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Colleagues mourn the passing of Norman Banner MBE

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Death of one of Warrington's most well known figures

 

All at FDR Law were sad to learn of the passing of Norman Banner on Thursday last week (18th April), who was not just a colleague but a dear friend to so many here.

 

Norman who only retired from FDR Law in January was born and bred in Warrington and was well known and hugely respected locally for his various charitable and community roles spanning more than 50 years. Norman graduated in law from Manchester Polytechnic and joined Robert Davies & Co serving for over 48 years with one or other of the component firms that led to the formation of FDR Law.

One of Norman's first roles was in chairing the Warrington Committee for Disabled People (WCDP), an umbrella group representing local charities and encouraging collaborative work to improve provisions for people with a disability. Out of the WCDP group the Warrington Crossroads Care Attendant Scheme was formed which Norman also chaired. His involvement with Crossroads Care took Norman onto the national board and he spent many an evening addressing the AGMs of other member schemes across the UK and the Netherlands, including three receptions at No 10 Downing Street. Crossroads Care grew under his guidance from around 50 schemes to over 200 at the time of his retirement.

Norman was invited to be the first chair of Warrington Hospital Trust, a position he held for 12 years including during the town's brave response to the IRA bombing. For 10 years Norman served on the board of St Rocco's Hospice most of that time as Chair. More recently he served as Deputy Lieutenant of Cheshire and as a founder member of Cheshire Community Foundation.

In 2016 Norman was awarded the inaugural Lifetime Achievement Award at the Warrington Business Awards, and received his MBE from HRH Prince of Wales in March 2018, and later that year he was awarded the title Honorary Freeman of the Borough by the council.

FDR Law Chairman, Charles Agar summed up the thoughts of many by saying "Such a tremendous person who will be much missed and our thoughts at this time are with his family and friends. He will be remembered fondly here at FDR Law and in the town of Warrington, for which he did so much."

Funeral arrangements have been confirmed as follows:

 There will be a private cremation for family only, and then the funeral service where all are welcome will be held on Tuesday 30th April at St Wilfrid's Church, Church Lane, Grappenhall, WA4 3EP, starting at 1pm. The family also invite those who are able to join them afterwards at the Statham Lodge Hotel, Lymm and have asked for all donations to be made to St Rocco's Hospice.

 

 

 

 

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