Melton couple celebrate 65th wedding anniversary

Les, who is 88, is well known to many as the founder of the town’s B&H Printers - now called B&H Midland Services - and he was also a vigorous charity fundraiser and a prominent local sportsman.

Joan (86) has also spent many years raising money for important causes and was rewarded for her efforts with a certificate of achievement from Buckingham Palace.

The couple were married at St Mary’s Church in Melton in March 1955 after meeting while Joan was working at Woolworths, the job she took after leaving school.

Les served a two-year National Service stint with the RAF after initially working as a pattern maker at Holwell Works.

After returning to Holwell, a friend offered him the opportunity to manage the town television shop, Multibroadcast.

Les went on to start his own business in Melton, Halls Televisions in Market Place, partnering with Tom Hall, who was no relation.

In 1971, Les went into partnership with the then Nottingham Forest goalkeeper, Jim Barron, to set up B&H Printers, in Mill Street.

The shop was opened by former Leicester City and Derby County star David Nish.

The business, which has since relocated to Norman Way, is now known as B&H Midland Services and is run by the couple’s three sons, Graham, Steven and Stuart.

Les struck up with friendships with many top professional footballers, including Alan Birchenall, Keith Weller, Jon Sammels, Don Masson and Jimmy Sirrell.

And many of them played in charity matches he organised against teams of celebrities, raising thousands of pounds for local charities.

Les was a keen footballer in his younger years, playing for Holwell Works FC from the age of 16 and he was also a talented wicket-keeper and batsman in local cricket.

Bowls was another passion of his and Les is credited with being instrumental in getting Melton Indoor Bowls Club built in the town in 1987.

He was president of both the indoor club and the Melton outdoor club, as well as serving in the same role for the county and regional bowling associations and being an EIBA England selector.

Away from sport, Les was president of the Melton Mowbray Mencap Society.

After bringing up their children, Joan worked at Halls Televisions and B&H Printers, where they both worked until retiring.

The couple also have six grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.