It is with the deepest regret that the Manx Electric Railway Society records the passing Alan Corlett.
Alan was the popular, hardworking and dedicated power-force behind the various Manx railway events held during the 1990s, most notably the hugely successful Year of Railways celebrations which commemorated the Centenary of the Manx Electric Railway in 1993.
Almost single handedly with a very limited budget, Alan succeeded where the Government’s highly paid consultants often failed spectacularly, in effectively promoting Manx Tourism and raising awareness on a world scale of the Island’s unique Heritage Railways. Through Alan’s efforts in promoting the high profile Year of Railways, some 25,000 extra tourists visited the Island in 1993 – a remarkable achievement.
Further successful events followed including the International Railway Festival in 1995 to mark the Centenary of the Snaefell Mountain Railway and Steam 125 held in 1998 in recognition of the Isle of Man Railway’s 125th anniversary.
Above all else, Alan was a modest, unassuming and thoroughly nice man, who will be long remembered by those who have an interest in the Island’s railways.
The MERS offers it condolences to Alan’s family and friends at this very difficult time.