Recent conversations with club members highlighted the complexity of life faced by these youngsters who are the same ages as those in Bradfield’s Faulkner’s and Shell. On the one hand, they appreciated the diversity found in the community and the way this means that people with very different appearances and from very different backgrounds can all find a welcome. All stressed that Peckham is still an intimate community, and its friendliness was valued in their daily lives.

On the other hand, they are only too aware that Peckham has a reputation for violence, and no one was dismissive about knife crime: they talked about ‘skanks’ with daunting acceptance, as an inevitable, if unwelcome, feature of life. They spoke freely, too, of their disappointment that adults often look the other way when violence finds its way onto the street and all of them felt that they have no option except to look after themselves in such circumstances – the temptation to ‘carry’ seemed all too understandable.

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There are many ways for readers to get involved with the life-changing work of The Bradfield Club. Daniel and the trustees are keen to talk to people ready to volunteer or make a gift and The Bradfield Club website is worth visiting. The Club is also looking for new trustees and if this is something that would be of interest email bradfieldsociety@bradfieldcollege.org.uk