Alan joined Torbay Hospital Radio in 1986. After spending time in hospital as a patient, he decided that Hospital Radio would be an ideal way to give something back into the community and share with people his love of brass and military band music and music hall artists.

Alan ran a hotel with his wife for 18 years before retiring. His hobbies include collecting music hall posters and he is a member of the British Music Hall Society and the Max Miller Appreciation Society.