Obituary: Leslie Ostermeyer

Leslie Ostermeyer, who was one of the Wardle and Smallbridge History Groups oldest members, died in November at the age of 94.

Leslie was born and grew up in Rochdale and his first job was as a trainee signal box operator. Although this job was a reserved occupation, he left to join the RAF as soon as he was old enough.

He married in 1942 and moved to Wardle after he was demobbed.

Leslie joined the history group in 2004 and attended almost every week. Here, he took on the task of collecting information from the Rochdale Observer that mentioned Wardle and Smallbridge.

Leslie collected eight large folders worth of coverage from 2004 until 2016, when Leslie became too infirm to attend.

Leslie also attended the Remembrance Day Service every year wearing both his own medals and those of his father who served in WW1.

He was very proud to have his photograph taken with the Mayor and Chris from The Prince's Trust on his last attendance in 2016.

Leslie continued to take an interest in the work of the history group and their newsletter kept him in touch with what was happening.