Meet Our Organising Committee

Chris Close

Chairman

Chris recently took on the role of Chairman in 2017 and has continued the family connection to CHAPS following David and Elizabeth Close and Brian Andrews who were founding members. Chris aims to continue to grow CHAPS over the coming years and to make it one of the most well-attended historical societies in the area.

Sarah Baker

Treasurer

Sarah joined the committee in 2022 and has completed an excellent job in her first year as treasurer.

Sandra Johnson

Researcher

As a keen amateur historian and local Collyweston girl, Sandra plays a pivotal role in carrying out research for the society. Sandra spends hours of her personal time to provide essential historical information to help with our projects.

Debby Guthrie

Secretary

Debby recently joined the organising committee as meetings

secretary.

Paul Johnson

Vice Chairman

As a Stamfordian Paul has lived in Collyweston for 14 years and has a great interest in the village and its history. Paul worked in Estate Agency and property for over 40 years locally prior to retirement and is now a Sale Room assistant and Auctioneer with Golding Young Auctioneers. Paul's previous experience will enable him to enhance the work carried out by CHAPS in their investigations.

Linda Ball

Membership Secretary

Linda Ball is a Fellow of Royal Society of Arts. She was born and educated in Stamford and steeped in its history from an early age. Since retiring from an academic career in teaching and research in creative arts higher education she immersed herself in a decade-long study of the medieval friars of Stamford resulting in the publication of ‘Grey Friars Or White Friars? In Search of Stamford’s Friaries’ in 2021. She lives in Collyweston and is enjoying discovering its fascinating history and contributing to the work of the Society.