The Athenaeum Liverpool

Athenaeum Film Nights Presents: Irish Film Night
2024-03-20 18:30 - 22:30 (Europe/London) | The Athenaeum Liverpool, Church Alley, Liverpool, L1 3DD, United Kingdom
The next in the series of classic films takes place on Wednesday 20th March. The programme is being finalised by facilitator Dr Ian Cubbin and will be published shortly, though the dates for this seasons film nights can be found below. Guests gather in the Newsroom from 6:30pm ahead of supper at 7:00pm. The cinema will then open in the Wine Servery at 8:00pm. Sweets and treats will of course be served in the interval!
Book your place now via the Members’ Area or through the Concierge.
Wednesday evening’s at 6:30pm
11th October – Laughter in Paradise (1951)
15th November – Major Barbara (1941)
13th December – It Happened on 5th Avenue (1947)
17th January – Murder She Said (1961)
21st February – Hobson’s Choice (1954)
20th March – Irish Film Night! (Audience choice of three)
17th April – The Gay Divorcee ( 1934)

The Annual Dinner
2024-03-22 18:30 - 23:30
Members and guests are invited to attend the premier event in the Club calendar, the Annual Dinner. Join the President, Dr Paul Burns, in the Newsroom from 6:30pm for drinks before dinner at 7:30pm.
The speech givers for this event are listed below:
Toast to the Athenaeum – Lady Dodd
Response – Dr Paul Burns, President of the Athenaeum
Toast to Our Guests – Professor George king, Vice President of the Athenaeum
Response – Mr John Scott of the Savile Club, London.

Menu
Starter
Ballantine of Wild Salmon, Garden Herbs, Tarragon & Parsley Emulsion, Tomato Tapenade
-ooOoo-
Spinach & Carrot Beignets (Ve)
Cream Cheese Mousse, Tomato Concasse

Main Course
Roast Sirloin of Angus Beef, Pithivier of Minced Beef & Horseradish
Panache Of Vegetables, Parmenter Potatoes, Red Wine Sauce
-ooOoo-
Cauliflower Steak (Ve)
Peppered Red Wine Jus, Roast Stuffed Tomato

Dessert
Chocolate Crunch Bavarois
Dark Cherry Compote
-ooOoo-
Cheese And Biscuits
Selection Of English Cheese
Biscuits And Fruit

Please note this event is black-tie.

Event Schedule
Reception from 18.30 to 19.30
Dinner Service from 19.00 to 21.30
Last Orders in the Newsroom at midnight.
Club Closes at 00:30.

Literature Group: Redfern by Herman Melville
2024-04-02 14:00 - 16:00
Our Immediate Past President Dr Rob Huxley will be talking about this semi-autobiographical novel by the author of Moby Dick. The story of a young American on his first sea voyage, the novel is notable for its vivid and enlightening description of Victorian Liverpool.

Dinner with Mike Torpey, Grand National Preview
2024-04-05 18:30 - 23:00
April 5th 2024 @ 6:30 pm – 11:00 pm
13th April 2024 will see the 176th running of the world’s greatest steeplechase – the Randox Grand National – at Aintree Racecourse.
To mark the event we are welcoming local journalist and Grand National expert Mike Torpey, who will talk to us about the history of this event, which has been central to the life of our city – and many of our Proprietors – since it was first held a few miles away from the club.
Mike Torpey is a distinguished author and journalist specialising in cars and horses. For many years he was the Liverpool Echo’s racing correspondent and tipster. He is a knowledgeable and very entertaining speaker. Expect to learn new facts about the race as well as fascinating (and sometimes scurrilous) stories about horses, jockeys, bookies and punters. You might even come away with a tip for the big race.
Join us for a celebration of one of the biggest events of the year. Mike’s talk will be followed by a delicious three course meal prepared by our Executive Chef (menu to be published soon).
The dress code for this event is ‘lounge suit’ (jackets and ties for gentlemen).
6.30: Arrivals and welcome
7.00: Mike Torpey on the Grand National
8.00: Dinner (menu tbc)
10.30: Last orders
Tickets: £35
Book your place now through the Members’ Area of the website or directly with Reception.

