Tribute to Littlehampton school governor and magistrate

Les Carr, who has died aged 56, was a governor at Elm Grove Infant School for many years, much of that time serving as vice-chairman.

Head teacher Thirza Jago said: “Les was a true gentleman, a delightful man who always had the children’s best interests at the centre of his work.

“He was never afraid to challenge us all, but always in a non-confrontational manner. He was always the first to offer support when it was required, and praise where it was due.”

She added: “He was a great friend and champion for Elm Grove and will be very much missed by us all.

“His lovely smile and cheerful and positive disposition were an outstanding support to us all.”

Les, of Ruston Park, Rustington, also served for a time as governor of Cornfield School, Littlehampton, when it first opened and had been asked to serve as a transition governor for the new River Beach Primary School, which will open in September, replacing Elm Grove and Arun Vale Infant schools and Connaught Junior School.

Born in Wakefield, West Yorkshire, he was one of four brothers. He left home at 18 to work at the YMCA in Brighton and a children’s home for disabled babies and toddlers.

He met his future wife, Christine, when they were both on a Certificate in Qualified Social Work course at Bristol Polytechnic and proposed to her at the top of the Eiffel Tower.

Christine was required to return to West Sussex to work after the course and Les followed her. They were married in Crosby, Merseyside, in September, 1981.

Les’s career in social work began at Worthing Hospital in 1980. He then transferred to Southlands Hospital, Shoreham, for a time and worked between the two hospitals. He was also an approved mental health social worker and moved to Littlehampton, where he became a deprivation of liberty adviser.

The couple have two children, Philip and Rebecca.

He became a magistrate in 1993, and in 2002 went to London to audition for Britain’s Brainiest Magistrate quiz show, only to stumble on a vital question posed by Carol Vorderman.

His involvement with the Scouts in Rustington was with the Beaver section.

Les had no car and walked everywhere. Although not a regular churchgoer, he took part each year in the sponsored walk from Rustington Methodist Church to Worthing and back for Jumior Mission for All.

Many family, friends, colleagues and people whose lives were touched by Les’ work in the community attended his funeral on Tuesday at the Methodist church.

Minister, the Rev Richard Barley, said in his eulogy: “He was clearly a man who spent his working and personal life at the heart of the community.”

Mr Barley added: “At the centre of the many tributes to Les is the reality that he was a big man with a big and generous personality.”

Former Littlehampton mayor, town councillor Malcolm Belchamber, served as an Elm Grove governor with Les for more than 20 years. He said: “Les was one of those people you could always rely on.”