NORMAN Banner MBE was made an Honorary Freeman of Warrington on Monday in recognition of his long-standing service to the town.
In an extraordinary meeting of the council prior to a full council meeting, it was voted unanimously to bestow the Town’s highest honour on Norman Banner M.B.E.
In proposing Mr. Banner for his honour, Cllr. Colin Froggatt apologised that as Norman’s list of achievements, accolades and good works was so great, he would not have time to mention them all. Council Leader, Terry O’Neil wholeheartedly seconded the proposal. Other councillors spoke warmly of the nominee’s works for the town and its people going back decades. A vote was held and the decision to make Mr. Banner an Honorary Freeman of Warrington was passed unanimously.
A proud Norman, accompanied by his wife Louise and sons Edward and Mark, was presented with his accolade by The Mayor, Cllr Karen Mundry who said “Norman is, quite simply, an example to us all. He is one of Warrington’s true heroes and his contribution to the Borough and our communities is immeasurable. He has been an active volunteer and has, for decades, helped to improve the lives of some of our most vulnerable residents.”
“He is a modest man but deserves this award. If we could all ‘be more Norman’, the world would be a better place.”
Born in Grappenhall in 1947, Norman Banner has lived and worked in Warrington his entire life and, after achieving a degree in law from Manchester Metropolitan University, has enjoyed a successful career working with a range of notable legal firms including FDR Law where he is currently a consultant.
Outside of work, however, is where he has delivered the biggest social impact. He has been active within the community and voluntary sector for the past 40 years, including being chairman of the Warrington Committee for Disabled People from 1975 to 1992.
Mr Banner has played a pivotal role in the domiciliary care sector both regionally and nationally, serving as the chairman of Warrington Crossroads Care from 1981 to 1990 and National chairman of Crossroads Care from 1983 to 1993. He held the role of National President of Crossroads Care between 1993 and 1996, when he spoke at the Houses of Parliament.
Norman Banner has also held the positions of Non-Executive Director of Mersey Regional Health Authority, chairman of Warrington Hospital NHS Trust and chairman of North Cheshire Hospital.
Latterly, he was chairman of St Rocco’s Hospice from 2007 to 2017. He led St Rocco’s through a particularly challenging period and showed outstanding dedication and leadership in helping to reinvigorate the charity, introducing new physical facilities and the Hospice at Home Service, alongside in-patient, day patient and counselling services already provided.
