Merton in San Francisco - Reunion Weekend, 11-13 Sept 2026

Three things before you arrive

Please read these before Friday. Everything else in this note can wait until you need it.

One — Catch the bus at Hilton Union Square

The Saturday coaches leave from the Hilton Union Square. Please arrive by the stated time; we will look for you there.

Two — The boat leaves on time

Boarding at Pier 3 closes before the 5:00 PM departure and the vessel cannot wait. Please arrive by 4:45 PM.

Three — Dress for two climates

Muir Woods is cool and damp under the canopy, and the Bay is colder still after sunset. Layers and comfortable shoes on Saturday; smart dress for the concert on Friday.

Thursday10 September

Evensong at Grace Cathedral

OptionalNot part of the MC3 programme, and open to anyone already in the city.

5:30 PM

Joint choral service The Merton College Choir sings with the men and boys of the Grace Cathedral Choir. No ticket required.

Friday11 September

Concert and reception

Nave of Grace Cathedral, San Francisco, looking toward the altar — Grace Cathedral, Nob Hill — 1100 California Street

7:00 PM

Merton College Choir in concert A seventy minute programme, plus encores, directed by Benjamin Nicholas.

from 8:30 PM

Reception in the Cathedral precincts Informal drinks for alumni and friends, hosted by Merton College. The Choir joins after the performance.

GuestsIf you are bringing someone to the concert and reception who is not registered for the full weekend, let Thom know so the College has an accurate count.

Saturday12 September · morning

Muir Woods and Sausalito

Departure: Hilton Union Square, 333 O’Farrell Street. Coaches leave at 9:00 AM.

Muir Woods National Monument, Marin County

9:00 AM

Hotel pickup Coaches collect from the Hilton Union Square. Then across the Golden Gate Bridge into Marin County, with the guide’s commentary on the way.

9:45 AMto 11:15 AM

Muir Woods National Monument An hour and a half among the coastal redwoods. The Redwood Creek trail is flat and boardwalked;

11:15 to 11:45 AM

Scenic drive to Sausalito Through the Marin hills to the waterfront.

11:45 AMto 12:45 PM

Sausalito Free time on the waterfront: boutiques, galleries, and the marina. Lunch is at your own expense and at your own pace. Be back at the coach by 12:45 PM.

12:45 to 2:00 PM

Return across the Golden Gate Panoramic views of the skyline and the Bay on the way back. We aim to be back by 2:00 PM.

About 2:00 PM

Back at the hotel Drop-off at the Hilton Union Square. This is the end of the morning activity.

Saturday12 September · evening

Sunset cruise on the Bay

Departure: Pier 3, Hornblower Landing, on the Embarcadero just north of the Ferry Building. Boarding at 4:45 PM; the boat leaves at 5:00 PM.

4:45 PM

Boarding at Pier 3 Hornblower Landing, on the Embarcadero just north of the Ferry Building. Make your own way here.

5:00 to 8:00 PM

Sunset cruise on the Bay Three hours under the bridges and past Alcatraz. Dinner and a hosted beer and wine bar. The Choir will sing a short unaccompanied set during the evening.

8:00 PM

Disembark at Pier 3

The Choir will certainly be happy to perform one or two items on the boat trip on the Saturday evening, a cappella.

Mark Coote, Development Director and Fellow, Merton College

Sunday13 September

Farewell breakfast

Alumni and guests only. The Choir travels on to New York.

The University Club of San Francisco on Nob Hill — University Club of San Francisco, 800 Powell Street

8:00 to 11:00 AM

Breakfast at the University Club 800 Powell Street, a ten to fifteen minute walk uphill from either hotel. Come and go as your travel allows; there is no fixed sitting.

around 9:30 AM

Closing remarks A short word of thanks before people begin to leave for the airport.

Who to contact

Thom Yu MC3 Administrator. Registration, tickets, and anything before the weekend. mc3headquarters@gmail.com +1 (703) 966-7000

See you on Nob Hill.

MC3 Reunion Committeefor the Merton College Charitable Corporation