There can be few people in the Province who don’t know Derrick and his appointment to Assistant Provincial Grand Master is bound to be a popular choice.
In his role as our Provincial Grand Secretary for the last 9 years his influence has spread throughout Herts and his dry and infectious sense of humour has certainly added to the meaning of the word ‘Happy’. During his time at the Provincial Office he has been responsible for many innovative changes that now make the office the driving machine of the Province that it is and the installation of the computer database, website and systems that are in force are a result of his inspiration.
Prior to this he was secretary of the Hertfordshire Provincial Grand Stewards' Lodge and it was during this period that he founded the 'Provincial News' newsletter and organised the first of our Provincial Fetes.
He was Initiated into Abbots Langley Lodge in 1967 and has since joined Herts Masters' and White Star, and been a founder of Kudu, Provincial Grand Stewards' and Michael Batham Jones Lodges. He was made a Provincial Steward in 1980, promoted to PGReg in 1982 and PJGW in 1992 and in Grand Lodge was promoted from PAGDC to PJGD this year.
In the Royal Arch he is a Past 1st Principal of Watford Chapter and founder of White Star Chapter and Prov. Grand Stewards' Chapter. In the Province he is Past Deputy Grand Registrar and Past Grand Standard Bearer in Supreme Grand Chapter.
Derrick's first love has always been cricket and he played as wicket keeper for over 50 years and has been a very active member of Abbots Langley Cricket Club for a ‘good innings’. He also enjoys travel, gardening and eating out which in his current active role is probably restricted to Masonic meals.
A retired Aeronautical engineer he served in the RAF as a flight engineer and after leaving managed the family engineering business for over 30 years. He also qualified as a CAA/FAA Inspector and joined Rolls Royce Aero Division working on the development of helicopter engines.
He has two sons, Steven and Peter both of whom he has been delighted to have seen Initiated into Abbots Langley Lodge as well.
April 2004