08/03/2026
Norwich, GB 8 C
Researching and reporting on the lives of some really interesting people (RIP)

ROSE HANKS, aged 86

Riding in a sidecar, alongside her brother-in-law, she was the first woman ever to appear on the podium of the Isle of Man TT races but never repeated the feat.

ALLAN ‘SKILL’ COLE, aged 74

Jamaica’s most talented footballer, he played in the USA and Brazil. He was also Bob Marley’s closest friend and manager – and a bit of a rascal.

PATRICIA DAWES, aged 84

A career in the Diplomatic Service took her around the world, before she became a Press Officer at a British Embassy fending off difficult questions.

VERA FRANCES, aged 95

An overheard conversation led to a brief but successful film career before she moved into dance – yet she remained a great fan favourite.

Really Interesting People from the UK

ROSE HANKS, aged 86

Riding in a sidecar, alongside her brother-in-law, she was the first woman ever to appear on the podium of the Isle of Man TT races but never repeated the feat.

PATRICIA DAWES, aged 84

A career in the Diplomatic Service took her around the world, before she became a Press Officer at a British Embassy fending off difficult questions.

VERA FRANCES, aged 95

An overheard conversation led to a brief but successful film career before she moved into dance – yet she remained a great fan favourite.

MOLLY BAYFIELD, aged 92

Living all her life in Norfolk, she was the inspiration behind the biggest hit of the Singing Postman – and received unexpected local recognition.

Really Interesting People from Europe

RUTH POSNER, aged 96

Surviving the Holocaust due to her acting skills, she had a number of lucky escapes. Later she became an actor and dance teacher as well as a Holocaust educator

SJOUKJE DIJKSTRA, aged 82

The greatest figure skater of her time, she won the Netherlands first gold at the Winter Olympics before becoming a world-famous performer in the circus.

THE KESSLER TWINS, aged 89

Escaping East Germany, they were Europe’s hottest stars, performing with the greats. They were inseparable spending every moment together – in life and death.

Really Interesting People from the World

ALLAN ‘SKILL’ COLE, aged 74

Jamaica’s most talented footballer, he played in the USA and Brazil. He was also Bob Marley’s closest friend and manager – and a bit of a rascal.

KEVIN MITNICK, aged 59

An expert computer hacker who went on the run, he became the FBI’s Most Wanted criminal, he never made any financial gain from his illegal activities.

BILL MOYES, aged 92

A man who knew no fear and who regularly cheated death (just), he is credited with making hang-gliding a popular sport worldwide – The Australian Birdman.