GEOFFREY WATLING

By the end of the Second World War he had bought several cafes, opened the Rainbow Ice Cream Factory in Great Yarmouth and the Samson and Hercules Ballroom in Norwich. He was one time owner of the Kessingland Palais Ballroom in Lowestoft and the Lido Ballroom in Norwich, Jarretts Removals, Shipdham Car Hire Services, Beeline Taxis, chalet parks in Hemsby and Old Hunstanton and had interests in Crown Cruises.
He became chairman of Norwich Football Club in 1956, holding the post for sixteen years, before becoming vice president and then president, a post he held until his death. He bought Felthorpe Hall in 1963 from Sir Basil Mayhew and lived there until his death. [rewrite]