FOR more than nine years, Norman Beer has been one of the unsung heroes at Transport World.
So why does he do it?
“You’re a volunteer because you want to do it. You wouldn’t do it if you didn’t want to be there but I certainly want to be there,” he said.
Mr Beer started volunteering at Bill Richardson Transport World about Easter 2011 days when the classic truck museum was open by appointment only.
He first met Bill Richardson in the 1960s or 1970s, when he was working as a mechanic for T R Taylor’s garage in Invercargill.
“The rest is history, as they say. It’s been a long time, but it’s felt like it has gone quickly.
After retirement and sadly losing both his beloved son and wife in a matter of months, Mr Beer said being able to come to Transport World gave him a purpose.
“I treat it a bit like a job in that respect; I come in at 9.30 and do two hours, three days a week. That’s just my routine. I’ve found, living on my own, it gives you something to get up for. It gives you a real sense of purpose too.”
As for what he enjoys most about his time at Bill Richardson Transport World? Well, that’s easy.
“I love the vehicles, of course, but it’s mainly the people. It’s the friendship. I have smoko with the boys [from the workshop] each time I’m in, and I really enjoy that. Plus, before anyway, you meet people from all over the world,” Beer said.
- Reproduced from our friends at the Southland Express
