The Athenaeum Liverpool

New Members Welcome Evening & Newsroom Buffet:
2023-02-24 18:00 - 21:00 (Europe/London) | The Athenaeum Liverpool, Church Alley, Liverpool, L1 3DD, United Kingdom
On the last Friday of the month we welcome new Proprietors as they sign the historic Share Register.
A drinks reception will take place in the Reading Room from 6:00pm ahead of the signing at 6:30pm. A curry buffet will follow in the Newsroom from 7:00pm.
Open to all members, a great opportunity to meet more of your fellow members.
£15.00 per person.

Presidential Dinner: 'Why Biodiversity Matters', Dinner with Dr Richard Lane OBE
2023-03-01 18:30 - 23:00 | The Athenaeum Liverpool, Church Alley, Liverpool, L1 3DD, United Kingdom
Biodiversity is all around us, sometimes closer than you think. We are in a ‘biodiversity crisis’ and losing biodiversity at a rate comparable to the past mass extinctions of the past. In this talk Dr Richard Lane OBE examines why we should take this crisis so seriously from biodiversity’s significant impact on our health and well-being, agriculture and food security to the stability and resilience of the ecosystems in which we live. Alongside self-interest, there is a wider issue of how we share the planet.
Dr Richard Lane OBE is a scientist whose career has had two themes – biodiversity research and the health of developing countries. He has had a lifetime interest in what was once just called ‘Nature’. He has travelled extensively in tropical countries, researching how insect borne diseases are transmitted and advising governments on disease control then funding global health research at the world’s largest medical research charity. He returned to the Natural History Museum in London as Director of Science, one of the leading institutes exploring the biodiversity of planet Earth. Most recently he has been developing science museums in Asia and the Middle East.
Join us in the Newsroom from 6:30pm for a reception drink ahead of Dr Lane’s presentation at 7:00pm. Three course dinner will follow at approximately 8:00pm
£30.00 per person.

Liverpool Salon Presents: Practical Utopias
2023-03-02 18:30 - 22:00 | The Athenaeum Liverpool, Church Alley, Liverpool, L1 3DD, United Kingdom
‘Practical Utopias’ is the latest in a series that takes the theme of utopia as a way of exploring possibilities of building other, better, societies while reflecting on the shortcomings of our own.
Join Kevin Bean, Heather Alcock and Mick Owens to talk about three idiosyncratic practical utopias: the Chartists’ Land Plan, Port Sunlight and the 2012 Olympic Park.
The discussion begins in the nineteenth century, a particularly fertile time for social experimentation in England, with a look at two very different attempts at improving the lives of working men and women in a rapidly industrialising economy: the Chartist Land Plan, with its vision for extending democratic rights to working men and Port Sunlight, one man’s vision for an ideal factory town built in an arcadian and utilitarian form. Coming right up to date, we look at the Olympic Park regeneration as a promised transformation in East London from post-industrial dystopia to family friendly utopia.
Can practical development and planning bear the weight of political visions and dreams of perfection? What compromises have to be made between pragmatism and utopianism or between freedom and social engineering? Are utopian dreams suitable mechanisms for political transformation or distractions from ‘real politics’? Can they deliver all the benefits that they promise or are they always doomed to disappoint?
Speakers
Kevin Bean
Kevin worked as a lecturer in Irish Politics at the Institute of Irish Studies, University of Liverpool for eighteen years and continues to work as a writer and researcher. His interests include the history of British Labour movement and he is the author of The New Politics of Sinn Féin (2007). He writes on British and Irish politics in a variety of magazines, newspapers, and books as well contributing to radio and television discussions on these issues.
Heather Alcock
Heather is a PhD researcher at University of Liverpool, studying the global value of Port Sunlight as a heritage site and influential utopian settlement. Heather has twenty years’ experience in the research, analysis, adaptive use, restoration and sustainable management of listed buildings and conservation areas in the USA and UK. Her current research has supported Port Sunlight’s bid to the United Kingdom’s Tentative List for World Heritage Site inscription.
Mick Owens
Born and bred on the Wirral, Mick worked for the Mayor of London, where he played a senior role in planning and development, including in the preparation for the 2012 London Olympic bid. Now a researcher, writer and lecturer, his new book, Play the Game, captures the drama of the Olympic bid and tells the story of the regeneration in the words of those involved.
The Liverpool Salon has been hosting public discussions around philosophical, political and cultural topics on Merseyside for over seven years. Join us at Liverpool’s historic Athenaeum club for Practical Utopias, the second in a new series of public conversations that take utopia and dystopia as themes for exploring the possibilities of building other, and better, societies, while reflecting on the shortcomings of our own.
The talk is available to Members for £8.00 per person.
Want to continue the conversation over a post-event dinner? The Dining Room will be open for pre-bookings following the event, book your place now via the Concierge (concierge@theathenaeum.org.uk), three-courses are available for £25.00 per person.

