THE last living survivor of the Titanic will be giving a rare talk about how the fateful event shaped her life.
Millvina Dean, will be speaking on April 11, three days before the 96th anniversary of the sinking at The Turner Sims concert hall as part of a three-day programme of events organised by Southampton City Council to remember the disaster.
The 96-year-old recently hit out at the BBC's Christmas Day Doctor Who episode depicting the liner as a spaceship colliding with the Tardis as "disrespectful to the dead".
She said: "I didn't watch it. I don't watch anything connected with Titanic because it upsets me."
Millvina, who will be discussing her thoughts on a life under the spotlight with the council's Oral History Manager and author of Titanic Voices, Sheila Jemima, said: "It won't be a prepared speech. It will be spontaneous. I was asked to give the talk and I don't like to say no.
"In the last few weeks I have given interviews to Channel 5 and a Mexican channel."
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Millvina has received more than 100 Christmas cards mainly from America and a heap of gifts including books, a bed jacket and a stationary set.
She added: "I haven't had a chance to open all my presents. There's so much stuff in my room and I'm still receiving Christmas cards - it's great."
Millvina was just nine weeks old when she left Southampton with her parents aboard the doomed ship in April 1912.
More than 1,500 died, including Millvina's father Bertram and 549 others from Southampton but her mother and brother survived.
The family hoped to emigrate to the United States and open a tobacconist in Wichita, Kansas.
After a stay in New York, Millvina and her mother and brother returned to England on board the liner, Adriatic, where the tot quickly became a celebrity baby.
Millvina, a former Gregg School pupil, only learned about the tragedy aged eight when her mother was about to remarry.
Millvina herself never married, working for the government during the Second World War drawing maps, and later in the purchasing department of a Southampton engineering firm.
She has attended Titanic related events across the globe since the wreck was discovered by Dr Robert Ballard in 1985.
Millvina, who has lived at Woodlands on the edge of the New Forest for many years, was invited to travel aboard the QE2 to America in 1997 to complete her family's voyage to Wichita, Kansas.
Councillor John Hannides, Southampton City Council's cabinet member for Leisureand Culture said: "This is such an amazing event for Southampton to be hosting.
"It is a rare opportunity to hear Millvina talk and has international appeal. This is going to be a really special evening where Millvina will tell 96 years of stories and is a must for anyone with an interest in the 20th century and the Titanic."
Click HERE for more Titanic stories including a list of events marking the 96th anniversary.
Posted by: Electronic Programme Guide on 2:21pm Fri 4 Jan 08
"The 96-year-old recently hit out at the BBC's Christmas Day Doctor Who episode depicting the liner as a spaceship colliding with the Tardis as "disrespectful to the dead"."
I hope she didn't see The Time Tunnel episode last night on BBC4 - that featured the Titanic.
"The 96-year-old recently hit out at the BBC's Christmas Day Doctor Who episode depicting the liner as a spaceship colliding with the Tardis as "disrespectful to the dead"."
I hope she didn't see The Time Tunnel episode last night on BBC4 - that featured the Titanic.
Posted by: King Mush, Woolston on 9:47pm Fri 4 Jan 08
Amazing lady and we all wish her many more years.
Not generally being of a 'pedantic' nature though- the ship actually sank 4 days later on the 15th April around 2-20am. Iceberg struck a few hours before on the 14th near 11pm (that is without double checking)
Fascinating story that has always had immense local interest with crew and much more
Amazing lady and we all wish her many more years.
Not generally being of a 'pedantic' nature though- the ship actually sank 4 days later on the 15th April around 2-20am. Iceberg struck a few hours before on the 14th near 11pm (that is without double checking)
Fascinating story that has always had immense local interest with crew and much more
[quote]The 96-year-old recently hit out at the BBC's Christmas Day Doctor Who episode depicting the liner as a spaceship colliding with the Tardis as "disrespectful to the dead".[/quote]
Interesting that she can slam it as disrespectful to the dead if she didn't even watch it. I'm sure the Beeb handled it in a very sensitive manner.
The 96-year-old recently hit out at the BBC's Christmas Day Doctor Who episode depicting the liner as a spaceship colliding with the Tardis as "disrespectful to the dead".
Interesting that she can slam it as disrespectful to the dead if she didn't even watch it. I'm sure the Beeb handled it in a very sensitive manner.
