Tributes to leading figure of Yarmouth's 70s tourism boom

Leslie Shepherd, the town's former director of publicity and attractions in the mid-1970s, died on October 31 at the age of 93.

Born on August 31, 1930, in Sale, Greater Manchester, Mr Shepherd suffered from a stutter during his early years. After giving ventriloquism a go at the age of 13, he discovered his stutter would disappear.

Leslie Shepherd with one of his dummies. Picture - The Shepherd Family (Image: The Shepherd Family)This pushed Mr Shepherd headfirst into a lifelong love affair with the entertainment business as 'Leslie the Wonder Boy', performing at working men's clubs across the North and winning many a talent show along the way.

In 1959, Mr Shepherd met his wife-to-be Patricia and spent two seasons as a red coat in Margate.

Soon after, Mr and Mrs Shepherd had two sons, Alan and David.

The Shepherd Family: David, Patricia, Leslie and Alan. Picture - The Shepherd Family (Image: The Shepherd Family)Juggling domestic life with his passion for show business, Mr Shepherd began a long and colourful career in entertainment management, spending time in Skegness before making his mark on Great Yarmouth in the 1970s.

At a time when the British seaside resort began competing against foreign package holidays, Mr Shepherd was responsible for running the Wellington Pier, Gorleston Pavilion and other venues including the Winter Garden which he turned into a successful summer Biergarten.

A programme for the summer season in Great Yarmouth and Gorleston under the helm of Leslie Shepherd in 1975. Picture - Newsquest Archives (Image: Newsquest Archives)"He was a showman through and through," said David, Mr Shepherd's son.

"He brought a new sense of importance to the declining resources in the town. Dad kept the seasons going by introducing beauty contests, festivals and new attractions.

"He absolutely loved his time in the role. It fit his personality to a tee."

Leslie Shepherd with his infamous 3-foot-long python, Monty. 1972. Picture - Newsquest Archives (Image: Newsquest Archives)The "larger-than-life" Mr Shepherd forged many partnerships with showbusiness entrepreneurs, including the Jays, to help promote the resort's unique offers.

Hippodrome owner Peter Jay said: "We hit it off from the first time he came here. He was a lovely guy.

"He was famous for taking the front page of The Stage during his time in Skegness. He came in with a progressive mentality and promoted the stars in the town.

"It is very sad news, but what an amazing man Leslie was."

Leslie Shepherd. Picture - The Shepherd Family (Image: The Shepherd Family)"When Dad entered a room, he was the centre of attention," said David. "His personality just shone through.

"He was a self-taught man with an amazing drive. He worked very long hours, but Mum was his rock and a great support for the family. Without her by his side, Dad wouldn't have been the success he was."

A portrait of Leslie Shepherd with his ventriloquist dummies. Picture - The Shepherd Family (Image: The Shepherd Family)Following his time in Great Yarmouth, Mr Shepherd continued in entertainment management in Dreamland, Margate, before ending his career in Skegness in the early 1990s.

David said: "After his retirement, Dad had six months of retirement dos across Lincolnshire. He was handed a doll and asked to perform one more time. He had everyone there in stitches.

"It was as if time had gone back."

Leslie Shepherd featured on the front page of The Stage in 1991. Picture - The Shepherd Family (Image: The Shepherd Family)In his retirement, Mr Shepherd lived in Spain before moving to Bradwell to be closer to family. 

His interest in local tourism remained strong and in 2015, Mr Shepherd said of the resort's tourism offer: "Entertainment in the 1970s was the major attraction. 

"Times change, but I believe there could still be a place for it, particularly in the early and late seasons as an aid to extending the season. 

"There is still room for the showman in tourism; sadly, they are few."

Leslie Shepherd during his time as director of publicity and events in Great Yarmouth. Picture - Newsquest Archives (Image: Newsquest Archives)For the last eight months of his life, Mr and Mrs Shepherd moved closer to family in Matlock, Derbyshire.

Mr Shepherd leaves his widow, Patricia, two sons, Alan and David, two grandchildren, two step-grandchildren and one step-great-grandson. 

His funeral will take place at Gorleston Crematorium on Monday, November 27. Those wishing to attend are asked to contact Mr Shepherd's sons.