CRICKET: Fun-loving Nichols dies at 77 (From Oxford Mail)

CRICKET: Fun-loving Nichols dies at 77

10:30am Wednesday 1st September 2010 in

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Barrie Nichols, a stalwart of Banbury’s cricket and rugby clubs, has died at the age of 77 after a long illness.

Mr Nichols, was Banbury CC chairman from 1980-83 and president in 1985 and 2008-09.

He was a major fundraiser for both clubs and a popular, exhuberant figure.

Banbury CC vice-captain Jimmy Phillips said: “Barrie was a great servant to Banbury Cricket Club, serving on the main committee right up until and during this summer, fulfilling many roles and duties.

“He will be remembered as one of the most fun loving and genuine members the club has ever had.

“The club’s best wishes go to Barrie’s close friends and his family.”

Mr Nichols played rugby for Newbridge, then Canterbury in Kent, before moving to Banbury more than 40 years ago.

He started the “Old Nicks”, Banbury’s veterans side in the 1970s and was club president in 1994.

In recent seasons, Mr Nicholls was Banbury’s stadium announcer and he was also master of ceremonies at the club’s annual dinner and awards night in May.

Mr Nichols, whose wife Marjorie died over ten years ago, leaves a son Gareth, daughter-in-law Julie, a granddaughter and two grandsons.

A celebration of his life will take place at Banbury Town Hall on Monday at 2pm followed by refreshments at Banbury CC, White Post Road, Bodicote.