Founder's Day 2024

July 1st 2024

Our annual Founder’s Day event was a success over the weekend, and we were thrilled to welcome hundreds of families, friends, alumni and community members to our School for a day of fun in the sun.

The day swung into action with the girl's exhibition cricket match which started on the Pavilion Field before the gates even opened. With such a jam-packed schedule; the match had to get moving early to fit everything in. As the first balls were being thrown, pupils, accompanying staff and members of the Alleyn’s Parents Association were busy putting the final touches on their stands and offerings in anticipation of the arrival of the day's guests.

At midday, the gates officially opened, and the Year 6 children v parents cricket match took to the paddock field as visitors flowed into School. It was wonderful to welcome everyone at the gate, particularly alumni who were presented with a cornflower on arrival.

Throughout the day, The Quad, Junior School open spaces and school fields were a constant hive of activity, with visitors flocking to stalls and stands to get their fix of food, fun and entertainment.

Outside the Old Gym, Alleyn’s Musicians entertained with original songs and musical covers, and, on the netball courts, the First XI Girls v Alumni v Parents match took place – with players young and young at heart going head-to-head in a friendly but competitive game.

Inside the Old Gym, a flower arranging workshop was held; in which a group created bouquets from a range of beautiful blooms and greenery including roses, chrysanthemums, cow parsley and of course, cornflowers. It was a beautiful respite from the action of the day and a great activity that allowed participants' creativity to blossom.

In the early afternoon, the APA dog show took place next to the astroturf, with beautiful pups including Maple, Solo, Blue and Coco impressing the crowd with their waggy tails and friendly smiles, all while the Children v Parents' tennis tournament played out on the main tennis courts. Over on the triple courts, the CCF (combined cadet force) braved the heat of the day to deliver their pass out parade, which celebrated and acknowledged the efforts of our Year 11 cadets and NCO’s (Non-Commissioned officers) over the last year.

Among all the sporting action, parades and entertainment, our House, Junior and Lower School stalls were busy raising crucial funds for House and School charities. From 7A and 8A’s ‘Splat the Teacher’ to Cribb’s Krispy Kreme doughnuts (a sell out as usual!) and Junior school face painting, there was an array of offerings to be enjoyed throughout the day.

There were scrummy delights for our foodies and families to savour, with Alleyn’s catering offering fresh cake and strawberries, Alleyn’s Barbecue and coffee at the EaBean. The Holy Pizza line was consistent all day, and out under the field marquee, the Edward Alleyn Club Pimm’s Tent, which was raising money for the Alleyn Benevolent Fund (ABF), had a steady flow of people. Lucky those pints and Pimms were cold because the weather certainly delivered - it was warm and sunny all day long; making for perfect cricket weather.

Visitors who were perched up on the field were entertained by the First XI v Alumni cricket match in the afternoon. Congratulations to the alumni team who won and were presented with the Christian Berglund (Brown's 1990) trophy by Mikael Berglund (Brown's 1995). A particular mention goes to player of the match for the alumni team which was awarded to Abe Wood (Cribb’s 2021) and player of the match for the School which went to Max Bavington (Brading’s 2024).

The Alleyn’s Parents Association boosted the action, with Hula Hooping, Wellie Throwing, Giant Jenga, Guess Who and a Photo Booth, and the excitement of the day was wrapped up with their Prize Draw in the afternoon.

What a day it was!

Thank you to everyone who contributed, supported and attended Founder’s Day 2024. Not only was it a whole lot of fun, but it was also a key chance to raise funds for APA, School and House charities who work tirelessly in our community.

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