The website of the
Black Country Society
Established in 1967 to Support, Record, Preserve and Celebrate the distinct
Character and Nature of the West Midlands area known since the mid nineteenth century as 'The Black Country'
Ron Moss - The Black Countryman
Commemorative Plaque
for
Ron Moss
16 October 2021
The Black Country Society has placed a 'plaque' at the Mushroom Green Chain Shop site in commemoration of the life of Ron Moss who as a Black Country man worked to maintain and conserve many places of industry from a historic perspective. The Chain Shop in particular benefited from his diligence and remains an outstanding example of the industrial heritage of the area.
PLAQUE FOR RON MOSS UNVEILED AT MUSHROOM GREEN
SATURDAY 16TH OCTOBER 2021
The day as remembered by Cheryl Aston and her husband
The day started a little ominously with dark clouds looming over Mushroom Green but they soon
dispersed into dappled clouds allowing the ever expanding audience to be treated to a pleasant day
with intermittent sunshine.
As the duly appointed time arrived at midday “as if by magic” Pete Glews arrived to witness the start
of the proceedings much to the relief of some of the gathered members in the audience who were hoping that he would be able to make it. A kind thanks to the Mushroom Green neighbour who kept his promise by finishing the sandblasting of his drive before proceedings started!
Keith Hodgkins duly drew everyone’s attention and delivered a wonderful address explaining the circumstances leading up to today’s event. As well as many members of the Industrial Archaeology Group the proceedings were attended by all of Ron’s immediate family – wife Sylvia, daughter Cheryl, son Gary, grandchildren Phil, Dave and Maria as well as great grandchildren Matthew, Theodore, and Lottie Rae and in-laws John, Becky and Christine.
As Keith’s address finished he handed over to Sylvia to unveil the plaque to a loud round of applause. Ron’s daughter Cheryl delivered a few words on behalf of Sylvia and the family thanking everyone for coming and remembering the volunteers who are no longer with us. The family also wanted to thank all Ron’s friends who kindly kept in touch and visited Ron after his stroke with special thanks to Keith, Pete, Ron and Diane, Andy, David and Ken. The phone calls and visits helped to keep Ron’s mind active and alert when he was housebound. Chainmakers Mick and Clarry were also remembered fondly for their hard work.
The sun shone breaking through the dappled clouds making Graham’s job as chief photographer so much harder with sometimes difficult lighting but the resulting photos turned out wonderfully.
The day made us all so proud of Ron and his achievements thanks to all who contributed and of course very a special thanks to the Black Country Society Industrial Archaeology Group for honouring dad with the plaque.
