A Lifetime of Service and Remembrance
Chris Hopkins
After leaving school in 1970, Chris joined the Junior Leaders Regiment at Kimmel Park, Rhyl, passing out in 1971. From then until 1977, he completed trade training and qualified as a Physical Training Instructor in the Royal Engineers. Between 1977 and 1984, he served as a PT Instructor at several Junior Soldiers Camps before continuing as a Civilian Instructional Officer of PT. Chris later joined the Royal Air Force Auxiliary (4626 Medical Evacuation Squadron) in 1987 and served in two conflicts (1972 & 1991). He proudly carries poppy reflectors on his bag in memory of fallen comrades. Highly skilled across adventure training, sub-aqua diving, climbing, and numerous sports, Chris also qualified as a coach, referee, and instructor in multiple disciplines. In 2004, he retired from active gym life due to injury and arthritis, though his dedication to service never wavered. For the past nine years, Chris and his wife Joy have served as Poppy Appeal Organisers for Faversham, raising funds for the Royal British Legion, Help for Heroes, the Royal Engineers Association, and the Gurkha Welfare Trust.
Joy Hopkins
Joy joined the RAF Auxiliary in 1986 as an Aeromed, earning her wings in 1989. She served in Cyprus, Exmoor, and Saudi Arabia during the First Gulf War. After leaving the RAF Auxiliary in 1992, Joy became deeply involved in community work — including Rotary Clubs in Crowthorne, Reading Maiden Erlegh, and Menorca. She volunteered for Help for Heroes, later joining the Royal British Legion in 2017 as co-Poppy Appeal Organiser alongside Chris. Joy has also volunteered internationally, teaching English in Tamil Nadu and serving as a Trustee for her church and SATEDA, a domestic abuse charity. Together, Chris and Joy embody the spirit of remembrance, community, and service.
We thank them for all they have done and continue to do to keep remembrance alive.
