It is with great sadness that the Club must wish Derek Best (Windrush) Godspeed
after he fought a long and brave battle with failing health.
Derek joined the Owners Club the day it began on 5th November 2006
and had logged in virtually every day since, welcoming new members
and sending birthday wishes to those in the club who were celebrating their big day.
With his charming wife Lilian at his side, Derek lived for our National meets
and together they would make the trip from their home in Aldershot to wherever the club held a gathering.
Derek's pride and joy was his Pearl Black 2 litre CDTi Connoisseur SE Tourer
which he had from new. Many of you will have seen it at meets
with it's radiator grille emblazoned with badges including our club's.
In his time with the club Windrush had made over 74,000 posts giving him the record
for the highest post count of any member by a long chalk. He was a very proud man,
and served his country in his younger days in both the Royal Air Force & Territorial Army
as part of the Royal Hampshire Regiment, and to this end he would always report for parade on
Remembrance Sunday in full uniform.
In recognition of his dedication to welcoming each and every new member to the club,
on 15th April 2012 at our 12th National Meet, we awarded him with a trophy for outstanding commitment to the club,
something which took him by complete surprise.
Derek and Lilian have made a great many friends through the club over the years,
his passing leaves a big hole and he will be mourned by many of us,
but we will never forget his warmth and friendliness and a better ambassador for the club you could not wish to meet.
Rest in peace Derek, we will all raise a glass to salute you sir.
Derek Best
(Windrush)
1933 - 2017