Saturday 16th November 2013

The Friends of Chesterfield Theatres have presented a framed photograph of Derek Coleman, which will be hung in the bar of the Pomegranate Theatre in memory of him.


Former Theatre Manager Liz Woodall and Cllr Ken Huckle with the commemorative photograph of beloved Theatre Manager, Derek Coleman

Councillor Ken Huckle, Chesterfield Borough Council's Assistant Executive Member for Culture, Leisure and Tourism, who received the framed photograph on behalf of Chesterfield Borough Council, commented: "Derek Coleman was a key part of Chesterfield's theatres for many years and it is only fitting that we should honour him in this way.

"I'd like to send my thanks to the Friends of Chesterfield Theatres who have donated the framed photograph.

"I am particularly pleased that Derek's daughters and grand-daughters, are able to attend the presentation."

Derek died in December 2006 at the age of 77 and had managed the theatres for more than 30 years until his retirement in 1994.

He began his management career at Manchester's Library Theatre, where he saw many young actors and actresses who went on to form successful careers on stage and television.

He also had spells in Newcastle and Oldham before becoming manager of Chesterfield Civic Theatre, later renamed the Pomegranate Theatre, in 1963.

Derek is fondly remembered by theatre staff for his meticulous managing of the theatre's finances and for being a largely 'hands off' Manager, leaving staff to do their jobs but always available to sort out difficulties and offering support in times of personal trouble.

The Pomegranate Theatre and the Winding Wheel are owned and run by Chesterfield Borough Council.


Derek's daughters Bev (far right) and Lynn (2nd left) with his grand-daughters and former Manager Liz Woodall (3rd left) and Cllr Ken Huckle.

Derek's daughter's Beverley and Lynn were at the event, (above) along with his grand-daughers, and told The Chesterield Post that they were touched by the event and the honouring of their dad in this way, "We're very proud that dad was remembered and that he's as dear to other people as to us. The theatre was dad's life - he was a brilliant father but he loved his job and he loved the people around him."

Bev added, "It did become a big family here. A lot of the staff stayed and people built relationships. This is like coming home for us today - we're very proud!"

Former Theatre Manger Liz Woodall, also spoke to us about Derek and her memories, "Derek was a really lovely man! Very quiet and he really cared about the theatre and his staff. He didn't make a fuss about things but if anyone had any personal problems, he was always there for them!

"He trusted people! He let you know if you'd done something wrong but he supported you. We're standing now in his old office - that's why we chose to do the presentation here. He really liked to be part of the creative process - he loved the 'Rep' as it was in those days."

The presentation itself had been made possible by a group of people working tirelessly, voluntarily, on behalf of the theatre behind the scenes as Liz explained, "The Chesterfield Theatre Friends, was set up in 2007 in prepare for the celebration of 60 years of civic theatre in the country. This was the first civic theatre, as until 1947, Councils were not allowed to spend ratepayers money on entertainment, so this was the first council to run a civic theatre. A lot of people for many years still called it the civic theatre rather than the Pomegranate.

"The theatre friends raised lots of money to refurnish the bar and they remain - though their main focus is now the archive - they now catalogue everything that we had.

"Theatre is enormously important to Chesterfield. Live entertainment has more of a community feel. Everyone should feel welcome in theatre, it should be about people feeling at home and I think that it's something that the Civic - and then the Pomegranate - has always done."

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