It has been announced that actor, stage director, and dramatist Ron Pember has sadly died at the age of 87.
An respected actor of the stage and screen, who was best known for his supporting roles in shows including iconic British sitcom Only Fools and Horses, BBC drama Secret Army, and much-loved BBC comedy Red Dwarf, the death of the Essex-born actor Pember was announced on social media yesterday by his grandson, Paul Pember.
Born in Plaistow in 1934, Pember enjoyed a career stretching over thirty years, where he was a character actor in British television productions in the 1970s-1980s – usually in bit-parts, or as a support playing a worldly-wise everyman.
In a tweet confirming his sad passing, Pember’s grandson said: “The sadness now is the happiness then.
After making his TV debut in the early 1960s, as mentioned, one of Pember’s most recognisable roles was when he appeared in an episode of Only Fools and Horses in the 1980s, portraying Baz – the unenthusiastic Chairman of the Tenants’ Association.
He also stared as Belgian Resistance fighter Alain Muny in BBC drama Secret Army, which he played from 1977 to 1979.
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Other parts Pember played included TV series The Rivals of Sherlock Holmes, legal drama Crown Court, The Dick Emery Show, and The Two Ronnies.
When it comes to his career on stage, Pember was known for co-writing the stage musical entitled Jack the Ripper (1974), about the Victorian murder spree in London in the late 1880s, which is still regularly produced by amateur theatre groups and companies around the globe to this day.
He also acted with the National Theatre Company from 1965 to 1968, as well as acting and directing plays at the Mermaid Theatre in London.
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Since the announcement of Pember’s passing, tributes have come flooding in on social media.
RIP Ron Pember. A terrific character actor, stage director and dramatist who made a memorable appearance in Series II’s Better Than Life.
The official Twitter account for Only Fools And Horses reposted the tribute and celebrated Ron’s life and incredible acting skills, adding: “We are saddened to hear of the news of the death of Ron Pember who played Baz in the series 3 episode, Homesick. Our thoughts and warm wishes go to his family and friends.”
Actor Danny John-Jules, who played the Cat in Red Dwarf, also paid tribute to Pember: “Just heard the sad news that Ron Pember has passed away. He was such a gentleman with us upstarts when he appeared on Red Dwarf He just rammed his tongue firmly into his cheek and joined the party – What a legend. RIP.”
Just heard the sad news that Ron Pember has passed away. (Tuesday) He was such a gentleman with us upstarts when he appeared on #RedDwarf He just rammed his tongue firmly into his cheek and joined the party! What a legend. RIP pic.twitter.com/8smNqbbUKW
The official Red Dwarf account also said: “RIP Ron Pember. A terrific character actor, stage director and dramatist who made a memorable appearance in Series II’s Better Than Life.”
Music theatre label Stage Door Records has too paid tribute on Twitter, writing: “We’re so very sad to learn that actor and composer Ron Pember has passed away.
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“It was such a joy to work with Ron and his wife Yvonne on the debut CD release of Ron’s musical ‘Jack the Ripper’, and we’ll always cherish those wonderful meetings we had together for the album.”
We're so very sad to learn that actor and composer Ron Pember has passed away.
It was such a joy to work with Ron and his wife Yvonne on the debut CD release of Ron's musical 'Jack the Ripper', and we'll always cherish those wonderful meetings we had together for the album. pic.twitter.com/sedOSYpt0e
Council announces return of FREE firework displays in Manchester parks
Emily Sergeant
The skies over Manchester will light up once again, as free firework displays are set to return to several of the city’s parks.
You may remember that major fireworks events throughout the city had been paused following the COVID-19 pandemic, due to funding challenges, with Manchester City Council choosing to invest in a range of other community-focused events across throughout the autumn season instead, rather than one-off firework celebrations.
But now, once this November rolls around, all of that is set to change.
That’s because, on Saturday 7 November, free fireworks events will return to Heaton Park, Wythenshawe Park, and Platt Fields Park.
First up, there will be a reduced-noise, low-impact display at 5pm for families and SEND audiences, and a main fireworks display then to follow a little later at 8pm.
The Council has announced the return of free firework displays in Manchester parks / Credit: Unsplash
Each of the three parks will host lantern making workshops in the weeks leading up to the events too, with family-friendly lantern parades taking place ahead of the 8pm firework shows.
The Council says that the return of the free fireworks events reflects residents’ recent feedback about what they want to see in their community and how they want funding to be distributed.
“It’s a chance, at the start of the shorter days and beginning of the dark winter months, to come together and resume a much-loved annual tradition as well as enjoying an evening of safe entertainment and spectacular fireworks displays,” Manchester City Council said in a statement.
Councillor Basat Sheikh, who is the Executive Member for Neighbourhoods, added: “We are delighted to announce and welcome the return of our much-loved fireworks celebrations.
It’s the first time they’ve returned since the COVID-19 pandemic / Credit: Elisha Terada (via Unsplash)
“Our parks should be shared spaces that create opportunities for Manchester people to gather, which is why bringing back the fireworks displays was top of our agenda. And we also recognise the importance of community which is why we will also continue to invest in a wide range of activities in our parks throughout the year.
“The return of these events is a wonderful opportunity for families and communities to create lasting memories and enjoy the long-standing tradition of fireworks in our parks in a safe way.”
Additional entertainment will be announced for each park in the coming weeks too, so keep your eyes peeled for more.
Featured Image – Alex Jones (via Unsplash)
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Stockport man admits to drugging and raping his wife without her knowledge for more than 20 years
Emily Sergeant
A man in his 60s from Stockport has admitted drugging and raping his wife in a ‘horrific’ 20-year campaign of abuse.
According to Greater Manchester Police (GMP), the man – who cannot be identified in order to protect the life-long anonymity of the victim – previously admitted five counts of rape, three counts of sexual assault, six counts of assault by penetration, and one count of sharing intimate photos or film.
And now, during an appearance at Manchester Minshull Street Crown Court yesterday (14 September), he pleaded guilty to a further 45 charges.
This makes it 60 charges in total the man has now pleaded guilty to.
Some of the charges he pleaded guilty to yesterday include a further 16 counts of rape, nine counts of assault by penetration, seven counts of sexual assault, and four counts of attempted rape, amongst several others.
Speaking following the court appearance yesterday, GMP’s Assistant Chief Constable, Rick Jackson, said: “Our focus remains on supporting the victim of this horrific campaign of abuse through what is a very complex investigation.
“Specialist support continues to be provided to the victim at the centre of this case.
“If you are concerned you or someone you know may be affected by drug-facilitated sexual abuse, please know that you do not need proof, certainty, or a clear memory to be taken seriously.
“You are not expected to understand exactly what has happened or who was involved in order to be taken seriously. If you feel that something has happened, then please report it or ask for help.”
GMP reiterates that anyone who does choose to report sexual abuse does not need a full account or clear memory, can share as much or as little as they feel able, and will be supported by trained officers, as their ‘immediate’ safety and wellbeing will be the ‘priority’.
They may also speak to a support organisation first and decide later whether to involve police.
Saint Mary’s Sexual Assault Referral Centre – Services are available on a 24-hour basis, and can be accessed by calling 0161 276 6515.
Greater Manchester Rape Crisis – Call on 0161 273 4500 or email [email protected]
Emily Sergeant -
11th March 2022 
