History Group - Cockfighting in Liverpool: Rise, Fall & Lingering Death
2023-10-31 17:30 - 22:00 (Europe/London) | The Athenaeum Liverpool, Church Alley, Liverpool, L1 3DD, United Kingdom
This talk will examine the history of cockfighting, once one of England’s most popular pastimes, from the medieval period through to its abolition in 1849. It was first recorded in Liverpool in the 16th century, and the talk will focus on the locations of the town’s cockpits, and on the close connection of the ‘sport’ with schools, the local aristocracy and horse racing at Maghull and Aintree. It became the focus of early campaigns for the prevention of cruelty to animals, led in Liverpool by Egerton Smith, the editor of the “Liverpool Mercury’, who wrote one of the first novels on the subject. Despite abolition, it continued clandestinely for many years, and the talk will conclude with a discussion of how and why that became the case.
If you woud like to stay for supper following the talk, please book with Reception.
Looking forward to seeing you all again.

Attendance of the talk is free for Members are guests.
Supper is available to pre-book following the event for just £16.50. Book your place now via the Members’ Area or with the Concierge.
Talk: 5:30pm in the Library Reading Room
Supper: 6:30pm on the third floor

Library & Archive Group - All Quiet on the Western Front
2023-11-01 15:00 - 18:30
Wednesday 1st November – 3pm in the Wine Servery
Im Westen Nichts Neues, otherwise known as All Quiet on the Western Front, was published in 1929, but was famously banned and burned in Germany over the years after release.
Some of you may know that The Athenaeum has a copy of the book, and a German copy at that, from the year of it’s publication. How did we collect this timeless piece of 20th century literature? Come along, and help us answer that very question.
This discussion will be followed by the 1930 film of the same name.
Attendance of the talk is free of charge.
To dine afterwards, tickets are £25.

3pm – discuss the book
3:30pm – watch the film
4:30pm – interval
5pm – watch the film
6:30pm – supper in the Dining Room

Library & Archives Group Supper
2023-11-01 17:30 - 22:30
Im Westen Nichts Neues
(All Quiet on The Western Front)
By Erich Remarque

Published in 1929 by banned and burned. Why does the Athenaeum have a copy?
Followed by the 1979 film – All Quiet on The Western Front.

Talk & Supper available for £16.50. Book your place now via the Members’ Area or with the Concierge.
Talk & Showing: 5:30pm in the Wine Servery
Supper: 7:00pm in the Dining Room
2nd half of film: 8:30pm

Friday Evening Dining
2023-11-03 18:00 - 20:00, 2024-01-05 18:00 - 20:00
At least once a month the Club hosts Friday Evening Dining, where the Dining Room is open to members on a Friday Evening.
Typically this will take place on the first Friday of the month, though where this is not possible it will be moved to another Friday.

The Dining Room will be open from 6:00pm for table bookings with slots every 15 minutes until 8:00pm. If you would like to join our Club table, which dines at 7:30pm, please stipulate this when booking.
You can book for Friday Evening Dining now via the Members’ Area or through the Concierge.

Literature Group
2023-11-07 14:00 - 15:00
The Literature group meet on the 1st Tuesday of the month at 2:00pm in the Library Reading Room – any alterations will be notified in good time.
There is no need to book for this interest group meeting, simply turn up and enjoy.

This week, Proprietor Ann Bates has agreed to lead the meeting, which will likely revolve around 20th Century Poetry.

Sketching Club
2023-11-07 18:30 - 20:30, 2023-12-05 18:30 - 20:30
The Sketching Club meet on the 1st Tuesday of the month at 6:30pm to sketch portraits. Past models have included those in Tudor, English Civil War and Edwardian costume. It adopts the approach of the well-established Liver Sketching Club where individuals learn through practice rather than instruction. This is an informal club for sketchers of all abilities and experience levels.
Classes are free of charge, and it is hoped members will model on a rota basis, but this is not essential. Members should bring their own pad, charcoal, pastels, pens and pencils. Beside the Athenaeum is Cass Art, should you need to purchase any of these items.
There is no need to book for this interest group meeting, simply turn up and enjoy.

