Nestled in the warm and welcoming environment of Aria Court, Norman Poole has become a loved and valued member of our community over the past two years. At 91 years young, Norman’s life story is rich with experiences, marked by hard work, dedication, and a love for the simple pleasures of life.
Born and raised in March, Norman’s early life was shaped by the rural charm of the local countryside. He worked on farms, developing a strong bond with horses and mastering the art of driving tractors. This early connection to the land and the hard work it demanded became a cornerstone of his character.
Norman’s life took a significant turn when he was called to serve his country in the Royal Artillery during his National Service. His time in the army added a layer of discipline and resilience to his already strong work ethic. Years later, on Remembrance Day, Norman proudly laid the poppy wreath on behalf of Aria Court, a poignant moment that connected his past service with his present life in our community.
After his military service, Norman returned to March and embarked on a diverse career. He drove farm lorries and worked for several local companies, including the well-known Johnsons Engineering and Ransomes. His passion for machinery led him to train as an engineer, where he honed his skills in maintaining road sweepers and working in quality control testing.
In addition to his engineering career, Norman served as a retained firefighter in March for several years, always ready to respond to emergencies and protect his community.
Norman met his wife Jan, a hairdresser, at a local dance. The couple married in 1957, embarking on a life filled with love, laughter, and shared memories. They raised a son and a daughter, who, along with their grandchildren, have been a source of immense pride and joy for Norman.
Norman and Jan also shared a love of travel, exploring far-flung destinations like Canada, America, Mauritius, Australia, and New Zealand. They also enjoyed discovering the beauty of their own country, with Norfolk holding a special place in Norman’s heart.
Beyond his professional life and travels, Norman has always had a deep love for fishing. Whether participating in matches or enjoying leisurely fishing trips with his family, the tranquil pursuit of fish has been a lifelong passion. Another of Norman’s great loves is speedway and cars. He was a regular visitor to the races at Silverstone and even rode his own motorbike, a testament to his love for speed and adventure.
Norman’s journey to Aria Court came after a battle with cancer and a short stay in the hospital following a fall. Despite these challenges, Norman’s indomitable spirit has shone through. He quickly settled into life at Aria Court, where he has embraced the community and the activities on offer.
One of Norman’s favourite pastimes at Aria Court is gardening. As a member of our garden group, The Happy Potters, he continues the hobby he loved so much at his own home. Whether tending to the flowers or nurturing new plants, Norman’s green thumb is well-appreciated by all.
Norman also enjoys the culinary delights at Aria Court, particularly his beloved big breakfast. His daily three-course breakfast—starting with porridge and honey, followed by a full English breakfast, and finished off with toast and marmalade—has become a charming subject of good-natured teasing among the team and his fellow residents. But for Norman, it’s a ritual that starts his day off right.
He’s also a frequent visitor to the library, enjoying a good read and staying mentally active. The team at Aria Court has become like a second family to him, and he takes great pleasure in the meaningful conversations he shares with both team members and his fellow residents. Norman appreciates that here, people not only talk to him but truly listen, making him feel valued and heard.
Norman Poole is a shining example of a life well-lived, full of service, love, adventure, and community. At Aria Court, we are honoured to have him as a resident, and we look forward to continuing to share in his remarkable journey.
