14 Apr 2022 Written By Matthew Eastley
Rafael Azzopardi 1977 to 1982
Azzopardi. There’s a good St Mary’s name and brothers Xavier and Rafael are both well-remembered lads from the mid to late seventies.
I’ve had the pleasure of speaking to both Xavier, who started in 1975 – and supplied one of my favourite St Mary’s stories which will be in the book – and ‘Raf’ who started with me in 1977 and who I enjoyed lunch with before lockdown.
Raf – always known at school as ‘Azzo’ – was, and is, a great character. The Azzopardis hail from Gibraltar and settled in St Mary Cray in 1973 when their father, Luis, took over a school called Shawcroft for children with learning and mental health issues.
Despite what I perceived as his popularity at school, Raf does not have particularly fond memories of St Mary’s and recalls a culture of bullying and racism which, in his case, manifested itself in childish name-calling and references to his Latin heritage.
‘Azzo’ in the 1981 school photograph
He left after his O-Levels in the summer of 1982 and did his sixth form at St Olave’s which he enjoyed immensely.
After St Olave’s, Raf worked as a chef for a year and then went to Slough College of Further Education where he did a course in Hospitality and has enjoyed a 30-year career in Hospitality and Events.
Over the course of his career, Raf has worked in countless London venues including livery halls, museums and galleries. He has also spent a lot of time in Whitehall and various Government departments, running the catering and hospitality operations.
He has also run his own food stall business and works at a private university in Regents Park, which is where we met for lunch.
Raf, a passionate Arsenal supporter, now also lectures in events and luxury brand management. He lives in Hither Green with his wife.
Raf I remember you fondly and think of you as being popular too. Really sad and sorry to hear that’s not how you remember school days. Sounds like St Olave’s was a good move for you.
Mary Kennedy
I cannot ever forget the hair – and that school photograph … and the way Sr Maureen seemed to either have a soft spot or control over you as the way she used to say .. Rafael………
Raff – top bloke. Tells a very funny story about his Dad finding him on the trampoline in a compromised position…I’ll let Raff fill in the missing details. I went with him to St Olaves after we were unexpectedly ejected by the much-loved (arf) Mr Smith. Raff’s Dad convinced the head teacher at St Olaves to give us a new home…something I remain very grateful of. Next time I’m in London, will visit Regent’s Park for lunch too. Andy Smith, 1977-1982.
I remember Xavier very well as he was in my year, it would be good to catch up.
Remember you well, Raf, and as Marie says, I always thought of you as an immensely popular lad in our year group. You always seemed to be full of the joys so I’m sorry to hear the reality wasn’t as positive as it seemed for you. Always good to catch up with old schoolmates and find out what they’re up to nowadays!