Former chairman of Friends of Newark Castle, Newark Archaeological & Local Historical Society, and usher at Newark’s Palace Theatre dies aged 78

Tributes are being paid to a Newark stalwart who gave his time ‘freely for the good of the town's history and heritage’.

Allan Towler, a much-liked and respected member of Newark’s many groups and societies, died last week at the age of 78.

Allan was born in Leeds and joined the police with former Leeds City Constabulary — now West Yorkshire Police — aged 18 and worked his way through the ranks, from CID to Special Branch.

He was promoted to Sergeant in 1977 and was also a member of the burglary squad, before being promoted to training new sergeants later in his career.

His widow, Barbara, said that he was very innovative, as he introduced the other officers to other faiths and communities in Bradford, a concept that was ahead of its time:

“He took them to the church at the top of the road, then to the Hindu temple, then the Muslim mosque, and the Sikh Gudwara temple,” she said, “He said to them ‘don’t ask me about them, ask them yourselves as they’re part of the community you’re policing’.”

Allan and Barbara met at a party in 1964, and they were married at Christ Church in Leeds in 1968. Their daughter Jo, a celebrated musician, was born in 1974.

After Allan retired from the police in 2003, the couple moved to Newark and they became very involved in the town’s various history and heritage groups.

Allan was chairman of the Friends of Newark Castle, and he and Barbara were members of the Newark Archaeological & Local Historical Society (NALHS), and Friends of Newark Civil War Centre.

Despite not believing in the paranormal himself, Allan also frequently ran ghost tours around the town as well as cemetery tours.

“It was a bit of fun for him,” Barbara said, “People found it all very interesting and he loved doing it.”

As well as volunteering as ushers at Newark’s Palace Theatre with Barbara, music was a big influence in Allan’s life and he was a member of Newark Music Society, with a love of music of all genres — from Bonnie Tyler to Tchaikovsky.

The couple also travelled extensively when Allan retired, and highlights of their trips included New Zealand, South America, New England, Nepal, and the Golden Temple for Allan’s 60th birthday.

He will be much missed by all who knew him.

Sharon Morley, chairman of the Friends of Newark Castle, said: “Allan was a key figure in the Friends of Newark Castle for many years - as he was many organisations in the town - helping it develop into the successful group it is today.

He gave his time freely for the good of the town's history and heritage and will be much missed.”

Allan’s funeral will be held at Sherwood Forest Crematorium at 11am on Thursday (November 28), with a gathering to be held afterwards at Newark Palace Theatre.

Donations are invited for Beaumond House and Music in the Round.