Journey to the Centre of the Norton Universe

Yesterday I had the privilege to Make a journey to what in my opinion is the centre of the Norton Universe , Mick Hemmings shop in Northampton.
I had last visited Mick and Angie 38 years ago in 1976 ,to collect my Big valve head and modified carbs, and apart from the slightly different location , nothing had changed . on arrival Mick made the tea and Angie brought out the cake ,we talked Norton and quite a few other things , I drooled over Magnesium 6 speed Gearboxes, One piece cranks and steel rods, Heaven! Luckily for me I had just sold my granny on evil bay and was able to place an order for a 6 speed box , but I dont think it would have mattered to my hosts if I 'd have gone away empty handed. My visit was cut short by the arrival of a traffic warden who not sharing my state of nirvana was intent on giving me a ticket for overstaying my welcome , fleet footwork on my part saved the day , so I was able to drive away smiling .
I dont think I will leave it so long before visiting again.


This was my first post (ever) ,now Ive broken my Duck ................

Thanks for sharing the flavors except for the fast retreat out of paradise. Do it again with a camera-video please and keep it going while the bobbies enter...

hobot said:

Do it again with a camera-video please and keep it going while the bobbies enter...

Click to expand...

UK Traffic Wardens are not Police and he/she is unlikely to "enter" but will almost certainly slap a ticket on the offending vehicle in double-quick time and be on his/her way again, eagerly seeking out the next unfortunate target.

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/newstop ... rdens.html

Welcome Moto55UK.

the centre of the Norton Universe

Click to expand...

I can only concur with what you have said. On both occasions I have visited the shop I have been plied with tea and have also had an impromptu tour of the shop upstairs. Last time I was there about a year ago, my wife was with me and a bit off colour, so Angela brought out the cough medicine :shock: :shock: Now that's service for you, unless it was a tranquiliser so that I could spend more time admiring the Full Auto head and such objects :lol: :lol:

In my "Norton" life, my big regret is not using them much earlier for spares and advice but instead the bearded one! Oh well, I got there in the end.

I know Angela occasionally reads some threads on Access Norton, so," hello Angela."

Moto55UK, what's your Norton history?

I told the traffic warden I had to unload a large heavy engine she said she would let me park outs for 10 minutes. The best thing is to explain your parking problem to Mick or Angela they have a simple solution