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DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20260528T180000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20260528T190000
DTSTAMP:20260514T002431
CREATED:20260428T092647Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260428T092647Z
UID:8993-1779991200-1779994800@thecommonroom.org.uk
SUMMARY:NEIMME Lecture: The K Class Submarines - aka the "Kalamity Class2"
DESCRIPTION:This lecture will tell the story of the K Class submarine; its design issues\, the lessons learned and remembering the many men who perished. \nDuring World War I\, it was decided to build submarines which were fast enough to keep pace with surface ships. Equipped with steam turbines to produce sufficient power\, they were as large as modern nuclear submarines. The engines were a success\, but the submarines were an ill-conceived concept in other regards. Geoff Horseman will describe incidents which led to these vessels becoming known as the “Kalamity Class” and an appointment as a crew member became known as joining “the Suicide Club”. Among these was a tragic event which was undisclosed for over 30 years and is not well known today. In the so-called ‘Battle of May Island’\, Royal Navy ships and submarines collided at night in the Firth of Forth early in 1918\, with great loss of life. In all\, more than 200 men died while serving onboard the K class. This lecture will tell the story of the K Class looking at some of the design issues with the submarines\, recalling lessons learned which should not be forgotten and remembering the many men who perished due to those mistakes. \nGeoff Horseman joined NEI Parsons Ltd. in 1980 as a graduate trainee engineer. In 1982\, he became a Design Engineer in the Steam Turbine Design Department\, subsequently rising to Head of Turbine Design in 1991. Following this\, in 1994\, he was appointed Head of Turbine-Generator Engineering at Parsons. In 1997\, Parsons became part of Siemens Power Generation with Westinghouse following in 1998. This led to Siemens Large Steam Turbine Engineering in Europe being focused primarily at two sites: Mülheim-an-der-Ruhr in Germany; and\, CA Parsons Works in Newcastle-Upon-Tyne. Geoff was appointed Chief Turbine Engineer for the Newcastle site and a Principal Expert on Steam Turbines within Siemens globally. He continued in these roles until his retirement in 2019. Since retirement\, Geoff has been working full time on documenting the Parsons history while original records still exist for preservation in museums. It was during this work that he discovered the story of the K Class submarines which he will describe in this lecture. \n17:30-18:00 – Tea and Coffee\n18:00-18:50 – In-person only Lecture Starts\n18:50 to 19:00 – Q & A \nNEIMME is the Royal Chartered membership organisation for Engineering\, Science and Technology in the North.\nFor more information about our events and the benefits of NEIMME membership see: https://mininginstitute.org.uk/membership/\nFor information on IOM3 membership see: https://www.iom3.org/
URL:https://thecommonroom.org.uk/event/neimme-lecture-the-k-class-submarines-aka-the-kalamity-class2/
LOCATION:The Common Room\, Westgate Road\, Newcastle upon Tyne\, NE1 1SE\, United Kingdom
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://thecommonroom.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/K-SUB-1.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20260526T180000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20260526T190000
DTSTAMP:20260514T002431
CREATED:20260428T093228Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260428T093300Z
UID:8997-1779818400-1779822000@thecommonroom.org.uk
SUMMARY:NEIMME Lecture: Corrosion - Super Duplex Stainless Steel in Seawater
DESCRIPTION:This talk covers corrosion of stainless steels in seawater\, what goes wrong\, importance of welding\, and avoiding poor quality materials. \nThe talk addresses all the forms of corrosion that can affect stainless steels in seawater (crevice corrosion\, erosion corrosion\, cavitation\, MIC and HISC) \, and why you need super duplex for most applications. This includes some examples of what can go wrong if you pick the wrong alloy. The talk will also discuss welding duplex stainless steels and how to ensure that welds are of good quality with adequate corrosion resistance. We still see failures due to poor quality welding. Finally there have been failures of duplex stainless steels\, particularly super duplex\, due to poor quality\, and the talk will discuss how to avoid poor quality material for a lot less than the cost of a major failure. \nDr Roger Francis has been a corrosion engineer for over 50 years. He has wide experience in the fields of marine corrosion\, desalination\, sour oil and gas corrosion\, mineral processing\, and the chemical and process industries. He has published over 100 technical papers in all these areas\, particularly on copper alloys and duplex stainless steels. He has written seven books on various aspects of corrosion and has jointly edited three others. The most recent was on corrosion in desalination plants. The author has served as chair of NACE Europe\, two terms as the NACE European Area director and also as chair of NACE STG 32 (Oil and Gas; metals). He was made a NACE Fellow in 2005 for his work in marine corrosion. In 2014 he received the T J Hull Award for his work in publications. In 2023 He was given the Paul McIntyre Award by ICORR in the UK for his work on corrosion standards and in educating young engineers. In 2012 he set up his own corrosion consultancy business\, RFMaterials. \n17:30-18:00 – Tea and Coffee\n18:00-18:50 – Lecture Starts\n18:50 to 19:00 – Q & A \nNEIMME is the Royal Chartered membership organisation for Engineering\, Science and Technology in the North.\nFor more information about our events and the benefits of NEIMME membership see: https://mininginstitute.org.uk/membership/\nFor information on IOM3 membership see: https://www.iom3.org/
URL:https://thecommonroom.org.uk/event/corrosion-of-super-duplex-stainless-steel-in-seawater/
LOCATION:The Common Room\, Westgate Road\, Newcastle upon Tyne\, NE1 1SE\, United Kingdom
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://thecommonroom.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/corrosion-1.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20260520T190000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20260520T213000
DTSTAMP:20260514T002431
CREATED:20260428T094309Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260428T094309Z
UID:9002-1779303600-1779312600@thecommonroom.org.uk
SUMMARY:Pint of Science: Ringing Ears and Starry Eyes
