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BBC News
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- BBC News
Commemorations to remember 1973 Summerland fire's 50 victims
Memorial services for the 50 victims of the Isle of Man's Summerland fire disaster will be held this were about 3,000 people at the complex - one of the biggest entertainment venues in Europe at the time - when it quickly became consumed by flames on 2 August mark the 52nd anniversary of the disaster, Douglas Council will hold a service at the Kaye Memorial Garden at about 18:45 BST on Saturday. Council Leader Devon Watson said the tragedy continued to have a "lasting impact on survivors and the families of those who were lost" and added that an annual service was "essential to ensure they are never forgotten". The service will be led by Douglas Mayor's chaplain Michael Steven Crellin will then lay a wreath on the memorial.A separate commemoration organised by Tina Brennen and the Justice for Summerland Group - which represents some of the disaster's survivors and the families of those affected by it - will see a one-minute silence being held on the Summerland site at 19:00. The tribute will also include wreath laying and a performance from Ellan Vannin Pipes and will take place in front of a "wall of faces" of the victims, family and friends of the 50 who died during the will be in place from 19:00 until 20:00 on Brennen said it would represent that "many people are still suffering" from the tragedy, and allow them to "have their voices heard" as they hold up messages about the will coincide with a weeklong exhibition at the Villa Marina Arcade. This will be open daily from 10:00 until 16:00. Called Summerland 50 - Remembering for the Future, the display covers the development of the north side of Douglas prom during the Victorian era, .It includes the inception of Summerland, the fire and its aftermath up until the present this year, Justice for Summerland submitted an application for a fresh inquest into the was rejected by the island's Attorney General in group is now appealing against that decision and continues to campaign for a memorial on the site of Summerland, which is now a disused carpark. Read more stories from the Isle of Man on the BBC, watch BBC North West Tonight on BBC iPlayer and follow BBC Isle of Man on Facebook and X.
The Herald Scotland
07-07-2025
- Politics
- The Herald Scotland
Prince of Wales joins those remembering victims 20 years on from July 7 attacks
In the afternoon William joined a number of relatives of those who died as well as survivors at the event, with music including Something Inside and Sometimes I Feel Like A Motherless Child performed by the London Gospel Choir. The Hyde Park Memorial Service followed a morning ceremony at St Paul's Cathedral, which saw the Prime Minister and Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh among those who gathered to pay their respects. The 2005 attacks, that also left several hundred people injured, were the worst single terrorist atrocity on British soil. Mayor of London Sir Sadiq Khan, Home Secretary Yvette Cooper, survivors, emergency responders and bereaved relatives also attended St Paul's. The moving tribute saw 52,000 petals fall from the dome of the cathedral as the names of those who died were read by Saba Edwards, daughter of Behnaz Mozakka who died on the Piccadilly line, and Thelma Stober, who survived the Aldgate bomb. The pair showed clear emotion and Ms Edwards stifled a sob and paused as she read her mother's name. Earlier, Sir Keir Starmer and Sir Sadiq laid wreaths at the July 7 memorial in Hyde Park at 8.50am on Monday, to coincide with the time that the first bomb went off. 52,000 white petals falling from the ceiling dome during the service at St Paul's. (St Paul's Cathedral/PA) They were joined by officials including Metropolitan Police Commissioner Sir Mark Rowley and Chief Constable of British Transport Police Lucy D'Orsi who also laid floral tributes. In a statement issued to mark the anniversary, Sir Keir said: 'Today the whole country will unite to remember the lives lost in the 7/7 attacks, and all those whose lives were changed forever. 'We honour the courage shown that day — the bravery of the emergency services, the strength of survivors and the unity of Londoners in the face of terror. 'Those who tried to divide us failed. We stood together then, and we stand together now — against hate and for the values that define us of freedom, democracy and the rule of law.' Mayor of London Sir Sadiq Khan and Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer lay wreaths at the 7/7 Memorial, in Hyde Park, London. (Stefan Rousseau/PA) Mayor of London Sir Sadiq said Londoners 'will always choose hope over fear and unity over division'. He added: 'We remember the 52 people whose lives were cruelly stolen on that dark day and our thoughts and prayers remain with all of their loved ones, as well as the more than 700 people who were injured by these cowardly acts of hatred. 'We also pay tribute to those who ran towards danger on that terrible day. 'From emergency service personnel, to transport workers and members of the public who showed incredible courage and compassion by putting their own safety at risk to help those in need, their bravery and selflessness will never be forgotten. 'Two decades on – as we unite for a day of commemoration – I have a clear message for those who seek to spread division and sow hatred – you will never win. 'London's determination to stand together is stronger than ever. We will always choose hope over fear and unity over division as we continue building a safer London for everyone.' Some of the victims of the London terrorist attacks on July 7 2005 (PA) In his message to mark the anniversary, the King said comfort can be taken from the 'spirit of unity' in London and the country more broadly, which has allowed the nation to heal. He said: 'Today, as we mark 20 years since the tragic events of 7th July 2005, my heartfelt thoughts and special prayers remain with all those whose lives were forever changed on that terrible summer's day.' A message on a wreath laid by Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer at the 7/7 Memorial, in Hyde Park (Stefan Rousseau/PA) 'We remember with profound sadness the 52 innocent people who were killed in senseless acts of evil – and the enduring grief of their loved ones. 