The man who was a driving force behind the success of Penrith Co-operative Society over a period of three decades has died at the age of 92.
Derek Oldham, of Winters Park, Penrith, was general manager at the society from 1961 until 1991 and oversaw major improvements at a number of its shops in Cumbria, including the development of the premises in Burrowgate, Penrith, into what was effectively a supermarket and department store.
The only child of the late Phyllis and James Oldham, he was brought up in Rusholme, Manchester, and it was in that city he qualified as an accountant. He went on to work for the co-operative movement, travelling to carry out his duties at shops around Lancashire and Yorkshire.
It was around 1949 that he met his future wife Miss Doreen Lees, from Longsight, as he and she walked with friends in a popular Manchester park. They were married in 1953 and went on to have three children, Jill, Janine and Jonathan, with the family at first living in East Didsbury.
Not wishing to continue travelling to a number of shops across a wide area, Derek put in a successful application to become manager of the Great Moor co-op, in Stockport.
He was similarly successful when he subsequently applied for the general manager’s job in Penrith, and the family then moved north to live in the town’s Huntley Avenue.
The following 30 years saw the Penrith society enjoy great success, with Derek overseeing developments such as the building of new premises for the Shap and Keswick branches, and the creation in Penrith of a large store in Burrowgate where there had been a series of small shops.
As well as having a number of branches in addition to those at Burrowgate, Keswick and Shap, the society also ran mobile shops along with milk and coal rounds.
Away from his work – to which he applied a great deal of energy – Derek was a founder member of Penrith Lions Club and twice served as its president, as well as at one time being zone chairman.
He was a member of the club for 35 years and was always at the forefront of organising events to raise funds for numerous good causes, including Penrith’s colourful and popular May Day parades.
He also helped to form a meningitis support group in the Penrith area, and raised money for this body.
One of the most memorable events he was involved with was a football match in 1981 between the Penrith club and Manchester City, who were FA Cup finalists that year.
He was asked to back the initiative by David Johnston, a key figure at the Penrith club, and the two went on to organise the match, with Penrith Co-operative Society providing financial support.
Derek was a keen Manchester City supporter throughout his life and went to matches whenever he could. Another sporting interest was racket sports, and he at various times played table tennis, badminton, squash and lawn tennis.
He and Doreen were members of Penrith Tennis Club – initially based at the town’s Castle Park – and he served as its chairman.
He was always an enthusiastic player, although not aspiring to play at a high level, and very much enjoyed the social side of the game.
He is survived by his wife Doreen, Penrith; daughters Jill Hindson and Janine Noble, both Penrith; and son Jonathan, Howden, East Yorkshire. He had two grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.
The funeral service, conducted by the Rev David Sargent, was held at St Andrew’s Church, Dacre.
Richardsons Funeral Directors, Penrith, had charge of the arrangements.
