Miriam Smith of Lincoln Ramblers has written this short piece about Alan Turnell and his connections with Lincoln Ramblers. It frst appeared in the August 2009 Lincoln Group newsletter.

Alan Turnell: died in June 2009. Those of us who knew Alan won’t forget the jovial retired policeman. Although he hadn’t walked with us for several years he was so much liked that at least 25 of Lincoln Group attended his funeral.  He had a serious side when he would discuss many topics but he was full of fun too. On my first walk (about 10 miles), as I wearily approached the final village he said “That church tower is on wheels – it never seems to get nearer”.   He served on the group and area committees.  He loved walking with us so much that encouraged his grandsons and daughter to walk with us. In 2001 he led the first of several Monday walks around Swanholme Lake and back to the Elite for fish and chips.  He was one of the first people to join the Grimsby/Louth Wed walks when numbers on that walk were a mere handful.  He would lead walks, back mark & substitute for others. Unforgettable.

Alan is pictured 2nd right with Lincoln Ramblers Group friends a a LEAF Farm visit in 2003.