The Dame Allan’s 1705 Magazine
I am delighted to welcome you to the very first issue of 1705, our new alumni magazine. Timed to coincide with Founders’ Day, this inaugural edition feels especially fitting as we reflect on 2025 - 320 years since the founding of Dame Allan’s, and celebrate the remarkable community of alumni who continue to shape our story. Welcome to the first issue of 1705 Magazine
In my almost four years at Dame Allan’s, it has been a real pleasure to meet so many of you, whether in person at events, over the phone, or through emails and handwritten cards. The number of Allanians in touch with the Schools continues to grow, and our events programme and communications have evolved to reflect the breadth, diversity and energy of this far- reaching community. It felt like the right moment for an alumni-focused magazine. While much of our communication now takes place digitally, I know many of you will enjoy sitting down with a hard copy to read, perhaps with a cup of tea, and I hope this magazine becomes something you look forward to each year. Please do send us your news for future issues; we would love to share more alumni stories and milestones. 2025 was a busy and memorable year for our events calendar. We welcomed back Allanians from 1965, 1975 and 1985 for reunion tours, who kept me thoroughly entertained with schoolday stories (some of which are probably best left in the past)! We also remembered the much-loved Sandra Rickaby with the return of her own Staff Tennis Tournament, this time inviting former pupils to take part alongside staff. The highlight of the year was undoubtedly our London Drinks at Coal Drops Yard in November, attended by alumni ranging from the 1950s right through to our most recent leavers. It was wonderful to see so many generations together, and I am very much looking forward to our first Newcastle Drinks in May.
Our 2025 Giving Day saw tremendous support from alumni for our bursary fund. It is incredibly heartwarming to see the Dame Allan’s community come together to help future Allanians access a Dame Allan’s education. Many of you also gave your time to inspire the next generation, including at our first Dame Allan’s Connect event, an Engineering Breakfast, and we look forward to expanding opportunities for mentoring, connection and support as young graduates navigate an increasingly competitive job market. I’m excited for another busy year for the Development Office and hope to connect with many more of you soon.
Katherine Leonard Development Manager
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