12/12/2025
Norwich, GB 10 C
Researching and reporting on the lives of some really interesting people (RIP)

MARGOT HEUMAN, aged 94

She lost her family in the Holocaust and survived concentration and labour camps, bombing and the Death March. She was the first Holocaust survivor to come out.

GODFREY FOWLER, aged 90

A university lecturer and GP, who treated Oxford’s elite, he was a medical research pioneer, but eventually he suffered a terrible personal tragedy.

JIM GORDON, aged 77

A talented drummer who played with most of the greats of the 60s and 70s, and was part of a famous band, but did he steal a famous song? Eventually he was charged with murder.

ED SMYLIE, aged 95

An aeronautical engineer who worked for NASA, he saved the lives of the three astronauts on Apollo 13 by a piece of brilliant improvisation.

Really Interesting People from the UK

GODFREY FOWLER, aged 90

A university lecturer and GP, who treated Oxford’s elite, he was a medical research pioneer, but eventually he suffered a terrible personal tragedy.

DEREK ROSE, aged 93

His father invented the pyjamas as we know them. He took over the family firm, selling luxury night ware to the rich and famous, being loved by his customers.

ANNE PONSONBY, aged 98

After volunteering for the forces in the war, she was recruited by the SOE, playing a major role co-ordinating clandestine operations in occupied Europe.

JOHN DAVID GLADWIN, aged 77

An accomplished musician who performed in rock bands before becoming more ethereal. He played a notable set at Glastonbury before retiring for a quieter life.

Really Interesting People from Europe

MARGOT HEUMAN, aged 94

She lost her family in the Holocaust and survived concentration and labour camps, bombing and the Death March. She was the first Holocaust survivor to come out.

JAAK DAEMEN, aged 97

A resistance fighter who joined the Belgian SAS and was involved in the liberation of his home country and The Netherlands and was the first to enter Germany.

FREDDY NOCK, aged 59

A circus performer and tightrope walker who broke many records, performing daring and dangerous feats with no safety precautions -or no fear.

Really Interesting People from the World

JIM GORDON, aged 77

A talented drummer who played with most of the greats of the 60s and 70s, and was part of a famous band, but did he steal a famous song? Eventually he was charged with murder.

ED SMYLIE, aged 95

An aeronautical engineer who worked for NASA, he saved the lives of the three astronauts on Apollo 13 by a piece of brilliant improvisation.

KANCHHA SHERPA, aged 92

After a poverty-stricken upbringing, he was selected as a sherpa for the 1953 expedition to conquer Mount Everest. He was the last survivor of that mission.