DESCRIPTION:From phantom sounds that won’t switch off to technologies that sharpen our vision beyond what seems possible\, we will explore the strange ways our brains interact with the world.\nLearn why tinnitus might exist at all and how tools built to study distant galaxies are now helping us understand the cells in our eyes and the activity in our brains. \nFrom Black Holes to Eyes to the Human Brain – delving into the mind using adaptive optics\n– Dr Penny Lawton (Research Associate at Newcastle University)\nIn this presentation\, I’m going to talk about how adaptive optics – a technique used in astronomy for imaging galaxies and stars through the turbulent atmosphere (and which played a large role in the discovery of the black hole at the centre of the universe) – can also be used down here on earth to image the cells at the back of the eye (the retina) with high precision. From imaging these cells we can find out more about how they work\, and how problems in these cells lead to sight loss. Interestingly\, this technique also lends itself to being an extremely high precision eye-tracker. This talk will also give some insights into how we can use this to probe activity in the human brain and investigate neurological diseases. \nWhy is my brain spamming me with sound?\n– Will Sedley (Researcher and Consultant Neurologist)\nThis is the question asked by the one in eight of us\, and one in four once we’ve reached old age\, experiencing persistent tinnitus. We never hear true silence; the sound is always there unless we’re distracted or other sounds are loud enough to drown it out. I’m one of the lucky majority who aren’t bothered by the sounds\, but millions in the UK suffer long-term distress and disability from their tinnitus. In this overview of tinnitus neuroscience\, I start with the question of why we have evolved tinnitus; it is too common to occur as simply a design flaw. Is it like pain; even though we don’t like experiencing it\, it still helps protect us? Some scientists believe tinnitus helps protect the brain from long-term damage caused by hearing loss\, but even if this is the case\, surely we can find a more pleasant solution? For people suffering from long-term tinnitus\, can we do better then just helping them live better with it\, and actually quieten or silence the sound? \nWheelchair accessible entrance\nAccessible toilet\nLift to function room floor
URL:https://thecommonroom.org.uk/event/pint-of-science-ringing-ears-and-starry-eyes/
LOCATION:The Common Room\, Westgate Road\, Newcastle upon Tyne\, NE1 1SE\, United Kingdom
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://thecommonroom.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/ATOMS.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20260519T190000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20260519T213000
DTSTAMP:20260514T002431
CREATED:20260428T095447Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260428T095526Z
UID:9006-1779217200-1779226200@thecommonroom.org.uk
SUMMARY:Pint of Science: From Spin to Sponge and Saving the Planet
DESCRIPTION:Carbon and hydrogen may be small\, but handling them is a big challenge. Learn how carbon can be captured using spinning systems\, and how hydrogen can be safely stored in materials packed with microscopic pores. Two talks\, one mission: save the world. \nPorous carbon materials for hydrogen storage application\n– Tesfay Berhe Gebreegziabher (Postgraduate Researcher at Northumbria University)\nPorous carbon materials for hydrogen storage focuses on using carbon-based materials—such as activated carbon\, carbon nanotubes\, graphene\, and carbon aerogels that contain a high density of pores to store hydrogen gas. Their large surface area\, low weight\, good chemical stability\, and tunable pore structure make them promising candidates for safe and efficient hydrogen storage\, mainly through physical adsorption. This topic highlights how pore size\, surface chemistry\, and material design influence hydrogen storage capacity and performance\, supporting clean energy and fuel cell applications \nYou Spin Me Right Round Baby (Rotating Packed Beds for Carbon Capture).\n– Dr James Hendry CEng MIChemE (Researcher at Newcastle University)\nPresentation will cover the recent developments in commercialisation of the technology of rotating packed beds for carbon capture at Newcastle university. Starting from the humble beginnings at Newcastle in the early 1980’s to becoming a world-leading partners in the commercialisation of the technology for carbon capture applications\, the current state of the art\, and what the future holds for this most Geordie of technologies. \nWheelchair accessible entrance\nAccessible toilet\nLift to function room floor
URL:https://thecommonroom.org.uk/event/pint-of-science-from-spin-to-sponge-and-saving-the-planet/
LOCATION:The Common Room\, Westgate Road\, Newcastle upon Tyne\, NE1 1SE\, United Kingdom
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://thecommonroom.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/ATOMS-2-.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20260518T190000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20260518T213000
DTSTAMP:20260514T002431
CREATED:20260428T100001Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260428T100001Z
UID:9011-1779130800-1779139800@thecommonroom.org.uk
SUMMARY:Pint of Science: Pioneering better science - Alternatives to animals
DESCRIPTION:At the UK’s National Centre for the 3Rs\, we work with the scientific community to drive forward the 3Rs of animal research. We help scientists replace their use of animals and\, where this is not currently possible\, reduce the number of animals used and refine the care of the animals to keep pain and suffering to a minimum. Using new and advanced technologies\, scientists today have more ways to study human biology\, health and disease without animals than ever before. Join us as we showcase the latest innovations and explore the future of alternatives to animal research. \nCan you 3D print human tissues?\nProfessor Kenny Dalgarno (Professor of Manufacturing Engineering)\nImagine a 3D printer that combines living cells with biomaterials. Scientists use ‘bioprinters’ to create 3D cell-based models of how human tissues are built and behave. Learn about a state-of-the-art system with the potential to replace up to 1\,000 mice a year to predict drug responses in medicines development at Newcastle University. Kenny Dalgarno is sharing the technology with scientists across the country to replace animals in other areas of research – from leukaemia and liver cancer to blood and bone biology. \nHeart disease: From donors to discoveries\nRebecca Conway (PhD student)\nDonated human organs and tissues are a valuable resource for scientists. Rebecca Conway uses human heart tissue to better understand how heart disease develops and is working towards the ability to test new treatments without animals. Learn more about how Rebecca keeps heart tissue alive in the lab and studies cardiac disease in a dish. Her approach could replace up to 2\,500 mice a year at Newcastle University – with tens of thousands of animals used in similar research across the UK the replacement potential of this technology is huge!
