Linda & John Chapman

Linda went to Brockenhurst GS, then to B'ham Uni to read Phys. Ed & Geography. She was a PE Teacher at Combe Girls School, New Malden for 3 years, taught in Canada for 1 year & then became a Mum! After the family moved from Market Bosworth & Potters Bar to Tonbridge in 1981 Linda was a P/T DofE Award Field Officer from 1982 – 2010 and continued her involvement with DofE volunteering with www.tonbridgegold.co.uk

She has done supply teaching, taught preschool gym, badminton and Tennis From 1989 – 2007 she taught PE P/T at Hilden Oaks School. She was a member & had many roles on the committee of Tonbridge Tennis Club from 1982 – 2018. She was surprized to be given a T&MBC Lifetime Achievement Award in 2009 for trying to promote tennis in Tonbridge! Much to her utter amazement she was awarded an MBE in 20011 and received the honour from Princess Anne at Buckingham Palace!

John went to Bradford GS and played for 2 years for Yorkshire Schoolboys Rugby team. At Birmingham Uni he read Phys. Ed & German & met Linda! He taught PE at Reigate GS, then in Canada on a year’s exchange programme, returning to Horley for a year. He became a Community Youth Tutor at Desford College, Leicestershire. After fracturing his skull on an outdoor pursuit course, he got an MSC at Loughborough Uni. He became Manager of QE Sports Centre, Barnet, & then the first Manager of The Angel Centre, Tonbridge. Later he managed The Pagoda Youth Centre, Tunbridge Wells and met Princess Anne when it was opened. After meningitis he taught PE at Valence Special School for a couple of years and then PT as a Teacher's Assistant at Hugh Christie Technical College & was Kent's Associate Officer for Boccia. After moving to Tonbridge. he joined Tonbridge Cricket Club & played & umpired for them until his knees a hip needed replacing! He has been a regular member of Tonbridge Methodist Church and has been involved with a local disabled charity for 25 years. He joined Tonbridge Lions Club in 1983 & was President in 1998.