Ken Bruce has left his listeners “bawling” today as he bid an emotional final farewell to BBC Radio 2 after 31 years.
The Scottish radio broadcasting veteran announced back in January that he would be stepping down from his late-morning slot on BBC Radio 2 after hosting the primetime show for over three decades from 1986 to 1990, and then again from 1992 to 2023.
The 72-year-old said he would “always be proud” of his association with the BBC and Radio 2.
But Bruce explained that he wanted to continue his career “in a slightly different way in the next few years”, and confirmed that, to do this, he’ll be moving to Greatest Hits Radio in April to present a brand new mid-morning show.
It was announced last month that Bolton-born presenter and TV personality Vernon Kay would be taking over from Bruce after the revered host’s departure on Friday 3 March.
Taking to the airwaves for the final time, Bruce’s final show saw send-offs from long-time listeners and fellow broadcasters.
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He also repaid the kindness showed to him throughout his career, by going on to thank his listeners, the production team at Radio 2, and the BBC – the latter of which he claimed on Twitter last month “decided wants me to leave [Radio 2] earlier” than planned, after he had “intended fulfilling my contract until the end of March”.
“Thanks to all who’ve sent any kind of message of congratulations or good riddance,” Bruce told his listeners in his final message.
After what had been an emotional couple of hours, Bruce then directly addressed his former employer, stating: “And to the BBC, I’ve been here for a long time and, apart from the occasional vaguery, it is still the finest broadcasting organisation in the world.”
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Bruce then had the tough task of picking the songs to signing-off his last ever show.
He chose a medley of ‘Golden Slumbers’, ‘Carry That Weight’, and ‘The End’ that all end the legendary Abbey Road album by The Beatles, just as his BBC career came to an end.
What a class act Ken Bruce! Perfect last show – self deprecating, total professional and top fella ❤️
As his final show drew to a close, social media was flooded with messages of support for Bruce and memories of his career from both listeners and famous faces.
One fan shared said on Twitter: “Having a bit of a cry at Ken Bruce playing The Beatles’ Golden Slumbers, Carry that Weight, The End, at the end of his last programme for BBC 2. Pass the tissues please.”
Another added: “I didn’t expect to have a little midday cry over this, but here I am. Thank you, Ken Bruce.”
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A third simply said on Twitter that they were “bawling” at Bruce’s sign-off.
Vernon Kay will take over from Ken Bruce in May, with DJ Gary Davies will fill the gap between Bruce’s departure and Kay’s first show, the BBC has confirmed.
We're delighted to announce that Vernon Kay will be taking over the mid-morning show on Radio 2 later this year! 🧡 pic.twitter.com/IVm3xYbOpw
Kay is well-known for fronting various shows on Channel 4’s T4 throughout his career, as well as several ITV shows including All Star Family Fortunes, Just The Two Of Us, Beat The Star, and Splash!, for competing in reality competition show I’m A Celebrity… back in 2020, and has lots of experience on the airwaves too.
The 48-year-old presented his own BBC Radio 1 show between 2004 and 2012, and then went on to host a show on Radio X between 2015 and 2017.
Featured Image – BBC
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Morrisons is introducing ‘sensory support boxes’ in stores for autistic and neurodiverse customers
Emily Sergeant
Morrisons is introducing ‘sensory support boxes’ for autistic and neurodiverse customers shopping in its stores across the UK.
Supermarket shopping isn’t always the most pleasant or manageable of experiences for everyone, especially for those who are autistic or neurodivergent – with bright lights, loud sounds, strong smells, and crowds of people making it a rather overwhelming and overstimulating atmosphere.
This is why Morrisons has decided to collaborate with the National Autistic Society to introduce dedicated ‘Sensory Support Boxes’ at its stores nationwide, as a way to both mark World Autism Acceptance Month, and help autistic and neurodivergent customers have the positive shopping experience they deserve.
These boxes have been carefully-developed in consultation with the National Autistic Society to ensure they include the most helpful items.
A range of toys like fidget balls, spinners, and squish mats can all be found inside the boxes – which will be eventually be available in all 500 Morrisons supermarkets by May – to help encourage calmness and focus.
All that customers wishing to access the items need to do is simply speak to a colleague at the customer service kiosk of their local Morrisons store.
More than one in 100 people are autistic, and there are 700,000 autistic adults and children in the UK.
Morrisons is introducing ‘sensory support boxes’ in stores for autistic and neurodiverse customers / Credit: Morrisons
Speaking on the decision to introduce the Sensory Support Boxes into UK stores, Joseph Clark-Bland, who is the Community Manager at Morrisons, said: “It’s a priority for us to ensure all Morrisons customers feel welcomed and understood.
“We’re proud to be leading the way in creating a more inclusive shopping environment for autistic people, their families and all neurodivergent people across the UK.
“World Autism Acceptance Month has been a key moment for Morrisons for many years, and we look forward to supporting even more customers via our new Sensory Boxes.”
The introduction of the Sensory Support Boxes comes after Morrisons first trialled a ‘Quieter Hour’ in some of its stores back in 2018, before rolling it out nationwide in 2024 due to its success and positive feedback.
Featured Image – Morrisons
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Greater Manchester cinemas to screen family-favourite films for just £2.50 this spring
Emily Sergeant
Greater Manchester cinemas will be screening family-favourite films, and some new releases, all throughout this upcoming spring holidays.
The best bit? Prices start from a massively-affordable £2.50 a ticket.
With Easter right around the corner, and schools across Greater Manchester set to be on their spring holidays in a couple of weeks time, parents and carers will likely be looking for ways to keep the kids entertained while schools are out.
But now it’s time to take care of those film lovers… and also those keen to plan budget-friendly events that also take into account the classic Manchester April showers.
Cinema chain Vue has announced its lineup of family blockbusters showing at venues across Greater Manchester this spring – including Printworks, Lowry, Bolton, Altrincham, and Bury.
Arriving in time for the school holidays, A Minecraft Movie welcomes fans to their favourite cubic wonderland, while the whole family can instead transport themselves into Disney’s reimagining of the 1937 classic Snow White if they’d prefer.
Also returning to the big screen are childhood classics like Wallace & Gromit: Curse of The Were-Rabbit, 20 years after its original release, and the beloved Babe, to celebrate the film’s 30th anniversary.
Greater Manchester cinemas will be screening family-favourite films for just £2.50 this spring / Credit: Disney | Aardman Animations
And as part of Vue’s ‘Mighty Mornings’ offering, film fans can enjoy pre-releases of family-friendly flicks like Sonic the Hedgehog 3 and Moana 2 every day throughout half term, all from just £2.49 per ticket when booked online.
“A trip to Vue this Easter break is the perfect opportunity for families to immerse themselves in the magic of their favourite big screen characters,” commented Rob Lea, who is the Head of Screen Content at Vue UK & Ireland.
Emily Sergeant -
3rd March 2023 