URL:https://thecommonroom.org.uk/event/pint-of-science-pioneering-better-science-alternatives-to-animals/
LOCATION:The Common Room\, Westgate Road\, Newcastle upon Tyne\, NE1 1SE\, United Kingdom
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://thecommonroom.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/POS.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20260514T180000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20260514T190000
DTSTAMP:20260514T002431
CREATED:20260428T092129Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260428T092129Z
UID:8989-1778781600-1778785200@thecommonroom.org.uk
SUMMARY:NEIMME Lecture: Subsurface Voids – Implications for Shallow Coal Mine Geothermal
DESCRIPTION:Join us for a fascinating talk exploring the potential of former coal mines in Durham and Northumberland as future geothermal energy reservoirs. \nWhile historical “pillar and stall” mining methods left open spaces that are seemingly ideal for water flow\, time and pressure often lead to roof collapses and the buildup of backfilled waste (goaf). This research\, incorporating extensive fieldwork along the Northumberland coast\, investigates how these structural changes act as long-term barriers to flow. By establishing one of the first datasets of its kind\, this project aims to de-risk subsurface mine workings and determine the true geothermal viability of older\, highly compacted mines. \nAbout the Speaker:\nStuart Jones is a sedimentologist at Durham University\, specialising in subsurface reservoir characterisation for the energy transition—including geothermal\, carbon capture\, and hydrogen storage. With a rich background in both academia and the hydrocarbon industry\, Stuart currently leads major multi-disciplinary research programmes\, including the Geothermal Energy from Mines and Solar (GEMS) project. He is also a passionate champion of Earth Science education and the NetZero transition. \n17:30-18:00 – Tea and Coffee\n18:00-18:50 – In-person only Lecture Starts\n18:50-19:00 – Q & A \nNEIMME is the Royal Chartered membership organisation for Engineering\, Science and Technology in the North.\nFor more information about our events and the benefits of NEIMME membership see: https://mininginstitute.org.uk/membership\nFor information on IOM3 membership see: https://www.iom3.org
URL:https://thecommonroom.org.uk/event/neimme-lecture-subsurface-voids/
LOCATION:The Common Room\, Westgate Road\, Newcastle upon Tyne\, NE1 1SE\, United Kingdom
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://thecommonroom.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/GEO-MINE-LECTURE-EVENT-IMAGE.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20260509T180000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20260509T223000
DTSTAMP:20260514T002431
CREATED:20260418T145943Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260501T161826Z
UID:8974-1778349600-1778365800@thecommonroom.org.uk
SUMMARY:The Late Shows 2026: Beneath the Surface
DESCRIPTION:We are thrilled to once again to be part of The Late Shows. For 2026\, step inside our spectacular heritage building and immerse yourself in a bespoke mining soundscape that brings our region’s history to life through sound and scent!. In an exciting partnership with Newcastle University\, we are hosting a striking architectural installation that will take you on a journey into the lost future of coal mining\, allowing you to discover our shared industrial heritage in a completely new way. \nWhile you are exploring\, be sure to get hands-on and enjoy some LEGO®. Finally\, round off your evening downstairs in our 5|Quarter café bar\, where you can grab a drink and join us for a brilliant sing-along! \nWe are proudly dog-friendly\, so please feel free to bring your four-legged companions along on your culture crawl. We cannot wait to welcome you! \nLast entry 10:00pm
URL:https://thecommonroom.org.uk/event/the-late-shows-2026-beneath-the-surface/
LOCATION:The Common Room\, Westgate Road\, Newcastle upon Tyne\, NE1 1SE\, United Kingdom
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://thecommonroom.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/LAteShowsEVENT-2026.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20260501T190000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20260501T213000
DTSTAMP:20260514T002431
CREATED:20260418T142404Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260418T142404Z
UID:8971-1777662000-1777671000@thecommonroom.org.uk
SUMMARY:Whisky Tasting - An Evening With... Justine Hazlehurst
DESCRIPTION:Justine is the founder of Kask Whisky – a tasting events and tour company. She is also the co-founder and co-director of the annual Fife Whisky Festival. \nHer passion and enthusiasm for whisky has led to her being selected as a judge for a number of whisky awards including the World Whiskies Awards and Icons of Whisky Awards as well as a number of tasting panels. Her knowledge of Scotch whisky history has led her to work with several distilleries\, organisations and publications delving into the heritage of brands.\nJustine will be joining us  on Friday May 1st at the The Common Room to talk about her recent book “Opening The Case: The Affairs of Pattisons’ Whisky” with six drams chosen specifically to accompany. Including… \nJG Thompson Blended Grain 1972 Batch 2\nCameron Bridge Cadenhead 31 yr Single Cask\nOban Distillery only Batch 3\nAultmore 14 Single Cask Rare Find\nBenrinnes Single Malts of Scotland Single Cask PX 15 yr\nSMWS 1.288 What the bells of St. Clemence say. \nAnd possibly even an old school treat from Leith itself!  \nAttendees will also have the opportunity to pre-order a copy of “Opening The Case: The Affairs of Pattisons’ Whisky” for a discounted price of 14.99 via this link. Pre-order deadline is Sunday 5th April. \nWe’ll see you there!
URL:https://thecommonroom.org.uk/event/whisky-tasting-an-evening-with-justine-hazlehurst/
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://thecommonroom.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/Justine-Hazlehurst-Samll-EVENT-PAGE.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20260430T173000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20260430T190000
DTSTAMP:20260514T002431
CREATED:20260421T101556Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260421T102656Z
UID:8979-1777570200-1777575600@thecommonroom.org.uk
SUMMARY:NEIMME Lecture: Rail Baltica Estonia: Geotechnical Conditions and Mineral Materials
DESCRIPTION:Rail Baltica is a major transnational railway extending over 800 km across the Baltic States; this lecture will focus on Estonia. \nThe Rail Baltica project is a major transnational railway development extending over 800 km across the three Baltic States. This presentation provides an overview of the current progress of the Estonian sections of the project. Key geotechnical conditions encountered along the route are outlined\, alongside the principal technical challenges faced. The talk will also cover mineral material requirements and considerations relevant to construction in Estonia\, including project requirements\, sustainability\, material reuse\, and project execution. \nMargus Evart – Margus is currently the Materials Lead within the Technical Assurance Unit of Rail Baltica Estonia. He has over 10 years of experience in the testing\, development\, and construction processes of mineral materials and asphalt mixtures in Estonia. Margus has been involved in the Rail Baltica project since 2021\, with a focus on the Estonian construction sections since 2023. His current role includes providing technical oversight of design-and-build construction sections and alliance contracts\, managing compliance with earthworks design proposals and construction processes. \nChris Davies – Chris is the acting Principal Geotechnical Engineer within the Technical Assurance Unit of Rail Baltica Estonia. He has over 10 years of experience spanning research\, major infrastructure and nuclear decommissioning projects in the United Kingdom and internationally\, working on both the designer and client sides. Chris has been involved in the Rail Baltica project since 2019 as the Pan-Baltic Geotechnical Engineer\, with a focus on the Estonian construction sections since 2024. His current role includes providing technical oversight of design-and-build construction sections and alliance contracts\, reviewing and approving design proposals\, and addressing site queries- particularly those relating to ground investigations\, the design and construction of temporary and permanent works as well as instrumentation and monitoring. \n17:30-18:00 – Tea and Coffee\n18:00-18:50 – Lecture Starts\n18:50 to 19:00 – Q & A \nNEIMME is the Royal Chartered membership organisation for Engineering\, Science and Technology in the North.\nFor more information about our events and the benefits of NEIMME membership see: https://mininginstitute.org.uk/membership\nFor information on IOM3 membership see: https://www.iom3.org/
URL:https://thecommonroom.org.uk/event/neimme-lecture-rail-baltica/
LOCATION:The Common Room\, Westgate Road\, Newcastle upon Tyne\, NE1 1SE\, United Kingdom
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://thecommonroom.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/20f21-zha-tallin-estonia-cam-SMALL.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20260423T130000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20260423T143000
DTSTAMP:20260514T002431
CREATED:20260323T123141Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260324T114613Z
UID:8939-1776949200-1776954600@thecommonroom.org.uk
SUMMARY:Doon The Waggonway with Les Turnbull
DESCRIPTION:Join us at The Common Room for an introduction to Doon the Waggonway: a Railway Heritage Walk\, a brilliant new booklet by historian Les Turnbull that reclaims Tyneside’s rightful place as the true cradle of the railways. For far too long\, the Stockton and Darlington Railway has stolen the spotlight\, but this fascinating exploration sets the historical record straight. It delves deep into the Great Northern Coalfield’s massive network of waggonways\, revealing how our local colliery lines\, early steam locomotives\, and pioneering engineers truly birthed the transport revolution that changed the world. The booklet also outlines a walking route from Freeman Road to Coach Lane. \nFocusing on the historic Kenton and Coxlodge Waggonway\, the booket brings to life a time when monumental engineering feats bridged our valleys and coal was king. We are absolutely thrilled to welcome the author himself to guide us through this history. A Durham University history graduate\, former lecturer\, and dedicated NEIMME Council member\, Les has spent years championing the story of our early railways. Whether you are a railway enthusiast or a local history buff\, this is a fantastic opportunity to hear from a true expert and celebrate the North East’s world-changing legacy in the very building dedicated to preserving it! \nEvent takes place in our Lecture Theatre at 1pm. \nFREE\, no tickets required.
