Day: August 25, 2018

In the early 1990s, Norman Wallace-Metcalfe was in the forefront with those establishing The Sussex Beacon as a household name around Brighton and beyond.

AFTER a successful career as an Advertising Arts Buyer, Norman volunteered and then worked full-time for The Sussex Beacon alongside Michael Topping, his other half for over 50 years, who was a Trustee of The Sussex Beacon. It was no surprise to their many friends when Norman rose to the challenge of promoting Brighton’s soon-to-be internationally acclaimed AIDS Hospice.

As the Appeals Co-ordinator, Norman gave a smiling, compassionate and hopeful face to the otherwise tragic business of AIDS management. This was something of a miracle at a time when there was no cure or certain diagnosis and when so many folk were dying every week.

Of course, Norman didn’t achieve this all on his own. Indeed, he was very much a team player, but while The Sussex Beacon Trustees organised institutional funding and the management and nursing team and doctors saw to the bodily needs of the clients, Norman and his able squadron of volunteers and office staff raised money, local awareness and the profile of the Sussex Beacon. To many in Brighton The Sussex Beacon is still their favourite local charity. Norman’s outstanding organisational skills enabled us to contribute time, money and fellowship to making the precious last weeks and days of people with AIDS more bearable.

The variety of events that Norman instigated was legendary. Grand dinners and parties in the smartest hotels, pubs and clubs; all kinds of concerts with celebrity appearances from artists including Jimmy Somerville, the international violinist Nigel Kennedy who both gave concerts at the Dome completely free and Cameron Mackintosh who sponsored the fabulous Broadway to Brighton show at the Theatre Royal; sales, tombolas, auctions and pledged-giving, all helped to swell the coffers and keep spirits up when hope was scarce.

Norman was one of a kind, described at his funeral as wickedly funny, dapper, thoughtful, brave, cheeky, a great raconteur and the ultimate host. He lived in the moment and could make people shake with laughter.

His stories were naughty and delicious, and he told them like a master. Genius timing was coupled with a repertoire of superb facial mannerisms. Indignation was a specialty. If you tried to tell a story yourself and it wasn’t passing muster, it would be greeted with “Is this a long story?”

Norman’s own story concluded with over 15 years of serious ill-health that frequently took him from public view but did not dent his support for good causes. His bravery and stoicism was ever an inspiration to others. His enthusiasm, imagination and generosity will be an enduring memory.

Obituary prepared by Andrew Connal.