Alan Pollard R.i.p

[Neil Rushton]

Terrible news.

RIP.

Neil

[Greety]

Had the pleasure of knowing Alan and dj'ing with him at the Hitsville Weekenders. Lovely bloke, very knowlegeable and a pleasure to be in his company.

Perhaps dedication to Soul is'nt measured by how many records you've got but by your actions.

I will never forget Alan hauling himself to Florida to meet the Harthon production team, when most of us, in his state of health, would'nt have made it to the corner shop!

God bless mate.

Dave

[iansgee]

So So Sad!

Memories of DJing with Al at Sheridans a few years ago!

I felf sick when i read the news

Heartfeft Condolemces to his Nearest and Dearest and All Close Friends

Rest In Peace Fella

Right On!

Nige Brown STAFFORD

Great nights Nige and fond memories of Alan on the decks. Goodbye old friend

Ian G

[Guest Budgie]

The scene has lost one it's true gentlemen. Your knowledge and enthusiasm will be sorely missed. Many thanks for the memories, the great tunes you put me onto and the introduction to the Hitsville team.

RIP Alan and our deepest condolenses to Judi and Family.

Pete, Hilary and Sarah.

[Eddie Hubbard]

Had the pleasure of knowing Alan and dj'ing with him at the Hitsville Weekenders. Lovely bloke, very knowlegeable and a pleasure to be in his company.

Perhaps dedication to Soul is'nt measured by how many records you've got but by your actions.

I will never forget Alan hauling himself to Florida to meet the Harthon production team, when most of us, in his state of health, would'nt have made it to the corner shop!

God bless mate.

Dave

Very well put Dave , best wishes mate ,Eddie

[Pk 22dj]

I feel sick inside only talking about you the other day with Julian, rest in peace Alan.

Paul Kidd & all at the Casino Lounge.

[Kev Moore]

Jut seen this. Very sad news. I only met Alan a couple of times but I remember Our Dave asking me what my best memory of my time at Hitsville was. He said his was watching Eddie Parker turn around on the turntable. My reply was 'chatting to Alan Pollard'. What a lovely man. We all take something away from really nice people and I surely took something of Alan away from Spain that year. Alan you're spirit will live on and the world is absolutely a better place for you having visited it.

Condolances all round.

Enjoy your rest.

Kev

Edited December 4, 2009 by Kev Moore

[Ronniesoul]

Terrible news weve all had some brilliant nights at Great Moor in Stockport records played were top notch as you would expect from alan, great taste, always supportive, will be sadly missed.

Condolencies to Judie and Family

From Ron , Andy, Dave and Glynn had some great nights because of Alan and Judie's commitent to SOUL

[Guest]

Very sorry to hear this, terrible news. Not sure what to say in time like this but my condolences go out to Judie and family. Had the the pleasure of meeting Alan in Florida. He was kind enough to let a 23 year old kid rifle through his playbox and had the patience enough to answer his endless barrage of questions(which i would continue through e-mail and SS throughout the years!). Would have loved to sit down for one more chat about soul...well someday maybe, Alan. How great is it a man's legacy can reach so far, across continents even and be a bright spot in so many peoples memories. Thanks for teaching me what having "soul" really means, Alan.

-mike u

[Steve Thomas]

Very sorry to hear this, terrible news. Not sure what to say in time like this but my condolences go out to Judie and family. Had the the pleasure of meeting Alan in Florida. He was kind enough to let a 23 year old kid rifle through his playbox and had the patience enough to answer his endless barrage of questions(which i would continue through e-mail and SS throughout the years!). Would have loved to sit down for one more chat about soul...well someday maybe, Alan. How great is it a man's legacy can reach so far, across continents even and be a bright spot in so many peoples memories. Thanks for teaching me what having "soul" really means, Alan.

-mike u

SO SAD ALAN WAS A TOP TOP BLOKE , AND WILL BE GREATLEY MISSED BY ALL THOSE WHO NEW HIM!!

STEVE T

[Mr Soul]

sad news r.i.p. Alan

[Guest Carl Dixon]

Clearly Alan was very popular, and I have missed maybe meeting him sometime. My condolances to family and all who knew him.

[Mandy]

Such sad news. My thoughts are with Judi and his family and his many many friends. RIP Alan

[Soulfulsolutions]

What a shocker, just happened to see the post this morning and couldn't bring myself to reply until now. One of those situations where you haven't physically met someone but you know them like a brother.

