From bridges and parks to mountains and lakes their names live on, but have you ever wanted to know more about the people behind these place names….
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IN THE heart of Taree is the Johnny Martin oval with its heritage listed grandstand and turf wicket. It was officially named in the sporting legend’s honour in 2013...full story here.
The oval and surrounding park which features a skatepark and croquet green was refurbished in April 2015.
Born right here in the Manning Valley, Johnny Martin was known for his friendly nature and up-beat attitude.
He was nicknamed ‘The Little Favourite’ or ‘Fave’ by NSW Sheffield Shield team-mates because of his bouncy, cheerful disposition.
He was an unorthodox left-arm spin bowler and hard hitting lower order batsman. He played in eight Tests for Australia during the 1960s and proved to be a handy all rounder.
He grew up in Wingham, one of 10 children of the manager of Burrell Creek's post office and general store.
At the age of 15 he went to Sydney with his cousin, Alan Martin and saw Sir Donald Bradman and Sid Barnes both score 234 against England in December 1946. This captured his imagination and he became determined to be a test cricketer.
He joined Sydney grade club Petersham in 1953-54, catching the overnight train to the match each Saturday and returning home that evening.
In 1960/61 he played of the five tests in the famous series against West Indies. His debut, at Melbourne, was the 500th test. It was here be produced his best performance at test-level, capturing three wickets in four balls. His victims were the champion batsmen Rohan Kanhai, Gary Sobers and Frank Worrell. He also scored a valuable 55 ffrom just 67 balls, playing an important role in Australia’s seven wicket win.
Johnny continued playing Sheffield Shield cricket for NSW while he also had one season with South Australia, featuring in 77 games in total.
Missing home, and not too fond of the city life, he returned to Burrell Creek to take over Postmaster duties from his father. When the post office closed, he began working for what was then the Manning Shire Council.
He continued playing cricket and, at the age of 38 turned out for Wallsend. In the 1969 - 70 seasons, John scored 997 runs and took 105 wickets. He then returned to where it started, the Manning A-grade competition where he played before finally retiring in 1990.
He died on July 15, 1992, after a heart attack, having survived one 20 years earlier and undergoing bypass surgery in 1984. He was 60.