Dear Tony, David and all other Members, 

I am very sorry to have to tell you that Derek died on Friday 19 January.  

I am so pleased that he managed to get to Thursday morning chess clubs so often before he became too unwell to make it any more.   He greatly enjoyed the friendship and challenges of playing chess with you all. 

There will be a service to celebrate Derek’s life as follows:

Monday 12 February at 2 pm

The Lantern Church, 2 Chichester Walk, Merley BH21 1SN

The service will be followed by tea and cake.  We are encouraging friends and family to wear bright colours as this will be a celebration.  

I would be grateful if you could let members of the chess club know and pass on to them that all are welcome to attend.  

In case I do not have the opportunity to speak to you personally, I would like to thank you all for welcoming Derek into the chess club and so enabling him to continue one of his lifelong passions.  

With best wishes  

Patricia Needham