Alan Beckley was much respected and valued for his skill as a mechanic at Forge Garage in The Moors, and for his warm, friendly and helpful nature. We were shocked and saddened to hear of his sudden death in January and invited his family to write the following tribute to him. Editors
Alan was born on 30th October 1947 at Arnold Road in Iffley, first son of Frederick and Marjorie Beckley, brother for Pat. The family then moved to St. Peters Road, Wolvercote in December 1947. This was followed by the birth of a sister, Hazel, in 1949 and then by brother Leonard in 1953. Alan attended the local nursery school in Wolvercote and then attended Wolvercote School until he left at the age of 15.
Whilst at school he joined the local Cubs and Junior Boys Club. It was at this time he had his first taste of camping, fishing and nature. Fishing remained his love for life. He was a member of Farmoor Fishing Club and loved nothing better than being in a boat out on the reservoir catching trout.
He also loved steam engines and would enjoy days at Rousham Park attending steam rallies.
On leaving school he joined his Dad at the Forge Garage in Kidlington and trained as a mechanic. The garage was a good family-run business and was used by a lot of local residents.
Alan took over and managed the Forge Garage after his Dad’s death in 1983, until he sadly passed away on the 8th January 2021. Alan leaves behind a loving partner, children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.