Nick Chapman

Occupation:

Computer Consultant

Current Residence:

Birmingham

DoB:

21st March 1952

Place of birth:

Kettering, Northamptonshire

Marital Status:

Married, with 2 teenaged children

Career:

Worked for British Gas for many years, starting as a trainee programmer through to project management and contract management. Have just started a 12 month contract as Project Manager working for IBM (UK) Ltd on a new billing system at Midlands Electricity.

How did you get involved in the project?

First heard about the project on Tomorrow's World. The programme mentioned the Internet site. As a result I joined the Mach 1 Club. On one occasion I remarked to Richard Noble that the Internet site wasn't changing and he asked if I wanted to help. Shortly afterwards I met Robin Richardson and Jeremy Davey, who had also just volunteered. Rebuilt the site with Jeremy and did regular updates from January 1996 onwards.

Responsibilities in the UK:

As part of the Internet team I am responsible for the Mach 1 Club pages, but I'm also involved with the production of Mach 1 News, Club administration, Access databases, computer consultancy (as required!), PR (issuing faxes and emails to all contacts).

Responsibilities in Jordan:

These included issuing daily Press Releases, and organising Press and visitors.

Responsibilities in the US:

I probably won't be going to the States, but I'm sure they will find something for me to do back home.

Previous crazy ventures:

Nothing quite like this!

Favourite Music:

All sorts except opera.

What sort of books would you read if you had the time?

Mostly factual, otherwise whodunnits and Sci-Fi. My favourite is Lord of the Rings.

Hobbies:

Mostly on hold, but I occasionally still do kite flying, especially Flexifoils.

What do you want to do when the project is over?

Get to know my family again.

What have you learned from this experience?

Lots and lots! Much about the Internet by working with Jeremy Davey. Bits of aerodynamics from talking to Ron Ayers. A different management style from Richard Noble! In fact, lots of bits from everyone on the project, as well as Land Speed Record history from Robin Richardon. As well as this I learned a lot about Jordan just by being there.