Derek Watkins was an enthusiastic, committed schoolboy riding with Clarence Wheelers from 1946 and racing successfully until 1949. In October 1949 he was called up for National Service  in the RAF, posted to RAF Gutersloh in West Germany. After being discharged November 1951 he raced for a further season, then married in October 1952, and set up home in Basildon new town, Essex . He retired from racing but still remained a long-term member of the club.

The 1946 invoice for his bike Carpenter #4022, and subsequent renovation is under the Docs tab