
The Maharaja of Dhrangadhra

Prue Langlands
Obituaries
Geoffrey Bennun
1963-1968 Kingweston
We have heard the shocking news from Geoffrey's brother, Trevor, that he was murdered at his home in Angeles City, Philippines, on 12th July 2010. We extend our deepest sympathy to Trevor and the family on their tragic loss.
Captain Len Broad
1967-1982 Staff
We are sad to report the death of Len on Friday, 25th April. Having served in the Royal Navy as Captain, Len joined Millfield as a Mathematics Tutor in September 1967, going on to become a Senior Tutor and retiring in 1982. Len's funeral took place on Thursday 6th May at Taunton Dene Crematorium
Francis Bromovsky
1972-1977 Kingweston
We are very sad to have to pass on news of the sudden death of Francis, who was not only an ex-pupil but the father of three girls who are still at Millfield. We offer our sincere condolences to his family.
Joy Burden (née Dickinson)
We regret to report the death of Joy, at a Nursing Home in Keinton Mandeville, on Monday 11th January. Joy, who passed away peacefully shortly before her 92nd birthday, was a great friend and benefactor of the school. The large number of friends who came from far and wide to attend her memorial service on 11th March at Kingweston Church and reception in the house afterwards is testimony to the great affection and regard in which Joy was held by so many.
John Church
1937-1940 Millfield
We were informed of John's recent death in Devon, by near neighbours, Chrissie and Peter Johnson. John was one of the first Head Boys of the school in 1940. He was 88.
HH Maharaja of Dhrangadhra
1935-1935 Millfield
A message from John Davies, Secretary OM Society: It is with great sadness that I report the death of H.H. Shri Shaktimant Jhaladipati Mahamandleshwar Maharana Sriraj Maharaja Sir Mayurdwajsinhji Meghrajji III Ghanshyamsinjhi Sahib Bahadur, Maharaja Raj Sahib of Dhrangadhra-Halvad, KCIE, on 1st August 2010. His Highness was one of the last Indian rulers who merged their states with India, following independence from Britain in 1947. He went on to serve as a distinguished parliamentarian both at state level in his home state of Gujarat, as well as the national level in Delhi. He took a keen interest in history and intellectual affairs, and was an active participant in a number of learned institutions, both in India and around the world. The Maharana was also the last living knight of the two Indian orders of chivalry, having been appointed a Knight Commander of the Most Eminent Order of the Indian Empire on 1st January 1948 (effective 14th August 1947). For details on His Highness and his family, see the following website - http://www.royalark.net/India/dhrangadhra.htm
Madge Dickens
1957-1987 Staff
We are very sad to report the death, in January, of Madge, wife of Bob, from a stroke. Our thoughts go out to Bob, whose son Colin passed away in October.
Jasper Evans
1942-1942 Millfield
The following tribute has been sent to us by Jasper’s daughter, Amanda Perrett. We would like to announce the passing of Jasper Evans on February 24th, 2010. He came to Millfield to cram for a year in 1942 to get into the Royal Navy. Being war-time England he was commissioned into the Navy when he reached 18, and left. Jasper seems to have made friends in his short time at Millfield, and was very happy there. After the war Jasper returned to the land of his birth, Kenya, where he spent the rest of his life as a successful and innovative pioneer farmer, ending up ranching camels. In this capacity he has done much to bring camels to the fore of livestock farming and veterinary work, as well as in tourism. He leaves four children and several grandchildren to continue and expand his life's work in Kenya, and in Zambia.
John Fox
1980-1984 Orchards
We are sad to learn from his father that John passed away on 1st January after suffering from MS for 10 years
Pauline Gillian
1974-1994 Staff
We are sad to report the death of Pauline, who had been in a nursing home for several months after developing vascular dementia.
Alistair Kidd
1988-1990 Georgian Cottage
We have been informed of the sad news that Alistair died on 10th August in London, after a heart attack. Alistair's funeral was held on 23rd August at St Mary's Church, Whitchurch, Cardiff . Richard and Dan Smith (also 1988-90) have kindly let us print this eulogy which was read at Alistair's funeral: "Kiddo (as he was known) arrived at Millfield describing himself as a flanker but within a few minutes of the first trial Kiddo's pace off the mark was apparent to all of us and he was quickly moved to tighthead prop. There he spent two glorious seasons wintering in the "Millers" earning a reputation for hitting rucks at full charge, often after the ball had left. Kiddo was always a joy to play with and won the respect of teammates and opponents alike through his combination of tenacity and good nature. He was in many ways the classic prop forward, spending most of his time in training practising reverse passes and drop goals - and we loved him for it. Kiddo will not be forgotten by all those at Millfield who played with him in the Millers, toured with him for the Old Boys or lived with him in Georgian Cottage. We are proud to have known him".
Prue Langlands
1949-1984 Staff
We are sad to report the death of one of Millfield's longest-serving members of staff, Prue Langlands, on Monday 14th June. Prue had been poorly for some years, but always made a point of sending her witty apologies to school and staff functions when she was unable to attend. We are grateful to Prue's son, Major Jeremy Langlands, for allowing us to publish the eulogy he wrote for the private family funeral, which can be found on her record via the 'Millfieldians Online' link at the top of the page and the 'Find Friends' facility.
Anna Lovell (née Duckett)
1959-1962 YLC
Anna's funeral was held in Cape Town on 18th February. There was a well-attended memorial service on 24th May at St Mary's Church, Wedmore. We are grateful to Rob Wilkins for the following tribute 'Anna was one of the livelier members of the YLC from 1959 – 1962. After briefly pursuing a career as a Research Chemist, she became a stewardess with BEA. She married Ian Gibbons, an Australian, in 1968, living in Surrey and Somerset until Ian’s sad death in 1996. There were two children from the marriage, a son, Alex, and daughter, Victoria, who now both live in Australia. Anna re-married Alan Lovell from Cape Town and moved there with him, whilst keeping a home in Somerset which they visited every year. Anna’s new and fulfilled life ended tragically early on 27th January when she had a massive heart attack at home in Cape Town. She leaves three grandchildren, her husband, son and daughter. She was a lovely person who always lived life to the full.’
Philomena McArdle
We have learnt of the recent death of Paddy McArdle's wife, Phil, whose funeral took place at St Mary's RC Church, Glastonbury, on 1st July.
Dr Renee Oderfeld
1976-1988 Staff
It is with deep regret that we announce the death of this much-loved former member of staff on 22nd July. A full obituary will appear here in due course.
James Ryan
1984-1986 Edgarley
1986-1991 Ivythorn
We are very sad to report the death of James in a skiing accident in the Italian Alps in April.
John Stapleton-Smith
1942-1943 Millfield
We have heard from John's son, Brian, that his father passed away on 1st May at the age of 83.
Keith Stewart
1953-1954 Millfield
We have been informed that Keith died on 8th June at the age of 74 and that a Thanksgiving seat has been placed in his memory at Melbury Osmond Church in Dorset.
Fred Townshend
1957-1984 Staff
We are sad to report the recent death of Fred Townshend, who was a long-serving Millfield Tutor, and a great friend of the Society. His funeral was held on 25th March at Street Parish Church.
