NORMAN Bricknell is to retire after some 50 years working as an estate agent in Ross-on-Wye.

However, Mr Bricknell, now in his 70s is not hanging up his boots entirely, as he will still be a familiar face in the town and will continue to run the Coventry Building Society Agency from the adjacent premises on Gloucester Road.

South African-born Norman attended Ross Grammar School before studying at the College of Estate Management in London, where he obtained his degree, leading to a career as a chartered surveyor. Mr Bricknell returned to Herefordshire and worked for Stooke Hill & Co in the city centre. Two years later he opened a brand-new branch office in Ross in the half-timbered building near the Market House.

That was in July 1974. And together with other partners, the company went on to open 12 offices, before the business was sold to Prudential Property Services in 1987.

However, corporate life did not come easily to Mr Bricknell and after a few years he resigned and took a nine-month sabbatical.

But with property still very much in his blood, in January 1994 Nigel Morris and Norman Bricknell set up a partnership to form Morris Bricknell Chartered Surveyors.

Over the years Morris Bricknell enhanced a reputation for honesty and integrity, and plain speaking, qualities not universally associated with all estate agents.

The range of business undertaken by Morris Bricknell was considerable, encompassing residential and agricultural work, together with regular auction sales of furniture, jewellery and collectables.

Throughout his career, Mr Bricknell was proud to have helped many first-time buyers find their first home, many of these clients later returning to the firm when it was time to move on.

As a company Morris Bricknell began to develop a reputation for all sorts of country property, from cottages to castles, a highlight in the early years being the sale of Wilton Castle and the contents for the Jackson family.

Many clients later became friends, and as Norman has been regularly known to say, it is the people who make life interesting, and that is why he has always enjoyed his job.

And now, having traded successfully for over 30 years and being well into his 70s, Norman took heed of his wife’s words to consider retirement.

When asked about his career, Mr Bricknell said: “I have absolutely loved almost every aspect of my long career, more particularly working with an incredible succession of wonderful people in one of the most beautiful counties in the land.

“I consider myself very fortunate. I will now have a little more time to pursue my many and varied interests, including motorcycling and gardening.”

Last year, Norman agreed a sale of the business to John Goodwin & Sons Ltd, Chartered Surveyors, of Ledbury, who will be taking over the office from 1 April 2025, with the existing staff staying in place. John has two sons, Adam and Nick, both of whom will be actively involved in the business. The new company has an active auction and commercial departments.