I met Alan at the Third Sandiacre Scout Troop, first a cub and later as a scout. He was a leader in both sections for a long time, helping out enthusiastically wherever needed.
I have memories of hot summer meetings, and cold winter ones, in the old wooden hut.
Alan introduced us all to hillwalking in Derbyshire, one that sticks in my mind ended up with myself, in a second or third hand pair of rigid, nailed, hiking boots, hobbling off the moors, helped by Alan and his brother Ivan.
Later a shared love of motorcycling, and road racing, saw us visiting various race tracks together around the country, including a visit to the Isle of Man, for a T.T. Race. Alans favourite was the sidecar class.
We also attended many motorcycle rallies in Lincs., Yorkshire and Wales, camping overnight in his "Tinker" tent, whatever the weather.(Usually wet.)
Canoeing at Trent Lock was shared next, always enjoyable, even a short paddle to Sawley Lock and back. The annual New Years Day paddle down the Erewash Canal was usually helped by Alan providing transport, or doing the shuttle run, for anyone who need a lift.
The most memorable canoeing trip was a two day tour down the River Wye, with the river in flood. On the second day we launched at Monmouth Rowing Club, above the stone bridge, with big pillows of water
upstream of the supports. Alan capsized after shooting the bridge arch, due to the turbulence, and we had to do a quick rescue. His paddle went missing, swept into the reeds and overhanging trees downstream. With a shrug Alan produced his spare paddle and we carried on.
About three hours later, and many miles downstream we were sat eating our lunch on the river bank, when about 3 or 4 yards away his lost paddle floated past, and he was able to recover it with a huge grin.
Alan demanded little, and gave such a lot of his time and energy to others,
Thankfully we have lots of happy memories.
Paul Welden.
wrote
Report abuse
Comments