The Athenaeum Liverpool

Rogue Agent: By James Crossland (Book Launch)
2024-10-16 18:00 - 20:00 (Europe/London) | The Athenaeum Liverpool, Church Alley, Liverpool, L1 3DD, United Kingdom
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.

Library & Archives Group - Meet the Curator
2024-10-17 17:30 - 18:30
Three months after taking over the position of Curator of the Athenaeum Library, Heather Thrift will speak about the collections we have, the treasures we hold, and her vision for the Athenaeum library of tomorrow.
Food will be available in the Newsroom before and after the talk, if you will be eating please make a reservation where possible to assist the team with Catering.

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

History Group: Greenhouse Architecture Run Mad - The Life and Legacy of Peter Ellis
2024-11-14 14:30 - 16:30
Join us for another meeting of the Athenaeum History Group. We will be joined by Proprietor Dr Graham Jones, who will speak about the life and legacy of Peter Ellis.
This talk is free of charge to Athenaeum members and their guests.

History Group
2024-11-14 14:30 - 16:30
Proprietor Graham Jones will give a talk on Greenhouse Architecture Gone Mad: The Life and Legacy of Peter Ellis. This has links to Graham’s earlier talk and book on Walking on Water Street.
This talk is free of charge to Members and their guests.

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, 2025-01-31 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.

Christmas Informal Dining
2024-12-18 18:00 - 23:00
Christmas Informal Dining: Wednesday 18th December, service from 6:00pm until 8:00pm
The last restaurant 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.

Athenaeum Film Nights: How About You?, 2009
2024-12-19 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: How About You?, 2009
Book your place now via the Concierge or through the Members’ Area.
When a young woman is tasked with minding a retirement home whilst the residents return home for Christmas, four pensioners remain over the holidays – the “hardcore” group. It soon becomes apparent that there’s more to the hardcore gang than meets the eye, and as Ellie learns more about the rebel residents, she begins to think she may have bitten off more than she can chew…
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 Athenaeum Christmas Lunch
2024-12-20 12:30 - 16:00
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.
The festive menu and ticket price will be published shortly.
Book your place now via the Members’ Area or through the Concierge

Winter Social
2025-01-18 12:30 - 17:00
Join us on Saturday 18th January 2025 for the Athenaeum Winter Social.
Book now via the Members Area or directly with the Concierge.
Ticket price: TBC

Athenaeum Film Nights: The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes, 1939
2025-01-22 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: The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes, 1939
Conan Doyle’s detective masterpieces are brought to life by the wonderful Basil Rathbone and George Zucco, who don the capes of Sherlock Holmes and his arch nemesis Professor Moriarty respectively in this classic. Once again, Sherlock must take up his deerstalker to try and thwart an attempted murder, and maybe more…
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

Burns Night
2025-01-24 18:30 - 23:00
Join us for the annual Athenaeum Burns Night dinner.
The event is black tie.
Book now via the Member’s Area or directly with the Concierge.

Literature Group
2025-02-04 14:00 - 15:00
STRANGER THAN FICTION
The fascinating lives of three bestselling authors from the 20th century
Just some of the stories you will discover:
The ambitious writer who became a Guinness World Record holder, and tracked down Dr Crippen’s mistress after she went into hiding; the brave author who flew Spitfires in WW2 then moved to Scotland in search of the Loch Ness monster; the determined bestseller who campaigned as a suffragette and defied the Nazis in occupied Italy.
Ursula Bloom, CL Skelton and Naomi Jacob were three highly-popular, bestselling authors. They also lived through the defining moments of the twentieth century.
Proprietor and publisher Ian Skillicorn shares how their personal stories influenced their writing, proving that fact can indeed be stranger than fiction.

2:00pm in the Reading Room on the first Tuesday of the month.
Facilitated by Dr Paul Burns

Sons & Daughters Dinner
2025-02-08 18:30 - 22:00
We are delighted to invite all Athenaeum members to the first of what we hope will become the annual Sons & Daughters Dinner on Saturday, 8th February 2025.
This special event offers the perfect opportunity to share an enjoyable evening with your sons, daughters, or any family members aged 14 and above, while introducing them to the unique atmosphere of the Club.
The evening will begin with a welcome glass of fizz and canapes in the Newsroom where guests can mingle and gather before dinner. Following this, guests will be seated for a delicious three-course dinner, each course with a paired wine or non-alcoholic option.
After dinner, the festivities will continue where attendees are invited to enjoy a nightcap and good company.
This is a wonderful occasion to spend quality time with your loved ones and give them a taste of what the Athenaeum has to offer, whether they’re already familiar with the Club or considering membership in the future.
Date: Saturday, 8th February 2025
Time: 6:30 pm – Welcome Drinks | 7:30 pm – Dinner
Dress Code: Black-Tie
Price: £80.00 per person
We look forward to welcoming you and your guests to this light-hearted, memorable evening.

Menu:
Artisan canape selection
Starter
Chicken and asparagus terrine
Cauliflower puree, Baby rocket salad.
-ooOoo-
(V) Vadouvan spiced sweetcorn volute
Pickled red onion, succotash. (V)
Main Course
Fillet Rossini
Duck parfait, spinach, truffled wild mushroom
Fondant potato, truffled tender stem broccoli
-ooOoo-
(V) Cauliflower steak
fondant, spinach, truffled wild mushroom
red wine reduction (V)
Dessert
Passion fruit Pannacotta
Mango salsa, gingerbread crumble
-oo0oo-
Tea or Coffee

History Group: Graham Burgess on The Battle of Brunanburh
2025-02-13 14:30 - 16:30
February 13 @ 2:30 pm – 4:30 pm

Proprietor Graham Burgess will give a talk on the battle of Brunanburh.
This talk is free of charge to members and their guests.
