14/04/2026
WSC Commodore 1991-1992 Terry Norton passed away 11/04/2026.
Eulogy by James Case.
We were saddened to hear of the passing of Terry Norton, coincidentally on the day of WSC`s Fitting Out Supper. Many current members may not have known Terry, but he was a leading member of the club from the 70`s to the early 90's.
Terry and Peter Scillitoe first started sailing after watching a single-handed GRP dinghy off Wells beach; so they both bought Minisail dinghies,learnt to sail, and joined the club. Around this time, the early 70's, most of the younger club members learnt their skills sailing Heron dinghies, William and Ben Cracknell in "Lazy Trout" and myself and Sally Cracknell in "Tango". My sailing journey progressed when I purchased Terry`s Minisail dinghy- followed by a quick change of name. Terry was a lifelong passionate Arsenal supporter, so the large white vinyl letters and the Arsenal cannon logo were promptly removed from the foredeck!
Peter and Terry had already realised the attraction of Sharpie sailing in a fleet, so they started a formidable partnership when Peter purchased K116 "Northern Lights" , formerly owned by Eddie Lambert. I had my first taste of Sharpie sailing, invited to join Peter and Terry to successfully sail and win the Juniors "Anchor trophy", I was definitely still at the - "push & pull" the tiller stage of learning to sail !
A little Sharpie history, K115 Tiger Shark was being built for David Cox alongside K116 by Lester Southerland at his boatyard in Brancaster Staithe. They both floated before they were finished, due to the devastating East coast floods in January 1953.
Team Northern Lights soon became a top performer at both club and Championship level, winning the British Sharpie Championship three times in 1979, 1980, and 1992. At club level, I can recall when Commodore Myrtle French was trying not to prolong the annual prize giving, she presented Peter & Terry a large cardboard box full of trophies as they had won virtually every club trophy that year.
The twenty plus year sailing partnership was unique, due to Terry`s individual crewing style. Being super fit he always held the jib sheets without assistance from a winch, ratchet blocks or jamming cleats. He never required or used toe-straps, preferring to tuck his toes under the centreboard case capping for support.
Ashore, I always remember the huddle of K116 supporters around the Town line start hut at the beach bank, with wife Sandra and Jill Scillitoe ever present, equipped with waterproofs and binoculars, and Terry`s father in law Herbert Emerson or Brother in law Peter Emerson starting the races with a 12 bore gun and blank cartridges.
Terry`s printing expertise was always a bonus giving a professional touch to all the club requirements. He served on the committee for many years, and became Commodore for 1991 - 1992. Sandra and Terry set the perfect example, attending every club event and bar opening during his term of office.
We all have our special memories of Terry, sailor, sun worshipper, football referee, printer, postman & butcher. Dementia robs all those it affects of their memories; as members of Wells Sailing Club we will always remember the very best of people like Terry, who gave so much of his life to a sport and club he and Sandra enjoyed for so many years.
Our condolences go out to Sandra and their extended family.
