The Common Room

Candlelight Concert: Hans Zimmer's Best Works
2023-02-22 20:30 - 21:35, 2023-02-22 18:00 - 19:05, 2023-01-27 20:30 - 21:30, 2023-01-27 18:00 - 19:00 (Europe/London) | The Common Room, Westgate Road, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE1 1SE, United Kingdom
Candlelight concerts bring the magic of a live, multi-sensory musical experience to awe-inspiring locations never before used for this purpose in Newcastle upon Tyne. Discover the music of Hans Zimmer in the beautiful Wood Hall, under the gentle glow of candlelight.

Tengger
2023-02-17 19:00 - 23:00 | The Common Room, Westgate Road, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE1 1SE, United Kingdom
Tengger is a travelling musical family, made up of Pan-Asian couple, Itta (from South Korea) and Marqido (from Japan), who create their brand of psychedelic New-Age drone magic through the use of Voice, Indian harmonium, and toy instruments (played by Itta) and synths & electronics (played by Marqido). The duo originally started out with the moniker “10” but since the birth of their son Raai (who joins them on tour and playing Voice, Synth, Toy Instrument, Dance performance on stage) in 2012, have called themselves Tengger (meaning ‘unlimited expanse of sky’ in Mongolian) to mark the expansion of the family. It also means ‘huge sea’ in Hungarian.Travel, as spiritual experience in real environments, and the sound between the space and the audience have been central themes of their works. The family’s yearly pilgrimages inform every aspect of their art.

FFO: Harmonia / Belbury Poly / Laraaji

For more gigs by Wandering Oak – https://linktr.ee/wanderingoakuk

Candlelight Concerts: Vivaldi's Four Seasons
2023-02-11 20:30 - 21:35, 2023-02-11 18:00 - 19:05 | The Common Room, Westgate Road, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE1 1SE, United Kingdom
Candlelight concerts bring the magic of a live, multi-sensory musical experience to awe-inspiring locations never before used for this purpose in Newcastle upon Tyne. Discover the music of Vivaldi in the beautiful Wood Hall under the gentle glow of candlelight.

The Art of Robert Stephenson – Images of the man, his life and works (Talk)
2023-02-09 13:30 - 16:00 | The Common Room, Westgate Road, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE1 1SE, United Kingdom
Join us FREE for the Robert Stephenson & Co. Bicentenary celebration in collaboration with the Robert Stephenson Trust.
About ‘The Art of Robert Stephenson – Images of the man, his life and works’, by J Michael Taylor MBE, Robert Stephenson Trust Trustee.
The life and achievements of the nineteenth century’s finest engineer is presented with lavish use of illustrations of historic documents, paintings, video and sound.
About the Robert Stephenson Trust
The Robert Stephenson Trust was formed in 1988, initially to help save the last substantial part of what had once been the works of ‘Robert Stephenson & Co’ until 1904.
Today the Robert Stephenson Trust promotes the achievements of one of the greatest engineers of the Nineteenth Century with the aim of making today’s generation aware of his achievements and inspire a new generation of engineers through his achievements.
Date and Timings
Date: Thursday 9th February
Arrival from 1:30pm, starting 2pm
Guests are welcome to stay in our 5|Quarter café bar following the event.
Booking information
Each person attending must have their own ticket.
Tickets are free, but if you would like to make a small donation to support the charitable work of The Common Room, it would be hugely appreciated.
Additional information
Location: Lecture Theatre, The Common Room, Westgate Road, Newcastle NE1 1SE
Children must be supervised at all times by a responsible adult.
Our building is fully accessible – if you have any queries about accessibility, please contact programme@thecommonroom.org.uk

I Know A Garden: Warm Digits • Large Plants • L.T. Leif • and more...
2023-02-04 17:30 - 23:00 | The Common Room, Westgate Road, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE1 1SE, United Kingdom
“Our life is to facilitate wilderness and joy…”
Join Wandering Oak to celebrate their 9th anniversary on February 4th here at The Common Room. The evening is packed with specially curated live performances across two spectacular spaces in our beautiful heritage building.

