The Athenaeum Liverpool

The Film Group
2020-05-20 14:00 - 16:00 (Europe/London) | The Athenaeum Liverpool, Church Alley, Liverpool, L1 3DD, United Kingdom
Wed. May 20th 2020 at 2.0 p.m.
THE MIRACLE WORKER ​(1962) Based on a biography of Annie Sullivan, the blind teacher who reaches out to blind-deaf Helen Keller, it shows her turning Helen from a frustrated, sometimes violent child into one who overcomes her dreadful disabilities, and is one of the most heart-warming films you can see. Anne Bancroft plays Sullivan and Patty Duke, Keller. The film is directed by Arthur Penn. ​(Running time 107 mins.)

The Sir David Maddison Opera Prize 2020
2020-06-12 18:00 - 22:00
Friday 12 June—The Sir David Maddison Opera Prize 2020
Dress: Lounge suits Ticket Price: £TBC
The second annual Opera Prize held by the Club in conjunction with the Royal Northern College of Music, named after of our friend and Past President who passed away earlier this year. The winner of the 2019 prize, Molly Barker (pictured), has since played at St James’s Palace and, of course, at The Opera at The Athenaeum concert in October. Our thanks to David Cox for producing this event on behalf of the Club.
Events
Diaries at the ready—Your social calendar is here
Booking Online
The easiest and quickest way to book an event is via the Members’ Area of the club website. Simply log on and visit the book events tab.
Email
Alternatively, you can email; reception@theathenaeum.org.uk
Through the office
Alternatively, You can also book events at reception, either when you are in the Club or by calling 0151 709 7770 between the hours of 9:00am and 4:00pm.

The Film Group
2020-06-17 14:00 - 16:00
Wed. 17th June 2020 at 2.0 p.m. Greta Garbo as ANNA KARENINA (USA 1935). Dir. by Clarence Brown. Many great actresses have played Anna Karenina, but perhaps Garbo is the greatest of them, and if you have never seen a Garbo film, this may be the best one to start with. She is matched by the icy coldness of Basil Rathbone as her pitiless husband, so that tragedy is inevitable.
(Running time:1 hr 35 mins)

General Manager's Update
2021-09-16 18:00 - 19:00
The second General Manager’s update is scheduled to take place on Thursday 16th September, at 6:00pm in the Library.
The first session that took place earlier in the summer was well received and the General Manager, John Blain, will build upon what has been taking place, what is planned, as well as facilitating questions.
If you wish to attend the update you can book your place now via the Members’ Area of our website, or alternatively through reception and due to limited capacity advanced booking is recommended.
The Dining Room will be open following the briefing and in anticipation of a strong attendance there will be a number of ‘Club Tables’ that members can join to continue the discussions before and after the update.
Spaces are offered on a first come first serve basis and can be booked via reception or if you are booking through the Members’ Area requesting a dinner booking in the remarks.

The Library & Archives Group
2021-09-23 17:30 - 21:00
The Library & Archives Group host a special book launch and talk on Thursday 23rd September from 5:30pm in the Library, with Proprietor Mr David Brazendale and Professor Mark Towsey, editors of the new publication of THE FIRST MINUTE BOOK OF THE LIVERPOOL ATHENAEUM, 1797-1809.
Copies of the book published by the Record Society of Lancashire and Cheshire will be available for sale on the evening which will comprise of a drinks reception, talk and then supper in the Dining Room.

Supper Menu
Main Course
Confit Duck Leg, Cassoulet of Fennel sausage and Smoked Ham
French Beans, sauté potatoes
Potato Gnocchi, roast Mediterranean vegetables (Ve) (GF)
Toasted almonds, basil infused soft cheese
-ooOoo-
Dessert
Marshmallow Cookie Stack, Butterscotch sauce
Coconut and Toffee Ice Cream (Ve)(GF)
-oo0oo-
Tea or Coffee

The Annual Dinner
2021-09-24 19:00 - 23:00
#THERE ARE LIMITED TICKETS REMAINING TO THIS EVENT#

