Welcome Old Camdenians
God save the King!
King Charles III is our new monarch.
The Old Camdenians mourn the passing of Queen Elizabeth II and welcome our new King Charles III. The club started in 1909 during the reign of Edward VII; and has continued throughout the reigns of George V; Edward VIII; George VI; Elizabeth II and, now Charles III.
Annual Dinner / Lunch
Old Camdenians Annual Lunch Form 2026
The 116th AGM was held in the Camdenians Hall at the school on Friday 31st October 2025. The AGM was followed by our 98th Annual Lunch under the stewardship of Ann Tennant and her team at Beacon High School.
Our guest speaker, Brain Heard, an Eminent Old Camdenian, gave us a very interesting account of some of the serious criminal cases that he has been an expert forensic evidence, which included his expertise in ballistics .
We do need your support to keep this yearly tradition going. So please put it in your diary for Friday 30th October 2026 and, if you cannot come, donate a seat so our new Old Camdenians at college can attend. The format for the day includes a tour of the school, followed by a reception with drinks, the AGM and then a sit-down meal with friends. Also, if you are interested in attending an evening event during the year, such as the quiz night or formal dinner please let us know and we will see if we can organise something for you. Use the ‘Contact’ button or drop me an email. Ray Rowe
We are using BACS and cheques to pay for the lunch on Friday 30th October 2026 and/or make a donation. So please contact the club secretary.
Club History
In September 1907 the gates opened to what was then the Camden Secondary School for boys; later the name was changed to Holloway. In 1909 a group of boys on leaving the school decided to form a football team and in so doing, created the Old Camdenians Football Club. Over the next few years an old boys association grew through the efforts of former pupils and the school staff, called the Old Camdenians Club.
There are many major changes in life that we have no control over, such as the recent State Funeral of Queen Elizabeth II and the accession to the throne of King Charles III. At this year’s 95th Annual Lunch, held on Friday 28th October, the loyal toast will be to The King for the first time for 70 years. The Old Camdenians Club was formed in the reign of Edward VII and endured during the reigns of George V; Edward VIII; George VI; Elizabeth II and continues in the reign of Charles III.
Many members are using and enjoying the OCC’s new website, which will be a year old next month. I wish to thank Dave Silvester and his team at Qwerty IT Services Ltd., for their continued support and especially with the recent changes to the website; the online payment processing facility. You can book events; pay subscriptions and make charitable donations via the website. You will have your own secure login to ‘My Account’ where you can manage your bookings, George Ives 50+ Club subscriptions and charitable donations, for example:- the Chromebook Fund and the Beacon High Girls Football Team Fund. Give it a try and let me know how you get on. With Dave and his team we have control over the changes so we need your feedback, which has already led to changes that have made it easier to use.
Recent Posts
Newsletter Autumn 2026
You are reading the online edition of the Old Camdenians Newsletter, Autumn 2026
Aaron Collingwoode-Williams
President, and Head of School, Lift Beacon High
Dear Old Camdenians
It is a real privilege to write to you for the first time as Head of School at Lift Beacon High and President of the Old Camdenians Club.
I joined Lift Beacon High in September, having spent my career working in London schools serving diverse communities across east and north London. Throughout my career, my focus has always been on improving outcomes for young people, raising expectations and creating schools where students feel known, supported and able to thrive.
I chose to come to serve this community because I believe deeply in the potential of this school, its students, its staff and our community.
I have been clear since arriving that our ambition should be high. Over the coming year, we want Lift Beacon High to become one of the most improved schools in north London, and our longer term ambition is to become one of the best schools in the country by 2031. We want Lift Beacon High to be a school of choice for families across north London.
That will take time. It will take a lot of hard work. But I believe we have the people and the potential to achieve it.
For me, this ambition is ultimately about what we want for our young people. I want every student who walks through our doors to receive an excellent education in every classroom, every day.
Our values capture what we want for every young person. Believe, Belong, Become, aspiring to be a light for others. We want students to develop a belief in their own potential, feel a strong sense of belonging, and leave us equipped to become more than they once thought possible, aspiring to be a light for others.
Since joining, I have also been learning more about Lift Beacon High’s history and the Old Camdenians. What has struck me is how many people continue to care deeply about this school, decades after leaving.
I think that matters.
The history of this school should not simply sit in photographs, records or memories. It should help us shape its future.
As President, I want to listen and learn from those who have known and cared about this school for many years. I also hope we can find more ways to connect Old Camdenians with our students today, sharing experiences, supporting opportunities and showing our young people what is possible.
We have a lot of work ahead of us, but I am excited about what we can achieve. My hope is that, in the years ahead, you will be proud of what the school is becoming and know that the Old Camdenians have played an important part in that journey.
With you, I look forward to transforming the lives of children through education. Aaron Collingwoode-Williams
Denis Piggott
Chair
There has been a big change at the school, as you can see. We welcome Aaron as the new Head of School and President of the Old Camdenians Club, and I thank him for his uplifting introductory message to us. It promises to be an exciting future for both pupils and staff, and we will of course continue to support the school as we have in the past. We hope to see both Aaron and the previous Head, Alan Streeter, at the AGM and Annual Lunch at the school on October 30. Do join us if you can.
