Angie, Finance and Resources Manager in Wood Hall smiling at the camera
Angie Thomson

Finance and Resources Manager

Gaurangi Gargi Chowdhary

Marketing Coordinator

Bringing together the legacy of engineering excellence and the charm of a historic past, as a marketing coordinator for an ancient building, my mission is to share stories that inspire, connect, and make both history and happy moments come alive.
Sakshi Sehgal

Executive Assistant & Fundraising Coordinator

Ashleigh Walker

Event Coordinator

I love how we showcase our region's heritage in Newcastle's city centre whilst hosting a dynamic mix of events, connecting with interesting people and organisations!
Philippa King-Williams

Head of Commercial Trading

''Seeing The Common Room through its refurbishment and steering my team into our second year of operations has been a privilege.''
Jennifer Hillyard

Library and Archives Manager

"After 16 years I'm still finding new challenges!"
David Williams

Operations Manager

Our trustees

Paul Kelly
The beautifully renovated Neville Hall has a fantastic unique character with wonderful innovative historic treasures. This is 'your' hub for learning and development and is an inspiration for future generations. Welcome to the Common Room!
Matt Boyle (Chair)
"I am extremely proud to be associated with such a magnificent project. Helping bring it back to life is one of the most important things I’ve been involved in."
Mercedes Broadbent
"I am very excited to be involved in a project which will both preserve the industrial heritage of the Northeast for generations to come as well as lead on ground-breaking educational projects for young people".
Carol Bell
"I am proud to be a Trustee of the Common Room as its mission embodies all that I am passionate about in one truly beautiful building."
Nancy Doyle-Hall
"I am delighted to have joined the Board of The Common Room in time for the doors to open on this fantastic project, bridging an incredible heritage with an exciting future."
Catherine Miller
"It is a great privilege to be involved with the wonderful Common Room project helping to continue the historical importance of The Mining Institute (NEIMME)."
William Morrison Bell
"The Common Room is a really valuable and worthwhile initiative. While preserving a unique record of our industrial heritage it will also provide a forum for the innovative skills and enterprise that are a feature of this region."
Helen Whitfield
"The Common Room of the North is an amazing platform, venue for all ages from all backgrounds to have the opportunity to explore, engage and inspire to reach their potential and do so with confidence and pride."
Rick Smith
“The Common Room is the crowning success of a long journey for Neville Hall and will ensure its ongoing contribution to regional excellence in engineering and innovation.”
Alison Shaw
"By working collaboratively across education, industry, business and civil society we can ensure that our economy creates new opportunities for inclusive growth; The Common Room is an important partner in this work."
Photo of collections volunteer at a computer

Meet our volunteers

If you would like to to help secure the future of the Common Room by becoming a volunteer, we would like to hear from you. From helping us to deliver our exhibitions to digitising our archives, our valued team is crucial to the smooth running of The Common Room.

Find out more

About Us
Exterior image of Neville Hall

Our Story