I was very saddened recently when notified by his dear wife, Carol that Les Bond had passed away. Les was a friend of mine and a wonderful, caring person, who was an inspiration to many. He was a loving husband, father and grandfather and he and Carol were married for over 50 years.

He was a long standing member of Lancashire Authors and since 2014, has been one of our patrons.

Les was an ex firefighter, who turned his hand to writing songs and poems and with his late Brother Alan, even submitted comedy scripts for TV, which were often accepted. He was also somewhat of an expert on Accrington Pals and went around the county giving talks about them. He was an entertainer too, sang songs, including some of his own, and recited poems he and his brother had written, sometimes amusing, sometimes reflective.

He also worked as a presenter on Radio Lancashire and presented folk programme Lancashire Drift for 13 years. I had the pleasure of interviewing Les in 2014 and said I was talking to a celebrity. Les replied in his modest way: “I’m the most famous fella in our house.”

When my wife Rita, Passed away in 2016, he came to the church and delivered the eulogy in his inimitable manner and for that I will always be grateful. Lancashire Authors is extremely thankful for all his great contributions as adjudicator, entertainer and friend over the years and he will be sadly missed by many people.

© Peter Jones 2021