You can take the man out of Wales but not Wales out of the man!

Sadly, after a long illness, Alan Thomas, Sales Director of Clipsham Quarry Company, died on 20 April this year.

Born in Milford Haven in Wales, Alan Thomas left his motherland when he left school to train as a teacher in Newcastle upon Tyne.

He joined the Army as an Officer in 1969 and spent 35 years in a variety of roles educating army personnel.

Towards the end of his military career he was heavily involved in helicopter simulation and it was while at Middle Wallop in Hampshire, where the Army has its museum of flying, that Alan met Sue, daughter of Sir David Davenport-Handley, late Chairman of Clipsham Quarry Company. The Welsh charms worked wonders and Alan and Sue were married in 2004. It was at this time the call of Clipsham, not Wales, brought them both back to Sue’s homeland of Rutland to run the quarry.

Taking over the business in 2004, Sue and Alan strived hard to return the high standards set by the previous generations of the Davenport-Handley family, taking great pride in providing a stone with exceptional heritage, technical qualities and beauty.

They worked hard to reduce the costs within the quarry and improve relationships with customers, the local community, environmental bodies and Rutland council.

Working with Sir David, Alan mastered all aspects of running the quarry and became respected by customers and industry colleagues for his matter-of-fact approach to business. Always willing to support customers in their selection of stone, Alan was proud to be part of, and to continue, the Clipsham Quarry’s prestigious legacy.

A keen sportsman, Alan was passionate about rugby and enjoyed a round of golf. He never lost his enthusiasm for educating the ignorant English on all aspects of wonderful Wales – and always had an answer for everything!

Outside the business, Alan was active in the community. One of his roles was Chairing the underperforming local school and leading it to a successful Ofsted ‘good’ rating this year.

A gentleman and true Welshman, Alan was determined not to give in to his illness and maintained contact with customers to the very end.

Life is much quieter at the quarry company without Alan and he is deeply missed by Sue, his family, friends and colleagues. Gorffwys mewn heddwch.