Alan was one of my main contacts for many years and although we lost touch a bit when I was overseas with the Army but it didn't take us long to to catch up when i got back. Whenever he'd call (sometimes for a couple of hours at a time), sometime a couple of times in the same day the 45 in question would always lead us onto loads of other soulful snippets and much banter about, work, families and inevitably Man City / Pompey fixtures.

He was truly a man steeped in an underpinning knowledge of this soul of ours and always picked up on the obscure 45's with potential. We did make arrangements to meet at Albrighton some years back but sadly he couldn't get there, similarly we'd hoped to get together at Fratton Park but again it didn't happen, so it was always a case of waiting to put a face to the name, which was somewhat satisfied when I found a piccy of him on a website for which he was reviewing his spins, maybe an early link to "There's that beat"?

I'll miss him that's for sure, true to his word, open, honest and an affable bloke who made me appreciate the depth of friendship that this soul scene creates. My heart goes out to Judi, Danny, Jo, close family and friends at this sad time.

Rest peacefully Mate, Lee

[Dave Moore]

What a shocker, just happened to see the post this morning and couldn't bring myself to reply until now. One of those situations where you haven't physically met someone but you know them like a brother.

Alan was one of my main contacts for many years and although we lost touch a bit when I was overseas with the Army but it didn't take us long to to catch up when i got back. Whenever he'd call (sometimes for a couple of hours at a time), sometime a couple of times in the same day the 45 in question would always lead us onto loads of other soulful snippets and much banter about, work, families and inevitably Man City / Pompey fixtures.

He was truly a man steeped in an underpinning knowledge of this soul of ours and always picked up on the obscure 45's with potential. We did make arrangements to meet at Albrighton some years back but sadly he couldn't get there, similarly we'd hoped to get together at Fratton Park but again it didn't happen, so it was always a case of waiting to put a face to the name, which was somewhat satisfied when I found a piccy of him on a website for which he was reviewing his spins, maybe an early link to "There's that beat"?

I'll miss him that's for sure, true to his word, open, honest and an affable bloke who made me appreciate the depth of friendship that this soul scene creates. My heart goes out to Judi, Danny, Jo, close family and friends at this sad time.

Rest peacefully Mate, Lee

What a nice post and sums Al's approach to other people admirably. I remember when the Chicago's Rare Soul Millionaires first arrived at Hitsville and hit the Technics straight away. Al's face lit up. Playing records alongside these young US knowledeable collectors was something Al enjoyed immensely. Always a good list of questions for Al when he came off too and he only too willing to broaden their knowledge and do it with a smile and bags of enthusiasm, as opposed the patronising smug way a I've seen a number of other 'soul sages' do it.

Gonna dig a few 45s out that Al put me onto over the years.......Nice one Lee.

[Guest bland]

so sorry to hear of the tragic loss of alan my thoughts are with you judi such a great guy & with a great love of our music a truly sad time bob scott

[Flanny]

one of the nicest people on the soul scene he always had time for me and i respected his knowledge and feeling of the music so much i can't describe.

im sure theres a soulful place for you up there my friend .

Debbie & I offer our deepest regards for Judy and all of Alans family at this very sad time.

Flanny & Debbie

[Guest davec]

Hi All,

I dont usually reply to posting ,I just read them cos I tend to put my foot in it and fall out with people who have been great friends for many years but the last few days have been so awful that I needed to write something.

We in Burnley are mournig the loss of one of our own. Phil "Spinner" Ratcliffe, a great bloke who like many of us started our love of this scene in the Wigan era, he was cremated on Friday and it really hurt. I was ill and missed it, I am very sorry dear friend.

We had a wake for Phill several weeks ago, he wanted to be well enough to say goodbye to us all before he left us.

When it was time to go he thanked me for playing certain records for him in my dj days at our local clubs, in particular Major Lances "You dont want me on more". Phil said to me ,I will save you a seat on the bus and I replied, sorry mate but Ive still got a lot to do yet so I will catch a later one.

Phil was a devoted husband,father,claret and a great bloke who always had a big smile and a cheery word right up to the end, I will miss him.

