Bruce Walker
Australia
Wednesday, February 16, 2011 00:51 |
Alan Johnson
I was very saddened to hear of the passing of Alan Johnson. We grew up on the same street which only seems like yesterday. He was a village and Sutton CC icon. Wherever you may be now mate there's still a 'ton' left in you yet Boyks!! |
Andrew Monkhouse
Hanoi, Vietnam
Wednesday, February 16, 2011 01:16 |
Hi Bruce, how old would Alan have been now? I knew an Alan Johnson when I was growing up, but not sure if it's the same person. |
Bruce Walker
Australia
Wednesday, February 16, 2011 19:40 |
Hello Andrew,
Alan would have been 48 or 49. He was one or two years older than me. Everybody seemed to know or know of everybody else that lived in the village. I've been in Australia for just over 10 years now so I couldn't tell you if Alan was still living in the village over that time. However all his life growing up and into his 20's and 30's was spent in Sutton as far as I can recall. I feel you would have known him Andrew.
Bruce. |
Andrew Monkhouse
Hanoi, Vietnam
Wednesday, February 16, 2011 22:04 |
Oh dear, sounds like the same Alan that I knew. He was a couple of years younger than me and had 3 older sisters, Susan, Christine and Carol (one of whom I had a hell of a crush on back in the early 70s, but swiftly moving on). He lived somewhere near the Acres off West Lane if it’s the same person.
When we were in our early teens I talked Alan into coming Carol singing with me one Christmas, but he was very reluctant at first. He must have thought it was some sort of charity cause, standing outside somebody’s door and singing Christmas Carols.
He soon worked out my real motivation when the door opened and we were paid 20 pence, probably to make us go away. I always remember the smile and look of amazement on Alan’s face when he realized we actually got given money for making such a din (I had a mouth organ and I made him sing). Then it was next doors turn…….and all around the neighborhood.
At the end of the night we would split the money and do it all again the following evening. The Sheilings Estate was always a good hunting ground with rich pickings. One bloke opened the door and gave us 50p which was a massive amount back then, so of course he got targeted again on a regular basis. Eventually we’d get bored of singing Carols, so we’d ramp it up and sing a rock version of ‘Once in Royal David’s City’
Like you Bruce, I’m saddened to hear that Alan has passed away. How did you come to hear the news? |
Denise White
Thursday, February 17, 2011 12:31 |
Alan was 47 and had been living Blackpool, apparently he had come home to his Mum's for a few days. I keep seeing "Boyks" when people talk about Alan, can somebody tell me what it means?
Anyway its a very sad loss and my heart goes out to his family. |
Bruce Walker
Australia
Thursday, February 17, 2011 21:07 |
Hi Andrew,
Yes you are right on the money. Alan was the youngest of 4 and yes his older sisters were quite eyecatching! Carol was the one who had my heart in a flutter!
They lived on The Acres for many years before moving to Earls View. Mrs Johnson still lives there I'm sure,(gee her first name escapes me, I'll remember just as I press the post it button!
Lol! yes the carol singing was a good source of income all be it for a short seasonal time. The kids with the nice voices would bash out the hot Christmas numbers while the rest would lip sing.
I'll be over your way soon Andrew to do some diving, It would be nice to catch up for a coffee, a bite to eat and or a nice shiraz. We have a splash on The Hobart and places like Rapid Bay Jetty once or twice a year as well as lots of eating and drinking!....Oh did I mention drinking!
Denise,
Thanks for the update, Cricket has always been a passion for Alan, We started playing in the street and that took us to the junior cricket at Sutton. Alan then went on to play many years with the 1st and 2nd teams and that is where the name 'Boycs' came into being. With reference to Sir Geoffery Boycott and his batting skills. The players of his day would be able to expand on that to the exact application of the name!
Bruce! |
tim jackson
Vancouver
Sunday, February 20, 2011 16:41 |
my thoughts are with Alans' family |
Ian Park
Tuesday, February 22, 2011 18:34 |
When i heard of the passing of alan(boyks) it was if some body had just wiped a memory of a good friend and a descent yorkshire man in a whisper.
I only played the odd game of cricket for sutton but it was a privliage to watch alan useing the bat.
To answer denise's question,alan was nicknamed boyks after the great ( sir geoff boycott) in his action with the bat. my deepest thougths go to his family and alan bowl them over at that great crease in the sky.
Ian park |
Shaun Davey
Sutton
Wednesday, February 23, 2011 18:30 |
alans mates from blackpool,bradford,keighley and sutton all met atthe bull good by boyks shaun. |
