We are sad to hear that Ron Goulden died on 29 January at the age of 94.
Ron was a founding member of GMCDP, and was present at the inaugural conference at County Hall in 1984, when the Coalition Steering Group was formed. However, Ron’s involvement in GMCDP was as nothing compared to his impact on the wider disabled people’s movement in Greater Manchester.
Ron was very active in a number of local organisations, including Manchester Disability Forum, Manchester Disability Information Service, Manchester Disabled People’s Initiative, and particularly Manchester Disabled People’s Access Group. Ron also was instrumental in setting up and maintaining groups promoting issues important to blind and partially sighted people, such as the interestingly named MEGABAPP, was involved in Bury Society for Blind People and, for many years, organised athletics for blind and partially sighted people.
Some of us have very fond memories of spending time with Ron at the Coalition’s Annual General Meetings, where he would keep us on our toes, making sure the braille annual accounts were accurate! Once we return to in-person meetings, Ron’s presence will be very much missed.
We send our warmest wishes and condolences to Ron’s daughter Lynne, grand-daughter Charlotte and brother Roy.
Flick Harris, of Manchester Disabled People’s Access Group, is gathering comments and memories of Ron to send to his family and to put online. If you would like to contribute, email flickh@mdpag.org.uk
Ron’s family have set up a tribute page.
Ron’s funeral is at 1:40pm on Monday 13 February at Agecroft Crematorium. Family flowers only, donations welcome to Bury Hospice, direct or via the tribute page.