Then Furgy Told me about Alan, I was gutted and came on line to read all the loving comments that have been left, I cant really add anything to them, they tell of a truly great man. My heart goes out for Judi and the family, it is hard for you to think of anything but your loss at this time , but in time you will be busting with pride again because you more than any of us loved and new a very special man.

I had the great honour of meeting Alan and Judi several times when he kindly offered to DJ for us lost soles at Burnley cricket club, where there were so many like minded people who offered there knowledge and love for our music, freely, too many people to mention here but you know who you are.

I had many long chats with Alan about our music and took great pleasure in standing at the decks watching the tunes he was spinning and asking him about the ones I did not know (and there were many).

He got so used to the look in my eye whe I obviously did not know a record that he started to tell me all about it before it finished! a great memory for me to cherish

Whilst there are so many people still around with Alans vast knowledge,willingness to share and a compasion and love for this music, Alan will always be in there hearts and never be far away from there thought.

Thank you Alan, rest in Peace.

[Chris Anderton]

Just back from Germany and logged on to read this.

Absolute shock to me, dont really know what to say.

Top guy and always willing to share his extensive knowledge.

My thoughts are with his family.

Chris

[Sunshine Girl]

Condolencies to Judi & family

Alan will be sadly missed - RIP Alan

Regards

Deborah Rhodes xx

Edited December 7, 2009 by Sunshine Girl

[Steve Foran]

As some will know Alan was my best mate. I have known him and Judy for about 30 years I guess. It is fantastic to see so many tributes from so many people. Glad that Mark Hopes saw it as I have been trying to let everyone know, but had no contact details. Alan was the best mate a man could have. I cannot remember EVER having a fall out.

Alan ran soul nights in and around Stockport from the 70,s. The big pub on Commercial Road. Heaton Moor Rugby Club and Southlands. We used to work together and went to the 81 Cup final replay ( me Spurs him City ) we also went to various other games incliding the 87 final. Alan and Judy are my eldest son's, Tom, Godparents.

After a break I started going to Soul clubs again and we started a few more ventures in Stockport. We had a one off at Stockport Cricket Club, then a few nights at a club in Cheadle Hulme then we started Gt Moor Con Club. At first we ran it every other month, but it got very popular and the club asked us to run it monthly. We had a huge number of top DJs guest for us Ginger,Hammy,Butch,Carl Willingham, Mark Bicknell, Mark Hopes and many others. My favourite memories are silly really, but whenever someone took a photo we nearly always had on the same clothes as one another. Alans face when we managed to get Butch there. Things like that.

When we were younger we used to make home brew, the wine never made it from the demijohn, just a tube and a glass. Going away to the caravan in Anglesey when Danny was a baby, Mark asking questions all the time and me and Danny the only ones to sleep through the thunderstorm in the caravan.

Latterley after Alan and Judy moved to Wales I did,nt see so much of him. And I bitterley regret not making a call or popping in when I am over in North Wales because I cant do it now. This post is really just a way to say goodbye and to say how much I will miss Alan. As many have said. A true gent. Lots of love Steve Foran, Lesley,Tom and Liam.

[Guest Alans daughter]

To All of Dads soul friends,

from Judi, Mark, Danny and Jo we would like to thank you for all the touching messages left on soul source since Thursday. It means a lot to know that everyone is thinking of us and remembering dad. I know some of you did not get the chance to meet him, but it is obvious you had had plenty of conversations on soul source with him. Thank you to Jason for putting the video of dad dj-ing on you tube, dad loved you tube, mum and I would often come home to find him looking up new videos of records and even to babies dancing to northern soul, he would have been over the moon to know that he is on you tube, a dream come true.

Soul music was his life, from sneaking on the train half fare to go to the Pendulum and Wigan Casino, to Dj-ing at the American Hitsville weekend, his ultimate dj-ing experience, shame he couldn't get round to the record hunting or visiting Detroit to go back to Motowns roots.

Dave Moore, thank you for your moving message no one could have said it any better.

I have attached some photos of dad for you all....

We also have dads parents staying with us at the minute, they would also like to thank everyone for their comments, Nanna has asked me to print out a copy of all the messages to give to dad.

Funeral arrangements are as follows:

Friday 11th December

11am Dialstone Lane Methodist Church

161 Dialstone Lane, Offerton, Stockport, SK2 7LQ

0161 456 1454

followed by...

12.15pm Rowan Chapel (New Chapel) Stockport Cremetorium

Buxton Road, Stockport, SK2 6LS

0161 480 5221

followed by...

