FOR DEREK
Derek was one of those people that did everything quietly, he moved around quietly, he got things done quietly, he spoke to you quietly. He was a quiet man; however, he had a loud and caring soul.
That is what I will miss, very rarely did I ever walk around the village and not see Derek, either attending to his allotment or his fruit trees, or the orchard, maybe chatting to a neighbour or just walking round the village with a wheelbarrow.
I was also privileged to see Derek and Cherry every few weeks when they needed a haircut and have done so for the last 46 years. Even before that, he would take pity on me as a school girl, as I walked from the little Wymondley bus stop up to the village, often with heavy school bags, offering a lift, even if I was nearly there.
A number of times, on my regular visits to the church yard, or taking a quiet moment in the church as I often do, Derek would appear, sometimes for a chat, sometimes just a friendly smile as he went about his day. As I said, a quiet man.
However, along with Cherry, they were stalwarts of the village and have done so much for Wymondley. In my opinion, they have quietly done more for the village than any other couple over its history.
For many, many years, between them they have raised tens of thousands of pounds to help fix the church: the roof, the bells and many other problems along the way. Tirelessly they would care for the grounds, nurturing the habitat for the bugs, butterflies and birds and their joy of the swifts returning each year would light up their spring. If you listen now the swifts are probably here or on their way and their loving care has made this a special place.
This world is in crises, but in their way, they couldn't have done more. It's a pity that there aren't more Cherry and Dereks in this world and Derek is a massive loss to it and to us all who are a part of Great Wymondley or its recent history.
Just a few weeks ago I was visiting the church and a couple of walkers came in. Derek happened to be in there too and immediately went up to them, made them feel welcome and was pleased to impart his knowledge about the church building, and the village itself to them. I just listened in the background, proud of the village my family has called home for over 60 years, and proud to have been hearing Derek's passionate view of it.
Like many folk, I will miss him greatly and I join all who are here in being there for Cherry as she goes forward ... with love
Jean Burdett-Coutts
