Age Concern

After Charlie retired he was approached by Accrington police force, as he was a friend of the Chief inspector, asking him whether he would be interested in working alongside themselves and Age Concern. This work took him into the local community as a handyman fitting door locks and other security hardware to old age pensioners homes. This then led to doing other work for the pensioners around their homes and property which he was always willing to do as he enjoyed seeing the pleasure his work gave to other people. He was sent numerous letters of thanks from these old people and kept every one in a folder that his family named "His Bible". As this gave him so much pleasure and pride in his life, a copy was made and was placed in his coffin and buried with him. The original was retained by his daughter (Carol).

The last two days of Charlie's life where spent in a coma holding a lego space rocket built by his grandson Christopher, this was placed alongside Charlie's "Bible" and was also, buried with him.

Epitaph

I know that all of us here today will miss Charlie , but we will all treasure our memories of him. He was one of those special people who brighten up the lives of those around them and make a real and lasting contribution to the community in which they live.

I first met Charlie seven years ago when he volunteered his services to Age Concern Hyndburn. For a number of years he worked with Age Concern, Accrington Police and Hyndburn Homewise to fit home security systems into the homes of older people. During the four years in which we delivered our home security programme Charlie single-handedly fitted front door locks and window locks in the homes of over 550 older people throughout the borough of Hyndburn. This was in addition to providing his services to our handyman scheme and helping us to maintain our premises.

He was well known at Age Concern, as he was with Accrington Police, for always going out of his way to provide that little bit of extra help above and beyond what was expected and which made so much difference to quality of life for our older people. To say that he was always ready and willing to offer help to any older person who asked for it is an understatement. We lost count of the number of letters of thanks which we received in appreciation of Charlie ’s help. His readiness to help in any way at any time made him a popular member of our team of volunteers and improved the lives of so many of our clients.

I know that we will have all seen Charlie in a different light. His family will treasure the memories of a loving husband, father and grandfather, all of us at Age Concern will treasure the memories of a valued colleague and friend and our clients will treasure the memories of someone who gave so much help and support without a moment’s hesitation.

No matter in what capacity we knew Charlie, he will always be remembered as a family man --- a master craftsman who was proud of his skills --- for his integrity --- his sense of humour --- his kindness and his genuine care for the welfare of others.

I’m proud, and privileged to have known him. He was one of life’s gentlemen and an example to us all !