Lasting Tribute blog

Popular radio presenter Malcolm Laycock dies months after giving up his show

2009-11-10T16:32:00.001Z

There was outrage this summer when radio presenter Malcolm Laycock left his Sunday Night at 10 programme after 14 years, following a dispute with BBC Radio 2 bosses.

And now Mr Laycock – who had been presenting jazz and swing music programmes since the 1960s – has sadly died.

Sunday Night at 10, a celebration of the music of the 1920s and ’30s, attracted audiences of more than 300,000.

Mr Laycock was also a Sony Award winner thanks to his music documentaries.

Pay tribute to him here.

Aircraftmen killed by mines were short of metal detectors

2009-11-10T15:57:00.001Z

Two British servicemen were killed in Afghanistan by a makeshift mine when equipment deficiencies had left their patrol without enough metal detectors, an inquest heard today.

Senior Aircraftmen Gary Thompson, 51, and Graham Livingstone, 23, died in a roadside explosion outside Kandahar Airfield, the main Nato base in southern Afghanistan, in April 2008.

A coroner in Trowbridge, Wiltshire, heard today that the patrol had only one Ebex metal detector between six vehicles, meaning a vulnerable river crossing was not exhaustively scanned for IEDs (Improvised Explosive Devices).

Socialist Worker editor remembered in glowing obituary

2009-11-10T15:45:00.002Z

Colleagues at the Socialist Worker newspaper have been remembering their former editor and key activist Chris Harman, who died on Saturday (7 November).

Alex Callinicos writes: “Chris was the outstanding Marxist to emerge in Britain from the great political radicalisation of the late 1960s and early 1970s. He made fundamental intellectual contributions in an astonishing range of subjects.

“Personally, I have lost my comrade, friend and teacher of more than 35 years. This is a moment to mourn and to grieve before – as Chris would expect – we resume the struggle.”

Second Brit fatality named

2009-11-10T15:16:00.002Z

The second soldier who died during the weekend has been named as Rifleman Samuel John Bassett, from 4th Battalion The Rifles.

He died in Afghanistan on November 8, 2009.

The 20-year-old leaves his mother Coline, father Simon (who lives in Canada) and 18-year-old brother Jack.

Rifleman Bassett's mother paid the following tribute: "Samuel was not only my son, but Samuel and his brother Jack are my best friends. Samuel was a real character, always the joker, he will be so, so missed and loved forever - our proud little soldier."

Burnley cult hero Billy Ingham dies

2009-11-10T11:09:00.002Z

Burnley FC are in mourning this week for their ‘Ginger Pele’.

Billy Ingham, who made more than 260 appearances and scored 31 goals, died on Saturday aged just 57.

He played for the Clarets throughout the 1970s after joining them as an apprentice.

He got his nickname for a stunning goal against Chelsea in 1977.

First of two soldiers killed in Afghanistan named

2009-11-09T17:55:00.001Z

Rifleman Philip Allen, who has just been named by the Ministry of Defence, was a member of 2 RIFLES who had stayed behind in Afghanistan after the rest of his battalion had returned home, in order to gain experience.

He died on Saturday while on patrol near Sangin, killed by a mine.

Another soldier, who died the following day, is yet to be named.

Work begins on 9/11 memorial in Pennsylvania

2009-11-09T17:23:00.001Z

Work has begun in Pennsylvania on a memorial park to victims of the September 11 terrorist attacks.

Relatives of those who died on United flight 93 attended the ceremony as the ground was broken in the field near Shanksville where the plane crashed.

The park, which is going to cost in the region of $58 million, is planned for completion in 2011.

It will include a chapel with chimes commemorating each of the 40 flight 93 victims and a private field of flowers planted on the crash site itself.

Gordon says sorry for soldier's surname blunder

2009-11-09T15:54:00.002Z

Gordon Brown has made a personal phone call to the mother of a soldier whose name he misspelled in a letter of sympathy.

He incorrectly called the mother of Guardsman Jamie Janes “Mrs James”.

