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	July 2003				A 'typical' photo of 90 year-old Norman Clowes, head down in the garden at St Stephen's, Wynyard. Photo L. Ramskill
		Ninety years young with a salad every day by Louise Priest
			March the 30th at St Stephen's Wynyard was a special day. First came the celebration of Mothering Sunday during the services, then the parishioners met for a delicious lunch of salads and sweets to help a most respected member of the congregation, Mr Norman Clowes, celebrate his 90th birthday. Norman was born in Derbyshire, England, on 30 March 1913, and lived there until his family moved to The-Meir-Stoke-on-Trent. Norman's first job was a dream come true. Like most young boys dreamt of being a train driver; Norman's first job was as a fireman with the LMS Railway. During the war years 1939-1945, Norman was exempt from military service on account of his reserved occupation. (To his disgust, I believe.) In 1948 Norman migrated to Australia. Here he nominated to work on the Hydro Electric Commission project at Bronte Park. This job was not to Norman's liking, so he ventured to Hobart to look for other employment. He took up his love of trains again and started with the Tasmanian Railways, then after a short period became a postman. Following this Norman decided to pursue an interest in gardening and so became a groundsman for the Repatriation Hospital, Peacock Nursing Home, University of Tasmania and the Education Department until his retirement. Twinkle in his eye Norman's parents followed his lead and migrated to Australia not long after Norman did, so they joined forces and lived in Lauderdale and Mt Nelson. In 1954 Norman's father became a resident of St Anne's Nursing Home in Hobart It was here a lovely young laundress named Joan Dodge caught Norman's eye. At 52 years of age Norman still had a twinkle in his eye and he married Joan, setting up house in Tranmere. Norman and Joan lived here happily until an illness eventually claimed Joan's life. Her death was a terrible blow. Joan was a delightful woman, who brought much joy to Norman's life. Fine example to us all About 12 years ago, Norman moved to this beautiful town of Wynyard. He spends quite a lot of his time in his very fruitful vegie garden, and can be seen regularly in Gutteridge Gardens feeding the birds. At 90 years young, Norman has set a fine example to us all. We should all follow his lead of eating plenty of fruit and vegetables, including a salad every day, and walking an hour every day. God bless you Norman, as you walk humbly with the Lord.