An Evening with Sally Wainwright
2024-04-19 18:30 - 23:00
An Evening with Sally Wainwright
April 19, 2024 @ 6:30 pm – 11:00 pm
Tickets: £35
On Friday 19th April we welcome BAFTA-winning television writer, director and producer Sally Wainwright to the Athenaeum.
From her early days at the University of York and the Leeds Playhouse, through The Archers, Coronation Street and At Home with the Braithwaites to her popular and critically acclaimed dramas Gentleman Jack and Happy Valley, Sally has established herself as one of Britain’s leading television writers. In recent years she has turned her hand to directing and now produces her own work. From detective shows to comedy to costume drama, her work attracts millions of viewers and her many fans at the Athenaeum will not want to miss the opportunity to meet her.
I am delighted that Sally has offered to take a break from her busy schedule to pop over from Yorkshire for a night at our club. Sally will be ‘in conversation’ with our Chair the esteemed broadcaster Roger Phillips. We will then enjoy a three course dinner in the Dining Room, after which we can relax in the Newsroom until closing time.
Do not miss the chance to meet one of the most successful (and nicest!) writers of her generation. Book early via the members’ website or at reception.
6.30 – Arrivals and welcome
7.00 – Sally Wainwright in conversation with Roger Phillips
8.00 – Dinner (menu tbc)
10.30 – Last orders

St George's Day Lunch 2024
2024-04-23 12:30 - 15:00
We celebrate St George’s Day with a delicious banquet in the Dining Room. Join us in the Newsroom from 12:30pm for reception drinks before a 4-course lunch including a selection of English cheeses and biscuits. White and red dress encouraged!
£35 per person
Menu
Starter
Cream of Mushroom & Thyme Soup
Main Course
Roast Beef Sirloin, Yorkshire Pudding
Traditional trimmings
Dessert
Strawberry Trifle

Athenaeum Film Nights Presents: The Gay Divorcee
2024-04-23 18:30 - 22:30
The next in the series of classic films takes place on Tuesday 23rd April. The programme is being finalised by facilitator Dr Ian Cubbin and will be published shortly, though the dates for this seasons film nights can be found below. Guests gather in the Newsroom from 6:30pm ahead of supper at 7:00pm. The cinema will then open in the Wine Servery at 8:00pm. Sweets and treats will of course be served in the interval!
Book your place now via the Members’ Area or through the Concierge.
Wednesday evening’s at 6:30pm
11th October – Laughter in Paradise (1951)
15th November – Major Barbara (1941)
13th December – It Happened on 5th Avenue (1947)
17th January – Murder She Said (1961)
21st February – Hobson’s Choice (1954)
20th March – Irish Film Night! (Audience choice of three)
Tuesday 23rd April – The Gay Divorcee ( 1934)*** originally wed 17th April

Dinner with Spencer Leigh
2024-05-30 18:30 - 23:00
On Thursday 30th May we welcome local author and journalist Spencer Leigh to the Athenaeum.
In his younger days Spencer was an actuary for Royal Life and wrote about music in his spare time. He has written 25 books and hundreds of sleeve notes. He is proud to have reached No. 1 with the soundtrack album for Heartbeat, although (he says) of course nobody bought it for his sleeve note. His latest book is on Little Richard.
Spencer is one of the world‘s leading experts on Merseybeat and the Beatles and has a fund of stories about the time when Liverpool was the centre of the pop music universe, as well as about musical legends from both Britain and America. In his talk, entitled In My Anecdotage, Spencer will tell us about some of the personalities he has interviewed over the years.
Following the talk we will enjoy a three course dinner in the Dining Room, after which we can relax in the Newsroom until closing time.
Do not miss the chance to get a unique insight into the world of pop and rock from someone who was there.
Book your place now via the Members’ Area or through the Concierge.
Tickets: £35

Menu
Starter
Classic Prawn Cocktail
Marie Rose Sauce
-ooOoo-
Breaded Brie (V)
Onion Compote
Main Course
Coq au Vin
French Beans, Sauté Potato
-ooOoo-
Wild Mushroom Crepe Gratin (V)
Truffled Spinach
Sauté Potato
Dessert
Black Forest Cheese Cake

Event Schedule
6:30pm – Arrivals and welcome
7:00pm – In My Anecdotage: a talk by Spencer Leigh followed by Q & A.
8:00pm – Dinner
10:30pm – Last orders

Literature Group
2024-08-06 14:00 - 16:00
The Literature Group typically meets on the first Tuesday of the month at 2:00pm in the Reading Room.

