Russell Tillson
I find it impossible to believe that Norman is no longer with us. To me he has always been indomitable and a constant expression of strength in shifting sands. I have known him for nearly fifty years, and my heart goes out to Carole and his family at this deeply distressing time. We worked together at Epsom between 1974 and 1980, and built up the fledgling Economics Department. They were wonderful years and I learned most of what I understand about teaching from Norman. He was an unbelievably supportive Head of Department, fellow enthusiast and friend. We had wonderful times together, in the classroom, on Guest Nights, on the Athletics Track, in private chats in the Common Room, in Chapel, indeed everywhere. What Norman didn't know about teaching probably wasn't worth knowing, and I owe my subsequent career to him. I left Epsom for Tonbridge in 1981, but we always kept in touch. I ran the Athletics Club at Tonbridge for a decade and all my coaching and motivational exercises were based on Norman's example. He brought Athletics teams from Epsom every year and we enjoyed our competitive reunions on the track. When I became Chief Examiner in Economics for the old Oxford and Cambridge Board, I brought in Norman to set one of the papers, and we enjoyed many happy years in Oxford at the summer Awarding meetings. I used to hold the meetings of examiners at Epsom College by invitation from Norman, and he produced wonderful lunches for us; on many an occasion he kindly drove me home. On many an occasion I have attended an OE Dinner, to find myself sitting next to Norman - at his request. And while I was working on a part time basis at Conservative Central Office Norman kindly supplied me with all manner of information about sport in schools and beyond. He was devoted to Epsom College, and to his pupils, retiring on several occasions - they could never keep him away! Many of his former pupils have described Norman as 'firm but fair' and that as entirely right. But he was also a supreme motivator of young people, and of his colleagues, while his mercurial sense of humour is also worthy of note. Norman had a passion for teaching throughout his life and I was privileged to begin my career at Epsom at a time when there were a large number of outstanding masters, indeed legends in the Common Room. But I have no hesitation in saying that Norman was the finest all-round schoolmaster I ever encountered, and his contribution to the education and welfare of generations of Epsom pupils is immeasurable. In a world rather too often characterised by steel hearts and twisted tongues, Norman was a beacon of goodness, and I know I am far from alone in recognising his fundamental qualities of commitment, optimism, community, and sheer decency. My love to Carole and the family of which Norman was so proud. Rest in peace, my dear friend.
Russell Tillson
I find it impossible to believe that Norman is no longer with us. To me he has always been indomitable and a constant expression of strength in shifting sands. I have known him for nearly fifty years, and my heart goes out to Carole and his family at this deeply distressing time. We worked together at Epsom between 1974 and 1980, and built up the fledgling Economics Department. They were wonderful years and I learned most of what I understand about teaching from Norman. He was an unbelievably supportive Head of Department, fellow enthusiast and friend. We had wonderful times together, in the classroom, on Guest Nights, on the Athletics Track, in private chats in the Common Room, in Chapel, indeed everywhere. What Norman didn't know about teaching probably wasn't worth knowing, and I owe my subsequent career to him. I left Epsom for Tonbridge in 1981, but we always kept in touch. I ran the Athletics Club at Tonbridge for a decade and all my coaching and motivational exercises were based on Norman's example. He brought Athletics teams from Epsom every year and we enjoyed our competitive reunions on the track. When I became Chief Examiner in Economics for the old Oxford and Cambridge Board, I brought in Norman to set one of the papers, and we enjoyed many happy years in Oxford at the summer Awarding meetings. I used to hold the meetings of examiners at Epsom College by invitation from Norman, and he produced wonderful lunches for us; on many an occasion he kindly drove me home. On many an occasion I have attended an OE Dinner, to find myself sitting next to Norman - at his request. And while I was working on a part time basis at Conservative Central Office Norman kindly supplied me with all manner of information about sport in schools and beyond. He was devoted to Epsom College, and to his pupils, retiring on several occasions - they could never keep him away! Many of his former pupils have described Norman as 'firm but fair' and that as entirely right. But he was also a supreme motivator of young people, and of his colleagues, while his mercurial sense of humour is also worthy of note. Norman had a passion for teaching throughout his life and I was privileged to begin my career at Epsom at a time when there were a large number of outstanding masters, indeed legends in the Common Room. But I have no hesitation in saying that Norman was the finest all-round schoolmaster I ever encountered, and his contribution to the education and welfare of generations of Epsom pupils is immeasurable. In a world rather too often characterised by steel hearts and twisted tongues, Norman was a beacon of goodness, and I know I am far from alone in recognising his fundamental qualities of commitment, optimism, community, and sheer decency. My love to Carole and the family of which Norman was so proud. Rest in peace, my dear friend.
