The Old Chigwellians' Club (OCC) has a long history. Founded in 1924, we are of course representing the Alumni of Chigwell School Essex.
In 1980 we built our own Clubhouse and grounds in Roding Lane, Chigwell (see map on the Contact Us page). We have currently 3 football teams (once 7!) - the 1st, 2nd and Vets. The 1st and 2nds are in the Arthurian League and have both won many trophies. The Vets are in the Vets Essex League and have a strong squad of 30 or so players and again have enjoyed many successes.
We also have Golf and Tennis sections (the Golf playing at Chigwell Golf Club) and a Lodge.
The Old Chigwellians’ Club and The Old Chigwellians’ Association
In 2012 the legal owner of the sports pitches, tennis courts, squash courts, agricultural fields and clubhouse at Roding Lane was The Old Chigwellians’ Club ( OCC ). Leavers up until about 2007 had paid a subscription throughout their school years to be members of the OCC.
For many years the OCC had been facing deepening financial pressures to maintain the premises and site. Worried about this financial situation the Headmaster at the time started The Old Chigwellian’s Association where all OCs would become members on leaving school at no cost. In 2012 the OCC reached a legal agreement with Chigwell School, whereby the entire footprint of the OCC property was transferred to the ownership of the school. In exchange Chigwell School extinguished any outstanding OCC debts and agreed a legally binding Service Level Agreement (SLA) to provide services for the benefit of all Old Chigwellians (football pitches, tennis courts and clubhouse) for an initial 100 years.
The new structure enabled the Club to survive and was welcomed as a potential renaissance. It was hoped that OCs would continue to enjoy the opportunity to meet, play sport and foster relationships. This has been the case. In addition, the Club formed an even deeper, indelible bond with the School, which we all hold dear, and from where all future members are derived. Following the ethos of ‘Aut viam inveniam aut faciam’ a way forward was found.
The OCC has to be maintained legally as it is the legal party to the SLA and so is necessary from the perspectives of both the School and the Old Chigwellians.
All agree that the OCA is the preferred alumni body for all Old Chigwellians but for various reasons at this time cannot amalgamate with the OCC. No one wants two alumni bodies but for legal and practical reasons the OCC must be maintained to oversee the ongoing execution of the SLA.
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The Club does have various social functions still including Shrove Tuesday traditional dinner at the School, the Football Club Supper, the Wednesday Lunch Club among them.
We of course maintain a very strong liaison relationship with the School.
We hope you enjoy this website and if you have any enquiries we encourage you to contact us on hello@oldchigwellians.co.uk.
Chigwell School boasts an ever expanding Alumni, scattered worldwide, keeping Old Chigwellians’ (OCs) in touch with one another to support the School as a united network. The School and all Old Chigwellians' are represented by the Old Chigwellian's Association (OCA) who work in partnership to organise social, cultural and sporting events
Chigwell School boasts an ever expanding Alumni, scattered worldwide, keeping Old Chigwellians’ (OCs) in touch with one another to support the School as a united network. The School and all Old Chigwellians' are represented by the Old Chigwellian's Association (OCA) who work in partnership to organise social, cultural and sporting events throughout the year. The OCs have an established sporting section made up of Football, Golf and Tennis. OC Football has a strong reputation and a record of success as both League Champions and Arthur Dunn Cup Winners. The OC Clubhouse in Roding Lane, Chigwell provides a social gathering meeting place for the sporting sections, as well as a venue for the popular monthly ‘Wednesday Club’ lunches.
The OC Alumni are integral to supporting the School with career talks, professional days and sharing of expertise and time, particularly as part of the popular ‘Meet the Future’ sessions held at the School. OCs are kept informed of the School's development plans and OC news via the various social media communication channels, as well as
The OC Alumni are integral to supporting the School with career talks, professional days and sharing of expertise and time, particularly as part of the popular ‘Meet the Future’ sessions held at the School. OCs are kept informed of the School's development plans and OC news via the various social media communication channels, as well as receiving a copy of 'The Mitre’ magazine, which is posted out to OCs registered on the database annually.
Former OC President, Aegean Simpson - a former pupil of the School and ambassador of Old Chigwellians, encourages OCs of all ages to further build their involvement with the School and their network, by getting actively involved with the OC Committee to facilitate professional opportunities and drive a lasting network of connections. “We
Former OC President, Aegean Simpson - a former pupil of the School and ambassador of Old Chigwellians, encourages OCs of all ages to further build their involvement with the School and their network, by getting actively involved with the OC Committee to facilitate professional opportunities and drive a lasting network of connections. “We are driving the OC agenda through a number of new initiatives to ensure we keep the Old Chigwellian network vibrant and meaningful for generations to come”.
Nine lunches are held at the OC Clubhouse on the first Wednesday of the month and these have been running now for over 50 years: attendance sees an average of nearly 40 OCs. Two of the other three lunches are invitations from the Headmaster and held at the School. The final event is the Away Day which is always held at a restaurant deep in the heart of the Essex countryside.
All OCs, of any age plus their partners, are very welcome.
This vibrant and active Masonic Lodge has been associated with the School for over 70 years and holds four formal meetings each year plus several working groups. One of the Foundations of Masonry is Charitable giving and thus the Lodge supports the local community via a homeless hostel and Sheltered Housing. Financial support also extends to larger projects such as specialist equipment for Great Ormond Street Hospital and the London Fire Brigade who received two high rise turntable ladders capable of delivering high volumes of water to above 132 feet and making life saving rescues possible. OCs and members of their families would be welcome to swell their numbers.
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