Today’s meeting: Details to be confirmed

Shareholders & Slavery
2024-09-18 18:30 - 23:00
We are delighted to welcome Laurence Westgaph to the Athenaeum to talk about the institution’s links to the transatlantic trade in enslaved people. Many of our early Proprietors benefitted, directly or indirectly, form this heinous trade.
Some of you will remember the fascinating and enlightening presentation Laurence gave over two years ago about this important subject. Since then, the Liverpool Black History Research Group has continued to research the topic and you will find further details of their findings on our website under the heading ‘The Athenaeum and Slavery’. It is a vast subject and the club continues to support LBHRG in its efforts to uncover more of this once hidden history.
Laurence and his colleagues will discuss the discoveries they have made and the next stage of their research.
Liverpool Black History Group (LBHRG) has been established for some 5 years and is led by Laurence Westgaph. It is a collective of volunteers who sit outside academia. Through its research, it seeks to highlight the importance of the slave economy to Liverpool’s growth in the late 18th and early 19th centuries, and the city’s history as home to the oldest black community in Europe. Further information is available via www.LBHRG.com
The presentation will be followed by a three-course meal in the Dining Room. If you wish to attend the presentation but not the dinner, you may do so without charge but please book a place. We expect there to be a high demand for places, so please book early.
Tickets: £37.00

Literature Group
2024-10-01 14:00 - 15:00
The Literature Group typically meets on the first Tuesday of the month at 2:00pm in the Reading Room.

Today’s meeting: POEMS FOR AN ECHOING BATHROOM !!
Go on, admit it, we’ve all cut loose in the bathroom with our favourite verses sending a shiver through the shower head and startling the loofah as the tiled acoustic makes us sound like Richard Burton or Judi Dench ! You know you did ! Poetry is meant to be spoken, declaimed even roared so why not bring in a favourite or a few to get the attention of the pigeons outside Primark ? There can be whispers, too : certainly one I have in mind is elegiac. No need to explain your selection, just take a breath, stand and deliver. [ No, I’m not reciting ” The Highwayman ” though it’s a great bathroom boomer. ]
This could be a lively end to the year of wonderful literary events organised by Paul Burns which have so enhanced our lives.

History Group with Christina Clarke
2024-10-09 14:30 - 16:00
Mrs Christina Clarke who will give us an illustrated talk on Charkes Renee Macintosh, Scottish architect, designer, writer, artist and colourist. Members will remember Christina’s engrossing talk on the History of the Walker Art Gallery last March.
This talk may be of interest also to the members of the History of Art group, but is free of charge to all Members and their guests.
This is a joint meeting of the History Group & The History of Arts Group and will take place in the Reading Room.

Meet the President: Welcoming Professor George King
2024-10-10 18:30 - 23:00
Join us on Thursday 10th October to welcome Professor George King at his inaugural event as President of the Athenaeum.
Expect an enjoyable evening with fizz, food, music and perhaps a short speech or two.
Itinerary:
18:00-19:00 Drinks Reception
19:00 Food served
20:00 Entertainment
22:45 Last Orders at the Bar
Book your place now with via the Concierge Desk or through the Members’ Area.