Show info

I Know A Garden: Wandering Oak’s 9th birthday celebration

Warm Digits, Large Plants and moreWood Hall and Lecture TheatreAges 18+ only, from 5:30pm

Luminaries include:
• Warm Digits •
The thunderous motorik space-disco duo with a pounding post-punk pulse.
FFO Kraftwerk / Jane Weaver / TVAM
http://warmdigits.co.uk/

• Large Plants •
The post-apocalyptic downer-fuzz-rock side project of Jack Sharp, former singer guitarist from psych-folk luminaries Wolf People.
FFO Black Mountain / the Soundcarriers / Madonna’s La Isla Bonita
https://largeplantsband.bandcamp.com/
• L.T. Leif •
Cosmic-country witch-choir sung for the sun! In Glasgow from Calgary by way of Helsinki. Features many tender buds.
FFO Tune-yards / Rozi Plain / Naima Bock
https://ltleif.com/
• Crimewave •
Crimewave alchemizes late 80s / early 90s dreamgaze with contemporary electronic music, in a surreal, futuristic take on an old genre; subjecting the Jesus and Mary Chain’s wall of sound approach to be dissected and re-imagined however technology allows.
FFO Hudson Mohawke / Slowdive
https://soundcloud.com/crimewavecrimewave
• Parastatic •
With a brand new album ready to be released in 2023, Parastatic are back with a bang; this time leaning more into the influence of post-rock heroes like Mogwai while never leaving far behind their own kraut & shoegaze heritage.
FFO Mogwai / Explosions in the sky / Neu! / Spiritualized
https://parastatic.bandcamp.com/

• Midnight Rodeo •
Woozy surf pop six-piece Midnight Rodeo ride out on a slick west coast modality, imbued with glistening dream pop synth lines that innovate on tried and tested psychedelic formulae.
FFO Allah La’s / Juniore / Nice Biscuit
https://midnightrodeo.bandcamp.com/

• Rüne •
Rüne is a long-standing collaboration between John Nellist (Behold A Pale Horse, Balao) and Trev Gibb (King Of The Sea, Deerhart), a project first embarked upon in 2014 and now ready to return to the limelight.
• Me Lost Me •
Jayne Dent’s verdant electronic folk creation, as Me Lost Me she delights in experimenting with songwriting and storytelling, creating a beguiling mix of soaring vocals and atmospheric electronics that playfully push the boundaries of genre.
FFO Lamb / Ceitidh Mac
https://www.melostme.com/

Robert Stephenson and Co. Bicentenary - Exhibition
2023-02-01 10:00 - 2023-03-25 16:00 | The Common Room, Westgate Road, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE1 1SE, United Kingdom
Robert Stephenson Trust and The Common Room are presenting the Bicentenary Exhibition of Robert Stephenson and Co.
Date and Timings
Date: From Monday 30th January to Saturday 25th March
Opening time: from 10:00AM to 4:00PM (closed on Sundays)
About the Robert Stephenson Trust
The Robert Stephenson Trust was formed in 1988, initially to help save the last substantial part of what had once been the works of “Robert Stephenson & Co” until 1904.
Today the Robert Stephenson Trust promotes the achievements of one of the greatest engineers of the Nineteenth Century with the aim of making today’s generation aware of his achievements and inspire a new generation of engineers through his achievements.
Booking information
Each person attending must have their own ticket.
Tickets are free, but if you would like to make a small donation to support the charitable work of The Common Room, it would be hugely appreciated.
Additional information
Location: Map Room (1st Floor), The Common Room, Westgate Road, Newcastle NE1 1SE
Children must be supervised at all times by a responsible adult.
Our building is fully accessible – if you have any queries about accessibility, please contact programme@thecommonroom.org.uk