1pm-6pm Great Moor Conservative Club, 26 Store Street, Stockport SK2 7HA

0161 483 2140

Everyone welcome to attend all.

The family have decided to have family flowers only, and request for donations to be given to Dad's favourite charity Friends of Glan Clywd Renal Unit where dad received his dialysis, this money goes towards making the patients more comfortable during treatment and dad was desperate to get sky tv there. Donations are to be passed via Judi Pollard or Arthur Worsley Funeral Service 113 Station Road Hadfield, Glossop Derbyshire SK13 1AA Tel: 01457 852381

The family have also decided to request that attendees can wear whatever they wish, family members are wearing something that is related to Man city, this includes Man City shirts or ties or sky blue ribbon you are also welcome to wear something related to Man City, however, others may opt for traditional funeral attire. Dad would have wanted to everyone to be comfortable.

thank you once again for kind thoughts,

love always

Jo, Judi, Danny and Mark xxxx

For any further details please contact either Steve Foran or Julian Bentley.

[Eddie Hubbard]

To All of Dads soul friends,

from Judi, Mark, Danny and Jo we would like to thank you for all the touching messages left on soul source since Thursday. It means a lot to know that everyone is thinking of us and remembering dad. I know some of you did not get the chance to meet him, but it is obvious you had had plenty of conversations on soul source with him. Thank you to Jason for putting the video of dad dj-ing on you tube, dad loved you tube, mum and I would often come home to find him looking up new videos of records and even to babies dancing to northern soul, he would have been over the moon to know that he is on you tube, a dream come true.

Soul music was his life, from sneaking on the train half fare to go to the Pendulum and Wigan Casino, to Dj-ing at the American Hitsville weekend, his ultimate dj-ing experience, shame he couldn't get round to the record hunting or visiting Detroit to go back to Motowns roots.

Dave Moore, thank you for your moving message no one could have said it any better.

I have attached some photos of dad for you all....

We also have dads parents staying with us at the minute, they would also like to thank everyone for their comments, Nanna has asked me to print out a copy of all the messages to give to dad.

Funeral arrangements are as follows:

Friday 11th December

11am Dialstone Lane Methodist Church

161 Dialstone Lane, Offerton, Stockport, SK2 7LQ

0161 456 1454

followed by...

12.15pm Rowan Chapel (New Chapel) Stockport Cremetorium

Buxton Road, Stockport, SK2 6LS

0161 480 5221

followed by...

1pm-6pm Great Moor Conservative Club, 26 Store Street, Stockport SK2 7HA

0161 483 2140

Everyone welcome to attend all.

The family have decided to have family flowers only, and request for donations to be given to Dad's favourite charity Friends of Glan Clywd Renal Unit where dad received his dialysis, this money goes towards making the patients more comfortable during treatment and dad was desperate to get sky tv there. Donations are to be passed via Judi Pollard or Arthur Worsley Funeral Service 113 Station Road Hadfield, Glossop Derbyshire SK13 1AA Tel: 01457 852381

The family have also decided to request that attendees can wear whatever they wish, family members are wearing something that is related to Man city, this includes Man City shirts or ties or sky blue ribbon you are also welcome to wear something related to Man City, however, others may opt for traditional funeral attire. Dad would have wanted to everyone to be comfortable.

thank you once again for kind thoughts,

love always

Jo, Judi, Danny and Mark xxxx

For any further details please contact either Steve Foran or Julian Bentley.

Your Dad was a wonderful guy , really hope to make it friday , best wishes to all the family ,Eddie Hubbard x

[Diddy Morgan]

To All of Dads soul friends,

from Judi, Mark, Danny and Jo we would like to thank you for all the touching messages left on soul source since Thursday. It means a lot to know that everyone is thinking of us and remembering dad. I know some of you did not get the chance to meet him, but it is obvious you had had plenty of conversations on soul source with him. Thank you to Jason for putting the video of dad dj-ing on you tube, dad loved you tube, mum and I would often come home to find him looking up new videos of records and even to babies dancing to northern soul, he would have been over the moon to know that he is on you tube, a dream come true.

Soul music was his life, from sneaking on the train half fare to go to the Pendulum and Wigan Casino, to Dj-ing at the American Hitsville weekend, his ultimate dj-ing experience, shame he couldn't get round to the record hunting or visiting Detroit to go back to Motowns roots.

