Latest news with #Denis
Press and Journal
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Press and Journal
Wick's Mastermind trophy legend 'happy' to retire aged 90 after decades engraving TV's grand prize
For the past 50 years, Wick's Denis Mann has been the master artist behind the intricate designs on one of televisions most famous trophies. Each winner of Mastermind has lifted aloft a stunning glass trophy featuring images from Greek mythology. Now, having just celebrated his 90th birthday, he has finally decided to call time on a long and illustrious career. Denis lives in Wick with his wife of 64 years Trudi, 84, a community in which he has been a leading artistic light for decades. The Press and Journal caught up with the couple shortly after he made his last ever trophy for the BBC show. Born in Perthshire, Denis attended art college in Edinburgh. After a spell in the Royal Air Force, he became an art teacher in Stirlingshire. Thinking back to the 'hopes and dreams' of his art school days, however, he then decided to change course. The next stage of his life came in December 1970, when he joined Caithness Glass as an artist, designer and engraver. He'd travelled to the company's factory in Wick to talk terms – and as luck would have it another visitor on that day was Bill Wright, the creator of Mastermind. 'Little did I realise then the importance his visit would have for me,' Denis said. Bill was shown examples of Denis' work in copper wheel engraving, a skill that sees delicate shapes carved onto glass. Hoping to find 'something different' for a new trophy for his new show, Bill decided the technique was what he was looking for. The result was that Denis engraved the first ever Mastermind trophy won in 1972 – and every prize since. Bill's choice of subject for the trophy was the 'Nine Muses' from Greek mythology. The mythical beings are credited with inspiring humans in the arts. Denis said: 'Over the years, with only one or two exceptions, I have stuck with Bill's original choice.' When Mastermind came to a temporary halt on the BBC, Denis left Caithness Glass to go freelance. He was involved in the setting up of North Lands Creative, a centre of excellence for glass making in Lybster. Mastermind returned on the Discovery Channel (between 2001 and 2002) . And of course no-one other than Denis would be asked to engrave the bowl for the programme's winners. The BBC took over the show once again in 2003, in what is now in its regular BBC Two spot. And he has been engraving the trophy ever since. His final trophy involvement was for the 2025 series, when he did the drawings and Wilma MacKenzie, from Argyll, did the engraving. Wilma will continue to engrave bowls for future Mastermind winners. She will use the same copper wheel process that Denis used over the decades. He told The Press and Journal that he is 'happy to be finished' as he has 'done it long enough'. Speaking of her husband, Trudi said: 'He doesn't blow his own horn. 'As far as he's concerned, it was a job that was done.' Not many people have Wikipedia pages about them, but Denis does. 'And he did't find out about this until his birthday! 'Guests were giving little sayings and speeches, and my niece mentioned that she was quite proud to have an uncle who was in mentioned in Wikipedia.'
Irish Independent
5 days ago
- Sport
- Irish Independent
Kerry Cricket Club honour their former president Denis Moylan with memorial match
Kerry CC chairman Dave Ramsay said Denis said was one of the most extraordinary characters and cricketers to have graced the club. A brilliant batsman, raconteur and musician, Denis always wore a smile and brought a sense of fun to every match he was involved with. His widow, Noël, was presented with a memorial plaque. The MCC has enjoyed good weather on past visits, but luck in that regard finally ran out on Monday. However, the MCC showed gallant determination to play cricket, as the two sides took the field to defy squally rain and blustery winds. MCC batted first and compiled an impressive 202 off 25 overs. Jarman (43 off 28 balls) smashed three 6s and three 4s before Khurram flattened his stumps; Sane also batted fluently for 59n.o. For the Kerry bowling attack, Awais Saghir did most damage, finishing with 3 for 17 off 5 overs. In reply, Kerry couldn't match the scoring rate of their talented visitors, Alam Morshed (21) and captain Braden Warnke (20) top scored, but collectively the batting line-up failed to find the boundary often enough to equal the daunting run rate of 8 per over. With the score on 109 for 5, the weather worsened and the players yielded to the elements. It was a huge credit to both sides that they managed to battle through 41 overs in such stormy conditions. MCC XI: 202 for 7 (25 overs) v County Kerry XI: 109 for 5 (16 overs). No result. MCU Division 1 On Saturday at the Oyster Oval, a Munster Division 1 match was abandoned due to rain: a huge frustration for Harlequins captain and wicketkeeper C Stevenson, who scored a classy 110 for the visitors before the weather forced abandonment. Cork Harlequins 2nd XI: 212/4 v County Kerry 2nd XI: 0/0 Rain Interruption. No result. MCU Division 3 T20 competition Kerry 4th XI had a great day in Shannon on Saturday. Given a walkover against Cork County in the first match of the day, they then smashed 199 against Clare 3rd XI. Kerry batted first and after losing 3 wickets cheaply, Libin Philip(70) and Jonnalagadda (68) forged an unbeaten partnership of 135. Pardashi (41) top scored for Clare in the reply, but when rain intervened in the 17th over of the chase, the DLS calculation showed Kerry to be 14 runs ahead. Kerry CC 4th XI: 199/3 v Clare CC 3rd XI: 151/7 (Kerry win by 14 runs, DLS method) MCU Division 2: T20 competition The Kerry 3rd XI didn't enjoy the success of their Division 3 colleagues, losing a tight match against Limerick 3rd XI in the morning before a heavy loss to Clare 2nd XI in the evening match on Sunday. Limerick 3rd XI: 169 for 7 (20 overs) beat Kerry 3rd XI: 140 for 9 (20 overs) by 29 runs. Kerry 3rd XI: a.o. 59 (13.3 overs) lost to Clare 2nd XI: 60 for 2 (7.4 overs) by 8 wickets.
