Leaving school at the age of 14, he joined Colas accounts department and subsequently become an accountant, working for Shell Oil. Although his career was interrupted by the war, he continued to work at Shell House in London until his retirement in 1967, when he and his wife Elsie retired to the West Country. “Most people left school at 14,” Derrick says, “ but there were free evening classes, provided you kept up your attendance. I was fortunate to be able to get my accountancy exams through those evening classes.” Sadly his wife Elsie died in 1991.
He was actively involved in the British Legion in Limpsfield Surrey before his retirement, being presented with a commemorative tankard for 15 years service. He bought his first car in 1934, which was a 1925 2-cylinder Jowett 7. As the Jowett Car company celebrates it’s 100th anniversary this year as well, his sons have arranged for him to be reunited with a Jowett 7, later in the year. “The car had wooden floorboards,” reports Derrick. “If the brake linkage came to pieces, which it did quite often, you had to take up the floor boards to repair it.” Derrick lives at Somerville House in Willand. “I’ve now managed to be retired for more years than I worked,” says Derrick.
It is a shame we could not get a Jowett along to Derrick's celebration; but we will try to get one along soon, won't we? Contact Forumadmin if you can get one to Devon for Derrick to see.