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Title: The Face of Reading, Henley and Twyford - Norman Topsom MBE Post by: IndustryInsider on April 13, 2012, 19:54:37 I think the bay at Twyford can take 4 cars, but I think services of this length require dispatching because of the curve in the platform - someone with more knowledge please feel free to correct me. Yes, that's right. Shouldn't be a problem that time of day though as I'm pretty sure Norman Topsam MBE is usually patrolling by then! Title: Re: The Face of Reading, Henley and Twyford - Norman Topsom MBE Post by: Chris from Nailsea on April 13, 2012, 20:17:21 Norman Topsom MBE ;)
(http://i1.getreading.co.uk/incoming/article4179172.ece/ALTERNATES/s615/C_67_article_12272_body_articleblock0_bodyimage.jpg) See http://www.getreading.co.uk/news/s/12272_i_nearly_binned_my_mbe_letter ::) Title: Re: The Face of Reading, Henley and Twyford - Norman Topsom MBE Post by: Chris from Nailsea on October 09, 2012, 21:47:25 From the Henley Standard (http://www.henleystandard.co.uk/news/news.php?id=1176916):
Quote A stationmaster who has worked on the railways for more than 50 years has been named the Face of Henley. A portrait of Norman Topsom MBE has been hanging at the Old Fire Station Gallery for the past week alongside those of 137 other people from the area, some of them well-known names. The exhibition was to mark the 10th anniversary of The Face of Henley charity, which raises money for people experiencing tragedy or hardship. Photographers Claire Smith and Janet Hanton aimed to capture the essence of each person^s personality, job or hobby. About 700 people visited the gallery during the week and 611 cast votes for their ^favourite face^. Mr Topsom, of Gainsborough Hill, Henley, said: ^I am very surprised ^ I do not think anyone thinks that they will be voted for, especially when people such as the Mayor are pictured. It was a lovely exhibition and a very nice and original project that went across all social boundaries. All sorts of people were involved.^ The 66-year-old, who will have worked for British Rail for 52 years next month, says the best part of his job at Twyford station is meeting people. He also has a long association with St Mary^s Church, where he has been an altar server and bell-ringer for 40 years and keeper of the church tower clock for 35 years. He is also a director of Henley YMCA. Mr Topsom was awarded an MBE in 2005 for services to the community. He said: ^This is a lovely town. You walk round and meet so many people you know and now I have learnt about more of them through the 100 Faces of Henley.^ Mrs Smith said: ^Norman^s votes came from the most diverse range of visitors to the gallery, not just from people who know him and appreciate his incredible levels of customer service but also from strangers to Henley who were simply drawn to the character he exudes in his portrait. One person said of him, ^Norman Topsom makes my commute to London almost enjoyable. He truly understands customer service^. He is a very special man whose biography shows how much more he is than simply the charismatic local station manager.^ Mr Topsom will receive a copy of his portrait in a special designer frame worth more than ^200. The 100 Faces of Henley commemorative book is available to buy at the Bell Bookshop and online at www.faceofhenley.org.uk Title: Re: The Face of Reading, Henley and Twyford - Norman Topsom MBE Post by: autotank on October 10, 2012, 14:24:23 Thouroughly deserved - a lovely gentleman of the railway who always makes time for everyone.
Whenever I go to watch steam trains pass through Twyford he always updates us on progress and makes enthusiasts welcome. I wonder how many people starting on the railway today will last 50 years in the job - very few I imagine. Title: Re: The Face of Reading, Henley and Twyford - Norman Topsom MBE Post by: Ollie on October 10, 2012, 16:00:02 Norman is a great guy. Always got time for him when I pass through Twyford :)
Title: Re: The Face of Reading, Henley and Twyford - Norman Topsom MBE Post by: Visoflex on July 14, 2015, 10:49:42 Twyford station's Norman Topsom will be retiring in September. He is part of the furniture!
http://www.twyford-advertiser.co.uk/News/Areas/Twyford/Twyford-station-master-to-hang-up-whistle-08072015.htm (http://www.twyford-advertiser.co.uk/News/Areas/Twyford/Twyford-station-master-to-hang-up-whistle-08072015.htm) Title: Re: The Face of Reading, Henley and Twyford - Norman Topsom MBE Post by: TaplowGreen on July 14, 2015, 11:11:24 Twyford station's Norman Topsom will be retiring in September. He is part of the furniture! http://www.twyford-advertiser.co.uk/News/Areas/Twyford/Twyford-station-master-to-hang-up-whistle-08072015.htm (http://www.twyford-advertiser.co.uk/News/Areas/Twyford/Twyford-station-master-to-hang-up-whistle-08072015.htm) Good luck to him, may his whistle never go rusty! I doubt "Taplow Ted" another living legend, can be too far behind unfortunately! Title: Re: The Face of Reading, Henley and Twyford - Norman Topsom MBE Post by: BerkshireBugsy on July 14, 2015, 12:26:23 Twyford station's Norman Topsom will be retiring in September. He is part of the furniture! http://www.twyford-advertiser.co.uk/News/Areas/Twyford/Twyford-station-master-to-hang-up-whistle-08072015.htm (http://www.twyford-advertiser.co.uk/News/Areas/Twyford/Twyford-station-master-to-hang-up-whistle-08072015.htm) My very best wishes for his retirement. I suspect he will take with him a lot of experience and appreciation from his regular customers. Title: Re: The Face of Reading, Henley and Twyford - Norman Topsom MBE Post by: froggycat on July 14, 2015, 14:28:27 I used to commute from Twyford to Reading everyday a few years ago and seeing Norman always made my day.