Rogue Agent: By James Crossland (Book Launch)
2024-10-16 18:00 - 20:00
A SPECIAL BOOK LAUNCH FOR ROGUE AGENT BY JAMES CROSSLAND
IN LIVERPOOL’S ICONIC ATHENAEUM LIBRARY READING ROOM
WEDNESDAY 16TH OCTOBER 2024
6PM TO 8PM (INCLUDES TALK AND WINE RECEPTION)
** BOOK YOUR TICKET ON EVENTBRITE NOW **
ROGUE AGENT: THE THRILLING BIOGRAPHY OF ROBERT BRUCE LOCKHART, BRITAIN’S ‘AGENT’ IN MOSCOW
Sir Robert Bruce Lockhart (1887–1970) was an impressive figure: a diplomat, intelligence agent, conspirator, journalist and propagandist who played a key role in both world wars. He was a man who charmed his way into the confidences of everyone from Leon Trotsky to Anthony Eden. A man whom the influential press baron Lord Beaverbook claimed ‘could well have been prime minister’. And yet Lockhart died almost forgotten and near destitute, a Scottish footnote in the pages of history.
Rogue Agent is the first biography of this gifted yet habitually flawed maverick. It chronicles his many exploits, from his time as Britain’s ‘Agent’ in Moscow, and his role in a plot to bring down the communist regime, to leading the Political Warfare Executive, a secret body responsible for disinformation and propaganda in the Second World War.
Exploring Lockhart’s unorthodox thinking and contributions to the development of psychological warfare as well as his hedonistic lifestyle, late nights and many affairs that left him in a state of perpetual debt, Rogue Agent tells the thrilling story of this unconventional war hero.
Join James Crossland in conversation with Ian Skillicorn of the Liverpool Book Club for this special book launch event, which includes a live author interview and audience Q&A in the Athenaeum Library Reading Room, followed by a wine and canapés reception in the News Room.
There are only a few tickets left at the time of writing, book your place now via the Concierge.

Autumn Social & Welcome Evening
2024-10-25 18:00 - 23:00
The last Friday of every month we hold a welcome evening for new members, this is a great opportunity for members to meet and importantly sign the historic 1809 share register if they have not done so yet after joining.
Join us from 6:00pm for complimentary fizz ahead of the register signing at 6:30pm. Canapes will be served from 7:00pm.
Book your places now free of charge via the Concierge or through the Members’ Area.

Athenaeum Film Nights: Hue and Cry, 1947
2024-10-30 18:30 - 22:00
As the nights begin the darken we commence the next series of Athenaeum film nights, showing a classic film each month between October and April.
Guests gather from 6:30pm ahead of a one course supper in the Newsroom at 7:00pm. The screening will begin at 8:00pm in the Wine Servery with sweets served at the interval.
This month’s showing is: Hue and Cry, 1947
A comedy-thriller about a gang of young boys who discover & try to foil a series of robberies, when the police refuse to take their concerns seriously. A tongue-in-cheek Ealing comedy featuring Harry Fowler and Alastair Sim.
Book your place now via the Concierge or through the Members’ Area.

The full series of films can be found below;
October 30th – Hue and Cry, 1947
November 21st – The Chiltern Hundreds, 1949
December 19th – How About You?, 2009
January 22nd – The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes, 1939
February 26th – The Passionate Friends, 1949
March 19th – Irish Film Night
April 16th – Rose Marie, 1936

Music & Dinner with Dr Nico de Villiers
2024-10-31 18:30 - 23:00
Join us on Thursday 31st October for an evening of Music & Dinner with Dr Nico de Villiers, who will be giving a presentation on the life and the works of Dutch-American composer Richard Hageman (1881-1966).
Dr de Villiers is Deputy Head of Vocal Studies at the Royal Northern College of Music (RNCM), Director of The Richard Hageman Society, and notably head judge of the Sir David Maddison Opera Prize which is ran in collaboration between the Athenaeum and the RNCM.
The menu and ticket price will be announced shortly. Book your place now via the Concierge or through the Members’ Area.
Itinerary
6:30pm Arrivals
7:00pm Presentation
8:00pm Dinner
10:45pm Last Orders

Literature Group
2024-11-05 14:00 - 15:00
The Literature Group typically meets on the first Tuesday of the month at 2:00pm in the Reading Room.

Today’s meeting: The Letters of Machiavelli, with Dr Chris O’Neill

American Democracy: How it works and will it survive?: With Dr Cheryl Hudson
2024-11-05 18:00 - 19:00
On the night of the US Presidential Election, we’re delighted to be joined by lecturer in US History at Liverpool University, Dr Cheryl Hudson, who will be giving a talk on the elections and detailing how it works, including the make up of the electoral college system. A fascinating subject at a pertinent time, we anticipate supply will outstrip demand for this free talk which will take place in the Reading Room, book your places now via the Members’ Area or with the Concierge.
Food will be available in the Newsroom before and after the talk, though we ask members to make a reservation in advance to assist the team.

