Allan was an original founding member of the  in 1963 and has led many informative walking tours and bus tours through the town. A Fitter and Turner by trade, in his early working life he maintained machinery in local businesses in Dungog and his skills saw many odd jobs done at the museum.

Jeff Hetherington from the society said Life Membership was a new concept for the society.

“The amount of work Allan has done over the years prompted us to look at honouring that service,” he said.

“Allan was humble in his acceptance, he did not think himself worthy but for those of us who know him, he met all the criteria.”