URL:https://thecommonroom.org.uk/event/doon/
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://thecommonroom.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Doon-ww-front-cover-small-clean.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20260417T190000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20260417T213000
DTSTAMP:20260514T002431
CREATED:20260324T125856Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260324T131830Z
UID:8949-1776452400-1776461400@thecommonroom.org.uk
SUMMARY:Whisky Tasting - An Evening With...Brendan McCarron
DESCRIPTION:In person whisky tasting event. \nBrendan has earned his place as THE go to consultant on whisky distilling and blending since working along side some of the biggest brands in the industry. Being responsible for notable releases from distilleries such as Ardbeg\, Deanston\,Bunnahabhain\,Glenmorangie\,Tobermory and Ledaig. He now spends most of his time advising existing brands on improving spirit quality and and furnishing new brands with the ability to produce the character of whisky they desire. \nHe will be taking time out of his busy schedule to join is at the Common Room on 17th April for a evening of chat and tasting some of the releases he has played a part in\, including… \nBenbecula prophecy\nKaze Blended from Japan\nDeanston 18\nGlenmorangie 19 yo (with a twist)\nGlenmorangie Signet Reserve\nBunnahabhain Cask Strength 12 2025\nArdbeg 19 yo \nAnd a special surprise from the Isle of Mull – the Tobermory 21 year old! \nIt’s very rare that Brendan hosts whisky tastings outside of trade and headline festival masterclasses\, we’re very lucky to host him in Newcastle!
URL:https://thecommonroom.org.uk/event/whisky-tasting-an-evening-with-brendan-mccarron/
LOCATION:The Common Room\, Westgate Road\, Newcastle upon Tyne\, NE1 1SE\, United Kingdom
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://thecommonroom.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Brendan-McCarron_small.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20260416T173000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20260416T190000
DTSTAMP:20260514T002431
CREATED:20260324T123946Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260324T124101Z
UID:8945-1776360600-1776366000@thecommonroom.org.uk
SUMMARY:The History\, Engineering & Maintenance of the Metro
DESCRIPTION:With Phil Kirkland from RATW Railway Consulting Services Ltd. \nThe presentation will cover the concept of the Tyne and Wear Metro\, its history and construction\, which will also reference its extensions to Newcastle Airport\, Sunderland and more recently the doubling of the track between Pelaw and Jarrow. Consideration will also be given to some of the innovative techniques and equipment used over the years\, many of which are now standard items practices on the national and international networks. \nPhil Kirkland is a career railwayman with over 52 years continuous frontline service. He started his railway career with British Rail Newcastle in 1973\, and over the years has worked for numerous post-privatisation organisations both within Permanent Way Maintenance and Renewals where he would be seconded to the BR Metro construction team in 1979. After a wide-ranging career including work overseas\, Phil would return to take up the role of Head of Maintenance Delivery at Nexus (Tyne and Wear Metro) in 2007. His role at Nexus encompassed heading up all infrastructure inspection\, maintenance and rapid response\, covering Track\, Overhead Line\, Signalling\, Plant and Equipment\, E&M\, Civils and all other non-rail (bus) infrastructure. \nTo give some particular context\, Phil worked on Metro in two spells – during its original design and construction phases up to and after the handover from British Rail until 1984 before returning in 2007 to head up the infrastructure maintenance department. Here he has brought influence and strong leadership qualities to ensure the necessary changes and working practices were actioned in order that Nexus kept pace with the wider rail industry\, but importantly conducted its business in a safe\, professional\, assured and technically competent manner. His extremely high levels of personal availability all hours and commitment have been the hallmark of his time with Nexus\, often recorded in dispatches. \nPhil has also worked overseas in North America\, Australia\, New Zealand and Europe\, drawing on these experiences and always sharing his learning opportunities widely via the Permanent Way Institution\, where he became Vice President for over 20 years. In recent years Phil has been instrumental in supporting the concept and development of the Newcastle College Rail Academy\, which today is the envy of many. Through consistent support and guidance\, the Academy is now teaching appropriate curriculae in disciplines such as the inspection\, maintenance and renewal of Track\, Signals\, OLE and Railway Civils. In semi-retirement\, Phil is Director of his own business\, RATW Railway Consultancy Services Ltd.\, established in 2019. \n17:30-18:00 – Tea and coffee\n18:00-18:50 – In-person only lecture starts\n18:50 to 19:00 – Q & A \nNEIMME is the Royal Chartered membership organisation for Engineering\, Science and Technology in the North.\nFor more information about our events and the benefits of NEIMME membership see: mininginstitute.org.uk/membership\nFor information on IOM3 membership see: www.iom3.org
URL:https://thecommonroom.org.uk/event/the-history-engineering-maintenance-of-the-metro/
LOCATION:The Common Room\, Westgate Road\, Newcastle upon Tyne\, NE1 1SE\, United Kingdom
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://thecommonroom.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/0_The-Metro-test-track-Small.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20260416T100000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20260416T150000
DTSTAMP:20260514T002431
CREATED:20260323T112751Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260323T121926Z
UID:8934-1776333600-1776351600@thecommonroom.org.uk
SUMMARY:Free Easter Scavenger Hunt [Drop-In]
DESCRIPTION:An Easter adventure awaits at The Common Room 🐰 \nSearch the building\, uncover hidden letters\, and solve the puzzle for a choccie reward 🔎 🍫 \n🕙 16th April | 10am–3pm | Drop in\n☕ 10% off café treats\n🎨 Crafts for little ones \nFree to attend\, just come along! 🐣\n[No Tickets Required]
URL:https://thecommonroom.org.uk/event/free-easter-scavenger-hunt-drop-in/
LOCATION:The Common Room\, Westgate Road\, Newcastle upon Tyne\, NE1 1SE\, United Kingdom
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://thecommonroom.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/EasterTCM2006_smallEventImage.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20260411T140000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20260411T190000
DTSTAMP:20260514T002431
CREATED:20260324T142933Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260324T142933Z
UID:8952-1775916000-1775934000@thecommonroom.org.uk
SUMMARY:Full Power Cacao: Ceremony - 2026 Tour
DESCRIPTION:This is not your ordinary cacao ceremony. \nLiam creates a powerful ceremonial container\, honouring the great plant medicine Cacao and calling in his guides to open the space. Shamanic drumming shifts your energy\, guided meditation grounds you into the earth\, and the journey opens you to the truth\, healing and clarity waiting beneath the surface.\nYou’ll meet the areas of your life that are ready to be released — and make space for who you really are to rise. \nA 5-Hour Deep Dive \nEvery ceremony is crafted to take you deeper into all your energetic bodies.\nMusic and sound weave through the entire night\, inviting movement\, dance\, shaking and release when your body needs it most. \nHealing & Energetic Support\nLiam and his team provide: \n• Bodywork\n• Entity clearing\n• Intuitive energy healing\n• Sound therapy \nAll held in a beautifully curated soundscape to support your journey. This is a cacao ceremony like no other. \nWhat You Will Leave With \nThese ceremonies open your heart\, show you what’s ready to be released and propel you toward your personal greatness.\nYou’ll leave feeling empowered\, rejuvenated and with a renewed thirst for life. \nYou are the person you have been waiting for. \nHEALING – MEDITATION – BREATHWORK – KIRTAN – DANCING…ARE YOU READY TO TRANSFORM? \nFULL POWER!!!
