Roger Norris 1941 – 2021
Gentleman Freeman, and Chairman of Trustees 1995-2015
At the time of his retirement as chair of the Freemen trustees in 2015, Roger’s peers recorded the significant contribution Roger had made to the ‘re-birth’ of the city’s Freemen. Ever modest about his own role, Roger instead cited the energy and vision of others. However, without his sensitive leadership and diplomatic skills, the necessary changes would not have occurred. Always respectful of the traditions and history associated with the Freemen, Roger, nonetheless, appreciated the importance of the organisation remaining relevant in a changing world.
Under his watch, women freemen were first admitted, a charitable arm established to award grants to local organisations and the Freemen became more outward looking.
Appointed a trustee in 1988, Roger Norris took over the chairmanship in 1995. Three years later he was sworn into the Cordwainers’ Company as a Gentleman Freeman.
With characteristic generosity, Roger, on his retirement as chairman said, “I have thoroughly enjoyed the privilege of being chairman and being part of that special cornerstone of city life for so many years. I have been particularly fortunate in the support, friendship and fellowship I have received from the trustees, the wardens, and the companies of freemen over the years.”
Roger Charles Norris was born in May 1941, the son of an RAF officer. The family moved to Whyteleafe in Surrey and later Cambridge and Bromley, where his father worked in the electronics industry, prior to joining the Air Ministry, specialising in telecommunications.
Graduating from Trinity College Dublin in 1963 with a degree in Latin and English, Roger was later awarded an MA from the same institution, as well as receiving a post graduate diploma in Librarianship from Sheffield University.
After a short period working in Edinburgh University library, Roger was appointed deputy librarian to the Dean and Chapter at Durham Cathedral in 1966. Thus began a lifetime of service to cathedral, city and county. Retiring in 2002, he was then appointed emeritus librarian at St Chad’s College.
Throughout the 55 years he lived in Durham, Roger served many bodies other than the Freemen. He became honorary secretary of the City of Durham Trust, an office he later conceded provided an insight into the history of the city and importance of the preservation and conservation of its historic assets. For over forty years Roger was a member of the Durham Diocesan Committee for the Care of Churches, holding for a period the vice chairmanship. He held similar positions with the Victoria County History Trust and Northumbria Historic Churches Trust. Roger was also a former chairman of the Durham Council of Churches and president of the Architectural and Archaeological Society of Durham and Northumberland.
With Douglas Pocock he co-authored A history of County Durham and later with Neil Jinkernson, Stained glass of Durham Cathedral.
Philip Wills, clerk and recorder to the Freemen said, “Roger was a remarkable and thoroughly decent man. Generous to the last and utterly self-deprecating, his tact and diplomacy in all things enabled him to negotiate difficulties with great skill and wisdom in challenging times. His care for others was paramount and a reflection of his Christian values. He was a great friend to all Freemen and others who knew and loved him. Roger will be sorely missed and I feel honoured to have been able to know him as a true friend".
John Booth, present chair of wardens said, " Roger was always regarded with great respect by the Durham Freemen. His dedication for our organisation was recognised and acknowledged by all. He will be missed all who knew him."
Patrick Conway, present chair of trustees said, “Roger Norris led a full life and contributed so much to his adopted city and county. The Freemen of Durham are fortunate to have benefited from his selfless interest in their traditions. He invited me to become a trustee and having known Roger as a fellow professional librarian for many years, I can testify to his sensitive generosity of spirit, respect for knowledge and ideas and above all tolerance of differing opinions.”
Eric Bulmer, chair of the Freemen charitable trust commented " Roger provided the wardens with unstinting support and offered wise counsel to successive chairmen of the wardens. He was held with great respect and affection by the Freemen, who acknowledged his passion, enthusiasm and endeavor for our ancient organisation and will be sadly missed by his many friends and colleagues."
Roger Norris, truly an adopted son of Durham.
