"Beneath this jokey affable guy is a very serious man - and he has been
through some serious times. He told me he was a member of the 'zipper
club' - people who have had a heart bypass. Just that kind of expression
says it all - that even when facing something like that you can find a
little name to give a certain lightness to something serious you are
confronting."
North West regional secretary Carl Webb - who as CWUHA's national
secretary has worked directly with Alex over the past 11 years - agreed that Alex's contribution, organising well over 20 convoys years, has been exceptional.
"If there's anybody who deserves the Gold Badge award it is this man,"
said Carl. "Not only for what he does for CWUHA -  he's also active in the Retired members' section...and to be honest he's even involved in
my day job with the help he gives."
"He's saved children's lives; that is what this man has done.. and he
didn't have to do it. He could have been travelling the world in his
retirement but he's carried on helping the union and the charity.
"I'd just like to say thanks to him, and thanks also to the Manchester
Combined Branch for giving us the opportunity to pay our respects to
one great guy."