Linda Chapman, a familiar face to many during her 33 years in Ashtead, was recently ordained deacon at Guildford Cathedral. She is now the assistant curate at St Francis of Assisi Church, Ruxley Lane, Ewell.
Linda and her husband Gordon came to live in Ashtead in 1967 because they had heard so many good things about St George's and St Giles'.
In 1993, after many years as a children's group and house group leader, Linda became a Reader.
This meant she was able to share the work of preaching and leading public worship.
Two years ago, she began to train for the ordained ministry, and now also has pastoral and strategic planning roles in her new parish.
Linda's work for the church is unpaid and combined with part-time Mathematics teaching at a large comprehensive school. "The computer is a Godsend", says Linda, as it is her key to organising her busy schedule.
Linda Chapman and grandson Oscar
Linda, Bob Kiteley and Archie Coates at Guildford Cathedral
"Ashtead is a greeat plavce to live," says Linda. "It has a wonderful sense of community. I'm glad I'm not moving away, even if Sunday's are spent elsewhere!"
