On 12 September, more than 30 of Alleyn’s most successful sporting alumni from the 1950s and 60s came together for the annual Last Lappers’ reunion.
Members of the self-titled group are all known for their sporting prowess, especially in track and field where they originally came together under the tutelage of older student and unofficial coach Michael Hastings (Brading's 1953).
Organised by Barry Graham (Brading's 1956) in partnership with the Development and Alumni Relations Office, the reunion was an opportunity to celebrate enduring friendship, welcome new members to the group and make a generous donation to the School. Barry delivered a moving presentation to those gathered, referencing the group's origin story and long-lasting connections with the School, and including a touching tribute to fellow Last Lapper Peter Koolhaas Revers (Brading's 1957), known as 'Dutchy', who sadly passed away earlier this year.
The Last Lappers also celebrated sport at Alleyn’s today, meeting some of Alleyn’s current sports stars and presenting the Fournel Trophy to this year’s winner.
The Fournel Trophy is given each year to a current pupil who has shown exceptional sporting promise. It was created in 2007 in honour of David Fournel (Spurgeon’s 1957), who, in his final year at Alleyn’s, broke three school records and won 25 inter-school competitions – a feat never exceeded by another Alleyn’s athlete.
During the lunch David’s widow, Judith, presented Carys (Dutton’s 2025) with the trophy and congratulated her on her success in hockey, captaining the England U16 girls' team, receiving a bronze medal with the England U18 7 Nations Team and, among other achievements, representing the Alleyn’s 1st XI Girls’ team which last year became Double National Champions.
As well as Carys, three more of Alleyn’s sports stars joined the lunch. Director of Sport at Alleyn’s, Ryan Shedwick, introduced them and shared some of their recent achievements, including Isy (Tyson’s 2026) who was recently named national shot put champion, James (Spurgeon’s 2028) who is a rising star in national cross country, and, Oskar (Tyson’s 2029) who is a sprinter and recently represented his borough at the regional championships. The Last Lappers enjoyed talking to the pupils about their achievements and ambitions for the future and sharing stories from their days at Alleyn’s.
Head, Jane Lunnon, joined the lunch to thank the group. She said:
“Thank you for being such great friends to each other and to the School.” She thanked the group for their generous donation and raised a toast to “by no means the last lap!”
After lunch, some members of the group visited the School running track - the site of many happy memories from their time at school (with some even lining up for a quick dash!).
Thank you to the Last Lappers for joining us at Alleyn’s and for your generous donation. It was brilliant to hear how some of you are still competing in sporting endeavors today, including Michael Conway (Dutton's 1958) who is in the UK top 10 for 5k runners over 80. Find out more in the Fit for Life feature in the Summer edition of the EAC Magazine.
Junior School Open Day
The next Alleyn's Junior School Open Event is from 1.30pm to 3pm on Wednesday 22 May 2024. There will be a Head's Talk at 1.40pm after which you will be offered a tour of the school with a pupil. There is no need to book a place at this Open Event - everyone is welcome.
Last updated on 20 05 24 at 09:12
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