Caron Derksen (1960 to 2024)
It is with the deepest of sadness that we share the loss of our co-founder and Director of The Margate School.
Caron helped to build the School sharing her legal expertise and project management skills and not least her integrity. She provided support whenever needed and yet without wishing to slip into the ‘limelight’. If ever common sense was demanded, Caron was the person to turn to. She attended and supported many of the School’s events whenever she could.
Caron studied politics in York, then worked in Germany before returning to England to attend law school and become a qualified practicing solicitor. She helped to set up and formalise The Margate School as a director and subsequently also became the trustee of The Margate School CIO. She was a great believer in accessible education and was so appreciative of the arts.
Her husband Uwe Derksen, TMS Director, said:
Caron’s passing revealed itself as the darkest time in my life, but it’s also an unimaginable loss for the School. Caron worked unreservedly behind the scenes and somehow managed to do so in her already incredible busy life, which included being a much loved mother and grandmother. We can’t be appreciative enough as to the difference Caron made to the continuation of the School. Her deep rooted sense of fairness is hopefully reflected in what the School stands for. Eternal blessings and love to you.
Fellow Director and co-founder Hugo Fenwick said:
Caron was a guiding light for The Margate School from its outset. Together with her husband Uwe, Caron passionately shared the School’s benevolent vision over the importance of education in delivering regeneration and changing lives through the Creative Arts in the heart of Margate. Much of the legal and property aspects of the School have been overseen by Caron with utmost integrity in her customary measured and diligent manner throughout. Her contribution has been significant in the establishment and success of the School over the past eight years both as a not-for-profit entity alongside securing its long term future in the current building. Caron’s wonderfully warm and empathetic personality will be sorely missed by all the Board members and the wider School community following her tragic and sudden loss.