The Athenaeum Liverpool

Summer Concert Gershwin Evening
2018-07-26 18:30 - 23:00 (Europe/London) | The Athenaeum Liverpool, Church Alley, Liverpool, L1 3DD, United Kingdom
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 of the year Sarah Chidlow. Sarah began singing at the age of 11 years old in a small local theatre group, currently is a member of the Birkenhead Operatic Society Trust (BOST) and has performed in many of their musical productions. Most recently Sarah performed the role of Hope Hardcourt in ‘Anything goes’ which was performed at the Floral Pavilion in New Brighton last year. In June this year she played Eliza Doolittle in the BOST production of a concert version of ‘My Fair Lady’ which was performed in the concert suite of St. George’s Hall. This is one of many venues that Sarah has performed in and around the Liverpool area. She is a keen supporter of many local charities in the Liverpool City Region and has performed for many charitable functions.
The evening promises to be a real spectacle, book your place now!
Event Schedule
Arrival Drink —6:30 for 7:00pm
Performance—7:00 to 8:00pm
Supper—8:00 to 9:00pm
Encore in the Newsroom — 9:00 to 9:30pm
Last Orders in the Newsroom—10:00 to 10:15pm
Building Closes—11:00pm

Arts Group
2018-07-24 14:00 - 15:00
Juile Fewster. Tuesday 24th July 2018 at 2:00pm

This an exciting opportunity to hear a young artist talk about her career as a practicing Artist / Ceramicist.
Inspired by the clean lines and the pure forms of Scandinavian Design, Julie makes tactile, uniquely decorated slip cast objects that invite touch, love and use. Interested in the boundary between sculpture and function, she produces complimentary ranges of vessels and hollow-form sculptural pieces.
The work is tied together through the use of monochrome colour palettes and expressive mark making. Julie graduated with BA:Applied Arts from Glyndwr University.

Library And Archive Group
2018-07-20 17:30 - 21:00
David Brazendale: Liverpool’s 1801 Census (a nearly unique survival)
6.30 pm informal supper (reservation required)
MAIN

Chicken Cordon Bleu with sautéed potatoes and mixed salad

Jack Birley's Charity Supper
2018-07-18 18:30 - 23:00
JACK BIRLEY OUR CLUB SECRETARY
plans to scale Mount Kilimanjaro on 5th August 2018 to raise funds
for the charity Sands, which gave great support to Jack’s parents
following a bereavement.
Following supper, intrepid explorer Col. Joe Harkon MBE, TD, DL,
who climbed Kilimanjaro in 1996 will give a dramatic overview of
his climb, and what Jack has to expect.
PLEASE SUPPORT THIS WORTHY CAUSE!
Bring a friend, bring several, kidnap people off the street but make
sure we give Jack a terrific send off!
—- Menu—
Chicken Cordon Bleu, Cheddar Cheese Sauce, served with Mixed
Salad and Sauté Potatoes
~~~

History Group Meeting
2018-07-18 14:00 - 15:30
David Hearn on ‘Liverpool’s links with America’

Gourmet Handover Dinner
2018-07-12 18:30 - 23:00
As has become customary in recent years, one of the first events in a Presidential calendar is the Gourmet Handover Dinner. A culinary spectacle where our catering staff really show off their skills, treating guests to eight courses of first class food!
The convivial dinner also acts as one final thank you to our outgoing President, Sir David Maddison, whilst welcoming Mr David Roscoe, as his programme begins to get into full swing.
Due to the nature of this significant menu, attendance is limited to just 40
Event Schedule
Arrivals —6:30 for 7:00pm
Dinner Service—7:00-21:30pm
Following Dinner the Newsroom bar will be open.
Last Orders— between 10:30-10:45pm
Building Closes—11:30pm
Menu
1. Canapé
Lamb Kebab
–
Veg Kebab (v)
2. Soup
Vichyssoise, Grated Egg, Chive Oil (v)
3. Fish
Smoked Kipper Terrine, Mango, Sea Greens
–
Compressed Cucumber, Mango, Sea Greens (v)
4. Cleanser
Citrus Sorbet (v)
5. Meat
Duck Croquette, Pear, Cider Aspic, Chard
–
Gorgonzola Croquette, Pear, Cider Gel, Chard (v)
6. Salad
Waldorf (v)
7. Main Course
30-day Matured Beef Tournedos au Poivre, Spin-ach, Roast Shallots
Sauté Potatoes with Truffle and Parmesan
–
Nut and Mushroom Strudel (v)
8. Dessert
Chocolate and Passion Fruit Slice (v

EMAE Youth Orchestra
2018-07-06 18:30 - 22:00
On Friday 6 July we are thrilled to welcome the Early Music As Education Youth Orchestra, led by Dr Alberto Sanna. Please be aware there are a very limited number of tickets available for the concert.