'We recall, too, the hundreds more who carry physical and psychological scars, and pray that their suffering may ease as the years pass.' Police officers outside London's Aldgate Underground station (PA) 'In doing so, we should also remember the countless stories of extraordinary courage and compassion that emerged from the darkness of that day. 'The selfless bravery of our emergency services, transport workers, and fellow citizens who rushed towards danger to help strangers reminds us of the very best of humanity in the face of the very worst.' Chief Constable of the British Transport Police Lucy D'Orsi and Metropolitan Police Service Commissioner Sir Mark Rowley lay a wreath at the memorial on the 20th anniversary (Stefan Rousseau/PA) The King also stressed the importance of communities coming together in times of adversity. He said: 'While the horrors will never be forgotten, we may take comfort from the way such events rally communities together in solidarity, solace and determination. 'It is this spirit of unity that has helped London, and our nation, to heal. 'As we remember those we lost, let us, therefore, use this 20th anniversary to reaffirm our commitment to building a society where people of all faiths and backgrounds can live together with mutual respect and understanding, always standing firm against those who would seek to divide us.'
Yahoo
18-06-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Srebrenica Memorial Day service held in London in year of 30th anniversary of genocide in Bosnia
London's St Paul's Cathedral held a service making Srebrenica Memorial Day on Tuesday in the year of the 30th anniversary of the 1995 genocide in Bosnia.
News24
07-06-2025
- Entertainment
- News24
‘That man raised me' – The River cast breaks down at Presley's memorial
Imitations of his clownery filled the room, every now and again. Emulations of his laughter from those who could remember it vividly lit the room. And even then, the sudden passing of Presley Chweneyagae, widely celebrated for his roles in Tsotsi and most recently, The River was something many couldn't fathom. 'Cobrizi wa le Eazy', 'Tobetsa', 'Mokwepa', and 'Charlie' were some of the names he was referred to as the speakers at his memorial service reminisced on the memories they shared with him. Colleagues in the arts fraternity, friends, and family gathered at the South African State Theatre to honour the life of Presley, who took his last breath at the age of 40 at his home in Pretoria on Tuesday, 27 May 2025. Upon hearing the tragic news, many were concerned about those who've had their lives impacted by the Oscar-winning actor. One such is Thabiso Ramotshela, who got his breakout role on The River as the son of Cobrizi - Morena. Fighting to hold back his tears, he proudly says, 'I played Presley Chweneyagae's son on The River, Yes, I did that.' Read more | 'He was very humble' - Presley Chweneyagae celebrated for his humility 'I miss him so much. I remember when I got the call [about his death], it was so hard for the person to tell me. I felt like it was so unfair. It hurts so much because, as much as he was not my father, he was my dad. That man raised me, he carried me. When things got hard on set, on Youngings or Blood Legacy, he'd call me and make sure that I'm okay.' Even after their on-screen father-and-son relationship ended on The River when the telenovela was canned in 2024, the two maintained an undeniably strong bond. Whenever Thabiso needed him the most, Presley showed up for him as his father figure in the industry. He mentored him, molded him, helped him shape his craft, and boosted his confidence in front of the camera. 'When I look at Sis' Matshepo (Dimpho, Cobrizi's sister on The River) in the eyes today, after not seeing her for such a long time. I wish we could have two or three more seasons together.' Reaching out to his prepared tribute to the legendary actor, he sniffs to read it out. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Thabiso Ramotshela (@thabiso_ramz) 'A leader has fallen. We're all gathered here to celebrate the life of a leader. I worked with Papa for about four to five years, from the age of 16. To tell the truth, the thought of me not being able to see him ever again or appear on my TV screen, or call me, or even bump into him at random places, my heart sinks. Death is so cruel. The sad thing about death is that it's so unpredictable. He was so full of life. Every time I see your name on the script, I used to laugh because I knew it was going to be a good day. As much as a legend has fallen, a legend was born – one that brought an Oscar award to South Africa, one that made me continue acting. The reason why I'm so hard on myself in my work is that all I ever wanted was his approval. And to hear from other people after you've died that you admired me, loved me, watched me, scrutinised every move I make,' he catches his breath. 'I love you so much, I miss you so much. Until we see each other again.' Following the heartfelt tribute, Matshepo Sekgopi who played Dimpho, Cobrizi's sister, started her tribute with a bible scripture. Read more | Tributes and condolences pour in for Presley Chweneyagae following his passing 'I have had the privilege of being part of a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to create the body of art that had me work hand-in-hand with Africa's greatest talent, Presley being one of them. And I had no idea what the universe had in mind when I was selected to be part of a cast and phenomenal crew on The River.' As the theatre would agree in nod and murmurs, she adds that the seven years spent on the telenovela acting alongside Presley gave her the memories that would last a lifetime, what she calls 'an imprint never to be forgotten'. 'Presley, thank you for your magic. He knew his people, he was selfless in nature, he served wholeheartedly, he knew his tribe, and I think destiny found him, and he was obedient. He made me very upset, but I couldn't be mad at him for long. I truly am blessed to be welcomed by him as a sister,' she concludes as she thanked Presley's wife and mother, encouraging his kids in the process.
