Mr Derek Wheatley

Derek has served the St Richard’s community outstandingly well. He was Churchwarden for 22 years, Verger for 43 years and Fabric ‘hands on consultant’ from 1969 until 2022 (53 years). He is a carpenter by trade and has designed and assisted in the Church Hall refurbishments: new kitchen and toilets (2004), the installation of the new central heating system (completed in 2019) to name a few of the achievements. He has made many items such as the High Altar/Lady Chapel Altar, Pulpit and many of the cupboards around the Church, in the Vestry, in the Vicarage and in the Church Hall have been made by him. This has been in addition to production of the Pew Sheets, owning the ‘Ride and Stride’ charity bike ride and the many fellowship functions held at the Church. He has delivered outstanding service and been a source of help and advice to the vicars of the Church and a faithful, loyal and committed Christian, friendly and welcoming to everyone who walks through the door. In his 90^th year he really does deserve this recognition. I would liketo have included more but there was limited space on the form:

The fact that Jesus was the son of a carpenter,  he would most probable have had  'practical skills' and been a humble man...

..and on the occasion of his 90th birthday(again presented by Mrs Helen Hart)

Derek and Jean Wheatley's presentation 5th March 2023

Friends and members of the St Richard’s fellowship as we are gathered in this place, we are surrounded by examples of the imagination, skill and dedication of a man whom we are hereby recognising.

MR DEREK WHEATLEY

Derek, you may be no longer climbing on to roofs and heaving large lumps of wood around but remain such a presence in our church both as a parishioner and in all that you have done here since 1969.

The high Altar, the Lady Chapel Altar, the pulpit, although perhaps the design should have been yours rather that the ARTS council; indeed, some of the very pews upon which you are seated, many of the cupboards and shelves that you see and use, where made by this man. And when we adjourn to the hall for the Lent lunch it will be served from the kitchen which you Derek, designed, planned and helped implement. We also walk through the Church Hall door which you designed.

This afore mentioned being only a part of all that you have contributed. As if making all of these wonderful things was not enough you were Verger for an astonishing 43 years (only stepping down at the end of 2022) and Churchwarden for 22 years, supporting many vicars, managing fabric issues, include covering all the operational angles needed to ensure the successful running of our Church and Christian community.

At a personal level when I was Churchwarden you were my ‘go to consultant’ regarding building and fabric knowledge, always kind and gentle to ‘a newbie’ like me who knew so little. This was particularly evident during the installation of the new central heating system. This was a three month process during which you attended every day – you are always generous and gracious in advice and hands on assistance.

So, there we have it – you have lent practical and mental ability in the service of your deep Christian faith and have shown love and kindness to everyone at St Richard’s.

Therefore, we would like to present Derek and his beloved Jean with a token of our gratitude because, of course, without her tireless support not half of this would have been achieved.