Robert Stephenson and Co, Locomotive Builders, Newcastle, 1823 to 1902 (talk)
2023-01-28 10:00 - 13:00
Join us FREE for the Robert Stephenson & Co. Bicentenary celebration in collaboration with the Robert Stephenson Trust.
About Robert Stephenson and Co., Locomotive Builders, Newcastle, 1823 to 1902 with T H Fenwick MSc, CEng, FICE, Vice-chair, The Robert Stephenson Trust
As part of the celebration for the Bicentenary of the Robert Stephenson and Co., T H Fenwick will lead a presentation which tells how the firm Robert Stephenson & Co. came to be. It outlines the company’s role in establishing the principles of locomotive design that endured for more than a century, their successes and challenges and the diversity of products manufactured at the Forth Banks works, Newcastle, from its founding in 1823 until closure in 1902, when the business moved to a new factory at Darlington.
About the Robert Stephenson Trust
The Robert Stephenson Trust was formed in 1988, initially to help save the last substantial part of what had once been the works of ‘Robert Stephenson & Co’ until 1904.
Today the Robert Stephenson Trust promotes the achievements of one of the greatest engineers of the Nineteenth Century with the aim of making today’s generation aware of his achievements and inspire a new generation of engineers through his achievements.
Date and Timings
Date: Saturday 28th January
Arrival from 10:30AM
Talk and Q&A: 11:00AM to 12noon
Guests are welcome to stay in our 5|Quarter café bar following the event.
Booking information
Each person attending must have their own ticket.
Tickets are free, but if you would like to make a small donation to support the charitable work of The Common Room, it would be hugely appreciated.
Additional information
Location: Lecture Theatre, The Common Room, Westgate Road, Newcastle NE1 1SE
Children must be supervised at all times by a responsible adult.
Our building is fully accessible – if you have any queries about accessibility, please contact programme@thecommonroom.org.uk

Stephenson Survivors Worldwide (Talk)
2023-01-26 13:30 - 17:00 | The Common Room, Westgate Road, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE1 1SE, United Kingdom
Join us FREE for the Robert Stephenson & Co. Bicentenary celebration in collaboration with the Robert Stephenson Trust.
About , ‘Stephenson Survivors Worldwide’, by Anthony Coulls, Senior Curator of Rail Transport & Technology, National Railway Museum
A major part of Robert Stephenson & Co. and latterly Robert Stephenson & Hawthorn’s production was locomotives for export. Anthony’s talk will look at some of the surprising survivors around the globe.
About the Robert Stephenson Trust
The Robert Stephenson Trust was formed in 1988, initially to help save the last substantial part of what had once been the works of ‘Robert Stephenson & Co’ until 1904.
Today the Robert Stephenson Trust promotes the achievements of one of the greatest engineers of the Nineteenth Century with the aim of making today’s generation aware of his achievements and inspire a new generation of engineers through his achievements.
Date and Timings
Date: Saturday 23rd February
Arrival from 1:30pm, starting from 2pm
Guests are welcome to stay in our 5|Quarter café bar following the event.
Booking information
Each person attending must have their own ticket.
Tickets are free, but if you would like to make a small donation to support the charitable work of The Common Room, it would be hugely appreciated.
Additional information
Location: Lecture Theatre, The Common Room, Westgate Road, Newcastle NE1 1SE
Children must be supervised at all times by a responsible adult.
Our building is fully accessible – if you have any queries about accessibility, please contact programme@thecommonroom.org.uk

The Common Room Christmas Films - Arthur Christmas, with Santa Claus!
2022-12-24 10:00 - 12:30 | The Common Room, Westgate Road, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE1 1SE, United Kingdom
Join us for a festive morning to remember, see Arthur Christmas embark on an adventure to to deliver an all important present. The big man himself, Santa Claus will be stopping by to say hi!

Christmas Eve, 24th December
Doors and Santa Claus from 10:00am, film start 11:30am
Tickets £10, admitting one adult + one child
£3.50 per additional child
£3.50 per additional adult

Year: 2011 | Cert: PG | Duration: 97 min
Refreshments: Festive snacks available to purchase from our café bar, 5|Quarter – including mince pies, mulled wine, hot chocolate and yummy cinema worthy treats.
Seating: Bean bags, cushions, tables and chairs. Seating is unreserved, please do let us know if you have any access requirements by emailing events@thecommonroom.org.uk.
We can’t wait to see you soon.

