Derek Granger (Powell 1935–39) was born on 23 April 1921. After the Second World War, in which he served as a lieutenant in the Royal Navy, Derek worked as a journalist in Brighton, before being headhunted by the Financial Times as their first drama and film critic. That led to an invitation from Sidney Bernstein, the head of Granada, to work in television. He was a producer of Coronation Street in its early days, as well as being a scriptwriter, and later became Granada’s head of drama. Derek spoke at the College several times when in his 90s including giving a fascinating talk to the sixth form about his lifelong relationship with Hamlet, and inspiring pupils with his knowledge of countless productions. He worked with and was a close friend of Laurence Olivier who also appeared as Lord Marchmain in Brideshead Revisited for which Derek is probably most famous as its producer for Granada Television. It won a BAFTA award for best drama series in 1982. Derek is pictured at home after an intervew for the Daily Telegraph before his final visit to the College which was the day after his 101st birthday in 2022 when there was a Q and A session led by OE David Grindley (Wargrave 1986-88).

The College is delighted to display Derek's two BAFTAs, his Golden Globe and various photos in a specially designed cabinet which will be unveiled at this event. 

If you wish to join us and many of Derek's friends for this unveiling and some light refreshments, please register and donate £10 to cover costs.

Please let us know by the end of July, if possible, if you can join us.

Please click 'I'd like to attend' below and follow the prompts (you may need to 'continue as guest' from the drop-down menu)

If you are booking for more than one ticket, please note the following instructions for entering guest details:

At the screen Select ticket type, enter the total number of tickets you are booking, including yourself. For example, if you are bringing two guests, enter 3 in the box.

Click Add.

Your tickets will be displayed. The first ticket is for you as the host. As your details have already been registered, you do not have to enter them again. The only names you have to enter here are those of your guests, if you have any. For example:

Enter Guest 2 details: This is the second ticket you have booked. Please enter the name of the first of your guests. If you know the email of your guest, please enter it here. Otherwise leave it blank.

Enter Guest 3 details: This is the third ticket you have booked. Please enter the name of the second of your guests. If you know the email of your guest, please enter it here. Otherwise leave it blank.