North Norfolk and French twinners, with Aylsham secretary Peter Oldman (2nd right) and La Chaussee-St-Victor chairman Beatrice Fessy, take a guided tour of Cromer lifeboat. For: NNN Date: 16/04/2009 Photo: karen bethell

A leading light in Aylsham’s twinning with France has died suddenly.

Peter Oldman, who was 64, was instrumental in the launch of the link with La Chaussée Saint Victoir in 2000 as secretary of the local twinning association, and a major driving force behind its success.

A French speaker, he had a passion for France, visiting at least twice a year and was extremely highly regarded by the community in the French twin town.

He helped organise the exchange visits to France, social functions and charity events such as sponsored walks, which were enjoyed by all concerned.

Mr Oldman was born in Flordon on in August 1948 and lived in several Norfolk villages until his marriage to Julia in April 1971 at Swafield Church near North Walsham, when he settled in Aylsham.

After leaving school he joined the TSB in Cromer for a couple of years before working for Crane Fruehauf in North Walsham for 30 years, until 1999 when the company was relocated to Dereham.

He stayed with them under their new name of FP&S until his sudden death on January 28. He was a well respected and loyal employee with many friends.

His community work also involved manning the Heritage Centre in Aylsham every Farmers’ Market Saturday.

Mr Oldman’s funeral will be held on Wednesday February 20 at St. Faith’s Crematorium at 2.45pm.