President of the Athenaeum Colonel Martin Amlôt looks forward to welcoming Members and guests to The Annual Dinner, the primary event in the Athenaeum Calendar. After a challenging year for everyone we look forward to gathering to enjoy good company, good food, and good wine, at this black tie event.
Guests will gather for a reception in the Newsroom from 7:00pm ahead a four-course dinner accompanied by paired wines.
Menu
Starter
Crab Remoulade
Shellfish and tomato aspic, parsley puree, brambly apple gel
Pea and Mint Soup (Ve)(GF)
Puree of Fresh Garden peas and Mint with potato
-oo0oo-
Main Course
Casterbridge Mature Beef Tournedos
Braised Shin of beef and grain mustard bon-bon
Carrot and Orange Puree, Bordelaise
Tartlet of truffled oyster mushrooms (Ve)
Parsnip Puree, Asparagus Spears
-ooOoo-
Dessert
White Chocolate Parfait
Shortbread crumb, confit black cherry, honeycomb
Confit Pineapple, Mango sorbet (Ve)(GF)
-oo0oo-
Cheese and Biscuits
Drumloch Cheddar
Cow’s Milk
Hebridean Blue Cheese
Cow’s Milk Unpasteurised
Brie De Meaux Donge
Raw Cow’s Milk Unpasteurised
St Maure De Touraine
Goats Milk

The Literature Group
2021-10-05 14:00 - 15:30
The Literature Group meets in the Library at 2:00pm on the first Tuesday of the month.
Cath Hayes on ‘Writing for the Stage’ . . Further to her talk about writing for television, Cath – by popular request! – will talk about her experiences of the theatre, Cath’s writing career started at the Playhouse, since when her work has been performed all over the world, including the National Theatre and New York.
Members and guests are welcome to attend – booking not required.

The Annual General Meeting
2021-10-06 18:00 - 19:30
The Annual General Meeting of the Proprietors of The Athenaeum will take place on Wednesday 6th October at 6:00pm in the Newsroom.
The Dining Room will be open from 12:30pm until 8:00pm for Members to dine before or after the meeting, and advance booking is recommended.

The business of the meeting will be circulated internally to all Proprietors in advance of the meeting.

The Photography Group
2021-10-07 16:00 - 17:00
The Photography Group meet at 4:00pm on the 1st Thursday of the month in the Library.
There will be a talk on the Kodak Brownie camera and how its inventor George Eastman built one of the worlds most successful corporations based on helping everyone to capture their memorable moments – Kodak Moments. This little 1 dollar camera that changed the direction of photography forever is a fascinating story. There will be a small collection a small collection of Brownies for all to look at and handle. We will also have some family photographs taken on brownies over 90 years ago and later which which provide an example of how this little basic camera helped people capture their special moments. Everyone is welcome to join and if you have an old Brownie camera at home then why not bring it along.
Members and guests are welcome to attend – booking not required.

The Photographic Group will be putting a new collection of photographs on the website Gallery this month. This next collection will be “mobile phone favourites” and we already have some ready to go but any Proprietor who has any images which they particularly like or have captured a special memory then why not share it on the Gallery. Please email any image to the office and please include a short text to describe the image and what is special to you about it. All images will be anonymous and we will not publish any image that compromises privacy.

David Roscoe
Photographic Interest Group

The Library & Archives Group
2021-10-15 17:30 - 22:00
The Library & Archives Group host a talk on Friday 15th October from 5:30pm in the Library, with Dr Xanthe Brooke and Proprietor Dr Stephen Lloyd. This event was originally scheduled for Thursday 14th October.
William Roscoe – Collector
Members and guests are welcome to attend and there is no need to book for the meeting, though following the talk the Dining Room will be open for Friday evening Dining. Why not book a place on a Club table to continue the discussion after? If you would like to book for dinner please contact reception via 0151 709 7770 or alternatively reception@theathenaeum.org.uk.

