Death of Oldham’s expert on pubs

AN author who wrote 16 books on the history of pubs in Oldham has died, aged 71.

Rob Magee evoked many fond memories for Oldhamers with his books, which charted the history of pubs in most of the districts of the borough.

Rob, an electrician who worked at the Royal Oldham Hospital for 20 years, first took to writing in the early 1980s and wrote books throughout the decade, many of which are still sold in the Oldham Chronicle shop.

“I think he gave many Oldhamers a lot of pleasure with his books,” said Rob’s sister, Janet Magee (66).

“For many, they evoked the golden era of pubs and they also exist as the only lasting legacy for many pubs which have closed down since he wrote about them

“Once he started, it became a real hobby. He really enjoyed doing all his research and would spend hours working his way through all the former landladies and landlords, as well as looking into changes in the licensing laws through the ages.

“He will definitely live on through his books.”

Rob, who lived in Mona Road in Chadderton, leaves one daughter, three step daughters, two grandchildren and six step-grandchildren.

A funeral will take place on Wednesday at Oldham Crematorium at 11am.

The family has requested donations to Dr Kershaw’s Hospice in lieu of flowers.