Fr Derek Mottershead was born in 1939 near Rochdale, Lancashire. He gained a Bachelor of Education degree prior to embarking upon a teaching career and later gained a Bachelor of Arts degree and trained for the Ministry at Chichester Theological College.

He was made deacon in Chelmsford diocese in 1969, serving a title at St Barnabas & St James Parish, Walthamstow. Prior to coming to St Saviours, he was Vicar of St Andrews, Leytonstone from 1980-1992.

During his time at St Saviours, he was instrumental in re-organising the Sanctuary to fit in with recently introduced liturgical changes; he was able to carry out the vision which his predecessor, Fr Derek Allen, had carefully planned. A Parish Office was introduced at the West End of the church and an elaborate Car Park was constructed, partly for church-goers and partly as a valuable source of income for business people to rent reserved spaces.. He was also responsible for providing the floodlighting which enhances the church. He was  Chaplain to the Mission to Seamen for the Eastbourne branch and an able conductor of retreats and quiet days.

Fr Derek is married to Doreen and they have a daughter, Jane.