You are reading the online edition of the Old Camdenians Newsletter, Summer 2026

Dear Old Camdenians

A Final Word.

There’s a particular kind of pride that comes from watching a school change shape in front of you. Not overnight, not in one dramatic sweep, but term by term, cohort by cohort — until one day you look up and realise the place you’re standing in isn’t quite the one you started in. That’s the feeling I want to leave you with as I write my words for this newsletter and leave this wonderful school.

When I arrived at Holloway School in 2018, it felt like an unhappy place. What’s struck me most in the years since isn’t any single initiative or result, though we’ve had plenty worth celebrating — it’s the steady, deliberate way this school has grown into itself. We’ve built something real here for our young people, particularly those who most need us to get it right: sharper thinking about how we support our students, a stronger sense of what genuinely moves outcomes rather than just what looks good on paper, and a culture where high expectations and real care sit comfortably side by side.

I’ve watched classrooms become calmer and more purposeful. I’ve watched staff take on challenges — curriculum redesign, new ways of tracking and supporting learners, the shifting demands of inspection and accountability — and meet them not with weariness but with genuine curiosity about doing right by the students in front of them. That’s not a small thing. Schools can drift into simply coping. This one kept choosing to improve.

None of that happens because of one person at the top. It happens because of staff who stayed late, governors who asked the right hard questions, and students who showed up and tried, even on the days that it was genuinely difficult.

It also happens because of you — our alumni. I think of the Old Camdenians who came back to speak at careers events, who returned to mentor current students, who gave their time to remind a new generation of what’s possible from these corridors. I think of the letters and messages from those of you who wanted to know how the school was faring, and who never quite let go of the place, even decades on. I think of the way your continued interest in this school — your questions, your visits, your willingness to stay connected — has been its own quiet vote of confidence in what we’ve been building.

Some of you have watched this school change over many years, from your own time here to the school it is today. Seeing that continuity — a school’s story carried forward by the generations who passed through it — has been one of the quiet privileges of this job. If I’ve done my job well, it’s because I got to stand on the shoulders of all of that.

So this isn’t a goodbye tinged with sadness — it’s one full of genuine celebration. I’m leaving a school that is, in every measure that matters, stronger than the one I joined. That’s the best gift I could have hoped for, and I’ll carry it with real gratitude.

Thank you for the years, the growth, and the trust — to every Old Camdenian who stayed connected, supported the school, and believed in it even as it changed shape. What we have built here will carry on long after I’ve gone.

With warmth and thanks,

Alan Streeter (President 2018-2026)

No doubt many of you will happily own up to being either Arsenal or Tottenham supporters. Whichever it is, you will have experienced a rather worrying time at the end of this last season, but for quite different reasons: Arsenal wondering if their top spot for so long would be overtaken by Manchester City , and Spurs narrowly avoiding relegation. The thought of Arsenal missing out yet again on winning the Championship was almost unbearable, as was, indeed, Spurs facing the indignity of relegation. This local derby rivalry is one of the the strongest in the game, and is certainly on a par with the two Manchester clubs. As far as the supporters are concerned, there doesn’t seem to be anything particularly nasty happening when the two sides meet, so let’s hope it stays that way and never goes beyond the ‘ friendly. By the way, as I believe I mentioned before in these columns, I am an out-and-out Gooner, but quite harmless I can assure you.

The extremely hot weather of late will not of been ideal for those of you trying to study for exams, but that is just something we can do little about. Nevertheless, the Old Camdenians Club sincerely hope that those of you that have been studying will have found ways of doing so without too much trouble, and that your results are just exactly what you wanted. Alan Meyer

Alan Streeter’s decision to step down is a bolt from the blue. He has achieved extraordinary results during his tenure at the school, and his generous tribute to the role of the Old Camdenians Club is greatly appreciated. We thank him for all he has done and wish him all the best for the future.

As for Alan Meyer’s remarks, being a Tottenham fan, I can certainly echo his observations on the rather differing fortunes of our respective clubs. I am sure both sets of supporters eagerly look forward to what next season brings.

So far this summer has been one of high heat and Harry Kane. With any luck, the former will be a lot less enduring, and those taking exams will not be too distracted. Good luck and best wishes to all of them.

On the subject of World Cups, see below for the message from our distinguished alumnus Laurence Marks about his latest film project, which tells the story of the theft of the Jules Rimet trophy in 1966 and its subsequent recovery by Pickles the dog. Many of us “old boys” will remember the episode and we greatly look forward to seeing Laurence’s comedy-thriller.

