It was approaching Mothering Sunday of 2023, Brian Purves, one of life’s great romantics, was desperately searching for a present for his wife.

Not for him would be the last minute bunch of wilting roses from the Esso petrol station, not for him would be expensive chocolates imported from Switzerland, Brian was about to have a light bulb moment, I’m going to buy her a chip van!

Ever since Sophie and Brian’s introduction to Tonbridge Angels, they had heard the clamour for chips, but the catering outlets at Longmead couldn’t serve chips due to their wooden structures being a fire risk. 

Brian sourced the chip van, his wife was understandably bemused and delighted in equal measure; the title Fries Like An Angel was coined and Brian lovingly worked on his purchase through to the start of 2023/24 when the hatch was opened and Longmead finally had chips, but not just any chips, if Carlsberg made chips …

Two seasons later, it is time for Tonbridge Angels to reap the benefits of Brian’s romantic gesture and following Saturday’s final home game of the season, a cheque for £32,965 was presented to the club, that is a huge amount of chips!

Thank you Brian and your romantic heart, the Esso station’s loss was certainly the Angels’ gain!