I was waiting for the bus back to Cannock when I noticed the man next to me thumbing through a theatre programme.  I asked him if he'd enjoyed the play and said, I too, had been in the audience at The Grand Theatre.  Thus began a friendship that spanned 27 years. 

We sat together on the bus and discovered not only a mutual love of theatre, but also old films and film stars.  Lez had recently formed a singing group to raise money for animal charities, I spoke to the committee of a social group I belonged to, and Lez and his group came to entertain us.  He didn't tell me he'd brought his alto ego, Liz with him and the evening ended in hysterical laughter at Liz/Lez's antics.  Lez performed regularly at singing contests, and I supported him as often as possible, and each summer would see us back at the Grand for the matinee performances of the summer repertory season. 

I visited Lez at his home on several occasions with my husband and Lez painted a portrait of Holly, our lovely Cavalier spaniel.  We met his son, Stephen and viewed the wonderful work that Stephen does.  Lez wanted to see a film called War of the Worlds and like an idiot, I agreed to go with him. It terrified me so much; I kept jumping with fright.  Lez thought it was hilarious and, in the end, he gave up on the film in favour of watching my reactions which had him laughing with glee. 

Lez singing, 'Ain't Misbehaving' at one of the singing contests, is my dearest memory.  It was a perfect performance; he was just wonderful.

Sleep in Peace, my friend, until we meet again

Much Love Chris xx