An inspirational, modest and talented man

Alan’s amazing artistic talent despite suffering several Strokes, Parkinson’s Disease and heart problems…

He is truly inspirational and a prime example of how serious health difficulties need not stop people from doing what they love.

Alan, and his wife Jill, are constituents of mine who live in the village of Drayton Bassett just outside Tamworth. I first met them about 3 years ago when Jill was organising community events, including the popular Drayton Summer Fair, supported by Alan and others. 

A wonderful water-colour of County Buildings

And it is to inspire others who are in difficult circumstances that Alan agreed to let me write about his stunning gift to me. He is very modest, even matter of fact, about his talent and his determination that his health issues will not stop him from painting. 

I’ve got to know them quite well and whenever I’ve visited them at their home have been mesmerised by Alan’s art. It was during one of those visits that he announced he wanted to paint me a picture. Although surprised, and thrilled, I wasn’t immediately sure how to answer him when he asked what I’d like the subject matter to be.

But after a few moments it suddenly came to me that I’d like it to be County Buildings in Stafford… the place I’m proud to have been elected to and also a stunning historic building in its own right.

My favourite view of the myriad of different buildings which make up Staffordshire’s Seat of power is the Shire Gallery aspect viewed from Market Square. It was a few months ago that Alan raised the idea but knowing of his difficulties I hadn’t mentioned it again.

Until, this week out of the blue, Jill called me to ask if I would ‘pop round’ to collect something ‘I might like’. At the very most I had hoped, when he originally asked me, for a small piece of art. Not so… the astonishment on my face when Alan unveiled a canvass fully three feet wide was clear to see.

Jill and Alan had been up to Stafford and Alan had spent time sketching out the basics and taking a photo or two and the result is the beautiful piece you see here. And they even went a step further giving me a small album of photos of the work as Alan progressed it.

I’m rarely stuck for words… but I am over this!

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