Theatre Group Visit—The Beekeeper of Aleppo
2023-03-04 14:30 - 17:00 | The Athenaeum Liverpool, Church Alley, Liverpool, L1 3DD, United Kingdom
Theatre Group Visit—The Beekeeper of Aleppo
Saturday 4th March, 2:30pm at the Playhouse Theatre
Due to the proximity of the date no group bookings discounts are available. Please book individually at the Box Office and perhaps meet your friends for a light lunch at the club, or refreshments after. . .
The theatre group is looking to begin regular Saturday matinee visits bookable through the Concierge with discounted tickets available to members. Look out for more news on this very soon!

International Women's Week - Sreepur Village
2023-03-06 11:00 - 15:00 | The Athenaeum Liverpool, Church Alley, Liverpool, L1 3DD, United Kingdom
In 1990 Ruby Porter, MBE visited Sreepur Village, which is the only project in Bangladesh offering safe haven and livelihood training to single mothers and their children. Ruby was shocked by the primitive accommodation and conditions of the village where there were 600 children and 100 destitute mothers. At her own expense, she returned with seven suitcases of threads and fabric donated by members of the Merseyside Embroiderers’ Guild. Since that first visit, Ruby has returned to the village 47 times! She has raised money to develop sewing rooms, weaving sheds and to provide vocational training for mothers and girls to work in the local garment industry. Sreepur Village is becoming increasingly well known for empowering mothers and their children; transforming their lives with independence, confidence and dignity, giving them hope for a brighter future. Ruby’s work is now being continued by her daughter Janette.
This fundraising event includes a talk by Ruby’s daughter and Sreepur trustee, Janette Porter. There will also be an exhibition and sale of artworks including textile, embroidery and paintings, a sales table, raffle and a 2-course lunch. £25 per person. To book for this event please contact Dr Michelle King, or liaise with the Concierge.
This event is being co-hosted by the Athenaeum, Liverpool Exchange Rotary Club and Merseyside Expressive Stitchers’ Group (formerly Merseyside Embroiderers’ Guild).

Literature Group: The Real Rhett Butler
2023-03-07 14:00 - 15:00 | The Athenaeum Liverpool, Church Alley, Liverpool, L1 3DD, United Kingdom
Tuesday 7th March – Library Reading Room
Following last month’s discussion of Gone with the Wind, Linda Iley will share with us the results of her research into the real-life model for Margaret Mitchell’s anti-hero, the cynical but charming Civil War profiteer and scoundrel Rhett Butler.
Attendance is free of charge.

The Alexandrians of Merseyside Annual Dinner
2023-03-10 19:00 - 22:30 | The Athenaeum Liverpool, Church Alley, Liverpool, L1 3DD, United Kingdom
Our friends at the Alexandrians of Merseyside have once again kindly extended the invitation to their annual dinner to or members. This year Mrs Hilary Green, local author, will be giving a talk titled ‘Women Agents who worked with the Special Operations Executive during World War II’. Hilary will also have some of her books available for purchase on the night. Bookings are to be made through Mrs Jan Atkinson of The Alexandrians—Alexandrians.liverpool@gmail.com . Tickets includes three course dinner, limited table wine, port and coffee. This dinner is Black Tie.
£50.00 per person.

At The Heart of the City Centre: Liverpool BID Company - Lunch with the Liverpool Exchange Rotary
2023-03-16 12:30 - 15:30 | The Athenaeum Liverpool, Church Alley, Liverpool, L1 3DD, United Kingdom
Liverpool City Centre is the economic hub of the whole City Region. The Liverpool Business Improvement District (BID) is a powerful, independent voice representing the interests of a varied community of business organisations. They are committed to working together to ensure that the City Centre continues to progress while providing the best possible trading and working environment for its occupiers. Katie Bentley, Director of Strategic Partnerships and Communications at the BID, will outline how office, retail, leisure and accommodation businesses across the City Centre and wider area benefit from a range of additional services over and above those funded through the rates and council services and will introduce the BID Company’s exciting 2023 plans to attract new investment, support the visitor economy and maintain the public realm.
Athenaeum members and their guests are welcome to attend. We assemble from 12:30 in the servery, with lunch at 1pm and the talk commencing at 2pm. The lunch comprises two courses plus coffee/tea. The cost for lunch is £15-50 per person, payable at the event on account, by cash or a cheque to ‘The Athenaeum’. Bookings can be made through Patricia Torpey of the Liverpool Exchange Rotary, or through the Concierge desk.

