What we do and how to join
The London Girton Association (LGA) arranges regular events for its members which are publicised in our termly Newsletter.
Anyone who is an alumnus of Girton College can join and we always welcome new members. You do not have to live or work in London, although bear in mind that most events are held in the London area.
Membership is £20 pa but if you’re not in paid employment it is £10 pa. The association is run by volunteers so after meeting administrative and events costs, any surplus funds are used to benefit Girton, often current students. For instance, the LGA currently supports an annual music award for a Girton student.
If you would like to join please download an application form and send it to the membership secretary at lga@girton.cam.ac.uk.
Forthcoming and Recent Events
Further information about these events can be found in the LGA’s Newsletter or by contacting the Association at lga@girton.cam.ac.uk.
2026
Wednesday 11 March, Visit to the Royal Albert Hall
11.30am
The Royal Albert Hall, opened in 1871, is one of the world’s most famous concert venues. Many of us will have attended events there, but on our private guided tour we will discover how the building was founded and its fascinating history over the years; it will take us to the stage, auditorium and certain behind the scenes elements such as the royal box. It will be an intriguing insight into one of London’s most iconic buildings.
COST: £18.00 per person, family and friends welcome.
TO BOOK: Please email lga@girton.cam.ac.uk
Recent Events:
- A large group of LGA members gathered there for a private guided tour of Pitzhanger Manor in Ealing. It was designed, built and lived in by neoclassical architect, Sir John Soane. Soane used the house to showcase the colour and drama of his designs for his clients - many of whom were cleverly seen in the settings made by the archivist on the dining room table. The contemporary art gallery attached to the Manor house was showing an exhibition of Howard Hodgkins’ work, which we were also able to view. After our tour, Mary Sergeant gave us a splendid cream tea at her house for which we thank her very warmly.
- A visit to the Royal Society of Musicians in Fitzroy Square. It was fascinating to see a large number of blue plaques celebrating various residents- George Bernard Shaw and Virginia Woolf among them. Colin Coleman, the archivist, gave us a fascinating talk illustrated by materials in the RSM’s collection. We sat at a large table overseen by portraits of Handel and Corelli. The Society was founded in 1738 as the “fund for decayed musicians”. Handel was very involved from the start and took part in the annual concerts for the fund’s benefit and King George III gave his patronage.
- A private tour of little-known Boston Manor House in Brentford. This Grade 1 Jacobean manor house was built in 1623 and boasts wonderful ornate plaster ceilings. We had the house to ourselves and thoroughly enjoyed the tour led by an enthusiastic and knowledgeable guide.
- A private tour of the fascinating new Lambeth Palace Library that was completed in 2020 and designed by Wright and Wright.
- A marvellous tour Charles Dickens Museum in Doughty Street. This is the only extant house lived in by the author and we enjoyed a fascinating private tour, seeing many of Dickens’ personal possessions, including the desk where he wrote Nicholas Nickleby and Oliver Twist.
Join the Committee
Have you ever considered becoming more involved in the LGA? Why not join our friendly committee! You would be made very welcome and it is not an onerous commitment: we usually organise between us one or two events per Spring, Summer and Autumn season. If you are interested, just email lga@girton.cam.ac.uk.
Book Circle
The LGA Book Circle continues to thrive, with 16 members and 70 books read to date, a mixture of fiction and non-fiction. We meet on Zoom about every three weeks or so and read both fiction and non-fiction. Our most recent read was Clear by Carys Davies, and we are currently reading The Place of Tides by James Rebanks. Members are welcome to join – just email lga@girton.cam.ac.uk.