Industry stalwarts say goodbye
Clive Mander and Geoff Simpson are stepping down from the RIDBA board after many years of service to the association and the wider industry.
Between them, Clive (pic, left) and Geoff (pic, right) represent an extraordinary amount of RIDBA history, knowledge and practical experience. Both are former chairmen of the association and have continued to give their time as honorary members in a co-opted capacity on the board.
Clive Mander
Clive’s connection with RIDBA and its predecessors stretches back more than half a century. His father, Edward Mander, served as chairman of the Farm Buildings Association (FBA) in 1970, while Clive himself went on to serve as chairman in 1990 and 1991, as the FBA became the Rural Design and Building Association.
His commitment to the association also led him to research and write the History of the association, an extensive history of the FBA and its successors. In its foreword, Clive describes how his own life story has been closely connected with that of the association and his desire to preserve its history for future generations.
Clive has also supported the association through periods of significant change, including speaking in favour of the proposals that ultimately helped create the RIDBA we know today.
Geoff Simpson
Geoff has similarly given a huge amount to RIDBA over many years, including serving as chairman for two years in 2009 and 2010.
Through his involvement with RIDBA and his career at S&A Fabrications, Geoff has brought considerable practical industry experience to the association. That experience has continued to prove invaluable in recent years, including when Geoff helped judge entries into the RIDBA Building Awards 2025.
Geoff’s contribution also has a personal connection for immediate past chairman Simon Pelly, who bought S&A Fabrications from him.
Paying tribute to both Clive and Geoff, Simon said: “Clive and Geoff represent an extraordinary amount of RIDBA knowledge and experience. Both have given a huge amount to the association over many years and have always been willing to share their experience for the benefit of others.
“Boards inevitably change, with new people bringing different ideas and perspectives, but we should never underestimate the contribution of those who have voluntarily given their time, year after year, to make sure there is an association here for the next generation.
“On behalf of the board, our members and everyone who has been involved with RIDBA over the years, I would like to offer our sincere thanks to them both.”
