Stuart Hampshire

Stuart Hampshire passed away on the 6th June 2002 aged 47 after a short but courageous battle with cancer.

Stuart spent his formative years in Oldham before studying at Liverpool University Dental School, qualifying in 1977. He then took an associate position in a multiple practice in Skelmersdale, Lancashire, which he greatly enjoyed. After staying six years, Stuart left in 1983 to set up a cold squat in Birchwood Warrington. The practice was an immediate success much to Stuart's relief and over the years (after moving into a purpose built surgery in 1990), has grown into what today is a fitting tribute to Stuart's drive, enthusiasm and popularity with his patients.

Stuart spent many years on the local dental committee and for the past six years had played a pivotal role as secretary of the LDC. As with his other 'pursuits' his drive and enthusiasm was appreciated not only by his dental colleagues but those he would negotiate with at interface meetings with the Health Authority. His knowledge coupled with a steady reasoned approach produced significant positive results for the local dental profession. Nothing was ever too much trouble and the hard work and help he gave to other practitioners was much appreciated by all.

Away from dentistry, Stuart had a lifelong passion for photography and spent a lot of time messing about with computers. He loved DIY and always had a project on the go. Stuart enjoyed a glass or two of fine wine and was slowly building up his cellar. His love of wine fitted in nicely with his other main interest which was Round Table. Stuart was a stalwart of his local Table for many years and served as chairman and president.

Stuart's fortitude and positive approach to his illness was a source of strength to us all...

Stuart's fortitude and positive approach to his illness was a source of strength to us all, and he will be greatly missed and remembered with affection by his patients, colleagues and many friends.

Always devoted to his 'girls', our heartfelt sympathy goes out to Stuart's wife Sue and daughters Claire and Karen.

Martin Robson

Derek Ridler

Derek Ridler died on 27th August 2002 aged 85.

Derek was born in Launceston, Cornwall on the 1st September 1916. He was educated at Haileybury School, and went on to study dentistry at the Royal Dental Hospital, London, qualifying in December 1938.

It was here, by bluffing a strong enemy force into surrendering and handing over a farm house needed for use as a field hospital, that he was awarded the Military Cross...

He was one of only two officers in The Army Dental Corps, who in 1941 volunteered to join the newly formed airborne force. He served as a captain in the 16th Parachute Field Ambulance. For times when he was not needed as a dental surgeon, he was trained and acted as an anaesthetist. He first saw action in North Africa, in 1943, and followed that by taking part in the invasion of Sicily. He was parachuted into an area recently held by German parachute troops. It was here, by bluffing a strong enemy force into surrendering and handing over a farm house needed for use as a field hospital, that he was awarded the Military Cross. A brave and resourceful achievement by a non combatant officer. He never fired a shot in anger.

On his return to this country in 1944 he married Ruth Saward, and they had a long and loving marriage for 38 years.

Derek, next took part in the abortive attempt by an airborne force to seize the bridge over the Rhine at Arnhem. He landed by glider, an experience he found far more dangerous and frightening than parachuting. For most of the battle his unit was based in the Queen Elizabeth Hospital, around which most of the fighting occurred. After the surrender, he and his fellow officers remained with the wounded and were taken prisoner. When they were entrained en-route to Germany they were separated from the men in their care and were told by their CO to escape if possible. He and another officer jumped off the train and got away. By good fortune they were picked up by the Dutch Underground, and in company with other escapees they were hidden and cared for for several months by the courageous Dutch. Eventually he was guided back to the safety of the British lines. He kept in touch with his Dutch friends for the rest of his life.

After the war, Derek and Ruth moved to Bude in Cornwall where he ran a highly successful, single handed practice, almost entirely NHS. He was held in high esteem and affection by all his patients. During this time there, he and Ruth raised a family of three sons and a daughter. Derek became involved in the life of Bude with Rotary and numerous charities. He was made Tax Commissioner for his area and for many years he was chairman of the local branch of the RNLI. He was a great sportsman, excelling at cricket but later on sailing was his favourite pastime – he was an excellent helmsman and navigator.

After his retirement he and Ruth moved to Kingswear in South Devon where again they became involved with the local community. Sadly his beloved wife died in 1992, but he continued as she would have wished, to lead a full and active life. Towards the end arthritis and failing eye sight handicapped him, but with help from his family and friends he was still able to live independently in his own home.

He died suddenly, as he always wished, during an afternoon stroll in the sunshine.

Derek was brave, steadfast, kind and gentle. He was a great man and will be sorely missed by all his family and his friends.

P. C. W.