Sadly in spring we lost a stalwart supporter of the club, Patrick “Paddy” Jones, whose funeral in Hoddesdon was attended by many of his old school friends. See below for Ray’s report on the funeral, an appreciation of Paddy’s life, and messages from his old friends. Denis Piggott

Little to report this summer. The school is in full swing with exam time. For the year 11s these exams are important for their futures and we wish them well. Panos Nicolaides

Thank you Alan for all the support, guidance and advice that you have given me in my role as Honorary Secretary to the club. We have achieved much these past nine years: Chromebooks during the Covid 19 pandemic; the School Choir; the Girls’ Football Teams’ kit; Sports Bursaries; Sports Leaders T shirts; benches in the Peace Garden; donation to the ESC Student Leadership Team; the naming of the ‘Camdenians Hall’; placing George & Pam Ives’ photo for all to see; allowing the club to hold our annual meetings and lunches; sponsor Year 11’s Proms; your President’s letter to all school leavers that they are new ‘Old Camdenians’ -our future; and the Quiz night organised by Bill Wood where all the proceeds went to Comic Relief and you were on the winning team. You will always be an Old Camdenian. Best wishes for the future

Alan and Ray Quiz Night

You will see below that there was a very good turnout of Old Camdenians at Patrick (Paddy) Jones’s funeral and reception afterwards – Phil Cowley, Peter Sumpter, Bob Pearson, John Maskell, Martin Quilter and me. We joined family and friends at the Galley Hall pub, where we celebrated Patrick’s life. He was a stalwart supporter of the club and a founding member of the George Ives’ 50+ Draw, which raises funds that we disburse to the school and students – thank you Paddy!

Once again the Old Camdenians sponsored Year 11’s 2026 Prom Night, but this year on board MV Golden Star, organised by Natalie Mountjoy, Emma Dufeal and Team Lift Beacon High. I attended and had a wonderful time and look forward to seeing all Year 11 students on Thursday 20th August – Exam Results Day. Below, Natalie Mountjoy gives thanks to the club’s sponsorship and shares some photos that will be placed on the website.

Also, Jonathan Deane, 2 i/c SEN Department, Horticultural Course Leader, reports on the Environment, Sustainability, and Community (ESC) student leadership teams’s recent visit to the Natural History Museum sponsored by the club. Also, thanks to Bill Wood for his excellent updates on the girls’ football teams, Sports Leaders and OCC Sports Bursaries – well done.

I wish to thank Micah and Ligia, Ambassadors of the ‘Bill & Nora Wraight Old Camdenians Memorial Fund’ – affectionately known as ‘The Billy Fund’, for their updates (see below). We wish them well in their chosen careers. If any student is considering applying for an OCC bursary please contact Micah, Ligia or me.

Also, I wish to thank Dr Laurence Marks for his email Coming full circle from Hilldrop Road to Hollywood‘ (see below) making me think about what was I doing in 1966 – well he does keep a diary. I wish him well with this venture.

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

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.

I hope you’re all having a lovely summer.

I just wanted to say thank you again for your support over my first few months as an ambassador. I’m pleased to share that I’ve successfully completed my Foundation Year in Law at university, achieving high results with marks in the 70s and above.

I have taken on a fun summer job to keep active and working before returning to university for the next stage of my Law degree. Thank you once again, and I hope everyone is staying cool over the summer. Ligia

You too can request details from our members to locate friends from school – just ask!

                                                                                                        Maurice Gran and Laurence Marks

In the summer of this year, 60 years on – as Elton John once sang – we begin shooting Maurice and my movie entitled, quite simply, 1966. It tells the story of how the Jules Rimet trophy was stolen, the panic that the World Cup would be called off, the police investigation, and how the trophy was found a week later by a dog called Pickles, in South Norwood. I am quite sure that you remember the event. Our movie is a comedy-thriller and I can’t yet tell you who will star in it, or who will play Pickles, because the Hollywood studio that is making the film are still in the process of casting it. I also don’t know just where the movie will be shot. Hopefully, London.

But in a recent interview for a US newspaper (see photograph above), I was asked “What were you doing in the summer of 1966“, to which I replied, “Probably dreaming of becoming a writer, in the playground outside the Old Building of Holloway School.” As you know, I keep a diary and did so back in 1966, so I probably can look up precisely my feelings during the March that the Jules Rimet trophy was nicked from the Westminster Methodist Hall where it was on display at the Stanley Gibbons philately exhibition. I was soon to sit exams, which was supposed to be an indicator as to where my future lay. But it didn’t work out that way.

Who knows how the movie will turn out, but it probably will be released during the year of the 2026 World Cup Finals, and if by some magical quirk it gets shortlisted for an award I shall disappear into a dreamy haze, remembering feeling ‘imprisoned’ in the playground of my school. “There must be a more exciting world out there than anything anyone has told me about“, was the thought of that 17-year-old. And there was. If only I could manage to find it.

