It has been a great privilege to write for local newspapers & magazines over the past years and so, after retiring as an auctioneer, I embarked upon my first book as something of an experiment.
Although not financially successful – it was never intended to be – I was deeply humbled by the wonderful comments from readers, which gave me confidence to continue. I am deeply indebted to you all. If I may (modestly) quote Oscar Wilde: ‘I write because it gives me the greatest possible pleasure to write. If my work pleases the few, I am gratified. I have no desire to be a popular novelist’.
I make no apologies for the ‘non p.c.’ content contained in my modest tomes. If people are easily-offended then they are advised to leave them on the shelf and buy an alternative. (Enid Blyton springs to mind). Much of what we observe today seems, to us oldies, to be beyond parody and, to paraphrase Jethro: ‘We are merely bringing some much-needed cheer into what is all-too-often a cruel and upsetting world’;
Or, as my number one comedic hero, Barry Humphries, puts it:
‘The answer, I fear, is that there are a lot of people these days who are totally bereft of a sense of humour. It’s so much easier to shock people these days. I find it extremely provocative, and therefore inspiring, to find myself in a society that is so prudish when it thinks it’s being liberal. It’s ridiculous’
‘I have noticed that people who laugh at Sir Les’s most offensive, controversial, sexual sallies are old ladies. They love to be reminded that there is another attitude to the fairer sex which doesn’t entirely displease them’
Is Sir Les racist? ‘Oh I don’t really care. If people think it is racist, they’ll be sensitive to anything of that kind. You can’t pussyfoot around them. You just have to say what you think.’
In all books ‘names have been changed to protect the innocent’ (or not so innocent in one or two cases) and I offer my usual unconditional guarantee on all book purchases – should you not be 100% satisfied, you may place it in a neighbour’s Green Bag outside their front gate and your Local Authority will take it away ENTIRELY FREE OF CHARGE.
Acclaim
Your writings provide enormous pleasure and many guffaws to this old hermit. I’m counting on the latest piece being defiantly un-woke, of course. We must resolutely fight the good fight against those buggers….!
Have just had a visit from a local lad who said he laughed all the way through it. The humour generated was an excellent aid to digestion after Christmas excesses.
I have finished reading all of it now, not just the funny bits, you really have hidden depths under all that wit don’t you? Your book gave me so much pleasure, thoughtfulness and laughter and I agreed with all your ranting. The photos were very pretty too. Excellent plan for the next one, Sir Hartley’s letters need publishing.
Loved the book. You really got the atmosphere of the times right.
Many thanks for the laughter and nostalgia you have given me on reading your wonderful book. A little gem and greatly enjoyed – looking forward to the sequel.
I am in agony reading your book but still I plod through it regardless of the tears of laughter running down my leg. More more more (encore encore encore).