Friday Evening Dining, St Patrick’s Day Dinner
2023-03-17 18:30 - 20:00 | The Athenaeum Liverpool, Church Alley, Liverpool, L1 3DD, United Kingdom
The dining room is open on Friday evening’s unless otherwise advertised. Book a table between 6:30pm and 8:00pm and start the weekend right with a delectable three course meal at your Club. Join us for a special Irish theme Dining evening to celebrate St Patrick’s Day. Advance booking required, a la carte menu available. £24.00 per person for three courses.

A Tour of Ten—Distilleries of Scotland, Whisky Tasting with Proprietor Ian P. Knowles
2023-03-18 18:00 - 21:00 | The Athenaeum Liverpool, Church Alley, Liverpool, L1 3DD, United Kingdom
Join Proprietor and whisky connoisseur Ian Knowles as he takes you on a journey to 10 different Scotland distilleries. You will traverse the whisky cluster classification and taste a whisky from 10 separate locations, all chose for their unique nose and palate. Each whisky will be paired with a spoon full or small parcel of food that has been lovingly crafted with note comparing advise from Ian. Each one chosen to complement each whisky to heighten the experience of this, most loved Gaelic ‘Aqua Vitae’.
This will be the first and hopefully one of many events in the club and once we get a feel for the types of whisky experience that people want to have. Our journey can be composed to suit all travelers…
£45.00 per person

Athenaeum Film Nights Presents Irish Night:
2023-03-22 18:30 - 22:00 | The Athenaeum Liverpool, Church Alley, Liverpool, L1 3DD, United Kingdom
The next classic film showing is our customary Irish Night. Attendees will vote on the night on which Irish related film will be shown. All screenings will be preceded by a one-course supper and have an intermission with snacks served during the film.
£15.00 per person.

The Annual Dinner of The Athenaeum
2023-03-24 18:30 - 22:30 | The Athenaeum Liverpool, Church Alley, Liverpool, L1 3DD, United Kingdom
Members and guests are invited to attend the premier event in the Club calendar, the Annual Dinner. Join the President, Dr Robert Huxley, for a champagne reception in the Newsroom from 6:30pm before dinner at 7:30pm. We are delighted to welcome Professor Michael Parkinson CBE as principal speaker. A supplementary wine flight with paired wines is available for £15.00.
This event is black-tie.
£50.00 per person, £15.00 wine flight available

Liverpool Exchange: Mass Media, Fake News
2023-03-30 19:00 - 20:30 | The Athenaeum Liverpool, Church Alley, Liverpool, L1 3DD, United Kingdom
Mass Media, Fake News and the Origins of Terrorism
Terrorism is not new ‒ it has existed for as long as journalists have sensationalised bombings and political assassinations. Drawing on his latest book, The Rise of Devils: Fear and the Origins of Modern Terrorism, Dr James Crossland explains where our understandings of what constitutes a terrorist comes from and why the role played by the media in shaping these understandings is as important today as it was over a century ago, when the first wave of terrorist attacks sent a wave of fear across Europe (including Liverpool) and the United States.
Copies of Dr Crossland’s book will be available for sale and signing during the event.
Dr James Crossland is a Reader in International History, whose present research interests lie in the history of terrorism, societal fear, intelligence and propaganda. He is Co-Director of Liverpool John Moores University’s Centre for Modern and Contemporary History and Postgraduate Coordinator for the School of Humanities and Social Science.

New Members Welcome Evening & Newsroom Buffet:
2023-03-31 18:00 - 21:00 | The Athenaeum Liverpool, Church Alley, Liverpool, L1 3DD, United Kingdom
On the last Friday of the month we welcome new Proprietors as they sign the historic Share Register. A drinks reception will take place in the Reading Room ahead of the signing at 7:00pm. A buffet of Indian Curry will follow in the Newsroom from 7:30pm. Open to all members, a great opportunity to meet more of your fellow members.
£15.00 per person.

