My name is Doug Chapman and I am a Sales & retention manager for a Wholesale Insurance Broker. I currently work in Croydon. I am a keen golfer and love socialising over a few beers and watching many different sports.
How long have you lived in the area? I moved to the area 10 years ago in 2013 but have always lived in and around South London. I grew up and spent many years living and working in Croydon before relocating.
What brought you here? I was lucky enough to meet my partner, Fiona, at a mutual friend’s party in 2012 and moved in with her a year later.
We live in a lovely house and I get to benefit from a beautiful garden courtesy of Fiona’s passion and hard work.
We have two cats who cause havoc around the house and the garden.
The most famous person you’ve seen or met? I think this answer has certainly appeared in the Last Word before, James Nesbitt who I bumped into outside the Palmerston during the Cheltenham Festival one year.
Do you belong to any groups? I am a member of Aquarius Golf club, which is a CASC organisation and I am just finishing my year as Men’s Captain. It has been an experience I have enjoyed, and I was lucky enough to be able to nominate St Christophers Hospice as my chosen charity for the year. They do such amazing work and my family have benefited from the care and assistance they offer.
What’s your favourite place for a night out? Quite often I prefer, through choice, not to have a night out. I love to go out late afternoon for a few drinks with Fiona. On occasion, this can sometimes continue late into the evening!!!
What is your favourite place to eat? I love to eat at La Querce in Brockley Rise. The food and service are excellent with stand out specials available.
Cafe, pub or bar?
Definitely, a pub for me. I frequent a few of the local hostelries around East Dulwich with The WGT, Great Exhibition and Lordship being my favourite haunts.I also like to meet friends in Gipsy Hill.
The book I’m reading at the moment.. The Man who died twice by Richard Osman. I love murder mystery novels / whodunits.
The best kept secret… The Aquarius Golf at the end of Marmora Road. Whilst it is not St Andrews, it offers a great local venue to enjoy a game and to swing a club. The staff and membership are extremely friendly and always welcoming. The views from outside the clubhouse are incredible.
Where’s your favourite place to walk? Around Peckham Rye park. I recently had a few months break from work and I tried to do a long walk around the park at least three times a week.
If money was no object..
I would make a really substantial donation to St Christophers Hospice in Sydenham. I chose SCH as my Captain’s charity for the year and will soon be handing over a cheque for over £2700 which we raised through various events at the golf club – the amount is tiny in comparison to what they need to offer the services and care but every bit helps.