Veteran’s naval memories and artistic talents celebrated in Chichester
Derek Parsons, an 87 year-old Chichester care home resident with a distinguished 30-year naval career was recently honoured during a moving afternoon of remembrance hosted by the Wittering branch of The Royal British Legion. He was joined by his son, Simon, who served in the Royal Navy for 18 years.
Derek, who is a resident at Lakeview Grange Care Home on Whyke Road, joined the Royal Navy in 1955, following in his father’s footsteps, and rose through the ranks to become a Commander. He began his naval career at the age of 18 aboard HMS Bulwark, an aircraft carrier responsible for transporting troops, vehicles and equipment. He went on to travel the world as a Purser, and served aboard HMS Intrepid at the same time as his son.
Derek and Simon were invited by Craig Rathbone, Chairman of the Wittering Royal British Legion, to attend an afternoon of shared memories and remembrance on 7 January. The event brought together veterans from The Royal Navy and Army to reflect on their service and raise a glass in honour of those lost during conflict. During the visit, Derek and Simon were invited to pin poppies on the Legion’s Poppy Wall, which stands proudly in the main reception area as a tribute to service and sacrifice.
The afternoon sparked fond memories for Derek, particularly of his time stationed in the West Indies, Hong Kong and Bahrain, where his wife Christine gave birth to Simon, their first child.
Derek said: “If you worked hard and did your job properly you would get promoted. Being in the Navy gave me a sense of belonging. It was great fun and they looked after you. Being at the Royal British Legion in East Wittering and spending time with other veterans to talk about our days in the British Forces was really enjoyable. Sharing stories is what keeps the memories alive.”
Derek and Simon enjoyed meeting and sharing memories with fellow veterans, including Stewart Maclean, Chief Radio Electrician; David Coleman, Controller Electrical Mechanic and former British Army Sergeants, Matt Cole and Craig Rathbone.
Jackie Cridlin, Home Admissions Advisor at Lakeview Grange, said, “We cannot thank our local Royal British Legion enough for their wonderful welcome and support. For me, it was a privilege to listen to stories from the past that I may not hear again. Seeing Simon sitting next to his father, clearly so proud, was incredibly heart-warming.”
A Very Talented Man
Alongside his naval career, Derek had a passion for watercolour painting. He has shown some of his paintings to staff and residents at Lakeview Grange and has impressed them with his incredible talent. Many of his paintings were created entirely from memory, inspired by landscapes he encountered across the UK and beyond.
Derek said, “Painting was always a wonderful way for me to relax and be creative. When I lived at home with my wife, I turned my garden shed into an art room. I could happily sit there for hours, completely lost in painting.”
Shaun Matthews, Lakeview Grange’s General Manager commented “It’s been an honour to hear Derek share his passion for painting with our team. His artwork has become a real talking point, especially around the dinner table.”