Alan died suddenly on 12th December at the age of 88. 

Alan McKinna reading to Literary Society

He had a highly distinguished career as a surgeon at the Royal Marsden Hospital specialising in the treatment of breast cancer.

Retiring to Winchelsea and worshipping at St Thomas’ he became a member of the Church Council and a leader of prayers at Sunday worship.  Alan was a wholehearted participant in many aspects of town life, giving generous support to organisations and individuals.

He was Mayor in 2007-8, a trustee of ARRCC, a founder member of Literary Society and its secretary for several years.  He convened the art group and could always be relied on to have something to exhibit at Garden Society shows.  For several seasons he organised Carols Round the Town in aid of Shelter, a cause dear to his heart.

More recently, Alan and Mal moved from Ford Madox Ford’s house in Friars Road to a flat in Kent Close and he devoted himself to caring for Mal.  ‘It’s in the contract’, he would say but, of course, it was very much more than that.   A private family cremation will be followed by a celebration of Alan’s life when circumstances permit.

Click here for tributes to Alan on the Winchelsea Literary Society Blog