The Cumbrian farming community lost a real character and noted stockman with the death of Derick Wilson, of Dockray, aged 84.
He was a regular and cheery presence at numerous agricultural shows in the Eden area and further afield, helping his wife Jean show her high quality Herdwick sheep.
Derick was born at Big Wood Cottage, Edenhall, and moved with his family to Greenthwaite Hall, Greystoke, when he was still a young boy. He attended the Greystoke village school, walking the mile or so there from home with his older brother George, who sadly died only a few weeks before Derick.
After leaving school, Derick worked on various farms, notably that of Tommy Barnes at Johnby and for the Lockharts at Sparket. As with many others of that era, his social life was either the pub or village dances, or both. It was at one of these dances that he met Jean Maxwell, his future wife, and they were married in 1964.
It was in 1966 that Derick and Jean bought Anns Cottage, Dockray, putting all their savings together to raise the £2,500 asking price.
Derek started working as a wagon driver soon after that, including for John Teasdale and later Donald Teasdale, mostly carrying animal feed and fertiliser — all in bags of course, loaded and unloaded by hand. It was hard work, but Derick was used to that having spent his younger days as a farm labourer.
At that time Derick owned a Berkeley motor car, made in Berkshire, which was a sporty three-wheeler and, according to Jean, had a body made from papier-mache. On one very wild and stormy night he set off in his Berkeley, but encountered a hay tedder which had blown onto the road over the brow of a hill. Poor Derick’s car disintegrated on impact and broke in two. This was not down to bad driving and the Teasdale family always had a lot of confidence in and respect for Derick.
In 1975 Derick and Jean rented Penfold Farm from Arthur Wier. To go with their Herdwick sheep, Derick bought three geld cows, each costing £50, and five calves at 10 shillings per head. By this time the couple had their children Michael and Pauline to help them on the farm. Derick worked hard to improve the farm, carrying out drainage work and walling, and, of course, helping Jean with the fell sheep.
With Jean selling good Herdwick sheep and Derick his fine quality cattle things were going well, but in 1991 he suffered a heart attack. However, he was undeterred and, with the help of his neighbours, he carried on with his cattle and sheep.
Derick had another health setback some years later and was in hospital for a while after a big operation. At the age of 65 he had a farm sale and decided to retire, but remained just as busy as ever, helping Jean with her Herdwick sheep and doing dry stone walling and fencing for neighbours. The Wilson family at Gillhead nicknamed him “sunshine”, which was very apt.
One of Derick’s proudest moments was when the Herdwick breed society’s stand at the National Sheep Association’s show at Millstone Moor won first prize. Derick and Jean enjoyed their holidays with their friends Les and Olive, often not knowing where they were going until they set off. Derick loved Irish music and would go to Rosley and other venues whenever he could. He always had time for his grandchildren, being keen to know what they were doing and where they were going.
As Derick’s health began to deteriorate, his grandson Scott helped more and more with farming tasks. Scott and Jessica lambed Derick and Jean’s sheep this year, leaving Jean to feed the pet lambs, of course.
His funeral service and interment were due to take place at Matterdale Church on Friday, 9th May. Richardsons Funeral Directors, Penrith, were in charge of arrangements.
