Derek Harvey 1947-2021

[Martin Smith]

With great sadness we pass on the news that Derek Harvey died suddenly on Friday 5th November, aged 74.
Derek and Christina, his wife, played a huge part in lifting the fortunes of Streatham and Brixton CC in the mid-1980s through to the early 1990s.
Born in Battersea, then brought up from an early age in Australia, Derek returned to Balham as a young man, learning his chess skills with the BBC Chess Club. From 1986 he and his wife Christina brought energy and enthusiasm to S&BCC, and local schools coaching. The S&B Junior Club took off (his daughters showed early talent), a regular Club newsletter appeared (he was an early advocate of desk-top publishing) and the Club's teams in the London and Surrey leagues flourished under his leadership. He was Club Champion in 1992/3 (Christina in 1990/1), and Secretary in 1991 and 1992. After a brief return visit to Australia he settled in Hastings, to become active in Hastings CC. Five years ago, prehaps more, he returned briefly to S&BCC, soon committing himself to Battersea CC in what turned out, sadly, to be his final years.
I am sure that others who knew him before I joined S&BCC could add further tributes to Derek the man, and his achievements.
We send our condolences to his family.

[Mick Norris]

Battersea CC obit

[Martin Smith]

Thanks Mick. I should've referred to the Battersea CC tribute - lovely photos of Derek.

[Mick Norris]

No problem, I saw it on the ECF website earlier