Rotherhithe school throws open its doors for community Christmas lunch – with ex-pupil returning after 74 years

Elderly residents and refugees were welcomed to a Church of England school for a Christmas lunch – and among those taking up the offer was a former pupil from the 1950s. 

Bacon’s College – a secondary school and sixth form in Timber Pond Road, Rotherhithe –  says it prides itself on values of “compassion, faith and Integrity” and wanted to do its bit to support the community. 

The guests were made up of residents of Rose Court Care Home on Lower Road, Rotherhithe and Greenhive Care Home in Peckham, plus neighbours of Bacon’s and some refugees being supported by Age UK.  

The staff and students were particularly delighted to find out that one of the guests used to actually attend Bacon’s College himself having left in 1958.

William Griffiths went to Bacon’s College when it was still a boys’ school in Grange Road, Bermondsey.  

He was presented with a copy of The Story of Bacon’s College by Principal James Wilson, a book written by Hamish MacGibbon. 

The visiting residents were welcomed by sixth form students before being treated to a performance from Grace Notes, the school choir, and carol singing accompanied by the school band.  

Guests enjoyed a three-course festive feast with turkey and all the trimmings and mince pies, and the afternoon ended with a visit from the man in the red suit himself. 

Bacon’s annual Advent Appeal this year requested donations of small gifts to share at the meal.

Thanks to the generosity, and creativity, of Bacon’s students, every single guest received a gift from Vice-Principal Tom Sargeant, who doubled up as Santa. 

Reverend Nicola Teverson, the college chaplain, said: “We also know that Christmas can be a time of intense loneliness for some, too, so we were delighted that so many people were able to join us to celebrate together.” 

Pictured top: James Wilson and William Griffiths discussing the college’s history (Picture: Bacon’s College)