Tributes pour in after death of former Sabden sub-postmaster described as a 'true gentleman'

Derek was a "devoted family man" and a huge part of the community in Sabden, running the village post office with his wife, Marjorie, for more than 10 years.

The couple worked extremely hard and were dedicated to ensuring they had all the supplies in the Whalley Road village store so no one was without. In fact, the post office was often described as an "Aladdin's Cave" by its customers with stock in every nook and cranny - even hanging from wires running along the ceiling!

Much-loved Derek was always known as the "brave award-winning" sub-postmaster of Sabden Post Office. In 1991, he received a bravery award for foiling a robbery at the post office.

Born and brought up in Blackburn, the youngest son of Thomas and Marie Oldham, Derek attended St James Junior School in Blackburn, going onto Queen Elizabeth Grammar School. He completed two years National Service in the RAF as a driver. His family owned J. Oldham and Sons Ltd wholesale hardware sellers and in the early days tin plate manufacturers. They were on Mill Lane in Blackburn, before moving up to Cherry Tree in an old cotton mill (now demolished). Derek began in the warehouse and worked his way up to become Managing

Director. Unfortunately, the firm was hit by the eighties' recession and went into liquidation.

He met the love of his life, Marjorie and the couple married on September 14th, 1957. They were married for over six decades. The couple made their first home in Feniscliffe, Blackburn, then at another address in Blackburn, before moving to the Post Office in Sabden. The couple retired in 1995 and bought a home in the village.

Derek, who has two daughters, Prof Jackie Oldham and Fiona Bailey and a grandson, Thomas, was well-respected by all the residents in Sabden. For years Derek brought so much joy to

youngsters and families in Sabden by dressing up as Father Christmas.

In his spare time, he enjoyed walking with Marjorie. An ex-treasurer of Sabden Baptist Church, he was a member of Clitheroe Naturalists, organising walking schedules and transport.

According to his family, he loved photography, gardening and travelling. In his youth, he enjoyed playing tennis and squash. For a number of his earlier years, he was a magistrate in

Blackburn, retiring from the bench when he moved to Sabden and was also a member of Blackburn West Rotary Club.

Paying tribute, his family said: "All of the 70 plus condolence cards received describe Derek as the true gentleman he was. He cared for all his friends and customers. He also went to check up on anyone who didn't come as usual to collect their pension to see if they were okay. We loved him so much and he is now at peace. The funeral was a private occasion, but the villagers of Sabden did him proud by lining the route taken by the hearse and clapping as he went by. He will be sadly missed by everyone who had the pleasure to know him."

Derek is survived by his wife Marjorie, his daughters Jackie and Fiona and grandson Thomas.