The first time I met Les, some 19 years ago I was a new bowler of about 3 months.  I went to play in the BBC Founders event, which that year was played somewhat differently with only shot wood counting.  As a new bowler I’d been taught you bowled to the jack and that is what myself and my team did, and every end the opposing skip moved the jack away from our bowls and we lost the end. After 3 or 4 games we came across Les, who quietly pointed out that it might be an idea to cover where his team were placing bowls so that we didn’t keep losing the end – good advice but it didn’t help us as we lost every match.  Afterwards, Les told me that I would learn from that and that in every defeat there was something to learn.

I eventually became a member of BBC and Les and Anita asked me to join their “Los Lanzadores” team for the Saturday rinks league.  I learnt something else about Les – he would never criticize his team, except Anita – no matter how bad they were playing, and I have tried to follow his example since I have started skipping.  I remember one Saturday playing at BBC with Les, Anita and another player.  Anita was playing well whilst the other bowler and myself were having one of those games you want to forget.  Les never complained until Anita suddenly had a stray end.  As we crossed over Les told Anita off and told her to concentrate to which Anita replied, “ Oh shut up you silly old fart”.  The other bowler and I laughed so much we relaxed and started to bowl and we even managed to win the game.

Les was the best organizer I have ever come across, he and Anita would spend hours in the “Potting shed” as Anita calls it, arranging competitions and it was my pleasure and good fortune to be involved with them in that organisation for a short time. 

Les has spent many years involved with the CBBA as League Co-ordinator and for the last 21 months as Vice President.  His contribution to the CBBA has benefited all bowlers on the Costa Blanca.  He was always level headed and most of all a gentleman.

Whenever I came across Les he always greeted me in the same way “what’s up kid” and I will miss being the kid.  Not many people have the ability to keep their heads up despite adversity but Les was one of those people.  He will be sadly missed by everyone who knew him but most of all by his beloved Anita and my thoughts and love go out to her at this sad time.

Rest in Peace Les.