We sadly report the passing of William Roy Millward (known as Roy) on 24th January 2025, aged 93.
He attended school in the early 1940s. An obituary will be posted on this site shortly.
NAME OF OLD DERBEIAN DATE OF PASSING YEARS AT SCHOOL
Dr. Anthony Palmer 12th December 2020 1954-1961
Trevor Howson 4th November 2020 1958-1965
A teacher dedicated to passing his love of History to future generations, Trevor spent most of his career as the Head of History at St Mary's Menston School in West Yorkshire. His commitment to his pupils was also recognised through his responsibilities being extended to cover pastoral care. A former member of his department has written, “Trevor was a lovely man. A true gentleman and a great teacher. One thing that always makes me smile is that when we have open days, parents come with little ones and say, 'I had Mr Howson for History and he was the best teacher.' He created so many memories with his kindness. Pupils remember him with fondness. He would be so proud that people love History because of him.” He could not receive a better tribute.
He was born in Derby on the 2nd March 1947 and was one of those fortunate post-Education Act of 1944 individuals to pass the 11-Plus and go on to Derby School. A keen sportsman, Trevor excelled at those sports which required a stick or racquet with which to hit the ball, hockey and tennis at School and squash and golf later in life. After school, he went on to Exeter University to read History and following his degree undertook his teacher training at Loughborough College. He represented Derby School, Exeter University, Loughborough College and the Derbyshire County team at hockey. He continued playing squash and tennis in Yorkshire until injury led him to stop.
Trevor married his wife, Pam in 1972 while both were in Derby and they moved to West Yorkshire in 1974 eventually settling in Otley. He and Pam have loved walking around the Yorkshire countryside together with their dogs over the years. Trevor loved France and summer vacations were often spent there. A keen photographer, he recorded the natural world around him whether in the UK or France. He combined his interest in the Environment and History during his and Pam's visits to National Trust properties.
He was in every way what we would call a good man and a good friend, who was serious about equality and fairness, quiet by nature yet with a real sense of fun. One of the many letters of condolence, reflects these characteristics: “So many of us will carry Trevor in our hearts. He epitomised the perfect gentlemen, both in his personal and professional interactions. His kindness, support and self-effacing sense of humour, as well as the twinkle in his eyes as he uttered cheeky comments, will stay with me always.”
His Service of Thanksgiving was attended by as many people as could be allowed in these Covid-19 days and many, many more wished they could attend to show their love and respect.
Trevor is survived by Pam and his brother, Keith and family.
| NAME OF OLD DERBEIAN | DATE OF PASSING | YEARS AT SCHOOL |
| John Barrie Sheard | 22nd January 2020 | 1945-1950 |
We have received numerous tributes to Barrie from friends, family, and ODs far and wide. As an integral part of our society, he worked tirelessly, although passionately, for the benefit of all our members. His efforts are well reflected on this website and it is indeed because of him that the site exists and has prospered over the last few years. As the webmaster, I had weekly dealings with Barrie, or squirrel, as I used to call him, and we would discuss the content of the site together. He always had a great insight into the history of Derby School and could talk knowledgeably about its origins and history. I will miss him dearly.
The following was received from his daughters:
| Ted Olpin | 27th December 2019 | 1936-1946 |
| Michael Dallman | 27th August 2019 | 1933-1940 |
| David Owen | 10th January 2019 | 1950-1957 |
David Owen of Spondon who was a frequent attender of the ‘Class of 1950’ reunion group
Several glowing and funny tributes were given by his two sons and also the Vicar. Being deeply involved with Spondon Cricket Club of which he was their President for over 40 years he will be sorely missed. Being a good cricketer and footballer himself he inaugurated a youth training scheme within the Club, which he managed for many years, being awarded ‘Cricket Coach of the Year in 1974.
