20/04/2025
Norwich, GB 15 C
Researching and reporting on the lives of some really interesting people (RIP)

MICHAEL BURNS, aged 87

A pioneering cameraman who worked on iconic television programmes before becoming an independent film maker. He was also a historian specialising in cricket..

NORMAN PILCHER, aged 85

Part of the Drug Squad of the Metropolitan Police in the Swinging Sixties, he set out to arrest celebrities, but he was extremely corrupt and ended up in prison himself.

MARY LEE, aged 101

After winning a talent show she became a child star of the 1930s, singing in dance bands. Later on she became a comedian and musician – part of a double act.

DENNIS BRYDEN, aged 97

A pilot in the RAF, he was shot down over Europe and sent to Stalg Luft 3. There, he eventually became part of the forced Long March in the winter of 1944.

PAUL STEPHENSON, aged 87

A civil rights activist who led the Bristol Bus Boycott, which led to the law on race being changed in the UK . He also led a famous sit-in, in a Bristol pub.

RAYMOND WHITWELL, aged 105

A military veteran who made a daring escape from Dunkirk, he did the same thing after the disastrous Battle of Arnhem -eventually becoming the last survivor.

BROTHER HAROLD, aged 93

A self-confessed ‘difficult’ monk, and translator of Latin texts, he became a hermit – and built a prize-winning hermitage with his own two hands.

CYNTHIA MIDGLEY, aged 96

Born to a single mother in India, she was an exceptionally talented musician, playing in various orchestras, before sacrificing her career to bring up a family.

LAWRENCE CHURCHER, aged 102

The last survivor of Dunkirk, he was rescued with both his brothers, but returned to France for D-Day. Also, the oldest supporter of his football team.

FREDDIE SCAPPATICCI, aged 77

A Belfast builder, he was also a brutal leader of the IRA, responsible for many murders. However, he was also a spy and informer for the British forces.