11 June 2025
In a heart warming tribute to a life dedicated to service, seasoned AA Patrol John Foster made a 420-mile round trip to Wiltshire, with his beloved AA-liveried1961 BSA motorcycle and side-car combination in tow, to personally present a commemorative roundel to Derek Fothergill on the occasion of his 100th birthday.
Derek’s journey with The AA began in 1950 at the age of 25, when he joined as a Motorbike Patrol covering the beat between Stratford and Warwick. Over the next 37 years, Derek’s career would span the length and breadth of the UK, taking him from front desk roles in Guildford and London’s Leicester Square to senior leadership positions across Manchester, Sheffield, Liverpool, and Bristol.
“On behalf of The AA, I would like to take this opportunity to wish Derek a very happy 100th birthday.”A highlight of Derek’s distinguished career was his promotion to National Road Services Manager in 1969, where he played a pivotal role in the development and launch of AA Relay in 1973 — a service, known today as National Recovery, that transformed roadside assistance for millions of members.
His dedication extended beyond The AA. As a Reserve Captain in the Royal Military Police, Derek was called up during the 1956 Suez Crisis, serving with The AA’s own Military Police Company, made up entirely of volunteer patrol staff.
Derek retired in 1987 as Regional Director for the West and Wales, having reported directly to the AA Director General. But the Fothergill family’s service didn’t stop there. His brother Mike and son Steve carried the torch, contributing a combined 69 years in various management roles across Membership, Technical Services, Insurance, and more. Together, the Fothergills have given an extraordinary 106 years of service to The AA.
The journey made by John Foster, himself a current patrol in his 46th year of service, to honour Derek is a testament to the enduring camaraderie and respect shared among AA colleagues, past and present. His thoughtful gesture reflects the deep admiration held for Derek’s legacy and the values that continue to drive the AA community.
Edmund King, AA president said: “The AA is incredibly proud of the work of its patrols, past and present. The landmarks along Derek’s remarkable career, which started as a Patrol, show just what can be achieved by living values such as hard work and dedication, values still held by the patrols of today.
“That John Foster took considerable time out of his busy life to make this epic journey to present the roundel to Derek, speaks volumes about the camaraderie within The AA’s patrol force and the respect they hold for those who have gone before. “All at The AA send thanks to Derek and his extended family for their loyal service. On behalf of The AA, I would like to take this opportunity to wish Derek a very happy 100th birthday.”