Remembrance Sunday Lunch
2024-11-10 12:30 - 16:00
Following the various civic ceremonies across the City Region, a traditional Sunday Lunch will take place to mark Remembrance Sunday.
Guests will gather in the Newsroom from 12:30pm ahead of the call for lunch at 1:00pm.
Ticket includes two-course traditional Roast Dinner, with all the trimmings. The full menu will be posted in due course.
Book your place now via the Members’ Area or through the Concierge.
£50.00 per person.

The Music of Gershwin, with Sarah Chidlow & David Roscoe
2024-11-13 18:30 - 23:00
Words and Music That Transcend Time
George and Ira Gershwin will always be remembered as the songwriting team whose voice was synonymous with the sounds and style of the Jazz Age. But from 1924 until George’s death in 1937, the brothers wrote almost exclusively with each other, composing over two dozen scores for Broadway and Hollywood. Together, George and Ira Gershwin wrote the music for many shows and films. Some of their more famous works include “The Man I Love”, “Fascinating Rhythm”, “Someone to Watch Over Me”, “I Got Rhythm”, and “They Can’t Take That Away from Me”. In 1931, the brothers collaborated on the score for the Broadway show, “Of Thee I Sing,” which became the first musical to be awarded a Pulitzer Prize for Drama. Their now-classic folk opera, PORGY AND BESS (co-written with DuBose Heyward), is constantly revived in opera houses and theatres throughout the world.
To bring some special pieces of the Gershwin brothers music alive for this event we have local singer Sarah Chidlow. Sarah began singing at the age of 11 years old in a small local theatre group, and has performed in many productions with the Birkenhead Operatic Society Trust (BOST). Sarah will be joined by Past President David Roscoe who will present and tell the story or the words and music that have transcended time.
Book your place now via the Members’ Area or through the Concierge.

MENU
Main Course
Boudin of Chicken, Chorizo & Sun Blush Tomato Mousseline, Risotto Milanaise, Olive Oil
Risotto Milanaise, Roast Butternut, Walnut Pesto, Sauce Verte (V)
Dessert
Orange Pannacotta, Ginger Crumb, Poached Rhubarb

EVENT SCHEDULE
18:30 – Arrivals
19:00 – 1st Performance
20:00 – Supper
21:30 – 2nd Performance
22:15 – Fin
22:45 – Last Orders

Athena Dining Evening
2024-11-15 18:30 - 23:00
Named after the Club’s patron, the Goddess of wisdom and war ‘Athena’, the Athena Dining Evening is a quarterly spectacle for Proprietors to enjoy fine food, elegant service, good company, in the magnificent surroundings of the Committee Room.
There are very limited number of places available for this premium event, do book early via the Concierge or through the Members’ Area to avoid disappointment.
Look out for the menu being published very shortly.

Event Schedule
Welcome Drinks & Canapés – 6:30pm in the Library Reading Room
Guests guided to Committee Room – 7pm
Dinner Served – 7:05pm
Newsroom Open after dinner – 10pm to 11pm

Athenaeum Film Nights: The Chiltern Hundreds, 1949
2024-11-21 18:30 - 22:00
As the nights begin the darken we commence the next series of Athenaeum film nights, showing a classic film each month between October and April.
Guests gather from 6:30pm ahead of a one course supper in the Newsroom at 7:00pm. The screening will begin at 8:00pm in the Reading Room with sweets served at the interval.
This month’s showing is: The Chiltern Hundreds, 1949
A delightful satire on political campaigning, this comedy revolves around Viscount Pym, who resolves to run for office as a Conservative MP to keep up the family tradition – in reality, he’s using it all as a ploy to marry his American sweetheart before she goes back to America. The perfect plan – until it isn’t.
Book your place now via the Concierge or through the Members’ Area.
The full series of films can be found below;
October 30th – Hue & Cry, 1947
November 21st – The Chiltern Hundreds, 1949
December 19th – How About You?, 2009
January 22nd – The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes, 1939
February 26th – The Passionate Friends, 1949
March 19th – Irish Film Night!
April 16th – Rose Marie, 1936

The Library Dinner 2024
2024-11-22 18:30 - 23:00
The first formal event of the
Presidential Year
The Library Dinner
6:30pm in the Newsroom
£80.00 per ticket, inclusive of donation to the Library, three course dinner with reception and table wine or non-alcoholic alternative.

