Regular visitors to the National Centre will all remember Alan for his regular presence and his dedication to the grass cutting duties and volunteer activities at the Centre.
Sadly, Alan passed away in April after a short illness.
Alan was one of the very first visitors through the gate when we opened the Centre 8 years ago and from his very first visit made it clear that he would like to become a regular volunteer.
He joined the team “officially” the following week and very quickly it became evident that Alan had a very strong work ethic and a willingness to get involved in all areas of activity at the Centre.
(I remember administering first aid to a badly cut finger on Alan’s first day after a Stanley knife mishap while he was unpacking tables in the Hangar).
Alan very quickly took responsibility for the grass cutting duties as he had a love of tractors, and his dedication and commitment soon shone through with a steadily improving runway surface and the general tidiness of all the grass around the site.
With around 10 acres to cut Alan became a very regular attendee at the Centre and during the growing season would base his small motorhome on site for 3 or 4 days each week in order to carry out two cuts each week.
Alan was intensely proud of the grass surfaces at the Centre and always strove to make each area as good as it could be for the benefit of all visitors.
Alan’s presence at the Centre will be missed as will his dedication to the Volunteer Team.
Alan’s ashes were buried at the National Centre as per his final wishes (along with planting of a tree) and a small service was held at the Centre with family and friends to celebrate his life.
Fly high and blue skies Alan Collick.
MW