Derrick Brown

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Summary

Born in Hereford in 1938, Derrick Brown’s connection to Fownhope began almost immediately—he was baptised in the village church and spent weekends and holidays here throughout his childhood. His mother’s family lived at Nash Cottages, and Derrick fondly remembers childhood days spent exploring Common Hill, attending Sunday School, and eventually joining the packed village choir, where he remained until age 25.

Wartime memories include collecting water from a well, candlelit nights, and his father’s return from military service in 1946. He recalls the thrill of a first-ever car ride to meet him at the station and speaks warmly of simple pleasures like choir outings to Barry Island and treats from the local ice cream shed.

Though he grew up in Hereford, Derrick stayed deeply involved in Fownhope life. After National Service in the RAF, he became PCC Secretary, then Churchwarden, Treasurer, and school governor. He and his wife Ann—whom he’d known since childhood—built their home at Tylers Croft in 1975, eventually moving to Tygwyn in 1997.

Derrick’s love of the village led him to stir things up in the 1980s by encouraging a contested parish council election—the first in decades—resulting in his own election. His commitment has included launching the “Contact” newsletter, representing the church and village in local media, and preserving memories of Fownhope’s history.

A lifelong supporter of Hereford United and father to two sons who also sang in the choir, Derrick’s story reflects the rhythm of village life through decades of change—from water-carrying to community newsletters. As he puts it simply: “If I didn’t love it, I wouldn’t live here.”