Years ago when we bought our cottage on Cavendish Bridge it signalled the beginning of a special period of happy times to be shared with a treasured and unique group of friends at the nucleus of which was Frank Green.
It was with great sadness that we heard of his passing but as we reflect on the happy times we spent together we smile as we recall our “early doors” at the Old Crown when we tried to beat Frank to the gambling machine jackpot, late night lock ins with Frank after he had called last orders and shouted with a smile “time to go home you naughty people”. Memories of Friday nights when Frank would become DJ on sixties night, Saturdays with John behind the bar (Mona on the piano). Fancy dress at the Old Crown on New Year’s Eve was a great night as was Frank’s birthday parties when I made him the most outrageous birthday cakes and we would party into the early hours.
Any holiday or sunny day meant a bbq party at ours, we have memories of Frank always turning up once the pub had closed or passing us down a bottle of wine on a rope from his kitchen window when he thought drink supplies were running low!
There was however more depth to Frank than just the popular publican; he had a caring heart, enjoyed intelligent debate - a well read commentator on current affairs or the latest soap drama. A quick witted virtuoso of one liners - he could be flawlessly funny. He had a gift for friendship.
As time passed and we moved abroad our catch ups with Frank became less frequent - the Christmas cards dwindled but we never forgot you Frank and thank you for enriching our experience of life and for the colour and laughter that brought us.
Sadly we can’t be there to say our formal goodbye but we shall from a distance raise a glass to wish Frank a fond farewell.
Our thoughts are with Margaret, John and family, we send you our heartfelt condolences.
Angela and Shane Sloman
Angela and Shane Sloman
09/03/2023
