memories of alan

There has been many comments placed on Facebook with regard to Alan since our page went live. Because Facebook comments will gradually disappear as more items are added to the pages, I thought is appropriate to archive the comments on this page.

John Damian Southworth Hello everyone, I am Alan's eldest son. As you all know George was my Dad's hero and this society and its members meant a great deal to him and Mum. She is coping well at the moment but could I request that any contact with her is limited to emails at the moment as she is very busy and needs her rest. I'm sure she'll be calling and talking to people in due course. Thank you for your consideration and for holding my Dad in such high regard. We are so proud of him and the entertainment and expertise which he has provided to the GFS community over all these years. RIP Dad. Jill Richardson Hello. I'm Alan's daughter. On behalf of myself, my two brothers and most of all my lovely Mum, we want to thank you all so much for the very moving comments you are making here about our Dad. The GFS was a huge part of his life and he simply loved it. Thank you all for the friendship you gave to them both over many years. All your kind words are such a comfort to us all at this very sad time. X Mike O'Dwyer Alan was one of the kindest men I have ever met. He was especially so when my severely disabled grandson visited a convention. He took time to talk to him, and gave him some CDs. I'll always remember him as being a true gentleman. Rest In Peace now, Alan Chris Webster I am so sad to read this. Alan was a truly lovely man, staunch to George's art. a great performer and player himself, and a wonderful ambassador for the GFS. He will be very much missed and I shall especially forever remember him for being part of the old late night sandwich club back in the great days. My condolence to Hilda, John and all of Alan's family. Lesley Fowkes This is such sad news. I was a big fan of Alan's playing, so skilful and full of finesse - so much so that I bought copies of all his CDs... when I chatted to him he was so kind. A man held in such high regard by so many. Deepest condolences to all the family in their loss. John Bullivant Alan Southworth, has meant so much to me in the last couple of years, within the GFS - I've found the late Billy Uke Scott, who Alan knew very well, and BUS & Alan will be dear to me for the rest of my life, thanks to Alan's archival stuff. Andy Bibby A lovely man. Took time to speak to me regarding quality ukes, very knowledgeable on them, and he played some too. The most natural, effortless split stroke player I've seen. The best compliment I can make its my desire to collect quality ukes as Alan did and to emulate his subtle wrist action when I play. Rest peacefully Alan. Ray Reynolds So very sad to hear this news.Alan will be sorely missed by us all at the Blackpool conventions.How lucky we were to have known him and share his knowledge and love of ukulele music and everything about the subject .May I pass on my condolence to all the family. Jonas Svensson Sad news. Alan was always so kind and has helped me tremendously ever since I joined in 1994, supplying me with lots of chord schemes, CDs and tapes. We exchanged Christmas cards for many years. My thoughts go to Hilda, who always was with him at the meetings. RIP Alan. Jon Baddeley Very sad news. I joined the Society in 1991 knowing something like 6 songs. He gave me a set of cassettes of all of George's studio recordings. I believe that ALAN was an influence to me because he was so precise with his chords and easy to follow. RIP ALAN and thanks for everything that you did for the Society. Johnny Key Words seem inadequate at times like this. People like Alan represent all that's good about the GFS and society at large. My sincere condolences to Hilda and family. Phil Moreman Very sad news indeed a true gentleman always had time for anyone and was a true ambassador for GFS To Hilda and family please accept my sincere condolences. RIP Alan. Jeannette Austin What sad news - I loved Alan Southworth, he was always happy to help anyone, such a nice gentleman, so kind. What a sad loss, love to his family from me and Tim. Kate Gibson Howard That's very sad, a lovely man, another one of the good 'uns gone. A true gentleman in every sense. And he will be much missed. Marjorie Lowe Gerald and I are so, so sorry to hear this sad news. Alan was a lovely person and his playing skills wonderful to listen to. He helped the Sale Branch for years and will be truly missed. R.I.P. Alan Frank Thornton A few years ago I was a member of the GFS. Whilst attending conventions at the Winter Gardens the main person that made it all worth while was this very talented chap.RIP Alan. Peter Swetnam So sad to hear this news Alan was a very a true gentleman anything you asked him he was willing to answer and even go further will be greatly