The Coventry Society is saddened to hear of the death of Dr Jon Plumley. Jon was one of the founding members and Chair of the Coventry Charterhouse Association, which championed saving Charterhouse for the community over a decade ago. If it wasn’t for the work of Jon, along with Association members, local residents and others, Charterhouse might not have been saved and restored for the people of the city and beyond.
Jon was born in Newport in Wales and attended Bassaleg Grammar School. He graduated from The Victoria University of Manchester with a BSc in Textile Technology and worked in the textile industry, including Courtaulds Textiles Ltd. He went on to teach Mathematics, Science and various other subjects at secondary schools and then spent some years in Industry as a senior manager and Production Controller.
Toward the end of his time in industry he became more involved in consultancy and training. This led to him working as a trainer and consultant with Chambers of Commerce, before running his own training consultancy and software development Company.
In Coventry, Jon was a Senior Lecturer at Coventry University working in the Faculty of Engineering and Technology. He specialised in the use of computer technology in biomedical applied research and gained a Postgraduate Doctor of Philosophy Degree in this subject, leading to him being known to his friends as Dr Jon.
Jon an active member in the Coventry Art Guild and a keen artist and photographer. He was also an experienced foster parent. He had a thirst for knowledge, especially history, and he also loved classical music. He ran a web design business in his spare time.
As a local resident, Jon was passionate about Charterhouse and its history. He was instrumental in supporting the Charterhouse Coventry Preservation Trust (which became Historic Coventry Trust), and tirelessly worked to make sure that Charterhouse was accessible to the public for open days and tours before the restoration work took place.
Jon was involved in planning the restoration work with Historic Coventry Trust, and with his partner Mandy, devoted much of his time to arranging open days at Charterhouse, leading tours, encouraging other volunteers, and sharing his knowledge and passion for Charterhouse. Jon could often be seen dressed in a white Carthusian monk’s habit, talking to visitors and volunteers and telling stories about the rich history of the building.
Despite being poorly for the last year or so, Jon was pleased to see the restoration of Charterhouse, and his presence will be missed there.
Our thoughts go to his partner, Mandy, his family and friends.
ADDENDUM
John Plumley’s funeral will be held on Monday 29th January, at 10 a.m.,at Canley Crematorium, followed by a wake at Charterhouse Priory building.