A FORMER president of the Bolton Badminton League and stalwart of the sport has died at the age of 93.

Les Robert was president from 1988 to 2009 and before that had stints as the head of the popular league. He was always heavily involved in the running of the league and its tournaments and encouraged generations of players to take up and excel at badminton.

Les was born in Jersey and moved to Horwich aged 13. He worked at Albert Mill before joining the Navy in 1943. He married Marian Almond, daughter of local JP and former Mayor of Horwich Henry Almond, and the couple were married for 68 years. They had one son, the late Eric Robert, who was also a well-known badminton player.

Les became a keen player, joining clubs at Victoria Methodist Church in Horwich in the ‘60s before moving to St John’s Methodist Church in Victoria Road. He was an active member of both churches including a long period as Property Steward at the latter.

He was a member of the Masonic Brotherhood in Horwich Lodge and latterly in Chorley Lodge, where he celebrated 50 years in Freemasonry. Les worked tirelessly for the Masonic Province of West Lancashire and his dedication was recognised throughout; his final promotion was to the high rank of Past Provincial Junior Grand Warden.

He is survived by his wife Marian, daughter-in-law Helen and his grandsons Andrew and Mark.

Ray Schofield, current president of the Bolton Badminton League, said that being president was “an ideal role for Les – as a figurehead, always a fair arbitrator and advocate that the game was played fairly on court and in a sporting manner.” Les would be missed by players, former players and committee members alike.