The Sidney Sussex Society
All Sidney alumni are members of the Sidney Sussex Society, which exists to help Sidney Members keep in touch with the College and each other.
Committee - An introduction to each member of The Sidney Sussex Society Committee
Forthcoming Events
- 13th October 2012 - Boughton House
Boughton House was the home of Sir Edward Montagu and his wife Elizabeth Harington, niece of Lady Frances Sidney; their son James Montagu was the first Master of Sidney and no fewer than 22 of their descendants studied at the College.
Boughton joins four other Great Houses (Blenheim, Burghley, Chatsworth and Holkham) as flagships of the wonderful heritage of Britain. The house displays a staggering collection of fine art including paintings, furniture, porcelain, weapons, textiles - including stunning pieces created for the French Royal Family.
Past Events
17th April 2012 – Westminster Abbey
The Choir of Sidney Sussex College celebrated Evensong in the Quire at Westminster Abbey. Afterwards, the Choir and alumni enjoyed a drinks reception at the Oxford and Cambridge Club, hosted by The Sidney Sussex Society.
5th December 2011 - Christmas Reception
The 2011 Christmas Reception took place at the Governors Hall at St Thomas’ Hospital
15th October 2011 – Visit to the Imperial War Museum at Duxford, Cambridgeshire
21st June 2011 – BA Graduands’ Garden Party
The Sidney Sussex Society hosted a garden party in Cloister Court for Graduands collecting their BA’s. Over 70 attended and enjoyed the good weather, food and wine.
8th April 2011 – Westminster Abbey and Supper at Osteria Dell'Angolo Restaurant and Bar
The Sidney Choir celebrated Evensong in the Quire at Westminster Abbey. After the service the Choir and members of Sidney Sussex College then proceeded to the tomb of the Foundress, Lady Frances Sidney, Countess of Sussex where the Choir sung the College Grace. Afterwards members of the Sidney Sussex Society joined by alumni enjoyed supper at Osteria Dell'Angolo Restaurant and Bar.
2010 Christmas Reception at the Royal Society, 6-9 Carlton House Terrace, London
The Sidney Sussex Society held its Christmas Reception at the Royal Society, where, over the years, there has been a very strong connection with Sidney. On the 400th anniversary of the election of one of Sidney’s greatest Masters the scientifically-minded Samuel Ward, we celebrated the College’s great scientific achievements with our guest speakers, Sir John Walker, Professor Lindsay Greer and Mr Richard Humphreys (1972). The reception was well-attended by over 100 alumni.
2010 Visit to Ely and Cromwell’s House
Alumni and guests enjoyed lunch at The Maltings then a visit to Oliver Cromwell’s recently restored house. Cromwell was a resident of Ely for ten years from 1636, having inherited from his uncle Sir Thomas Seward both property and the position of tithe Collector for Ely Cathedral.
Alumni were able to see how Cromwell and his family would have lived and enjoyed exhibitions on the Civil War and the Fens.
2010 Spring Dinner and Lecture
On 24th April 2010 the Master gave a lecture to members of the Sidney Sussex Society about his project in Herculaneum. The talk was well-attended and enthusiastically received. Afterwards alumni joined the Master and other members of College for an excellent dinner in Hall.
2009 Christmas Reception at the Arts Club, 40 Dover Street, London
The Sidney Sussex Society combined their Christmas Reception this year with the launch of Sidney Sussex College: A History, written by Richard Humphreys. Alumni were able to buy copies of the book signed by the author and hear a speech by the new Master, Professor Andrew Wallace-Hadrill.
2009 Visit to Penshurst Place
On 12 September 2009 the Sidney Sussex Society enjoyed a beautiful day at Penshurst Place in Kent, seat of the Sidney family since 1552 and home to the Visitor, Philip Sidney, Viscount De L’Isle and his family. Alumni joined the Viscount and Viscountess De L’Isle and the Master and Mrs Wallace-Hadrill for a fascinating tour and delicious lunch.
To contact the Committee, please contact the Membership & Events Officer, Ms Wendy Hedley (alumni@sid.cam.ac.uk, Tel. +44 1223 3 38881) .