The Courier
6 days ago
- General
- The Courier
Tributes to former Perth planning chief and ‘fabulous storyteller' Denis Munro who's died at 81
Warm tributes have been paid to former Perth and Kinross Council director of planning and development Denis Munro, who has died at the age of 81. His funeral takes place at St John's Kirk in the heart of his beloved Fair City on Monday June 2 at 1pm. Born and bred in Perth, Denis recently followed up his 2001 book 'A Vision for Perth' with a history of the steamies, or washhouses, which once played an integral role in the lives of working-class families. He recalled fondly boyhood hours whiled away trainspotting at Friarton, fishing for eels at the harbour – where his father David worked for the Dundee, Perth and London Shipping Company – and helping mother Nan at the public washhouse in Canal Street. Following several years south of the border Denis embarked on his career as a trainee town planner with Fife County Council in 1961 after leaving Bell-Baxter High School in Cupar. He joined Perth Town Council four years later as an assistant planning officer. He was recognised by the Town Planning Institute for gaining the top marks in Scotland in their intermediate exams. Denis remained with the local authority, in its various guises, until taking early retirement in 2003 from the director's role he had held since 1984. His love of his native city was reflected in 'A Vision for Perth' – published while he was planning director – which lamented the loss of various historic buildings in the name of modernism. Never one to shy away from controversy, Denis advocated demolishing most of Perth City Hall – now the Perth Museum hosting the Stone of Destiny – in favour of creating a civic square, retaining only the King Edward Street building's facade. He firmly believed that would benefit the city and better showcase St John's Kirk, the oldest building in Perth. However, the demolition proposal was rejected in favour of being repurposed. Denis helped pave the way to Perth's Cafe Quarter and in retirement became 'part of the family' at Willows, where his morning routine included catching up with the news over a coffee. Architecture, culture and art were lifelong passions, often combined with a love of travel and, latterly, cruises. His last foreign holiday took Denis to admire the Austro-Hungarian legacy of Vienna and Budapest. He had recently completed 'The Perth Steamies: The Story of the Fair City's Public Washhouses (1846-1976),' published by Tippermuir Books. Tippermuir director Dr Paul Philippou said: 'I was familiar with 'A Vision for Perth.' It is a book that combines architecture and history with the author's strong opinions on Perth's architectural direction. 'As director of planning, Denis was certainly in a position to offer his thoughts on the subject. 'Twenty-three years later, in 2024, I was intrigued to be contacted by Denis, regarding a new book he had in mind on the long-gone Perth Steamies. 'Working with him on the book was a delight. 'It is a pity that Denis did not live to see the book – he died a few days before it was delivered by the printer – and did not have the opportunity to enjoy a book launch. 'The book's subject, however, is a popular one, and Denis's words will no doubt be debated, repeated and read for many decades to come. 'A great dog lover, Denis had directed that all his royalties from the book be given to Perthshire Abandoned Dog Society.' Local housebuilder and honorary president of St Johnstone, Geoff Brown, chairman of GS Brown Construction, knew Denis for decades. He said: 'In his days as director of planning, Denis was prepared to meet developers large and small to discuss proposals which would have a bearing on Perth and Kinross and the quality of life of its citizens. 'We might not always have agreed when it came to development and the best way forward, but Denis was always prepared to meet with developers and listen to what was being suggested. 'I knew Denis long before he became the director of planning, and when he retired from the council, I knew his in-depth knowledge of the planning process would prove a huge asset in his role as a consultant with GS Brown Construction. 'As a local man, Denis had a deep and abiding affection for the city and the wider area, and his death will have come as a shock to his many friends.' After taking early retirement, Denis also went on to play an interim but influential role as planner for the embryonic Cairngorms National Park Authority. Gavin Miles, director of planning and place, said: 'Denis was a lovely chap. 'He'd obviously had a long career by the time he joined us. 'Denis said he had started as a tea boy at Perth City in the distant past, but you could never quite tell whether his tales were true or embellished – he was a fabulous storyteller! 'He was very relaxed in his approach to setting up the planning service at the Park Authority and he was very good at helping us to think through the issues we encountered and in supporting us. 'Denis was good at getting the best out of us. He had a wicked sense of humour that could make you cry with laughter and his tales of council politics, and his planning career, would have made a great comedy series! We all loved him.' Denis, who was divorced from his late wife Kate, is survived by his sister Dorothy and niece Kareen.
