Derek was born in Oakham in Rutland but it was whilst at school in London that he met Prof Simmonds. After attending an introduction session Derek decided fencing was for him and went on to represent England on a number of occasions.
He later came to Scotland to take up post of Assistant National Coach. Derek regularly coached Scotland Schools and senior squads in Home International matches and on weekend training camps in Largs.
As part of that role he also established several clubs outside the Edinburgh area though a number of schools based initiatives.
One such scheme was in Fife - which provided opportunities for primary school children who had never experienced fencing before to come along during school time - much like Derek himself had done. This lead to the establishment of Glenrothes Fencing Club - where Derek went on to produced a number of British Youth medalists.
Living in Menstrie at the time he also coached at the Stirling club and Strathallan school (amongst others).
In the late 1980s SAFU underwent a significant governance restructure - which saw Derek move into a new post of National Development Officer. In this role he unexpectedly became a driving force behind the creation of the first Scotland Ladies Epee team (a Sabruer at heart he therefore had a dislike for Epee - particularly ladies Epee!)
It was following the first Commonwealth Championships to feature individual Ladies Epee in 1986, that Annette managed to convince him to train the squad and form the team for the introduction of the team event in 1990 in Manchester - this certainly paid off and Scotland went on to win the silver medal.
In the same year Derek also coached two members of the team who represented GB in the World Youth Championships.
Derek and Annette married in 1994 and shortly after they moved to Shetland where he continued to coach at Shetland Fencing Club.
I remember he was a keen angler - Shetland it seems was the perfect place and Derek regularly fished and competed as part of the Shetland Angling Association.
He always had a great love of music. In his earlier days his record collection and stereo system where his pride and joy - once having to reinforce the floor of his Menstrie home to support the weight of some new speakers.
Derek travelled extensively with fencers around the country and beyond, Tyneside being probably his favourite annual trip. Whilst we were always very grateful for the lift - we did often complain to him about having to listen to his classical music all the way there and back.
Latterly Derek also took up many instruments including the mandolin and was a regular on the Shetland music scene playing in groups and sessions.
It was Derek who introduced me to fencing all these years ago and encouraged me to take up Epee just in time for the 1990 Commonwealths and the World Student games the following year.
I am forever grateful for all his coaching, support and driving (I would probably appreciate his music choice more now though).
Thoughts and love to his wife Annette, Louise, Steve, Kevin and his 2 grandsons.
Val Cramb