I write this to you from thousands of miles from home, in the hot sunshine, and during a time of world insecurity and uncertainty. All the best. Laurence Marks

Patrick Joseph Jones (Paddy) (1944 to 2026)

We are sorry to announce the death at the age of 81 of Patrick Joseph Jones (Paddy) on 24th April 2026 in Lister Hospital, Stevenage.

Pat was born on 6th August 1944 in London and grew up in Holloway not far from the school. He joined Holloway School in September 1955 and he was there until 1960. Soon after leaving school he joined the Merchant Navy for about three years. When he came back a friend suggested he joined the Old Camdenians football club and Pat played for them for a number of years. He continued playing football for the veteran’s side until he was 40+ years. (Pat had a great rapport with the referees, who would often ask for his autograph!)

As well as enjoying football he was a regular golfer and also played and toured with a group of friends from the school, calling themselves “The Cowley Golf Society” .

Pat was always the life and soul of any party with his stories and jokes and he will be sorely missed by his close group of friends from the school. His chatty nature helped with his working career in sales including Heinz and Bard medical equipment company which sometimes involved Pat attending operations. Phil Cowley & Peter Sumpter

Patrick’s funeral took place on 21st May at Wollensbrook Crematorium, Hoddesdon. There was a very good turnout of Old Camdenians:- Phil Cowley; Peter Sumpter; Bob Pearson; John Maskell; Martin Quilter and myself. Afterwards, we joined family and friends at the Galley Hall Pub, where we celebrated Patrick’s life. He was a stalwart supporter of the club and a founding member of the George Ives’ 50+ Draw, which raises funds that we disburse to the school and students – thank you Paddy!

Stewart Jones, Patrick’s son, has allowed us to publish his eulogy to our Patrick. Ray Rowe

Eulogy:

Patrick Joseph Jones was born on the 6th of August 1944 in Paddington. He was the only son of Lillian Jones, and a loving brother to Maureen and Margaret. The family lived together in Warwick Avenue, and then the family moved on to Holloway and Buckhurst House.

Dad spent much of his formative years in this area. He attended Holloway County Grammar School from 1955-60 and formed friendships that would last a lifetime — many of whom are here with us today.

After leaving school, Dad joined the Merchant Navy. For several years, he travelled the world, working on cruise ships and embracing adventure. That experience sparked something in him — a love of travel that never left him.

Dad met Mum in 1965 and they were married on 14th October 1967 at Westminster Cathedral. I came along in April 1974, with Duncan completing the family unit two years later. Family was hugely important to Dad. Supporting his mum and extended family in Norfolk from afar, he would make regular visits, arranging work appointments during the week at Cromer Hospital so he could stay with Nan, to weekend visits bringing his family along. And when Mum & Dad went out for an evening, he would always tell me and Duncan to give Nan a call. Family was everything to Dad and he instilled this value in us forever.

Dad also connected strongly with Mum’s side of the family. We would regularly visit Aunty Pam and Uncle Stan’s place in Pimlico on a Saturday evening. Night’s full of catching up, poring over the day’s sport, having fun with all the family. This would transform into a journey back through Central London in the early hours of Sunday morning. It gave us a love of and familiarity with the city, a knowledge of routes around North London and loads of late night chips from the van at Finsbury Park!

Dad had four granddaughters and doted on them all. He would regularly reroute his work appointments or change his schedule so he could drop in and see any of his pride and joy when he could. When putting together the pictures that are a big part of today, the best ones, the ones where he is full of joy and happiness, will have one of Emma, Lilia, Emily or Olivia in there with him too.

As a family, holidays weren’t optional; they were essential. Whether abroad or closer to home in Cornwall or Norfolk, we were always going to go somewhere. Dad made sure of it. He loved the sea — especially when it was wild. He’d be taking Duncan and me into the water with the waves crashing around us, body surfing, chasing the thrill. He loved boat trips, loved travelling across the water at speed, and if there was water-skiing nearby, Dad would find it… and we’d all benefit from the ride watching him.

Back home in colder months he would still find a way for a break. We would chase the snow when it had started to thaw in Hoddesdon, by going up to Nan’s in Cromer to try and get the last of it with sledging up at the lighthouse being everyone’s favourite activity.

Sport was a constant thread throughout his life. Football, especially — playing for the Old Camdenians (Holloway County Grammar School’s old boys team), alongside lifelong friends. I remember going to Mill Hill on Sunday mornings to watch him play vets football, surrounded by that close-knit group. It wasn’t just about the game — it was about camaraderie, laughter, and being part of something together.

