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
David J Outhwaite 1950 - 2022
David had for many years been our Secretary and much more. He was
the rock on which the present society has flourished and grown in
stature and scope over two decades.
His contribution extended far beyond that of Secretary. In addition to
arranging speakers and advertising meetings he wrote and published
detailed accounts of every event and committee meetings (Derek
Wheelhouse recognised this journalistic flair and promptly recruited
David onto the committee).
With his background in computing David circulated the agendas and
detailed minutes adding to group cohesion - a characteristic of the
society that very much endures. He developed the website and kept it
refreshed with articles, images and research. He edited and published
journals and continued the tradition of ‘Transactions’ that recognised
and promoted individual research on topics of local history.
David liaised with printers, publishers and the press. He ensured that
our in house publications became available both electronically and as
hard copy. He organised book launches and monthly book sales in the
library, his marketing regime added significantly to our funds which
he also managed on a daily basis.
David’s dedication, work ethic and multiple skills will be hard to
replace and are certainly not replicable by one person alone. In
recognition of his legacy to local history we resolve to continue his
exemplary contribution and dedication to the cause.
Roland Machin MBE Chair BDGHS December 2022