Sorry I haven't replied sooner. Alan was a great guy and we at the Vulcan Restoration Trust will miss him dearly; his advice, historical and technical knowledge were second to none and his warmth and kindness will be sorely missed. I well remember the day when he taxied the Vulcan at Southend for the first time, ably assisted by Frederick Forsyth (yes, 'im) in the right hand seat. He also took me up in the JP Mk 52 from North Weald for a birthday present on my 40th some time back - a rare treat for a civvie like myself.
He faced his illness with extraordinary courage and dignity and I will be dedicating the August issue of our magazine, Vulcan News, to his memory. Blue skies, Al.