The Club was deeply saddened to learn of the recent death of a Club Stalwart, Les Arnott who passed away on 16 the October at home in Kethers Street.
At this sad time our sincere sympathy and condolences are offered to Les's Family Gordon, Gillian, Gillan and Struan and Hazel, Jon, Erika and Christina.
Les was born in Perth but soon returned to Motherwell with his Family where he spent his entire life.
He attended Knowetop Primary where he and Sandy Hunter were classmates and soon became inseparable, a friendship which lasted throughout their lives.
Les was also a member of Number 8 BB attached to Clason Church.
Les left Dalziel High School and joined the FP Rugby.
His contemporaries were such as Sandy Hunter, Jock Magowan Willie Miller, Robin Austin and George Barr who had also been a fellow BB.
Les was a very competitive player and his considerable athleticism employed in lineout jumping, long before lifting was introduced, always ensured his team more than a fair share of the ball!
Unfortunately, a recurring shoulder injury forced Les to retire at the relatively young age of 28.
Les studied hard and became a Chartered Quantity Surveyor ultimately graduating to the Senior status as a Fellow of the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors. (F.R.I.C.S.)
After he retired from playing, he became Club Secretary and after investing his skills in this post for a number of years he transferred his accurate and methodical way of working to the very important job of International Ticket Secretary a job he carried out supremely well from the late 60's to the early 2000's
This was a remarkable and crucial input to the Club.
Les was the third recipient of the Robin Austin Memorial Trophy in season 1970/72. A very appropriate tribute to Robin his young friend who tragically died with his new wife and in laws in an air crash in 1968.
In season 1976/1977 Les was made an Honorary Life Member another fitting tribute to a real club stalwart.
He was a longstanding member of Airdrie Rotary Club and a keen golfing member at Lanark golf club where he played regularly with his group including such Dalziel luminaries as Tom Dick, Dick Marshal, Harry Cockburn and Bob Paterson. In Ian (Mickey)McLaren's early days at Lanark GC he and Les were regular 4 Ball partners. Ian and Wilma were also regular visitors to Les and Robina's holiday home in Girvan.
Les always retained a close relationship with all things Dalziel and was a founder member of the Dalziel Masters Golf Competition held annually at Carnwath Golf Club since 1976.
Les was instrumental in raising cash at the 25th outing to acquire a more suitable trophy which was awarded annually thereafter and will be awarded again next year at the 50th Anniversary.
In Les’s later years he suffered from ill health and lost part of a leg reducing his mobility significantly
Les was looked after by his lovely wife Robina who herself fought a brave battle against cancer eventually succumbing in April 2020, a loss from which Les never really recovered.
And so, we say farewell to another club member who was one of the number of people who laid the foundations of our present.
The funeral Of Les Arnott
Holytown Crematorium
On Saturday 1st November at 10.30 am
All invited to The Alona Hotel afterwards.
Club Blazers, ties and club shirts