James Allan Clarke was born 100 years ago on 6^th March, 1922, to a proud Scottish mother from Edinburgh and a fine, upstanding, self-made father from Gateshead. They had met in Manchester, married and also had another son, Sydney. It was a happy family, surrounded by love and brought up with good Christian values of kindness, respect for others and caring consideration for all.

Bethesda Church, Moss Side, was the centre of their lives. It was there too that Allan met and married Joyce. They often tell us of the life-long friendships they made, of the amazing fellowship they felt and of how it all helped to shape their lives.

In 1967 the family, which now included Philip, Barbara and myself, moved to Preston, to a house on Conway Drive, Fulwood, and more than 50 years on, with support, Mum & Dad are still able to enjoy that same family home and garden. They have always loved to have visits from friends and from family members, which now include four grandchildren: Helen, Andrew, Rachael & Robert, and four great grandchildren: Lydia, Noah, Joel & Jacob. Mum & Dad love them all and regularly keep in touch, for Dad is a great letter-writer.

In 1941, following in his father’s footsteps, Dad had become a police officer and served for 25 years. When we moved to Preston he joined the Probation Service and served in that until retirement.

However, going back in Dad’s story: he served in the Royal Navy during World War II, and for a time on HMS Charybdis, which was accompanying North Atlantic convoys from Nova Scotia. He left Charybdis at Plymouth for a week’s leave and shortly after the ship was sunk in the English Channel, with the loss of 450 men. A lucky escape, but the tragedy had a huge impact on Dad. He still clearly remembers hearing the shocking news on the radio and becomes quite emotional when he talks about the sailors drowned that day.

My Dad has always been my hero! He taught the three of us all the exciting things, such as how to ride a bike: running along holding the saddle until we were sufficiently confident to go solo; how to swim and to dive from a diving board. Fearless, that was me! He also taught us how to throw and to catch a ball; how to play tennis and to enjoy sport in general.

Later he patiently taught each of us how to drive his car – and lent us the car once we’d passed our driving tests. He gave us all a love of the Lake District too, with fell walking and mountain climbing.

He was always there for us, supporting – but never interfering when times were hard; loving, caring, patient and kind. A wonderful man and a fantastic father, with strong faith and principles. His sense of fairness was demonstrated on many occasions, most notably in a story from 50 years ago, which has stayed with me all these years.

As children growing up we were allowed to build bonfires on Conway Drive field (before it became a park and before Health & Safety Regulations!) in readiness for 5^th November. Rival gangs of kids tried their best to build the biggest one possible. On this occasion an angry scene developed, with two gangs each claiming that a large plank of wood was theirs. Before a fight could break out, I went to get my Dad. He would know what to do, I thought. Dad arrived at the field carrying a saw and cut the plank of wood in half, giving each an equal share. The problem was solved at once and everyone was happy. Brilliant! He should have been running the country!

Sunday has always been a day for Church, morning and evening services, and Fulwood Methodist Church has been central to the lives of Mum & Dad for more than 50 years. They have been involved in many aspects of Church life there over the years: teaching in Sunday School, as Church Stewards, as Welcomers on the doors, Dad as a Local Preacher etc. etc.

We are truly blessed as a family to have such outstanding rôle models as parents, grandparents and great grandparents; so thankful to them and to God for their long lives that have touched so many people. Generous yet humble. Arms open wide, full of love.

Read the local paper article about Allan HERE