Posted by: King Mush, Woolston on 12:45pm Sat 5 Jan 08
Why not ban ALL war films for the same reasons of 'sensitivity' etc. WW1 & 2 are even more recent events.
They've even had 9/11 movies over the last couple of years, so where do you draw any lines?
Why not ban ALL war films for the same reasons of 'sensitivity' etc. WW1 & 2 are even more recent events.
They've even had 9/11 movies over the last couple of years, so where do you draw any lines?
I think the difference is whether or not they are respectful. The three 9/11 films (WTC and the two on Flight 93) were done with help from families, and with respect to the victims, as are many other films, tv series, etc.
Doctor Who is sort of a play on history, kind of making it humourous, if I'm not mistaken. I can understand where she's coming from with this.
I think the difference is whether or not they are respectful. The three 9/11 films (WTC and the two on Flight 93) were done with help from families, and with respect to the victims, as are many other films, tv series, etc.
Doctor Who is sort of a play on history, kind of making it humourous, if I'm not mistaken. I can understand where she's coming from with this.
One thing I'll always wonder - did she see the 1997 movie Titanic? I'd love nothing more than to watch that movie with her if she did. It would be amazing.
One thing I'll always wonder - did she see the 1997 movie Titanic? I'd love nothing more than to watch that movie with her if she did. It would be amazing.
Posted by: Cactusbrat, Michigan, USA on 11:43pm Tue 8 Jan 08
I'm a bit befuddled here. The article I'm reading says that Miss Dean will be speaking in April 2008, which, if true, God bless her! However, I could swear I read and/or saw on the telly, that Miss Dean had departed. Can someone clarify? Thanks!
I'm a bit befuddled here. The article I'm reading says that Miss Dean will be speaking in April 2008, which, if true, God bless her! However, I could swear I read and/or saw on the telly, that Miss Dean had departed. Can someone clarify? Thanks!
Posted by: Xy Ayala, California on 4:12am Wed 9 Jan 08
I say this woman is really brave.
God Bless and I hope God will bless you more years to live in this wonderful life.
This is a fact, her name was listed Vera Dean in the titanic. :))
I wish you all the best in life, ma'am.
I surrender to you. :]]
I say this woman is really brave.
God Bless and I hope God will bless you more years to live in this wonderful life.
This is a fact, her name was listed Vera Dean in the titanic. :))
I'm sure this will be an interesting speech as this lady has direct connections with the vessel. Although it strikes me that the lady may not recall too much about the trip aboard Titanic, being only 9 weeks of age. Still, that's just cynical old me.
I'm sure this will be an interesting speech as this lady has direct connections with the vessel. Although it strikes me that the lady may not recall too much about the trip aboard Titanic, being only 9 weeks of age. Still, that's just cynical old me.
It's impressive that she's the last survivor of the Titanic, but considering she remembers nothing about it since she was only 9 weeks old when she was on the ship, what's the point? It's not like she can tell us what it was like or what she saw.
It's impressive that she's the last survivor of the Titanic, but considering she remembers nothing about it since she was only 9 weeks old when she was on the ship, what's the point? It's not like she can tell us what it was like or what she saw.
hi i love the titanic movie. it makes me cry and think about how many people died on the ship of titanic. i was wondering if u knew Jack Dalwson and Rose Dewitt Bukater.
hi i love the titanic movie. it makes me cry and think about how many people died on the ship of titanic. i was wondering if u knew Jack Dalwson and Rose Dewitt Bukater.
Amorrita,Please tell me you are not serious? Millvena is the last survivor of a tragedy, yes , and I wish her well. However she was 9 weeks old and has no first hand recollection of events.She would not know anybody from the ship,let alone fictional characters of all things.
Amorrita,Please tell me you are not serious? Millvena is the last survivor of a tragedy, yes , and I wish her well. However she was 9 weeks old and has no first hand recollection of events.She would not know anybody from the ship,let alone fictional characters of all things.
Posted by: Mark Roughley, England on 4:36pm Sat 29 Mar 08
Hi - I have been in contact with Millvina for the past few years, she is a wonderful lady, and amazing for her age. She is a joy to listen to with her amazing facts and is still kept very busy with her many admirers. I continually wish her all the best for many years ahead. Mark (UK)
Hi - I have been in contact with Millvina for the past few years, she is a wonderful lady, and amazing for her age. She is a joy to listen to with her amazing facts and is still kept very busy with her many admirers. I continually wish her all the best for many years ahead. Mark (UK)
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