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The Library & Archives Group
December 1, 2022 @ 5:30 pm - 8:30 pm
Proprietor, David Roscoe, will be using some of the Athenaeum’s own archives to speak about a fascinating period in the Athenaeum’s own history:
‘The Relocation Committee’ and the Athenaeum’s move from its original premises in Church Street to its present building in Church Alley.
The move became necessary due to the City Council’s road-widening scheme for Church Street. This resulted in plans to demolish the original building.
By the time of the end of the First World War the Athenaeum faced serious challenges with membership numbers down and annual financial deficits. Compulsory purchase of the Club’s building amounted to a real threat to the Athenaeum’s very existence.
The talk will examine the story of the negotiations with the City Council and how the Club survived. Who came out well from the eventual deal? The new building was able to open in 1928. David has used 30 years of the Athenaeum’s minute books, as well as the minutes of the ‘Relocation Committee’.
Thursday 1st December at 5.30 pm in the Library Reading Room, with supper afterwards at 6.30pm for those members who book for this.
MENU
Main Course
Confit Duck a’la Orange
French beans
Hasselback Potatoes
Risotto Forestier (V)
Wild Mushrooms, hazelnuts
Parsnip Crisps
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Dessert
Christmas Pudding Cheesecake
Brandy custard
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Tea or Coffee