Remembrance Sunday Lunch
2023-11-12 12:30 - 17:00
Remembrance Sunday Lunch
Sunday 12th November, 12:30 for 1:00pm
A Traditional Sunday lunch will follow the Civic Remembrance Service at St George’s Plateau. The Club will be open from 11:30am for anyone who wishes to use the facilities before lunch, though guests will be gathering from 12:30pm ahead of lunch at 1:00pm.
Book your place now via the Members’ Area or through the Concierge.
A copy of the menu can be found below, if you or a guest has any dietary requirements please highlight these upon booking.
Menu
Starter
Cream of Mushroom and Thyme soup (Ve) (GF)
Bread Roll
-oo0oo-
Main Course
Roast Sirloin of Beef (GF)
Roast Potatoes, carrots, broccoli,
Yorkshire Pudding, Roast Gravy
Roast Butternut and red pepper Wellington (Ve)
-ooOoo-
Dessert
Bakewell Tart
Custard
Apple Crumble (Ve)
-oo0oo-
Tea or Coffee

Athenaeum Film Nights Presents: Major Barbara
2023-11-15 18:30 - 22:30
The next in the series of classic films takes place on Wednesday 15th November. 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)

Poetry Evening - Presidential Dinner
2023-11-17 18:30 - 22:30
The Athenaeum is proud to present, as part of this year’s Presidential programme, our first Poetry Night, hosted by Athenaeum Proprietor poet, musician and wit John Gorman (formerly of the Scaffold). John will perform his own work as well as introducing two special guest poets, Keith Wilson (a regular on Radio Merseyside) and Hoylake-born Anna Saunders. There will also be poetry from some poetic Proprietors including Tim Ward, Dave Costello, Ieuan Cligwri and Sally-Anne Tapia-Bowes. If you too write poetry and would like to perform one of your poems, there will be an ‘open mic’ slot as well. Please let us know before the event if you want to read.
There will be live music, a welcome drink and a substantial buffet. The Newsroom will be set out ‘cabaret style’ so that you can eat at your leisure and have a drink or two while enjoying the poetry in a relaxed and convivial atmosphere.
Book now for a night of comedy, emotion, song, surprises and a warm Athenaeum welcome. Bookings can be made via the Members’ Area or via the Concierge.
A copy of the menu as well as the event schedule can be found below, if you have any dietary requirements please highlight these at the point of booking.

Buffet Menu
Lasagne Al Forno
Pollo Parmigiana
Maccheroni conditi con salsa al formaggio (V)
Calamari in umido
Saute Potatoes with Peppers and Oregano
-0-
Selection of Italian Antipasti
-0-
Mixed Leaf Salad
-0-
Selection of Breads with Oil and Balsamic

Sweet
Tiramisu
-0-
Fruit Trifle

Schedule
6.30 – Welcome drink and music
7.00 – Poetry
7.45 – Buffet served and more music
8.15 – More poetry
9.00 – Carry on drinking and chatting until closing time!

Liverpool Salon: Designs for Living
2023-11-18 12:00 - 16:00
Join Michael Owens (researcher, writer and lecturer; author Play the Game: How the Olympics came to East London) and John Boughton (social historian, blogger; author Municipal Dreams:the Rise and Fall of Council Housing) to take a historical perspective on Britain’s current housing crisis. From the golden age of post war planning to the decades of decline from the late 70s and 80s and focusing on the experience of Merseyside, we’ll ask what lessons might be learnt from Britain’s post-war vision for building a new, more modern and better future from the rubble of war.
Tickets £7.50
The event runs until 1.45 pm, but you are invited to stay to continue the conversation over drinks or a lunch in the Athenaeum’s newsroom.
Designs for Living is the latest in a series of Liverpool Salon discussions, which explore the past as a way of thinking about future possibilities and reflecting on the problems of our own time.

The Signalman
2023-11-23 19:00 - 21:00
The Athenaeum is delighted to welcome back ArtsGroupie CIC, to perform their new production of the Charles Dickens classic – The Signalman.
A ghostly figure has visited the signalman twice already, each time preceding a terrible disaster. When the apparition appears for the third time, it’s up to the signalman to decode its meaning and prevent another catastrophe.
Enjoy a gripping slice of gothic horror from Charles Dickens, regarded as the greatest horror story ever written.
In the tradition of classic oral storytelling, a lantern and two players is all that is needed to tell the spine tingling tale of the Signalman.
“The Signalman is a powerful and haunting story about survivor’s guilt and isolation – something we believe will be of striking relevance to our audience following the pandemic. Our inability to control events around us can be more frightening than any ghost, as Dickens knew well. He wrote from experience, a survivor of the Staplehurst railway disaster – events that both inspired and haunted the author.”
Reception drinks will be served at 7:00pm (Club wine or soft drink).
The performance will start at 8:00pm sharp, admittance may not be possible after this time.
Book your place now via the Members’ Area or through the Concierge.

Library Dinner 2023
2023-11-24 18:30 - 23:59
Friday 24th November, from 6:30pm in the Newsroom
The traditional 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 and includes a reception drink, a delicious meal and talk from guest speaker Dr David Jordan, titled: Whose Past is it Anyway?. This talk will explore the importance of communities in exploring their own archaeological heritage.
This year we will also be marking the forthcoming retirement of our librarian Mrs Joan Hanford and celebrating her many years of service.
As is usual with the Library Dinner, a portion of the ticket price (£20) represents a donation which will help to fund a Library project. This year it is the restoration of a Gillows desk that has been generously donated to the Library by one of our Proprietors. When refurbished, the desk will make a handsome addition to the Library Reading Room – and will be available for use to all members!
The evening begins with reception drinks in the Newsroom at 6:30pm.
Tickets are £65 each.
Please note that this is a ‘black tie’ event – a chance to dress up – and gentlemen should wear dinner suits with bow ties.
You can book this event now via the Members’ Area of via the Concierge.

A copy of the Menu and event schedule can be found below, should you have any dietary requirements please highlight these at the point of booking.
Starter
Mosaic of Seafood and Salmon
Cucumber, Caper & Dill Relish

Crème Fraiche, Tomato and Artichoke Terrine (v)
Cucumber, Caper & Dill Relish

Main Course
Boudin Of Chicken with Haggis
Grey Poupon & Girolle Mushroom sauce
Served with Savoy Cabbage and Leeks, Potato Croquette

Aubergine Steak (v)
Grey Poupon & Girolle Mushroom sauce
Served with Savoy Cabbage and Leeks, Potato Croquette

Dessert
Elderflower poached pear, lemon pannacotta. (v)

Event Schedule:
18:30-19:00 Drinks Reception
19:00-19:30 Speeches
19:30-21:00 Dinner
21:00 After Dinner Talk
The Newsroom will be open until 11:00pm following the talk.

History Group
2023-11-28 14:30 - 16:30
The President, Dr Paul Burns will be the guest speaker at November’s History Group Meeting: Topic to be finalised.

Attendance of the talk is free for Members are guests.
Talk: 2:30pm in the Library Reading Room

Friday Evening Dining, New Members Welcome Evening
2023-12-01 18:00 - 20:00
At least once a month the Club hosts Friday Evening Dining, where the Dining Room is open to members on a Friday Evening.
Typically this will take place on the first Friday of the month, though where this is not possible it will be moved to another Friday.
This December we have a special edition of Friday Evening Dining where we will be hosting a New Members reception in the Library Reading Room before hand from 6:30pm for our New Proprietors to sign the Share Register before dinner.
The Dining Room will be open from 6:00pm for table bookings with slots every 15 minutes until 8:00pm. If you would like to join our Club table, which dines at 7:30pm, please stipulate this when booking.
You can book for Friday Evening Dining now via the Members’ Area or through the Concierge.

Athenaeum Carol Concert
2023-12-06 18:00 - 22:00
The Liverpool Chamber Choir will return at the ever-popular Carol Evening.
We will be gathering in the Newsroom from 6:00pm before supper at 6:30pm in the Dining Room ahead of mulled wine, mince pies and carols back in the Newsroom from 8:15pm! £30.00 per person.
Book your place now via the Members’ Area or through the Concierge.

The Christmas Social - The Presidential Pub Quiz
2023-12-08 18:00 - 23:00
Join us for our Christmas Social Evening from 6:00pm in the Newsroom.
A great way to meet more of your fellow members, guests will be gathering from 6:00pm in the Newsroom.
Past President Dr Rob Huxley will be running ‘the Presidential Pub Quiz’ during the evening at what will be a light hearted and enjoyable evening in the Club. Bring your team along and challenge the gray matter as you compete for the ‘grand prize’!

Arrivals: 6:00PM
Drinks Reception from : 6:30pm-7:00pm
Buffet Served: 7:00pm-7:30pm
The Presidential Pub Quiz: 7:30pm-9:30pm
Last Orders: 11:00pm
Tickets for the event cost £35.00 inclusive of drinks reception, Christmas buffet and entry to the quiz.
Book your place now via the Members’ Area or with the Concierge.

Athenaeum Festive Afternoon Tea
2023-12-09 12:30 - 15:00, 2023-12-16 12:30 - 15:00
It’s our signature Afternoon Tea with a Christmas twist – don’t miss out on this opportunity to enjoy our luxurious selection of savouries & pastries, themed especially for Yuletide.
Enjoy a festive afternoon tea and a glass of fizz in your Club.
Tickets are £39.99 per head. Book here to directly through the Concierge.

Viking Women - a queen, a slave and an axe murderer (Literature & History Group)
2023-12-12 14:00 - 15:00
Literature & History group (joint meeting) – Tuesday 12th December 2023 – 2pm in the Library Reading Room
A talk based on the stories of 3 women from the Icelandic sagas, comparing the saga with the archaeological record to assess how realistic a picture the saga presents.
There is no need to book for this interest group meeting, simply turn up and enjoy.

