Page 18 • The HERALD • 16th July 2026 v SAY YOU SAW IT IN THE HERALD v All aspects of Plastering undertaken Fully Qualified, Reliable, Quality Service Free Quotations Call Joe: 07713 724610 @jbplastering92 The Square, Fawley, Southampton SO45 1DD T: 023 8112 3112 E: office@zebra-ltd.co.uk All Plumbing Works Undertaken Full Bathroom Installation Toilet Fix from £75 Fully Insured Free Quotes No Job Too Big or Too Small PLUMBING & BATHROOMS A MASTER OF HIS CRAFT: DEREK CAPLEN AND DEE CEE UPHOLSTERY BID FAREWELL AFTER 49 YEARS from Dee Cee Upholstery ere are businesses, and then there are institutions. Dee Cee Upholstery, founded by Derek Caplen in 1978, has always been very rmly the latter - a cornerstone of Southampton’s community, built on exceptional skill, quiet pride, and an unwavering commitment to doing things properly. Derek’s story is one of extraordinary achievement from the very beginning. He started his career with an apprenticeship at Millbrook Furnishing, and by the age of 22 had already become the youngest member of the Association of Master Upholsterers - a distinction that made the local papers and set the tone for everything that followed. He would go on to earn a Fellowship from the association, serve as chairman of its Hampshire and Dorset branch for six years, and become one of the most respected gures in his trade anywhere in the country. Over nearly ve decades, the list of achievements is remarkable. Derek and his team at Dee Cee restored antique chairs with royal connections - including one originally owned by a daughter of Queen Victoria - and created a magni cent commemorative chair from their “Dream Team” range upholstered in a real Saints football shirt for Southampton FC, upholstered in the club’s colours and signed by the squad. ey transformed a tiny workshop in Church Street, Shirley, into a thriving two-shop operation, became the sole regional stockist for the internationally renowned La-z-boy recliner range, (and now retail award winning Celebrity Rise and recline chairs) and even created a perfectly scaled bespoke armchair for a much-loved corgi. ere has never been a job too grand, too unusual, or too small. roughout it all, Dee Cee remained a proud family business. Karen, Derek’s partner, has been there every step of the way, and the business has always re ected their shared belief that cra smanship and personal service should never be compromised, whatever the economic climate. Beyond the workshop, Derek has given generously to his community - supporting Southampton FC as a long term season ticket holder with their son Matthew named a er “Le-God” championing local small businesses, and being a loyal and enthusiastic supporter of local printed media over the years. As they close their doors in the near future Derek and Karen on Dee Cee and step into a thoroughly well-earned retirement, the message from Southampton is clear: thank you, Derek and Karen, for 49 years of excellence, dedication, and genuine community spirit. Derek and Karen would like to take this opportunity to thank their loyal customers for their business, support and friendship who they have le sitting comfortably! ey turn the key for the last time at the end of September. We wish you every happiness. Enjoy every single moment. Derek and Karen Caplen
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