Alan Bond

Hard work and determination shaped Alan’s life, he was an achiever. He showed courage and determination during the last five years to fight the effects of Multiple Myeloma. He was a truly talented and remarkable person, an inspiration and a joy.

Born to Charlie and Bessie in Peckham, 1947, Alan was an only child brought up mainly by his nan.

He went to Bristol University where he gained a 1st class hons degree, a PhD in chemistry and went on to do his post doctorate work in Atlanta, Georgia, USA.

He managed to send money to his parents to help buy a house in Lewes. There were few months when he didn’t win on his Premium Bonds and he always gave away half to a charity or a church organisation. 

Alan worked, commuting from London to Brighton as a research chemist for the Science Research Council. He also worked tirelessly for the community and chaired the original St James Street Action Group.

There was rarely a week when he didn’t have a letter published in the Argus, or he was invited to speak on BBC radio.

When we celebrated our Civil Partnership, we featured on the news in France and America. Alan often mused on an inscription for our headstone and joked, with a twinkle in his eye:

Here lie a pair of Brighton queens,
Who led a life beyond their means,
Because they spent all they got,
They're forced to share this common plot,
It has been a wonderful journey.

Derek Peacock