The Sun called the blunder “bloody shameful”, forcing a hasty apology from the Prime Minister.

Political pressure is growing on Mr Brown after the recent spate of deaths in Afghanistan.

Two more fallen soldiers are due to be named any moment now.

TS Eliot in the news

2009-11-09T14:35:00.003Z

Having read one of his plays (The Family Reunion) at the weekend, I’m pleased to see that TS Eliot is still very much in the news.

Firstly a new volume of his letters has helped to “restore the personal reputation of the troubled writer” who had long been branded an uncaring husband and other slurs.

Meanwhile his poetic legacy is still being remembered as the short list for the TS Eliot prize was recently unveiled.

His influence on today’s poets remains strong too, with the Guardian’s Stephen Moss traveling to Margate, where Eliot wrote The Waste Land, and Andrew Motion referencing that work as he defends himself against plagiarism charges.

Teenage hanging tragedy was a 'cry for help'

2009-11-09T12:18:00.002Z

A teenage girl found hanged at her home had not meant to kill herself, an inquest heard.

Faye Loughrey, 15, was discovered by her devastated parents suspended from banisters by a scarf.

She had been enduring bullying and relationship problems.

But Derby’s assistant deputy coroner Michael Bird said on Saturday: “There is no evidence of any suicidal planning, no notes. Faye knew her parents would return that evening.

"I believe she intended to be found alive by her parents who arrived home when they said they would.

"Perhaps she believed this would bring to the surface all the troubles she had been experiencing.

"It was probably a cry for help and she became unconscious much more quickly than she intended to."

British military fatalities due to be named

2009-11-09T09:47:00.002Z

Two British soldiers killed in separate blasts in Afghanistan are expected to be named today.

A serviceman from 4th Battalion, The Rifles, died in a blast near Sangin in central Helmand Province yesterday morning.

His death followed an explosion which killed a soldier from the 2nd Battalion, The Rifles on Saturday afternoon.

Their deaths brought the total of British military deaths since the operation began in 2001 to 232.

Meanwhile, British troops will be at the forefront of the fighting in Afghanistan for five more years, Air Chief Marshal Sir Jock Stirrup, the head of the Armed Forces, has said.

Sculpture of Alf Ramsey unveiled at scene of his World Cup triumph

2009-11-06T17:04:00.004Z

Current England manager Fabio Capello today unveiled a bust of World Cup-winning predecessor Sir Alf Ramsey at Wembley Stadium.

The ceremony was attended by members of the 1966 England team.

The sculpture, which will be displayed in the tunnel, was crafted by Philip Jackson, the artist behind iconic statues of Bobby Moore at Wembley and the United Trinity outside Old Trafford.

World Cup winner George Cohen said: "It's a tremendous sculpture and it's like he's actually in the room with you. That determined look on his face is exactly how I remember him and tells you exactly who was in charge."

Fred made history fun

2009-11-06T12:28:00.005Z

Todays marks the fifth anniversary of the death of that great character Fred Dibnah.

Many of us grew up watching his antics as a steeplejack on BBC, but in later years we were awed by his knowledge of the history of industrial Britain and architecture in programmes like Fred Dibnah's Industrial Age, Fred Dibnah's Magnificent Monuments and Fred Dibnah's Made in Britain.

Truly a Bolton legend, his enthusiasm was hugely contagious and luckily for us lives on through the books and DVDs based on his television shows.

Amazon.co.uk Widgets

Larkin about in Hull

2009-11-05T13:55:00.002Z

A festival to celebrate the life and work of poet Philip Larkin has been announced, culminating in the unveiling of a statue in his honour, the Hull Daily Mail reports.

A five-month programme of events is planned for next year, ending with the erection of the statue of Larkin at Hull's Paragon Station.

Larkin 25 will be a series of cultural events leading up to the unveiling on December 2, 2010 – the 25th anniversary of his death.

The celebrations will include a community art project, a 'Larkin trail' and exhibitions of Larkin memorabilia including cartoons and photography.

The events could include an exhibition of some of the 2,500 letters written by Larkin to his parents.

