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Press Release - 30 March 2009
Last Saturday (28th March 2009) the sun came out at just the right time, inbetween the showers and hailstones, for a tree planting ceremony in memory of Councillor Derek Phillips. This was held on the Hogsmill open space by the stepping stones with around 80 people present. Also installed in Derek’s memory is a rustic bench made from Epsom Common Oak by volunteers of the Lower Mole Countryside Management Project.
Councillor Jan Mason welcomed everyone and expressed thanks to Stewart Cocker, head of Epsom and Ewell countryside management team, and Jeremy Young, Council Tree Officer, for organising the tree planting; and also Conor Morrow, Project Officer, for engraving the inscription on the bench.
Derek’s wife Rachel then paid tribute to him with the following words:
"Derek was a man who loved his family, loved his community and loved God. The River Hogsmill brings together those three main areas of Derek’s life. Firstly my children have many special memories to treasure of muddy walks or cycle rides along the river with their dad, often involving tree climbing, unblocking streams and litter picking.
Secondly Derek had a particular love for the Hogsmill Open Space and was part of the Friends of the River Hogsmill joining in their litter clear ups. He also made a video of the River which is now available on DVD from Bourne Hall Museum shop.
And thirdly, as a committed Christian, Derek used to say he found it easier to pray walking along the river out in God’s creation, than in a building.
Shortly before Derek died he said to me so typically, ‘I don’t want any fuss, just plant a tree along the River Hogsmill or something’. Thank you to all those involved for enabling us to carry out his wish.”
Tributes were also paid by Derek’s brother, remembering fond childhood memories of playing alongside and in the river; and by John Bignall of West Ewell Evangelical Church where he watched Derek grow up through the Boys’ Brigade, and later become part of the church leadership team there.
Councillor Derek Phillips put in many years of service with the West Ewell and Ruxley Residents’ Association before becoming a Councillor in 2003 representing Ruxley Ward. He faced his illness with great fortitude dying of cancer prematurely at the age of forty three.