The Queen is greeted by Norman Wood, in July 2003
This web site is also a tribute to Norman Wood, former President of Wenlock Olympian Society, whose vision for wider, universal, recognition of Dr William Penny Brookes' influence on Modern Olympianism remains undiminished.
Sadly Norman passed away in April 2005.
Like so many of his generation Norman served in the Army in World War II. He famously lived, ate and slept in the back of a truck for three and a half years providing parts support for a Tank unit.
Within months of his discharge from the Army, Norman started teaching. He came to Much Wenlock County Secondary School (later William Brookes School) as Head of PE in 1953 and had many successful teams in Football, Athletics, Cross Country, Cricket and Tennis.
He later moved to the Maths department and then became responsible for Adult education. Norman became Head of Adult Education for the Bridgnorth area and organised courses in a wide variety of subjects from foreign languages to choral music. He was especially proud of having started the Much Wenlock Male Voice Choir, Much Wenlock Ladies Choir, Bridgnorth Mixed Choir, Highley Singers and Alveley Singers all of which are still in existence.
There was a gap in the activities of the Wenlock Olympian Society from the 1950’s to 1977 when in his year as Mayor, Norman revived the Society and the Annual Games. He also formed the Athletics and Fencing clubs managing teams, coaching and encouraging parents to become involved.
Whilst Secretary of the Society from 1977 the full importance of William Penny Brookes to the development of the modern Olympic Games was researched and publicised. Books were written and visitors came to Much Wenlock. Sir Arthur Gold, Chairman of the British Olympic Association, Princess Anne, President of the BOA, and Juan Antonio Samaranch, President of the International Olympic Committee were amongst many who came to pay homage to this wonderful idea of sport for all that had originated in our town in the 1850’s and been rekindled by Norman.
The most important acknowledgement of Norman’s enthusiasm and standing came in 2003 with the visit to the Society of The Queen and Prince Phillip.
We continue to be aware of the legacy that we have been given for the future and the memory of Norman Wood for whom “anything was possible”.
