Walsall Leather Museum stalwart dies
Tributes have been paid to Ron Hawkins – a volunteer at Walsall Leather Museum for nearly 30 years and RAF veteran – who has died aged 91.
Born in Walsall in 1925, the former RAF telegrapher, began working in the leather trade as a currier at E.T. Holden in Park Street in February 1940.
After starting in the warehousing department, he quickly showed an aptitude for learning about the craft and became an apprentice.
Eventually he was called up and joined the RAF and became a high speed telegrapher.
After more than 77 years in the leather trade, he finally hung up his famous white coat and called a day just after his 90th birthday.
He died on March 31.
Mr Hawkins was immensely proud of his time in the forces and often talked of his experiences in later years, said friends.
Like many ex-RAF men, he was always impeccably turned out, with shoes beautifully polished and never a hair out of place.
After the war had ended, Mr Hawkins returned to Holden’s and completed his training to become a master currier and assistant manager until the firm relocated to Scotland.
Whilst Holden’s were keen for Ron to go with them, he and his wife Muriel and his children Tony and Diane decided to remain in Walsall.
Many other local curriers were keen to secure his skills and finally Ron decided to work at J & E Sedgwick in Reservoir Place where he remained until his retirement.
Never one to enjoy being bored, Ron quickly found a way to channel his enthusiasm for his trade by volunteering at the newly opened Leather Museum. He quickly became the face of the attraction and was known and loved by visitors from all over the world.
His knowledge was legendary and he loved to entertain people with his fabulous stories of life in a leather factory as a 14-year-old.
Children were wide-eyed when he reached into his pocket to pull a few coins out of his pocket to show them his first week’s wages.
Enthusiasm
Francesca Cox, assistant curator at the museum, said: “He was completely passionate about the leather museum. He wasn’t interested in anything else except for the leather museum, he loved the place so much and just wanted to share his enthusiasm for the trade with everyone else.
“He was never late and used to work to and from work every day.
“When he left we were really sad to see him go because he’d given so much.”
