Norman Geldart was born in 1903. His parents lived in one of those high church parishes of Leeds. When their pastor, later Canon Farrar, became a Catholic, they followed him into the Church. Norman went with them.
In January 1917 he was sent to Ampleforth where he spent nearly five years in the School. He made his mark, though not academically. This is not to say he was stupid. He was industrious and always had keen intellectual interests. It was in sport that he made a name for himself and in dramatics. He was captain of the Cricket XI and was in the 1st XV at rugby. But he was fundamentally an artist. As a pianist he was competent, as an actor - and especially as a humorous performer - he was remarkable. Even at fifty he still could do his 'turns', those very ones he used to do as a boy, and to the almost ecstatic amusement of all. His artistic character made him shy, nervous and highly strung, self-critical and unsure of himself. For all his being the professional clown he was exceptionally serious.
On leaving school in 1922 he joined the novitiate at Ampleforth where again for his companions he was the lighter side of monastic life but to himself strict and observant of rule. As a monk Br Francis went through the usual educational process, philosophy under Fr Raphael, three years of Oxford - where he studied French - then back to Ampleforth for theology under Fr Dunstan and Fr Raphael. He was ordained priest at Mount St Mary's Church in Leeds in 1931 by Bishop Cowgill.
For some years he taught in the Upper School and later at Gilling. He was the first monk-scoutmaster at Ampleforth, and his dismay when he was appointed had to be seen to be believed. He was not born, with a scout pole in his hand. Nevertheless he tried.
The strain of teaching proved too much for him. He suffered a minor breakdown. It was thought that he might never be fit to take a major responsibility. In 1934 he went on the mission and spent four years as curate at St Mary's Canton, Cardiff, a year at St Anne's, Liverpool, six at Workington, and then, by sheer determination having re-established his mental balance, he succeeded in being parish priest in the growing parish of St Oswald's, Padgate, near Warrington. He was there nearly nine years and must be looked upon as one of the founders of that church. He was a real success, showing himself zealous, prudent and tactful. He was approachable, considerate and understanding. He believed in the little virtues and practised them.
Fr Francis' death came unexpectedly. While visiting one of his parishioners he had a heart attack. The following day he was anointed and died. May he rest in peace.
NORMAN FRANCIS GELDART 15 June 1955
1903 15 Mar Born Leeds
Educ Ampleforth
1922 28 Sep Clothed at Ampleforth
1923 29 Sep Simple Vows Abbot Smith
1926 1 Oct Solemn Vows
1928 10 Apr Tonsure & Minor Orders Abbot Matthews
27 Dec " " " " "
28 Dec " " " " "
1929 21 Jul Subdeacon
1930 20 Jul Deacon Bishop Shine
1931 19 Jul Priest Mt St Mary's Church Leeds Bishop Cowgill
1924-28 Studied at Oxford
Taught in School
1933 Sep Assistant at Gilling
1934 Sep Assistant at St Mary's Canton
1938 Nov Assistant at St Anne's Liverpool
1940 Mar Assistant at Workington
1946 Sep Incumbent at St Oswald's Warrington
1955 15 Jun Died at Warrington