Tributes to 'true legend' and Old Glossop Cricket Club stalwart

Tributes have been paid to a "true legend" and Old Glossop Cricket Club stalwart Derek Slack, who has sadly passed away.

Derek, who lived on Sheffield Road, died on Monday night (1 March) at the age of 86 following a short illness.

He dedicated much of his life to the cricket club – having played for them, coached and then became Club Secretary for more than 50 years.

Derek was also a popular teacher in the town, having taught at Duke of Norfolk and Hadfield Junior School among other schools.

'He had lots of tales to tell' 

Glossop Chronicle editor David Jones, who had known Derek for around 60 years, said: “I always used to enjoy meeting Derek. He had lots of tales to tell, not just about cricket in Glossop but he was also the source of all information about cricket.

“He was also a local historian and knew lots about what happened in Glossop even going back 100 years ago.

“He also used to love telling stories in the Commercial Inn, particularly of when Buffalo Bill brought a wild west show to Pyegrove Playing Fields.

“Years ago, he used to be the groundsman at Old Glossop Cricket Club and used to prepare the wicket. He never married and the whole of his life centred around Old Glossop Cricket Club.

“He was a lovely guy and cricket was his life. Derek was a character and he’ll be sorely missed by all who knew him.”

'Derek's innings has now come to an end, he always played with a straight bat' 

Old Glossop Cricket Club said they were saddened to hear the passing of "an Old Glossop legend" and announced that at Tuesday night's club meeting that the pavilion will be named The Derek Slack Pavilion in his honour so "his legacy will live on". 

Paying tribute to Derek, Club President Paul Eyre wrote: "Derek joined Old Glossop CC from Glossop CC and, after his first season, he was asked to be the temporary club secretary, he agreed and took the role on.

"Over 50 years later, he was still in the position. I don't think this will ever be beaten (he used to like still saying he was temporary secretary).

"At this time it's fair to say Derek and Walter Bradbury kept Old Glossop going. On one particular occasion, Derek was playing and after each over he bowled, he rushed off to do a few sandwiches for teas, then back on to bowl his next over.

"This continued until the teas were completed. Over the coming seasons, he had many roles within the club - one of which was junior manager and we have to remember at that time there were no cars, so Derek would take the club kit bag and 11 juniors on the train to away games - no small feat.

"Derek would umpire, score, prepare the wicket, clean up after the game. Basically he took on nearly all the roles needed in running the cricket club - never moaning, just getting on with the task in hand.

"For those of us who were lucky to spend anytime with Derek, he had a wealth of knowledge of local cricket and he would recount endless tales over a few gold labels. Never repeating the same story he could hold court for hours. A man of clever humour and whit." 

Old Glossop Cricket Club, where Derek had fulfilled almost every role possible

Paul went on: "He was also a big part of raising funds to build our new pavilion, were we did a weekly draw in a local pub for over 10 years.

"Derek got many awards, but was never one for fuss or fanfare. However, the one he was most proud of winning was the Derbyshire County Cricket Club Lifetime Achievement Award. We also held a dinner for him, where Bob Taylor MBE presented him with a plaque to recognise all his hard work and dedication to the cricket club, which he hung up with pride in his hallway.

"In his later years, he still wanted to be involved within the day-to-day running of the club, cutting the grass, cleaning the changing rooms etc. He was totally dedicated to the cricket club. A totally reliable and dedicated club member.

"Having know Derek for over 30 years, it has been privilege to have him firstly as a friend and secondly as a fellow club member. I have too many stories to tell but as with all the people he met, they will surely have their own to reminisce over the coming cricket season.

"Sadly Derek's innings has now come to an end, he always played with a straight bat and will be sadly missed by all who knew him."

Old Glossop Cricket Club also said on Twitter: “Today OGCC is mourning the loss of a true legend and club stalwart, with the sad news of the passing of Derek Slack.

“Everyone connected to the club has great memories and, rest assured, your memory will live on at OGCC. Rest in peace Derek.”

'One of life's true gentlemen' 

Anthony Parker, landlord of The Commercial Inn pub on Manor Park Road, where Derek was a regular, said: “One of life’s true gentlemen and always certainly had the most interesting stories you would ever want to hear about the beautiful area that we live in.

“A total ambassador, not only for Old Glossop Cricket Club, but a legend for the sport itself. I can safely say we all have had times with Derek at the bar or walking around the cricket field.

“My memories stretch from family Christmas dinners to discussing at the bar how Old Glossop Cricket Club could or should have won that certain game.

“But this picture I send you all matters the most - that we had the privilege of him knowing and holding my family. Lots of love, care and wishes. RIP our friend.”

Landlady Leanne Parker-Snaith told the Chronicle that they will organise a tribute for Derek when coronavirus restrictions allow.  

Derek pictured with landlady Leanne Parker-Snaith's daughter Olivia when she was around two months old

Councillor Damien Greenhalgh, Deputy Leader of High Peak Borough Council, commented: “I will remember Derek for his acerbic wit and also his knack of giving driving directions via the medium of Public Houses – even if they’d long since changed their names or closed!

“Derek made a real difference to our community and will be remembered for decades to come.”

Glossopdale county councillor Jean Wharmby said: “So sorry to hear the sad news that Derek Slack has passed away.

“He has been such a big part of our community. RIP.”

Read more from the Glossop Chronicle

Click here for more of the latest news

Click here to read the latest edition of the paper online

Click here to find out where you can pick up a copy of the paper