A party from the Unit representing cadets, staff, the UMT and PASA attended the Memorial Service for Diana Norman. This was held at All Saints’ Church, Fulham, adjacent to the Alms Houses where Diana had lived for many years. All Saints’, dating from the fifteenth century, is a beautiful church that almost doesn’t belong in Inner London. It was a lovely early spring day with the daffodils around the church in full bloom; almost as if a higher authority had ordained sun and flowers to brighten the memories of Diana.
The following is abstracted, and slightly amended, from the Eulogy, delivered by Father Joe Hawes:
“Early Life
Diana was born in Wembley, in 1933, the eldest of three sisters. A close and loving home was shaken when their mother died aged just 30, Diana was aged ten. Diana used to talk fondly and gratefully of her late father, appreciating his determination to keep all three girls together through their childhood. His passion for literature, the arts and, especially, ballet and music was to make a lasting impression on them. During the War, Diana was evacuated to Princes Risborough. In typical Diana fashion she became lifelong friends with her hosts.
Work
Following her father’s love of the written word, Diana trained as a journalist at the London Polytechnic. She then took employment with United Newspapers, working as advertising manager for the Countryman for 17 years. Diana developed a reputation as a stickler for spelling and grammar.
Children
During her time at United Newspapers she had a daughter, Joanna, and eight years later a son, David, raising them single-handedly, with help from her sister Mo. Determined to be independent, Diana moved from up-market Queens Gate Gardens to her own flat in Fulham where she juggled her job, her children and her friends. An incredible feat! She even managed to welcome her nephew, Piero from Italy, into her growing family with open arms.
The Swinging Sixties
With her sister Mo a rising star of theatre and TV, Diana and her friends enjoyed a whirlwind of celebrity, even being pictured in the national press jetting off to Barcelona. Renowned for being the last to leave the dance floor, in the early hours of the morning- an energy she enjoyed until six months ago. During this period Diana also enjoyed holidays to her sister Susie in Trieste; loving the food, wine and culture.
Music was big part of Diana’s life, her tastes were catholic: classical, the clarinet, The Proms, the Albert Hall, Queen, Dire Straits and even Trance.
City of London Sea Cadets
Another of Diana’s loves was the sea. She always felt cheated that she couldn’t join the navy and go to sea- this was not allowed in Diana’s era.
Diana first got involved with the Unit when her son, David, joined in the 1980s. Her energy and unflagging cheerfulness brightened countless cadet Christmas discos, social events and numerous services. Diana was a pivotal member of the Parents’ and Supporters’ Association for decades. In June of 2013 she attended the memorial service for Rear Admiral Sir Morgan Morgan-Giles (see entry for 24 June 2013). Her last appearance for the Unit was at the Remembrance Sunday Service 2013, for which she had travelled from her new home in Dorset to be with long standing friends from PASA such as Brenda Cox, Sue and Gary Payne and Bernie Coot.
Diana never shied away from challenges. In her seventies she spent a week, as crew, aboard the Sea Cadet tall ship TS Royalist. Diana played a full part in rope work and climbing the rigging, she was proud to be told by the captain that she was a natural at the helm.
The Adventurer
It was after her time at United Newspapers and, later, the Institute of Biology, with her children now adults that the true free-spirited adventurer emerged.
Far East Another of Diana’s fascinations was for all things oriental and the Far East. She loved the people, the culture and the food. Once again, while in her seventies, she fulfilled a dream by travelling to Hong Kong, and continued on to back-pack into deepest China.
On another of her trips, this time to Sri Lanka, she became so fascinated by the stilt fisherman, that she missed the only bus to the hotel. A pillion ride on the back of a policeman’s motor bike saved the day- typical of her resourcefulness.
Diana, of course, made many friends wherever she travelled and religiously wrote letters to all her friends in China, Venezuela, Poland, Sri Lanka, Italy and Monte Carlo.
The Scilly Isles In 1952 Diana visited and fell in love with the Isles. At this time the Isles were remote and seldom visited. Diana and her friend had quite an adventure getting to the island of Bryher. She would return time and time again. In 1991 she secured a semi-permanent foothold on the Scillies with the purchase of a timeshare on Tresco, this became the venue for many happy family holidays.
Good Causes
Diana’s energy and zest for life was remarkable. Apart from the Sea Cadets, she involved herself in many other good causes. Diana found time to work as a river bank warden, as secretary for the River Thames Society and as a volunteer at Fulham Palace. In addition to all this she was a collector for Marie Curie, an archivist for Kew Gardens, and an activist for Earth Watch.”
Di will be sorely missed, but her memory will be cherished by all who knew her.
Testimonial from Sue and Gary Payne
"By the time we had joined the Parents and Supporters Association in 1995, Di had already been helping the unit for 12/13 years. In the time before we joined she had worked tirelessly doing standeasy with Brenda Cox for 6 years. She helped out at flag days, functions, discos and was Admin Officer for a short while. We always classed Di along with Brenda as our little helpers when we took over the running of the discos etc.... Di tried to never miss a meeting, always bringing little snacks for the committee to eat. Every Remembrance Sunday she would bring sandwiches with her for the CFVA that she had been making in the early hours of that morning. She was part of the unit for 31 years and also a longstanding volunteer for other organisations. Outside of the unit she was a very dear friend and we had many great times with her and Brenda. We love Di dearly and will miss her so much. So thank you City of London SCC, if not for you we would not of met such a truly inspirational Lady."
Sue and Gary Payne
Photo: Part of the party from the Unit among daffodils in the Church Yard. Diana loved these flowers- they reminded her of her walks on Tresco. A copy of the Order of Service may be found in the Gallery section under Events.
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