The Old Askean Association
Over 120 ‘Old Boys” and ‘Old Girls’ with honoured guests, gathered at Haberdashers’ Hall on the evening of Thursday 6th November to celebrate and mark the 150th Anniversary of the opening of the schools at the Hatcham site in New Cross.
It was a splendid affair enjoyed by all. The following photos give some idea of the splendour of the occasion.
The funeral took place today, Wednesday 8th October 2025, of Past President Dennis Johnson, 26th April 1936 – 25th August 2025. It was standing room only at Eltham Crematorium as Old Askean , Reverend Alan Bolton led a moving service. The Eulogies, prepared by his family showed the breadth and depth of this wonderful and gentle man.
After the service we retired to the Rectory Field, Dennis had been the Fixture Secretary for Blackheath RFC for many years and the ground is now the home of Askean RFC. There was much talk, plenty of food and drink as Dennis was fondly remembered.
A motley crew of Old Askeans led the singing of the Sandbin
His Old Askean blazer, funeral flowers and some of the many photos that were on display.
OLD ASKEAN ASSOCIATION
President STEVE HOMEWOOD
THE OLD ASKEAN ANNUAL LUNCH
The Clarendon, Montpelier Row, Blackheath Village, SE3 0RW
Thursday 12th June 2025, 12 noon for 1.00pm
Full detals to follow
1890 Aske’s Hatcham School 53mm Silver Award Medal
Aske’s Hatcham School, New Cross. Obverse with coat of arms, reverse engraved
‘Awarded by the Managers to John Harrison Wigner, Dux for Excellence in
Mathematics July 1890′.
Good Very Fine.
www.cooperscoins.com
There are at least two FaceBook pages/groups related to the Association. The “official” one can be found here:
https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61554107793748
Then there is the “Haberdashers’ Aske’s Hatcham (1960s)” group which is an “unofficial” group. This can be found here:
https://www.facebook.com/groups/248952745141810
Anthony J. Sargeant who was at School from 1955 -1962 has a wonderful series of Blogposts that can be found at:
It is well worth following the links on these posts as they bring back memories and have a great wealth of detail about the school and life in those days. Imagine teenagers going to a party wearing jackets with a collar and tie!! It really happened and there are photos to proof it.
Sadly there are parts of school that were less than perfect to say the least. The account below happened in eighties; but I know of abuse (not to me) that happened in the sixties. You can find out about the less savoury parts here: