In 1958, after his discharge from the Forces, where, for most of the time, he was making furniture for Officers, he started work as a Woodwork Teacher at Kings Cliffe School and stayed there until 1972.  Prior to leaving he had been teaching metal work and engineering drawing as well as woodwork to ‘O’ Level  Standard.

Derek then decided to become self-employed and that is when he rented the Old Garage and Petrol Station (at that time a large stone barn) in Main Street from Mr Tom Bould of Kings Cliffe and which he used as a workshop.  He went to Halifax to buy his essential machinery and then made anything that was needed.

Vic Black used to help Derek and he introduced him to Mr Arthur Malster who at that time was the owner of Crowsons Funeral  Directors of Barnwell.  He then started making coffins and furniture for Crowsons.  Unfortunately, Mr  Malster developed health problems and subsequently asked Derek to join him at Crowsons as his apprentice.  In May1976 he bought the business and, as a qualified Funeral Director, worked there until his retirement  in 2003.

The history group would like to thank Mr and Mrs Gunn for their help in the preparation of this article

2017

Derek Gunn – 1935-2021