After attending Derby School from 1950 to 1957 he became very proficient in the French language including studying at the Sorbonne. He retired his teaching career at
To his wife Ann, his son’s Mark, Paul and John and step father to Debbie
J. Barrie Sheard - OD Society Archivist
Norman Leonard Chapple QPM., LLB., MSc., Barrister at Law
(1942 – 1948)
Norman L. Chapple was born in London in February 1932 and moved with his parents to live first in Stanley in Derbyshire before moving to the Drewry Lane area of Derby. As an Eleven Plus Scholarship winner he entered Derby Grammar School in September 1942 at their WWII evacuated school at Amber Valley Camp at Woolley Moor in North Derbyshire, moving back in September 1945 to St. Helen’s House in Derby city centre leaving in July 1948.
He became a Boy Scout and in 1947 was fortunate to attend the World Scout Jamboree in France in the Summer of 1947, he also became a Sea Scout as well. At School he was excellent at sports and was in first teams for both cricket and football and was an excellent athlete in the sports field. National Service called where he became Sgt in the R.A. S.C. serving mainly in Paris connected with NATO.
He first became a Police Cadet and then a Police Constable within the then Derby City Police Force. His ability saw him seconded to London University where he undertook to become a Bachelor of Law (LL. B) and became a trained Barrister. It was here in London he met his future wife, Pamela who was a nurse at London University College Hospital. On returning to Derby he gained a Fullbright Scholarship, becoming a Detective and attained his M. Crime degree at Stanford University. From here he moved (via a stint as Commandant at the Stanley Grange Police training College) to Liverpool becoming first an Inspector and then a Superintendent, moving further to South Wales as Assistant Chief Constable; finishing his service as Deputy Chief Constable to the Ministry of Defence Police Force.
Interestingly, he was short-listed for the post of Chief Constable for Derbyshire but was pipped at the post by another well-qualified officer.
A member of the Derby South Rotary Club he became a Paul Harris Fellow and held the post as President - for his term of office. For many years he was a much respected member of the Old Derbeian Committee and in 1966-1968 was their President and for several years was entirely responsible for the Society’s Annual Derby Dinner Secretary In addition, he held membership of Derby Grammar School’s Trust when it was formed in the 1990’s.
During his latter part of his life he and Pamela moved away from Littleover in Derby to be near their family which consisted of two daughters, one of which lives north near Newcastle upon Tyne. To those left behind we extend our sincere condolences.
Peter William Lewis (1940 – 1945)
Sadly Peter passed away on 28 September 2019 at the age of ninety years, he talked often of his time at school and on the occasion of
his 70th birthday his whole family (wife Valerie and Children Tina, Debbie, Chris, Mark and Richard) accompanied him to Derby to visit the
old haunts. Chief amongst these was Amber Valley, we went to the site now occupied by the sailing club and were regaled with stories of
school life - school was a very happy time for him. From school Peter went on to Leys and Ewarts in Derby and trained as a draughtsman
meeting wife Valerie there. He then went on to the RAF - training and qualifying as a pilot - he spent 12 more happy years in the service
leaving as a Flight Lieutenant from 53 Squadron Transport Command based at Abingdon, Oxfordshire. Here he started his own Travel
Business (Oxonian Travel Services) in 1963 which continues to trade as a family business to this day.
Peter William Lewis (seated Front right)
| Neville Copestake | 26th January 2019 | 1940-1945 |
Obituary of Neville Keith Copestake (1940-1945)
Neville Copestake of Folly Road, Darley Abbey started his Derby School education as one of the first second former's to attend the newly opened Amber Valley Camp at Wooley Moor in north Derbyshire. Remaining there for the whole of WWII. Neville died recently on 26th January 2019 suffering from Alzheimer’s Disease.
Whilst at Derby school he became a member of the school’s Cadet Corps and was always considered a first-class shot having been taught by his father how to shoot from an early age. Leaving School he had to undertake his National Service as a soldier serving with the Pay Corps, attached to the Parachute Regiment.
Following into the family’s motor cycle business known as Palin’s Motors he developed it into a good business, many young men in Derby buying their first motorcycle from the business and he did not retire until 1987. Always a keen gardener and often with a project he was undertaking in his garage. On retiring he was able to take up his hobby of golfing, becoming a member of several clubs like Mickleover, Kedleston
Neville leaves behind his wife Barbara along with his son Ian and daughter Dawn and their respective families to whom we extend our sincere condolences.
