LONG time Ararat doctor and popular performer in many local theatre productions, Derek Pope will be crowned King of the Ararat Golden Gateway Festival today.
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Dr Derek Pope will be crowned King of the 55th annual festival today during the Schools' Day at Alexandra Gardens.
Arriving in Ararat as a young doctor and joining the Ararat Medical Centre almost 30 years ago, Dr Pope only ever intended to stay in Ararat for a few years.
"It didn't quite work out that way as Ararat and its people have a way of working their way into your heart," he said.
Dr Pope ended up marrying a local girl, Jan, and settled down, with the couple having two sons along the way.
"Much of my spare time has been taken up over the years with Ararat Musical Comedy Society and more recently the Ararat Theatre Company as well," he said.
"Over 20 productions I have played a Siamese King, a conman, a fence, a fisherman, a cowardly deputy and more recently a talking candlestick!"
Dr Pope, who said he was 'quite chuffed' to be asked to be King, will join the Queen, who will be crowned tonight at the Festival Ball, and attend a variety of events over the next 10 days.
"I'm looking forward to getting out and about and involved in the activities that are going on and also spending time in the community," he said.