The Common Room Christmas Films - Love Actually
2022-12-23 17:45 - 20:00 | The Common Room, Westgate Road, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE1 1SE, United Kingdom
‘If you look for it, I’ve got a sneaky feeling you’ll find that, love, actually is all around.’
Cosy up this Christmas in the Wood Hall with Richard Curtis’ Love Actually on the big screen.

Friday 23rd December
Doors 5:45pm, film start 6:30pm
£11 per ticket

Year: 2003 | Cert: 15 | Duration: 129 min
Refreshments: Festive drinks available to purchase from our café bar, 5|Quarter (and texted to your seat during the film); including Bailey’s hot choc, mulled wine, Christmas cocktails and yummy cinema worthy treats.
Seating: Bean bags and tables and chairs. Please select which seating option you prefer, and please let us know if you have any access requirements by emailing events@thecommonroom.org.uk.
We can’t wait to see you soon.

The Common Room Christmas Films - Elf
2022-12-21 17:45 - 20:00 | The Common Room, Westgate Road, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE1 1SE, United Kingdom
A Christmas tree, twinkling lights and mulled wine – a perfect setting to watch Buddy the Elf travel to New York City in search of his real family.
Join us for our Christmas film screenings this December, kicking off with ‘Elf’, we’ll have the mince pies at the ready.

Wednesday 21st December
Doors 5:45pm, film start 6:30pm
£11 per ticket

Year: 2003 | Cert: PG | Duration: 97 min
Refreshments: Festive drinks available to purchase from our café bar, 5|Quarter (and text to your seat during the film); including Bailey’s hot choc, mulled wine, Christmas cocktails and yummy cinema worthy treats.
Seating: Bean bags and tables and chairs available. Please select which seating option you prefer, and please let us know if you have any access requirements by emailing events@thecommonroom.org.uk.
We can’t wait to see you soon.

Matt Deighton
2022-12-03 | The Common Room, Westgate Road, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE1 1SE, United Kingdom
Wandering Oak presents Matt Deighton, Live at The Common Room.
Date and Timings
Saturday 3rd December 2022
Doors: 7:00pm
Booking information
Tickets £18 advance
18+ only
Book now via See Tickets
About Matt Deighton
Matt Deighton’s stunning discography tells a story of genuinely great musicianship and songwriting, but most of all, of the beauty and fragility of one of Britain’s greatest lost talents and how life around him has sometimes shaped a fate beyond his control. An artist who returns with something more beautiful every time the storm abates, 2021 saw the re-emergence of British folk’s most enigmatic lost son – a favourite among musicians, songwriters and diehard music lovers.
You may recognize Matt from his time fronting acid jazz heroes Mother Earth or as Paul Weller’s guitarist in the late 90s. Likened as the natural successor to Nick Drake, Davey Graham and John Martyn, Matt’s discography shines like a diamond among the silt – Villager was the subject of a Mojo ‘Buried Treasure’ feature and is oft hailed as a British folk classic.
‘It’s impossible to imagine fans of Nick Drake or John Martyn not falling in love with him…’
Sunday Times
Find out more at mattdeighton.co.uk

Exhibition: Our Places (22nd - 29th October)
2022-10-29 | The Common Room, Westgate Road, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE1 1SE, United Kingdom
About the Exhibition
Over the last 3 years, The Common Room has worked with local people to uncover stories and histories of mining and engineering across the Great Northern Coalfield, in the North East of England.
The Common Room and historian, Dr Dorothy Hamilton, worked with 4 groups of adult learners across County Durham, Darlington, Northumberland and Tyne & Wear to research the industrial heritage of their local areas, with some focusing on specific key individuals and innovations, whilst others uncovered aspects of social history where they live.
Each group co-created a display banner with The Common Room and Dr Dorothy Hamilton, which are now on display at The Common Room, and showcase the discoveries each group made over their 10-week course.
Visitor Information
Dates: Saturday 22nd October – Saturday 29th October
Open Times: Drop-in between 10am – 4pm, no advance booking required
Additional Information
Location: The Common Room, Westgate Road, Newcastle NE1 1SE
Accessibility: Our building is fully accessible – if you have any queries about accessibility, please contact programme@thecommonroom.org.uk
Children must be supervised at all times by a responsible adult.

