Sue Lee

Photographer Mark McEvoy’s candid photographs of late-night London Underground passengers from 1992 to 1995 have been collected in a new book. The images capture kissing couples, punks, revellers, commuters and other travellers before smartphones transformed public life. McEvoy discusses the stories behind several photographs, the challenges of photographing strangers, and the contrast between the 1990s Tube and today’s carriages, as the Night Tube marks its tenth anniversary.

Karl Dawson’s Ditchburn Jukebox Museum in Lytham St Annes is preserving the history of Britain’s first domestically made jukeboxes, launched in 1946 through a partnership involving band leader Jack Hylton and Hawtin’s. After Geoffrey Ditchburn took over, the company expanded jukebox rentals nationwide and helped bring American rock and roll to British teenagers when broadcasters largely ignored the genre. The factory eventually closed in the 1970s after refusing to join a brewery-backed entertainment supply arrangement. Dawson now restores the machines, offers free public access and uses the museum as a community hub, including for people living with dementia, while seeking volunteers and funding to ensure the collection and restoration skills survive.

The Brooklands Belles were pioneering women racers who competed against men at Brooklands in the 1930s after an earlier ban on female drivers was lifted. The feature highlights Kay Petre’s record-breaking career, Fay Taylor’s international success and fascist associations, and Beatrice Schilling’s achievements in motorcycle racing and wartime aeronautical engineering. Racing ended at Brooklands in 1939 when the site was converted for military aircraft production, contributing to the women’s fading from public memory. Toby Hartwell’s new book seeks to restore their legacy and present their careers as an enduring example of women overcoming institutional and social barriers.

Laura Hamilton describes witnessing the unsuccessful resuscitation of a 19-year-old who drowned on a beach near Montpellier, an experience that prompted her to support the Mirror’s Save Lives for Sam campaign. The campaign calls for compulsory water-safety lessons in schools, a nationwide awareness drive, improved safety equipment at high-risk waterways, Sam’s Law and a dedicated Minister for Water Safety. Hamilton emphasizes swimming education and awareness of currents and open-water dangers, while campaigners cite the continuing toll of child and adult drownings in England as an urgent national problem.

Barrow, Hepburn & Gale, a leather manufacturer founded in 1760, continues to produce the traditional red despatch boxes used by British monarchs, prime ministers and ministers for confidential government papers. Owner Mohammed Suleman describes the firm’s historic government and military work, its network of family-run workshops, and efforts to preserve specialist craftsmanship. The boxes remain traditionally made but can also be privately commissioned, including one owned by Angelina Jolie, while demand and pricing vary according to government activity and customization.

Rough Trade Records marks its 50th anniversary as founder Geoff Travis and co-director Jeanette Lee reflect on its evolution from a small Ladbroke Grove record shop to an influential independent label. They recount early punk-era successes, the breakthrough of The Smiths, financial challenges in the late 1980s, and later revivals including signing The Libertines and The Strokes. Despite industry changes and ongoing challenges, they emphasise the label’s enduring instinct-driven approach to discovering new talent and maintaining a strong sense of community.

London Zoo marks the 200th anniversary of the Zoological Society of London with a year of events highlighting its cultural legacy and global conservation work. CEO Kathryn England reflects on the zoo’s historic figures, landmark animals, and contributions to species recovery, including programs for the Scimitar-horned oryx, Partula snail, and Darwin’s frog. The zoo’s ties to British royalty, film, literature, and public life are showcased alongside its evolving mission to protect wildlife. England describes her personal connection to the animals, including early‑morning visits to Jimmy the gibbon, while new initiatives such as a wildlife health centre and commemorative Royal Mint coin mark the bicentenary.

