Obituary - Brian Chapman

Brian Chapman "Chappers" - a tribute

With the passing of Brian Chapman, universally known as Chappers, the club has lost a fine former cricketer, a great Clubman, a friend to everyone and a much-loved President. The sheer number of messages on the Club’s Facebook page, tells you all you need to know about the affection in which he was held. Rightly the word “Legend” appears numerous times – a DTCC Legend indeed.

Chappers joined the Club in 1970, moving from North-West London where he had played for Schweppes. He became Club Captain in 1977 and held that role until 1984 - Colin Tibbett recalls that he was a good captain – brave enough to take risks to secure a result. He was also a great Club man – for several years he spent many hours each week during the season preparing the ground at Bull Pond Lane and then being actively involved in the move to Totternhoe. In September he was awarded the Colin Ennever Trophy for Life time achievement – never has there been a more deserving winner.

He was a very fine batsman, good enough to have opened the batting for Bedfordshire on a number of occasions. He was also a fine fielder, particularly catching close to the wicket, and a notoriously bad runner. He was a great netter, always determined to be the best he could be.

Chappers was also a regular tourist both to South Wales and, in later years, to Dorset. He was great fun to be with on tour whether it was announcing fines for perceived indiscretions or just in his cheerful manner. Whilst cricket on tour was always played with a smile, Chappers would always be determined to do his best – with the one notable exception at Skewen. Chappers must have thought the early afternoon rain would mean the game would be cancelled and had drunk far too many shandies by the time the game started at 4.30pm. It was the only time he laughed when getting a golden duck.

He was also an enthusiastic coach dedicated to helping young people. It says much about Chappers that in the early 1990’s, he gave up playing 1^st and 2^nd team cricket to captain the Sunday 3rds purely to assist the development of the colts playing at that level. His coaching skills are mentioned by Monty Panesar in his autobiography. He also spent hours coaching a young Rob Keogh and played a major part in his career.  

However, despite all his cricketing achievements it is as a great man that we will remember him. Always friendly, welcoming, happy to listen to anyone and everyone, inevitably smiling and a man who laughed easily, loudly and frequently.

When he became President in 2008, he redefined the role. No longer was the President a rarely seen figurehead, but a friend to everyone. With Lorraine and Tim’s help he grew Presidents Day to the event it has become. He loved DTCC and the club loved him back. He was also a great supporter of DTCC Football Club, rarely missing a home match.

When he was diagnosed with incurable cancer in 2018 he faced it with bravery, faith and the support of Lorraine. With the help of a trial treatment he defied the worst scenario until it returned 7 years later.

Chappers enriched the lives of so many people at the Club – a real legend. Our thoughts are with Lorraine and Tim at this sad time. 

Written by John McDougal with help from Frank Alston, Ian Keogh and Colin Tibbett

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Funeral Details:- 

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