Charlie Derrick was tragically killed in a motor accident in 2003. He was just 20 years old. Charlie had moved to Locking with his family at the age of nine and was quickly spotted by the music teacher at Locking Primary school, (Mr Eric Holdaway), as being a pupil with amazing musical ability. When he moved to Worle Secondary school in Weston as a year 7 pupil, again the Head of Music, Mr Howard Sayer, suggested he play music with the year 11 students as he was easily up to their standard. From this Charlie gained much respect and many friends.
Classically trained as a cellist, he soon developed an enthusiasm for the guitar (both acoustic and electric) and from that point there was no stopping him. At the earliest opportunity he played in local gigs but it was not long before his talent was spotted by John Fenlon-a well known Bristol Blues musician. John Invited Charlie to join his band. Charlie's advent to The John Fenlon Band opened a whole new chapter for the band. The line up developed to include Ritchie Blake (bass), Steve Williams (keys and vocals) and Tim Price (drums) This band of talented musicians released their first CD "Practice what you Preach" and as a result of this were invited to record a session at The BBC's Pebble Mill Studios to be played on the Paul Jones Blues Hour on Radio 2. The band played at numerous gigs and music festivals such as the Devises Blues festival in 2001 as the support to Zoot Money. The Band released their second album "Rip it Up" in 2003 for which Charlie had recorded his parts in the few months before he died.
As a respected musician, Charlie was asked to play in other bands. He played with Groove Tube when they supported The Human League at Cardiff International Arena in 2001 but perhaps the most memorable gig was when he played on the Jazz/World Stage at Glastonbury 2002 with Dr Sax.
Charlie's life was dedicated to music and a Bursary has been set up based at Worle School in Weston-super-Mare, to help dedicated and talented musicians in a variety of ways. The Bursary, whilst started at Worle School, has already been expanded to include all secondary schools in North Somerset. Footprint is a group of enthusiastic people who put on gigs to raise money for young musicians. These young musicians may be experiencing family difficulties, financial difficulties or suffer from learning difficulties or they may simply have demonstrated an exceptional taIent or dedication to music. Footprint has raised almost £15,000 over the last 5 years, through gigs to help towards the funding of musical instruments and tuition for these talented young musicians.
The Bursary Applications are considered by the trustees. These are Julie and Steve Derrick, Mr Howard Sayer, Head of Music at Worle School, Ms Gill Mc Lorinan, Deputy Head of Music at Worle School and Mr Steve Williams, a respected local musician and music teacher, also Charlie's fellow musician and friend.