About the trust

treasurer@chagford.org.uk

Simon's dad was an engineer in the Royal Navy, so if you mention a Dockyard in the UK, he has probably lived near it! In fact, he was born in Wembury, just outside Plymouth. His grandparents lived in Chagford as did his parents and Simon briefly went to the primary school (in between Dockyard spells) when it was still in New Street. His children also went to the primary school in the village. When he was much younger than he is now, he was a keen sportsman. He was very good at fencing, one-day-eventing, modern pentathlon and hockey. He was not very good at football, rugby and cricket, where his typical innings was a Six, a Four, a couple of singles and then caught – vainly trying to slog another Six. Unfortunately, it was not always in that order.

Somehow, he got hoodwinked into being the treasurer of Chagford Recreational Trust in 1984, when it only had a tennis court and had only just started thinking about building the current playing fields. He took the role as a “swap”  for his previous role of mowing a (very) small part of the churchyard. Since then, the Trust has raised well over a million pounds on improving its facilities. They say that you learn best from other people’s mistakes – which is presumably why no-one has allowed him to swap the role back.  He sees the role of the Trust, not to be the “umbrella” organisation for the various recreational facilities in Chagford, but more the “seed bed”; being there to support whatever recreational activities the village wants to undertake.

In his day job, he and his wife Prue run an accountancy training business, based in Exeter but covering the UK. He is a keen promoter of all professional accountancy qualifications in the South-West, including apprenticeships, and is an active member of the South Western Society of Chartered Accountants, having been their President in 2006/07. He admits that for most of the year his hair is too long but then, most of his friends no longer have any hair at all. 

His philosophy is “People say that you retire to do what you enjoy, but if you enjoy what you do, why retire?”

Resident in Chagford since 2017. Richard is a great believer in the benefits of sport and physical activity for all ages as a means of maintaining health and supporting personal development. 

A former rugby player, very amateur cricketer and occasional triathlete and runner, Richard has been a trustee since 2018, previously spending four years as the Independent Business Director for Triathlon England and is currently also Treasurer of Chagford Cricket Club.

Professionally Richard spent many years in commercial and management roles in international motorsport, where he continues to work part time. 

To contact Richard, email: chairman@chagford.org.uk 

Alison is the newest member of the trust, having only moved to Chagford in 2020 (though has been visiting the town for over 25 years). Having finally made her dream of moving to Chagford into reality, she let a friend know that she was keen to support the local community, and was introduced to Richard. 

Alison's background is in project and records management, so she took the role as Trust Secretary, bringing this wealth of experience with her.

When she is not working, Alison is a keen hiker and an avid supporter of Exeter Women's RFC.

She also loves travelling and exploring the U.K., which she does in her trusty camper van "Jemima”!

To contact Alison, email: secretary@chagford.org.uk

Rod was born in Chagford and spent the majority of his life working in and running the family business of 'Webber and sons'. 

A founding member of the trust, which came together to construct the tennis courts, he was chairman from the late 80's until the early 2000's, overseeing the development of the playing fields and the building of the clubhouse.

Having played most sports and football, in particular, playing for Exeter city FC.

It was his wish, alongside schools inspector, Russell Kitchen, to provide better pitches and facilities for both football and cricket, here in Chagford.

Amongst other things, Rod, now looks after the bar at the Clubhouse and next year will celebrate 50 years of running the Rec Trust Lottery.

To contact Rod, email: clubhousemanager@chagford.org.uk

Our wonderful caretaker Simon or better known to many as ‘Porky’ has been a huge supporter of the trust from its inception to modern day. A pivotal member of both the trust and his beloved Chagford Football club.

Many if you will know Porky by his endless enthusiasm, selflessness and warm personality. Spending many hours working hard for the football club and the clubhouse.  

caretaker@chagford.org.uk

Kate is a born and bred Chagfordian and mother of two teenage sons. She is passionate about the local community and the provision of sports, fitness, recreation and wellbeing for all. 

Kate has been a trustee for six years. 

She is also a very keen runner and one of the founding members of Chagford Runners. 

In her work life, Kate works for the local reuse charity Proper Job, managing their 'Uptown' shop in Chagford square and coordinating their educational programme.

To contact Kate email: trustee@chagford.org.uk

Verity moved to Chagford in 2014, having grown up in Teignmouth.

Her passion for sport came later in life, after not being particularly good at anything but running at school - in her teens she found climbing and a lifelong love for the sport was born but the real magic was yet to happen. 

After several years of mental health and eating disorder battles, a GP referred her to the gym as part of the NHS new scheme to help long term mental health with exercise.

Through this, a deep passion for exercise was born and in 2018 Verity qualified as a Personal trainer and has since gone on to start a coaching degree with the University of Plymouth. 

Since moving to Chagford she has worked a wide variety of jobs within the community, joining the trust in 2021 as the clubhouse’s personal trainer and more recently undertaking the role of the clubhouse’s administrator.

In her home life, Verity spends her days exploring the great outdoors with her two beautiful young daughters and elderly dog.

To contact Verity please email admin@chagford.org.uk

Many know Christine already and do not need an  introduction to this wonderful member of the trust. After being a long time supporter of us, she’s has now stepped up to be our new swimming pool chair after the terrible passing of our dear departed Sue.

Christine has such a passion to see the pool go from strength to strength over the coming years and will be a driving force in making the pool a continued success.