The Leader of Douglas Borough Council, Councillor David Christian JP has paid tribute to Sir Norman Wisdom OBE who died on Monday October 4. Awarded the Honorary Freedom of the Borough of Douglas in 1994 Sir Norman was, said Councillor Christian, ‘a great ambassador for Douglas and the Isle of Man.’ Councillor Christian continued: ‘Sir Norman always expressed great interest in the work of the Council and he formed a close friendship with fellow Honorary Freeman of the Borough and former Mayor of Douglas George Chatel MBE and his wife, Councillor Mrs Raina Chatel. He attended many Council events and the depth of affection in which he was held by the people of the Isle of Man was very much in evidence in July 2009 when Sir Norman was a guest at the ceremony to confer the Honorary Freedom of the Borough on the Bee Gees, an occasion when Barry and Robin Gibb were clearly as delighted to have met such a legendary entertainer as the crowds outside Douglas Town Hall. ‘During my year in office as Mayor of Douglas I was honoured to present Sir Norman to His Royal Highness The Prince of Wales, an opportunity seized by Sir Norman to demonstrate his customary comic timing and perform his signature “tripping up” routine. ‘That same year Sir Norman attended an event for terminally ill children at the Villa Marina, an occasion when he visibly lifted the spirits of the children, their parents and carers and made a memorable day for them all. ‘Despite universal fame Sir Norman remained a humble man who always had time for his fans and would happily sign autographs. The Council is proud to have been the first official body to have awarded him an honour, although he went on to be feted by many nations and to receive a knighthood in 2000. ‘Douglas Borough Council extends its sincere condolences to his family at this sad time. Sir Norman was an entertainer and a gentleman of the highest order. He will be greatly missed.’ In further tribute the Henry Bloom Noble Library has mounted a special display of books in memory of Sir Norman Wisdom OBE. Ends