The Library Dinner showcases the importance of our library to the Athenaeum’s past, present and future. It is the first of the three formal events scheduled for this Presidential year, ahead of Burns Night and the Annual Dinner.

At the 2024 Library Dinner we will be joined by Proprietor Rabbi Moshe Ariel Abel for an important lecture on an artefact held in our collection

‘What is a Jewish Torah? Dine with a rabbi and an Athenaeum incunabulum:The Viennese Katz: Scroll’.

The very scroll will be on display at the event, and £20.00 of the ticket price is a donation to the Library to fund the carbon dating of the scroll. Book your place now to hear about this fascinating item and to of course support your Library.
Please note that this is a ‘black tie’ event – a chance to dress up – and gentlemen should wear dinner suits with bow ties.

Book your place now via the Members’ Area or through the Concierge.

Menu

Starter
Individual Tarlet of Leek, Garden Peas and Cheddar Cheese
Main
Confit of Duck & Toasted Barley Cassoulet, Gratin Potato, Sugarsnap Peas, Red Wine Jus
Dessert
Chocolate Truffle Torte, Cherry Coulis, Crumbled White Chocolate

America Thanksgiving Lunch
2024-11-28 12:30 - 16:00
Details to follow in due course.

New Members Welcome Evening
2024-11-29 18:00 - 23:00
On the last Friday of the month we typically hold a welcome evening for new members. These informal social events are great way for members -both new and longstanding- to meet, and importantly is an opportunity for newer members sign the historic 1809 share register if they have not done so yet after joining.
Join us from 6:00pm for complimentary fizz ahead of the register signing at 6:30pm. Canapes will be served from 7:00pm.
Food will be available in the Newsroom by reservation, including a number of communal club tables members and guests can join.
Book your places now free of charge via the Concierge or through the Members’ Area.

The Charleston Chat
2024-11-30 12:00 - 13:30
CHARLESTON CHAT…Come and join us as the Thanksgiving weekend continues.
Proprietors Linda Iley, Ann Hughes, Fay Carter and Cynthia King will give an informal, illustrated feedback on their adventure during an affiliation visit to the Charleston Library Society in South Carolina, USA.
Classic American Cocktails will be available to purchase in the Newsroom from 12:00pm ahead of the talk in the Reading Room at 12:30pm.
Book your tickets to this free talk now via the Members’ Area or through the Concierge.
Food will be available post talk in the Newsroom by prior reservation.

Joint History & Literature Group Meeting
2024-12-03 14:00 - 15:00
This is a joint meeting of the History and Literature Groups.
This meeting will feature Ms Diana Goodier, who will give another talk on The Vikings’ presence in the Merseyside region…
This talk is free of charge to members and their guests.

Tim Rowett's Curious Collection of Phenomenal Paraphernalia
2024-12-04 18:30 - 22:00
For fifty years Tim Rowett has been scouring the world’s toy and gift fairs on the lookout for amazing toys and quirky items. Tim has charmed millions online with his collection under the title Grand Illusions.
Tim will demonstrate and entertain us with a delightful selection of tantalising toys, optical illusions, puzzles and unexpected physics.
Following dinner, there will be ample opportunity to see and play with items from his collection.
Book your place now via the Members’ Area or through the Concierge.
Tickets will sell out fast!

Schedule
6:30pm—Arrivals
7:00pm—Presentation
8:00pm—Dinner
9:30pm—The Newsroom will be open, opportunity to see items from Tim’s collection

£40.00 per ticket, inclusive of two-course dinner with reception drink, table wine or non-alcoholic alternative.

Athenaeum Carol Concert
2024-12-13 18:00 - 23:00
The Liverpool Chamber Choir will return at the ever-popular Carol Evening.
We will be gathering in the Newsroom from 6:30pm before supper (including mulled wine and mince pies) at 7:00pm in the Dining Room. The carol concert will commence in the Reading Room from 8:15pm before guests retiring back to the Newsroom for a night cap!
Details of the menu and ticket price will be published shortly.
Book your place now via the Members’ Area or through the Concierge.
