Alleyn Gainsford was considered the father of Athletics in the St. George District.

Alleyn was the first to arrive at Colvin’s Hall, Hurstville on Monday, 7th March 1921 for the inaugural meeting to form the St. George District Amateur Athletic Club and won its first event, a 2½ mile race along Forest Rd, Bexley on 2nd April 1921 and was St. George’s first Life Member.

Alleyn built up a momentous history of service to St. George and athletics in Australia and his memorabilia of our club’s progress and achievements by our athletes was unbelievable. He was a champion athlete in his heyday (1920's-1930's) winning many State distance running Championships, set in record times and was a true clubman.

Alleyn was a Life Member & Vice President of the State Athletics Association (now ANSW) and was also an Olympic Committee Chairman and 1956 Olympic Games Official and Selector. From his records he attended some 7,800 meetings relating to Athletics.

For 55 consecutive years he was Club President and became the first Emeritus President. These accomplishments will probably never be equalled or surpassed by anyone in any club or organisation.

In 1980 Alleyn was awarded the Order of Australia for his service to our sport and the community.

Alleyn possessed a wonderful memory and would often relate instances of our club’s early history. His memorabilia included exercise books up to two inches thick with media stories, photos and athletic results.

His main love in athletics was Cross Country running and he seldom missed a Saturday at Scarborough Park.

He chatted to club members and their families, liked a joke and a scotch and water, and over the years became a well known identity in the St. George District. Alleyn had a pride and admiration for the red and white stripped athletic singlet worn by club athletes since our inception. He saw many brilliant St. George Club athletes become Olympians, World and Commonwealth Games representatives, World Record Holders, State and Australian Champions. He was also instrumental in our club’s many Premiership winning teams and relays successes.

Sadly Alleyn passed away just one week prior to our 75th Anniversary Dinner on 13 August 1996 but as his health had been deteriorating during the months prior to his passing it was unlikely that Alleyn would have been able to attend.

Alleyn was a gentle, proud man, proud of his family, proud of what he had achieved in life and proud of our club and its members. He was our last remaining foundation member.

We will all miss Alleyn’s presence for a long time to come, in fact we will always remember this wonderful man.

On behalf of all club members both past and present I close this tribute with my deepest sympathy to Alleyn’s daughters Marjorie and Lynnette and their families.

As printed in Athletics Australia's 1996/97 Annual Report.