It is with much sadness that we record the passing of long serving club member Derek Meakin. Derek joined the club in 1990 and was President in 1996-1997. Sport was very much at the heart of Derek's life and he joined the prestigious Eton Manor Sports Club where he spent many hours playing various sports. He excelled at tennis and specialised in doubles where he was joined by his good friend Len Wills ( an Arsenal first team player 1953-61.) National Service was spent in the Army Medical Corps. After this Derek led a very varied life. He became a Chauffeur for De Villers of Banking fame and from there he ventured into the motor trade and then progressed to a filling station, service centre and driving school which he ran together with family help. By working hard Derek was able to buy his family home in Chigwell without the need of a mortgage, no mean feat in those days. After Derek's wife died quite suddenly in the late 80's he then joined the Police Force as a Special Constable and met Bob Shepherd, MBE, who introduced him to Rotary. Derek loved his Rotary and hardly ever missed a meeting and he also had a great sense of humour. He will be sadly missed by both his family and the Cub.

(Thanks to club member Tony Chester for providing much of this contribution.)