memories of the Town, my best friend was school. It formalised my skills and give the
John Wilison and his parents still live there in me good grounding on how to handle
Foxhouses Road, unfortunately John died on watercolour paint and that was like my
exercise in the army in Canada. I still have foundation course,
really fond memories of John.’
‘We where both in the army but joined After I left the army, I nearly became an
separately - John went to Oxford I went investment banker and probably could have
Durham studying law then politics.’ been fabulously wealthy.
My first employers where Saatchi and Saatchi.
Derek went on to enjoy life in the armed I would often be parked next to Charles
forces and enrolled at Sandhurst where he Saatchi’s Aston Martin thinking I have a
was to become a commissioned officer. long way to go. I was also helping private
companies and the government and this
How did you get into Painting? gave me an insight into the business side of
‘I started painting at school and in my spare marketing which is quiet important.’
time I did Art A-level in sixth form. I was on
track to become an accountant or solicitor.’ Derek then Spent 5 years in the Middle East,
however Derek says; ‘ When back in London I
Derek went onto to take over a platoon all ex- would stay next to art suppliers, I would make
Falkland veterans in the Parachute Regiment. sure I would stay in hotels near any supplier
‘The lads that I had the pleasure to lead then when I’d finish working 16 hours a day I
where ex-Falkland Paras and they where a would then go back to hotel and paint.
crazy bunch of lads. One of my Sergeant
Majors who was in three para was injured by
a grenade in the Falkland’s and while he was
T & L PainTing
there lying on a stretcher he got shelled which
left him with facial scarring to the face. Contractors Ltd
As a rooky officer, it was an extraordinary
experience. Incredible soldiers who thought I
Professional Domestic
was barmy and endeared myself to them as I
PaINTINg & DECOraTINg SErvICES
was always painting away in the trenches.
Personal Service and Advice with our
‘When we where on patrol I would take my
CoLour SCHEME SYSTEM.
watercolours and I still have all those water
If you think
colours. One of my dreams is to be a war
PINK and
artist in Afghanistan for the parras. I would
LImE GrEEN
love do to that.’
go together...
then CaLL US!
It’s a circle that I want to close, I got on fine
I was fit, active and as a painter the soldiers
thought I was a bit odd, in the mess my
watercolours where all over the place.
Tel 01900 816334
When I left the army in 1988, I did a course
on watercolours, which was like a summer
68 Wood Street, MArYPorT, Cumbria CA15 6LD
www.thewestcumbriaguide.co.uk 31
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