Thousands gather to say farewell to 'Mr Hastings'

9:03am Friday 24th November 2006

More than a thousand mourners brought traffic to a standstill as they flocked to the funeral of a community champion who became known as Mr Hastings.

Derek Norcross, 76, was renowned for his contagious enthusiasm, his unfaltering recognition of a familiar face and for how his undivided attention made every encounter special.

There are not many people who ooze genuine charisma as much as Derek Norcross did.

His death on November 10 after being hit by a car as he walked his grandson home from school shocked his community. Even today there was a sense of disbelief.

The streets leading to Kings Church, in the Hastings Centre, in The Ridge, Hastings, were filled with masses of people walking in the same direction. More than 1,000 people crammed into Kings Church to pay their respects to Mr Norcross, OBE.

Memories of Mr Norcross from friends, colleagues and past pupils filled the church with smiles and even laughter. The thanksgiving ceremony was to celebrate the life of the Lancashire man who adopted Hastings as his home.

He was an East Sussex county councillor before becoming chairman in 1992. He joined the board of St Michael's Hospice in Hastings in 1992 and became chairman in 1998. He supported the Hastings Music Festival, was a former musical director of the Hastleons and a past president of Hastings Rotary Club.

In 2004, he was awarded an OBE for services to East Sussex and was given the Order of 1066 Award for services to the town. He was a member of the Tuesday Club, the Grey Owl Society, Tomorrow's People and the Winkle Club.

His wife, Audrey, children and grandchildren followed the coffin, draped in flowers, into the church.

The service was led by the Bishop of Lewes, Bishop Wallace Benn, who said: "How much he managed to pack into one life is amazing. He was known as Mr Hastings but he had a good claim to be known as Mr East Sussex too. I consider it a privilege to be able to call him a personal friend."

Friends of the former county council chairman spoke of his sense of humour and unerring energy.

Bernard Wright, a friend for many years, said: "We marvelled at his enthusiasm. Such a wonderful man and we will never forget him. A very, very special friend."

Brion Purdey described him as a "tornado of energy, public spirit and great fellowship".

David Betts said: "Aren't we lucky to have known Derek."

The medley from Me and My girl brought many smiles to faces in the congregation.

The Lord Lieutenant of East Sussex Phyllida Stewart-Roberts, OBE, said: "I felt it brought back memories of Derek in a way he would have wanted."