Norman Collins

I read today in the Portsmouth Evening News of the death of ex Band Colour Sergeant Norman Francis Collins (always known as Neff) and played the French Horn. He was aged 75.

Neff joined in 1948 and retired in 1974.

I think one of his last appointments was as the VBI at HMS Collingwood and he was for his sins best man at Terry Parker's (Solo Clarinet) wedding. Neff and I had many a good pint at the pub opposite his mothers house on the Gosport Road after we both retired.

There were 6 ex's at his funeral and 2 wives: Terry Parker and Beryl: Pete House and Margaret: Mike Tellick, Ivan Petters, Dave Peever a bugler who had served with him and myself.

His brother was very surprised so may of his old comrades were there and thanked us for the thought. He had given Neff a "Royal" send off, Globe And Laurel wreath, beret and Union Jack on the coffin and Regimental March to finish.

Thanks for getting it on the web, it certainly made a difference to his send off.

Best regards

Ian (Epps)