THOMAS CHAPMAN was a gentleman farmer who lived and worked Folly Farm in Potash Lane for most of his life. An upbeat and kindly man he was always generous with both his time and money. For a number of years, he was chairman of the Long Marston & Puttenham Horticultural Society as well as being involved in all aspects of village life.
He particularly loved the Annual Village Show especially the ‘Stepping the Chain’ game for which he would always donate a bottle of whisky as a prize. The Tombola was also a popular draw thanks to his generous patronage. With his philosophy ‘never you mind boy, everything will be alright on the day’ he endeared himself to all aspects of village life.
It was therefore right that the Society decided to create a trophy to honour his memory –
‘in recognition of their outstanding contribution, over many years, to the life of the village communities of Long Marston, Puttenham, Gubblecote and Astrope’.
The trophy chosen was for Outstanding Contribution to the Village and the wording above, used on the certificate being carefully chosen by the society to reflect how the society felt about Tom’s contribution to the village during his lifetime. The trophy itself is a model of Tom’s old tractor and was made by Tring School.
The first time the award was presented, the Horticultural Society wanted to involve Tom’s family so they asked his son Adrian to come along to the show and he presented the first trophy. We are sure, knowing Tom, that he would have loved having an award in his name.
The Horticultural Society are now looking for nominations for this year’s award to be presented at the Village Show on 1st August.
If you know of a worthy recipient, please contact the Chairman, Vicky Hayes. Email: vmh604@gmail.com
Previous winners of the Thomas Chapman Award.
2001 Phyllis Proctor
2002 Eunice Hall
2003 Tina Puwar
2004 Brian Prior
2005 Christine Rutter
2006 Carole Harrison
2007 Daphne Bateman
2008 Ken Crawford
2009 John & Margaret Noakes
2010 Colette Bernard
2011 Jean Bygate
2012 Michael Tomlinson
2013 Glenys Jeffrey
2014 Serena Williams
Article by Toby Davidson.
Village News Article – July 2015.
Recent Comments