Hello Jill,
I've just read of Mark's death. I was not aware that it had happened. I'm so sorry to hear of his passing. you'd probably recognise me from when you and Mark used to attend The Sage for classical concerts. We'd have a chat in the interval as you both enjoyed your ice creams.
The last time I saw Mark was earlier this year. I bumped into him outside the Tyneside and we had a chat. He looked greatly changed from when I'd last seen you both at the Sage.
I had known him since 1974. he was second year history and I was first year. He got me engaged in the Students Union and eventually, like him, I ended up working full time for a union. I moved away for about 20 years, but met up with him again almost immediatley I had returned. We were always promising to have a meal togeher pre concert, but it just didn't seem to happen.
He had a lot to give, and he gave it through politics, through the arts and through the union. he could enthuse about so much, and I'm sorry that I won't see him again. I'm sorry that I did not know of his death at the time. I would have wanted to have attended the commemoration.
With my sincerest condolences
Vince Allen
Vince Allen
12/09/2024
