Military fund has new recruit

Newark Patriotic Fund has been joined by the grandson of the town’s most-decorated war hero.

The late Lieutenant-colonel Sam Derry set up the Rome escape line that smuggled escaped Allied prisoners-of-war to safety.

His grandson, Mr Dan Derry, has joined the patriotic fund as as a patron, trustee and committee member. He will share the role of patron with Newark businessman Mr Andrew Morris.

The fund helps past and present Servicemen and their families.

Mr Derry, of London Road, Newark, said:

“We are a family with very strong military associations and have had many members killed in conflict,” said Mr Derry.

“What has impressed me is the affection that people have for our local wounded.

“People take special heart from seeing money they give specifically being spent to help their local men and women.

“I know my grandfather would have been proud of me for getting involved in the fund.

“The next generation needs to step up.”

Two fundraising events for the fund take place on December 4.

A coffee morning will be held at Hardy’s Farm Shop cafe from 10.30am, while in the evening a team from Newark Rugby Club takes on the RAF Hawks at Kelham Road.