I was deeply saddened by the sudden passing of Derek. We had such great times with him both here in Melbourne and also in Oxfordshire where he and Douggie produced a track that I sang, in his attic studio. I will treasure that song which is, appropriately, called "How do you keep the Music Playing" from the film "Best Friends". He had the funniest jokes ever. We will always love him. Deepest sympathy to Patsy, Max and Mary, love Wendy I will miss Waddy. He was truly talented not just as a musician but much more. He was a gifted trombonist, a very creative arranger, a great producer and an inspired writer. He wrote many stories with Patsy which I hope will be published one day. I was fortunate to play bass with him for quite a few years in The Echoes when we work with Dusty Springfield. We had lots of fun and it didn't take Dusty long to realise just how good he was getting him to arrange many of the songs for which she is now known. We had !
lots of good times and played some great music together. He is now with many of his former friends in the Big Band in the sky.Waddy you will be missed but you will be remembered RIP Waddy your mate Douggie..

I will miss Waddy. He was truly talented not just as a musician but much more. He was a gifted trombonist, a very creative arranger, a great producer and an inspired writer. He wrote many stories with Patsy which I hope will be published one day. I was fortunate to play bass with him for quite a few years in The Echoes when we work with Dusty Springfield. We had lots of fun and it didn't take Dusty long to realise just how good he was getting him to arrange many of the songs for which she is now known. We had lots of good times and played some great music together. He is now with many of his former friends in the Big Band in the sky.Waddy you will be missed but you will be remembered RIP Waddy your mate Douggie

I was deeply saddened by the sudden passing of Derek. We had such great times with him both here in Melbourne and also in Oxfordshire where he and Douggie produced a track that I sang, in his attic studio. I will treasure that song which is, appropriately, called "How do you keep the Music Playing" from the film "Best Friends". He had the funniest jokes ever. We will always love him. Deepest sympathy to Patsy, Max and Mary, love Wendy

So dreadfully saddened to hear of Derek's sudden death. We worked together in Aynho in September and enjoyed a superb evening with our families. A lovely man and a great talent. Loretta & Philip

I was devasted to hear of the sad death of one of Britain's most gifted composers. I had admired Dereks work since a young teenager when I heard it back in 1977 on my favourite tv series Space 1999. His energetic and melody enhanced the second series and brought a new energetic feel to the show.I had the pleasure of meeting Derek three times and we always kept in touch.He sent me a copy of his Space 1999 and signed it to my number one fan.Derek was a great kind man and I will miss both him and his talent very much.God Bless.