Alan is proud to be the longest serving member with a career that has spanned 60 years with the Band. Alan joined the Heworth Colliery Band at the age of seven and in this time has seen two band name changes, Washington Glebe then Felling hundreds of players and conductors come and go, sat in every cornet position and for a number of years was the Band's Flugel player. Alan now resides on First Horn, a position he fills with much musicality and experience.

Banding has been very much part of Alan's life and he has introduced two of his daughters to the banding scene, Janice (cornet) and Sheila (horn). Janice and Sheila are now both married to bandsmen Kris (percussion) and Ian (cornet). It's very much a family affair for Alan!

Alan retired from his job in 2004 and he and wife Lil now like to escape as often as possible in their new found toy, a VW camper van!

Alan's other interests include swimming and walking .