Alan Horne – Rock and Roll Road Sweeper

If you would like to share your memories of Alan Horne you can message us on the Museum Facebook page or visit us at the Museum.

Alan was well known in the town for his cheery smile, his colourful cart and the sound of the rock and roll music which accompanied him as he cleaned the streets of Chard.

Born in Birmingham, Alan grew up in a residential home.  In 1960 he joined the Royal Pioneer Corps and became a dog handler.  Posted to Aden his work there exposed him to loud explosions which affected his hearing, and he was invalided out of the Army in 1966.  He had made friends with a soldier from Chard and as a result decided to live and work in Chard. He got his first job with Yeovil District Council and then later with Chard Town Council.

Alan undertook many activities to raise money for charities including making several tandem free fall parachute jumps. Over time he raised over £15000.

A Rock and Roll enthusiast, he won many cups for his jiving and taught others. Alan had a number of Teddy Boy suits that came with all the trimmings. One is on show in Chard Museum and another is now in the Costume Collection of the County Museum, Taunton.