WORLD FAMOUS ENTERTAINER MADE TIME TO SUPPORT BRIGG CHARITY

This picture shows a visit to Brigg by a world famous entertainer who for decades was widely regarded as being No 1 in his field.
Ray Alan, seen on the right, was a master ventriloquist who performed on stage and screen with his upper class monacle-wearing puppet, Lord Charles, creating plenty of laughs. His Lordship was well-known for enjoying a drop of the hard stuff!
One of the best 'vent' acts in the world, they were frequently seen on TV light entertainment shows and played to packed audiences in theatres and other venues across the country and abroad.
However, our picture shows Ray in charity mode during the late 1970s or early 1980s - making time in his very busy schedule to come to our town to support the Brigg Gateway Club.
Thirty years earlier, Ray and Lord Charles had first appeared together at a charity show, though not in Brigg.
Pictured next to Ray is Norman Cross, from Hibaldstow, who later became the first person from South Humberside to undergo a successful heart transplant operation.
Making the presentation is Coun Bryan Robins, who was an official of the club. We think Sandra Foster may be the lady completing the line-up.