Comments on: So Long, Norman Riley https://spitalfieldslife.com/2021/08/15/so-long-norman-riley/ In the midst of life I woke to find myself living in an old house beside Brick Lane in the East End of London Mon, 04 Nov 2024 15:31:12 +0000 hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.9.4 By: Liliah sumpton https://spitalfieldslife.com/2021/08/15/so-long-norman-riley/#comment-1640495 Mon, 04 Nov 2024 15:31:12 +0000 https://spitalfieldslife.com/?p=188271#comment-1640495 Rest in peace

]]> By: Velvet moon https://spitalfieldslife.com/2021/08/15/so-long-norman-riley/#comment-1640493 Mon, 04 Nov 2024 15:30:26 +0000 https://spitalfieldslife.com/?p=188271#comment-1640493 Lovely story this happened way before I was born

]]> By: Marcia Howard https://spitalfieldslife.com/2021/08/15/so-long-norman-riley/#comment-1397661 Tue, 17 Aug 2021 08:42:35 +0000 https://spitalfieldslife.com/?p=188271#comment-1397661 What an amazing man, with a truly gritty start to his life’s story. Norman was born the same year as my late husband, although their growing up years were miles apart from each other. Sincere condolences to Norman’s sons, and long may the business thrive.

]]> By: Kelly Holman https://spitalfieldslife.com/2021/08/15/so-long-norman-riley/#comment-1397288 Mon, 16 Aug 2021 08:13:32 +0000 https://spitalfieldslife.com/?p=188271#comment-1397288 What a privilege to read Norman’s story. His courage, passion and philosophy of life were moving and inspiring.

Condolences to his family.

]]> By: Pamela Traves https://spitalfieldslife.com/2021/08/15/so-long-norman-riley/#comment-1397204 Mon, 16 Aug 2021 02:35:56 +0000 https://spitalfieldslife.com/?p=188271#comment-1397204 Norman Riley was a hard worker and a kind man. I enjoyed the pictures of him working and smiling. God Bless You Norman.??????

]]> By: Mary https://spitalfieldslife.com/2021/08/15/so-long-norman-riley/#comment-1397052 Sun, 15 Aug 2021 17:45:20 +0000 https://spitalfieldslife.com/?p=188271#comment-1397052 Norman described Martin Bell as a “smashing bloke”, but having read Norman’s incredible story I think Norman was a “smashing bloke”. The East End is the poorer for the loss of one of its true sons.
RIP Norman.

]]> By: Greta Kelly https://spitalfieldslife.com/2021/08/15/so-long-norman-riley/#comment-1397034 Sun, 15 Aug 2021 16:57:45 +0000 https://spitalfieldslife.com/?p=188271#comment-1397034 I really enjoyed Norman’s memories, being moved to tears by the beauty of a lamb, his honeymoon adventures! Sleeping on straw, enjoying the taste of his first orange.
The images show a happy content man, his workshop a credit to him. So organised and tidy. I do hope his sons keep the business up and running. I want to see this place next time I am in London.

REST IN PEACE Norman.

]]> By: Robin https://spitalfieldslife.com/2021/08/15/so-long-norman-riley/#comment-1396964 Sun, 15 Aug 2021 12:20:43 +0000 https://spitalfieldslife.com/?p=188271#comment-1396964 Marvelous chronicle of a talented man’s life. I can’t believe Norman described himself as shy! He seemed so intrigued with life, always making opportunities for himself. So glad to hear that his sons Chris and Warren are carrying on the family business and keeping those skills alive for the East End.

]]> By: Paul Loften https://spitalfieldslife.com/2021/08/15/so-long-norman-riley/#comment-1396962 Sun, 15 Aug 2021 12:17:00 +0000 https://spitalfieldslife.com/?p=188271#comment-1396962 So long Norman .A great story RIP. Personally I would have taken that anvil along with me

]]> By: Gregory Rose https://spitalfieldslife.com/2021/08/15/so-long-norman-riley/#comment-1396934 Sun, 15 Aug 2021 10:31:44 +0000 https://spitalfieldslife.com/?p=188271#comment-1396934 Thank you SO much for this sad news TGA. As you know, I lived in White Horse Road, very near York Square, for 41 years. For many years I used to take my son to Stepney Green Coat School and also walked past Norman’s works. We always chatted with Norman, who was great with kids. Chris and Warren are also such lovely characters. Norman was always smiling – one of the great East End characters.

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