Allan and I served our apprenticeship at the same Vulcan works of English Electric during the late 50s/early 60s. Allan was 3 years younger than I so I was getting towards the end of my apprenticeship when Allan was starting his and, when we next met in the early 90s neither could recall the other. It was a very big factory and while Allan was a diligent learner I was more interested playing in Vulcan's all conquering rugby team. We met in the early 90s when GTL were invited to assist one of Pilkington Glass' factories in setting up a competence based training programme. I was the training officer at the time and worked closely with Allan over a lengthy period. We always got on well and obviously had many memories to share about Vulcan. We lost touch again after GTL had concluded their work with Pilkington’s. Meanwhile I had left Pilkington and set up my own small training business. During a difficult period I met Allan in my home town of Wigan. "How do you fancy doing some work for GTL?" Allan asked. That was the start of wonderful period of working with Allan and his colleagues at GTL/GQA. Allan and I live quite close to each other so often I would pick him up at his home to travel to our conferences and other business activities. We would talk about work, course, but we would also talk about our families and other personal matters. I grew to love and respect Allan and learned a great deal from him. When I retired and ceased working for GQA we kept in touch. Whenever I passed the turn off the A49 to Allan's home I would always think of him with fondness. I always will. I shall miss him. He was, and still is, a good man.