Leslie. I have read, and reread all of the very fine and well deserved tributes to you, your skills and the fine service you have provided to us modellers over the years!
I include myself in that!
As a personal favourite, your CIE cattle vans are to die for!
At the exhibitions, I quickly came to the conclusion that you were one of the most gifted magician I ever had the pleasure of meeting! Why? Because my wallet always felt considerably lighter after every encounter. I never quite knew how you managed it! I just knew that we both parted company, each with a big smile! Without your service the modelling world would be indeed in a worse place!
I hope that, just because you wont be 'practicing any magic' after these two upcoming shows, you will still attend at some point, just to say hello and for a chat!
And always remember, and to borrow a line from one of The Eagles most famous of songs - "You can check out any time you like, but you can never leave"
Until Bangor so!
Eamonn