Derek turned professional and opened a studio in 1962, after a very successful amateur career, winning all the major titles with his wife Beryl - with whom he celebrates 54 years of marriage this year.
During their professional careers they have worked on P&O cruises as instructors, MCs on Radio Two Ballroom, and won several inventive dance competitions in Old Time and Modern Sequence. He has organised competitions and championships for many years, and has always been dedicated to Area business.
Derek has served on the Midlands Area committee as committee member and chairman, and is the longest serving member. He is acting chairman of the Nationwide Committee, Chairman of the Sequence Faculty and IDTA delegate on the British Dance Council Sequence Advisory Committee. Derek became an IDTA examiner in 1980 and joined the board of directors about the same time.
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In 1999-2000 he was the winner of Le Classique de Danse Award, and a Carl Alan Award, he has also been awarded with the IDTA Distinguished Services Award. In 2000 he was elected president and enjoyed a very busy and fulfilling term in office. Derek enjoys coaching and adjudicating, and looks forward to having the opportunity to continue working for the members and the Association. In 2011 Derek and his wife Beryl were honoured to be presented with an American Hall of Fame Award.