URL:https://thecommonroom.org.uk/event/full-power-cacao-ceremony-2026-tour/
LOCATION:The Common Room\, Westgate Road\, Newcastle upon Tyne\, NE1 1SE\, United Kingdom
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://thecommonroom.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Full-Power-Cacao-Small.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20260328T090000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20260329T180000
DTSTAMP:20260514T002431
CREATED:20260227T114201Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260319T144651Z
UID:8906-1774688400-1774807200@thecommonroom.org.uk
SUMMARY:APOCALYPTICON UK 2026
DESCRIPTION:APOCALYPTICON UK returns in 2026! March 28/29th. Hosted by Animosity. \nIt’s a huge 40K Apocalypse weekend\, in which we invite players to bring out the big guns (or lots of little ones 🤷‍♂️) for some narrative wargaming insanity! \nSaturday 28th: Arrival 8am-9am. Play starts 9am. Ends 9pm.\nSunday 29th: Arrival 8am-9am. Play starts 9am. Ends 6pm. \nTo find out more\, or sign up\, head over to our Facebook Page or email apocalypticonbooking@gmail.com
URL:https://thecommonroom.org.uk/event/apocalypticon-uk-2026/
LOCATION:The Common Room\, Westgate Road\, Newcastle upon Tyne\, NE1 1SE\, United Kingdom
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://thecommonroom.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/APOCALYPTICON-UK-2026-EVENT-IMAGE.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20260326T173000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20260326T190000
DTSTAMP:20260514T002431
CREATED:20260217T152442Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260319T144550Z
UID:8891-1774546200-1774551600@thecommonroom.org.uk
SUMMARY:NEIMME Lecture: Future Fusion Power [Free Ticket]
DESCRIPTION:Come and find out more about the latest development in engineering and materials supporting future fusion power technologies. \nRyan Ramsey is a seasoned leader in the business world and military\, Ryan translates leadership experience and knowledge from corporate sectors such as energy\, electricity transmission\, renewables and nuclear translating strategy into tactical employment. Among a variety of leadership roles\, he has led as Head of Electricity Construction (VP) for National Grid\, leading a team of 250 National Grid employees and 4000 contractors delivering 148 major infrastructure projects around the UK. He also led as an Offshore Installation Manager on Shell’s flagship oil and gas ‘rig’ in the North Sea – Shearwater\, achieving cultural change and leading profitably during the slump in oil prices. \nHis bedrock has been a career in the Royal Navy Submarine Service. His leadership and teamwork have been tested during an operationally focused career operating as far afield as under the Arctic Ice Cap to the Indian Ocean. He has also worked for the Royal Netherlands Navy\, US Navy and Counter Terrorism forces. His notable military assignments were Captain of the nuclear-powered submarine HMS Turbulent and Commander of the world-renowned Submarine Command Course ‘Perisher’. He was responsible for teaching submarine captains to deal with the challenges of leadership\, risk-taking and decision-making in the 21st Century. He has two Masters degrees and is part of the Windsor Leadership Programme Alumni. He is a published author. \n17:30-18:00 – Tea and Coffee\n18:00-18:50 – In-person only Lecture Starts\n18:50 to 19:00 – Q & A
URL:https://thecommonroom.org.uk/event/neimme-lecture-future-fusion-power-free-ticket/
LOCATION:The Common Room\, Westgate Road\, Newcastle upon Tyne\, NE1 1SE\, United Kingdom
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://thecommonroom.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/Future-Fusion-Small.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20260324T140000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20260324T160000
DTSTAMP:20260514T002431
CREATED:20260317T124454Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260324T114734Z
UID:8916-1774360800-1774368000@thecommonroom.org.uk
SUMMARY:Coalfields of Song and Verse (Book Launch & Performance)
DESCRIPTION:NO TICKET REQUIRED \nJohnny Handle will be joined by Benny Graham\, Jim Mageean\, Ingrid and Barrie Temple who will perform a selection of songs and poems from the book Coalfields of\nSong and Verse – a collection of coal mining songs and poems. \nThe book is history of the coal mining industry in the North East of England told by the voices of the workers and their families. \nThe selection was made by Johnny Handle who worked for thirteen years in Northumberland pits. A prominent local folk singer he discovered many of these fascinating verses in libraries\, museums\, or in the performances by those with connections to the many villages dependent on mining. \nA people’s chronicle of the nineteenth and twentieth centuries recording the tumult and energy of a past industrial age. \nDoors open at 1pm.
URL:https://thecommonroom.org.uk/event/coalfields-of-song-and-verse-book-launch-performance/
LOCATION:The Common Room\, Westgate Road\, Newcastle upon Tyne\, NE1 1SE\, United Kingdom
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://thecommonroom.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/24.03.2026-Book-Launch-Small.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20260321T190000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20260321T223000
DTSTAMP:20260514T002431
CREATED:20251208T130615Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260319T144604Z
UID:8806-1774119600-1774132200@thecommonroom.org.uk
SUMMARY:Steve Knightley: Sanctuary - songs from sacred spaces
DESCRIPTION:Steve Knightley\, the multi-award-winning singer and principal songwriter of the acclaimed acoustic roots duo Show of Hands\, is renowned for his powerful\, historically accurate\, and socially conscious songs that capture the essence of English life and history. Praised as the “gravel-voiced spokesman of the rural poor\,” he has crafted enduring anthems like the BBC Radio 2 Folk Award-winning “Arrogance\, Ignorance and Greed” and the widely celebrated “Country Life” and “Cousin Jack.” \nA formidable solo performer\, Knightley delivers evenings of captivating storytelling and musical mastery. Expect a set list woven with crowd favourites\, deep cuts from his extensive catalogue\, and material from his solo album The Winter Yards. This is a unique opportunity to experience one of the UK’s most respected and enduring folk musicians live. \nSpecial guest performance by Daniel Salvatore – hand-pan soundscapes and meditative ambience.