‘EMAE is a registered charity based in Merseyside that promotes the cultural, social and economic value of early music through regular educational, recreational and scholarly activities. In particular, in collaboration with local schools and other organisations, we offer to select string players aged 11 to 16 free training in HIP and chamber music (with special emphasis on the music of the ‘long eighteenth century’, from Corelli to Schubert) under the guidance of expert theoreticians and practitioners in the field. This include weekly sessions that take place in school throughout the year, several concert productions across the UK and abroad, and an intensive summer programme.
Event Schedule
Arrival drink and canapés—6:30 for 7:00pm
Performance—7:00-7:45pm
Interval—7:45-8:00pm
Presentation & final performance—8:00-8:30pm

The Music Group
2018-07-05 17:30 - 19:00
Following on from the success of June 14th’s Special Folk concert, the Music Group is proud to announce the concert in the series. Join us on Thursday 5 July for a performance by the Capriol Singers.
Capriol is a mixed voice (soprano, alto, tenor and bass) choir which was formed in 1960. They perform three seasonal concerts with a varied programme throughout the year. The repertoire ranges from 16th century composers to present day composers, both classical and popular. In addition, they are asked to sing at local events, weddings and other celebrations. Venues have included the Sefton Park Palm House, St. Nicholas Pier Head, Metropolitan Cathedral and BBC Songs of Praise.
The concert is free of charge, however booking is required and can be done so via the Members’ Area or through reception.
The bar will be open throughout the concert, and attendees can order food from the Newsroom Menu before and after the performance!
Why not bring a guest, or guests!!!
Schedule: Concert will commence at 5:30pm.
Interval from 6:00pm to 6:15pm
2nd performance from 6:15pm to 7:00pm
The Newsroom food service will be extended until 8:00pm!

Presidential Dinner
2018-06-29 19:00 - 23:00
Further details TBC.

Arts Group
2018-06-26 14:00 - 15:00
John McClenaghen. Painter. Tuesday 26th June 2018 at 2:00pm
‘My work explores the phenomena of time and change within the landscape. I am interested in painting’s ability to relate experience by drawing parallels between the action of weather upon the land and the action of colour and mark upon the canvas. The main focus of my practice is in painting and drawing, something that began when I was a student at the Glasgow School of Art.

I tend to return to the same places again and again as I try to establish a relationship with the space through drawing and painting it over time.’

John McClenaghen studied at the Glasgow School of Art he is currently Programme Leader for the BA Fine Art, Photography and Film in the School of Creative Arts, Glyndŵr University.

Dinner with RLPO Chief Executive
2018-06-22 19:00 - 23:00
RLPO Dinner, Friday 22 June 2018. £25.00 per person

On Friday 22 June, we are joined by the Chief Executive of the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra, Michael Eakin, in addition to Ian Bracken and Hilary Browning, two cellists in the RLP, at a special dinner, which will also be the last event of Sir David’s Presidential Calendar. We hope that you will be able to join us on that evening to congratulate Sir David on what has been a most enjoyable year!

6.30pm: Arrival Drinks in the Newsroom.
7.00pm: Ian Bracken and Hilary Browning, two of the cellists in the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra, will give a short performance. Then there will be a talk by Michael Eakin, the Chief Executive of the RLPO, following which Ian and Hilary will give another short performance.
7.45pm (approximately): Dinner.
After dinner: A talk by Ian and Hilary.
Main Course

Boudin of poached chicken, peas a la francaise, streaky bacon, tarragon cream
Served with Panache of vegetables, Parisiene potatoes

Dessert

Strawberry Tart, crème pattissiere

Champagne and Sparkling Wine Tasting Evening
2018-06-20 18:00 - 22:00
Our next informal wine tasting will take place on Wednesday 20 June at 6pm. It will be a truly sparkling occasion with 3 different Champagnes tasted blind and in competition with 3 other sparkling wines. Russell will be providing charcuterie and cheese to accompany the fizz. As applies on these occasions, the wines will be available to order by Members at a discount rate. The cost for the evening is £20 per head and the dress code is smart casual. Numbers are limited so book early to avoid disappointment.