Dave Moore, thank you for your moving message no one could have said it any better.

I have attached some photos of dad for you all....

We also have dads parents staying with us at the minute, they would also like to thank everyone for their comments, Nanna has asked me to print out a copy of all the messages to give to dad.

Funeral arrangements are as follows:

Friday 11th December

11am Dialstone Lane Methodist Church

161 Dialstone Lane, Offerton, Stockport, SK2 7LQ

0161 456 1454

followed by...

12.15pm Rowan Chapel (New Chapel) Stockport Cremetorium

Buxton Road, Stockport, SK2 6LS

0161 480 5221

followed by...

1pm-6pm Great Moor Conservative Club, 26 Store Street, Stockport SK2 7HA

0161 483 2140

Everyone welcome to attend all.

The family have decided to have family flowers only, and request for donations to be given to Dad's favourite charity Friends of Glan Clywd Renal Unit where dad received his dialysis, this money goes towards making the patients more comfortable during treatment and dad was desperate to get sky tv there. Donations are to be passed via Judi Pollard or Arthur Worsley Funeral Service 113 Station Road Hadfield, Glossop Derbyshire SK13 1AA Tel: 01457 852381

The family have also decided to request that attendees can wear whatever they wish, family members are wearing something that is related to Man city, this includes Man City shirts or ties or sky blue ribbon you are also welcome to wear something related to Man City, however, others may opt for traditional funeral attire. Dad would have wanted to everyone to be comfortable.

thank you once again for kind thoughts,

love always

Jo, Judi, Danny and Mark xxxx

For any further details please contact either Steve Foran or Julian Bentley.

Dear Judi , Jo , Danny and Mark

Since hearing this terrible news on Thursday , thoughts of Alan have been on my mind constantly . I have known Alan for nearly 30 years , his relentless passion & knowledge for soul music was inspiring to me and his many friends.

As has been mentioned Alan ran some great soul venues in Stockport @ the Royal Oak,Southlands and Great Moor con club where he pioneered to feature all the top dj's from the UK, but to me ,we already had the best right here......ALAN "POLLY" POLLARD.....with all our love and deepest sympathy at this sad time

Steve and Mandy Morgan

[Steve Plumb]

I am so so sad inside hearing this terrible news.

Condolences to Alan's family.

Alan was a lovely man with brilliant taste in music and he will be sorely missed.

RIP big fella

Steve

[Stubbsy of Alty]

Alan one of the real, genuine "top guys" on the scene... thoroughly knowledgeable but totally without any superior attitude... he was great fun and great company... a lovely fella, and will be sorely missed. Although we haven't seen him at Cleethorpes Weekender for a while, we were still in touch (by phone) whilst we were there or our quiz score would have been rubbish! It'll never be the same without him.

My heartfelt & deepest condolences to Judi & Family.

R.I.P. Alan... I'll miss you mate,

Col Stubbs

[Guest ZTSC]

One of Stockport's finest.

A real proper soul fan who new his music for sure.

Say hello to Bosha when you see him Polly.

Kev J

[Steve Foran]

And another year goes by mate. Hard to believe it is 5 years since Alan departed. Miss you mate.

[Mrtag]

Very sad news indeed, Rest In Peace,our thoughts and and prayers are with the family at this sad time. Best wishes John & Helen

Edited December 3, 2014 by mrtag

[Guest oldsoulgit]

Still miss him very much, there's a great post of Alan djing at Hitsville playing some great sounds, post 85 on here,

 

Can't believe it's 5 years, gonna play some tunes he put me onto, that will be a couple of hours worth !!

 

Cheers Jim.

[Mark B]

Yes missed by a lot of people one of the nicest people I met on the soul scene.

[Steve Foran]

Believe it or not 6 years since Alan died. Just to remember Alan.

[Julianb]

Top, top man - sadly missed.

Julian & Carolyn

[Mal C]

I still play his tapes, or Cd's if you like.. lovely bloke..

[Dave Moore]

Was talking with a few more of Al's friends over the weekend. Sadly missed big fella.

Regards,

Dave

 

[Mark S]

Polly never far from my thoughts top man . We were best mates early seventies , lost touch over time but found each other on here about seven years ago so glad we did . We corresponded via email still cant clear them from my inbox .

RIP Mate .