I first remember Ivor as being one of the local butchers when I arrived in Duffield in 1966. He was a man who took a keen interest in local matters and the extended Derbyshire countryside and its people. He was a retained firefighter and drove the local fire engine. He could chat about many subjects, particularly if any sort of engines were involved – from vintage tractors to the latest supercars.
My tribute to him is particularly heartfelt in relation to his extraordinary length of service to The Duffield Club, which is situated just opposite his old shop in Town Street. This began in 1969 when he was asked to look after the keys to the Club and accept and supervise trade deliveries to the premises. This he did cheerfully (and unpaid), although he wasn’t even a member at the time. He joined as a member a few years later, eventually being appointed as Steward in the 1990’s. From then, until his passing, he dedicated his working days and much of his personal life to the service of the Club. He was a character who was widely known, including to the many hundreds of Club members, past and present, who have been members during the time that he was Steward.
A few years ago, Ivor was made the first ever Life Member of the Club, in recognition of his incredible record of service. We are still finding out the extra duties which he performed so willingly and unheralded, and we miss him so much.
Goodbye, Ivor my friend, God bless you.
John Gregory, President of The Duffield Club
John Gregory
09/12/2024
