Phillip Whitehead (1938 -2009)

Phil Whitehead was due to speak to the Society in our April meeting , unfortunately he lost his battle with cancer a fortnight ago. He spoke to us on two previous occasions and was due to come to speak on “Bloody Sunday” in this year’s lecture season.

His life was a history lesson in itself. Born in Hackney Workhouse in 1938 he was adopted by a couple from Oldham, Lancashire where he grew up. He had an interesting career which included National Service in the Royal Navy, a time in Northern Ireland and as a Nursing Officer. It was nursing that brought Phil and his family to Wales, first to Penarth and latterly to Pontypridd. Following retirement, he followed his son to the Neath area where he could indulge his passion for History and in writing historical novels. In 2003, he moved once again to Foelgastell, Carmarthenshire. Phil threw himself into his adopted society and he will be sadly missed by all his friends, and our sympathies are extended to his wife Gillian on her sad loss.