Sadly we have to report the recent death of Bob Pearson, a familiar friendly face at the Annual Lunches, who regularly ran the bar. He had many friends among the old Camdenians and he will be greatly missed. Peter Sumpter writes an appreciation of him below. Denis Piggott
Views from committee members
Ray Rowe, Honorary Secretary
I would like to welcome Aaron Collingwood-Williams as Head of School, and as President of the Old Camdenians Club. I look forward to working with Aaron, and his team at the school, to ensure that they receive the club’s continued support .
Congratulations to Jet, Adriel and Andrew who were placed first, second and third respectively in the inaugural Sports Leader league table for the academic year 2025-26. A big thank you to Bill Wood for making it happen!
Panos Nicolaides and I were invited to attend Year 11’s GCSE Exam Results Day, at the school, on 20th August. Once again, our President, Alan Streeter, had included a letter in their envelopes inviting them as ‘new’ Old Camdenians to meet us and discuss the benefits of the club and to join us for our Annual Lunch,
At the Year 11 Proms everyone was asked to vote for:- the biggest crashout; the class clown; the cutest girl; the cutest boy; the most sociable; the most stingy; the most generous; the most likely to brighten your day; the most likely to be on reality TV; the all round brilliant person and who would become a millionaire.
Prom Award Winner – Oscar
Hopefully, some of the Prom Award Winners:- Albie, Ali, Atakan, Frankie, Iker, Kayjessoon, Khadeeja, Mateo, Peter and Reggie will be joining us. Come and join us too – book your table and have fun.
Also, you will be pleased to know that our 99th Annual Lunch will be held at the school on Friday 30th October 2026. The 117th AGM will be at 12 noon. This will be followed by the lunch, provided us usual by Ann Tennant and her team. Tickets are available so put it in your diary. If you cannot attend you can support a school Sports Leader in your place. They will have just embarked on their college studies.
Christopher Leroy Ramsey MBE, an Eminent Old Camdenian, is a former professional footballer and the Football Association’s Professional Development Phase (PDP) Lead across England teams. Chris has a had busy and enjoyable World Cup, but despite a full diary, Chris hopes to attend our lunch this year.
I do hope that all OCs read the school’s weekly newsletter, ‘The Beacon’, since it is a window on what is happening now with everything at the school including our Sports Leaders, girls’ football teams and other worthy recipients of donations from the club.
Lastly, I wish to thank all contributors to this, our quarterly newsletter, and look forward to receiving future contributions from all Old Camdenians who have a story to tell. Ray Rowe
Bill Wood, OCC Vice-President and Teacher of Physical Education; Primary Transition; Jack Petchey Coordinator at Lift Beacon High Academy
Congratulations to Jet, Adriel and Andrew who placed first, second and third respectively in the inaugural Sports Leader league table for the academic year 2025-26.
They supported 13 primary events; competitions, festivals, sports days and transition day and gained points primarily for the shout outs they received from accompanying staff and event organisers but also for their conduct, enthusiasm and rapport with the children they worked with.
They each received a certificate and a £50 gift from our sponsors the Old Camdenians for their fantastic efforts and aptitude throughout the year.
Bill Wood
Your Club Needs You
Please join the George Ives 50+ Club if you are not already a member
The club is grateful for any and all donations that we receive to make our contributions to the school. However, since we do not have a members’ subscription fee our only other source of income is through the George Ives 50+ Club membership. Please help us to realise future causes and help change a life by joining the George Ives 50+ Club, which is £60 per year or a standing order of £5 per month. A number between 1 and 59 is selected and that is entered into a monthly draw which is determined by the first two numbers drawn in the National Lottery. Prizes are £100 (£200 in November) and £20 (£50 in November).
It’s only £60 per number for the year; and you choose the numbers. Some members have more than one number. Indeed, some of our members love to hear that they’ve won, but give their winnings as a donation to the club. George Ives 50+ Club is our only regular source of income. Please let me know if you want to have a go and keep us supporting the students and the school. For more information contact us here.
The OCC Committee are pleased to announce that £60 per annum will be used from George Ives’ very generous donation of £1000 to the club, so that George can keep his number and continue winning. All George Ives’ winnings will be donated back to the club. Sadly, with the recent deaths of some of our members there are now some more numbers available for you. Please consider continuing to keep George’s legacy of using the draw to generate funds. It is these that we use and they certainly make a difference.
Micah Lwereere, Ambassador for the Billy Fund
I continue my journey as an Accounting Apprentice in the knowledge that my course and career path have deepened even more over time.
I’m forever grateful for the course that I am currently on as it is allowing me to become skilled at my chosen field faster than I would have thought possible.
To anyone considering tertiary education I would definitely give it a go. I found that it’s been great and I am excited for the next level of my course. Micah
Ligia Vera Cruz, Ambassador for the Billy Fund
Hi all
I recently attended my course orientation, and it feels very exciting to back in university after the summer break. Particularly excited to get into Land and Commercial Law in the coming terms.
I hope you’ve all had a good end to the holidays! Ligia
News and views
Where are they now?