Ruth Ellis, the last woman executed in Britain, received a posthumous conditional pardon acknowledging that modern legal defences related to abuse would likely have altered her conviction. Announced by Deputy Prime Minister David Lammy and granted by King Charles, the decision recognises evidence of severe domestic abuse by David Blakely. Her grandson Stephen Beard describes the pardon as the end of a decades-long family struggle to overturn the stigma attached to Ellis’s execution, which had lasting effects across generations. The decision offers closure for the family while highlighting the evolving understanding of abuse and miscarriages of justice.

Tom Hutchinson prepares to fulfil his childhood dream of performing with the Black Dyke Band at the BBC Proms, reflecting the group’s long history and global reputation. Principal conductor Nick Childs and several band members describe the dedication, tradition and community spirit that define the ensemble, whose players travel long distances and balance everyday jobs with elite musical performance. The band’s legacy, from its 19th‑century origins to modern international tours, underscores its cultural significance as it returns to the Proms with a programme blending film, contemporary and classical music.

Lady Anne Dodd reflects on her late husband Sir Ken Dodd’s life and legacy as a new exhibition, Happiness! The Ken Dodd Exhibition, opens in Blackpool. She describes his devotion to performing, his creativity, and her continued efforts to preserve his memory through the Ken Dodd Charitable Foundation. The exhibition showcases items from his seven-decade career, including props, notebooks and costumes, and celebrates his strong connection to Blackpool. Lady Anne shares personal memories of their life together, his work ethic, and his impact on audiences, emphasising her commitment to keeping his name alive for future generations.

Centuries-old British ceramics manufacturing faces rapid decline due to soaring energy costs, cheap imports, Brexit-related delays, and shifting consumer habits. Historic firms such as Denby and Royal Stafford have closed or reduced operations as production moves overseas and counterfeit ‘fakeware’ floods the market. Industry experts warn that the loss of traditional craftsmanship and skills is accelerating. The UK government has announced a £120 million support package to help energy‑intensive manufacturers modernise and reduce reliance on gas-fired kilns. Union representatives and industry leaders welcome the intervention but stress the need for long‑term investment, apprenticeships, and stronger protections to preserve the future of British ceramics.

Parallels between serial killer nurses Lucy Letby and Beverley Allitt are explored through accounts from former prison governors and staff, highlighting their outwardly gentle demeanors contrasted with their crimes. A new book, Inside: Women Behind Bars, examines their prison experiences, the risks they face from other inmates, and broader issues within the women’s prison system. Contributors describe how dangerous offenders are managed, discuss societal responses to female violence, and argue that prisons designed for men fail to meet the needs of female inmates. The book also addresses other female offenders and calls for reforms in how women in custody are treated.

A new book exploring the lives and behaviour of women in UK prisons provides rare insight into notorious offenders including Rose West, Myra Hindley and Joanna Dennehy, contrasting their public reputations with accounts from former prison staff and inmates who describe quieter, often unexpectedly ordinary demeanours. Interviews highlight the hidden realities of women’s prisons, including understaffing, high rates of self‑harm and the challenges faced by mothers behind bars. The authors argue that most incarcerated women are not violent offenders but individuals shaped by addiction, abusive relationships and undiagnosed mental illness, illustrating how vulnerable many are to circumstances that lead to imprisonment.

Gruinard Island, once contaminated by World War II anthrax weapons tests authorised under Churchill, was declared safe in 1990 after extensive decontamination and now draws small numbers of campers and kayakers. Wartime fears of German biological weapons led British scientists to conduct lethal field experiments on the island, leaving it uninhabitable for decades. Public pressure intensified in the 1980s when the activist group Dark Harvest highlighted ongoing contamination, prompting a major cleanup in 1986. Recent events, including a large 2022 wildfire and lingering questions about missing contaminated soil, keep the island’s history in focus while experts argue the episode underscores enduring global concerns about biological weapons and security safeguards.

