Derek Philpott: A Life Bridging Engineering and Community History
Derek Philpott, who has died aged 89, led a remarkable life that spanned a long career in electronic engineering and a later dedication to preserving the everyday history of his hometown in Manchester. His legacy includes the creation of the Openshaw Memories website and the publication of a photo-book, Memories of an Openshaw Childhood in the 1940s and 50s in 2023.
From Openshaw Roots to Historical Pursuits
Born in Openshaw, now part of Greater Manchester, Derek grew up in a two-up two-down redbrick terrace house with his parents, Douglas and Annie, and his brother John. The family lived beside a steamhammer forge, which shook the building every ten seconds, a noise they only noticed when it ceased. At that time, Openshaw was renowned as one of the most heavily industrialised suburbs in Europe.
Derek often reminisced about his childhood, marked by an outside toilet, no heating, and a weekly bath in front of the fire. He cherished the vibrant community spirit forged through the closely lived lives of his neighbourhood, a sentiment that later inspired his historical work.
Educational and Professional Journey
After attending Manchester Central grammar school, Derek completed national service in the RAF in northern Scotland, where he received electronics training. Following demobilisation, he briefly studied engineering at Birmingham University but left due to the difficult and costly commute. He later earned an HND in electronic engineering through evening classes while working for Ferranti in Manchester during the late 1950s.
Derek then embarked on a 26-year career with the international electronics company Tektronix, working in sales and international sales management. His role took him to various locations, including St Peter Port in Guernsey, where he met his wife, Dieuwke Dijkstra, a teacher from Friesland in the Netherlands. They married in 1967 and lived in several parts of the UK, as well as Oregon in the US, before settling in Codicote, Hertfordshire to raise their family.
Retirement and the Birth of Openshaw Memories
Derek retired in 1998, and in 2010, he and Dieuwke moved to Dorchester. It was after studying for a BA in history at the Open University in 2002 that he became determined to record the everyday history of industrial Manchester. In 2015, he set up the Openshaw Memories website, a platform that enabled former residents to share recollections, photographs, and personal histories, reconnecting people from their school days and childhoods.
The website reflected his strong belief in the historical importance of ordinary lives and collective memory. Through this project, Derek aimed to preserve the connections that linked back to his own boyhood, ensuring that the stories of Openshaw's industrial past were not forgotten.
Personal Interests and Legacy
Beyond his historical endeavours, Derek followed politics closely throughout his life and was a devoted reader of the Manchester Guardian and its successor for over 70 years. He is survived by his wife Dieuwke, their children Peter and the author of this obituary, and four grandchildren: Salvie, Seetla, Stanley, and Tommy.
Derek Philpott's work stands as a testament to the power of community and memory, bridging his technical expertise with a heartfelt commitment to local heritage.
