Yesterday, 20th February 2024, we attended the funeral of our fellow chorister Mr. Derek Beastall.
Derek was another of the gentlemen of the choir who dedicated over 30 years (34 to be precise) to practice and performance in our choir.
He served as Treasurer for 7 years and maintained faith with the choir activities through an unsettling period in our history when there were frequent changes of Musical Director and accompanist; none of which dampened his enthusiasm.
A fine baritone, he sang the solo part in How Great Thou Art on the choir’s 2012 CD Harmony. In 2016 upon his retirement from the choir, due to ill health, he was awarded Lifetime Membership which he greatly appreciated. From a musical family, Derek and his late wife Anne sang in the church choir at St. Mary’s Sutton-in-Ashfield and their son Andrew was also a choir member in the late 1980s.
Such legacies of effort and dedication are becoming rarer in our modern times, and we fondly remember a thoroughly friendly, supportive and principled character who never failed to share his views – most definitely to the benefit of those listening.
Rest in Peace Derek – you certainly did your bit as a custodian of the choir’s interests for which we sincerely thank you.