Alan is the former Town Mayor, he has lived in Dronfield for more than 40 years. Before his retirement he was editor of The Star in Sheffield, and that followed his revival and editing of the weekly Sheffield Telegraph.

He has been involved in many charities and voluntary organisation during his career, and he is currently chairman of Dronfield Musical Theatre Group, and Chairman of Trustees of the Dronfield Heritage Trust, the organisation behind the restoration and extension of Dronfield Hall Barn in High Street. Alan holds an honorary doctorate from Sheffield Hallam University. He continues to write for a number of publications.

Alan is currently Chair of the Properties Committee at Dronfield Town Council.