We sadly record the death this weekend of one of the original British Pestalozzi former children, Inge Herzfeld, aged 80. She had long been suffering signifcant ill-health,living in full-time care.
Inge arrive at the Pestalozzi Children’s Village in Sedlescombe in March 1960, just seven months after the charity first opened. A much-loved member of our community, Inge lived at the Village for almost three years before departing.
Inge, wearing her school uniform, poses in her bedroom in the Manor House.
She subsequently moved to Australia in the late 1960s, living in Sydney and Adelaide until the early 1970s. During her time in Sydney, Inge worked for Penny Wickens,- the former secretary of Pestalozzi’s first Warden (Eric Bourne) – who had established a printing business there. Thereafter, she eventually returned to the UK
In later life, Inge settled in West Hampstead, in London, where she remained until recently.
Judy and her late husband, John, were among the very first Pestalozzi “holiday families.” The couple shared a strong and compassionate social conscience, and they deeply understood that many children did not have access to an ordinary family life.
Judy West, carrying daughter Clare, with Leonard on his first visit in December 1959
Leonard, one of the first children to arrive at the Village, was chosen to stay with the Wests. He recalls:
“On Boxing Day 1959, aged just 11, I arrived — unaccompanied — at Southend Station. How on earth would this unknown family recognise me? It actually wasn’t difficult – I was the only small boy, alone on the platform and carrying a suitcase! This was the start of a lifelong friendship.”
“The most significant thing about staying with Judy and John was that they never tried to make me feel special — they simply included me as an integral part of their daily lives. Walks, day trips, meeting up with family, cinema visits — just everyday, ordinary things.”
A natural organiser, Judy was deeply practical, yet always warm. She and John made Leonard feel consistently welcome; he never once felt like an intrusion in their lives. For almost every school holiday, he spent at least part of his time with the Wests — always a highlight.
“After completing secondary school, I was no longer permitted to stay at Pestalozzi, and I was waiting for approval to emigrate to Australia. Without hesitation or discussion, Judy and John welcomed me to live with them for several months.”
“Living with Judy and John West was both a privilege and a treasured gift. I was incredibly fortunate to encounter such a caring couple. Most importantly, they showed me what a family life could be like — something I had not been able to experience earlier in my childhood, and something that, sadly, was missing from Pestalozzi after the first couple of years.”
“Dearest Judy, thank you for making me part of your family. That experience prepared me for my own family life. Without you, I would have been at a complete loss. You are sorely missed.”
We are saddened to report the death of Roman Probodziak.
Roman died on 20 August 2025 following a traffic accident. He is survived by his wife, Carmen, and son, Alexander.
In August 1959, Roman was among the first group of five refugee children to arrive from Germany at the Pestalozzi Children’s Village, shortly after its opening. A confident and popular boy, Roman excelled at school—both academically and in sport. He competed at national schoolboy level in javelin.
Roman later settled in London with Carmen, taking up employment at Claridge’s Hotel, where he became a legendary figure as Head Doorman for some forty years. Following his retirement, Roman and Carmen made their home in Sevenoaks, Kent.
We send our deepest condolences to Roman’s family.
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