A 92-year-old Grandmother from Moston has been honoured with a Pride of Britain award after helping hundreds of young offenders get their lives back on track through her community allotment.
Dena Murphy was the proud recipient of the TSB Community Hero accolade at the Pride of Britain Awards in recognition of her tireless work, heart of gold and hilarious wisecracks, which have captured the hearts of many fellow Mancunians over the years.
She enjoyed her well-deserved moment in the spotlight during the ceremony on ITV yesterday evening.
Dena said: “I don’t know what to say,”
“It’s not like me to be speechless, I never expected this. It’s the first time in 30 years I’ve actually cried. I love working in Moston to support people and am very touched by the award.”
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This isn’t the first time Dena has been quite-rightly celebrated though, as last year she became the star of the show at the Pride of Manchester Awards, leaving the audience in stitches with her sharp wit, before moving them to tears with her compassion for others.
As well as her services to community through her beloved allotment, Dena also helps run a luncheon club for the elderly.
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During the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, she has helped feed 120 elderly residents a week with fresh food.
The Cheshire and Greater Manchester Community Rehabilitation Company (CGM CRC) supervises people on Community Payback orders and has congratulated Dena.
Supervisor Richard Walters said: “I am absolutely delighted Dena has got this recognition; I can think of no-one else more deserving. It is such a pleasure working alongside Dena and everyone involved in the project looks forward to spending time with her.
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“It’s obviously a pain for service users to have to give up their Saturdays to carry out unpaid work, it is a punishment after all.
“But it is also a way for people to learn new skills, to develop and to progress.
“Dena helps so much because she always gives a listening ear, she takes an interest in everybody’s troubles, and it’s obvious to everyone that she genuinely cares about people.
“It means our service users actually want to attend the allotment.”
Congratulations Dena.
Thank you for always making Manchester proud.
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A Twilight rave is coming to Manchester with DJs blasting 2000s indie and emo anthems
Emily Sergeant
A Twilight rave is coming to Manchester this spooky season.
It’s been nearly 20 years since the release of the titular first film in the Twilight Saga, based on author Stephanie Meyer’s bestselling book series of the same name, but despite two decades having passed, the films remain as beloved as ever.
Twilight went on to become a global phenomenon when it first hit cinemas back in November 2008, not just with its target audience of teens and young adults, but with people of all ages – making stars out of its lead actors Robert Pattinson and Kristen Stewart in the process, and generating millions at the box office.
With the impact it had on the culture at the time, it’s no wonder Twilight remained among fans’ favourites all these years later.
And this success is why events company Throwback Events is hosting a series of Twilight Raves across the UK and Europe this autumn, making a stop off here in Manchester in late November with tickets now on sale.
The event description reads: “Bella, where the hell you been loca? Join us as we celebrate Twilight at the club, where every day is Hoa Hoa Hoa season.
“Step into the shadows and relive the magic, mystery, and eternal romance of Twilight. Get ready for a night of anthems, nostalgia, and glittering darkness as we transform the dancefloor into Forks’ most iconic vampire coven.”
DJs will be spinning Twilight soundtracks on the night, alongside dark pop, emo, indie, and 2000s bangers, as well as playing fan edits from the films on big screens.
Oh, and to make it all the better, dressing up as vampires and werewolves is ‘highly encouraged’.
Fancy it then? The Twilight Rave is coming to the Deaf Institute in Manchester on Saturday 21 November, and tickets will set you back upwards of £7 each.
Manchester cinemas are offering tickets to big blockbusters for just £4 this weekend
Emily Sergeant
You can watch some of the year’s biggest blockbusters for just £4 this weekend.
That’s because, to celebrate National Cinema Weekend (5-6 September), Vue has announced that it’ll be offering cut-price tickets to everything from the latest blockbusters and family favourites, to indie horrors and classic re-releases, so you don’t have to break the bank to enjoy the full cinematic experience this autumn.
Some of the highlights currently showing that you’ll be able to see for just £4 include summer hits like Spider-Man: Brand New Day, The Odyssey, and Toy Story 5, as well as the recent release of Ridley Scott’s latest film, The Dog Stars, starring Jacob Elordi.
Family favourites such as Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets,Paw Patrol: The Dino Movie, and Cars will also be screening over National Cinema Weekend.
Meanwhile, horror fans can also catch new releases Insidious: Out of the Further, and indie horror Leviticus, or see the year’s biggest horror hit, Obsession, if you haven’t already.
The best bit about the offer? It applies to every seat on every showing, all weekend long.
This means that film lovers can enjoy Vue’s biggest and comfiest seats, Ultra Lux, which are strategically positioned to give the best possible view of the big screen – with extra-wide armrests, back and leg rests that recline independently, a personal table for snacks and beverages, and a state-of-the-art wine cooler, all for just £4 each.
Mike Anton, General Manager at Vue Manchester Printworks, said it’s been ‘an incredible year’ for film, adding: “This National Cinema Weekend, we want to celebrate the big screen experience by giving back to our audiences.
Emily Sergeant -
2nd November 2020 
