Les was a lovely bloke who was passionate about ordinary folks making music together - I can picture the look of sheer joy on his face when the rafters were raised by a rousing chorus in the tiny snug at the Beech. Les would always encourage anyone to have a go, without being pushy about it. The world - or at least this part of it - is a poorer place without him.

As well as his folk habits, he was a keen rambler, cyclist and caravanner, an active Labour Party member, a regular fundraiser for Gill Head kids activity centre and much more besides. An xlnt fellow in every way.