Allan Dunn and Alan Burns
ALLAN DUNN
Allan Dunn was born in July 1945 and attended Ushaw Moor County School before going to the new Ushaw Moor Secondary Modern School in early April 1959. I remember his friendship, as well as his sporting pursuits, but the reason for his nickname ‘Jocker’ is unclear to me. I am almost sure that he had a brother called Douglas.
Allan played at left back in the Modern School team and although his positioning was a little faulty at times –his calm temperament was [sometimes!] an asset when our defence was under pressure. He always attempted to play to the rules of football, which contrasts with the professional game. Professional defenders often tug shirts to hold players back and to be honest they look rather pathetic when they do that. Allan also played cricket and I recall that one day our schoolmaster Harry Barlow invited both of us to open the innings for Brancepeth Cricket Club, even though we were both only 14 or15 years old at the time!
When Allan left school he went to work for an employer in Durham City, together with Alan Burns. Sometime later he bought their employer out - although I am not sure whether that made him managing director or an entrepreneur.
A few years ago Robert [Bob] Moore, who has been very helpful in supplying me with facts about Allan, informed me that Allan had saved a cat from certain death by insisting that a group of boys desist from drowning it. I like that story because it says so much about Allan’s character.
Very sadly, at the age of 28, he died during a holiday with his wife in the south of England [Torquay I think it was].
Allan died at a young age but his achievements were not inconsiderable during his time on this planet. I recall him with great affection.
ALAN BURNS
Burnsey was a friend of mine in the second half of the 50s. He was a good wing half for Ushaw Moor County school football team - being tidy and calm – essentially doing the simple things well; I suppose he was the schoolboy equivalent of John McGovern, the old Hartlepool, Derby and Nottingham Forest wing half. I bet he has never been told that before!
Alan was placid, had a fashionable hair cut and never seemed to swear. I recall that some nights our small group would be outside the houses drinking ice cold Pepsi Cola and listening to Cliff Richard and the Shadows, as well as Tommy Steele.
We covered many miles during our football sessions on the Bracken Court grass and no doubt we were all very fit. We also played cricket on that green, as detailed elsewhere. I used to get set like Geoff Boycott or Hanif Mohammed and would be happy to bat for hours - but one day Alan and Neil Davies hatched a plot which involved Neil appealing for a catch behind the wicket. The catch that never was. I responded, after considerable conversation, by throwing my toys out the pram i.e. I took my bat and went home. Alan can still recall that.
The last I heard was that Alan was semi retired, no longer living in Ushaw Moor, but still residing in County Durham.
Submitted by Wilf Bell 02/07/07
Still a Sunderland supporter living now in Newton Aycliffe.
Golf is my main passtime now apart from holidays abroad.The rates for our apartment in Bulgaria are very reasonable!!!
Married to a beutiful women called Ann i could not be happier with life (Comment this)