Derek Norrish

Many will remember Derek Norrish. Farming at Chitterleigh over many years he took an active part in Bickleigh life. He was an enthusiastic bell ringer and told me that he had rung Bickleigh Church Bells for over 60 or was it 70 years? He also regularly visited other local churches to ring. A keen skittle player in his time whose excitement at scoring a strike was marked by a hard stamp on the Hall floor. Also keen on Whist he would get excited at being given a good hand of cards and likely to show a player his disapproval when playing a wrong card. For several years he would arrive to cut our hedges and come in for a chat over a cup of coffee. He always could recommend health giving foods and other products. Another of his specialities was to grow Walnut Trees.

In recent years he has lived in Cullompton but has always kept his links with Bickleigh. We send our condolences on his death to Brenda and other family members. We will miss his cheerful tales and stories.