ADRIAN LEACH

1954 - 2015

It is with huge sadness that we record the loss of Adrian Leach, who passed away on 12th June 2015 after suffering a massive heart attack.

Adrian joined the Drama Group as a 16-year-old in 1970. He took the part of Willie Briggs, a choirboy in Pool’s Paradise. He continued acting in plays, pantomimes and musical shows until 1994 when he played Wishee Washee in Aladdin, and the Scout Master in Gosforth’s Fete at the Eastbourne Drama Festival. Adrian then turned his talents to the technical side of productions.

In 1992/93 Adrian served as Chairman of the Group when we celebrated our 25 years with a dinner, with special guest John Chapman the playwright. Since then Adrian has been Secretary, editor of the newsletter, Director of Pantomimes, photographer, Treasurer, and took responsibility for our website and internet booking site. His carpentry skills ensured we always provided excellent sets for plays and pantomimes, and brilliant carnival floats. He was also in charge of our lighting and sound systems. In fact, there was nothing he didn’t do. The words “no” and “can’t do” weren’t in his vocabulary. He committed his social life to working for the drama group, with Diane supporting him.

He was loved by everyone – who couldn’t love him? Quiet, unassuming, selfless, endlessly patient, always there to help. Adrian fought back from major surgery about 5 years ago.

He was one of the rocks in the foundation of the group who is totally irreplaceable.

Words alone cannot express our gratitude.

THANKS FOR EVERYTHING YOU DID … BUT MOST OF ALL THANKS FOR BEING YOU – LOVED AND REMEMBERED WITH A SMILE.

Jim Dobell

President