TRIBUTES have been paid to a much-loved Wyre Forest funfair boss who has died at the age of 90.

Ron Jennings died peacefully at home on Saturday, March 10 and family and friends will bid him a fond farewell at a funeral next week.

Mr Jennings lived in Low Habberley all his life and was married to wife Mary for 68 years. He had two sons Paul and Neale as well as five grandchildren and three great grandchildren.

The former parish councillor, who sat on Kidderminster Foreign authority, was the well-known boss of Jenning’s Funfair which was set up more than a century ago by his grandfather Harry.

Jennings Funfair first started in Habberley Valley in 1904 and featured swing boats, a shooting range and a football kicker.

Ron’s father Frank carried on the tradition before it was handed to him, the family business was then passed on to Paul and Neale and then later to their children.

The attraction developed to feature mechanised waltzers and later high tech rides that are part of Jennings Brothers Amusements today. They still frequent shows in the district and beyond.

Ron Jennings’ niece Sue Broome said: “The name Ron Jennings will bring back happy memories for many local people of summer days long past who had fun on the funfair.

“In it’s heyday during the 1940s to 1970s the valley was a haven for day trippers who arrived in their thousands from the Black Country, Birmingham and beyond and waiting for them would be Ron and his family.

“Ron was a member of the Showman’s Guild for 40 years and a respected and dedicated parish councillor for Kidderminster Foreign.

“He was undoubtedly a ‘real character’ and a great raconteur with an amazing memory for people, names and dates.

“He loved nothing better than to talk about the old days and his beloved Habberley Valley or of his time serving in Palestine in 1945 – 1948.

“Ron will be very fondly remembered and sadly missed by his family, friends and many acquaintances.”

His funeral will be held in St Mary’s Church, Kidderminster on Wednesday, March 28 at 12.30pm.