On 1 of our Summer trips to see Alan in 2013, we stayed a few nights in Bamburgh, visiting the castle & beach, not to mention the local watering holes of course. We dined 1 night at what is renowned as 1 of the best restaurants in the region, the Mizen Head & had a lovely meal and all 3 of us were a little 'happy' by the end. Alan regaled us of his many memories of the North East and Bamburgh, which I always found intriguing & interesting.

This evening was particularly memorable for an out of character statement Alan made that had the 2 of us laughiing all night like 2 naughty young boys!! In trying to pay the bill, I used a credit card & placed it in the wallet which the bill was presented to us in. A suitable cash tip was agreed & I placed the notes in the wallet too, sticking them out a little to try to catch the waiteress' attention....but to no avail, she didn't notice it? It was then when Alan suggested....loudly, with a wave of his hand, "...well Michael, why don't you hang it out a bit more so she can see it!!" .....and the two of us laughed like naughty schoolboys...The waitress eventually did notice.

Nichola was not so impressed but Alan & I laughed uncontrollably for the rest of the night ever time 1 of us mentioned the "bill".

I still laugh to this day when I recount this - it is a pleasurable memory of a stately man, who was always well dressed & proper but on this rare occassion, he let his hair down. You will be sadly missed but always in our hearts & minds.

Until we meet again.......HAWAY ALAN, Michael Fisher.