Victorian Women In Bed (Theatre Production)
2021-10-16 18:00 - 23:00
Tickets are available now for ‘Victorian Women In Bed’ live at The Athenaeum!
Full details of how you can purchase your tickets can be found here – Victorian Women In Bed Tickets | The Athenaeum Liverpool | Sat 16th October 2021 Lineup (skiddle.com)
‘Victorian Women in Bed’ is a theatre production, written by Janet Goddard and produced by Barbara Hardy, first staged in 2019, comprising of five short plays featuring a newly crowned Queen Victoria and Florence Nightingale amongst others. The women are funny, cross, attractive and vibrant just as much as they are eccentric and odd.
‘What is a bed for but to die in?’ asks angry, dead Emily Bronte.
We snuggle down to participate in bed adventures with six bold women who decimate convention to be themselves. We question Emily’s analysis and love our bedbound women and the lives they reveal.
The Young Queen Victoria, Elizabeth Barrett Browning, Charlotte Bronte, Sarah Bernhardt, Florence Nightingale and Emma Hardy, with the help of family and acquaintances, show themselves to us through their bed tales.
‘A woman has ten claws, my darlings,’ Sarah Bernhardt confirms, proving that, not then, not now, do women go to bed to give their brains a rest! Please come to discover what has drawn our women to their beds and share their secrets …
Staring Tracey Ann Wood as a Young Queen Victoria!

Meet The President
2021-10-20 19:30 - 21:30
Join us on Wednesday 20th October, for a special reception to welcome our new President, The Reverend Canon Dr Crispin Pailing, into office.
This is a great opportunity to meet our new President as well as other members, as you enjoy some first class Athenaeum hospitality with a champagne reception and buffet, courtesy of your Club. The reception and buffet will commence at 7:30pm.
There is no charge for this event, but it would be helpful if people could book tickets in the usual way so that we can gauge numbers.

'The Outsiders', James Corbett & Roger Phillips
2021-10-21 18:00 - 23:00
Members and guests are invited to attend a special live interview and supper with Proprietors James Corbett and Roger Phillips.
Broadcaster Roger Phillips will be interviewing author James Corbett about his debut novel ‘The Outsiders’, which has been longlisted for the 2022 Portico Prize.
Reserve your tickets now and receive a copy on the night!
Liverpool 1981. As the city burns during inner city riots, Paul meets two people who will change his life: Nadezhda, an elusive poet who has fallen out of fashion; and her daughter Sarah, with whom he shares an instant connection. As the summer reaches its climax his feelings for both are tested amidst secrets, lies and the unravelling of Nadezhda’s past. It is an experience that will define the rest of his life. The Outsiders moves from early-80s Liverpool, via Nadezhda’s clandestine background in war-torn Europe, through to the present day, taking in the global and local events that shape all three characters. In a powerful story of hidden histories, lost loves and painful truths ambitiously told against the backdrop of Liverpool’s fall and rise, James Corbett’s enthralling debut novel explores the complexities of human history and how individual perspectives of the past shape everyone’s present.

Supper will follow the event in the Dining Room.

You can book your tickets now via the Members’ Area, or alternatively by contacting the office on 0151 709 7770/reception@theathenaeum.org.uk.

The Literature Group
2021-11-02 14:00 - 15:30
The Literature Group meets in the Library at 2:00pm on the first Tuesday of the month.

Jutta Hesketh on the short story. Jutta asks ‘ Has the art of the short story in the English Language changed in he las 150 years?’
Jutta will refer to a wide range of writers . A list is attached.

Turning Ideas Into Business - A Seminar
2021-11-10 18:00 - 19:00
Innovation has something we have been good at for a long time: Sir Isaac Newton invented the first working reflecting telescope in 1668, The first navigable submarine was designed by William Bourne in 1620, and Edward Jenner invented the first vaccine in 1798 – something that is topical today.
Charles Babbage proposed the idea for a Difference Engine, an automatic mechanical calculator designed to tabulate polynomial functions in 1822. The jet engine was patented by Sir Frank Whittle in 1930. The cash machine and personal identification number system was patented by James Goodfellow in 1966, just to name a few particularly important landmark innovations that still impact our world today.
In today’s world if your business is, a Start-Up, a Stay-Up or Grown-Up creating the best possible version of your business idea does not happen by chance. It happens because you work through a thoughtful process, turning your idea into a practical and investible business opportunity.
It is difficult and the numbers speak for themselves.
Using any benchmark, the success rate for Innovation, which is turning an innovative idea into a profitable business are not good. According to CB insights, in the UK 42% of start-up businesses fail because there is no market need for their services or products.
To launch a start-up means to risk a high failure rate, 20% of businesses fail in their first year and around 60% will go bankrupt within their first three years.
The challenge for most innovators and entrepreneurs is that they lack the in-depth knowledge and skills to shape well-rounded business ideas. Neither do they have access to a rigorous, structured development process to formulate their business ideas which has a feedback and refinement system to perfect and confirm their ideas.
As an Innovator, Entrepreneur or Investor managing risk, improving productivity, creating competitive advantage, improving cashflow are all key elements for successful value generation and building a successful enterprise.
None of this is achievable without validated and verified business ideas.
The seminar will introduce you to the Design Works framework and Vuka Works and explore how they provide a structured approach building better business ideas.
The Design Works Framework is a collaborative, human-centred approach to shaping enterprise strategy, generating new ways to bring value to the market and designing the enterprise to support and accelerate sustained value creation.
Vuka Works is a scalable digital interactive platform that equips people with ideas to design and refine an investible, sustainable business project or venture. Vuka Works was designed to increase the odds of success for innovators and entrepreneurs. The aim is to contribute to the pipeline of value-creating projects and ventures, to improve the return on time, money, and energy for everyone in the value-creation process.
Book your place on this free seminar now via the Members’ Area or through reception.

