Former Mayor Of Ely and Community Champion Dies

FORMER mayor of Ely and community champion Derek Crawley, died on Thursday morning.

A mayor of the city on three occasions, Derek passed away at 11am on Thursday after a long-illness.

A Rotarian for 26 years, Derek was awarded Rotary International's highest honour in January for dedicated service to the organisation. He spent more than two decades as a figurehead of the group and raised thousands of pounds for charities worldwide.

Derek also served on the boards of Dial-a-Ride, Citizens Advice Bureaux, Ely Horticultural Society, Ely Community College and the Needhams Foundation.

City Cllr Ron Bradney, described Derek as 'a man perfectly suited to the role of mayor and of being in charge of public money. A very studious man."

Mayor Richard Hobbs, a personal friend of Derek's said: "I don't think enough can be said for Derek he was that kind of man. He will be a tremendous loss for the council and for all the organisations with whom he served.

"He contributed so much to the council and to the community, he was a person with great generosity and I feel greatly for his wife and family at this time."

Derek had recently been voted to receive freeman of the city status in October, an award Mayor Hobbs thinks should still be granted.

Cllr Peter Cresswell, Chairman of East Cambridgeshire District Council, said:

"All members of East Cambridgeshire District Council were saddened to hear of the passing of Derek Crawley. He was well respected and will be sadly missed by all who knew him. Our sincere condolences and sympathy go to his family."