You too can request details from our members to locate friends from school – just ask!
“A chance encounter late one night in Soho in 1972”.
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A chance encounter late one night in Soho in 1972.
The Meeting:
Towards the end of March 1972, Keith Baugh, a trendy art teacher from Peckham Manor School, was hanging out at the Bag O’Nails nightclub off London’s Carnaby Street. He was introduced to Johnny Nash and a quiet, smiling young man who introduced himself by saying, “I just the songwriter”. That songwriter was Bob Marley.
The Frustration:
Nash and Marley were deeply frustrated. They had just released Nash’s version of Marley’s song “Stir It Up”, but it wasn’t selling well and radio stations weren’t playing it. Marley even lamented that he couldn’t afford a plane ticket back home to Jamaica.
The Pitch:
Seeing their desire for publicity, Mr Baugh broke into the conversation and pitched a wild idea: “Why don’t you guys come down to the school in Peckham where I teach and do an acoustic performance for the students?”. Nash thought it sounded cool, Marley agreed, and Baugh used his connections to arrange the shows—leading them directly to Peckham Manor and Holloway School in 1972.
Sam Mafe and his younger brother, Stephen, were at Holloway School and have fond memories of the event, as do my younger brothers and many Old Camdenians from that time. However, Sam has never forgiven Stephen for keeping quiet about the free tickets to Bob Marley’s next event that Stephen attended.
While the 1972 acoustic school tour was purely intended to break into the Top 40 and land them a television slot, Marley didn’t actually make his official UK TV broadcast debut until May 1973.
The Performance:
The performance was raw, revolutionary, and shocked British audiences who had never seen authentic Rastafarian roots reggae broadcast into their living rooms. They played a stunning live, in-studio set that included “Concrete Jungle” and their own definitive version of “Stir It Up”.
The Impact:
This single TV appearance served as the massive catalyst for Marley’s UK career. Instantly, their Catch A Fire tour gained traction, and by the time they returned for their next tour later that year, their UK shows were completely sold out. Sam could not get tickets! Ray Rowe and Sam Mafe
Alan M Jones and Sam Mafe
John E. Aggar
I attended Torriano Avenue School until the age of ten (circ.1955) I was in the football and cricket school team with Bob Pearson , Bob was a year older than me I think. I attach some black and white team photos of us to share with you. I was at Holloway County, as it was then, until the age of 16 years. Can you recognise Bob Pearson? Bob has the Torriano football between his knees. From left to right. Bob, Peter Sumpter, me and Terry Jones, John Weaver top left I think – can you identify who are the others? John E. Aggar
In Memoriam
Robert (Bob) Pearson (1944 to 2026)
It is with a heavy heart that we have to inform you that Bob Pearson, a stalwart supporter of the Old Camdenians, died suddenly on Sunday evening 13th September, aged 82. Which was a great shock to his family. Bob leaves behind his wife Linda, a son and daughter and granddaughter and grandson.
Bob was born on 24th February 1944, and his first school was Torriano Primary, where we met. We have been friends ever since and we both went on to Holloway School. After leaving Holloway Bob joined the Old Camdenians Club playing football. Bob was the captain of various sides of the OCs. Bob then played for the Old Camdenians Vets side too. In his later years Bob took up golf with his friends from schooldays.
Bob enjoyed his sudoku and bridge and was a member of a local bowls club. Even when he didn’t play he always helped out when possible. Bob was a keen member of the OCC Commitee and always enjoyed visiting the school and speaking with pupils; especially those attending our annual lunches.
Bob was a big character and will be greatly missed not only by his family but by all his friends.
Details of Bob’s funeral will be posted on the website. Peter and Val Sumpter
So sorry to hear this news. Bob was a year below me and thus played in different youth teams around 1959/60.
A constant figure at the Old Camdenians but once more in different sides. Even the inaugural match at the new club house and pitch saw us opposing each other.
A solid tough centre half and devoted Old Camdenian that I was finally able to meet and chat with at the OC annual lunches.
I was expecting to do so again as he seemed to be someone who would go on forever. Alan Shearn
It is another sad day for Old Camdenians. Bob Pearson was a stalwart of the Old Camdenians for many years. I remember him as a gentle giant who would not let any one pass. He was respected for his talent and cool demeanour. Please pass on my condolences to his family. Brian Turner 1954-61
Old Camdenians AGM and Annual Lunch
The 117th AGM will be held in the Camdenians Hall at the Lift Beacon High Academy on Friday 30th October 2026. The AGM will be followed by our 99th Annual Lunch under the stewardship of Ann Tennant and her team.
Our guest speaker, Chris Ramsey MBE, will give us an account of his time at school and what followed.
We do need your support to keep this yearly tradition going. So please put it in your diary for Friday 30th October 2026 and, if you cannot come, donate a seat so our new Old Camdenians at college can attend. The format for the day includes a tour of the school, followed by a reception with drinks, the AGM and then a sit-down meal with friends. Also, if you are interested in attending an evening event during the year, such as the quiz night or formal dinner, please let us know and we will see if we can organise something for you. Use the ‘Contact’ button or drop me an email. Ray Rowe