Ladies Lunch - 25 Years of Lady Proprietors
2021-11-17 08:00 - 17:00
‘25 Years of Lady Proprietors ’
It is 25 years since ladies first became full proprietors of the Athenaeum.
In order to mark this milestone, Past Presidents, Hilary Gatenby and Gaynor Bresnen, invite all Lady Proprietors and Associates to join them for lunch on Monday 29th November 2021 at the Athenaeum.
Join us and our special guests, Dame Lorna Muirhead and Lady Indira Maddison, and take this opportunity to meet other lady proprietors and associates and enjoy good food and company.
Tickets are priced at £20 each
We will gather in the Library from 12.30pm for drinks and canapes and then proceed to the dining room for lunch at 1.00pm
Menu
Main Course
Poached Lemon Sole, Salmon Mousseline, Veronique Sauce
Buttered New Potatoes, Petit Pois
Or
Baked Courgette (v), Garlic, Spinach and Brie,
Toasted Almonds, Buttered New Potatoes, Petit Pois
Dessert
Lemon Pavlova with Frosted Berries
Tea or Coffee
After lunch Lady Indira Maddison will unveil a painting of the Athenaeum commissioned by Past President Sir David Maddison.
We will then return to the library reading room for tea or coffee

If you would like to join us please let reception know either by
e-mail: reception@theathenaeum.org.uk
Telephone: 0151 709 7770 Or in person.
When booking can you let reception know if you prefer the vegetarian lunch option

Friday Evening Dining
2021-11-19 18:30 - 20:00, 2021-11-26 18:30 - 20:00
The Dining Room is open for Members to enjoy on a Friday evening with service taking place from 6:30pm to 8:00pm.
Book your place now via reception.
reception@theathenaeum.org.uk / 0151 709 7770

School Debates
2021-11-23 10:00 - 12:00
We are pleased to announce the return of the School Debates to the Athenaeum.
This will be the first in the eighth season of Athenaeum debates where six schools will come to the Athenaeum to join in debate on current social issues.
For these debates we will have 8 to 10 year old students attending and there will be further session in January for year 10 secondary school children
There will be four propositions for debate which will be circulated later. In the meantime please put the date in your diary and come along to support these young people for what is always an enjoyable morning
All Proprietors are welcome to attend and are invited to join in the Debates

Library & Archives Group
2021-11-25 17:30 - 19:30
Incunabula – Early Printed Books in The Athenaeum
By Martin Kay
The next meeting of the Library & Archives Group takes place on Thursday 25th November in the Library Reading Room at 5:30pm, and is followed by a supper after the talk.
You can book your place at the talk and supper (£15 per person) via the Members’ Area or through reception.

Athenaeum Film Night - The Maggie
2021-11-30 18:30 - 22:00
Athenaeum Film Nights return with another classic film showing.
We begin about 6.30pm 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.
A 1 Course Supper will be served before Tea, coffee & mints with Sweeties available during the film.
This month’s film is…. THE MAGGIE

Calvin B. Marshall (Paul Douglas), a wealthy American, plans to surprise his wife with a summer residence in the British Isles. Arrogantly certain that he can make a shrewd deal, he charters a small, rundown transport boat, “The Maggie,” to carry his furnishings to the new property. Pilot Capt. McTaggert (Alex Mackenzie) desperately needs the job to save his boat — but he and the crew of two men and a boy nevertheless plan to get the most out of Marshall on their most unorthodox journey.

