Martin Townsend

Martin Townsend

Martin Townsend qualified as an Engineer with ICL after which he joined his father’s scientific instruments’ company.  Following a number of disagreements – Martin decisive as usual, Father not – Martin told his father where to “put it” and ended up dealing in stamps and postal history!  That’s the short version; Martin really ended up in the philatelic business after Pearl and he showed each other their stamp collections, which is a move or three from etchings…

Martin started shooting with his father at the age of six; he has now represented Great Britain abroad on over 22 occasions so that clearly father and son had a sport in common and agreements also.  Known mainly as a Wind Coach, Martin has main-coached all the “Big Five” matches including the last two Palma Teams.  Highlights of Martin’s shooting career include the Centenary Match 1990 and several America, Australia, Kolapore, New Zealand and Protea (South Africa) matches together with the winning 1992, 1995, 2003, 2007 (Captain), 2011 (Vice-Captain) and 2015, Palma Matches.

Martin and Pearl (wife) spend most of their summer weekends at their “new” Poppy Lodge (Plastic Palace) at Bisley.

Martin would like to believe that he has always been known for his integrity and honesty.  However there was a time when both were questionable.  A customer had to return a set of stamps because the set was apparently incomplete – the customer was very apologetic(?) but Martin was able to complete the set by “giving” the customer the missing stamp.  When the customer asked if he owed any further monies, Martin said “no, of course not, just give me a smile”.  The customer immediately replied “I would if I could but I’ve just had all my teeth out”?