Whilst still working at BT, Norman and Val together with his sister Dot opened a small DIY and household goods shop in Underwood Lane, called "Home Supplies". He loved helping people do DIY, and this was before the large B&Q's took over. He loved going round the warehouses especially one in Manchester called STAX, as they sold tools ! Norman is a bit like a burglar in many respects, as he has been in a lot of peoples houses, although he didn't take anything, including money - but he did leave a legacy of DIY jobs to look back on.