Lesley was born on April 30th 1960 in Darlington, County Durham, to Reg and Betty Lowson. Lesley was the eldest of three other sisters and one brother, and enjoyed a wonderful happy childhood in Darlington; in fact, her three sisters still live in the town. Lesley did not really have a nickname although her sisters always referred to her as “Les” Growing up, Lesley attended Central Secondary School in Darlington, and it was there that she developed an interest in music, especially brass instruments; so she started learning to play the euphonium. Lesley loved playing in the youth band and went on a tour of America with the band when she was about sixteen. After leaving school, Lesley joined the army as a medic. She served for about two years and met and married her first husband. Barry, her son, and daughter Tanya, were born eleven month’s apart and the family lived in Bristol until 1988 when Lesley’s marriage failed and she and her husband were divorced. Lesley and the children then moved back to Darlington, to be near to family and friends, and not too long after her return to the area she saw an advertisement in the local paper. The ad had been placed by the Aycliffe Brass Band, and soon Lesley had joined up and was playing again the music she loved. She also found another love… Doug was a cornet player in the band. [ I could say here that a notable relationship developed ]. Tanya also joined the band and at the age of eight started playing the horn, only to go on to the cornet, so she could stand with Doug. Doug and Lesley got married in 1995 at Darlington Registry Office, which amazingly used to be her old school building. Their wedding day was a little unusual as it was also the 50th Anniversary celebrations of “Victory in Europe”. That evening there was to be a big concert at Barnet Castle and Doug, Lesley and Tanya were due on stage. Straight after their wedding ceremony, they bundled their instruments into the car, and sped off for the concert. Lesley and Doug were treated to a free hotel room for their wedding night, for their efforts. Tanya said that she did not stay with them! Lesley worked at Woolworth’s and several shops and stores during her life. She worked for Aldi for a number of years and thoroughly enjoyed her warehousing job… she said it kept her fit. Living back in Darlington, the sisters got real close again, and each week would arrange a get – together day. It was the day each week for the chinwag of all chinwag’s; indeed, Tanya reckons that no-one could get a word in edgeways or any other way when Mum and her sisters got together to talk. Lesley’s hobby was her garden, but her passion was her family… she would drop everything to help her family; in fact, her joy was her family and their life together. She was such a happy person, led a joyful life and was totally happy whether out on the Town, or in the house with just the family around. Lesley’s family life was so important to her and she loved her role as Mum.. all else in life was a bonus to her. Doug and Lesley moved to Spain three and a half years ago; it was something that they had always wanted to do. When Doug was made redundant, it seemed right to bring forward their plans a little and begin that new life in Spain. Lesley loved her life in Spain, her home in Bolnuevo, and she and Doug started making really good, genuine friends here. For a short period she assisted at JJ’s Puppy Rescue and actually got their dog “Poppy” from the rescue centre. They so enjoyed walking Poppy around the area and especially up the Espuna Mountains; sadly, Poppy died earlier this year and Lesley struggled with the loss. For three fabulous years Lesley thoroughly enjoyed her Spanish lifestyle, the keep fit classes at the Playa Grande Hotel, and meeting up with new found friends; she really appreciated all her wonderful friends here in Spain. Lesley truly loved Doug and her children.. her son Barry and his partner, Sarah, her daughter Tanya, son in law Dave, also her Grandchildren, Craig and twins, Daniel and Rebecca; she was so proud of you all. Doug would like to thank everyone for their kindness, friendship, love, help and support towards them as a family… Thank you so much. God bless you Lesley.