Folk Evening with Ellie Gaynard and George Boomsma
2018-06-14 17:30 - 19:00
FOLK EVENING with Ellie Gaynard and George Boomsma – 5.30 p.m. Concert on Thursday 14th June 2018 in the Newsroom. Bar open. Retiring collection.
Ellie Gaynard is a freelance violinist and violin teacher based in Manchester. She was classically trained and received degrees from the University of Manchester and the RNCM, but grew up surrounded by Celtic folk music. Ellie works with numerous orchestras, chamber ensembles and bands throughout Manchester, Liverpool and London, and is the musical director of Bellow Theatre company, based in Hull. She regularly attends Irish folk sessions and plays for ceilidhs and festivals.
George Boomsma is a progressive folk musician from Northallerton, North Yorkshire. George’s effortless vocals and sensitive guitar playing evoke an intimate atmosphere that silences even the rowdiest of crowds. After George’s highly regarded debut album, released back in Summer 2016 comes his highly anticipated sophomore album, ‘Do Something With The Night’ which was released February 2018.He has supported artists such as ‘Natty’, ‘The Travelling Band’ and ‘Skinny Lister’, been played on BBC Radio 1, BBC Radio 6 Music playlisted and performed at Latitude Festival 2016 on the BBC Introducing stage.
George and Ellie began playing together whilst studying at the University of Manchester, and have performed and recorded both as part of the band Tangletree, and as a duo, for six years.

The Film Group
2018-06-13 14:00 - 16:00
Guests will be treated to two films in Junes “Classic Film Group”
SAFETY LAST (USA 1922)
Dir. by Fred Newmayer.
Starring Harold Lloyd, Mildred Davies.
This is a silent film, with titles and a good music track, but it is EVEN NOW one of the funniest films you can see. Harold is a young man from the country, who goes to the Big City to make his fame and fortune, and ends having to climb up a skyscraper.

Also THE PLANK. 1967, UK.
A slapstick comedy following the misadventures of two builders who require a floorboard. Written and directed by Eric Sykes, it includes most of Britain’s top comedians at that time, including Tommy Cooper, Jimmy Edwards, Roy Castle, Jimmy Tarbuck and, of course, Eric Sykes.
Although not strictly a silent film, it is unusual in having little dialogue. Instead, the film is punctuated by grunts, other vocal noises and sound effects.
Apropos of nothing, the plank itself was sold at auction in December, 2011 for £1050.

Literature Group
2018-06-06 14:00 - 15:30
Details to Follow.

Restaurant Dining Evening
2018-05-25 19:00 - 23:00
Our first ‘Restaurant’ evening of fine dining will be held on Friday 25 May. There will be options at every course, priced individually in a la carte style. As well as our standard wine list, there will be specially selected fine wines on offer, at least one white and one red, priced in line with the Club’s competitive rate. The dress code for the evening will be smart casual. It is to be hoped that, come the autumn, such an event will become a regular monthly fixture.

Service between 7:00pm and 8:30pm.

Library And Archive Group
2018-05-24 17:30 - 21:00
Finding Things: Catalogues, Collections etc.
6.30 pm informal supper (reservation required)

Dinner with His Honour Simon Tonking
2018-05-18 19:00 - 23:00
We are fortunate that His Honour Simon Tonking will be joining us on Friday, 18th May, to speak to us after dinner. Again the time is 6.30 for 7.00 and the dress code is lounge suit. Simon is a recently-retired Circuit Judge, and will dispel many of the mysteries surrounding the sentencing process in criminal cases in England and Wales. He is eminently qualified to do so. A former Resident Judge and Recorder of Stafford, he also spent many years with the Judicial College teaching newly-appointed judges how to do the job, and he is one of the authors of the manual used by all Crown Court judges when conducting trials and passing sentence.
I can promise you that his talk will be witty and informative, and that it will not be legalistic. I heard him deliver it to an appreciative invited audience at a packed Lichfield Cathedral. He will tell you amongst other things about the different purposes of sentencing, which do not always sit easily together; the various forms of sentence which can be passed; the factors taken into account when deciding what sentence is appropriate; the extent to which judges and magistrates receive guidance on what sentence to pass; the practical effect of life sentences; the factors governing the release of prisoners (particularly topical in the light of the Warboys case); and the effectiveness of imprisonment in relation to rehabilitation and re-offending.
