Every Monday we profile one of our Members. This week we are joined by Proprietor 328, Neil Brunskill.
Who are you?
I am Neil Brunskill. I am currently training to be an Anglican priest, reading for holy orders at the College of the Resurrection in Mirfield, West Yorkshire. I began my training in September 2018, before that I worked for Lloyds Banking Group. I joined the Athenaeum in 2014.
What is your greatest achievement?
I guess the being selected to serve the Church is, and always will be, my greatest achievement.
Can you give one interesting fact about yourself?
Before beginning training for ordination, I used to be a dancer (outside of the day job) and had the opportunity to perform in some quite amazing places. Feel free to ask me more!
What brought you to The Athenaeum?
I got to know the Athenaeum through another member who had invited me for lunch. The magnificent building, the charming staff and amazing food won me over and I joined fairly quickly after that at the grand old age of 18.
Is there anything you would like to change about the Athenaeum?
There are many things I love about the Athenaeum, and in many ways would not want to change anything. However, that is a cop-out answer. Personally, I would love to see more weekend openings!
Do you have any Athenaeum memories or stories that you’d wish to share?
My first visit as a Proprietor is a very poignant memory for me. I was visiting alone and had only just joined. I pressed the doorbell and was feeling quite nervous. What makes the memory so important is the staff of the Club. As I walked in and introduced myself to Jack, I was immediately made to feel welcome and at ease. This continued as I went into the Newsroom and Chris greeted me with her warm smile. I sat with a sandwich and a coffee feeling very content.
What would you say to anyone considering joining the Club?
Do it! You won’t regret it; it is truly an amazing place to be. I have been fortunate to make friends and connections through the Athenaeum and hope that will continue for many more years.