TRIBUTES have been paid to an 'inspirational' Grappenhall man who dedicated more than two decades to supporting young musicians in Warrington.

Norman Cutter, who was the chairman of WACIDOM (Warrington Arts Council  Initiative for the Development of Music), died on December 9 just weeks after being diagnosed with cancer on November 15.

Among Norman's highlights was being awarded the British Empire Medal for services to music after being named in the 2013 New Year's Honours List.

The retired accountant, of Middlehurst Road, first became involved with organising concerts after discussing ways to keep the parish of St Wilfrid's together.

From that, Live at St Wilfrid's was launched in 1991 and is still going strong.

But the 79-year-old was probably best known for leading WACIDOM's lunchtime recitals at Holy Trinity Church which have been taking place since September 2000.

And Norman and the team recently celebrated their 400th free concert at the Market Gate church with a performance by 21-year-old pianist Yuanfan Yang. His first performance there was when he was just 10.

Norman was also celebrating the 20th anniversary of the Warrington Competition for Young Musicians which provides not only a platform but mentoring for some of the region's most promising performers.

From its beginnings as a small contest it has expanded to accept entries from a much wider area with previous finalists coming from as far as Crewe in the south of Cheshire to Bury in the north. 

Warrington Guardian:

Norman with his New Year's Honours letter 

Norman had been involved with the programme for Friends of Walton Hall Music for many years too and attended a fundraising concert there just 10 days before his cancer diagnosis.

The concert featured performances by the last two winners of the Warrington Competition for Young Musicians, Rachel Burnett and Solomon-Miles Donnelly.

Diane Smedley, administrator for WACIDOM, said: "Norman was an inspiration and he will be greatly missed by lots of people.

"He was an absolute gentleman. He was so full of enthusiasm for the young musicians.

"He had a passion for music and wanted to share it with others, which he did through Live at St Wilfrid’s, Friends of Walton Hall Music and the WACIDOM lunchtime concerts.

"Although Norman was not a musician he took a personal interest in observing the young musicians and how they developed.  

"When the competition had the lower as well as the upper division, he took great delight watching the musicians grow and move on to the higher grades and in many cases continue to music college and then a career as professional musicians.

"One of the achievements Norman was particularly proud of was obtaining a grant to purchase the piano at Holy Trinity Church.  

"He was also very proud of the fact that the Warrington Competition for Young Musicians had reached its 20th year."

World famous pianist Stephen Hough, who grew up in Warrington, knew Norman and even once filled in for a recital at Holy Trinity Church when a performer dropped out at the 11th hour.

Stephen said: "Norman was a very special person, warm-hearted, kind, generous, dedicated, and passionate about bringing music to as many people as he could.

"He will be sorely missed in the Warrington arts world and I’ll always be grateful to him for his help over the years."

Norman is survived by his wife Helen, who he was married to for 55 years, and children, Samantha and Neil.

He also had four grandchildren, Josh, Hannah, Kayleigh and Daniel, and a great grandson, four-month-old Freddie.

There will be no changes to the programme of recitals at Holy Trinity Church or at any of the other venues Norman was associated with.

Diane added: "The committee of WACIDOM recognise Norman’s enthusiasm and vision and will continue to see it fulfilled."