Miles Davis’s centenary is marked by global tributes and a major BBC retrospective, highlighting his transformative influence on 20th‑century music. His life blended innovation with deep personal struggles, including heroin and later cocaine addiction, as well as experiences of racism that shaped his worldview. Rising from early success in the 1940s, Davis redefined jazz multiple times, from the cool sound of Kind of Blue to the fusion experiments of Bitches Brew. After a late‑1970s collapse into addiction, he returned in the 1980s to renewed creative output and collaborations with leading artists. Davis died in 1991 at age 65, leaving a legacy that continues to shape contemporary musicians across genres.

Princess Mary’s 1922 wedding dress has been restored for display at Harewood House, revealing renewed interest in the life of the royal once regarded as the first modern princess. Conservation experts repaired the fragile gown in preparation for its role in a Cecil Beaton exhibition, highlighting its intricate materials and symbolic design. The restoration coincides with growing recognition of Mary’s contributions, including her work during World War I, her advocacy for women and girls, and her extensive charitable efforts. Historians challenge long‑held myths about her personal life, portraying her as dedicated, capable and widely respected. The exhibition and new scholarship aim to reintroduce her legacy to contemporary audiences.

A British Film Institute season revisits overlooked British films from 1945 to 1960, exploring how postwar cinema reflected a nation grappling with identity, austerity and social change. Curators and historians highlight themes such as class disruption, childhood anxiety, capital punishment and emerging youth culture, while films like Mandy, Hunted and Turn the Key Softly capture the hardships and hopes of everyday life. Despite their age, the films reveal enduring questions about Britishness and continue to resonate in 2026.

Mamie Van Doren reflects on her life and career as Hollywood's last surviving blonde bombshell, sharing memories of friendships, romances, industry challenges and her bond with Marilyn Monroe. She discusses experiences with major film stars, the pressures of the studio system, and her resilience in navigating fame. Her forthcoming memoir recounts her journey from Depression-era poverty to stardom while dispelling long‑held myths about Hollywood's golden age.

The Royal Festival Hall marks its 75th anniversary with celebrations highlighting its postwar origins, inclusive design, and rich performance history. The Southbank Centre plans youth‑focused events, including Danny Boyle’s large‑scale cultural production and Harry Styles’ Meltdown festival. The article reflects on notable past performers, public memories of the 1951 Festival of Britain, and ongoing outreach initiatives aimed at sustaining optimism, accessibility and cultural engagement across the UK.

Horton Cemetery in Surrey holds the unmarked graves of around 9,000 former psychiatric patients, including notable figures such as a Titanic survivor, a Polish noblewoman and a muse of Picasso. The site, long abandoned after being sold by the Department of Health in 1983, is at the center of a campaign led by the Friends of Horton Cemetery to return it to public ownership and establish a memorial and nature reserve. Advocates argue the cemetery offers significant historical value and could help reduce stigma around mental illness. Relatives of those buried there share personal stories, while local MP Helen Maguire supports legislative action to protect neglected burial grounds and restore dignity to those interred.

Irvine Welsh discusses how the 19th‑century murderers Burke and Hare influenced his writing and feature in a new Sky History documentary. He links their crimes to modern social issues, drawing parallels between historic poverty, addiction and exploitation and contemporary economic inequality, online harm and the influence of corporations. Welsh reflects on Edinburgh’s past, the enduring appeal of dark tourism and his belief that digital technology now drives a more psychological form of violence.

A new book by Melinda Ratchford highlights the overlooked experiences of women connected to the Titanic, uncovering untold stories of passengers, crew and those tied to victims. The narrative explores figures such as Maria Robinson, whose fiancé Wallace Hartley died in the sinking, philanthropist Anne Eliza Isham whose fate remains uncertain, and survivor Violet Jessop, involved in multiple maritime disasters. The book features 16 women from varied backgrounds, aiming to amplify their roles in the tragedy and preserve their histories for future generations.

