The Signalman
2023-11-23 19:00 - 21:00 (Europe/London) | The Athenaeum Liverpool, Church Alley, Liverpool, L1 3DD, United Kingdom
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.

Sketching Club
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.

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

Friday Evening Dining
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
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.

Athenaeum Film Nights Presents: Murder She Said
2024-01-17 18:30 - 22:30
The next in the series of classic films takes place on Wednesday 17th January. 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 Sketching Group
2024-01-20 12:00 - 14:00
Happy New Year From The Athenaeum Sketching Group! We are now meeting on a Saturday, with the next meeting planned for Saturday 20th January (12:00pm-2:00pm) when our President will be modelling for us in the Newsroom!
All members, guests and skill levels are welcome to attend, there is is no need to book in advance simply turn up with your sketching materials and enjoy.

Burns Night
2024-01-26 19:00 - 23:30
Our Annual nod to the Scottish Bard, ‘Rabbie Burns’! Join us for bagpipes, haggis, neeps, and tatties as we enjoy four courses and ever-enjoyable speeches at the popular Burns Night gathering.
Book your place now via the Members’ Area or through the Concierge.

A copy of the menu and event schedule can be found below. Should you have any dietary requirements please provide these at the point of booking.

Starter
Cock-a-leekie soup
(Barley and vegetable soup Ve)
Intermediate
Loch Fyne Smoked Salmon, horseradish crème fraiche, beetroot
Breaded Crowdie, sweet and sour beetroot(v)
Main Course
Haggis, Neaps and Tatties
Haggis, Neaps and Tatties(v)
Dessert
Wild berry Cranachan (v)

Event Schedule:
Reception Drink: 7:00-7:30pm
Dinner & Speeches: 7:30-10:00pm
Newsroom Bar will be open until Midnight this evening, with last orders called at 11:30pm.

History Group - History of Bidston Lighthouse with Dr Stephen Pickles
2024-01-30 14:30 - 16:30
History of Bidston Lighthouse with Dr Stephen Pickles – 2:30pm in the Reading Room, Tuesday 30th January 2024
“An illustrated talk about the history of Bidston Lighthouse, the flag signals on Bidston Hill and the Liverpool-Holyhead semaphore telegraph, from 1763 to 1913. (This talk will expand the talk on the history of the lighthouse that Dr Pickles gave to the Liverpool History society in September last year.)

Book now via the Member’s Area or through the Concierge.

Ladies Lunch
2024-01-31 12:30 - 15:00
Now that the festive season is behind us and we move into January it’s great to have things to look forward to. In that spirit we are very pleased to confirm that our popular Ladies Lunches are returning on the 31st January and it would be great to see as many of our lady members as possible attending.
So, please come along if you would like to :

Catch up with old friends
Make some new friends
Enjoy a lovely lunch
Hear at first hand an update from our General Manager and get answers to your questions

The event will start at 12.30pm with a pre lunch aperitif and canapes followed by a two course meal and coffee.
Ladies, please consider bringing a guest, particularly those who may be interested in joining the Athenaeum. The cost of the lunch will be reimbursed for any lady accepted for membership by 30th June 2024 and there will be a gift for you.

Ticket Price: £27.50
To book, please go to the Website or contact the Concierge at: concierge@theathenaeum.org.uk
Book your place now via the website or directly through the Concierge.

Library & Archives - Trace Your Share Number
2024-02-03 11:30 - 13:00
Examine ways to find and trace the previous holders of your share!

Lunch will be available in the Newsroom, guests are asked to pre-book their meal on the day in advance of the meeting.
Book your place via the Members’ Area now or through the Concierge.

Sydney Gibbes: Tutor the Tsarevich
2024-02-06 14:00 - 16:00
Proprietor Ann Bates will be talking about her relative Charles Sydney Gibbes (1876-1963). An English teacher from Yorkshire, Gibbes was hired by the Tsarina Alexandrova to improve her children’s English. He stayed with the imperial family through the Russian Revolution, returning to England after their murder. His fascinating life has been the subject of several books including J C Trewin’s Tutor to the Tsarevich. Ann will draw ion this and other sources to shed an unusual light on one of the most written-about episodes in history.
Ticket price TBC.

'I Type, I Die', Murder Mystery Evening
2024-02-09 18:00 - 22:30
It is 1987 and in the splendid surroundings of Liverpool’s Athenaeum Club, a group of crime writers and their guests gather for an evening of celebration. Unfortunately, at their last convention, one of their number died in mysterious circumstances. Your mission, if you choose to take it, is to uncover the events leading to his demise and name his murderer.
We are pleased to welcome Wirral-based company The Assassin’s Breed to present this intriguing and entertaining event at the Athenaeum as part of this year’s Presidential programme.
The entertainment will begin with a short presentation describing the grisly events. Guests can then help themselves to the delicious buffet provided by our chefs and settle down to enjoy it in groups of 4-6 around the Newsroom. Members of the company (suspects) will join you to discuss the murder. This is your chance to quiz them and work out ‘whodunit’. If your table gets it right, you can win a prize.
Later, the suspects will be gathered together and the murderer revealed.
Join us to while away a winter evening in the warm and friendly atmosphere of your club, enjoying good food and company while you exercise your ‘little grey cells.’
6.00: Arrivals in the Newsroom
6.30: Welcome and presentation
7.00: Buffet and your chance to meet the suspects
Circa 9.30: The denouement
10.30: Last orders at the bar
Dress Code: ‘Dress to Impress’ in the spirit of the 1980s. Although this is not strictly a formal event, we encourage black tie for the gentlemen.
Price £35.
Book via the website or at reception.

Athenaeum Film Nights Presents: Hobson's Choice
2024-02-21 18:30 - 22:30
The next in the series of classic films takes place on Wednesday 21st February. 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)

History Group - An Introduction to Environmental History with Dr D. Chester
2024-02-27 14:30 - 16:30
An Introduction to Environmental History with Dr D. Chester
2:30pm in the Reading Room, 27th February 2024
“Although having some precursors in the nineteenth and early twentieth centuries, environmental history essentially grew out of the conservation movement of the 1960s. It seeks to examine the historic impact of people on the planet and uses not only conventional archival source materials but also information from archaeology and from so-called sedimentary archives, with information being extracted using techniques that include pollen analysis, chemical markers, magnetic signatures and radiometric dating techniques.
In this lecture, the scope of environmental history will be illustrated using three examples: the use and abuse of the Earth during the Holocene (i.e. the last 10,000 years), human impact on the landscape of southern Europe and the environmental disaster which is represented by the history of Easter Island.”
Book now via the Member’s Area or through the Concierge.
