Community and Connection 

It was wonderful to come together with members of the Alleyn’s Cornflower Club on Thursday 9 November to celebrate and thank them for their continued friendship and support at the special annual Cornflower Club Lunch. 

The Cornflower Club brings together individuals who have expressed a commitment to Alleyn's by signifying an intention to make a bequest to the School. The Lunch was an opportunity to express our thanks and keep members abreast of the School's development plans. As well as welcoming a new member, John Gibbons (Tyson’s 1970), and presenting him with a traditional cornflower pin as a token of our appreciation. 

During the lunch, Head Jane Lunnon updated the group on some recent milestones and achievements, including opening The Well, delivering the inaugural Alleyn’s School TedX Youth event, our growing community and partnership work and the fact that Alleyn’s now has the highest number of bursary pupils in the school that we have ever had, with more than 10 per cent of pupils now on transformative bursaries.  

Mrs Lunnon also talked about some of the challenges ahead due to the political and economic climate and she gave an overview of the School’s strategic plan for the next ten years, including our focus on being a sustainable business, diversity of people and continuing to provide an outstanding education including staying true to the characteristics Alleyn’s was founded on, of spirit of enterprise and possibility in embracing the digital AI revolution.  

Mrs Lunnon took the opportunity to thank members of the Cornflower Club, remarking on “the sense of community and connection and fact that Alleyn’s still really, really matters to people long after they have left is really powerful.” She said “that is a credit to the input you have made in various ways to the School. We are very grateful that you are with us and we love your support.” 

Thank you to all of our Cornflower Club members including those who could not join us for this year’s lunch. 

The Cornflower Club is open to all members of the Alleyn’s community and can be a wonderful way of giving back to the School. If you would like to discuss supporting Alleyn’s through giving time, expertise, or making a donation including becoming part of the Cornflower Club, please email [email protected].