So come along for an enjoyable evening and enhance your knowledge at the same time. Mind you, given the subject-matter, you’d better behave yourselves!

Third Thursday Networking
2018-05-17 17:30 - 20:00

Architecture Group
2018-05-17 16:00 - 17:00
The Albert Dock,
Architectural Gem and Jewel in the Crown

Time: 4 PM Thursday, 17 May 2018
Venue: Athenaeum Library, followed by discussions in the Newsroom.
Presented by: David Roscoe, Athenaeum Vice President
Those that attended the last architectural group meeting on “Lighthouses” which ended with the festive gathering in the Newsroom will be well aware of the fine fare on offer from our new menu and the conviviality it generated. The Doppler ganging of our architectural presentation with the Third Thursday Networking event is proving to be a winning combination.
Our next meeting promises to reach greater heights as Athenaeum vice president David Roscoe presents the background story and lesser-known history of Jesse Hartley’s architectural masterpiece. The Albert Dock was the world-class event of its day that changed the fortunes of the city and impacted world trade. Often referred to as the Jewel in the Crown of our visitor economy, it is the centre-piece of our UNESCO World Heritage site and the largest group of Grade 1 listed buildings in the country. This not to be missed event will be well attended so get to the library early and pencil in your diary for the follow-on carousing that extends discussions into the elegant Newsroom with the enhanced hospitality now on offer.
David Roscoe is Chairman of Gower Street Estates, the management company of the Albert Dock
Proprietors may recall that they were promised a “virtual pub crawl” from Ken Pye at the last architectural meeting. Unfortunately, for personal reasons Ken had to postpone his architectural carousing and we were illuminated by Jim Bellew’s presentation on lighthouses. The good news is, that those with a thirst for knowledge on Liverpool’s watering holes can fill their cups of curiosity at the history group meeting at 2 o’clock on 16 May when Bob Thurlow will speak on “Inn Liverpool” a history of some of Liverpool’s pubs. Cheers!

History Group Meeting
2018-05-16 14:00 - 15:30
Bob Thurlow will speak on”Inn Liverpool” a history of some Liverpool pubs.

Dinner in Memory of Frank Moran, John Cook & Ian Fisher
2018-05-11 19:00 - 23:00
We have recently and most regrettably lost three Past Presidents of the Athenaeum, namely Frank Moran, John Cook and Ian Fisher. On Friday 11th May at 6.30 for 7.00 pm there will be a dinner in their memory. The dress code will be lounge suits.
Thursday 10th May would have been Frank’s 90th birthday, and though it has not been possible to organise the dinner on that date, we are only one day out. His family tell me that that they much approve, and that Frank would much have approved of the Athenaeum’s holding such a dinner. Russell has kindly devised a menu that would have been to Frank’s liking, namely crayfish salad with quails’ eggs and brandy and peppercorn Marie Rose; breast of guinea fowl with peas and bacon served with seasonable vegetables and potatoes; and tarte au citron with raspberries. A string quartet composed of members of the Liverpool Mozart Orchestra will entertain us, which is appropriate as John was a cellist with this orchestra and Ian was known to love chamber music.
Frank’s family live in the south of England and will not be able to attend, but Judith Fisher will be there, and I hope that Suzanne Cook will be present as well. Please join us if you can for what, although tinged with sadness, is intended to be a warm and celebratory occasion.
MENU
Starter
Crayfish salad with Quails eggs
Brandy and peppercorn Marie Rose
Main Course
Breast of Guinea Fowl with Peas and Bacon
Served with Seasonal vegetables and potatoes
Dessert
Tart au Citron , raspberries
Tea, Coffee & Mints

The Film Group
2018-05-09 14:00 - 17:00
“On the Town” (1949)
On the Town – three sailors have 24 hours’ shore leave in New York. Gabey (Gene Kelly) falls in love with “Miss Turnstiles”, a woman on an advert and the three man race around New York trying to find her. Starring Gene Kelly and Frank Sinatra, the film was directed by Gene Kelly and Stanley Donen and also choreographed by Gene Kelly. The music is by Leonard Bernstein and Roger Edens. It was adapted from a Broadway stage musical of the same name, but most of Bernstein’s music was dropped from the film, because Edens disliked the majority of Bernstein’s score, considering it too complex and operatic. As a result Bernstein boycotted the film.

