My favorite (and only) Derek Piggott story comes from when the Albuquerque Soaring Club hosted the 2000 SSA Convention. Derek was scheduled to give a talk, but inquired of the ASC Convention Committee as to whether we might be able to provide a little money to help defray his expenses. This was sort of unusual, as most speakers pay their own way, but were given a free hotel room and a bits of other amenities (meals etc.)

One Committee member sort of incredulously inquired, "What, this guy doesn't have enough money to show up on his own dime?"

I observed, "His presentation is titled, 'Fifty Years of Gliding Instruction.' I bet he is BROKE!"

The Committee unanimously voted several hundred bucks for Derek's appearance.

I told him the story when he arrived, and he laughed like hell.