And it’s a good job he did, as other members had arranged a surprise for him.
With Les due to turn 95 years young on Sunday, March 30 he had already arranged a family celebration.
So, intent on giving him a good hip-hip-hooray or two, other club members decided to get him a cake and have their own celebration.
Les said he had a hint they might arrange something.
“I didn’t think I was going to make is here today,” he said.
“I had a fall, and was left with a few bruises. I haven’t been able to play (carpet bowls) but I’m feeling a bit better.”
Despite being a Nonagenarian, Les is still active and plays carpet bowls at the Seniors and Community Centre three times a week.
“I’ve been playing here for 14 years,” he said.
“And I played golf for 18 years before that. Benalla’s a really good town for sport.”
When asked his secret to a long and healthy life, he had two quick answers.
“No cigarettes and don’t drink beer,” he said.
Les said he’s worked his whole life in the north-east, so keeping busy comes naturally to him.
“I started off picking grapes when I was 13,” he said.
“Then I shore sheep for 38 years. I’ve worked hard all my life.”
Les met the love of his life Joan, when he was 21 and the couple enjoyed nearly 60 years of marriage, before she sadly passed away.
On top of his golf and carpet bowls, Les has always enjoyed a dance, and continued to find friends to dance with after Joan’s passing.
He said dancing regularly might be the secret to reaching 95 years of age.
“I met a lady, and we danced together for seven years,” he said.
“We danced 230 nights in that time. She was 81, and I was 83 when we met.
“And we spent 11 years dancing all the time.”
Les had a big family celebration, which took place on Saturday, March 29.
Speaking prior to that party, Les said he thought there might be a few people there.
“I’ve got three kids, 11 grandkids and 21 great grandkids,” he said.
“So it’s going to be a big party.”
