Old Cumnorians
We are delighted to welcome back past pupils, known as Old Cumnorians (OCs), OC Parents and former Staff members to the School and strive to facilitate a long and happy association with Cumnor House Sussex.
Despite moving on to a huge range of senior schools and universities, OCs continually demonstrate a tremendous show of support for one another as well as their childhood school.
If you are an OC and would like to keep in touch, we would love to hear from you. Please fill in your details or contact Olivia Henley at oldcumnorians@cumnor.co.uk.
Events & Reunions
1975-1985 Leavers’ Reunion
What a truly celebratory day we had at Cumnor on Saturday 20th May 2023– when we welcomed around 75 Old Cumnorians who left Cumnor between 40 & 50 years ago, together with some of their former teachers. It was a truly heart-warming gathering, when we saw friendships rekindled over drinks and lunch – some attendees having flown in from as far afield as Seattle, France and Belgium. Cricket whites were donned as the 1975-79 XI took on the 1980-85 XI after lunch – playing on the old Terrace Pitch that they remembered so well from their Cumnor days. Mr Llewellyn took everyone on a trip down memory lane, to revisit old haunts and to view the many changes that have taken place at their former prep school.
We are so to welcome them back into the Cumnor fold, and to Ann Milner-Gulland, Joumana Es Said and Nicky Hemming (née Packman) who helped orchestrate the reunion. There is already talk of ‘the next’ gathering!
10-Year Reunions
Since 2017 we have organised annual 10-year reunion events for OCs and their parents, to mark the 10th anniversary of their departure from Cumnor. The events prove phenomenally popular – a truly memorable day when the ‘Class’ and their parents are reunited with old friends, as well as former and current teachers.
The gathering for the ‘Class of 2013’ is taking place on Saturday 23rd September 2023. We are much looking forward to their return to Cumnor with their parents and former and current members of staff, for drinks & canapés followed by lunch.
On Saturday 24th September 2022, the Classes of 2011 and 2012 joined us with their parents and staff, for drinks and nibbles outside on the Terrace lawns, followed by lunch in the marquee, which had been put up especially for the occasion. The 200 who joined us were able to enjoy Cumnor at its very best on a gloriously sunny autumnal day and, after a very long lunch, they enjoyed touring the school, visiting old haunts and seeing the new developments that have sprung up since their departure.
In the words of the Gillespie-Smith family: “Many thanks for organising an amazing reunion at Cumnor House on Saturday. It was lovely to see so many children, parents and teachers. We were treated to fabulous food and wine. Please pass on our thanks to everyone involved – we really do love coming back!”
And from OC Parent, Leigh Scotland: “I really wanted to thank you for such an amazing day on Saturday. It was so wonderful to see everyone again from Cumnor – both parents and ex-pupils all together. What a fantastic turnout it was! Everyone seemed just so happy to see each other, it was all rather wonderful. Thank you to you for putting on such a great day with wonderful Cumnor food – still as delicious as always – as well as great speeches by the two headmasters and fantastic photos. It was truly a magical day!”
And from former staff member, Sarah Snell: “I just wanted to say thank you so much for the invitation to the reunion. I absolutely loved catching up with staff, parents and children. And of course enjoying a delicious Cumnor lunch. I’m hoping I have many more to come!!”