Film Interest Group - The Miracle Worker
2021-12-01 14:00 - 16:00
Our next classic film shown via the Film Interest Group is ‘The Miracle Worker’. Gather in the cinema (Wine Servery) at 2:00pm to enjoy the production, why not book a table for lunch before hand?

Blind and deaf after suffering a terrible fever as a baby, young Helen Keller (Patty Duke) has spent years unable to communicate, leaving her frustrated and occasionally violent. As a last chance before she is institutionalized, her parents (Inga Swenson, Andrew Prine) contact a school for the blind, which sends half-blind Annie Sullivan (Anne Bancroft) to teach Helen. Helen is initially resistant, but Annie gradually forms a bond with her and shows Helen ways of reaching others.

The Photography Interest Group
2021-12-02 16:00 - 17:00
The Photography Interest Group meet on the first Thursday of the month at 4:00pm in the Library.
Details of the next meeting will be published shortly.

Dinner with Matt Ashton - Director of Public Health
2021-12-02 18:30 - 22:00
I warmly invite you to join me for a speaker event on Thursday 2nd December (6.30pm for 7pm) when we shall be joined by Matt Ashton, the Director of Public Health who has steered Liverpool through the pandemic. Matt’s work in Liverpool has received national attention and has contributed to the reputation the City has built for innovative and creative responses to the pandemic. Following a reception drink in the Newsroom Matt will speak to us in the Library and take questions before we head upstairs for dinner.
You can book the event now via the members’ area of the website or through Reception.
With best wishes,
Crispin Pailing
President

Festive Friday Evening Dining
2021-12-03 18:30 - 20:00, 2021-12-10 18:30 - 20:00
The Dining Room is open for Members to enjoy on a festive Friday evening with service taking place from 6:30pm to 8:00pm. Book your place now via reception. reception@theathenaeum.org.uk / 0151 709 7770

Festive Afternoon Tea
2021-12-04 12:00 - 16:00
Christmas is on its way, why not treat yourself or someone else, and enjoy our Festive Afternoon Tea?!?!
Book your place now on one of two sessions on Saturday 4th December, 12:00pm-2:00pm or 2:00pm to 4:00pm. With limited availability we urge you to book now to guarantee your places!
Can’t make Saturday 4th December? We’re holding two more Festive Afternoon Tea sessions on Monday 20th December!

The Literature Group
2021-12-07 14:00 - 15:00
The Literature Group meeting on the first Tuesday of the month at 2pm in the Library.

JOHN GORMAN … Writing for Life … A Life of Writing.
His writing has been a journey … an adventure … a revelation … taking many paths … opening many doors:
Journalism – Poetry – Theatre – Radio – TV – Events – Novels
During the talk, John will dip into all of these genres … relating experiences: Hillsboro … Shanghai … saving a life … bumping into Marlon Brando – Sean Connery – Sammy Davis jnr – Richard Burton & Elizabeth Taylor – Princess Alexandra – Princess Margaret – The Queen [twice] … and it all started with a Typewriter bought off Alec Frost.

The Christmas Quiz
2021-12-07 18:00 - 21:00
On Tuesday 7th December we look forward to The Athenaeum Christmas Quiz, hosted by our quiz master in residence, Paul McCarthy!
Join us from 6:00pm for 6:30pm in the Newsroom for an evening of good food, company, and of course trivia, topped off with a £100 monthly account credit for the winning team!
A two course supper will be served in the Newsroom at 6:30pm after which teams of up to four people will be organised (no one will be left out!)
Book your tickets now via the Members’ Area or through reception.

If you’re caught checking the answers on your phone… you may end up buying a round for the room!

The Christmas Carol Evening
2021-12-09 18:30 - 22:00
Join us for an evening of festive hits with the Liverpool Chamber Choir coupled with an abundance of mince pies and mulled wine!
Gather in the Newsroom from 6:30 for 7:00pm ahead of a two course supper before the concert.
£25.00 per person, including supper and refreshments.
Book your place now via the Members’ Area or through reception.
