It is with great sadness that we have to share the sad news of the death of our dear RMDS friend, Sam Coleman. He died on the evening of Friday May 2 at his home in Poulner at the age of 88. He had been ill with various health issues for quite some time and it was something of a portent that he was not well enough to be with us for the last night of ‘Ghost’ just last month. After the news arrived, our President Nigel Alvis briefly visited Sam’s wife Maggie, and Bobs Guy has been in contact as well, with sympathy and support. Charlie Hockey arranged flowers and Nigel has written formally to Maggie and daughters Maria, Sophie and Anna, on behalf of all our members.

Sam was a cornerstone in the foundations of RMDS for many decades and was a member of the committee a very long time. Until last year, he was still serving as our President. Through his efforts and loyal commitment he contributed hugely to the success of RMDS and the high regard in which the Society is held in our community.
His first stage show with RMDS was back in 1959 and over the years he played many principal roles. He was also involved with the Soirée, briefly on stage, but more significantly running the box office – a daunting task – for many years. In later years he was a loyal singer in the bass section of the Choir – rumbling along as a “basso profundo” like no other!

Nigel Alvis our President said:
“Sam was a wonderful, kindly man. For him, RMDS was a life-long project and we can be very grateful and proud for his steadfast commitment, for so many years. We will miss him hugely and remember him with great affection – always, I am sure, with a big smile.”

Long-term friend and former RMDS President Bobs Guy said:
“Sam joined RMDS in 1958 and took part in the 1959 production of ‘Oklahoma!’ in the Regal Cinema in the Market Square. He was encouraged on to the Committee and served for 66 years, many as Chairman, but also Vice Chairman, Treasurer, Business Manager and an ordinary member until his Presidency which ran from 2019 to 2024.
Sam took part in nearly every show until his health began to be a problem and was a happy chorus member, but played many principal roles, most notably ‘Joe’ (Ol’ Man River) in ‘Show Boat’ and ‘Jigger Craigin’ in ‘Carousel’. His last appearance was in our Armistice Show in 2018 when he took a tumble coming down the steps backstage and damaged his knee which sadly troubled him from then on. The Society has lost a dedicated servant and we have all lost a very dear friend. We send Maggie and the girls our love and deep condolences”.

It is with great sadness that we are posting to inform everyone that our RMDS Chairman Mark Bodger has sadly passed away.

Our love and thoughts are with his wife Rachel, who posted this on an RMDS WhatsApp group (Juneau is their dog).

“I’m so so sad to let you all know my lovely husband Mark suffered a devastating cardiac arrest yesterday afternoon. Despite the efforts of several ambulances and the doctor from the air ambulance they were unable to revive him. He died with me holding his hand and I’m assured he knew nothing about it and wouldn’t have suffered or been scared. 

We had thoroughly enjoyed the week performing Ghost at the Barn. We had a smooth get out and had been for breakfast with some of the cast and had a really lovely time. We drove home happy – talking about booking a relaxing holiday together. An hour or so later drinking tea and stroking his beloved Juneau on the sofa he said he was just popping upstairs before ringing his Mum to tell her how well he felt. I heard a thud, rushed up and found him. The first responders were so fast and everyone did everything they could to save him. 

He was a lovely husband – we had an amazing life together and he made me so happy. I know he loved me and Juneau and as he lay there I promised him I’d live my life to the full and be happy again one day. 

Life is so unfair and I’ll miss him – I hope his time leading the society has been worthwhile – it has been so important to both of us.”

Nigel (President, RMDS) has said:

“This is such a huge shock to us all and I am incredibly moved by Rachel’s wonderful tribute to Mark on the GC WhatsApp Group – especially at the end where she relayed her promise to Mark and expressed her hope. Just feeling incredibly saddened and shocked after seeing him so happy.”

Mark will be greatly missed by RMDS and his very many friends.