In Celebration of Mo - 31.1.1909
Moses (Mo to his colleagues) was born into a mining family in the Lower Ince area of Wigan.
On his fourteenth birthday (this being the minimum age for boys to work underground) he descended the local ‘pit’ and began work removing coal tubs from the coal winding cage at the bottom of the shaft.
Conscious that education was the key to any future advancement he walked each evening to the Wigan Mining and Technical College three miles away. At college he studied English, Mathematics, Shorthand and Typing becoming very proficient in these subjects. About this time he joined the Labour Party and has been a member ever since.
After several years underground he managed to obtain a job on the railway as an engine cleaner hoping to eventually become a fireman. The shift pattern prevented attendance at the Technical College so Mo followed a series of correspondence courses. The deteriorating employment situation in the late 1920’s meant Mo had to transfer to other railway work and he became a signalman.
A simple letter written to his superior became the turning point in his railway career. His neat handwriting and excellent use of English led to him being offered a post in the office instead of manual work.
In 1940, having passed a competitive examination he became a member of the N.U.R. (now R.M.T.) Mo was a member of the Home Guard, noted for is skill with the rifle.
After the war, the Union returned to London and Mo became a Staff Representative for discussions between management and staff. Mo taught Shorthand and Typing to evening class students in Uxbridge for a number of years. This helped to support his family. During this time he became an active member of his local Methodist Church.
In early 1960 a new General Secretary of the Union was appointed and Mo was selected as his Private Secretary. Mo therefore became Private Secretary/Personal Assistant to Mr. (later Lord) Sidney Green. A post to which he brought dignity and experience, wisdom and tact in dealing with the press and politicians. Becoming adept at preventing some Cabinet Ministers from drinking too much whisky prior to meeting with the Union Executive!
In 1969, union rules meant that Mo has to retire at the age of 60 and he and his wife moved to Halton on Lune. After a few weeks inactivity Mo worked on a casual part-time basis at Heysham Docks. On reaching 65 Mo retired again and became Clerk to Halton Parish Council. Here his experiences of union and business matters came in very useful and he was a much appreciated Parish Clark. His duties as Clerk brought him into contact with St Wilfrid’s Primary School and he became a school governor. Mo remained an active school governor for over 20 years, only retiring in July 2008 in his 100th year.
Mo has a deep love and knowledge of the Lancashire countryside and for many years led walking groups across the hills and valleys of the area. He became a Steward at the Skirton Methodist Church although latterly he attended the Halton United Reform Church. In the last few years the residents of Halton Village became accustomed to seeing Mo (known as ‘Jim’ in the village) taking his neighbours West Highland Terrier out for her daily walk, come rain or shine.
Mo throughout his life was convinced that education was the key to both individual and national progress and he greatly enjoyed his relationship with St Wilfrids. Sometimes this contact enabled him to help children with their reading or telling classes what it was like to work down a coalmine.
Since having a stroke in June, Mo is a resident at St Wilfrids Care Home in Halton and as you might expect he has a steady trickle of visitors who are pleased to maintain their friendship with his remarkable and well loved gentleman who is now 100 years old.
