I remember being at high school. Alexander High, in Port Elizabeth. Ahead of me, in terms of years, was this drummer from our leading local rock/pop band, the Zeroes. Les Kemsley...he who played right handed....but, left footed.  I remember being at gigs, where other young aspiring drumers woould be watching....in envy. I can also hear them, as they went home and tried that limb configuration themsleves.......saying "I'm buggered if I know how he does it".

I t was a dream come true when one day, I had the honour of playing with the Zeroes at a. gig, because bass player Arnold Davidson had to go away. However, dreams became true when one day, I got a call to join Les and another friend, Gerry Van Wyk (RIP) to join them in a band. That band, which eventually had Uola, who later married Les, and her sister Laurene, caleed The Fruitless Discussion went on to play together for around two years.

At that age, as in 20ish, it was quite an experience, in a conservative country, moving off and living together. Of course, we pretnaded that Les and I shared a room. Heaven forbid that Ma and Pa Jerling, would find out that Les and Uola were actually sharing Uola's room. My sincere apologies to Ola for outing her....and to Donne and Kelly....whatever they told you was .......

Les, was the consummate tech head. I remember him owning one of the first Sinclair personal computers. way back then. then there was he obsession with "sound"  Les had this huge concrete slab.....actually, it was probably from a municpal drainage system. But, he was determined to make a speaker box out of it. I bet Uola rolled those eyes of hers many a time, with a big smile on her dial. We all did......Les was always ready to take on a challenge.

Nobody could disagree that Les, once you were a friend, made an indelible impression on you and in the most positive way too.

To Uola and the girls, as well as all Les's frineds, condolences. Stay strong.......and whe  life gets just that little bit fraught....ask yourself "what would Les do?"   Love to all from Sydney, Australia.