Latest news with #SallyMagnusson
Daily Mail
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
JOHN MACLEOD: A song of praise for TV's Sally, who endured horror enough for a lifetime
I recently enjoyed some holiday with my mother in her new Glasgow pad, barely half an hour's walk from where we lived through the Seventies. And, walking hither and yon, I visited many old haunts. Schools. The Jordanhill woods. Victoria Park and – just in time, as it sadly proved – the Renfrew ferry. Which often saw me stumping along Anniesland Road. Even the name sets me a little on edge, for I remember my parents' horror back in 1973. Solemn warnings. Talk of kerb-drill and the Green Cross Code. After an 11 year-old boy with a very famous father, dashing joyously – as boys do – from his school bus, by the Glasgow Academy playing-fields, was struck by a vehicle. Sigursteinn Magnusson died three days later. His mother Mamie, for ages after, would retreat to her room and howl. Jamming the door shut with her leg, so that her other children should not see. The other day Sally Magnusson starred on Songs of Praise, the programme she had presented for decades. If being, on this occasion, the guest, she betrayed no unease on being the other side of the microphone. Against the backdrop of the Campsie Fells – and still adjusting to a new chapter in her life; she quit Reporting Scotland early in April – she reflected on deep things. 'It's a messy sort of affair, my faith,' she told Sean Fletcher. 'It's full of questions…' Sally Magnusson – journalist, broadcaster, author, campaigner – has been in the public eye since the late Seventies. An ongoing career astonishing, too, for her versatility. It was my privilege one morning in January 2017 to work with her when Songs of Praise came to Lewis. My job was to talk about the Iolaire disaster, when over 200 men drowned at the mouth of Stornoway harbour, at New Year 1919 on their return from the Great War. Sally, over breakfast, was delightful – but focussed. She pushed me hard on one detail. I assured her that, yes, it was still Britain's biggest peacetime disaster at sea since the Titanic; but those precise words must be used. I did not say, even in jest, 'I've started, so I'll finish.' Magnus Magnusson's daughter – she owns the Mastermind chair – gets that a lot, I suspect, and I doubt it was ever funny. The death of Siggy, five years her junior, would have been horror enough for one lifetime. At 51, Sally Magnusson found herself facing into others. Her father, still alert and vital, was wasting away to cancer – and there was something far wrong with her mother. Mamie Baird, born in Rutherglen in 1925, was far more than Mrs Magnus Magnusson, mother of five. She was a brilliant writer in her own right - 'one of the finest journalists of her day,' mused the late Jack Webster – and did much of the research for her husband's books. And, as far as her health went, Mamie did all the right things. Ate healthily, kept trim, went for great long walks, read constantly, learned lifelong. A striking beauty, 'with a smile that could eclipse lighthouses.' Yet, by the last weeks of her husband's life – Magnus died in January 2007 – she could not safely be left in charge of his medicines. Though still at the fey, giggly stage, Mamie Magnusson had dementia. Sally and her siblings had a big decision to make. They could consign their mother to some institution – they had ample means – or they could care for her, in her own home and familiar environment, themselves. They settled unhesitatingly on the latter. And through the years that followed, as children and grandchildren pulled together, Sally had to turn down big career opportunities, fulfil the duties she had and carry, too, her man (Norman Stone is an esteemed TV director) and her five maturing children. From protracted, sometimes nightmarish years, and in the spirit of beauty for ashes, came perhaps Scotland's best memoir this century, Where Memories Go. With, even at that time, scant professional support, Sally came to grips with what was happening to her mother. I know of no other book that captures, with such searing honesty, what it is like to care for a frightened, failing parent. Around 44 million people on the planet live with dementia. Most are in the developed world: after all, we live longer. 7.7 million new cases are diagnosed every year. You can support, you can mitigate, you can carry – but there is no cure. Dementia is not actually a disease, but a condition, born from a host of pathologies and of which Alzheimer's is just the most infamous. But they all mean the same thing – changes to the way electrical charges work in the brain, and the activity of our neurotransmitters. And there is nothing you can do to prevent dementia – save, perhaps, choose the right parents. We're not talking about the sort of 'senior moment' forgetfulness that at times startles us all. (The other day, for the life of me, I could not remember who had played the tenth Doctor Who.) Dementia, as has been bleakly said, is not forgetting where the key is: it is forgetting what the key is for. There is not even the comfort that dementia shields the sufferer from reality and self-awareness. Mamie Magnusson knew something was far wrong; my late father, in the last months of his life, was in no doubt that something terrible was happening to him. Someone with dementia will try desperately to make sense of things from assorted, disparate fragments of memory. Sometimes to hilarious consequence: Mamie once announced to her family that, when she was sixteen, she had worked with Attila the Hun. But, sometimes, too, in ways that are not the least funny. The godly old matron who becomes foul-mouthed. Frightening personality changes. Aggression, tantrums and venom. And the desperate isolation of the carer. 