Chris Todd is married to Julia (Jules) and has two children, Alfie and Daisy. He has been a member of HT for about 6 years, usually attending the 11.15 service. He is a member of a POD group and a MAGNET Group and helps occasionally with kids’ activities such as the Sunday crèche and driving the minibus to Viney Hill.
What was your childhood like?
I was born and brought up in Aldershot – in St Michael’s Road. I went to East End Infants and Junior Schools, Heron Wood Comprehensive Boys’ School and then Farnborough Sixth Form College.
What’s the first news story you remember hearing?
The first landing of men on the moon in 1969, when I was 6. At school we all
crowded round the TV to watch it, as I remember it. Before that I can remember that my sister cried when Bobby Kennedy was assassinated in 1968.
It’s a great regret that I was only 3 when England won the World Cup in 1966, so I don’t remember that!
What jobs have you done?
I had a couple of temporary jobs after I left College and then got a permanent job at Nat West Bank, where I stayed for 7½ years, working mainly in the Fleet, Farnham and Alton branches.
1989 was the year when my life completely changed, as I became a vegetarian, met Julia, moved out of home and went to work for Rushmoor Borough Council, all in that year. At Rushmoor, I started in Poll Tax/Council Tax. Now I’m in ‘Democratic Services’, which includes dealing with Councillors, various Council meetings and elections.
And you’re also a firefighter?
Yes, I’ve been a ‘retained firefighter’ since 2001. I provide day cover and if my bleeper goes off I have 4 minutes to get to the fire station from the Council Offices! The Council are very understanding about releasing me, but I do need to make the time up.
On average, I get called out about once or twice a week, but it can be much more in summer, mainly because of grass and heath fires. It is noticeable that the number of house fires has reduced over the years, due mainly to safer electrical equipment and greater awareness from the public.
Have you always been a Christian?
No. There was no church input in my childhood….I think I went to Sunday School once! The annual Heron Wood School carol services were held at Holy Trinity and I sang in the choir and played saxophone in the band – I still remember them with great affection.
Was there anything in your background which paved the way for you to come to Christ?
When I was an ‘angry young man’ I was anti-religion; I fell for the line that it was all ‘hypocrisy’ and ‘the cause of all wars’. Even at this time, though, I (secretly) admired people who did have faith, as they always seemed so sure and at peace. I never felt it could be for me, though.
In the ‘80s, I first saw the film Chariots of Fire about the athlete Eric Liddell, who gave up his chance to win an Olympic medal by refusing to run on a Sunday. I still find that demonstration of absolute faith, so inspiring and moving. It was one of the triggers for me, without a doubt.
Coming to the annual ATFC Carol Service at HT was also important. I saw George up the front and thought ‘he seems like a normal bloke……I can understand him!’.
How did you become a Christian?
We saw a poster for the Alpha course and Jules, who’d had similar feelings to me, said ‘what about it?’ Jules did one first and we started coming to church on a Sunday and then I did the next one. This helped to put all the bits into place and I realised I could have for myself what I had envied in others.
Has your life as a Christian been all plain sailing?
No, I still think of myself as a ‘novice’ and I look up to and try to learn from others in the church. I’ve had times of questioning; ‘Am I a fraud? Do I really believe it?’ But when you step back and take a breath, you realise there is only one truth.
It’s challenging to be a Christian in the fire service; it makes me different from most of the other fire fighters…….but that’s good.
Would you recommend being a Christian to others?
There is no other way!
Holy Trinity Church Aldershot