The annual Alleyn’s Alumni Cricket Reunion is always a highlight in our events calendar - and this year’s gathering on Thursday, 12 June was no exception. With superb cricket, reunions between dear friends, and some glorious sunshine, the day was a true celebration of Alleyn’s sport and the Alleyn’s community.
Alumni were joined by parents to watch an exciting match as the Alleyn’s boys’ cricketers took on the Forty Club. In a record-breaking first for the School, Year 12 Theo scored a century before lunch - a remarkable achievement which set the tone for a brilliant day.
The reunion was a chance for guests to catch up and reconnect. We were thrilled to welcome alumni from across the generations, from the Class of 1952 through to the Class of 1995. A special mention must go to Robert Shedden (Collins 1957), who travelled all the way from the Isle of Wight that very morning, and also to Nigel Godfrey (Spurgeon’s 1982), who joined us during a visit to the UK from his home in New Zealand.
The marquee on the School field was filled with friendship and connection as familiar faces mingled with alumni attending for the first time. Amid the celebration, we paused to remember cherished members of our community who have sadly passed away in recent months including Raymond Cousins (Brown’s 1957), Dennis Lomas (Tulley’s 1953), Derek Smith (Roper’s 1953), John Phipps (Roper’s 1964) and John McEvoy (Roper’s 1973). Their presence was deeply missed.
Micky Stewart OBE (Tulley’s 1951) and Ken Farrington (Tulley’s 1954) were also unable to be with us on the day, but we raised a glass to them, acknowledging their support and role in hosting the reunion in previous years. We hope to see them next year.
Julian Glover CBE (Roper’s 1952) kicked off lunch, reading the Founder’s Prayer, after which guests heard from Head, Jane Lunnon as she welcomed everyone and thanked them for being with us:
“Alleyn’s never leaves you. You are Always Alleyn’s, and we are so grateful for your continued friendship, connection, and support.”
Many guests generously chose to donate to the Alleyn’s Bursary Fund when booking for the event - a gesture that reflects the strong, ongoing commitment of our alumni community to widening access. We appreciate this kindness in support of our bursary opportunities for children who might not otherwise be able to attend the School.
Mrs Lunnon also proudly shared news of the School’s recent double nomination at the Educational Choices Awards, including one recognising the Sports Department’s outstanding work promoting gender inclusion in sport. This focus on co-education is particularly meaningful as we celebrate 50 years of co-education at Alleyn’s. Many of the guests remembered well this milestone with the arrival of the first girls in the Sixth Form in 1975.
Head of Cricket, Jack Maskill commended the players for their performance and dedication and echoed the importance of equality and parity in sport. He looked ahead to another landmark moment: the upcoming match in which the Alleyn’s girls’ cricket team will play at the MCC for the first time.
To all who joined us at Townley Road - thank you for making the event so special. Congratulations to all of the cricketers on your fantastic play. The final result saw Alleyn's all out for 186 with the Forty Club knocking off the total with only 3 down. Until next year!
Photos from the day can be found on our Always Alleyn's Flickr page.
Flickr album: 2025 Alumni Cricket Reunion |
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