We are sad to announce the death of long standing member of the club, Derrick Dorken, who passed away early in the New Year. He had the rare distinction of being heavily involved in the building of the original clubhouse (as one of the original volunteer labourers) in 1949 and the ‘new’ clubhouse in 1966-67 as an administrator.

Derrick was Vice Captain of the Ex B XV 1953-54 and the Ex A XV 1954-57. He became Membership Secretary in 1965 and when he retired from this post in 1969 he became a Vice President.

In the days when the game took up most of the weekend he would on Fridays, invariably be chasing around for players (few phones in those days!) and then helping to set up the bar. On Saturdays he would act as Duty Officer, Player and barman. And on Sundays he would help clearing up and cleaning

During the traditional raucous Saturday Evening sing-songs, he was often called upon to give his delicate rendition of ‘Stormy Weather’.

Derrick’s wife jean, a stalwart tea lady of the 1950s and 60s, sadly passed away in November 2020 and we send our condolences to their son Simon.