Derrick Grocock 1946-2024

Northern Group treasurer and former chair Derrick Grocock died on September 13 2024 at the age of 77.

Derrick joined our Group in 1976 and served as chair from 2013 to 2015 and as treasurer from 2021 until his death.

He was motoring correspondent for the Bolton News and its sister paper, the Bury Times, and attended more 1,000 new car launches held on four continents over the years.

Derrick was born in Warrington and after attending Beamont Technical School he joined the Warrington Guardian Series at their Irlam branch as a cub reporter, working alongside another member of our Group, Alan Domville.

After completing his indentureship Derrick moved to the Bolton News in 1970 where, in addition to his motoring work, he became the features editor and the leader writer.

He married Sheila Loftus in 1971 (Alan was his best man). Son Colin was born in March 1978 and daughter Faye was born in 1985. Sadly, Faye died at the age of only nine months and some years later Sheila amd Derrick were divorced.

Derrick is survived by Colin, a teacher with the University of Wales, and Derrick’s partner Dianne who gave great support and comfort to him for many years.

Contributed by Alan Domville.