A Sion College Seminar Supper with Dr Paula Byrne

We are delighted that Dr Paula Byrne will be our speaker. Paula is a bestselling biographer, author and literary critic. Her doctorate focused on Jane Austen and the theatre, and her biographies since have ranged from the 18th actor and poet Mary Robinson to the witty observations of Barbara Pym. S

he has been living for a few years in the US, but since returning to the UK, she has spoken at many literary festivals, including those at Yeovil, Derby, and Cheltenham.

Online application and payment is available for this event. To apply and pay online you will first need to register if you haven't done so already. Once the Administrator has approved your registration, you will be able to log in and access the online application/payment. You will only need to register once, and for any applications for subsequent events you will need only to log in.

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ANNUAL FEAST OF SION COLLEGE

Apothecaries’ Hall, Black Friars Lane, London EC4V 6EJ

The President and Court of Governors request the pleasure of your company at the Annual Feast of the College on Thursday 7th May 2026 at Apothecaries’ Hall, Black Friars Lane, London EC4V 6EJ, at 6.45 for 7.15 pm. The dress code is Black Tie (those who have attended the Feast in the past will know that this is interpreted in a variety of ways, including dinner jackets, evening length dresses, traditional national dress, cassocks or court coats!).

We are delighted this year to welcome as our principal speaker Andrew Carwood MBE, Director of Music at St Paul’s Cathedral. He has a well-deserved reputation as one of the most versatile musicians of his generation, having had a significant career as a singer before focussing his attention on conducting and choral direction.

Online application and payment is available for this event. To apply and pay online you will first need to register if you haven't done so already. Once the Administrator has approved your registration, you will be able to log in and access the online application/payment. You will only need to register once, and for any applications for subsequent events you will need only to log in.

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A Sion College Seminar with Caroline Crampton: Clerical Crimes? Why do murder mysteries contain so many vicars?

This year marks the 50th anniversary of the death of the Queen of crime writing, Agatha Christie. To mark this event, we are delighted to welcome an acknowledged expert on the Golden Age of detective fiction, Caroline Crampton, in an evening exploring the surprising preponderance of clergy characters in the crime novels of the inter-war period.
 
Caroline Crampton is a writer and broadcaster, and the creator and host of the award-winning detective fiction podcast, Shedunnit, which unravels the mysteries behind classic detective stories.
 
She is also the author of two non-fiction books, The Way to the Sea (2019) and A Body Made of Glass (2024).  She curates articles as editor-in-chief of The Browser, and writes reviews and essays for publications including Time, Literary Huband the Guardian.

Online application and payment is available for this event. To apply and pay online you will first need to register if you haven't done so already. Once the Administrator has approved your registration, you will be able to log in and access the online application/payment. You will only need to register once, and for any applications for subsequent events you will need only to log in.

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A Sion College Visit to the Barnes Wetlands Centre

Wetlands are one of the world’s most biodiverse habitats. They provide homes for many endangered species, offer a lifeline for freshwater species and act as vital ‘service stations’ for millions of migratory birds to rest and refuel. Many endemic species are found only in specific wetland areas.

Founded in 1946 by Sir Peter Scott, WWT (the Wildfowl & Wetlands Trust) is working to create and restore 100,000 hectares of wetlands in the UK by 2050 and to improve 1 million hectares of wetlands through locally-led action in their priority hotspots around the world.

Our Sion College visit to WWT London will include a guided tour and talk on the work of WWT, and will conclude with lunch in a nearby pub. Admission tickets will also allow a return visit after lunch for those who wish.

Online application and payment is available for this event. To apply and pay online you will first need to register if you haven't done so already. Once the Administrator has approved your registration, you will be able to log in and access the online application/payment. You will only need to register once, and for any applications for subsequent events you will need only to log in.

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A Sion College Online Seminar with Bishop Mariann Budde: How We Learn to be Brave

Bishop Mariann Budde will address this Sion College online seminar, reflecting on faith, courage and the work of love using her book, How We Learn to Be Brave: Decisive Moments in Life and Faith, in which she explores how to push past our fears and act with strength, how to respond with clarity and grace even in the toughest times.

Mariann Edgar Budde serves as bishop and spiritual leader of the Episcopal Diocese of Washington, DC. Prior to her election in 2011, she served as a parish priest in Minneapolis for eighteen years. Bishop Mariann earned both Master in Divinity and Doctor of Ministry degrees from Virginia Theological Seminary. She is a life-long student of history, and an advocate and organizer in support of justice concerns, including racial equity, gun violence prevention, immigration reform, the full inclusion of LGBTQ+ persons, and the care of creation.

Bishop Budde is the author of three books. How We Learn to Be Brave: Decisive Moments in Life and Faith, published in 2023, was adapted for young readers as We Can Be Brave in 2025. Her picture book for small children, I Can Learn to be Brave, illustrated by Holly Hatam, will be published in July 2026.

Online application and payment is available for this event. To apply and pay online you will first need to register if you haven't done so already. Once the Administrator has approved your registration, you will be able to log in and access the online application/payment. You will only need to register once, and for any applications for subsequent events you will need only to log in.

Click here, once you have logged in, to access the online application and payment form.