The film was made in 1949 and was filmed in technicolor. It is also notable for having a combination of studio and location filming, which is brave when shooting a musical. The weather can affect the shooting schedule and the sound!. The film is full of well known songs, such as New York, New York and won the Oscar for Best Music-Scoring of a Musical Picture.

Enjoy this lovely piece of nostalgia.

The Literature Group
2018-05-02 14:00 - 17:00
Mr Brian Gill, will be giving a talk on ‘Shakespeare and Alchemy’.

Athenaeum Film Nights - The Producers
2018-04-25 18:15 - 22:00
‘The Producers’ (1967 Mel Brooks and Gene Wilder)
‘Producers Max Bialystock and Leo Bloom make money by producing a sure-fire flop’.
We begin about 6.45pm with a one course supper and go into the ‘cinema’ by about quarter to eight. All our films have a suitable intermission and we empty out no later than ten o’clock.

(Please note this date has been moved from the 11th April)

Bluecoat Afternoon Tea
2018-04-24 13:00 - 16:00
Artist Talk – Lynda Roberts
Tuesday 24th April 2018
Location : The Athenaeum, Liverpool (Church Alley).
Time: 1pm to 4pm
Tickets : £12.50 each (includes tea, sandwiches & cakes at The Athenaeum, Liverpool).
Lynda makes multi media colleges as a personal visual record of places she has visited both here and abroad. In her recordings of our built environment, colour and texture are important elements providing layers to be visually explored by the viewer. Textile focal points are partially integrated to elaborate statements made in paint. She has captured Liverpool landmarks such as The Palm House.
A traditional afternoon tea in the grand setting of The Athenaeum will follow the talk.

Dinner with Sir John Timpson CBE
2018-04-20 19:00 - 23:00
Friday 20 April, 7:00 for 7:30pm, £25.00 per person.

We are very fortunate to be joined for dinner on 20th April by Sir John Timpson CBE. He founded the well-known chain of Timpson shops, of which there are now over 1,300, and which provide shoe-repairing, key-cutting and many other services. It has been his policy, for which he has been widely commended, to offer employment in his shops to ex-prisoners.

He is a man of many parts. In addition to his business activities he and his wife have raised five children of their own and remarkably have fostered some ninety others over a period of thirty years. He has a weekly column in the Daily Telegraph and has written books on business management and a variety of other subjects, including ‘How to Ride a Giraffe’ and ‘How to Play Golf Quickly’. He has been a governor and trustee of several different schools, a trustee of the charity ‘Childline’ and a Master of the Pattenmakers’ Company. He makes regular television and radio appearances. He was knighted for his services to business and to fostering.

His talk promises to offer a fascinating insight into his life and times. There is likely to be high demand for places at this dinner, and it is suggested that members book early to avoid disappointment.
Menu

Starter
Pressed ham and cheddar terrine, apple sauce and gherkins

Main Course
Breast of chicken stuffed with sage and leek, sauce champignon
Served with a panache of vegetables and garlic roasted new potatoes

Dessert
Peach Belini Cheese Cake, raspberry puree

Presidential Event
2018-04-20 19:00 - 23:00
Further details to Follow in the New Year.

Arts Group
2018-04-20 14:00 - 15:00
‘James Dickson Innes : ‘Beauty Most wild’, a talk by Professor Rhiannon Evans MBE
Athenaeum, Liverpool, April 20th 2018 2pm.

J D Innes was a Welsh painter (1887-1914) and a close friend of Augustus John. In his short life he painted landscapes in Wales and France of extra-ordinary power and originality.
Bio
Professor Emeritus Rhiannon Evans MBE is former Pro-Vice Chancellor at Edge Hill University in Lancashire. Her three retirement projects ( all completed) were transcribing and publishing her mother’s war journals, walking around the coast of Wales and setting up an annual prize for young poets.

The Film Group
2018-04-18 14:00 - 17:00
‘United 93’ – United 93 is a 2006 biographical drama- thriller film written, co-produced and directed by Paul Greengrass, that chronicles events aboard United Airlines Flight 93, which was hijacked during the September 11 attacks of 2001.
