Norman is about as Bluntisham as you can get. He was born in December 1939 in 25 High Street Bluntisham, his two siblings, a sister Margaret (1941) and brother Terry (1948) were also born at 25 High Street. His parents were Mary Jane (nee Lister) who was from Bluntisham and his father was Reg Gill, once of Somersham. His father saw active service during World War 2 in the Royal Engineer, 105 Bridge Company, and after the war became a bus driver.
Norman attended the Old Day School throughout his entire education, leaving the School at the age of 15. A pupil of Miss Pratt and the headmistress Mrs Christmas, whom he described as being “strict” but perhaps not in these words. Upon leaving school he became an apprentice at Kember Garage on Wood End, moving on to St Ives Motors and then as a lorry driver for 21 years for Hall & Co.
Norman married Daphne May Newman on 3rd October 1959 and they have just celebrated their Diamond wedding anniversary and received a card from HM The Queen. Norman and Daphne still live in the village in Wood End, they have two daughters Wendy and Karen, 5 Grandchildren and 1 Great Grandson.
Norman’s contributions to the Heritage Project have been amazing, lots of the photos of past residents of the village, photos of Wood End and auction documents all come from his collection.
Thank you Norman.