IT IS Liverpool?s oldest private members club, a secret sanctum of tranquillity upholding fine traditions ? but now looking to the future, too.
The Athenaeum ? born of an era long gone ? not only survives today but continues to thrive with a forward-thinking attitude that actively encourages young people to join.
It was formed in 1797 in order that its shareholding proprietors (members) might pursue the ?acquisition of knowledge? in attractive and pleasant surroundings.
The club claims its newsroom ? where proprietors gather to read newspapers, books, or magazines ? is the most splendid room of its kind in Liverpool.
Its library ? home to one of the largest private collections, with 60,000 items ? is renowned for housing some of the country?s most important documents.
And its membership has been made up of some of the most distinguished individuals in the city?s history ? slavery abolitionist and founding member William Roscoe, to name just one.
So, just how does one become a member of the club? ?Generally speaking, if you want to become a proprietor, you are proposed and seconded by existing proprietors,? says the club?s president, Hilary Gatenby.
div>
?Or you can ring and ask for a membership pack and after application would be called in to meet committee members.
?It?s really to answer any questions you might have and to see if it?s the sort of place you hope it will be.
?It?s all on the website really.?
The website is a key example of how the club has moved into the 21st century.
Refusing to let 21st-century technology overtake tradition and etiquette, though, mobile phones must be switched off except in the Monsarrat room.
Mrs Gatenby joined after visiting the club a number of times with a friend, who encouraged her to become a proprietor.
?We like to welcome people to join, and we would always like to encourage younger people to join to keep it fresh.
?The Athenaeum really is a very open, outward-looking, friendly institution that encourages learning.?
That may in part explain a graduated fee structure that sees members under 25 pay only ?125 a year.
?People treat each other with respect, while holding vastly different views,? Mrs Gatenby said of the Athenaeum?s ethos. Theoretically, there can only be 500 full proprietors and 500 associate members, but Mrs Gatenby does not foresee the club having to turn people away.
There are currently more than 500 members of the Athenaeum ? but full fees are only paid by those between 40 and 65 years old.
The current membership is ?predominately older?, drawn from those involved in business, the law, the church, academia, public service, and the armed services.
But there is a growing number of young people, including some students, and a number of graduates.
?That?s the area we are really encouraging,? said Mrs Gatenby. ?It?s a slow process, but that?s the best way, gradually growing.?
Liverpool Echo
Bookmarks