Since the original post there have been so many more tributes for Allan, proving that not only was he a very popular member of the HCA but that he was a true gentleman.
“I am saddened to hear the news of Allan who supported us [The BDA’s Food Specialist Group] on the first ever Toolkit document attached ( pre The Digest) back in 2006 and was the first HCA member to work with FSSG formerly food counts.
He was well respected by our dietetic colleagues, and I feel so fortunate that I was able to spend time chatting with him at his last HCA conference, he was in good spirits. It was the one time each year we caught up.”
Lauren Bowen RD
“A true gentleman and his passion for hospital food was unsurpassed.”
Andrew Archer, MD, Dewberry Redpoint
“The HCA was in his blood. He loved what the Association represents and was always there for a kind word of encouragement. He will be sorely missed.”
“He had a long chat with many at Aviemore, and he was so pleased to have been able to attend and meet old friends. He was so positive and was looking forward to supporting and guiding the branches younger members, he was a passionate NHS caterer even in retirement.”
“The kindest person I have ever met. A local hero in his village for his firework displays too.”
“We know how much he loved the HCA and had quite a chat with him at Forum. Allan is to be admired for the way in which he has dealt with his illness with such dignity.”
“Spent time chatting to Allan over breakfast at Forum. A lovely, kind and gentle person, a true gentleman. They don't make them like him anymore.”
“A true gentleman and his passion for hospital food was unsurpassed.”
“I have now been retired 17 years but worked closely with Allan in Trent region and fully supported him with his long-time commitment to the HCA.”
“Allan was such a gentleman”
It is with great sadness to inform the membership of the sad passing of Allan Gimson a longstanding member of Trent Branch. Allan was well known within the HCA, a past council and Executive member who supported a number of National Chairs while in those positions and always offering a balanced viewpoint to any ensuing discussion. Our thoughts and prayers are extended to his immediate family at this time.
Allan started working in the NHS in 1964 as a kitchen porter and retired as a Catering Advisor.
He passionately believed that we need to get caterers back to the bedside with “The last nine yards”. When he started cooking, he always went on the ward with the trolley. When plated meals were introduced, he still visited every patient at the end of the shift. Complaints were nipped in the bud, and the team would very often cook something special to get a patient to start eating.
He often said, “Once you have seen the patient face to face, this stays with you forever, and nothing is too much effort.”
Over the years, he participated in many initiatives, such as Cook-chill and Cook-freeze. Under Better Hospital Food, he provided costings and recipes, and ran a trial site on the À la Carte menu. Under compulsory competitive tendering, he won the contract as the in-house caterer four times and won contracts to supply other Trusts with delivered meals. Something that he always took immense pride in.
He was a stalwart of the Hospital Caterers Association. As NHS Trusts developed, he felt that the catering manager was often a lone voice in their Trusts. Because of this, he felt that the HCA was more important than ever, providing support and sharing knowledge with other caterers. He was proud to say that the HCA provides us all with a voice nationally and collaborating with our colleague organisations such as the Royal College of Nursing and the British Dietetic Association, we influence government policy.
He was immensely proud of the HCA and served on the Association’s Council and Executive for many years. He was one of the first full board of Directors of the Hospital Caterers Association Limited.
The tributes are starting to pour in, led by Phil Shelley, Past Chair of the HCA and Senior Operational Manager – Soft FM, National Lead for Net Zero Food, NHS England, who said “We all had the loyal support of Allan. Leadership isn’t always about positions, banding and awards, it is behaviour, Allan showed this skill to perfection. Providing advice, support and compassion; even through his last illness he maintained a quiet dignity.”
Vice Chair, Nicola Strawther knew Allan well as they were from the same Branch. She comments on his recent attendance at the Forum in the Glen: “He was putting a positive spin on his personal circumstance and had clear messaging to give out to others, especially handing out the Prostrate Cancer awareness badges. He was a stalwart for Trent branch and always gave in depth reports following council meetings. Any time we met he was first to come forward and offer a welcome.
This welcoming attitude is reflected by immediate past Chair, Brian Robb, who agrees: “Allan was always the first to offer a hand of welcome at Council or Executive meetings. He gave a balanced view to any discussion. It was great to see him at the Forum in the Glen. My thoughts are with his immediate family at this sad and difficult time.”
Past Chair, Craig Smith paid tribute by saying, “We all know that Allan had been struggling with his health over the past few years, but he had set his heart on attending the Forum in the Glen. He spent over 9 hours on a train to get there, but at least he made it. This was the measure of a man who we have grown to love as a loyal friend. He spent a lot of time there raising the awareness of Men’s Health and Prostate Cancer in particular and spending time talking to many of us.
In 2018, the tri branch team planned a 70KM walk in support of the 70th Anniversary Forum’s charity. Allan wanted to come but his wife insisted that it was too much for him, so he tipped up with the boot of his car crammed full of chocolate bars and drinks and met the walkers at every possible stop to ensure that they were safe, well fed and watered.” Nicola Strawther, who was on the walk remembers: “Those were the best mars bars I ever had on that walk, it was always a relief to see Allan waiting for us to know we could refuel.”
The HCA was in his blood. He loved what the Association represents and was always there for a kind word of encouragement. He will be sorely missed.”
We are sure that the whole Association will join in remembering this lovely, kind and gentle person, a true gentleman. They don't make them like him anymore.
