The next Society Reunion Day, including the AGM and dinner, will take place on Saturday 27 September 2025. Please do join us for this day of meeting old friends, hearing stimulating talks and enjoying dinner or the popular Bop in the Bar.
Booking details can be found here: https://www.caths.cam.ac.uk/event/society-reunion-day-2025
Booking is mandatory so that we have correct numbers but you can just register to attend the free-of-charge activities, or you can book a B&B room and/or dinner; and you may book for others at the same time by clicking ‘ADD PERSON’.
B&B is available to book either side of the Reunion Day (you may book a stay for either 1 or 2 nights between Friday 26 and Sunday 28 September)
Programme of events
11:00: Lecture in the McGrath Centre
Quinton Carroll (1988, ASNaC), Head of Natural and Historic Environment, Cambridgeshire County Council
‘Cambridge before the foundation of the College’
12:30: Lunch, cafeteria style, in the Hall (pay by card)
Throughout the day there will be an exhibition of Japanese and Chinese books in the display cases in the McGrath Centre and central spaces.
14:15: Lecture in the McGrath Centre
Professor Peter Wothers (Fellow 1997)
‘Setting the table: the history and harmony of the periodic table of elements’
Professor Peter Wothers joined St Catharine’s College in 1988 to read Natural Science. Even at that time he was obsessed with chemistry and old books. These two obsessions continue to this day, and he has now amassed a collection of around 2,000 rare chemistry tomes dating from around the foundation of the College to the early 19th century. Together with the generous support from some of our alumni, this passion also led to the College acquiring one of the best collections in the world reflecting the beginnings of the periodic table.
Peter is also passionate about the promotion of chemistry to wider audiences. In 2012 he presented the Royal Institution Christmas Lectures entitled ‘The Modern Alchemist”. Focusing on the bridge between school and university, he was heavily involved with the Chemistry Olympiad for over 20 years and later set up the successful ‘Cambridge Chemistry Challenge’ aimed at pre-university students; in 2025 this competition attracted just under 15,000 entrants from across the country.
In this lecture he will combine all these passions to show (with a few exciting demonstrations) how the periodic table developed, and why it works.
15:15 Tea in the McGrath Centre lobby
Society Centenary merchandise will be on display and for sale.
16:00 AGM in the McGrath Centre.
Professor Peter Tyler presiding.
17:30 Evensong in the Chapel: College alumni choir.
18:30: Pre-dinner drinks in the McGrath Centre
19:30: Reunion dinner in the Hall. Dress code: black tie
Investiture of the new Society President followed by speeches and then return to McGrath Centre for coffee, port and cheese.
20:00: Bop in the Bar: an alternative to dinner.
24:00 midnight: bar closes and the Reunion Day concludes.