Dear Alan

I want to start by saying we will all miss you my dear friend.  Back to Bath Rugby at the Rec and some infamous cities in other parts of the country and no mad trips in Europe – in fact I will mention some of the many trips supporting our team Bath Rugby.  The first one we went to was Parma in Italy, 2nd was Conaught (Galway), 3rd Newcastle (the year England won the cup) and Grenoble (Lyon).  

The people we met and the kindness that looked after us on most of these trips – the sleeping arrangements and the hospitality of rugby people all over the game in Europe.  As mentioned above we will remember you and your pal Bryden.

Our visit to Gloucester versus Bath – we thought we were in heaven.  A pub opposite the gates of Gloucester Rugby ground, a fish and chip shop at the end and stumbling to the train that night we were all so happy.  

When we did the trip to Birmingham to Knock – the one in the middle of the Bog – with only 10 passengers on the plane – they managed to loose 2 bags.  Of which one was mine!  So what did the boys do – we went to Marks and Spencers on Sat morning and dressed me with pants and socks and anything they could get their hands on!

I think his favourite song was ‘Blackbird I’ll have he’ by the Wurzels!

Your good friend Donald