Hopkins, Norman (BGS 1954-61) CEng MIMechE
In early years, Norman was an enthusiastic member of the Bideford Scouts, where his father Philip was the Scout Master. They attended numerous camps and even travelled abroad for Jamborees. He attended Bideford Grammer School between1954 and 1961.
Working with his Uncle Frank at Hopkins Transport, Norman found an aptitude for mechanical and woodworking skills which he would utilize throughout his life. At the request of his Grandson, he wrote a short history of the company in 2016 and this details a close-knit family with a strong work ethic and community centered values. Travelling in the cab as a driver’s mate, Norman painted a picture of North Devon and the Westcountry in times when roads were a little less busy and rules a little more flexible. Among other things, Norman recalls pumping petrol at Hopkins Garage for 4 shillings a gallon, getting a lift up to Malvern with school friend Chris (Toffer) Gibbs with bikes loaded into the back of the lorry and driving the company minibus for Sunday school trips. This had apparently been purchased by his Uncle Ernie, the then Chairman of Bideford Town FC.
Norman began his Apprenticeship with Westinghouse Brake and Signal at Chippenham in 1961. After completing his apprenticeship, he moved to Bendix Westinghouse in Douglas Road, Bristol, which was concerned with air brake systems for commercial vehicles.
The family settled in Oldland Common in Bristol in 1971 and this remained the family home. From the beginning, Norman was a very active member of the St Annes school PTA and Church PCC. In the mid 1970’s He was involved in leading a number of major projects, including building a new swimming pool and later changing rooms, for the school.
Norman progressed through the design and development division of Bendix to become Technical Director, where he worked with the Chief Engineers for the large lorry builders. In this latter role he was involved with legislation to improve the road safety of commercial vehicles in the UK.
In the 1990’s, Norman led a project to build, and later to upgrade, new assembly rooms for St Annes Church. This involved the coordination of professional and volunteer workforce to create a 1200 sq ft structure with supporting facilities. Now known as the Orchard rooms it is a popular venue for Church and Community events and forms the background in the photograph above.
A lifelong Chartered Engineer, Norman took a keen interest in the development of new Engineers and was always an enthusiast of all things mechanical. Towards the end of his career Norman moved to Rolls-Royce in Filton, where he was responsible for leading investigations into service issues with Pegasus engines. His love of engineering, combined with years of technical and organizational experience made this a particularly happy time. He retired in 2005.
Never one to stand still for long, Norman led projects to install a new heating system for St Annes Church and to stabilize and rebuild the vestry. He somehow found time to assist the local kids’ theatre group, where his scenery and prop building skills were much in demand.
He now rests in the Garden of Remembrance at St Annes Church, Oldland Common.