Exhibition: ‘Time is Running Out – Help Us Engineer a Net Zero World' (17th - 29th October)
2022-10-29 | The Common Room, Westgate Road, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE1 1SE, United Kingdom
Join The Common Room and the Institution of Civil Engineers (ICE) for their latest national touring exhibition, ‘Time is Running Out – Help Us Engineer a Net Zero World.‘
About the Exhibition
A family-friendly exhibition exploring how engineers and society can respond to the challenges of climate change.
Featuring original hand-drawn illustrations and animations, six children talk to TV presenter and engineer Rob Bell about a wide range of global problems.
With fun hands-on activities including Giant Jenga and Balancing Bridges for all the family.
Visitor Information
Dates: Monday 17th – Saturday 29th October 2022* (excluding Sundays)
Open Times: Drop-in between 10am – 4pm, no advance booking required
Alongside the exhibition, The Common Room is running hands-on workshops for young people and families throughout half-term. Visit our what’s on page to find out
* (please note: we might be experiencing high volumes of visitors between 17th and 22nd October from 10am to 3pm)
Additional Information
Location: Map Room, Level 1, The Common Room, Westgate Road, Newcastle NE1 1SE
Accessibility: Our building is fully accessible – if you have any queries about accessibility, please contact programme@thecommonroom.org.uk
Children must be supervised at all times by a responsible adult.

Halloween Cinema Experience: The Shining (18+ only)
2022-10-28 19:00 - 21:30 | The Common Room, Westgate Road, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE1 1SE, United Kingdom
Step inside our historic, Victorian Wood Hall as it transforms into a spooky cinema this Halloween, for a truly unique experience with Stanley Kubrick’s classic, ‘The Shining’. Fancy dress is encouraged!
Event Details
Film: The Shining (1980)
Please arrive by 6:30pm so we can seat you and your party
Film start time: 7:00pm
Film end: approx. 9:30pm
Tickets: £11.00 per person (18+ only) – includes a choice of a Halloween cocktail or mocktail, a bottle of beer, or a soft drink
Ticket and booking information
Each person attending must have their own ticket. Strictly 18+ only.
Please note, seating includes a mixture of bean bags and tables & chairs. Please ensure you select your desired option at checkout. We will seat your party together.
Snacks and additional drinks will be available to order directly to your seat during the screening.
Arriving early, or fancy sticking around? Our cafe bar, 5|Quarter will be serving hot & cold drinks, nibbles and some fantastic offers on wine and cocktails, until late.
Additional information
Location: Wood Hall, The Common Room, Westgate Road, Newcastle NE1 1SE
Our building is fully accessible – if you have any queries about accessibility, please contact events@thecommonroom.org.uk

Halloween Cinema Experience: The Addams Family (2019)
2022-10-28 11:30 - 13:00 | The Common Room, Westgate Road, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE1 1SE, United Kingdom
Step inside our historic, Victorian Wood Hall as it transforms into a spooky cinema this Halloween, for a truly unique experience with the kids and ‘The Addams Family’ (2019 – the cartoon one!)

Event Details
Film: The Addams Family (2019) – the animated one!
Please arrive by 11:00am so we can seat you and your party
Film start time: 11:30am
Film end: approx. 1:00pm
Tickets:
£7.50 base ticket covers entry for one adult + one child
Additional adults charged at £3.00 each with the purchase of one full-price ticket
Additional children charged at £3.00 each with the purchase of one full-price ticket
Ticket and booking information
Each person attending must have their own ticket. Children must be supervised by a responsible adult at all times.
Please note, seating includes a mixture of bean bags, tables & chairs, and cushions to hide behind! If you have any access needs and require a specific seating type, please email events@thecommonroom.org.uk when you make your booking.
Spooky snacks will be available to purchase.
Arriving early, or fancy sticking around? Our cafe bar, 5|Quarter will be serving hot and cold food & drinks from 10am-4pm. Take advantage of £3 kids’ meals when you purchase one full price adult meal – offer valid on Friday 28 October only.
Additional information
Location: Wood Hall, The Common Room, Westgate Road, Newcastle NE1 1SE
Our building is fully accessible – if you have any queries about accessibility, please contact events@thecommonroom.org.uk