Irish Examiner
26-05-2025
- General
- Irish Examiner
First World War soldier's warning of 'a deuce of a bust-up' discovered in Tipperary home
A chilling prediction about one of the bloodiest battles of the First World War, anticipating 'a deuce of a bust-up in a short time', has been discovered in a letter unearthed during a house clear-out in Tipperary. Denis Kenny, from Thurles, was astonished to read the "bust-up" warning that features in one of two letters written by his late granduncle Jim Maher, and which appears to reference plans for the Battle of Passchendaele. The line made it through despite strict censorship of correspondence at the time, designed to prevent soldiers from disclosing any information about military activities. 'I really don't know how it made it past the defenders, so it's very interesting from a historical point of view,' Denis told the Irish Examiner. The prediction was contained in what turned out to be the final letter received from Jim before he lost his life in Belgium on August 11, 1917. 'One of the quotes in the letter to his sister Josephine, which dates back to April 6, 1917, is 'look out for squalls. There's going to be a deuce of a bust up,'' Dennis said. 'He had to be referring to the battle ahead.' Officially known as the Third Battle of Ypres, Passchendaele came to epitomise the horrors of trench warfare, claiming more than 500,000 lives. The battle took place on the western front between July and November 1917, where soldiers were fighting for control of the ridges located south and east of the Belgian city of Ypres. Denis Kenny holds a picture of his granduncle Jim Maher at his home near Thurles. The striking family resemblance is evident in the century-old image. Picture: Chani Anderson Denis, who found two letters from his granduncle Jim while clearing out his late mother's house, said that some of the details contained within are heartbreaking. In a letter to Josephine, Jim tells her not to send an undershirt because 'we don't wear them'. 'You have to read between the lines,' Denis said. Soldiers back then were encouraged not to have too many layers of material on in battle in case they made access to a wound difficult "My guess is that this was the case for my granduncle.' Instead, Jim asked his sister to send him some 'shaving sticks, soap, and a shirt'. 'I'm sorry for not responding to your letter sooner, but I did not have any time as we were up making advanced gun preliminaries. Consequently, I had no opportunity for letter writing.' "We are presently billeted in a large town a few miles behind the line. Our pay, combined with the high prices of goods, does not allow us to do much shopping on our own,' the letter read. 'A glass of coffee, one slice of bread, and dripping costs seven French francs. One small piece of soap, half of ordinary size at home, is eight francs. 10 francs for two weeks' pay will not go towards procuring us a decent spread.' In the letter, Jim also talks about his hopes for 'a speedy termination to the war". Denis reads a miniature Christmas card sent home by his granduncle in 1915 while serving in France. Picture: Chani Anderson Another letter was addressed to his "aunt Kate". In it, he enquires about her health, and adds: 'Do not do too much work and be careful of yourself. I suppose it's useless telling you, as I suppose you could not live if you were not working about the sows and cattle. How is father? I'm sure he's killed." Only one line seems to allude to the war. Please God, the worst is over Denis said he had learned a lot about his granduncle's life over the years. 'Jim voluntarily signed up to join the armed forces at a local recruitment office, and was among those sent to their death in mainland Europe," he said. "He was 28 when he joined the army. I think he was looking for a sense of adventure. The regiment he signed up for was the royal field artillery. "Ireland was part of the British empire at the time, but there were also a lot of nationalist republican and radical actions and rallies taking place. There was talk of conscription in those days, as the British wanted to get numbers. In the First World War, they just wanted to get numbers to fight. "There was talk of getting that into Ireland, but it didn't actually happen. Even though it never came to be, it caused a lot of anxiety and helped the republican cause," he added. He said there were a number of reasons behind Jim's decision to join the army. A set of service medals belonging to Jim Maher were also discovered in the clear-out. Picture: Chani Anderson 'He never married and joined the army in September 1915. The sad thing was that Jim's father William did his utmost to de-enlist him,' Denis told the Irish Examiner. 