Norman Allen, founder of Norman Allen Group Travel, passed away on 9 January 2020 aged 97.  Following a family burial, a memorial service took place in Wellington Chapel, Herefordshire on 17 January 2020.

A travel industry pioneer, the story began in 1953 when, on holiday in Austria, Norman made a rare sighting of a small British tour group. With enthusiasm he returned to the UK, purchased a vehicle and, in 1954, offered his first tours. He worked for some years as Tours Manager at Warren’s Coaches, Ticehurst and in 1972, by now highly respected as a touring specialist, established Norman Allen Group Travel. The company still proudly bears his name and, as the UKs longest established tour wholesaler, is looking forward to its 50th anniversary in 2022.

Norman retired in 1992 and until only a few years ago was an occasional visitor to the company offices, where his passion for coach travel and interest in clients past and present were always evident. His enthusiasm never waned and in 2005, aged 83, he guided his own group tour above the Arctic Circle in Norway. Until recently he was a regular visitor to Kent, East Sussex and Norfolk, often returning with new tour ideas.

PHOTO: Norman, pictured in 1981