That same spirit carried into golf with the Cowley Golf Society, taking many trips over the years across the UK, Ireland, Europe, and even the United States. And if golf wasn’t possible, there was always something — snooker, squash, tennis. For Dad, sport was about connection as much as competition — although he certainly liked to win.

He also had a great love of horse racing. Many bank holidays were spent at racecourses like Fontwell, Lingfield, and Huntingdon with family friends. There weren’t always winnings — but that was never the point. Dad was always a keen punter, unfortunately without being so successful. Dad wasn’t a smoker but we always knew when he’d had a bet as you could smell the cigarette smoke from the bookies on him!

Some of my favourite times around horse racing are quieter ones — stolen afternoons together at Windsor or Newmarket. Dad would ask me if I had an exam in the next few days, or work. And if not, we would set off. We did get Dad a small stake in a racehorse via a syndicate, Diderot, which Dad followed with great enthusiasm… especially when he won. And when he didn’t win, he would question the jockey, the trainer, the stewards, the weatherman, etc, etc.

Dad loved a laugh during these times — but sometimes loved winning even more. Whether it was football, golf, or the horses, he wasn’t shy about showing his frustration when things didn’t go to plan.

Music was always part of life with Dad. It filled our homes, our car journeys, our gatherings. He had such a wide taste that choosing songs for today has been no small task — but we hope we’ve done him proud. Many a Birthday, Christmas or New Year celebration would need a mix tape prepared for the event. And would culminate in much singing and dancing into the early hours. This was where Dad was truly in his element.

And alongside music was his love of comedy. Dad liked irreverent and silly or slapstick comedy from acts like The Goon’s or the Pink Panther films. We also spent much time as a family watching classic TV comedy from Morecambe and Wise & The Two Ronnies to Only Fools and Horses — laughter was a constant in our home. Sunday evenings watching the Two Ronnies together remain some of my most cherished childhood memories. Even when Duncan and I didn’t fully understand the jokes, we laughed because Dad was laughing. His humour, his silliness, his ability to bring joy — that was his gift, and one he passed on to all of us.

Through his work, Dad built many connections and friendships. Being in sales he would be meeting so many people in his working day. He worked hard, but it was always the people that mattered most — colleagues, customers, friends. He loved the interaction, the shared moments, the sense of community.

In later years, retirement from work wasn’t something he fully chose or was on his terms, and it left a gap — because connecting with people had always been such a big part of who he was. He never was quite able to fill that gap.

His health began to decline, particularly after his stroke in 2019. The years that followed were difficult. As someone said recently, Dad struggled with growing old. Losing the ability to do the things he loved was incredibly hard for him.

There were times when it was difficult to understand exactly how he was feeling, given the complex set of conditions he was dealing with. And I think, like many families, we wish we could have helped more, understood better. That is something I will always carry with me.

But what I carry even more strongly is everything he gave me.
His love of life.
His sense of humour.
His passion for sport.
His loyalty to friends and family.
Being Arsenal and not the other mob.
So much of who I am comes from him — and I’m incredibly proud of that.

And where I can, I’ll try to build on that foundation — we should always take what we are given by our parents and use this to build our own families and set them on the pathway to achieve great things, to honour what he and mum have given us all.

Dad brought people together. He created memories. He filled our lives with laughter, energy, and love — even through difficult times.

And so I’ll finish in a way I think he would have appreciated, with a nod to one of his favourite comedians, Spike Milligan — whose own epitaph feels rather fitting: “I told you I was ill.” Stewart Jones

A few emails from members:-

Alan Meyer

It was with great sadness that I read the news about Paddy Jones. The obituary by Phil Cowley and Peter Sumpter says it all. Paddy was a great club man and was always the life and soul of any party. On top of that, he was a very good footballer playing for many seasons for the OC’s and scoring a hatful of goals with his trusty left foot. He came onto the Committee fairly recently where he made extremely useful contributions in his usual lighthearted sort of way. We have lost another valuable servant to the Club and he will be greatly missed by all who knew him. Could you please add my sincere condolences to those which, I know, have already gone to Paddy’s family.

Bob Cairns

I played with Paddy when I joined the club and found him an inspirational man. He was Camdenians through and through. Respect.

Brian Turner

Another genuine Old Camdenian joins his friends in the club in the sky. Jimmy Jones and I regularly reminisce about the Old Camdenians when we meet up, and agree it was much more than just a football club as we forged friendships across the board that have not been forgotten. What a great group of people they were.

Alan Shearn

Just read the story about Paddy Jones. I played with him of course and always recall him to be a larger than life character.
Gosh, another one gone. I wonder if anyone is left apart from Phil and Peter from those great years around 1961/62/63? Sad news.

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