Derek Wheelhouse

On Friday 10th January 2025 the Honorary President of our History Society sadly
passed away at 96 years of age. Derek Wheelhouse had, for many, many years
been a vital force within our society. His documentation and research of the local
history of Biddulph was unrivalled.
The story began in May 1967 with the formation of the original Biddulph History
Society. Derek, initially as Secretary and later as Chairman, played a pivotal role
and in June 1968 their first publication ‘Transactions’ was produced which
covered a wide range of topics.
The early ‘70s saw the involvement of Keele University and the setting up of an
Adult Education Class of which Derek was the Class Secretary. By 1979,
“Biddulph “By the Diggings” – A Local History” had been born. Derek’s
fascination in the industrial development of Biddulph produced four chapters
within the book and this remains the ‘go-to’ first point of call for any local history
enthusiast. It has not been surpassed.
Sadly, the original society folded but in 2002, with the help of Irene Turner, the
then librarian at Biddulph, Derek was instrumental in the formation of Biddulph
& District Genealogy & Historical Society (BDGHS). As Chairman, Derek nurtured
and developed the society. His words of encouragement, positive leadership and
willingness to share his extensive and deep knowledge of our town led to an
explosion of projects and publications.
Derek himself was a meticulous researcher and was able to convert his work into
formats that could be enjoyed by all. He produced highly detailed, academic
articles, volumes of photographs and also presented talks.

In more recent years frailty prevented Derek from attending meetings. The
society recorded these where possible and Derek took great pleasure in listening
to them. He also requested that he remain in the loop with committee meeting
minutes and emails. His steadfast devotion and interest in the society has never
wavered.
Derek was a true gentleman and a highly respected historian.
We will miss him.
Elaine Heathcote

Dedication to Roland and David

John Roland Machin MBE 1941 – 2023

David John Outhwaite 1950 – 2022

Two stalwarts, both contributed greatly to the Biddulph and District
Genealogy and Historical Society; David as Secretary and Roland as
Chairman for many years. Both were highly respected and valued
members of BDGHS.
Their enduring knowledge, words and wisdom were without doubt
appreciated by the membership. Sadly both men were taken from us
over a short period of time and are greatly missed by family and
friends at the history society.

MJT 2023

Roland Machin MBE 1941-2023

Roland became the Chairman of BDGHS over 10 years ago and his
leadership and dedication to the Society has been crucial to its
successful development. He was the ‘glue’ that kept the Society
together and the ‘oil’ that kept it running smoothly and under his
direction the Society has flourished. We will all miss his reassuring,
calm and measured manner. His ability to motivate members to take
part in research either as a group or individually was a reflection of
his many years in education. He offered support and encouragement
to all. Under Roland’s guidance the Society has produced a wealth of
articles and publications on many aspects of local history.
Roland was a Biddulph man from the well-known Machin’s bread &
bakery family business. He had a dry sense of humour and always
had a local tale to tell his audience at the start of our meetings. It was
a joy to hear his fascinating recollections as more often than not, they
would be relayed in local dialect.
Roland’s knowledge of Biddulph history was extensive but there
were other areas of interest. He was known for his knowledge of the
local railways, especially the Biddulph Valley Railway. Roland was
involved with the North Staffordshire Railways Study Group, Arnold
Bennett Group and was integral to the recent Spitfire project.’

Michael J. Turnock Chair BDGHS May 2023