My Henley Life: Norman Topsom

NORMAN TOPSOM has lived in Gainsborough Hill, Henley, for all his 70 years.

His home was opened by Lady Hambleden with a golden key which has not been seen since. He worked on the railways for 53 years in Henley, Twyford and Reading and never wanted to do anything else.

He began after leaving school in 1962 and worked at the old Henley station that was located further north-west of where it is now. A mine of local information, Norman was made an MBE in 2005 for services to the community. Pride of place at his home is a painting of him by

Henley artist Bill Mundy (pictured above).

 

1 What brought you to Henley?

I am Henley born and bred. It is good to have firm roots, somewhere to always call home.

 

2 What would you change about Henley?

Nothing really, I quite like it as it is. A sympathetic lighting of the bridge might be nice. Henley has changed over the years but retains its charm and character. The view as you come down White Hill cannot be beaten.

 

3 How do you spend your leisure time?

I enjoy gardening, historical research and travelling. I go to the library twice a week to study old copies of the Henley Standard and its predecessor, the Henley Advertiser. I love to spend time reading and researching what went on years ago. Local customs and events are of particular interest and I enjoy reading lovely stories about local people.

 

4 What are your favourite haunts?

The riverside (I especially like to sit by the Thames down by the Angel on the Bridge), the library and Way’s Bookshop in Friday Street.

 

5 Do you have a favourite song?

A Nightingale Sang in Berkeley Square. It takes me back to my happy childhood when I was told I had a musical ear.

 

6 Which film has inspired you the most?

The Battle of Britain (1969). I remember some of the crew and met Douglas Bader. I also knew Ron Goodwin, who composed Luftwaffe March, which was very stirring.

 

7 What do you treasure most about life?

The beautiful countryside and old buildings, wherever you go. One place I particularly like is St Mary’s Church in Henley.

 

8 If you could live anywhere else, where would it be?

I am happy enough in England. I like its history and especially the countryside. History is my favourite subject and I thoroughly enjoyed it as school.

 

9 Is there anyone, or anything you think deserves a special mention?

Richard Way’s bookshop, a most interesting place.

 

10 What did you want to be when you were a child?

I had no ambition I was born to work on the railway and did so happily for 53 years.

 

11 What did you wish you had known when you were younger?

I am quite content with the way my life has gone.

 

12 Which three people would you like to have dinner with (if you could)?

Actor Peter Ustinov, writer Rudyard Kipling and Thomas Hughes, the author of Tom Brown’s Schooldays and a man of strong Christian faith.

 

13 Where do you like to go on holiday?

These days, I enjoy short trips by train (I travel free). My last two holidays were in York. Prior to that I went to Germany, Austria and Switzerland.

 

14 What are your future plans?

To publish a history book about Henley and its people, especially the “ordinary” folk who built the town. Henley really has been and still is full of interesting people.

 

15 Have you any regrets?

Not learning to play a musical instrument, possibly the piano