What a joy it was on Saturday to welcome back 24 of our 2016 leavers as they celebrated their 10-year anniversary, along with many of their parents and a wonderful mix of alumni from other years, including 1992, 2000, 2014, 2019, 2021 and 2023. It made for a truly memorable occasion, and a brilliant reminder of the strength of the Farleigh community and the lasting connections formed here.

The 2016 group were an absolute delight - full of energy, warmth and humour and they clearly relished the opportunity to reconnect with one another and with their former teachers. It was especially lovely to see them catching up with familiar faces including Mr Butt, Mr Cronin, Mr Crowley, Monsieur Kennard, Miss Redmond, Mr and Mrs Watts, Mr and Mrs Whithear, and of course Fr Simon and Gail, who remain such cherished figures among past pupils.

It was equally special for our current and former staff, all of whom thoroughly enjoyed hearing the leavers’ news, their journeys since leaving Farleigh, and the many fond memories they still hold of their time here. Secretary of the Farleigh Society - and past pupil and current parent - Rich Hattam, also joined us and enjoyed meeting these young people.  

The afternoon itself was wonderfully relaxed, filled with animated conversation, gentle banter and plenty of laughter. The cricket match proved to be a highlight of the day, bringing together a mix of past pupils, staff and fathers for a spirited and good-natured contest. There was some impressive play on display, although it will take some time for gifted sportsman and Grounds Manager, Mr Crowley, to live down the ignominy of being caught by former Head Boy, Charlie W, off Mr Ottley's bowling! Well done, Jack HS (2019 leaver) who bowled older brother, Harry, and Herbie G for his three sixes in a row.

One past parent perfectly summed up the afternoon: "In some ways the trip down Memory Lane felt like we had never left - but then I looked at the size of the 2016 leavers and thought otherwise! It was lovely to see so many staff, parents and ex pupils and, of course, to sit on the boundary of that beautiful cricket pitch and enjoy some stunning - and amusing - cricket.”

A huge thank you to everyone who helped make this much-loved annual event such a success – your support, energy and enthusiasm truly bring it to life each year.

We are already looking forward to two key dates in the diary: first, the London Pub Reunion on Thursday 24th September at The Antelope in Belgravia, and then, of course, next year’s Summer Reunion. We are especially keen to welcome back our 2017 leavers for what promises to be another special gathering. It’s never too early to start dusting off, oiling and knocking-in those cricket bats in preparation; we look forward to seeing many of you back on the pitch before long.