'I was hungry for other people's experience,' Sally has recalled. 'It's a tremendously lonely thing to be in the middle of – extraordinarily so when you think that so many people are on the same journey, and yet each one feels so alone.' To their great surprise, the family found music a mercy. It calmed and cheered their mother. She still knew hundreds of songs by heart. Could harmonise beautifully. Sally Magnusson has since launched Playlist for Life, after studies in New York demonstrated how much familiar music helps a disintegrating personality. Like her Mum, devastated by the way her mind was pouring from her cells like water through a sieve. But there are still the swipes of its claws. 'Don't touch me,' hissed Mamie when Sally tried to embrace her one Christmas. And how dreadfully, exhausted and harried and scared, you can sometimes behave yourself. 'I am aghast at how quickly my temper frays,' Sally would write, 'when nothing I say or do seems to help.' Mamie Magnusson died on 12 April 2012. Once, near the end, Sally brought up her late brother. Her mother smiled quizzically. Bent forward, determined to be polite. 'Now remind me. Who is Siggy?' Where Memories Go: Why Dementia Changes Everything. By Sally Magnusson. John Murray Press. £10.99
Daily Record
22-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Record
All the fun of the fair from Calderwood Primary School Parent Council
A terrific afternoon raised thousands for the school, and there was a special video message from former pupil and TV presenter Sally Magnusson. Calderwood Primary School Parent Council brought all the fun of the retro fair to the local community on Saturday. And it was also an extra-special one as the school – which recently received a glowing report following an inspection in January – was also celebrating its 75th anniversary. Visitors to the fair enjoyed some fun in the sun with attractions that included fairground games, circus skills, Animal Man's mini-zoo and a silent disco. Ex-Calderwoodies were reunited for the anniversary celebrations which included a video message from well-known Scottish broadcast journalist and TV presenter Sally Magnusson. She is a former pupil of the school who lived on Calderwood Road with parents Magnus Magnusson and Mamie Baird. A 75th birthday celebration cake was also cut by some original pupils that attended the school in the 1950s and a time capsule was buried in the garden with specially-selected items from current pupils in each class. Ex-pupils of the Rutherglen school also had a chance to wander down memory lane through a corridor of photo memories and memorabilia that were lovingly curated by the staff. The fundraising event generated a whopping £9147 pure profit – the most the school has ever made at a summer fair. These funds will ensure every child enjoys a school trip, free fun events and additional school resources. Elaine Miller, chair of Calderwood Primary School's parent council said; 'The sun shone in more ways than one on Saturday. What an incredible day and a fantastic amount of funds raised in three hours. 'With local council cuts these funds are even more vital. They enable each child to have at least one school trip a year and allow us to deliver free fun events for our children in recognition of the cost of living for families. 'We have also funded some essential school resources like books and overhead projectors in the absence of local council funding. This event could not have been achieved without a tremendous team effort. 'A huge thank you to all our parent volunteers, school staff, pupils and Calderwood community for coming along and supporting the school.'
The National
30-04-2025
- Business
- The National
BBC announces new presenter for flagship Reporting Scotland show
Laura Goodwin, who has worked as BBC Scotland's innovation correspondent since 2018, will join the programme next month alongside current presenter Laura Miller. It comes after Sally Magnusson (below) announced she was stepping down after 27 years in the role. Goodwin was born in South Africa and moved to Scotland at the age of 12, going on to study sociology at the University of Edinburgh. She started her broadcast career at Moray Firth Radio in Inverness before moving to STV in Aberdeen as a presenter and reporter. Goodwin will start her new role on Reporting Scotland from next month, presenting on Thursdays and Fridays. She said: "I am delighted to be officially joining the Reporting Scotland presentation team after six years working as a correspondent for the BBC. READ MORE: Thousands expected at Orange Order march for VE day 80th anniversary "To take over from Sally Magnusson, someone I hold in such high regard, is an incredible honour. "I look forward to sharing the week, and the Reporting Scotland desk, with the wonderful Laura Miller, delivering the stories that matter to our audience. "On a personal note, this is an opportunity that as a once very shy little girl, I could only have dreamt of and I am looking forward to getting started." Gary Smith, head of news and current affairs at BBC Scotland, said: "Laura is a brilliant addition to the Reporting Scotland team. "She is a consummate professional who presents with authority, flair and grace. "A great journalist and interviewer too, who gets straight to the heart of a story."
