UK News

Mary from Gogglebox has died aged 92

The beloved star of the show, who was one half of Mary and Marina, passed away in hospital over the weekend surrounded by her family.

The Manc The Manc - 23rd August 2021

Gogglebox star Mary Cook has sadly passed away at the age of 92.

The beloved star of the show, who was one half of Bristolian duo Mary and Marina, passed away in hospital over the weekend surrounded by her family.

The sad news of her death was confirmed in a statement issued on Monday by Channel 4 and Studio Lambert, which makes the programme, on behalf of Mary’s family.

Where are Mary and Marina on Gogglebox? - Manchester Evening News
Mary left, Marina right // Channel 4

The statement reads: “We are extremely saddened to share that Gogglebox star Mary Cook passed away in hospital this weekend at the age of 92 with her family by her side.

“Beloved mother, grandmother, great grandmother and dear friend to many, Mary, who worked in the hospitality trade, had been married and widowed twice.

ADVERTISEMENT

“Bristolians Mary & Marina met at St Monica Trust retirement village over ten years ago and had been friends ever since. They joined Gogglebox in 2016 at the start of series eight and became instant fan favourites due to their brilliantly witty and often cheeky comments.

“Mary will be sorely missed by the entire Gogglebox family, cast and crew.”

Rest in peace Mary, you lived a very full life and will be sorely missed by Gogglebox viewers across the world.

UK News

A literacy charity is making its way to Manchester bringing lots of FREE books

Thomas Melia Thomas Melia

A charity dedicated to literacy is coming to Manchester in May providing families and individuals with plenty of free books.

Led by Bookbanks, this London-founded organisation was set up in line with food banks to provide people with access to free books and now they’re coming all the way to Manchester.

This charity started in 2022 all thanks to writer and journalist Emily Rhodes, who has read her fair share of books and wants to give this privilege to anyone who might not be able to get their hands on any.

The charity has seen widespread positive reception quickly expanding into Norfolk and is now partnering with various food banks in Manchester, marking the organisation’s first Northern venture.

Bookbanks gives out an average of 30 books per week, per site and has distributed over 5,000 books so far at food banks.

Crates being organised in Manchester food bank.
Crates being organised in Manchester food bank.
Credit: Publicity Picture (via Supplied)

Titled Bookbanks after the fact that they work very closely with food banks to provide books far and wide to food banks across the UK, they also host a range of interactive events.

Alongside all the fantastic work the team do, there’s a handful of free workshops and author events on offer for all ages and backgrounds, to further build the connection between people and their books.

ADVERTISEMENT

Currently, there are two famous figures backing this book-based charity, Elizabeth Day and Andrew O’Hagan, both of which are no stranger to a pen and paper.

Day is an award-winning author who has written nine fiction and non-fiction books to date, while O’Hagan is Booker Prize nominated and is London Review of Books’ Editor-at-Large.

Bookbanks relies on the general public to spread their message further and there’s even a section on their website detailing how you can get involved to continue distributing books within food banks.

One of Bookbank's many free author events, some of which will hopefully take place in Manchester.
One of Bookbank’s many free author events, some of which will hopefully take place in Manchester.
Credit: Publicity Picture (via Supplied)

Whether you’re an avid runner or keen to try something new why not raise money for and be sponsored by Bookbanks, knowing you’ve done your bit to bring books to those who need them most.

If you don’t fancy lacing up those trainers and heading out for a run, why not donate any old books you’ve finished reading to this book-focused charity and allow others to discover a whole new world of reading.

Read more:

Bookbanks first official Manchester site will launch on Friday 2 May at Manchester Central Food bank and a second site is already in talks at Greater Together Manchester’s Social Supermarket in Miles Platting.

To find out more ways to get involved as a company, publisher, member of public and more, you can find all information on their official site HERE.

Featured Image: Publicity Picture via Annabelle Williams

UK News

The ‘headphone dodger’ proposal that could see people who play loud music on public transport fined

Danny Jones Danny Jones No headphones policy fine Lib Dems proposal

A group of politicians are calling for people who play music and videos out loud on public transport to be fined, and not just a small fee, either. How about a grand?…

Yes, a new idea floated by members of the Liberal Democrats would see so-called ‘headphone dodgers’ hit with a penalty of a whopping penalty of up to £1,000.

The term was used by the leader of the party, Sir Ed Davey, who believes the policy should be written into law as part of a continued crackdown on anti-social behaviour.

Obviously, the idea would need government backing in order to make it through as an official bill, but it seems several Labour and Conservative MPs agree, and the suggestion alone already has caused plenty of online discussion.

Sparking quite the water-cooler conversation too, the proposal is something that clearly taps into a fairly common nuisance among the general public and one that has increased in the era of smartphones, tablets and so on.

While it’s definitely something people can relate to, and the highly reactionary idea of charging them such a large sum of money, many on social media have noted that while the concept is one they can get behind, the figure seems excessive to most.

The no-headphone fine would apply to those playing music and video out loud on buses, trains and trams at what would generally be considered an obnoxious volume; if given the green light, this rule would be included in the railway byelaws and the current ‘Bus Services Bill‘ amended.

It has been suggested that a potential national campaign deterring this kind of behaviour would follow, with the party arguing plainly that commuters deserve to “enjoy a moment of peace.”

A similar policy has emerged regarding drivers as well.

Motorists can be fined £1,000 for blasting music with swear words while driving

This push from the Lib Dems comes after they commissioned a poll which found that “more than half of Brits said they would not feel empowered to ask somebody to turn down their music” while on board public transport, with over a third confessing they’ve come across the issue before.

Lisa Smart, the party’s home affairs spokesman, said: “Far too many people dread their daily commute because of the blight of antisocial behaviour — and headphone dodgers playing loud music on buses and trains are some of the worst offenders.”

She went on to add, “It’s time to take a stand for the quiet majority who just want to get from A to B in peace.” It is believed that both politicians in power and members of the opposition have already expressed support for the idea, even if specifics like the severity of the fine are up for debate.

What do you make of it?

Read more:

For all the latest news, events and goings on in Greater Manchester, subscribe to The Manc newsletter HERE.

Featured Images — Cottonbro Studio (via Pexels)

More UK News

First ever Festival of Women's Football Awards 2025 winners

Manchester

Greater Manchester cleans up at first-ever Festival of Women’s Football Awards

Boroughs

Middleton to receive a cinema and Metrolink as part of regeneration plans

Audio

You can get FREE tickets to watch The Voice UK in Manchester

Audio

Clint Boon takes us around Manchester's iconic Deaf Institute

Eats

We go meatballs deep with Mira's traditional Neapolitan sandwiches