Newark businessman John Oldham dies peacefully shortly after 95th birthday

A Newark businessman, Mr John Oldham, has died peacefully at home shortly after his 95th birthday.

John was born in Nottingham in 1925 and attended Oakham School during the second world war, where he remembered having to stir jam into tea because sugar was heavily rationed, and also being made to paint the school’s wooden gym.

After serving in the fire service he joined the family catering, café and bakery business and served an apprenticeship at Notts Bakery in Letchworth.

This is where he met his future wife, Margaret, and they were married in 1947.

Following the death of his father, John ran the business. The Blue Rooms became a popular venue for wedding receptions and social functions and the firm also provided outside catering for local agricultural shows and weddings.

The business came to an end with the development of the St Mark's Place in 1974, however, a new venture was created manufacturing ice cubes for commercial and retail sales.

In 1980 this business moved from Lombard Street to Richardson House in Sherwood Avenue. Following his retirement the business was sold and moved to new premises on Newark Industrial Estate.

John was a member of a number of associations, including The Round Table and the 41 Club.

He has been vice-president of Newark Amateur Operatic Society and a past treasurer of Newark Civic Trust and as a member of Newark and Nottinghamshire Arts and Leisure Foundation was involved in the re-opening of the Palace Theatre.

Later, John became involved with Beaumond House Community Hospice, acting as a director, and for a number of years hosted the annual Jazz In The Garden fundraiser at his London Road home.

John leaves children, Helen and Richard; Judy and Philip; four grandchildren and six great-grandchildren.

The family would like to thank people for their kind wishes and the many cards and letters they have received.