Falmouth Athenaeum Club celebrate 100th anniversary
3:00pm Monday 16th July 2012 in News
Falmouth Athenaeum Club celebrate 100th anniversary
The Falmouth Athenaeum Club has recently celebrated its 100th anniversary by holding a full day of events for members, their family and friends.
Its home at Kimberley Place was originally built in 1883 by Charles Napier Hemy. Although the club have been in residence there since 1948, the club itself was officially formed in 1912.
The event was formally opened by the mayor of Falmouth Geoffrey Evans, who gave a brief history of the premises and the original owner.
Previous club president Colin Bate gave an address and was supported by current president Dougy Rundle before a framed copy of a painting depicting Charles Napier Hemy, painted in 1905 by Sergeant, was presented by the mayor.
A booklet was specially produced for the day on the history of the building and the club, with club member Geoff McQueen thanked for his time, effort and attention to detail.
To celebrate the centenary a number of games that would have entertained children and adults 100 years ago were organised to take place throughout the day, with some members even dressed to mark the occasion.
Guests were able to take part in a “Guess the Year” competition for various toys and antiques, while an Antiques Road Show style session was provided for members.
Chris Spencer, well known for his contributions to the BBC’s Antiques Road Show, gave an insight into family heirlooms, producing a few smiles and raised eyebrows for guests, once valued. Unfortunately for the club president, he found that the bag holding his antiques turned out to be of more value than what it contained.
Vintage and classic cars were provided by David Charles and Mike Chard, placed on display in the club car park, and a tea dance was arranged as part of the afternoon activities.
Club steward’s Andrew and Sarah Spiller, plus the hard working ladies and members’ wives, worked hard to produce an impressive spread of food for all attending. This was then washed down with a chilled Pimms, laid on by the club.
Live music was provided by local group Marzipan to allow guests to dance and the Athenaeum had a few barrels of commemorative “Athenaeum Ale” specially brewed for the day and kindly donated by St Austell Brewery.
The evening’s events started with more refreshments and a hog roast, with entertainment provided by Graham Hart on his saxophone.
Attended by close to 100 members, guests and friends the event was rounded off with a raffle. Fittingly the top prize was £100, which was drawn out by the club’s longest serving member, Tom Meneer.
