Family and friends gathered at Basingstoke Crematorium on Monday 5 June to say farewell to Old Viking Julian Mills, who died on 1 May at the age of 37.
Julian's family worked and lived abroad during his childhood and in 1999 he joined Shiplake and became a boarder in Everett House. His love of music and sport made him a perfect fit at Shiplake. During his time here he played rugby, hockey and cricket and was especially fond of the latter. He played the trumpet in numerous school ensembles and performed in many productions. He was a regular member of the cast in Lindsey MacDonald's Moliere plays but it was his performance as Herod in Jesus Christ Superstar that really stole the show. The Court magazine from 2004 covered the production, including the following: "Honky-tonk piano, with a ragtime, good time melody, provided the soundtrack to the audience's favourite scene. Julian Mills, with mascara and mischievous Venetian ball mask, played an unbelievably camp Herod. His "men", dressed in yellow voluminous sleek pantaloons and minimalist black waistcoats, struck some erotic poses, much to the audience's hilarity."
Julian loved travel and Africa was especially close to his heart having lived there for some time with his family. He went on the Gap Africa trip to Kenya and would have visited the Kikundiku schools we still support. He was also a Chapel Warden in his last year at Shiplake.
As well as some staff, Julian's peer group turned out in force to pay their respects to their dear friend. Joint Head of College, Piere Kunkler was joined by Pete Mullin, Tim Harris, Nigel Baker, Adam Gordon, Oscar Thorne, James Martin, Alex Cadoux-Hudson, Jack Eddington, Jamie Gouldstone and Paul Aitchison. Our thoughts are with Julian's family and friends at this time.
