Fond Memories.
Peter Franklyn enjoyed bowls to such an extent that he would re-live the game with his wife Pauline once he got home after a match.
He would replay the game using whatever he could find to hand( usually salt & pepper pots) to show the position of his bowls against the opposition and how he escaped from losing a match.
Peter was captain of the club in 1977 and 1982, he was also very proud to have played for the County on numerous occasions. he had a habit of whistling whilst playing bowls as a means of concentration and this earned him the nickname of “Whistler”
Peter Passed away in 1999 and Pauline asked if the Chestnuts would allow for a competition to be run in his memory. Consequently the Peter Franklyn Memorial was born and the Chestnuts ran the first competition in August 2000.
Colin was a member of the Chestnuts for around 36 years, in which he dedicated himself to driving the club forward. Colin was on the committee for most of that time, including being the treasurer and greenkeeper. Colin's time as a greenkeeper set the standard for the green to this date and his work is much respected.
Chris Weller reflects: Many of you will have known Colin as a bowler but many more as the greenkeeper of the wonderful playing surface at Banbury Chestnuts, which many consider the best green in the County, and now looked after by Martyn himself. What a wonderful legacy to leave the Club you played at for so many years.