An engineer by trade and now aged 75, Alan made his national debut for Llay Anglers in 1968 in the era of All England Nationals that feature in John Essex's new book.
Over the years, he has gone on to fish for an impressive list of clubs including:
- Rugeley & Brereton
- Stoke City & District
- Dam Starlets AC
- Coleshill DAA
- Whitmore Reans
- Stafford Izaak Walton
- Brian Preece's Bridgnorth AC
- Preston Innovations Tipton
- AFS
- General Electric Company
- Brownhills
- Norton Lido Working Mens Club
- Wolverhampton AA
- West End Working Men's Club
As well as the Lifestyle Match Group, who at various times have been sponsored by Browning, Trabucco and Colmic.
More than 50 years on and Alan is still a serious contender especially on the West Midland canals and river circuit.
Giving back
He isn't just content just to take part, he gives back too, not only running an autumn league but organising the Canal Pairs final in 2018; then rising at dawn the very next day to peg out (with Simon Mottram) for the Angling Direct Junior Canal Championships. I bumped into Alan again at the Angling Trust AGM a few weeks later, more unseen work on behalf of the Izaak Walton Stafford club.
Alan captained the Browning Lifestyle national team to an incredible fifth place in the 2018 Division One National on the River Trent, just missing out on a medal. Alan has certainly fished at least 45 nationals putting him second on the all-time list and is within touching distance of equalling or perhaps surpassing the 53 appearance that the late great Frank Butler made with Lincoln. It will be no surprise to me when he achieves it and it will yet more evidence that a lifetime spent on canals is a positive thing for health and wellbeing.