Athenaeum Film Nights Presents: It Happened on 5th Avenue
2023-12-13 18:30 - 22:30
The next in the series of classic films takes place on Wednesday 13th December. 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 Athenaeum Christmas Dinner
2023-12-15 12:30 - 18:00
Join the President in raising a glass to toast to a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year at the Club’s Annual Christmas Dinner.
Guests will be gathering in the Newsroom from 12:30pm for a glass of fizz ahead of a hearty Christmas Dinner with all the trimmings at 1:00pm in the Dining Room.
Book your place now via the Members’ Area or through the Concierge

Games Group
2023-12-16 13:00 - 17:00, 2024-01-13 13:00 - 17:00
Who is the group for?
Members of all levels of ability who are interested in playing games and socialising. We are a very relaxed group and no past experience is required.
What games do we play?
Bridge, diplomacy, chess, mahjong, and more!

Friday game & dinner
Fancy dining in the club and a chance to socialise while learning a new game? We will meet at 18:00 in the Reading Room and break at 19:00 for dinner. We resume our game by 21:00 and finish at 22:00. For those who do not have to rush home we can enjoy a night cap in the Newsroom before the club closes at 23:00. Book with reception and make it clear you are joining the Games Group.
Saturday games
If you are in the club on a Saturday why not join in one of the games we will be playing in the Newsroom? We meet at 13:00 and play until 15:00. If you wish you might like to order something to eat from the Newsroom menu.

Date
Event
Meet*

16 Dec 2023
Saturday games
13:00 NR

5 Jan 2024
Friday game & dinner
18:00 RR

13 Jan 2024
Saturday games
13:00 NR

2 Feb 2024
Friday game & dinner
18:00 RR

17 Feb 2024
Saturday games
13:00 NR

1 Mar 2024
Friday game & dinner
18:00 RR

16 Mar 2024
Saturday games
13:00 NR

13 Apr 2024
Saturday games
13:00 NR

3 May 2024
Friday game & dinner
18:00 RR

18 May 2024
Saturday games
13:00 NR

7 Jun 2024
Friday game & dinner
18:00 RR

5 Jul 2024
Friday game & dinner
18:00 RR

13 Jul 2024
Saturday games
13:00 NR

*NR = Newsroom, RR = Library Reading Room

Christmas Informal Dining
2023-12-20 18:00 - 20:00
Christmas Informal Dining: Wednesday 20th December, service from 6:00pm until 8:00pm
The last dining opportunity of the year is the ever-popular Christmas Informal Dining.
The Dining Room will be open from 6:30pm with slots available until 8:00pm. There is limited space for each slot so book fast to get your preferred dining time. If you wish to join the club table, a 7:30pm dining slot has been reserved.
A delectable a la carte menu will be available for guests to choose from on the evening.
Book your place now via the Members’ Area or through the Concierge.

Christmas Closure
2023-12-22 16:00 - 2024-01-03 10:00
The Club will close for the festive period from 4:00pm on Friday 22nd December, and reopen at 10:00am on Wednesday 3rd January.

May we wish you a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

Theatre Group Outing: The Woman In Black
2023-12-30 14:00 - 17:00
The Theatre Group will be visiting the Playhouse on December 30th to watch The Woman In Black.
Tickets are available from £26, to be collected from the Concierge in advance.
PLEASE NOTE THAT THE CLUB WILL CLOSE FOR CHRISTMAS FROM FRIDAY 22ND DECEMBER, PLEASE ENSURE YOU HAVE YOUR TICKET BEFORE THIS DATE.
Book you place now by 9th December through the Members’ Area or via the Concierge.
“The most brilliantly effective spine-chiller you will ever encounter.”
Daily Telegraph
The legendary production of Susan Hill’s chilling ghost story THE WOMAN IN BLACK returns to Liverpool this Christmas, direct from London’s West End, after an incredible 33 year run at the Fortune Theatre.
The Woman in Black brilliantly delivers atmosphere, illusion and horror! Experience the thrill and excitement of this critically-acclaimed international theatre event that has been seen by over 7 million people worldwide, and continues to delight and terrify audiences of all generations.
Obsessed with a curse that he believes has been cast over him and his family by the spectre of a Woman in Black, Arthur Kipps engages a sceptical young actor to help him tell his terrifying story and exorcise the fear that grips his soul.
“Guaranteed to chill the blood.”
Evening Standard

Literature Group
2024-01-09 14:00 - 15:00
The Literature group meet on the 1st Tuesday of the month at 2:00pm in the Library Reading Room – any alterations will be notified in good time.
There is no need to book for this interest group meeting, simply turn up and enjoy.

Speaker to be announced in due course.

Visit Your Library - Library & Archives Group
2024-01-13 11:30 - 13:00
Hear about the history of the Library, the stack area, the catalogue, and some special works from the Committee Room.
Lunch will be available in the Newsroom – pre-booking only.

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