I was born in Marsden Street opposite Alan, so I played with him all my early days.  A big part was war time, so life wasn't easy for most people. 

I remember going in Alan's dad's Post Office van on his round to Treales, Elswick, Thistleton etc. No health and safety in those days, we sat on the mail bags.

Mr Roberts, who had the Wine Lodge with a back entrance in our street also used to take us out in his van on his delivery rounds in the Fylde. Occasionally we went with him and his wife to the boat he owned at Wardleys. 

There weren't many sweets around  but we were given chewing gum, candy and cigars by the American troops who came into Kirkham. 

Cricket , football etc was played in the street interrupted by Mrs Kay, the Wright's neighbour, chasing us off.  We used to retreat to the Co-op back out of her way.

I left Kirkham in 1961 and never met Alan again.

My sincere condolences to his family who loved him so much.