URL:https://thecommonroom.org.uk/event/steve-knightley-sanctuary-songs-from-sacred-spaces/
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://thecommonroom.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/SN-Sanctuary-2026-small.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20260317T150000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20260317T170000
DTSTAMP:20260514T002431
CREATED:20260227T095428Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260227T100808Z
UID:8902-1773759600-1773766800@thecommonroom.org.uk
SUMMARY:Purple WiFi - Open to Secure...
DESCRIPTION:…WiFi Risk & Compliance. \nGet your FREE TICKET and join us for all you need to know about providing WiFi safely and securely! \nWhether you run a single café or a national enterprise\, providing WiFi comes with legal and security responsibilities. \nJoin us in person for an engaging event all about transforming your WiFi from open to secure! We’ll dive into the latest risks and compliance challenges\, sharing tips and tricks to keep your network safe. And follow this up with a free drink in the bar. \nIt’s the perfect opportunity to learn\, network\, and get hands-on advice. Don’t miss out on making your WiFi safer and smarter!
URL:https://thecommonroom.org.uk/event/purple-wifi-open-to-secure/
LOCATION:The Common Room\, Westgate Road\, Newcastle upon Tyne\, NE1 1SE\, United Kingdom
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://thecommonroom.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/PurpleEiFi-EventImage.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20260313T190000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20260313T210000
DTSTAMP:20260514T002431
CREATED:20260217T153628Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260217T155048Z
UID:8895-1773428400-1773435600@thecommonroom.org.uk
SUMMARY:Distilled Consultant Whisky Quiz Night
DESCRIPTION:In person whisky tasting event. \nAn evening of tasting\, and (hopefully) WINNING whisky! Join our own Lee “Connas” Connor for a seven dram tasting and accompanying Whisky Quiz. Test your whisky knowledge\, and be in with a chance of winning a whole host of spot prizes. Lucky individuals will get the opportunity to delve into my special bag of 20+ minis\, containing (among other things) Tomatin 18\, Lakes Whisky Maker Reserve No6\, SMWS 71.60\, Tobermorey Hebridean Series 25yr\, Glenfarclas 21yr 95 proof Whisky Exchange Exclusive…. and many many more…. \nWith the grand winner taking home a bottle of Glen Scotia Campbeltown Festival bottling from 2025\, donated by the excellent Gary Mills! \nDrams for tasting will be…. \nDaftmill 15 Bottled 2022\nArbikie Highland Rye 2015
URL:https://thecommonroom.org.uk/event/distilled-consultant-whisky-quiz-night/
LOCATION:The Common Room\, Westgate Road\, Newcastle upon Tyne\, NE1 1SE\, United Kingdom
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://thecommonroom.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/Whisky-Quiz-Night-Small.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20260312T173000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20260312T190000
DTSTAMP:20260514T002431
CREATED:20260217T145507Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260217T153213Z
UID:8888-1773336600-1773342000@thecommonroom.org.uk
SUMMARY:NEIMME Lecture: Project Groundwater Northumbria [Free Ticket]
DESCRIPTION:Project Groundwater Northumbria (PGN) has sparked questions about mining legacy\, ownership and how we share responsibility.\nPGN has been more than a technical exercise. It has sparked questions about mining legacy\, ownership and how we share responsibility. This talk will tell the story of PGN through the lens of partnership working\, highlighting lessons learned and how they can shape future decision-making. \nRhiannon Marchi-Smith is a hydrogeologist with expertise in mining\, mine water management\, and groundwater flooding. Her career spans both public sector and consultancy in the UK and internationally\, with hands-on experience delivering complex mine water projects from concept through to delivery. She founded RMS Groundwater Strategies to help organisations understand and manage groundwater risks\, improve cross-sector collaboration\, and embed geoscience into decision-making. In her role as Lead Hydrogeologist for PGN\, she supports Gateshead Council on groundwater flooding and mining legacy\, translating technical insight into practical strategies for communities and decision makers. \n17:30-18:00 – Tea and Coffee\n18:00-18:50 – In-person only Lecture Starts\n18:50 to 19:00 – Q & A \nNEIMME is the Royal Chartered membership organisation for Engineering\, Science and Technology in the North. \nFor more information about our events and the benefits of NEIMME membership see: https://mininginstitute.org.uk/membership\nFor information on IOM3 membership see: https://www.iom3.org/
URL:https://thecommonroom.org.uk/event/neimme-lecture-project-groundwater-northumbria-free-ticket/
LOCATION:The Common Room\, Westgate Road\, Newcastle upon Tyne\, NE1 1SE\, United Kingdom
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://thecommonroom.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/PGN-Thumbnail.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20260308T190000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20260308T230000
DTSTAMP:20260514T002431
CREATED:20251203T100057Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20251127T165210Z
UID:8795-1772996400-1773010800@thecommonroom.org.uk
SUMMARY:Marshall Gilmour Webbs
DESCRIPTION:Marshall Gilmour Webbs are a group formed of Louise Marshall (celebrated vocalist from the Jools Holland band) Romany Gilmour (of number one single ‘Between Two Points’) and Hattie & Charley Webb (known for their work with Leonard Cohen and Tom Petty).  \nThey developed a close bond on David Gilmour’s 2024 Luck and Strange tour. Performing a series of shows in July they took Piano Smithfield by storm\, selling out and releasing extra dates.  \nSubsequently they have worked with RGB sessions to release both cover and original music online. \nWith swelling vocals\, ethereal harmonies and eclectic instrumentation\, they have performed the music of The Roches\, Dolly Parton\, Billy Joel\, Minnie Riperton and more\, along with their own original songs written collaboratively from Louise’s living room. \n“A new vocal group steps into the spotlight with harmony\, soul\, and heart.” Wine Travel & Song \n“A fresh sound and strong female presence in contemporary music.”\nRouteNote     \n£15 – unreserved seating.
