Now he draws pints instead of trailers
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I HAD A pleasant surprise when I chanced to spend a night at the charming South Lawn Hotel at Milford-on-Sea, Hants. There behind the bar was Ronnie Butt, the vigorous chairman of the RHA from 1964-66.
When he retired from road transport in the West Midlands he took a seafront flat at Milford and his daughter and son-in-law opened South Lawn Hotel a mile or so away.
Despite back trouble, Ronnie's energy at 74 would put many younger men to shame. When not trout fishing he works in the large garden as well as helping in the hotel. But transport is in his blood and he still attends the RHA annual dinner and the conference. "I was ruled out of order only twice last year," he grinned.
One of the wisest and kindest RHA members, he will be remembered as much for his chairmanship of the association's Labour Relations Committee as for his two years' leadership of the whole organisation. Typically, he always advocated a liberal attitude towards workers. It was his concern for his fellow men that led the Queen to honour him with the OBE for public service.