Cecil finally calls it a day at 87

AN IPSWICH engineer has finally called an end to his charitable exploits at the grand old age of 87.

Cecil Barber, of Ashcroft Road, Ipswich has spent the 25 years since retirement constructing special tailor-made equipment to help people with disabilities.

Mr Barber's voluntary position at the East Suffolk panel of Remap saw him provide the tools needed for people to gain independence in their everyday lives.

Remap already has 85 panels across England, Wales and Northern Ireland, helping more than 3,000 people with disabilities each year.

The opportunity came about to join Remap when Mr Barber was working as a lecturer in engineering at Suffolk College.

He said: “I had been at the college since 1949 and was invited by several other engineers to join Remap when it was formed in 1975.

“We developed a wide remit of equipment and worked mainly under the instruction of occupational therapists and care workers.”

Mr Barber has lived in Suffolk for most of his life but spent some years abroad as a captain in the army.

Between 1942 and 1947 he served in Europe and on the Northwestern Front, looking after an Indian army workshop.

On his return, he took a job as an engineering lecturer and there he stayed until his retirement in 1983. But it didn't stop his desire to work and help people and he stayed with Remap for another quarter of a century.

Mr Barber said: “I eventually got tired and when you reach my age, just living takes up most of your time.

“I'm not particularly agile at the moment and when you get to 87, you know about it.”

Mr Barber plans to spend some of his extra time on looking after his house and his patch at Castle Hill.

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