’More Than One Way To Skin A Wombat’, Dinner with The President, Dr Rob Huxley
2023-04-05 18:30 - 22:00 | The Athenaeum Liverpool, Church Alley, Liverpool, L1 3DD, United Kingdom
On Wednesday 5th April The President will be hosting a dining evening talking about some interests of his own.
When scientists get old many take an interest in the history of their subject and write about the giants on on whose shoulders their work rests. Expect an introduction to the brave, ingenious and sometimes quirky characters who faced dangers and disasters in their attempts to collect and describe the fauna and flora of the South Seas!
Guests will be gathering in the Newsroom from 6:30pm for a drinks reception ahead of the talk at 7:00pm. Dinner will follow the talk and q&a at approximately 8:00pm.
£30.00 per person

Dinner & Discussion with the Chair & President
2023-04-11 18:00 - 22:00 | The Athenaeum Liverpool, Church Alley, Liverpool, L1 3DD, United Kingdom
Open to all Proprietors, this event is an opportunity to dine with the President (Dr Robert Huxley) and Chair (Mrs Carol Madeley), who will update, answer questions and get feedback from the Proprietorship as the Institution progresses through its strategic work. Three course dinner included with table wine.
£20.00 per person

Joint Meeting: Literature Group and Library & Archives Group
2023-04-13 17:30 - 20:30 | The Athenaeum Liverpool, Church Alley, Liverpool, L1 3DD, United Kingdom
In April and June we will be having joint meetings of the Literature group and the Library & Archive Group. Both are centered on interesting books from our library and both will take place at 5.30.pm with a two course, reasonably priced, meal afterwards. You will be able to book the meal through the members’ website. You can, of course, come to the talk and not the meal.
The first of these sessions is about T S Eliot’s The Waste Land and the unusual and probably valuable edition we hold in the library. Recently a visiting student examined this book and made an important discovery….Find out more on Thursday 13th April at 5.30.
Supper bookable following the talk, £15.00 per person

Friday Evening Dining, A Taste of Spring
2023-04-14 18:30 - 20:00 | The Athenaeum Liverpool, Church Alley, Liverpool, L1 3DD, United Kingdom
As we move into the next season, it seems only appropriate that the next in the ‘Taste of’ series follows suit with the brigade treating us to a banquet of all the tastes of ‘Spring’. Table bookings taken from 6:30pm until 8:00pm
£24.00 per person

The Presidential Quiz
2023-04-20 18:30 - 20:00 | The Athenaeum Liverpool, Church Alley, Liverpool, L1 3DD, United Kingdom
Bring your brains and quiz comrades to a special quiz night hosted by the President! Enjoy a light buffet in the Newsroom before working the grey matter! With grand prizes and good company, this is a light hearted evening for all to enjoy.
£10.00 per person

(Almost) St George’s Day Lunch
2023-04-22 12:30 - 15:30 | The Athenaeum Liverpool, Church Alley, Liverpool, L1 3DD, United Kingdom
We celebrate St George’s Day a day early with a delicious banquet in the Dining Room. Join us in the Newsroom from 12:30pm for reception drinks before a 4 course lunch including a selection of English cheeses and biscuits. White and red dress encouraged!
£35.50 per person

Film Night - Girl Crazy
2023-04-26 18:30 - 22:00 | The Athenaeum Liverpool, Church Alley, Liverpool, L1 3DD, United Kingdom
Film Night – 26th April 2023 – 6:30pm in the Wine Servery
Featuring Judy Garland & Mickey Rooney, directors Busby Berkeley & Norman Taurog bring us a romance for the ages, topped with a healthy dose of musical accompaniment.
Featuring music composed by George Gershwin & David Raksin, Girl Crazy tells the story of Danny Churchill, a rogue playboy living in New York. When his antics get too much, his father sends him away to a desert college where he discovers his future & a falls in love.
Tickets: £15, including screening, supper & intermission treats.
Book through our website, or directly via the Concierge.

Event Schedule
Arrivals – 6:30pm
Supper – 7pm
Screening – 8pm

New Members Welcome Evening & Newsroom Buffet:
2023-04-28 18:00 - 21:00 | The Athenaeum Liverpool, Church Alley, Liverpool, L1 3DD, United Kingdom
On the last Friday of the month we welcome new Proprietors as they sign the historic Share Register. A drinks reception will take place in the Reading Room ahead of the signing at 7:00pm. A buffet will follow in the Newsroom from 7:30pm. Open to all members, a great opportunity to meet more of your fellow members.
£15.00 per person.

