PETER CHAPMAN, who was born in Hampshire in 1928, has died.
He was one of five boys. His twin, Jack, died aged just 14. After leaving school, Peter trained as a greenhouse man before moving with his family to Hambleden during the war.
After serving in the Royal Navy, he met and married Henley girl Margaret Clements and they had three sons and a daughter. The couple remained married for nearly 50 years before Margaret died in 1999.
Peter was a gardener, a job he loved almost as much as his fishing.
He made his name as a darts player, firstly at the Basketmakers Arms in Gravel Hill, Henley, which closed in 1972, and then at the Bird in Hand in Greys Road.
In 1974, he won the News of the World darts championship and the Kent and Swedish opens. Peter was once described as one of the “cheeriest and best dart throwers for many years”.
He played for London, alongside the up-and-coming Eric Bristow, for Berkshire and five times for England. Peter also enjoyed taking part in charity matches but was just as happy playing in local leagues or having a game with friends.
His time at the Bird in Hand also saw him using his gardening knowledge to tend the land at the back of the pub. He earned the nickname “Axminster” due to his hairy chest, which he often displayed!
Peter continued to support the darts team at the pub until he became ill last year.
One of his sons pre-deceased him. Peter leaves 11 grandchildren and 12 great grandchildren. His funeral took place last month.
Published on 17 August 2009
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