Syd Barrett 'pre-breakdown' photos for sale

2009-11-05T13:46:00.001Z

Photos of Syd Barrett on the cusp of his mental breakdown are to be auctioned later this month.

The three images of the former Pink Floyd frontman were taken at his London flat by music photographer Mick Rock.

They were part of a photoshoot for his 1970 solo album The Madcap Laughs.

The photos go up for auction at Phillips de Pury in London on 21 November.

Trafalgar Square statue for war hero unveiled

2009-11-05T10:37:00.004Z

A statue of Air Chief Marshal Sir Keith Park has been unveiled on the fourth plinth at Trafalgar Square

The New Zealander, previously only recognised with a street name in Kent, a decorated veteran of both World Wars who is regarded by many as the unsung hero of the Battle of Britain.

The event ends a two-year campaign to secure a permanent memorial to Sir Keith.

The statue will stay in Trafalgar Square for six months before a permanent memorial is opened in Waterloo Place next September.

Five murdered troops are named

2009-11-04T21:12:00.004Z

The five British troops shot dead yesterday by a "rogue" Afghan police officer have been named tonight by the Ministry of Defence.

They were:

Sergeant Matthew Telford of the 1st Battalion The Grenadier Guards

Warrant Officer Class 1 Darren Chant of the 1st Battalion The Grenadier Guards

Guardsman James Major of the 1st Battalion The Grenadier Guards

Acting Corporal Steven Boote of the Royal Military Police

Corporal Nicholas Webster-Smith of the Royal Military Police.

It has been revealed that the soldiers were drinking tea inside a military compound in Helmand province when the gunman opened fire with an AK47 during a meeting yesterday with local officials.

The soldiers are thought to have laid down their weapons and removed their helmets and body armour as proof of their trust in their hosts as they entered the building in the village of Shin Kalay.

Four were killed immediately and the fifth died of his wounds, the Nato-led International Security Assistance Force said.

Prime Minister Gordon Brown said this afternoon that the Taliban had claimed responsibility for the attack, and may have infiltrated the Afghan police.

The gunman fled the scene on a motorbike, sparking a manhunt in the Nad-e'Ali district.

A fitting tribute, Pet?

2009-11-04T15:39:00.003Z

Auf Wiedersehen Pet stars Jimmy Nail, Kevin Whately and Tim Healy have reunited to make a charity record in aid of the Sir Bobby Robson Foundation, PA reports.

The actors got in the recording studio to perform a new version of the Geordie anthem The Blaydon Races, which is often sung by fans of Bobby’s former team Newcastle United.

Tim Healy, who rose to fame playing Dennis in the series, said: "It was lovely to see Kevin and Jimmy again, as always, and we had a great time recording the song for a brilliant man – we all loved Sir Bobby and it was really lovely to have the chance to do something in tribute to him."

It's my funeral and I'll sing if I want to!

2009-11-04T15:20:00.003Z

A karaoke-loving landlord will get his final wish when songs he recorded are played at his funeral, the Derby Telegraph reports.

Brian Boyce, 64, who ran the Kensington Tavern in Derby, died on Friday from a terminal disease.

Last year he recorded his favourite karaoke songs, including a rendition of Frank Sinatra's My Way.

His daughter, Samantha, said knowing his CD was going to be played would have brought a smile to her father's face.

The 38-year-old said: "He really enjoyed being in the limelight and that's why he enjoyed his singing, especially when people would clap and cheer him on.

"Dad only discovered he could sing in the last few years of his life and he always regretted that – he thought it was too late.

"He always had a quirky sense of humour and that is probably where the idea to have his singing played at his funeral came from.

"Hearing his voice at the funeral will have us all in tears but that's the kind of dramatic ending he always said he wanted."

Glittering poppy brooch is £80

2009-11-04T14:56:00.005Z

A glittering Remembrance Day poppy brooch, designed by jewellery giant Kleshna, has been unveiled.

The £80 item is designed as a permanent tribute to British troops with profits will be given to the Royal British Legion.

