In Memory of Fred Chappell Fred was born on 16th October 1907 and lived to be 97 years old. He married Nellie at the age of 25 in 1932 and was married to her for 58 years until she sadly passed away in 1990. A big part of their early life was spent journeying due to Fred’s job as a Quantity Surveyor in the Air Ministry. He undertook a tour in Iraq just after they married and spent the Second World War in London in the Home Guard. After the war further tours of duty abroad followed until he was posted to London and finally settled in Brookwood. Fred’s life was not always full of wonderful experiences there were times of suffering too, but he carried them and through his final suffering has entered into his glory, for he knew Jesus as his Lord and Saviour. Fred lived his life as a "man with a mission." He was as the saying goes “A good Christian man”. Following his move to Brookwood he and Nellie got involved in Brookwood Methodist Church. Fred was a stalwart of the church, he and Nellie were at the centre of the church's life. One could argue that with one or two others they were Brookwood Methodist Church. Fred was Senior Steward and was involved in Brookwood's final closure and had strong feelings regarding the churches sale which sadly were not in the end respected. The church was part of village life – something else that Fred was committed to- and his desire was to see others come to a faith in God. Fred shared his love of God with each of us that we his friends, relatives and neighbours might become aware of God and accept him just as Fred did in his own life. Fred was also a man with a goal. who achieved many things in his life. He loved his amateur dramatics, singing, and dancing – he was an all rounder and a key part of the autumn club. He loved his garden and he loved his dog. Dogs would stay a part of his life and following Nellie’s death Fred and Irene would enjoy their times together walking the dog. In the months before his death Fred confided that he didn’t want to live to 100 he felt he was ready to go home to his maker, his Lord and his God. And when he did it was quick, he deteriorated rapidly in the space of one week taking his final curtain bow. Other Memories Fred was a member and leader of Brookwood Methodist Church for many years, until it's closure. Along with his wife Nellie, he kept the church open, when others would have had it closed, so that the elderly folk of Brookwood village had a place to worship. It had a wonderful loving atmosphere, in no small part due to Fred, who took on the roles of all the necessary posts in order that the church would survive. Even when there were troubles with the electrical circuits of the church, Fred installed two large flood lights so that worship could continue. After nearly every evening service a sing song and a good cup of tea would be taken, it was a way of caring for the elderly who had little else to do, and Nellie and Fred were very good at that. Knaphill supported them in many ways and one was to help out with playing the piano or harmonium at the services which were held both at 11am and 6.30pm. We were fortunate to have more than one organist at the time and our Ted Bolingbroke would go and play for them. When the Brookwood church finally closed, Fred became a member of our community at Knaphill where he loved to sing, and some of us will remember his wonderful bass voice. His other talent was his monologues, both funny and serious which he would render at our concerts. If anyone laid up treasure in heaven it was Fred Chappell, who gave so much of his life in service to God. Leading, Caring, Sharing, within the church that he loved. He gave so much of his time and money in maintaining it inside and out to the glory of God. I am sure he is at peace with his Saviour and Lord. Thanks go to Rev Nick Oborski for added information Back To Memories