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Regional daily’s former industrial correspondent dies aged 88

Fred BThe former industrial correspondent and classical music reviewer for a regional daily has died aged 88.

Fred Bottomley, left, spent 25 years with the Oldham Evening Chronicle and also worked for other North West titles including the then Manchester Guardian.

According to an obituary in the Chronicle, a story he wrote drawing parallels between the textile industries in the UK and USA was cited in both Houses of Parliament as part of a campaign to save the industry here.

Fred retired in 1992 to pursue his passion for art. His obituary describes him as  “an accomplished draughtsman and painter” who had “many strings to his bow.”

After studying at Oldham School of Art and the Regional College of Art in Manchester, Fred’s post-war journalistic career included work for the Manchester-based textile trade papers.

He was later executive editor of trade and popular journals published by Hartshead Publications and marketing manager for overseas publications represented in the UK by John Worrall Ltd, Oldham.

“Fred had many strings to his bow – he was a regular contributor to field-sport journals and would also submit classical music reviews,” the obituary states.

His funeral will be held at 2pm on Friday at Oldham Crematorium, followed by a wake at Lees Royal British Legion, near Oldham.