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A POPULAR Ringwood man who lived almost all of his life in the town and worked for the Royal Mail for four decades has died.
Ron Sherman, who was 87, was married to his devoted wife Beryl for 64 years, the pair having first met when they were children. They both treasured becoming parents, grand-
parents and great grandparents.
Born in Ringwood in 1933, Ron lived the whole of his life in the town with the exception of his two years of national service between 1952 and 1954.
He attended Ringwood infant and junior schools and as a teenager was involved in cycle speedway – the same as modern speedway except participants use push cycles – competing for the Ringwood Aces at events as far afield as London.
His first job aged 10 was helping to milk cows and plough the fields with heavy horses at Mansfield Farm.
Ron was also a choirboy at the Ringwood parish church – having passed the induction test of singing in front of a lit candle without blowing it out. He became a bell ringer after his voice broke and he rang his first peel at the age of 14.
He continued to enjoy ringing quarter and full peels on special occasions until, at the age of 83, he had to give up due to ill health. His family were proud to have the bells rung for his funeral.
On 27th December 1948 Ron joined the Post Office as a telegram boy – his uniform including the iconic pillbox hat. He remained there until signing up for national service as an aircraft engineer.
Ron was assigned to No 1. Fighter Squadron at RAF Tangmere, and later transferred to Biggin Hill. He was one of the mechanics on the aircraft which made the trip over Buckingham Palace on Coronation Day.
Back in civilian life Ron spent 40 years with the Post Office, progressing to become sorting office manager but finding the service much changed upon his departure.
Still wishing to work, he joined Aeronautical and General Instruments Ltd in Verwood and enjoyed not having to get up for 4am shifts as he had done at the Royal Mail.
He worked initially in its stores, later going onto its production line making speedometers for ships and working on the Royal Yacht Britannia before retirement.
Ron umpired for Ringwood Cricket Club for many years and he and Beryl ran the Ringwood Musical and Dramatic Society’s box office for a decade – winning a special Front of House award – and helped out the Poulner Players.
They also ran the Ringwood Brewery bars at various events, including the New Forest Show, and enjoyed fostering dogs in their twilight years.
Ron leaves behind his wife, daughter Beverley, two grandchildren and a great-grandchild.
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