Every girl likes a bit of bling, a sparkling ring or a jewel at her throat, and Burleydam WI ladies are no different. The thought of hearing about ‘Gems and celebs’ brought a full house! Retired jeweller Norman Jones, took us through his career from when he left school and his father asked him what he wanted to do next. He gave him the option of coming into the family business, a jewellers and repair shop on the Brompton Road in London or would he prefer to go to some other firm first to learn the trade. Norman opted for the latter, at a firm in Birmingham, the centre of the Jewellery and gold businesses in England.
It was ten years later that he came back to join, and eventually to run the family business in London. He had served his apprenticeship at the heart of the industry and was ready to do his best for the family business.
He recounted how he had a good relationship with the Princess Alice, Countess of Athlone, the last remaining grand daughter of Queen Victoria. She lived in an apartment at Kensington Palace ( which the way Norman described it, sounded a bit like a rabbit warren ) and her butler would summon him to come and meet the Princess and she would tell him what she wanted. She was an elderly lady by that time and no doubt it was an interesting way of filling her day, looking at some lovely jewellery or discussing how some piece could be altered. Norman was developing a rapport with his customers.
With the shop being in an expensive part of London close to Harrods, the clientele were also very glamorous, aristocratic, theatrical and wealthy.
Norman was name dropping through Debbretts, ‘Did we know who Debbo was?’ ‘Yes ‘ we said the Duchess of Devonshire’ of the famous ‘Mitford Girls’, one of whom was reputedly a friend of Hitler! Norman had met them all, stars of stage and screen had visited his shop, buying presents for their loved ones, but also because they had a repair shop on the premises, customers would ask if items could be mended often at very short notice. One actress that Norman knew well brought a necklace in one morning, wanting to wear it to a gala occasion that night, Norman obliged.
He had led a very interesting life and he was thanked by Jean.
The competition was for a piece of costume jewellery and was won by Chris, 2 nd
Margaret 3 rd Marion. Our Secretary, Karen was unfortunately not well, but had sent the agenda electronically, so our president Rosemary took us through the business. This included the Malbank Group Meeting on March 18th where our duties were door stewards. The competition was to be ‘BEE’ related and Liz had worked a wonderful piece of gold embroidery centred around a magnificent bee. Plans were announced to hold practice bowling afternoon at Calverhall. New arrangements for the tea rota were given.
The next meeting is on Tuesday April 1st at 7.30pm when Julie Wright will show us Stained glass making.
Visitors and new members most welcome.
Burleydam Women's Institute 
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