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Michael Jackson coming to Appledore? By LUKE SALKELD With its beautiful views across the North Devon countryside, seaside setting and cream teas, Appledore has played host to thousands of visitors.But probably none quite as famous as the Jackson Five. The 1970s pop superstars have hired a five-bedroom holiday home while they look for land on which to build a permanent base. Jacksons haven: The brothers of superstar Michael Jackson are moving to a new home in Appledore, North Devon. Matt Fiddes, a local who is already described by the Jacksons as a family friend, said yesterday: “They can’t wait to get here. “They love North Devon and they’ll be moving in to the rented house during the first week of May. “The brothers want to live here permanently. “They get no hassle and they’ve been blown away by the peace and beauty of the area when they’ve stayed.” Reports say the Jacksons are negotiating terms on a secluded piece of land in the nearby Croyde area on which they plan to build a “glass-style” mansion. In Appledore, the £5,000-amonth barn conversion being rented by Tito Jackson, 54, has plenty of rooms, big gardens and views of the Taw and Torridge estuary. It has a surround-sound ceiling speaker system, and homely U.S. flag cushions on the sofa. Mr Fiddes said: “It is set back from the road with its own gate, but it’s a fairly normal house really. “It’s not as private as they are used to, but they have bodyguards. “Tito and his sons are putting the finishing touches to an album and are desperate to get here as they know it’s more peaceful than California.” Tito and his sons Taj, 34, Taryll, 32, and TJ, 29, who make up the band 3T, are expected to arrive at the beginning of next month, when the move will be the subject of a reality TV show. It will see Tito based at the house with other family members – including Michael, Janet and Jermaine – flying in for short breaks. Jermaine said: “It’s a beautiful place and we can’t wait for Tito to set us up a family home there.” Mr Fiddes, 28, escorted Michael on a previous visit to Devon and last year accompanied Jermaine on a nationwide anti-bullying campaign. Brothers Jackson: The Jacksons are said to be negotiating to buy land in Devon on which to build their own glass-style mansion He said yesterday: “The TV people will follow them from California to Appledore and make a documentary-on how they settle in. “Tito will be based in Appledore throughout and we know that Jermaine and Janet will all be dropping in. “With Michael, you never know. But I’ll be very surprised if he doesn’t show up too.” James Davison, manager of The Quay restaurant in Appledore, said: “I’m sure the family will be made welcome. They’ll certainly put Appledore on the map.” ……………………………………………………………………………………….

ROGER DEAKINS IS NOMINATED FOR 2 OSCARS TODAY AND HAS ALREADY WON THE BAFTA.   LOS ANGELES — Here’s an Oscar fact to focus on: ROGER DEAKINS, of Torquay and Santa Monica, is the first director of photography to receive two nominations in the same year since 1971. The cinematographer on “No Country for Old Men” and “The Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford” pulled off the first double in the category since Robert Surtees was nominated for “The Last Picture Show” and “Summer of ‘42.” Deakins is no stranger to Oscar’s attention, having earned five noms — for the Coen brothers’ “The Man Who Wasn’t There,” “O Brother, Where Art Thou?” and “Fargo” as well as “Kundun” and “The Shawshank Redemption.” “It’s fantastic. How often do you get so lucky to do two such great and varied films?” a surprised Deakins said, adding that this year saw “such stiff competition and such diverse work.” “No Country” and “Jesse James” both are Westerns in the broadest sense but vary in approach. “No Country” is a dark, contemporary thriller with lighting that builds suspense. “Jesse James” is a widescreen period drama. Read on> TV alerts (UK) Oscars coverage in addition to the live ceremony. * Feb 24, 11pm, E!, “Live from the red carpet” * Feb 25, 9.30am, BBC News 24, “BBC News Special” The Oscars Red Carpet Live Kate Thornton presents as a host of Hollywood stars arrive at the Kodak Theatre in Los Angeles for the evening’s ceremony. Featuring interviews, a look at the designer dresses and all the gossip about possible romantic entanglements Film/Cinema Tomorrow at 11:10pm on Sky One ………………………………………………………………………………………. Accolade for cinema From the North Devon Gazette devon.editorial@archant.co.uk 13 February 2008 THE Central Cinema in Barnstaple has been named best UK Independent Cinema in the 2008 Cinema Industry Awards, sponsored by Walt Disney Studios UK. It beat off stiff competition from across the country to win the award, recognised as an Oscar for the UK cinema industry. Tony Meehan, for RAAM, the organisers, said; “The number of entries this year was the highest ever and the level of competition in every category was extremely fierce. “The Central Cinema was judged by an independent panel of film distributors, including Warner Bros, Disney, Fox, Entertainment, Sony and Paramount to be the best in the UK and fully deserving of the recognition.” Peter Hoare, managing director of Scott Cinemas, which owns the Barnstaple complex, said: “To receive this prestigious award is tremendous recognition for all the people who work in the company. “When we heard we were in this year’s nominations, we were delighted. To be named the number one independent cinema in the UK is just terrific and I must thank all of my staff for achieving this award, together with RAAM and the UK film distributors for making this possible.” The RAAM awards were established four years ago to recognise the achievements of thousands of people who each week make it possible for the millions of cinema-goers to see their favourite movies. The awards are decided by Nielson EDI box office data, an advisory board which represents all parts of the UK and Irish film distribution and exhibition industry. ……………………………………………………………………………………….

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