Biography of Harold Norman Swinnerton

Biography of

Harold Norman SWINNERTON

[Ref. R.18]

Family visit in February 1999

In order to try and rescue Norman from the unwanted attention of Mary Ann, the wife that he was divorcing, his nephews Malcolm Smith and Tony McClure flew over on 24 February 1999 to represent the support of his family. They had been alerted by friends of Norman who were concerned at what was happening to him. All the travel arrangements were made by Tony. Malcolm drove up to his house the day before then they flew from Manchester to Chicago before going on to Santa Barbara.

Wednesday 24 February 1992

Malcolm and Tony were met at Santa Barbara airport by Norman's friends Ed and Steve. Ed gave Malcolm a small gift. The two were as different as chalk and cheese. Ed, a former owner of an hotel in Switzerland, perfect manners and immaculately dressed and Steve, an iconic Amerian Irishman. They were taken, via a bar, to Norman's house where they met Sheila Harker, a Lancashire expat, who lookad after Norman's day to day administration. Malcolm and Tony settled into the house where food and beds were available.

Thursday 25 February 1996

Today, the boys started organising their actions. First, Malcolm rang his brother-in-law Mike Parsons who was living in Canada. He suggested that his son Christopher come from his home in Los Angeles to visit the solicitor with us.

Next, with Malcolm driving Norman's Lexis car having checked that the insurance permitted it, they went to Mission Canyon Retreat where Norman was staying. They chatted with him to see how the land laid with him. He told them that Mary Ann had written to him asking to buy the house for $50,000 when it was worth $220,000. She had presented the letter to him to sign without making it clear what the contents were but luckily he spotted it .On being asked about the possibility of returning to England, he was categoric that he wished to stay in Santa Barbara where he had friends and also the weather was better. He also indicated that he wished to be buried with his first wife Molly when the time came. He also advised that money was owed to Mel Theile of Life Net.

Back at Norman's house later, his mentor Kim came to visit. He expressed his concern at Mary Ann's actions and had already recommended that a Restraining Order be placed on her. He also considered that Norman should return to England. Later, friend Steve rang to see how things were progressing. Geri (Geraldine) Nelle also rang and asked to meet the next day as she had some cheques to collect. Sha also was of the opinion that Norman should return to England. Shiela Pridmore rang to see how things were going. Also Chris Parsons rang to say that he was willing to have Power of Attorney if it was required.

Friday 26 February 1996

Nephew Andrew Parker rang from Colorado at 07:30 to say that he was able to visit. Shiela Pridmore also rang later to confirm to us that Shiela Harker was both nurse and accountant to Norman. Norman's Investment Manager Mel Vogel rang at Norman's request to arrange a visit at 2pm that day.

Mary Ann called in at midday to invite Malcolm and Tony to lunch but they declined but took the opportunity to listen to her so story. She presented a letter of dismissal of Geri Nelle. She told of Kim using Norman's car and also said that he had warned her of a possible Restraining Order. She said that Malcolm and Tony had probably heard bad things about her but it was Norman who was to blame. They listened to her without comment and dedliberately did not get embroiled in any argument. Malcolm said that he and the family also thought badly of her but were prepared to talk to her in a civilised manner. At the end, Malcolm suggested that she leave Norman alone. She took it without comment, asked for a hug then left. Not much later Norman rang from the hospital to say that Mary Ann was there coercing him again.

Mel Vogel visited as arranged. He explained the various options for Power of Attorney. He also expressed his concern at Mary Ann's behaviour. Geri Nelle called in and returned Norman's paperwork. There was also a phone call from Bishop Crowther welcoming Malcolm and Tony and expressing his pleasure at the support from the family. After that, Malcolm and Tony went to visit Norman again and discussed his preferences. He neither wanted to return to England nor go into a Care Home. He wished to stay in his own home with some assistance. Despite Mary Ann's actions, he did not want a Restraining Order placed on her. Back at Norman's house again, Malcolm rang Mike Parsons to update him on what had been discussed.

Saturday 27 February 1996

Chris Parsons came to visit this day with his family also Andrew Parker with his family joined the party. Norman was collected from the care home and they all went to lunch at the seafood restaurant on the waterfront in Santa Barbara.

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