'He was particularly concerned given that his other son died in a hunting accident in 1909. He had already lost his son to violence, even if the killing was accidental. It must have been heartbreaking for him. He had been really worried about losing another son "I think he had hoped that Jim might stay home and maybe even take over the business, which was a local butchers.' Denis said the lives of officers and soldiers were worlds apart. 'There was a very obvious divide between the officers and soldiers. This was highlighted by the hundreds of thousands of soldiers who were killed like my granduncle Jim. The officers had more opportunities. They were university educated and went to private schools," he added. The letters and war medals were discovered in a box during the clear-out. Picture Chani Anderson He said family members remained close to Jim despite their republican ties. 'Jim's sister Josephine was very active in Cumann na mBan, which was the women's organisation of the republican movement. She was a very senior figure in that. "Her husband Charles was a key figure in the IRB [Irish Republican Brotherhood]. Meanwhile, Jim was fighting for the British in France or Belgium. It's difficult to believe that his sister was fighting the same army he was in, albeit not this particular regiment. "You can imagine the interplay that was going on in the family, and yet they were very close," Denis said.
Sky News
22-05-2025
- Politics
- Sky News
Putin's Stalin revival hits a new level - with his crimes out of sight
Why you can trust Sky News The Moscow metro is a sight to behold. The gilded interiors of its cavernous stations have the opulence of a baroque palace. But amid the mosaics and chandeliers, there is a new monument turning heads - a life-sized statue of Joseph Stalin. The Soviet dictator was responsible for the deaths of millions of innocent people, in purges, famines and his infamous gulag labour camps. But there's no mention of that on the new sculpture at the central Taganskaya station. Instead, he's depicted as a leader who was loved by his people - a crowd of adoring workers and their children are reaching out towards him in adoration. It was described as a "gift" to passengers by the capital's metro system to mark its 90th anniversary. Behind a crowd of selfie-snapping passengers Some Muscovites have accepted it with open arms. At Stalin's feet, there is a pile of red carnations, and in front swarms a rolling crowd of selfie-snapping passengers. "It's excellent." gushes Olga. "History of art, culture, significance, beauty." For Denis, it's "the right decision". "This is the history of our state," he says. But as well as flowers, there is fury at what appears to be Russia's latest attempt to rehabilitate the tyrant. "What were they thinking?!" asks Svetlana, incredulous. "How many died under his leadership? And suddenly he appears here, this bloodsucker. How is this possible?!" "We should remember and honour some of his deeds," believes Oleg, "But to put him like this is disrespectful. He did a lot of bad things for the Soviet people." Stalin's creeping return under Putin The sculpture is a replica of one that first appeared in 1950, three years before Stalin's death, in honour of his role in the Soviet Union's defeat of Nazi Germany in the Second World War. It was removed in the 1960s during the period of de-Stalinisation, which sought to destroy his cult of personality. But under Vladimir Putin's rule, the dictator has been gradually reappearing. It's mostly been on a small scale, in towns well outside the capital. A statue so prominent and so central is a first. A historical rehabilitation? "The trend comes down to the idea of the greatness of the state," says Yan Rachinsky, a human rights activist who works to expose Stalin's crimes at the Moscow branch of Memorial, a renowned rights group that now operates on a local level after the closure of its international arm. "For the current government, the main thing is the state. The state is sacred, the state is above everything, the state is infallible. That is why criticism of Stalin is constantly decreasing." Russia's current leader has previously condemned Stalin's repressions. But he's also said the country shouldn't be made to feel guilty about its past. "Putin's old statement that one should be proud of history - that's it," says Mr Rachinsky. It certainly feels that way, looking at the statue.
