Background: Born in Stockton-on-Tees, both parents on the Variety Stage. Father - comedian/ pantomime dame. Mother - dancer ex Bluebell girl. Had a few years on the stage, and as a consequence eventually made a career in arts administration, becoming Entertainments Officer for Cambridge from 1974 to 1992, currently working at King's College. Married 40 years to Pam - 3 grown up children and 5 grandchildren.

Contribution to the Venerables: He has given meaning to extreme golf. At one end of the scale he managed to score 4 Stableford points with a 28 handicap in an entire round (Peter Pirie will confirm this with some pleasure) - is this a record? It would have meant a minimum 133 gross. At the other end of the scale, he embarrassed his playing partner Bill Cook (yes, Bill can be very sensitive) in a match at Bourn where he scored an 82 gross with a 28 handicap. His handicap is now 23. Apart from these extremes he has brought a certain style to the Venerables; he has this impish smile and twinkling eye - he would have made a good Puck - perhaps he was - and the way he greets his wayward shots with "Oh Derek, you pillock" - like all of us he has his moments.