Aaron McCusker reflects on his role as Ben Driscoll in Coronation Street, his family life, and his earlier work on Shameless, which he refuses to let his teenage son watch due to explicit content. He discusses major upcoming plot twists involving his character’s family, his long pursuit of a Corrie role, and previous acting experiences in the UK and US. McCusker expresses happiness at working close to home and highlights his strong off‑screen friendship with co‑star Simon Gregson.

CBGB’s legacy as the birthplace of punk is celebrated through a new four‑CD box set curated by music writer Rob Tannenbaum, highlighting the club’s influence on artists like the Ramones, Blondie, Talking Heads and many lesser‑known acts. Former performers from The Damned recall the venue’s grimy but formative environment, while reflections on its 1970s New York setting underscore both danger and creative energy. The club’s commitment to original music fostered a diverse scene that helped shape punk, new wave and no wave, drawing figures such as Lou Reed, Iggy Pop and David Bowie. After closing in 2006 amid neighborhood gentrification, CBGB’s cultural impact endures through the music it launched and ongoing tributes, including anniversary performances by The Damned.

Helen Worth reflects on five decades playing Gail Platt on Coronation Street, sharing affectionate memories of co-stars, her character’s many on-screen husbands, and her early stage beginnings. She recounts the camaraderie, challenges and evolving pace of production, credits her fellow cast members for the show’s enduring appeal, and expresses gratitude for a long career she found joyful from start to finish. Julie Hesmondhalgh adds insights on the craft of soap acting and the unique style and demands of Coronation Street.

Scalextric, the iconic British slot‑car racing brand, has been sold for £20 million to Purbeck Capital Partners after 70 years of popularity. Collectors and company leaders describe its enduring appeal as a tangible, family-friendly hobby that stands out in a digital era. The brand’s history traces from its 1950s debut through its cultural peak supported by motorsport enthusiasm and celebrity endorsements. Its collector community remains active worldwide, with rare sets commanding high prices. Company representatives emphasise the toy’s emotional value and nostalgic significance amid global uncertainty.

Female artists are driving a surge in country music’s popularity, with figures like Taylor Swift, Beyoncé, Dolly Parton and emerging talents shaping the genre through personal storytelling and emotional depth. Musicians highlight both progress and persistent challenges, including gender inequality, ageism and body shaming faced by women, especially on social media. Artists such as Alexandra Kay and Lainey Wilson discuss pressures around appearance and limited opportunities historically imposed on women, while experts note increasing diversity and the growing presence of Black artists. Despite obstacles, performers express optimism as women gain greater visibility and recognition, reinforcing their central role in shaping country music’s future.

Celia Hammond, a former 1960s model turned animal welfare advocate, leads a fundraising push for the Celia Hammond Animal Trust as demand for rescue services surges. After leaving her modelling career to focus on rescuing cats, she established clinics in London and a sanctuary in Sussex, helping tens of thousands of abandoned animals. The charity faces increasing pressure due to rising vet costs, shortages and a post-pandemic spike in pet ownership, prompting the need for a new £1.5 million centre. Hammond continues to work seven days a week, supported by celebrity allies, committed to improving animal welfare despite the challenges.

Kenneth More’s life and career are revisited through a new biography detailing his rise to fame, wartime heroism, vibrant social life and relationships, and the eventual decline brought on by Parkinson’s disease. Celebrated for portraying Douglas Bader in Reach for the Sky, he became one of Britain’s most recognisable film stars, enjoying success across cinema and television before shifting industry trends and personal struggles changed his fortunes. His final years were marked by illness and care from his wife Angela, yet his legacy endures through his films and enduring public affection.

Dennis the Menace marks his 75th anniversary as experts credit his enduring appeal to relatable mischief, strong artwork, and evolving storytelling. Comic scholars highlight The Beano’s ability to adapt the character to changing social norms while maintaining his rebellious charm. Contributors describe their lifelong connections to comics and note Dennis’ transition into modern multimedia platforms, including animation and merchandise. The anniversary is celebrated with a special issue and a new commemorative 50p coin, underscoring his lasting cultural significance.