Sir Derrick Bailey, who set up Aurigny in 1968, with his children – from left, Will, Patrick (front), John, Tom and Trish. (0630437)

ISLAND resident Sir Derrick Bailey – the man who set up Aurigny in 1968 – has celebrated his 90th birthday. Sir Derrick, who has lived in Alderney since 1973, hosted a party for family and friends at his home in Bluestone Hill to mark the occasion.

‘It was possibly the happiest day of my life,’ he said.

‘Every member of my family who could attend did so and they all seemed to have a wonderful time. My daughter helped me organise the party and she must take great credit.’

Sir Derrick’s sons – Will, Patrick, John and Tom – and his daughter, Trish, all visited Alderney especially for the occasion, as did umpteen grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

‘I was a bit tired by the end of the day, but delighted that so many members of my family made the journey.’

One of five siblings, Sir Derrick was born in London in 1918.

His South African father, Abe Bailey, was a politician, financier, diamond tycoon and first-class cricketer, while his mother, Mary, became a prominent aviator and earned the title of Dame.

Sir Derrick moved to South Africa aged 17 and fully expected to live there.

He learnt to fly with the South African Air Force and played polo to a high standard.

He went on to gain considerable aviation experience during the Second World War, after which he returned to England to take an agricultural course and become a farmer in the Hereford area.

In the early 1950s he captained Gloucestershire after coming to the attention of former England bowler Tom Goddard during a friendly match, but gave up cricket to concentrate on his family.

He later went on to enjoy a myriad of careers, most of them highly successful, before being head-hunted by the States of Alderney to set up an ‘airline for the islands’.

‘I was called in by the States. Alderney was going to be left without a sea or air service at the time so it was vital something was done,’ he said.

Sir Derrick describes his links to Aurigny as a ‘great privilege’.

‘When I started, everyone helped everyone and that was a wonderful experience to live through. Aurigny changed the island and I’m proud the company is still going strong.’

Sir Derrick now lives a quiet life.

He admits he struggles physically but still manages to play golf regularly.

‘I’ve had a varied life.

‘I’ve had my ups and downs, like everybody else, but I don’t have any regrets.’