Pinchbeck, Norman – Football and cricket were his passions

Norman Pinchbeck (1918-1979)

SPORTS mad Norman Doughty Pinchbeck had trials for Norwich City when he was in his teens, but his father  wouldn’t allow it. Instead he made him complete his apprenticeship as an electrician.

Most of his sport was played locally. Much of his football was with Grantham St John’s including a spell as trainer.

He was also a director of Grantham FC in the 1960s/early 1970s.

As a corporal in Italy during the Second World War, he played for the British Army and was offered terms with Scottish Club Alloa, but again declined.

Norman was also a keen cricketer, and his prowess with the bat earned him the nickname Knocker when he played for Belton Park. He also played golf for a spell as well as bowls.

He worked all of his life for the electricity board under its various names, beginning with the Grantham Electric Light Company. Follow a cartilage operation which curtained his work as an electrician he became a salesman at East Midlands Electricity Board’s High Street showroom.

He was born and died at 16 Welham Street. His first wife, Joan, left him for a GI while he was fighting in Italy before marrying Sue.

A heavy smoker, he died of lung cancer.