dudley also did a huge amount of unpaid work helping people recover from drug and alcohol addiction.

Duncan Williams, originally from Yeolmbridge, in paying tribute to Dudley, said: “I was fortunate enough to work with Dudley way back in the 80s when he played a very heavy drinker in a one off script I wrote. I realised it required a lot of on-screen boozing and I asked Dudley what he wanted to drink during each take as he would likely be drunk as a sack by the time we finished this scene. He said to me, very assertively, ‘Only cold tea, old boy. I don’t touch alcohol. Nearly killed me in the 60s, I haven’t had a drop for years’.

Dudley Sutton, pictured centre, with his Launceston scriptwriters (Duncan Williams and John Exshaw) back in the 1980s.

“Dudley Sutton had been sober for decades when he finally passed away on September 15 and during that time he had helped countless others beat the demon drink and addiction problems. 

“I found this picture of Dudley back in the height of his Lovejoy series fame back in the 80s. I was fortunate enough to work with him as a screenwriter here. One of the most well read people I have met, and very political aware. A committed socialist to the end. Was a huge influence on my thinking back then. 

“God bless you, Dudley. You will be much missed.”

Tribunal rules job loss workers are entitled to £250k

Reported by Hamish Marshall for BBC Spotlight

Hamish Marshall 

Two dozen workers in Devon and Dorset have won their case to get an estimated £250,000 they're owed - nine months after losing their jobs.

"The View From" series of newspapers, which included Axminster, Lyme Regis and Weymouth, was closed and then sold by Cornish businessman Peter Masters in January.

An employment tribunal has ruled new owner Duncan Williams is now responsible for the staff wages, notice and redundancy payments.

A hearing will be held next year to decide how much each worker - including journalists and sales executives - is entitled to.

The government will foot the bill if Mr Williams declares himself bankrupt.

He has told the BBC he intends to appeal the decision.

Poole Harbour Boat Show to feature on The Apprentice

Poole Harbour Boat Show is to be showcased on national TV this coming Thursday November 17, when an episode of The Apprentice features teams going head to head to achieve the highest sales of boats and equipment.

The 2016 show held on Poole Quay and Poole Quay Boat Haven enjoyed a visit from the Apprentice contestants for one of the event days, who were then given tasks to sell from exhibitors’ stands. Despite wet weather, the teams battled it out in the marina, chatted to show visitors and secured deals on marine-related products.

Jim Stewart, chief executive of Poole Harbour Commissioners, who organise the annual Poole Harbour Boat Show, says: “We knew for many months beforehand that The Apprentice was due to film at the show, but of course it was all kept under wraps. It is going to be exciting to see the results of their time with us aired on Thursday and for the UK to see what a fantastic boat show Poole has now established.

“It will help highlight the forthcoming 2017 show which has many opportunities for sponsors and exhibitors to get involved.”

For information surrounding Poole Harbour Boat Show go towww.pooleharbourboatshow.co.uk  (Wed 16 Nov 16)