It was modelled by Dame Judi Dench, among others, at an event which remembered lives lost in battle, as well as injured servicemen.

A spokeswoman said: "It's a nice idea because it means that the poppy can be worn all year in support of all British troops serving in war zones around the world rather than just wearing a paper poppy for a day and then throwing it away."

Siegfried Sassoon legacy to be preserved

2009-11-04T14:41:00.003Z

The personal belongings of First World War soldier, poet and author Siegfried Sassoon will be preserved for the nation by a £550,000 grant.

The National Heritage Memorial Fund said its award to Cambridge University will help it to acquire Sassoon's private diaries and notebooks, compiled while serving on the Western Front.

The University Library's £1.25 million campaign to buy the archive was launched in June and is close to success, leaving £110,000 still to raise.

Organisers say the acquisition, combined with Cambridge University Library's existing holdings, will create the most significant collection of Sassoon manuscripts in the world.

Included in the collection is a manuscript of A Soldier's Declaration - the statement Sassoon wrote detailing his refusal to return to duty after being wounded.

The campaign is being led by Max Egremont, Sassoon's official biographer, and several contemporary literary figures.

Mr Egremont said: "The response to the appeal has been heartening in these difficult times and shows Sassoon's popularity and importance as a writer.

"If the rest of the money can be raised, the papers will soon be available to the public.

"It is particularly appropriate that they will be in Cambridge, Siegfried Sassoon's old university and a place that he loved."

Father of Westlife singer dies

2009-11-04T10:31:00.001Z

Westlife member Nicky Byrne has flown back from a tour in London to comfort his mother in Dublin following the death of his father, Nicky Byrne Sr.

Nicky Sr, 60, was a singer in his own right on the Irish cabaret scene.

His death follows other recent boy band tragedies with Westlife bandmate Kian Egan and Take That’s Gary Barlow also losing their fathers, not to mention the death of Boyzone’s Stephen Gately.

Kian said he spoke briefly with Nicky Byrne yesterday and said the young singer was inconsolable: “He was very broken up. I never expected to be talking to the boys about another death of our parents so soon after my own father died.”

Five British soldiers killed in Afghanistan - waking up to dreadful news this morning

2009-11-04T09:20:00.006Z

Our thoughts today are with the families of five British soldiers shot dead at a checkpoint in Afghanistan, apparently by an Afghan police officer they were working with.

The attack, which claimed the lives of three Grenadier Guards and two Royal Military Police officers, took place yesterday.

Prime Minister Gordon Brown led the tributes, while at the same time affirming his support for their work.

"I pay tribute to their courage, skill and determination. They will never be forgotten," he said.

He added: "It is my highest priority to ensure our heroic troops have the best possible support and equipment - and the right strategy, backed by our international partners, and by a new Afghan government ready to play its part in confronting the challenges Afghanistan faces.

"Our troops deserve nothing less. My commitment to them remains unshakeable."

Bee Gees to sing again

2009-11-03T16:43:00.005Z

Six years after the death of their brother Maurice, surviving Bee Gee members Barry and Robin have confirmed they will perform again as a duo.

Maurice died from a heart attack while undergoing surgery in January 2003.

The youngest Gibb brother, Andy - who enjoyed a successful solo career in the late 1970s - died at the age of 30 in March 1988.

Donington invites motorsport fans to pay tribute to Tom Wheatcroft

2009-11-03T12:30:00.002Z

A book of condolence has been opened in memory of motorsport legend Tom Wheatcroft, who died at the weekend.

Staff at the Donington Park Grand Prix Exhibition have invited members of the public to leave their personal tributes in the book.

Mr Wheatcroft owned the world famous circuit since the 1970s. Flags there flew at half mast in his memory.

Donington Grand Prix collection manager Garry Rankin paid tribute to him: "I had known Tom for 15 years and it is a very sad loss. He was a great man, he had a fantastic life and I believe he did everything he wanted to do. It is a sad loss for motorsport and a sad loss for me personally. We hope that members of the public will come and leave their tributes."

You can also leave your tributes to Tom Wheatcroft online.