Les Clyne set up the Forres Pony Trekking and Riding Centre where many local children learned to ride; in addition, he helped pioneer long distance trekking in the Highlands, and was a member of the Northern Working Horse and the Horse and Carriage Society.

One of his civic duties was his annual role of Herald on Horseback, announcing the newly appointed Gala Queen each year.

He was a stalwart of the Varis players and Forres Drama Group, performed at many local Burns Society events and won the Bothy Ballads competition held in Elgin.

He passed away in 2019 at the age of 91.

The Forres, Nairn & District Riding for the Disabled Group is once again holding a fundraising coffee morning in memory of Les Clyne on Saturday 18th April in Forres Town Hall. These memorial coffee mornings have always been so well supported by the community – raising sufficient funds each year to cover the costs of riding for one child for a whole year. This year, the Group is seeking further help from those who knew Les well.

Emma Gregg, Chair explains: “In 2019, we lost a Forres legend when Les Clyne passed away at the age of 91. He was a man of many parts – horseman, actor, soldier, comedian – but horses were such a huge part of his life starting from his early years in the army. He was such a generous man – and when we were fortunate to be the recipients of his funeral collection, we set up an annual memorial fundraiser to continue his legacy.”

Emma continues: “Every year at the coffee morning, we hear lots of stories and memories of Les. They are all so diverse – from opening the riding centre, carriage driving, entertaining the children with puppet shows, helping at the senior citizens clubs, working on the local railway and his long affiliation with St Leonards Church. It would be such a shame to lose all these anecdotes and memories, so we have decided to try and collate them with a view to publishing a small book”

If you have a story or particular memory to share, you can bring it along to the coffee morning on 18th April or e-mail to Susie Wakeham-Dawes (susiegibbs21@yahoo.co.uk) or by post to Torff Cottage, Brander Street, Burghead, IV30 4XD.

If you’d prefer to chat about it on the phone or in person, please contact Sonia Howell (0777 9082202)

Emma concludes: “This is a very exciting project. It will certainly make for an interesting read !