Desmond (or Des as he was known to his friends) joined the club in 1954 - 55. The Spring programme in 2000 carried news of his death together with the following brief tribute provided by the then Vice President Fred McAndrew:

Desmond O'NeiII:  Desmond O' NeiIl who has died at St Catherine's Hospice, Crawley was a prominent member of the club from 1954 to 1975. He was a talented dancer aad a member of the Kentish Travellers Group who toured villages each summer demonstrating Country Dancing. In his retirement Des was a keen worker for the Bluebell Line and had hoped to see the proposed link up with East Grinstead completed; but it was not to be. Thanks 10 Fred McAndrew  for this information. The 1pm Mass at St Mary MoorfieIds Church, EIdon Street, will be CeIebrated for Desmond by Fr PhiIip MilIar on a date to be arranged.