My freeman story: Oliver Quinton

“I have been a freeman since I was 18, and I sit on the Norwich Freemen’s committee. Currently, on behalf of the committee, I have taken ownership of the Freemen700 parade and feast that will be held at the end of September 2017,” he says.

“Being a Freeman is important to me because it gives me a chance to live through a part of the history of Norwich, to be a custodian of that history and to help maintain and create that legacy which will carry on after me.”

Oliver’s father Michael Quinton, is also a freeman and a well-known Norwich butcher with a shop in Alexandra Road, Norwich.

He works for Aviva, in Norwich, as an Actuarial Manager. After recent postings out to various other Aviva sites to support the business, he is  now back in Norwich and working on the defined-benefit-pension portfolio.

Oliver is also a keen cyclist and competes whenever he can.

“I’ve been cycling seriously since 2011, switching from football because I couldn’t play any longer due to injury. After having my knees rebuilt, I needed a new sporting outlet to build up my leg strength and satisfy my competitive side – and cycling fitted the bill.”

“I enjoy all aspects of cycling whether I am cycling on roads or through the forest trails as well as training, racing and competing. I find the freedom to travel long distances under my own power wonderfully life-affirming.”

“I have a few achievements on a bike that I regard as high points, including picking up sponsorship and achieving numerous podiums and wins, both individual races and race series in cross country mountain biking. Also taking on events such as the Transcontinental Race, a 2,800 mile race over two weeks starting in Belguim and racing over the Alps and finishing in Turkey.”