09/06/2026
Unfortunately we have to share some bad news, club stalwart Derrick Arden has very sadly passed away, it’s only right in these circumstances that we hand over to our brilliant club historian Mr Paul Bang to say a few words….
Derrick Arden has been over the past forty six years one of North Cliff Golf Club's major hitters both on and off the course, from the moment he arrivived at the club, his sporting prowess was in evidence along with a strength of character that few could match which is why we mourn the very recent and sad passing of a North Cliff giant of a man and character that filled a room.
A director of Bootham Engineers, Derrick who had played an excellent standard of Cricket and turned out for Whitby Town at football was soon down to single figures and together with Wife Pam both became Club Captain's with Derrick also holding the positions of President and Chairman. Sadly during many years of committee service much of his practical toil around the club probably went un-noticed but should not be forgotten, whilst in the Committee room his strong effective character through good and bad times was an asset particularly through the tough days of the 2008 financial crises where his work as Chairman along with Clive Duck was an essential factor in their dual financial prudence that navigated a safe course to calmer waters.
Derrick's fiery nature ( particularly on the course) cannot be ignored but was always tempered with an empathy of inclusion for all individual natures present on any given occassion and delivered with great humour and it has to be said that as a raconteur very few were his equal in the delivery of a great story involving an un-expected twist.
I am reminded of one Golfing trip to Ireland where he professed a close relationship with the Republics Manager, the legendary Jack Charlton, forged when Derrick worked for the "Marske Machine Company" who were then Middlesbrough FC's main sponsor when Charlton was Manager. Well, following much private scoffing by members of the trip at the claim, "Big Jack" on glimpsing Derrick on the way through Dublin airport both surprised and made the golfing holiday when he diverted his intended path to greet Derrick with "Now Derrick how you doing" at the amazement of all present whilst quashing any sense of false associations.
Derrick had an electric presence and was a multi winner of North Cliff club events and whilst a major Alliance representative he with Wife Pam were an integral part of what was once a large healthy mixed Golfing section that following club events could fill the clubhouse with much mirth whilst they enjoyed many a Golfing trip together around the globe.
During the latter years of his golfing journey Derrick's golfing column in the local paper was a must on a Thursday where his prose would make club heroes of us weekend warriors. True, Derrick was old school grit and strength and a man who to be brutally honest just got on with the job in hand without fear or favour and an honesty that was both refreshing and effective which is probably why he was elected President of the East Riding Union Of Golf Clubs and enjoyed the honour of being Captain Of Captain's whilst his drive and personality were pivotal in his charitable work leading to the success with sponsors and the whole effort he invested in making the annual Marie Curie Golf day such a massive success for many years.
Derrick's presence, intelligence and all round humour in and around North Cliff Golf Club will be sadly missed and our thoughts are with his immediate and extended family at this difficult time.