Literature Group - Coronation Literary Quiz
2023-05-02 14:00 - 15:00
Athenaeum Literature Group – Coronation Literary Quiz
Tuesday 2nd May 2023 in the Library Reading Room – 2pm
For our May meeting we will be back to our normal time on the first Tuesday of the month. To celebrate the coronation we will be having a lighthearted literary trivia quiz on a royal theme. Rounds are likely to include Kingly (and Queenly) Quotations, Shakespeare’s Monarchs and Queens (and Kings) on Screen. Come armed with a pen and your trivia brain, and form teams of between two and four or play on your own. There will be a suitable prize for the winners and of course the usual catering will be available before and after the meeting.
Attendance is free of charge.

Coronation Lunch
2023-05-03 12:00 - 16:00 | The Athenaeum Liverpool, Church Alley, Liverpool, L1 3DD, United Kingdom
Join us for a (pre) coronation lunch to celebrate the crowning of the new King.
Tickets: £23

Athenaeum Coronation Dinner
2023-05-05 18:00 - 23:00 | The Athenaeum Liverpool, Church Alley, Liverpool, L1 3DD, United Kingdom
Join us the night before the coronation to celebrate with the Athenaeum. Tickets include a reception drink, canapes and dinner.
Tickets: £50

Eurovision at the Athenaeum - Afternoon Tea
2023-05-09 12:00 - 17:30 | The Athenaeum Liverpool, Church Alley, Liverpool, L1 3DD, United Kingdom
Tuesday 9th May – 12pm, 2pm & 4pm
Join us for a premium afternoon tea, including a glass of Prosecco, alongside the usual Athenaeum Afternoon Tea spread.
Lets celebrate Eurovision coming to our beloved City with cakes & drinks, which members can book for a discounted price of £27.50 per head. Numbers are strictly limited, so hurry to make your booking via the Concierge or through the member’s area of the website.

Public Tours of the Athenaeum
2023-05-10 10:30 - 18:00 | The Athenaeum Liverpool, Church Alley, Liverpool, L1 3DD, United Kingdom
Wednesday 10th May – from 10:30am
To celebrate Eurovision, our volunteer Tour Guides will be welcoming visitors to our historic club throughout the day. This event is for non-members but, if you are planning to be in the club, we would welcome your assistance in making our guests feel welcome.
If you know anyone who would like to come on one of the tours, they can be booked on Eventbrite.

Eurovision at the Athenaeum - Brunch
2023-05-11 12:00 - 18:00 | The Athenaeum Liverpool, Church Alley, Liverpool, L1 3DD, United Kingdom
Thursday 11th May – 12pm, 2pm & 4pm
Join us for brunch to celebrate the coming of Eurovision to our city. You will enjoy one of a selection of delicious brunch dishes from our menu plus a bottle of house wine or Prosecco for a discounted price of only £32.00 per person. Numbers are strictly limited so hurry to make your booking via the concierge or on the members’ area of the website.
Book on one of our three time slots (12pm, 2pm or 4pm) to grab your place now!

Eurovision at the Athenaeum - Dinner
2023-05-12 19:00 - 21:30 | The Athenaeum Liverpool, Church Alley, Liverpool, L1 3DD, United Kingdom
To celebrate Eurovision we are inviting visitors to join us for Friday night dinner. Members can enjoy the same experience (and welcome them to the Athenaeum at a generously discounted price of £40 per person. After a welcome drink in the Newsroom we will move to the Dining Room for a mouth-watering three course meal. Numbers are strictly limited so hurry to make your booking via the concierge or on the members’ area of the website. Please ensure that you inform us of any special dietary requirements when booking.

Dexterity Bingo
2023-05-18 19:00 - 22:00 | The Athenaeum Liverpool, Church Alley, Liverpool, L1 3DD, United Kingdom
You are invited to the second iteration of our Athenaeum Bingo Games night. Last time, we enjoyed a round of Quiz Bingo, which combined the nail-biting tension of a game of bingo with the fast paced action of a quick fire quiz. This time, the games are dexterity based, meaning you’ll need to be just as quick with your hands as you will with your mind. Tickets include entry into the game, plus access to a light buffet.
Tickets: £15.
