John’s a past master at enlivening local history

ENTHUSIASTIC local historian John Fidler

FORMER teacher John Fidler has been sharing his love of Oldham’s past for nearly three decades.

John has just started teaching his 29th annual local history course — and his dedication has earned him a Pride in Oldham nomination.

John (75), a former head of history at Counthill School, originally attended the class as a student for years and took over when the teacher left.

Class member Stuart Paulley nominated him and said: “John’s interest and the time he takes in research are phenomenal. In all the years he has only repeated four topics and those were at members’ requests - and featured new information.

“He is a very good communicator and his knowledge is first class. To say he is enthusiastic is an understatement, and that enthusiasm inspires you to listen and to take an interest in Oldham’s history.”

Stuart and his wife Jean are among several members who have attended John’s class for at least 25 years: “The length of time people have been going speaks volumes — most have being attending for 10 years or more.”

John admitted that taking the class is hard work: “It is my role to provide source material and finding that isn’t that easy, sometimes. I go to the public record office in Kew when I can and the people at the Local Studies Centre in Oldham are extremely helpful.”

Astounded at his nomination, he said modestly: “It’s an absolute surprise. I’m quite chuffed but when you think of what other people have done, it doesn’t hold a candle to that stuff.”