John Norman, a long-standing CIOB member, has been awarded the Honorary Freedom of Ipswich by the mayor of Ipswich on behalf of the local council.
The accolade recognises the work and dedication he has given to the industry as well as his role as chair of the Ipswich Society, a post he has held for many years.
Norman was chair of the CIOB Suffolk Centre section between 1987 and 1989. He had been actively involved in the committee for several years previous to this.
In 1996, he became junior vice chair for the CIOB Eastern Regional Council, progressing to senior vice chair from 1997 to 1998. He then served as interim chair of the newly formed East Anglia Branch in 2009. He continued to serve on the local Suffolk and Ipswich committees until 2020.
Norman used his local expertise to facilitate site visits to many developments in the area, most recently the new flood barrier on the West Bank terminal.
He has conducted numerous talks on his favourite area of Ipswich, the waterfront, and nearby historic churches.
CIOB thanked him for over 40 years of service, acknowledging the enthusiasm he brings.
