Tomblin, Norman

Composer

Norman Tomblin was born in Bradford on 24th June 1907, the youngest of 5 brothers. His parents were members of the Plymouth Brethren in Bradford and this was where he first came to know the Lord personally at the age of 14. On getting married to Elsa in 1938 and moving to Ilkley, they first attended the Brethren meeting in Shipley but following the births of their three daughters and not having a car, they became members at Ilkley Baptist Church. However, they ultimately found their spiritual home at Ben Rhydding Methodist Church where they both played a very active part for over 50 years. During the last 10 years of his life he was the “temporary” organist there! Although he classed himself as a pianist, he was a very able organist. For many years Norman was also a local preacher.

Norman wrote the tune SUPREMACY in the 1930’s. In the post war years he had many requests from choirs all over the country, and he would deal with the distribution of copies personally. The tune appeared in several publications.

Norman lived a very active life being involved not only in his church but in the community. He was a chartered accountant by profession and was a partner in a small firm of chartered accountants in Ilkley. He retired from full time work when he was 70 but continued in a part-time capacity until he was 80. In his semi-retirement period he was also the bursar of a small private school in Ilkley and on retiring from that position, he became a school governor instead, a position he still held when he became ill shortly after his 92nd birthday. He was also heavily involved in the building of the Clarke Foley Centre in Ilkley which was built for the benefit of Ilkley’s senior citizens and which is now used by many community groups. For many years he was the. Choirmaster of the Clarke Foley Choir and many happy hours were spent arranging music to fit the choir’s talents. Norman died on 27th February 2001.

No.310.