Norwood, John Thomas

Author

b Old Hill, Staffs 1934, d Halesowen, W Midlands 2005. Windsor High Sch, Halesowen; Martineau Teacher Training Coll Birmingham (DipTMH); Birmingham Poly (Diploma in Management). He worked as the manager of a training college for adults with learning difficulties; retired at Halesowen, where he was an Elder of the Mission Baptist Ch, Cradley Heath, until his death. He had several contributions published in collections of Christian poetry and his verse has travelled around the world. His first significant use of a hymn was In might and majesty at the 1989 Grace Baptist meetings; to Basil Jayatilaka’s tune CLARION CALL scored for full choir and orchestra; this has featured in special events in 1990 in Perth, W Australia. Since 1987 he has written hymns and songs for children, with music often composed by (Pastor) A Winston Flavell who preached at his funeral service in June 2005. This reflected his support for Youth for Christ, and included his hymn Released from earthly bondage and verses headed ‘Benediction’ (Oh Lord our God our thanks we bring for all the blessings of this day) and ‘Melody’ (A mind at peace with God—SM, but cf the CM 716). No.660.