As the RAF St Athan Voluntary Band prepare for the Welsh Regional contest in a few weeks time, they will do so without one of their longest serving players.

Calling it a day

No one in the band, including Director of Music Alan Bourne can remember a time when they have been without its stalwart percussionist Derrick White, who has decided to call it a day at the ridiculously young age of 88!

Derrick has taken the big decision to reduce his commitment to the sticks and to the band so that he can finally spend a bit more tie with his family.

RAF since 1940

Since joining the RAF in 1940 Derrick travelled the globe arriving for the first time at RAF St Athan in 1964 where he worked until his retirement in 1988.

A committed bandsman, Derrick has been part of their hectic schedule ever since and was awarded Life Membership of the South East Wales Brass Band Association in 1994 and their Bronze Medal in 1999.

And to cap it all Derrick was awarded the MBE for services to RAF Voluntary Music at Buckingham Palace.

Derrick’s last official performance was to perform at a No 4 School of Technical Training Graduation Parade at RAF St Athan — some 70 years after having experienced exactly the same event himself!4BR

Last engagement

Derrick’s last official performance was on his birthday of February 18th when he joined the band to perform at a No 4 School of Technical Training Graduation Parade at RAF St Athan — some 70 years after having experienced exactly the same event himself!

Director of Music, Alan Bourne, thanked Derrick for his decades of tireless service and wished him all the best for a long and happy retirement.