Born in England during the Second World War, his family moved to Kenya after the war ended. Les completed his education in Kenya and then began his two years national service in the Kenya Regiment at the age of 18. Whilst in the regiment he became a member of the boxing team and fought many tournaments on their behalf, winning more than his fair share.
On completing his national service, Les and his older brother Sid, spent three years “in-country” working for the Wildlife Department trapping animals throughout East Africa, Uganda and the Congo for various Zoos etc around the world.
In 1965 Les emigrated to Australia, settling in Victoria, where he worked for TAA (Trans Australia Airlines) until his retirement several years ago. Les became a Freemason in 1988, a member of the Holy Royal Arch (HRA) in 1997, a member of the Ancient & Accepted Scottish Rite (Scottish Constitution) in 2003 and a foundation member of the Melbourne Shrine Club in 2010. He is the current First Principal of his HRA Chapter and the immediate Past President of Melbourne Shrine Club, having served in that position on three occasions. He is the ceremonial Potentate for the Melbourne Shrine Club Ceremonial Team and has travelled to Western Australia, Queensland and New South Wales in that capacity to carry out the ceremony.
Les has worked tirelessly within the Melbourne Shrine Club and as an executive member of Shriners Australia to promote Shrinedom across the continent with the goal us forming our own temple, which we have now done.