Leslie Charles Sparks (19 Apr 1930 - 29 Nov 2020)

In loving memory of Leslie Charles Sparks who sadly passed away on 29th November 2020.
Leslie Charles Sparks (‘Les’) was born on 19th April 1930 in the small village of Wadeford, in close proximity to Chard, Somerset. He shared the same birthday as his father, Ernest, who was the local Co-op Store Manager in the village for many years. The store was not only his birth place but also the family home which for many years he shared with his father, his mother, Mary Anne Vera [‘Vee’] (nee Keitch) his sister, Norwyn and brother Geoffrey (‘Geoff’). He was the youngest of the three. He attended the nearby village primary school at Combe St. Nicholas and was later fortunate enough to secure a place at the Ilminster Grammar School. He was a curious young man and enjoyed practical activities. It was this that led to him eventually becoming an apprentice with the South Western Electricity Board (SWEB) to eventually become a qualified electrician. He stayed with SWEB all of his working life to become an Installation Inspector, eventually taking early retirement in 1988. As his career progressed he had more responsibilities and trained many apprentices over the years. His working territory also expanded as it moved from a few towns to several counties over the years. He particularly enjoyed being ‘on standby’ which he did for many years. This was part of his work where he was called out to breakdowns and faults during out of hours working. He relished the challenge of resolving faults, big or small.

As a young man, he had his own motor bike which was considered quite a novelty in those days. He did his National Service based at Merryfield Airfield, Ilton, Ilminster, during his later teens. It was at a local Methodist Church during a Candlelit Supper event that he first met Violet Jean Witney Swain [Jean]. From here, it was ‘love at first sight’ for both of them and that always remained the case. In 1952 they married at St. John The Evangelist Church, Tatworth, Chard. Initially living in Wadeford, they soon moved to a cottage in South Chard, close to his work base at Perry Street. Their first son Brian was born during this time. Shortly after they moved to Ilminster to a larger home when second son, Kevin, was born.

Whilst in Ilminster, Les was a stalwart of the community and supported many events in the town. He was the Treasurer of the Ilminster Town Football Club for many years and actively supported the team and all of their fundraising during this time. Saturday nights were always devoted to the Club’s ‘Bingo’ night at St. Mary’s Hall, North Street and the family were usually seen with him for this activity. He was also a very active member of the Ilminster Town Council. Standing as an ‘Independent’, he would always seek to secure outcomes that best represented those of the local and wider community. As a Town Councillor, he would often work in a multi-professional role and he devoted several years of his life helping with the transition of the town’s move from selective to comprehensive education and the creation of Wadham School at Crewkerne. With other Ilminster colleagues, Les was also instrumental with the naming of the School because the use of the Wadham family name and its associated links with Ilminster was deemed an important factor in uniting the two communities on a common and innovative long-term project. Les was appointed to be a member of Wadham’s first Governing Body where he stayed for several years as both his children attended the school for a while. He was also engaged with other projects which included researching and potentially building a new Sports Centre in the town. Unfortunately, this did not come to any fruition before he resigned his post. In 1988, he retired and moved to Southwood Grove in Taunton.

Upon retirement he continued to enjoy his gardening and loved spending time with his family. He regularly worshipped at the Temple Methodist Church in Taunton and enjoyed the activities with the Mens’ Forum. Religion was always an integral and very important part of his everyday life and he upheld all of his Christian beliefs. He was an active member of the ‘Golden Leisure Club’ organised by former SWEB members as he loved to travel and enjoyed outings and meals out. He enjoyed singing and was a member of three Social Clubs – each with their own choir. Les and Jean were married for over 68 years and when recently asked about the secret of a long and happy married life, Les felt it was a matter of respect for each other and sharing all aspects of family life. He is survived by his wife, Jean, his two sons, four grandchildren and two great grandchildren. A “true gentleman” in all respects and he will be sorely missed by all who knew him.