A highly successful Norwich businessman who made his name as one of the foremost estate agents in Norwich has died aged 103.
From the late 1950s to the mid-1980s, Alan Gordon Ebbage left his mark in the city with an ability to recognise business opportunities and maximize their potential.
He loved a challenge and that passion lent itself to his bold and innovative marketing style, making his name widely known across sale boards outside houses.
Born on September 28, 1922 at Caernarvon Road, Norwich, he was the youngest of seven children.
He attended Avenues Primary School, then City of Norwich School, but left aged 14 as he wanted to start earning money.
His parents, Lily and Arthur, were not pleased but Alan quickly gained the position of office boy at shoe manufacturers, Bally & Haldenstein. He worked from 8am to 6pm and was paid 10 shillings a week.
Intending to become a newspaper reporter, he persuaded his parents to let him study shorthand typing.
At Martin’s Business School, he was the single boy in a class of thirty girls and was teased constantly. Nevertheless, he worked hard and passed with distinction.
In 1940, aged 18, he became the first man to sign up for Norwich’s newly-formed Auxiliary Force.
With invasion by the Nazis expected, the "Stay at Homes” - as they were known – were one of the first in the line of defence. Their aim was to slow down the invading force.
The small team was trained in sabotage and spent months living secretly in Marston chalk pits, near Eaton.
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In the damp environment, Alan became ill with nephritis and almost died. He recovered three months later and applied to become a pilot, but was turned down due to having only one functioning kidney.
Nevertheless, he joined the Royal Air Force and was trained in meteorology and plotting. He served in North Africa and Italy in the forward ops division. In quiet moments, he studied for his matriculation exams.
Demobbed in 1945, he returned to Norwich and began his professional studies, qualifying as a Fellow of The Auctioneers and Landed Property Agents.
While studying, he met with friends at The Farmhouse Public House on Colman Road. There he met Janet Dye, who helped her landlord father in the Snug Bar.
In 1950, he started his own business in the front room of his parents’ house in Earlham Road. He needed a secretary and offered the job to Janet. The romance blossomed and on October 26, 1950, at Christ Church, Eaton, the couple married.
It was to be a wonderful partnership and in 2018 the couple celebrated their 68th wedding anniversary.
After two years in business at Earlham Road, Alan was invited to join his old firm and become a partner with his friend, Frank Potter.
Potter and Ebbage became a well-known name in the city and Alan and Janet enjoyed a pleasant life on Keswick Road, Cringleford, with their two daughters, Sheridan and Melanie.
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However, Alan was an ambitious man and, supported by Janet, decided to take on a chance.
In 1958, supported by his nephew, Alan Churchyard, A G Ebbage opened with a flurry on June 22, 1958.
At its beginning, the office occupied one room on the corner of Exchange Street and was decorated in the most up-to-date style. Here, the two Alans worked hard, and the office soon became very busy.
Alan’s philosophy was a simple one: focus on offering the best service possible and the money will follow. Work hard and advertise your prosperity. He believed if you looked successful then business would come to you.
In 1960, he purchased Littlewood House, a large country house set in twenty acres at Drayton. For the next forty years this was the hub of family life and entertaining. Two more daughters, Beverley and Charlotte, were born.
The firm of A G Ebbage thrived and expanded and soon took over the entire building on Exchange Street and the two adjoining premises. In 1965, a branch office was opened in Wymondham.
In 1974, Alan Ebbage & Partners was formed with Alan, his nephew, Alan Duchars and Ernest Webster. The company secretary was Jonathon Nastali.
The business continued to expand with more than 100 people employed over the years. Branch offices were later opened in Wroxham in 1974 and Martham in 1978, and there was a thriving commercial department in Norwich.
By 1983, Alan sold to Black Horse Agencies, part of Lloyds Bank. Then in 1999, when his professional body merged with The Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors, he finally became a chartered surveyor.
Alan was also a past president of the Strangers' Club and a member of Norwich Angling Club.
His wife, Janet Mary Ebbage, died on August 4, 2019 aged 88.
Alan Gordon Ebbage died on October 20 at St John’s Care Home, Norwich. He leaves four daughters, five grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.
His funeral will take place at St Margaret’s Church, Drayton, at 1pm on Friday, November 14.
All welcome, but please email Allcock Funerals to attend at info@allcockfunerals.co.uk. Donations, if desired, to the Royal British Legion via Allcock Funerals.
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