FOR 36 years Eric Hickman was the face of Ipswich showing tourists and residents the highlights of the town.But today he has finally put away his loudspeaker and retired, leaving behind him the Horrible Histories tours and journeys around the ever changing waterfront.

FOR 36 years Eric Hickman was the face of Ipswich showing tourists and residents the highlights of the town.

But today he has finally put away his loudspeaker and retired, leaving behind him the Horrible Histories tours and journeys around the ever changing waterfront.

Mr Hickman, 79 first started working for Ipswich Borough Council in 1944 working as a clerk in the borough treasurer's office before developing the Blue Badge tours around the town centre.

He stopped working full time 20 years ago but continued to give the tours on a part-time casual basis.

Mr Hickman of Lancaster Way, Claydon was honoured for all his hard work by having tea at the town hall with Ipswich mayor Inga Lockington.

The tours around the town have been a success with one hundred people turning up for the first one and now there are six different types running for holidaymakers and residents of Ipswich.

Over the years Mr Hickman has found himself collecting donations for Felixstowe flood victims following the infamous 1953 deluge- as well as planting cabbages and picking plums outside the borough treasurer's office during the Second World War.

Mr Hickman said: “I've had a wonderful time.

“And I've met a lot singers and entertainers while I've been working for the borough.”

Mrs Lockington thanked Mr Hickman for his dedication and said she had learned a lot about Ipswich by talking to him.

She said: “I have only been here 12 years so there has been a lot of history for Mr Hickman to tell me.

“It's nice to find out more about Ipswich and it's good to have him here to thank him for all his work.”

n. Do you know someone who deserves recognition for their work for Ipswich? Write to Your Letters, Evening Star, 30 Lower Brook Street, Ipswich, IP4 1AN or e-mail eveningstarletters@eveningstar.co.uk

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