Obituary - Norman Williams 7 March 1923 to 15 February 2024

Norman Williams, one of Cowbridge's foremost citizens, passed away peacefully on Thursday, 15 February 2024 at the Manor House Care Home, St Hilary, where he had been living for the last six months.

Norman Williams with Cllr John Andrew to celebrate his 100th birthday.

A tribute by Councillor John Andrew

Just a year ago I was fortunate enough to be able to celebrate his 100th birthday with him at his home where he was still living independently.

As the Mayor of Cowbridge at the time I was privileged to present him with a birthday card, a bouquet of flowers and a Certificate of Appreciation on behalf of Cowbridge (Ancient Borough) with Llanblethian Town Council.

The birthday card included following:

"In his role as a Cowbridge Borough Councillor and Mayor of Cowbridge Town Council Norman played a major part in shaping the Town and Council that we have today.

We can thank Norman for ensuring that there is secondary education in Cowbridge.

We have Norman to thank for the creation of Twt Park and the Mayor's Parlour.

He was involved in the planning and opening of the Health Centre and Cowbridge Library in Old Hall Gardens.

He was a founder member of both Cowbridge Rotary and the Cowbridge History Society. It is largely down to Norman that Cowbridge retained some of its assets, traditions and status following local government reorganisation in 1974.

He secured the Town Hall, the War Memorial, the Regalia and Twt Park.

He also obtained agreement that the new Council be called Cowbridge Town Council (formerly Ancient Borough), that it be the custodian of the 1884 Victorian Charter and retain its armorial bearings.

To achieve this he had to personally take the Charter to London Garter King of Arms and write to the Queen.

In April 1974 Norman became the first Mayor of this new Council and served in that position for two years.

In the 1980s Norman took Holy Orders and is now an Honorary Curate. This is probably what he is now best known for in the town."

The following article was published in the local press in March 2023.

The article is based mostly on a talk I had with Norman on 23rd April 2018 to gather his recollections for articles I was planning to write on the history of the Town Council.

Apologies for any errors for which I take full responsibility.

"Norman was born in Whitchurch, Cardiff on 7 March 1923. He was 16 when war was declared in 1939.

He volunteered at the start of war but was not accepted initially because he was in a reserved occupation working in Cardiff docks as an apprentice electrician.

However, aged 18 he became a Sergeant Gunner in Pen-Y-Lan, Cardiff eventually joining The Royal Navy and soon gaining the rank of Petty Officer.

His experiences and postings during this time were both wide-ranging and demanding.

After the war, in 1949, he married Betty Apjohn, also from Whitchurch.

While working during the day and studying in the evenings, he qualified as an Electrical, Mechanical and Marine Engineer and worked as an Electrical Rotating Machines designer in a brand new building in Maes-Y-Coed Road, Cardiff.

The company was bought out and he transferred to Loughborough as Chief Designer, Light Machines Division.

In the mid to late 1960s he was recruited by Tuscan Engineering, Bridgend, manufacturers of generators and small motors.

It was at this time that he and his family moved to Cowbridge.

During these early days in Cowbridge, Norman became a founding member of Cowbridge Rotary Club, also becoming secretary. Based on his ability in this role, he was encouraged to stand for election to Cowbridge Borough Council in 1970.

In this he was successful even topping the poll!

At this time Cowbridge Borough Council were responsible for pretty much everything within Cowbridge except for education which was the responsibility of South Glamorgan County Council.

However, Cowbridge was just the 85 acres bounded by the bypass in the North and the old town walls in the South.

The population was about 1,500.

Soon after becoming a Councillor, Norman learned of a plan by South Glamorgan County Council to close secondary education in Cowbridge and transfer pupils to Llantwit Major.

Norman was determined that this should not happen and, together with Betty, his wife, started a vigorous campaign engaging with the local press, MP and Secretary of State for Wales as well as raising a petition signed by more than 3,000 people finally resulting in the retention of Secondary Education and, eventually, a new Comprehensive School for Cowbridge.

Other things for which Norman was largely responsible during his time as a Borough Councillor were the creation of the Mayor's Parlour, the creation of Twt Park and the organisation of the event to award the Freedom of Cowbridge to RAF St Athan.

As a result of local government reorganisation Cowbridge Borough Council ceased to exist in March 1974 with the responsibilities and assets being taken over by the new Vale of Glamorgan Council.

However, Norman was determined that Cowbridge should retain some of its assets, traditions and status.

After some difficult negotiations he secured the Town Hall, the War Memorial, the Regalia and Twt Park.

He also obtained agreement that the new Council be called Cowbridge Town Council (formerly Ancient Borough), that it be the custodian of the 1884 Victorian Charter and retain its armorial bearings.

To achieve this he had to personally take the Charter to London Garter King of Arms and write to the Queen.

Norman - the first Mayor.

In April 1974 Norman became the first Mayor of this new Council and served in that position for two years.

During his years on the Town Council, Norman, together with the Vale of Glamorgan Council was involved in the planning and opening of the Health Centre and Cowbridge Library on their original site in Old Hall Gardens.

Norman was proud of founding Cowbridge History Society in 1974

Norman particularly remembers his pleasure in founding Cowbridge History Society in 1974, the first meeting of which was held in the Council Chamber 50 years ago next year.

The Society has gone from strength to strength and is still a thriving organisation.

Having joined with Cowbridge Record Society, it now has over 90 members.

Norman is still Honorary President today.

Norman was ordained in his 70s.

In the late 70's, Norman, who had always been very much involved with Holy Cross Church and encouraged by the late Rev. Stan Mogford, studied to become a priest, a role for which he is probably best known today.

After four years of intensive study and whilst still working for Tuscan Engineering, he was ordained in 1983 making this year the 40th anniversary of his ordination.

He was very active in this role taking the full range of services, including officiating at the Cenotaph on Remembrance Sundays until the age of 94!

He was also Chaplain to the local branch of RN Coastal Forces and Chaplain to the Cowbridge British Legion. "

One of Cowbridge's greatest citizens."