When Allan and Trisha first arrived in Hampshire my then husband told me how they and their lovely dog were in need of a place to stay whilst they hunted for a house of their own. We had plenty of room and this seemingly quiet couple moved in and over time we learnt that the softly spoken Allan had many facets to his character. As well as being a very clever engineer his attitude to life shone from his face which was rarely without that broad smile we all remember him for. For part of the time Allan and Trisha stayed with us we were actually out of the country so they were housesitting and this was when my loved but somewhat neglected garden was taken in hand and on our return home we were greeted by a garden fully of colour and plants that I hadn"t seen before and of course a lack of weeds.
It was because of the house share that I was introduced to Pontesbury as Allan and Trisha invited us to go with them to their as yet unsold home for the weekend The trip was memorable for a number of reasons such as Allan acting as tour guide when we visited Chester which he described as a mini Winchester but prettier, long walks to stay fit for his squash and badminton playing and my favourite taking time to sit and read in contented quietness. When Allan and Trisha found their first home in Winchester it was only a short hike up the hill to the top of our estate to find them and I think that is where Allan began his love of golf as our homes were on land adjacent to The Royal Winchester Golf Course.
Having moved to Hong Kong in 1980 our friendship continued through letters home and whenever I was in England by myself I spent many happy days in a well cared for garden with lovely dogs to take walking and still enjoying our reading time things that my second husband also enjoyed along with matching Allan in his joy of food.
Barry and I will miss Allan's company and enormous smile but are thankful for his many years of friendship.
We send our deep condolences to Trisha and the family at this sad time.
Barry and Christine Blair.