Scottish Sun
30-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Scottish Sun
BBC reveals Sally Magnusson's replacement as legendary presenter leaves Reporting Scotland
The legendary news anchor presented her last show this month Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) THE BBC has announced who will replace Sally Magnusson following her decision to step down after nearly 30 years as a presenter on Reporting Scotland. The veteran broadcaster, aged 69, confirmed in January that she would be stepping aside after joining the BBC's flagship news programme in 1997. Sign up for the Entertainment newsletter Sign up 5 BBC newsreader and now author Sally Magnusson spent 27 years at the helm Credit: BBC Scotland 5 Laura Goodwin is set to step up into the role in May Credit: Jamie Simpson/BBC Magnusson initially co-hosted the programme alongside Jackie Bird, 62, before later working with Laura Miller, 44. Today, the Beeb revealed that Laura Goodwin will take over as lead news presenter alongside Miller, following Magnusson's departure after 27 years at the helm. Goodwin, a South African-born journalist who moved to Scotland at the age of 12, joined the BBC in 2018 as Innovation Correspondent. Over the years, she has reported on the creativity and ingenuity of Scotland's business and academic sectors, most recently covering the approval of Shetland's spaceport. Speaking about her appointment, Goodwin said: 'I am delighted to be officially joining the Reporting Scotland presentation team after six years working as a correspondent for the BBC. "To take over from Sally Magnusson, someone I hold in such high regard, is an incredible honour. "I look forward to sharing the week, and the Reporting Scotland desk, with the wonderful Laura Miller, delivering the stories that matter to our audience. "On a personal note, this is an opportunity that, as a once very shy little girl, I could only have dreamt of, and I am looking forward to getting started.' Gary Smith, Head of News and Current Affairs at BBC Scotland, praised Goodwin, saying: 'Laura is a brilliant addition to the Reporting Scotland team. "She is a consummate professional who presents with authority, flair, and grace. "She is also a great journalist and interviewer who gets straight to the heart of a story.' BAFTA nominated BBC comedy series set to return for final ever series - and fans don't have long to wait A former student of Madras College in St Andrews, Goodwin went on to study Sociology at the University of Edinburgh. She began her broadcast career at Moray Firth Radio in Inverness before moving to STV in Aberdeen as a presenter and reporter, covering key news stories including the opening of the Queensferry Crossing, the new V&A museum, and the Scottish independence referendum. Goodwin will take up her new role on Reporting Scotland, presenting on Thursdays and Fridays from next month (May 2025). Reflecting on her departure, Sally Magnusson previously said: 'Leaving Reporting Scotland will be a real wrench after 27 years. I'll miss the buzz and challenges of live news presentation, which I've always adored. "But although my focus now turns to a growing writing career, an expanding family, and my work around dementia, I'm also looking forward to maintaining links with the BBC as a freelance broadcaster.' The journalist and mother of five anchored the programme for the last time in April. During her career, she has also enjoyed stints on Sunday Mornings with BBC Radio Scotland, as well as featuring in Panorama and Songs of Praise on television. Her most recent television documentary for BBC Scotland was Alzheimer's, a Cure and Me, which aired last year. This came after her mother, Mamie Baird, was diagnosed with mixed dementia in 2009. 5 Sally Magnusson with her daughter, Anna Lisa, and granddaughter, Remy, appeared in a documentary about dementia last year Credit: BBC 5 Reporting Scotland presenters, Laura Miller, left, with Sally Credit: BBC Goodwin's appointment is the latest development in BBC Scotland's news and current affairs portfolio, which recently launched two new programmes. Earlier this year, News at Seven, presented by Laura McIver and Amy Irons, and the podcast series Scotcast with Martin Geissler, replaced the channel's flagship shows The Nine and The Seven.
The National
30-04-2025
- Entertainment
- The National
BBC appoints new Reporting Scotland presenter
Laura Goodwin, who has worked as BBC Scotland's innovation correspondent since 2018, will join the programme next month alongside current presenter Laura Miller. It comes after Sally Magnusson (below) announced she was stepping down after 27 years in the role. Goodwin was born in South Africa and moved to Scotland at the age of 12, going on to study sociology at the University of Edinburgh. She started her broadcast career at Moray Firth Radio in Inverness before moving to STV in Aberdeen as a presenter and reporter. READ MORE: Thousands expected at Orange Order march for VE day 80th anniversary Goodwin will start her new role on Reporting Scotland from next month, presenting on Thursdays and Fridays. She said: "I am delighted to be officially joining the Reporting Scotland presentation team after six years working as a correspondent for the BBC. "To take over from Sally Magnusson, someone I hold in such high regard, is an incredible honour. I look forward to sharing the week, and the Reporting Scotland desk, with the wonderful Laura Miller, delivering the stories that matter to our audience. "On a personal note, this is an opportunity that as a once very shy little girl, I could only have dreamt of and I am looking forward to getting started." Gary Smith, head of news and current affairs at BBC Scotland, said: "Laura is a brilliant addition to the Reporting Scotland team. "She is a consummate professional who presents with authority, flair and grace. "A great journalist and interviewer too, who gets straight to the heart of a story."