missed condolences to Hilda and all his family Caroline Stewart We have lost a true gentleman. A GFS stalwart but more importantly a lovely man who was always willing to help and advise. Gareth Perks R I P Alan , Always helped me out when I use to come to Blackpool , Thoughts are with Alan's family Andy Eastwood What a sad loss. No-one was a bigger supporter of the GFS. Pauline Aitken So sorry to hear the passing of Alan our thoughts are with all his family x Lynn Raybould Such sad news, thoughts are with his wife and family at this sad time xx Angus Lamont Such sad news. A fantastic ukulele player and from what I've heard, a lovely man. Thoughts are with the family. Dave Barnes I'm so so sorry to hear this sad news. Alan was a great chap and perfect gentleman. Colin Bourdiec Sorry to hear the news, a great loss to the society. Condolences to the family. Derek Herbert Very sorry to hear of his passing. Alan was very knowledgeable about George Formby and ukulele banjos and a fine player himself. Rest in peace. Trevor Weston So sorry to read this, RIP Alan, and our thoughts are with you all Margaret Moran Oh Hilda and family so so sorry i could not belive what i was reading he will be missed very very much R I P Alan Southworth x David Horrocks Fond memories of Alan at the Blackpool conventions entertaining us all with is fabulous rendition of On The Beat Dennis Lee A gentleman and an inspiration to all who knew him Alan will be greatly missed. Condolences to Hilda and family. Jayne Lakeland What a lovely photograph. One to treasure Anthony Lister So sad to hear of Alan's passing. He was a lovely man and a wonderful performer. Nick Saunders Very sorry to hear this. A huge supporter of the society and his presence will be greatly missed by all Michael Chenery Very sorry to hear this he was always willing to help with our fundraising. Thoughts with the family Michael McTigue How sad what a great man Jackie Davies Alan will be sadly missed by us all Lisa Bassett Very sorry to hear this, thoughts go out to his family. Christine Ross So sorry for your loss love to you and your family.x Rose Jennings Sad news x Stuart Maxwell Sorry to hear this. Alan was very kind to me Margaret Brown So sorry to hear this news RIP. Daz Barry So sorry for your loss goodbye to a top drawer man RIP Alan Anthony Stanton A truly great man, so sad. Alison Nadin Very sad news, condolences to Hilda and family Edwin Jones He will be missed very sad. Alan Newton So sad ,So sad -special player special person. Can l say special friend. Catherine Barrett so sad Tony Jackson Very sorry to hear this. Great Player big lost to the society Kevin Bridgwater So very sorry to hear that Alan has passed away RIP Anthony Mason Very sad news I saw him about a year ago. Dennis Maisey Sorry to hear about Alan a good man and friend R.I.P Alan Tony Dean God bless alan and hilda a lovely couple Gladys Geoghegan Oh dear , lovely man - R.I.P Alan xx Lynn Raybould Thoughts are with Hilda and family at this sad time xx John Taylor Very sad news. Dont think the GFS will be the same without him Mick Oxley Sorry to hear this sad news. Alan was a lovely chap and a true gentleman, he will be sadly missed. Roy Holloway The first time I saw Alan was at the Stourbridge Institute Club at one of Bob Drinkwaters meetings I really liked the way he played the uke very relaxed sad to see him go Helen Weathers Very sorry to hear this. X Tommy Quirk Fantastic Player .Old hat but I still have some of the tapes Alan did. R.I.P Alan. Darren Hankey I'd just like to say Peter, that your tribute to Alan Southworth is absolutely wonderful, wonderful as Alan was a unique gentleman, and as you expressed, helped so many people, and The Society was in "'His Blood"! He was for the short time I got to know him so helpful, and right to the end he made sure I received items that I had asked him to do for me . Once again Peter, a wonderful tribute that you have written, every word so true. Lewis Clifton Alan was one of life's finest gentlemen, he showed time and respect to everyone he met. The Society has lost one of its greatest ambassadors, one of its most accomplished of players, and most of all, one of its dearest friends. I shall miss Alan's presence at the conventions profoundly. Gerry Mawdsley I had known Alan for over 30 years he was always so knowledgeable, he knew the Formby story inside out and regularly submitted articles for the Vellum, he supported lots of our branches too, once at Westhoughton the PA didn't work so we had a Formby quiz....no need to guess who the winner was, it was Alan. A great chap and honorary member who had time for everyone. He'll be sadly missed. Christine and Mervyn Kay Alan was a thoroughly good and decent man. He will be greatly missed. Jim Pomfret I would like to say what a great tribute to a great man. I owe a great deal to Alan as he became a good friend. Such a lovely kind man. God bless Alan