Paul was so touched by the story of Private William Norris that on one of the foulest wettest days of the year, he took a bus across south London to the spot outside the former Tooting Gin Palace to pay a quiet personal tribute to the Summerstown soldier who was killed by a tram on this spot, almost 99 years ago. We intended to film him reading a few lines of verse but the roar of buses, builders trucks and Garratt Lane Friday afternoon mania drowned out the sound. A fine gesture Paul, may the spirit of the Summerstown 182 be with you.
She walks in beauty, like the night
Of cloudless climes and starry skies;
And all that’s best of dark and bright
Meet in her aspect and her eyes:
Thus mellow’d to that tender light
Which heaven to gaudy day denies.