Always cheerful round and about the village, serving the community in many different ways, his
Helpston lost one of its most active and well-loved figures when Derek Fane died suddenly last month
death came as a shock, not only to his family, but to all who knew him.
The list of Derek’s service to the community seems endless. He played football for Helpston FC, was secretary and ran the club for many years, he ran the Helpston Charity (football) Cup which took in surrounding villages, he played for the Arborfield Mill team (run by his wife, Jean and Jim Bean), he was a member of the Church Council, sang in the Christmas Choir, was the cleaner, always helped with the Gala, was on the Dual Use Playing Field Committee; he played tennis, went to the Carpet Bowls Club for a time, was on the PTA’s and governors of both the AMVC and John Clare Schools at various times; he ran car boot sales at AMVC. For many years he was a member of Helpston Parish Council and to his death never missed a meeting, as he would unlock and lock up at the school on behalf of Jean.
He was on the Church Key Rota, the Medicine Rota and organised the Classic Car event for the Willow Brook Farm Open Days, having taken his own ‘baby’ - a 1960’s mini pick-up, to local events at Maxey, Stamford and Bourne. Currently involved in this year’s Willow Brook Farm Day, this work is being taken over by his son, Charles. He took a keen interest in everything associated with Willow Brook and the Granary Cafe, where his daughter, Jo, runs the catering.
Derek will be particularly missed at JC school, where, with Jean as Caretaker (for the past 33 years since their youngest child, Charles started school), he has done lots of jobs.
Jean told us: “He would often say on a Sunday: ‘Just going up to school for half an hour’.
“When he was on so many committees, he was sometimes out every night of the week - always smart in a white shirt, blazer and tie in the days before ’smart casual’ became the fashion.”
Such a community-minded person would be hard to find, and to anyone who did not know Derek, the list above might not truly reflect the individual who was down-to-earth and known best for his cheery smile and willingness to give a hand to anybody.
Coun Rosemary Morton said of him: “Derek was a ‘giver’ rather than a ‘receiver’. He was never happier than when he was giving and was a friend to everyone - a very practical person and very caring of the youngsters.”
On leaving school Derek served a six-year apprenticeship with Pinders of Peterborough as a sheet metal worker and a year as an Improver. He was married to Jean on his 22nd birthday, when he got his first real pay packet and exactly a year after his decision to get engaged to the 17 year-old Jean at his 21st birthday party. The wedding was at St Botolph’s and the couple had been married 49 years; the 50th anniversary would have been October 2011.
From Pinders, Derek went on to work for Perkins, then Fiat Allis of Stamford, and when that business closed he took on various jobs including one for a Jaguar firm, always in fabricating and welding. For the last ten years he had been employed by Power Plant, but decided to retire on his 70th birthday last October, so that he could look after his little grandson Latham, while Charles and mum Shelley were at work. For that birthday Jean treated him to a night at the Waldorf Hotel in London, one of many Shaw’s trips the couple had been on. They also enjoyed the Railtourer train trips, especially to Scotland and had been planning to go up to Fort William during the week of Derek’s funeral (16th May).
Jean was very much involved in the care of her parents up until her father’s death, but during the last few years she and Derek had seized every opportunity to be together and enjoy themselves. He said recently: “Haven’t we done some things - these last five years!”
Often, when ready to finish off and lock up at school, he would turn to cleaner, Pat Bean, and say:
“Come on girl - let’s Rock ‘n’ Roll!”
For a man who loved life, dancing, and parties, it was fitting that his end should come on the dance floor at a 70th birthday party.
He leaves Jean (widow), his son and daughter, Charles (of Gunthorpe) and Joanne, and grandchildren, Sam and Latham.
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I was in the village on the day of the funeral - not knowing anything about this gentleman. I was amazed to see what appeared to be a whole village in mourning heading to the church. The courtage and following mourners added to a spectacle that has left a lasting impression on me. Having read the story of Derek Fane I can now understand just why the village bade him such a marvellous farewell. I am sure the love shown will mean a lot to those he leaves behind as they come to terms with their loss. Very well done Helpston. True community spirit and respect obviously thrives in your village
At the Bourne Classic car show, I enquired of a mutual friend whether Derek and his mini were there and could not quite take it in when I was told he had passed away suddenly. I’m sure I speak for all his old colleagues at Fiat- Allis, Essendine when I say what a good friend he was and a true gentleman. My sincere condolences to his family.