DIANA MELLY, aged 87
She met a series of husbands in nightclubs before marrying a famous jazz singer and becoming his manager and helper. It was a very unconventional marriage.
BRIAN SHERRIFF, aged 94
A designer of women’s underwear, he became a beekeeper after going bust and designed a revolutionary suit to protect people from bee stings.
DAPHNE SELFE, aged 97
A model and actress, she retired when she married. In her seventies she made a comeback and became an international sensation – the oldest model in the world.
JEAN ARGLES, aged 97
She worked as an SOE operative, running agents throughout the war and deciphering codes, as her sister worked with Bletchley Park and her father was in a POW camp.
VERA SELBY, aged 93
A lecturer in art and textiles she became world snooker champion, overcoming immense prejudice. She was also a witness in a snooker murder.
IRENE OWENS, aged 102
She found religion at university and joined the Oxford Group. After spending her war working for the ARP, she was proactive in supplying aid to the newly independent Zimbabwe.
HAROLD WALMSLEY, aged 98
A Second World War flying Ace, he flew many missions in his Spitfire and was shot down in Belgium. After escaping, he went on to have a distinguished RAF career.
MAYNARD DAVIES, aged 87
Trained as a master bacon curer, he taught prisoners to make sausages, sold ham to the Queen, appeared as a Food Hero and divulged many secret recipes.
BRENDA FISHER, aged 95
A secretary from Grimsby she broke the world record swimming the English Channel and became an overnight sensation, mixing with the stars.
CECILY LITTLETON, aged 95
A brilliant scientist in her own right, she was part of a significant and pioneering family – but she gave it all up to become a horticulturalist. She was dedicated to preserving the legacy of her great grandfather.
MIKE BURROWS, aged 79
The greatest ever bike designer. He invented the recumbent bike, won GB an Olympic gold, led the Tour de France and starred in 2 tv shows.
ENOCH WILLIAMS, aged 80
Came to Britain as part of the Windrush generation and worked hard to become a successful, innovative hairdresser in London and New York. Made a TV appearanceafter his death.
DENNIS LOTIS, aged 97
A South African crooner he became a music superstar and a terrible actor. He was involved in a pioneering TV moment and sold eggs to the stars.
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