21/08/2026
Alan Turner
It was good to catch up with club friends and Derek’s family at his funeral today. It was quite an emotional day.
Now there’s time to focus again.
As with Derek, Alan’s health had prevented us from enjoying his company for a few years. This is a reminder of better times.
Alan & Barbara had joined the club 25 years ago with his immaculate 1949 MGTC which Alan had owned since he was 19 years old. He had recently recommissioned it after 17 years in storage. Its condition reflected Alan’s habitual attention to detail.
We enjoyed their company at most club nights and many runs and other events through the year.
Alan was a ”techie”. He began dragging TOWC into the modern era by setting up and maintaining our first website. He also designed and produced the certificates for the winners and runners up at our annual show, no small task given the number of classes awarded. Each autumn we watched our video review of the show thanks to the loan of his overhead projector.
Alan was an MG man through and through. For many years he held an officer position with the MG Car Club, Devon & Cornwall Centre.
Barbara’s health was gradually deteriorating as her chronic condition took its toll on her mobility. When this prevented her from enjoying trips in the old car it was sold, to be followed by a series of others, MGs of course, in time a series of B’s and variants, including an RV8.
Time was also taking its toll on Alan. His forgetfulness worsened to the point where he developed dementia, forcing Barbara and he to be separated when he had to move into a care home near Paignton harbour, coincidentally the same one where our other long term club friend Rex Elston remains.
Recently Alan was admitted to Torbay Hospital with pneumonia. He didn’t respond to treatment and passed away peacefully with Barbara and family at his bedside.
I’m sure we all send Barbara our condolences.
Alan’s funeral will be on Thursday 10th September at 11.30am at Torquay crematorium.
