Derek was trained as a Doctor of Medicine, and spent 27 years as a General Practitioner in Christchurch. From 1980 until his death, he spent time in both New Zealand, and London, where he worked as a Health Control Officer at Heathrow Airport.
While Medicine was his career, he had a very strong interest in music. He sang in operettas, and choral works, and was Patron of the South Brighton Choral Society until his death.
The pipe organ held a special place in his life. Whenever he could, he would attend organ recitals. In London, he regularly attended the Thursday recitals at St Margaret, Lothbury, in the heart of London, and it was there that his funeral was held.
Derek was thrilled to learn that the organ was to be installed at the Town Hall, and, of course, he bought a pipe. He lived to hear many recitals and concerts featuring the organ, some including his own grandson, Mark, as organist.
In his will, he made a contribution to the Town Hall organ. He would be thrilled to know that it now has a proper cover for the console.
