Club news
Written by: Stuart
Derrick Parris RIP
The Lewes Football Cub community is in mourning for one of its most cherished Life Members, Derrick Parris.
Derrick served both the Club and Supporters Club for more than 50 years. A fine player himself, he started playing for Peacehaven at the age of 14 and carried on playing until well into his forties.
But it was for Lewes that Derrick and his two sons – Terry and Pip – went on to become synonymous. Terry and Pip both scored hundreds of goals for the Rooks, and Derrick became a regular at The Dripping Pan, watching his sons play.
He was invited to join the Board of Directors by his friend, Chairman Tom Carr, and went on to serve as both Vice Chairman and temporary Chairman.
Derrick and his close friend Peter Hiscox were also the driving force behind the Lewes FC Members Club, which went on to become the Lewes FC Supporters Club. The pair served the Supporters Club until they were both well into their eighties, Derrick finally handing over his immaculately handwritten ledger to a new Treasurer in 2015. You can read more about this here.
Derrick and Peter were a tremendous double act. Decked out in their shirts and club ties, they were a constant presence in the boardroom and on the terraces, no matter where the Rooks were playing. Neither were shy about telling a manager or board member when a performance didn’t quite hit the mark, but they were a constant source of encouragement and kind words to players, managers and club officials too.
Derrick was fiercely proud of the Club and everyone involved with the Club loved Derrick in return.
We send our deepest condolences to Jean, Terry, Pip, Joanne, Jeanette and all of his family and friends.
Rest in peace, Derrick. We hope you’re enjoying a drop of Scotch with your old mate. Thanks for everything.