URL:https://thecommonroom.org.uk/event/marshall-gilmour-webbs/
LOCATION:The Common Room\, Westgate Road\, Newcastle upon Tyne\, NE1 1SE\, United Kingdom
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://thecommonroom.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/260308-Marshall-Gilmour-Webbs-Crop.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20260228T190000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20260228T223000
DTSTAMP:20260514T002431
CREATED:20251112T115717Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20251112T115717Z
UID:8772-1772305200-1772317800@thecommonroom.org.uk
SUMMARY:TVAM plus Marina Zispin
DESCRIPTION:Somewhere within a lifetime of repeats\, reruns and reboots\, TVAM lives\, crafting work which touch on our memories but toy with our fears. A world in which broadcast becomes performance. Hypnotic tracks which straddle an impressive spectrum of influence; with Boards of Canada’s irresistible nostalgia\, Suicide’s deconstructed rock’n’roll and MBV’s infinite noise all becoming touching points in Joseph Oxley’s musical output. \nSince his debut album\, Psychic Data\, first burst onto the scene (direct from a small bedroom studio in Wigan\, UK)\, TVAM has defined the sound and spectacle of nostalgia’s grip on our lives; from the sloganeering of Porsche Majeure\, to the electioneering of Semantics. \nTVAM’s debut Psychic Data spawned an ‘Album Of The Day’ and two daytime playlists at BBC 6Music whilst signature tune ‘Porsche Majeure’ was KEXP Track Of The Day and featured in HBO’s smash-hit ‘Succession’. Follow-up High Art Lite was released on Geoff Barrow’s Invada Records and received daytime playlist for ‘Double Lucifer’ on BBC 6Music and “Album of the Week’ at Louder Than War. \nTVAM website: tvamindustries.com \nFans of Beak>\, Black Moth Super Rainbow\, Hypernormalisation and Boards Of Canada should be interested in this one! \nA Wandering Oak presentation.\nImage credit: Debbie Ellis
URL:https://thecommonroom.org.uk/event/tvam-plus-marina-zispin/
LOCATION:The Common Room\, Westgate Road\, Newcastle upon Tyne\, NE1 1SE\, United Kingdom
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://thecommonroom.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/7e5c6c94_TVAM-1-TINY-credit-Debbie-Ellis.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20260222T170000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20260222T193000
DTSTAMP:20260514T002431
CREATED:20260116T133423Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260116T134023Z
UID:8832-1771779600-1771788600@thecommonroom.org.uk
SUMMARY:Pete Shoulder - The Sunday Sesh
DESCRIPTION:Soak up the atmosphere in this beautiful historic building as Pete\, along with his band\, perform brand new songs as well as tracks from Winterville\, The Union\, Silverthorne and One More Satellite. \nThe Common Room is a historic\, beautiful and atmospheric venue\, conveniently located just outside of Central Station. The show starts at 5pm prompt\, so you’ll even have time to sample the local Newcastle nightlife before and after the show! \nDon’t miss this rare opportunity to witness Pete up close and personal with a full live band. \n– Under 18 with parent or legal guardian\n– Doors (Bar) from 4:15pm\n– Refunds up to 14 days before the event\n– Show starts from 5pm
URL:https://thecommonroom.org.uk/event/pete-shoulder-the-sunday-sesh/
LOCATION:The Common Room\, Westgate Road\, Newcastle upon Tyne\, NE1 1SE\, United Kingdom
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://thecommonroom.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/Pete-Shoulder.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20260221T190000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20260221T223000
DTSTAMP:20260514T002431
CREATED:20260116T132548Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260116T132548Z
UID:8829-1771700400-1771713000@thecommonroom.org.uk
SUMMARY:Serious Music for Silly Folk
DESCRIPTION:Horse Loom/SA Malley\, the Jasmine Padgett Family Band\, Adam Soper\, and Tobias Sarra will be performing a selection of serious silly music \nThe four acts will perform both serious silly music\, and silly serious music\, in sets featuring music composed and improvised by the artists alongside some traditional folksongs (varying depending on the artists). \nCome and enjoy the serious-silliness in the gorgeous space of the Wood Hall at the Common Room\, Newcastle\, it’s going to be a total treat for both ears and eyes. \n£10 in advance (+booking fee) \n£15 solidarity (+booking fee) \n£15 OTD
URL:https://thecommonroom.org.uk/event/serious-music-for-silly-folk/
LOCATION:The Common Room\, Westgate Road\, Newcastle upon Tyne\, NE1 1SE\, United Kingdom
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://thecommonroom.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/Serious-Music-For-Silly-Folk-Samll.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20260218T100000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20260218T150000
DTSTAMP:20260514T002431
CREATED:20260126T135519Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260130T113154Z
UID:8862-1771408800-1771426800@thecommonroom.org.uk
SUMMARY:Half Term Films & Crafts: The Scarecrow’s Wedding & Tiddler + Ducks!
DESCRIPTION:Join us this half term for a fun\, family-friendly day featuring screenings of The Scarecrow’s Wedding and Tiddler + crafts AND ducks! \nThis is a relaxed and welcoming day designed for families. \nWe’ll be screening two much-loved children’s films\, The Scarecrow’s Wedding and Tiddler\, alongside hands-on craft activities that children and adults can enjoy together before the screenings. \nFilm Screening Tickets\n£4 (admits one child)\nUnder 1s & Adults Free \nThe event also coincides with our monthly General Admission Day\, so visitors are welcome to explore this historic building throughout the day (FREE) \nFrom 10am to 3pm\, keep an eye out for our mini plastic ducks\, hidden around the building. Find a duck and receive 10% off your first order at the 5|Quarter Café Bar — a perfect excuse for a mid-day treat. \nWhether you’re coming for the films\, the crafts\, or simply to explore\, it’s a great way to spend a half-term day together. \nThe 5|Quarter cafe will be open and ready to serve your favourite hot & cold drinks and snacks.
URL:https://thecommonroom.org.uk/event/half-term-films-crafts-the-scarecrows-wedding-tiddler-ducks/
LOCATION:The Common Room\, Westgate Road\, Newcastle upon Tyne\, NE1 1SE\, United Kingdom
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://thecommonroom.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/HALF-TERM-MAIN-TINY.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20260214T190000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20260214T230000
DTSTAMP:20260514T002431
CREATED:20250708T101520Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260106T115917Z
UID:8458-1771095600-1771110000@thecommonroom.org.uk
SUMMARY:[SOLD OUT] Amelia Coburn
DESCRIPTION:With a voice as enchanting as her stories\, Amelia Coburn is fast becoming one of the UK’s most captivating new artists. Like her heroes Serge Gainsbourg\, Scott Walker and Joni Mitchell\, Amelia has a gift for making the unusual sound timeless — weaving gothic literature\, film noir\, and vivid nocturnal characters into songs that linger long after the final note. \nHer Bill Ryder-Jones-produced debut album has earned praise from legends like Paul Weller and Paul Heaton\, won her national radio play on BBC Radios 2\, 3\, 4\, 5\, 6 Music and beyond\, and found her tipped as “one to watch in 2025” by Louder Than War\, Seetickets and Drowned In Sound. \nFresh from spellbinding sets at SXSW in Texas\, Amelia’s star continues to rise with acclaimed shows alongside The Levellers\, Hamish Hawk\, Stornoway and Katherine Priddy — plus a standout feature on Paul Weller’s latest album Find El Dorado. \nBoth disarming and beguiling\, Amelia’s honest\, witty\, and unmistakably North-Eastern charm makes every performance feel like a secret shared between old friends. \nStep into her strange\, shadowy world “between the moon and the milkman” — and discover why Amelia Coburn is one of the UK’s most talked-about new voices. \nf54 Event.\nTICKETS ON SALE WEDNESDAY 9TH HULY 2025 at 10AM
URL:https://thecommonroom.org.uk/event/amelia-coburn/
LOCATION:The Common Room\, Westgate Road\, Newcastle upon Tyne\, NE1 1SE\, United Kingdom
