By Giles the Drunk
May 4 2005

You may know what I look like and certainly, if only from my message board tag, you know that I like the odd tipple but what do you really know about me? As the new co-ed on the site I thought now would be a good time to introduce myself properly and tell you a little bit more about myself.

My name is Giles Lester. Despite a ‘few’ greys I have recently turned the ripe young age of 34. I went to school in Slough to Licensed Victuallers School (where they’re building the huge new Tesco). I’ve lived in and around the Slough area all of my life, only once escaping to the relative calm of Cox Green for a couple of years soon to return to ‘my roots’. Believe me, as soon as finances allow I’m outta here!!

My roots are England and Newfoundland. My mother being a True Newfie who moved to England when she was young. I have a real affinity with the people of Newfoundland and I can recommend it to anyone who likes ‘unusual’ holiday destinations.

My only Irish connection until recently was having a cat called Murphy and if you go back far enough there are a few Irish descendants.

Recently however I have been ‘romantically linked’ (sounds like a tabloid piece) with Carmel (Colin the Dog, Colin, Staples, Camilla – delete as applicable) who has just moved in with me. She is Irish (from near Kells) and it is only on recent trips to Ireland with her that I have realised the startling similarity between Newfoundlanders and Irish people. A likeness that is mainly formed around their warmth, generosity, welcome and ability to party at the drop of a proverbial hat!

This is one of the main reasons I’m here – at London Irish I mean! I love the atmosphere, the real feeling of caring for fellow supporters and above all The Craic with these same people.

When BrianC approached me and asked if I would like to help out on the site as a co-ed I was honoured (admittedly I may soon regret the move!) considering my short involvement with the board and the club. I look forward to ‘serving’ you all in my co-editors role. To those who have asked ‘is he just going to plug is stationery business more?’ – good God yes ! To those who have asked ‘is he only doing this to get to the top of the gobshoite league?’ – no comment!

I’m as available as Brian and Griff who do a fantastic job on this site. If you have any questions or queries from now on then please do ‘use me’ at giles@londonirish.org .

Finally I’d just like to echo all of the sentiments on the mb regarding Subtel. Paul has been a great co-ed and I’d like to thank him for all of his efforts both on and off the message board.

GTD