Yahoo
24-05-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Memorial Day service coming to a former poor farm's cemetery
princeton – Two of the graves have markers and the others are marked only by indentations in the earth. Many factors brought around 300 people, likely more, to a poor farm's cemetery, but they will be remembered on an appropriate day, and that's the Sunday before Memorial Day. This year's Poor Farm Cemetery Memorial Service will begin at 1:30 p.m. on Sunday, May 25 at the Gardner Center off Exit 14 of Interstate 77 near Princeton. A golf buggy will be available to help visitors unable to walk from the center's parking lot to the cemetery. Located a short walk from the Gardner Center, the Mercer County Poor Farm's cemetery had been forgotten for years. Overgrown and abandoned, the many souls interred there had been lost to memory. This started changing around 2019 when the Mercer County Commission acquired the former U.S. Department of Forestry Laboratory in Gardner and converted it into offices and a meeting center. Mercer County Commission President Bill Archer and Everett Cole, the Gardner Center's maintenance director, spent a couple of days this week clearing away branches brought down by recent storms. They were preparing for Sunday's Memorial Day service at the cemetery. 'We've had pretty large crowds and we've had small crowds,' Archer said. 'We did it in heavy rainfall one time and we still had several people gathered under umbrellas to come see it. Usually when people are aware of it, there's people who come and participate. Of course, we have our handicap conveyance to take them up to the cemetery for people.' The Mercer County Poor Farm was a place where homeless people who had nowhere else to go could settle and earn a living by farming the land. 'The cemetery was started in 1920,' Archer said. 'It's possible some people from World War I who, because they didn't have anything after they returned from the war, may have been there; but I don't know. That's just speculation on my part.' There are times when poor farm's records hint at the tragedies which struck families in the coal mining communities. 'We do think about all those people who were there and when you look through the record books – which I keep them at Gardner now –when I look through the record books you can see, like for example, it's always been touching to me that sometimes you can almost trace mine disasters by all of a sudden you have additional population coming out to the poor farm,' Archer said. 'I assume it's because they lost a loved one, lost a spouse. They had no other place to turn. The county was even back then was nice about.' Archer got out a long list of around 300 poor farm residents who are interred in the cemetery. Their ages range from infant to elderly. One, Rebecca Kinzer, died on Dec. 15, 1944, of pneumonia when she was 2 months old. Another grave is that of Lutica Daniel, 22, whose cause of death on Oct. 9, 1924, was listed as 'homicide, gunshot wound.' Further down the list is a grave belongs to 99-year-old Margia Marshall Clendenon, who passed away on Jan. 5, 1922, of old age. In many other cases, the cause of death is unknown. And there are still many graves that have not been identified, Archer said. 'And we know, I can tell you by sections where, for example, where children are buried,' he said. 'Their graves are usually smaller than the other ones. There are only two markers that identify the two people and both of them were United Mine Workers, and so the United Mine Workers gave them (markers).' Pastor Craig Hammond, who is the Bluefield Union Mission's executive director, will present the service's keynote message. 'It's just a memorial service for all those who lived and died at the farm, many who are not known because their identities have not been discovered, but many are known. Bill did a wonderful job in identifying people there, but there are lots who are still not known to anybody,' Hammond said. 'That is something that is not uncommon even to this day. There are many people that are deceased, but with no one to claim them; so we just try to remember these folks, the lives that they lived. Many of them were at the farm for reasons beyond their control.' Memorial Day will be a time for recalling people who were once forgotten entirely. 'We look forward to that every year,' Hammond said about Sunday's memorial service. 'It is a time to remember those who were unfortunate. Even if they are unknown to us, we know that they are known to the Creator.' Contact Greg Jordan at gjordan@
