ALAN BUCKINGHAM

On Sunday 24th October 2010, the Drama Group sadly lost one of its most loyal and charismatic members when Alan Buckingham passed away after a short illness.

Alan was involved in amateur dramatics locally for many years with a number of groups.

Alan joined Polegate Community Association Drama Group at the end of 1999. He was subsequently involved in all our Pantomimes, Plays and Old Tyme Music Halls over the last 11 years.

His first part was as daddy Bear in the pantomime “Goldilocks and the Three Bears”. In Snow White, he played Bossy, the tallest Dwarf with the sorest knees.

As Cut-Throat the Pirate in Robinson Crusoe, he uttered the immortal line “I’m Captain Hook! - No I’m not, I’m Cut-Throat the Pirate” - having slipped into another pantomime.

With a penchant for comedy, his roles included the womanising Dennis in “Outside Edge”, the stuttering Bishop in “She’s Done It Again”. He was an hilarious Captain Bertorelli in “ Allo, Allo!”, Uncle George in “Cash On Delivery” and Pa Larkin in “The Darling Buds Of May” in 2007 when the group celebrated its 40th year.

Serious roles included Dr Steadman in “ Map Of The Heart” and Hardy in “Edge Of Darkness.

He was a stalwart of the group over the last 11 years both on stage and off it. He was big and loud and loved by us all. The group will miss him a lot but won’t forget him.

Alan - Thank you very much from everyone.

Jim Dobell

President, Polegate Community Association Drama Group.