Derek, who died on 27th, February, was an active member of BMES. He joined after he semi-retired from the family firm, Preedy Glass of London, where he had worked from the age of fifteen.
With a lifelong love of steam railways he was able to indulge this passion in miniature with the club. Whatever the task in hand Derek was there to help as he could not bear to be idle. No job was too big or too small; whether it be labouring, driving or guarding on public running days. His humour and love of life will be sorely missed by his friends at Bedford and by those who met him at Santa Specials.
Following a private family funeral at Breakspear Crematorium friends and colleagues joined his family for a memorial celebration of his life at the Ruislip Methodist Church. A church packed with over 200 people who had known him at work, at church, with his caravan and at his hobbies.
BMES was represented by our Chairman and many friends from the club. A poem read out by Emma and Gareth Preedy, two of Derek’s Grandchildren, is very apposite. Our thoughts are with Jenny and his family at this time.
We used to sit besides the track,
Watching trains go clickety clack.
We’d count each carriage passing by,
And smell the smoke that filled the sky.
A trick that made our parents pale,
Was lay our ears upon the rail
To listen for a steady drumming,
And know that soon a train was coming.
Then back we’d stand with cap in hand,
Our little hearts apounding.
We had no fear as we stood near,
And heard the whistle sounding.
Excitement there beyond compare,
The train had come at last.
And as a boy I’d jump for joy
As it went puffing past.
With widened eyes we’d watch the skies
Filled with smoke and steam.
Of things we did when we were kids,
This would be the cream.
But that’s all gone.
They’ve ‘progressed’ on.
There’s something new each day.
And on the track we feel the lack,
The steam has passed away.
Forever in our hearts.
Derek taking a break from guard duty on Santa Specials day – 2013
Jennifer & Family would like to thank everyone for their messages, cards, and for attending Derek’s funeral. Thank you for the kind donations to Rennie Grove Hospice who helped care for Derek.