The Friends of Shanklin Theatre Committee held a “Thank You” reception and visual demonstration at the theatre last night (Thursday, 4th December) in Memory of Derry Derbyshire previously the proprietor of the Crab Inn in Shanklin Old Village.
Following Derry’s untimely death during the summer, Mrs Tina Derbyshire took the decision that all donations to celebrate the life of Derry should be made to the ‘Friends of Shanklin Theatre’.
This resulted in the unprecedented collection of £960 donated into theatre funds, this donated money was used to purchase six new hi-tec LED stage lights called “Hypermoves”, these lights have been installed and are now named “Derry’s Bar” by our Technical Gaffer Chris Gardner.
In addition, we employed the services of Shanklin Gallery to commission a historic sepia image of the Crab Inn (hotel) as it was named back then circa late 1800’s, which has been mounted and framed in a classic dark wood and gold rimmed frame, to which we have added a suitable tribute to Derry.
On behalf of the Staff & Friends of Shanklin Theatre we would like to thank Tina & her family for attending our “Thank You” reception at the theatre.
With the commemorative picture to honour Crab Inn owner Derry Derbyshire are, from left, Shanklin Theatre committee member Vivien Howell, Tina Derbyshire, and chair of Friends of the Theatre Peter Coleman.
Tina Derbyshire & her family with Derry’s Crab Inn memorial picture.
Peter Coleman
