Norman, a resident at Etheldred House Care Home enjoyed sharing his life story this week during a zoom call with Friends of Histon and Impington. This is a local village charity that aims to support wellbeing, mobility and sport for those who live in the community.
Due to the current restrictions, they could not all meet in person, so a zoom call was organised so members of the group could benefit from time chatting with each other. During the call, Norman told his powerful life story.
Norman was a young doctor when he served in the Royal Navy during WWII. He was 17 at the time and although this wasn’t his ambition, he said it was his duty to serve during the war. He found this all quite exciting as a teenager.
He was soon taken to Chatham Docks with no idea what lied in front of him, but looking forward to challenges life was going to throw at him.
Although serving in the war was scary, Norman recalled the positives of serving in the Navy, which included touring the world without having to pay for it.
Norman then recalled his number when he was in the Navy, which was C18877, and remembered there were 240 men aboard the ship in total. He said the food was lovely, especially when the Admiral was on board and how they were allowed a shot of rum every day at midday.
He met his future wife, Geraldine, through his older brother as he was engaged to Geraldine’s sister. They married when he was 18 at Green Leaf Baptist Church in Walthamstow, Essex, and said how important his leave periods were, as he could hold and hug his dear wife. This time was treasured, as during the war they could be called back to the ship at any time!
After serving in the Navy for 5 years, Norman left to pursue a different career and breathed a sigh of relief when he came home.
Norman then began teaching at Sir George Monoux Grammar School and thoroughly enjoyed his time there. After a long career, he then began helping trainee teachers develop their skills in the field.
Outside of his work, Norman said how he has always had a passion for music and how he used to sing in the church choir. One of his proudest moments was when he was picked to sing on the London Church Choir and performed in front of esteemed guests such as Princess Anne. He was a soprano back then but says he sadly cannot hit those high notes anymore.
His two favourite singers, he said, are Pavarotti and Enrico Caruso who he believes is the best Tenor in the world.
When Norman was asked what age he would like to go back to, he said 17 because he was happy, spritely and carefree.
Norman’s advice to the younger generation is simply to be happy! Norman said he is happy most of the time and how life is much better when you are happy.
Now, living at Etheldred house, Norman enjoys getting involved with all of the activities and spending time with his friends. He says he is well looked after and how the team members make a lovely cup of tea.
After sharing his story, Norman was handed some pictures of the ship he used to serve on and said it brought back lots of memories. He then sat down with a cuppa and read a selection of facts about the HMS Woolston.