Hi there I might be clutching at straws? but here goes I think the Norman Cottle you speak of was my Dad? My Mum's name was Ellen & she met Norman in Auckland & had me in 1955. My second name is Valerie & I recall my Mum saying that it was my Grandmother's name on my father's side. Unfortunately I never met him but he is named on my birth certificate.
In my early twenties I tracked down whom I believe was a cousin possibly and we spoke on the phone? He was in Tolaga Bay & worked in the Post Office. He sadly told me my father Norman had died 6 weeks before my call & confirmed I was named after his Mum. Valerie. We had planned to
catch up & meet sometime later but unfortunately I believe he died of possibly a brain tumour but I am not certain??
Does any of this ring true for you.. I would so love to know!!!!!