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://thecommonroom.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/260214-Amelia-Coburn-Low-Res-3x2-Crop.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20260212T173000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20260212T190000
DTSTAMP:20260514T002431
CREATED:20260126T125411Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260126T125411Z
UID:8858-1770917400-1770922800@thecommonroom.org.uk
SUMMARY:NEIMME Lecture - Chasing Time : From Sand to Silicon Carbide
DESCRIPTION:Silicon Carbide (SiC) has a range of novel properties that allow electronic devices to be used at higher voltages\, temperatures\, and switching frequencies.\nWhilst time is generally considered to be the fourth dimension\, measuring the passage of time is very much a human endeavour. From early attempts based on the flow of sand\, through the Longitude Prize and then to modern national time standards\, the need to accurately ‘know the time’ supports almost every aspect of human activity\, from transportation to the energy grid and from space exploration to pizza delivery. The talk will consider the technology advancements in the measurement of time\, as well as the need in these uncertain times for high accuracy timing systems and how these are realised using quantum mechanics. Finally\, consideration of the need for time in off world applications and the challenges therein will be presented. \nAlton Horsfall is a leading expert in the development of electronic and electrical systems for deployment in extreme environments. He holds a BSc and PhD in Physics from Durham University\, experience working for the Defence Evaluation and Research Agency in the Future Concepts team has also worked at Newcastle University\, where was promoted to the post of Reader in Semiconductor Technology. He was awarded a Senior Research Fellowship from the Royal Academy of Engineering in 2017. He is currently a professor at Durham University. His work has been supported through collaborations with a range of companies\, including Rolls Royce\, Raytheon\, BAE Systems and MBDA\, as well as a range of SMEs. He founded Nascent Semiconductor to provide a commercialisation route to his twenty year portfolio of semiconductor know-how and technology. \n17:30-18:00 – Tea and Coffee\n18:00-18:50 – In-person only Lecture Starts\n18:50 to 19:00 – Q & A \nNEIMME is the Royal Chartered membership organisation for Engineering\, Science and Technology in the North. \nFor more information about our events and the benefits of NEIMME membership see: https://mininginstitute.org.uk/membership \nFor information on IOM3 membership see: https://www.iom3.org/
URL:https://thecommonroom.org.uk/event/neimme-lecture-chasing-time-from-sand-to-silicon-carbide/
LOCATION:The Common Room\, Westgate Road\, Newcastle upon Tyne\, NE1 1SE\, United Kingdom
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://thecommonroom.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/Silicon_Carbide_EVENT.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20260129T173000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20260129T190000
DTSTAMP:20260514T002431
CREATED:20260112T142100Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260112T142645Z
UID:8816-1769707800-1769713200@thecommonroom.org.uk
SUMMARY:NEIMME Lecture: Managing Technical Safety
DESCRIPTION:Protecting People\, Environment and Reputations. \nThis lecture will examine some key Technical Safety incidents from the last 100 years history and outline what we learnt. \nThis is a joint lecture with the North East Branch of the Institution of Engineering and Technology \nBy effectively managing Technical Safety\, we aim to minimise the risk of our engineering assets causing ‘harm’ (to people\, the environment or commercially) across their lifecycle. This lecture will examine some key Technical Safety incidents from the last 100 years of our engineering history and outline what we learnt (or not!) from these often-tragic events. It will also explore the regulatory frameworks in which we operate (e.g. HSE). Finally\, the lecture will present a robust engineering strategy targeted at delivering positive Technical Safety outcomes which also facilitates the reliability\, availability and maintainability of pertinent assets across their lifecycle. \nRichard Burnard is a Chartered Engineer and Fellow of the Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET). Richard has worked in both the public and private sectors across his 40-year career in a variety of industries including Utilities\, Nuclear\, Chemical\, Oil and Gas\, Pharmaceutical\, Renewables\, Manufacturing and Electronics. Richard spent the mid-section of his career as an HM Specialist Engineering Inspector with the United Kingdom Health and Safety Executive (HSE) working as part of their major hazards team. In his spare time Richard volunteers with the IET as a Professional Registration Advisor (PRA) and as a Northumbria Region IET Committee Member. He also works with local colleges and schools to promote careers in engineering and science. \n17:30-18:00 – Tea and Coffee\n18:00-18:50 – In-person only Lecture Starts\n18:50 to 19:00 – Q & A \nWNEIMME is the Royal Chartered membership organisation for Engineering\, Science and Technology in the North. \nFor more information about our events and the benefits of NEIMME membership see: https://mininginstitute.org.uk/membership/ \nFor information on IOM3 membership see: https://www.iom3.org/
URL:https://thecommonroom.org.uk/event/neimme-lecture-managing-technical-safety/
LOCATION:The Common Room\, Westgate Road\, Newcastle upon Tyne\, NE1 1SE\, United Kingdom
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://thecommonroom.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/safety-small.jpg
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DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20260122T183000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20260122T210000
DTSTAMP:20260514T002431
CREATED:20260114T123213Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260114T123213Z
UID:8825-1769106600-1769115600@thecommonroom.org.uk
SUMMARY:IMechE: Technical presentation on the benefits of failure investigations
DESCRIPTION:This talk will discuss what we can learn from analysing weld failures to help us avoid them in the future and prevent problems with operational plant. \nWhat will you learn? \nFailure investigation is only a small\, but essential part of the root cause analysis process.  This presentation highlights the difference between failure investigation and root cause analysis\, considers the methodology of a failure investigation\, and using examples\, covers some of the pitfalls related to interpreting the data arising from failure investigations.  Some of the challenges associated with failures which occur frequently\, or occurred due to repairs being carried out without investigation of the failure are also considered. \nOur industry expert: \nJoanna Nicholas\, Consultant Welding Engineer at TWI Ltd \nMeet the speaker:  \nJoanna joined TWI Ltd in 1999\, and has been involved in research\, materials selection\, and failure investigations\, mainly with ferritic steels\, alongside welding consultancy.  She has also been involved in various aspects of computer modelling of weld phenomena and welding software supporting standardisation of weld procedures and welder qualifications. \nJoanna has a broad knowledge of ferritic steels with particular emphasis on hydrogen cracking and hydrogen diffusion\, HAZ hardness\, mooring chains\, fasteners\, in-service welding and 9% Ni steels.  She has carried out numerous investigations in these areas including failure investigation as well as production qualification and research. \nBenefits from attending the event: \nInformation transfer from experts\nDiscussion\, questions and answers on the specific topics\nA broader understanding of the extent of standards in the industry\nAttendance of this event qualifies for CPD
URL:https://thecommonroom.org.uk/event/imeche-technical-presentation-on-the-benefits-of-failure-investigations/
LOCATION:The Common Room\, Westgate Road\, Newcastle upon Tyne\, NE1 1SE\, United Kingdom
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://thecommonroom.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/tech-pres-low-res.jpg
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