I now commute from Reading to Maidenhead and a few months ago saw Norman surrounded by first aiders on platform 1. I felt horrified that something had obviously happened to him. I shall miss seeing him and seeing someone who takes such pride in the station. It is always immaculate and a joy to go through. Title: Re: The Face of Reading, Henley and Twyford - Norman Topsom MBE Post by: adc82140 on July 23, 2015, 08:55:17 I love his announcements of "Reading General" and "Cholsey and Moulsford". Hope he has along and happy retirement.
Title: Re: The Face of Reading, Henley and Twyford - Norman Topsom MBE Post by: autotank on September 02, 2015, 23:12:20 I spoke to Norman the other day and he is now staying on until the end of October (previously a date in early September had been mooted).
Title: Re: The Face of Reading, Henley and Twyford - Norman Topsom MBE Post by: bobm on September 02, 2015, 23:15:22 He just can't let go! True railwayman in the best sense.
Title: Re: The Face of Reading, Henley and Twyford - Norman Topsom MBE Post by: bobm on October 17, 2015, 18:36:27 I don't often watch the local ITV news for the West Country, but I notice tonight their local weather is sponsored by GWR and features Norman - who says he is out in all weathers!
Title: Re: The Face of Reading, Henley and Twyford - Norman Topsom MBE Post by: Visoflex on October 30, 2015, 08:44:07 Norman's last day today.
We've had Thomas The Tank Engine and Gordon The Green Engine. GWR are naming a re-liveried Class 166 after him, so keep an eye out for Norman The Green Turbo! Title: Re: The Face of Reading, Henley and Twyford - Norman Topsom MBE Post by: Adelante_CCT on October 30, 2015, 13:51:34 Snippet from todays Get Reading breaking news blog.
Quote A retirement party will be held at Twyford Station between 3pm and 7.30pm today to celebrate the career of popular train conductor Norman Topsom. Mr Topsom has worked at Twyford Station since leaving school in 1962. He was awarded an MBE in 2013 for his work on the railways and in the local community Title: Re: The Face of Reading, Henley and Twyford - Norman Topsom MBE Post by: IndustryInsider on October 30, 2015, 17:06:36 I'm sure he spent a few years working at Reading? But anyway, happy retirement Norman. Hope you're not too embarrassed by all the fuss - GWR certainly know how to exploit a story that's guaranteed to get positive headlines. ;)
Title: Re: The Face of Reading, Henley and Twyford - Norman Topsom MBE Post by: bobm on October 30, 2015, 17:46:56 He did indeed work at Reading, for 22 years, and at Henley.
It's in the link in post #1. ;) Title: Re: The Face of Reading, Henley and Twyford - Norman Topsom MBE Post by: bobm on October 31, 2015, 18:59:19 From the Henley Herald (http://www.henleyherald.com/2015/10/30/train-named-after-norman/)
Quote Train Named After Norman Posted Oct 30 2015 by Neil Gunnell in Branch Line Users Group, Community Groups, Events, Home - Top Stories, News with 2 Comments (http://www.henleyherald.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/IMG_20151030_082754.jpg) Earlier this afternoon a named and freshly repainted train was unveiled by Mark Hopwood, Managing Director of Greater Western Railways, in recognition of Norman Topsom^s 53 years of service to local railways. If you^re reading this on Friday afternoon, please drop into the marquee in Henley station any time until about 7pm to celebrate Norman^s big day and wish him well. On behalf of Greater Western Railway, Henley Trains, the Henley Branch User Group, the Henley Herald, Henley Council and our local communities, thank you for your recent support for this occasion. Title: Re: The Face of Reading, Henley and Twyford - Norman Topsom MBE Post by: Chris from Nailsea on October 31, 2015, 20:29:05 I've now renamed this particular topic, to reflect more accurately the particular stations where Norman Topsom MBE has been 'the face of the railway' to his many passengers and colleagues, over the years.
On behalf of everyone here on the Coffee Shop forum, may I offer you our very best wishes for a long and happy retirement, Norman. ;D Title: Re: The Face of Reading, Henley and Twyford - Norman Topsom MBE Post by: BerkshireBugsy on December 28, 2015, 11:42:16 I had a bit of time to kill on my return from Maidenhead to Thatcham before Christmas so I paid for an off peak return from Twyford to Henley on Thames because I had never travelled on that branch before.
Having a bit of time to kill at Twyford I did a bit of exploring and noticed a picture of Norman next to the ticket office. Glad to see he is being remembered in his retirement. Title: Re: The Face of Reading, Henley and Twyford - Norman Topsom MBE Post by: bobm on December 28, 2015, 17:57:10 Last time I was at Twyford there was a board propped up against the window. I hope they have found a more fitting place.
(http://www.mbob.co.uk/rforum/norm.jpg) Title: Re: The Face of Reading, Henley and Twyford - Norman Topsom MBE Post by: bobm on May 28, 2023, 10:43:01 I noticed yesterday that the turbo named in honour of Norman has had its "nameplate" updated.
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