Life on the Moon – Workshop
2022-10-27, 2022-10-25 | The Common Room, Westgate Road, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE1 1SE, United Kingdom
We are building our own lunar city at The Common Room!
Over October half-term, watch The Common Room’s lunar settlement grow. Build your own cardboard and paper buildings, vehicles and more for our city, and imagine your own lunar life stories!
To mark NASA’s Artemis 1 mission, the first step on the way back to the Moon (not just to visit, but to stay!) we are taking engineering to the moon, and imagining our own city where humans could live in space!
Join us and learn about everything astronauts will need to safely live on the moon, and how equipment needed for life in space could improve life on Earth too!
During your visit, you can also explore the Institution of Civil Engineers’ exhibition – ‘Time Is Running Out – Help Us Engineer a Net Zero World’ – and try their games and activities.
Recommended ages 5+
Dates: Sat 22nd October, Tues 25th October, Thurs 27th October
Times: Drop-in between 10am and 4pm, no need to book!
Booking information
No need to book! Just turn up and join us FREE between 10am and 4pm.
Recommended age: 5+
Additional information
Location: Wood Hall, The Common Room, Westgate Road, Newcastle NE1 1SE
Children must be supervised at all times by a responsible adult.
Our building is fully accessible – if you have any queries about accessibility, please contact lucy.stockdale@thecommonroom.org.uk

Life on the Moon - Workshop
2022-10-22 | The Common Room, Westgate Road, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE1 1SE, United Kingdom

Teakisi Woman Talk - 2022
2022-10-15 13:00 - 17:00 | The Common Room, Westgate Road, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE1 1SE, United Kingdom
A Black History Month session focusing on African women and the community.
Date and Timings
Date: Saturday 15th October
Time: 13:00 – 17:00
About this event
Teakisi is happy to announce the fourth annual Teakisi Woman Talk conference, sponsored by and in partnership with The Common Room. This event takes place in October, which is also Black History Month. The annual ‘Teakisi Woman Talk’ allows black women, plus the general public to have a conversation on topics that really matter to them – however uncomfortable they may be.
2022 Theme: Inclusive Communities For All
An environment where many different genders, races, nationalities, sexual orientations and identities are present but only the perspectives of certain groups are valued or carry any authority or influence, it is not inclusive. We might be a diverse community but if the said community is lacking genuine inclusion then this is called “tokenism.”
Inclusion is about how well the contributions, presence and perspectives of different groups of people are valued and integrated into any environment. With the diverse community we have here in the North East of England, unfortunately, many of our members experience a life that is not inclusive. Diverse we might be but when its lacking genuine inclusion then this is called “tokenism.”
There are so many reasons as to why people don’t feel included, welcome or part of a community – with the most likely reasons being discrimination and racism. Those who feel like their communities are not inclusive also mention that in most cases when they are acknowledged, it may in most cases be in a negative way.
So, what is an inclusive community?
An inclusive community is one where its citizens and members feel safe, respected, and comfortable in being themselves and expressing all aspects of their identities. It is a place where each person shares a sense of belonging with its other members. It is home. Inclusive communities don’t just have a diversity of people present, it has a diversity of people involved, developed, empowered and trusted by the community.
An inclusive community:

Does everything that it can to respect all its citizens, gives them full access to resources, and promotes equal treatment and opportunity.
Works to eliminate all forms of discrimination.
Engages all its citizens in decision-making processes that affect their lives.
Values diversity.
Responds quickly to racist and other discriminating incidents.

We have to challenge communities that are not inclusive becuase they prohibit members from meeting their basic needs, living with dignity, engaging actively, and contributing to their community. We encourage all who seek to see discrimination, racism and “tokenism” emanated in their communities to join us on the day.
What’s more, the event aims to;

Continue to establish itself as the key event for those interested in enhancing the capabilities & leadership opportunities for African women, Black, Asian & Ethnic Minority people across all sectors. There is power in being connected to other people – especially when those people look like you.

Empower through informative speeches, talks, spoken word, drama, conversations and networking
Celebrate the culture and heritage of Africa, minority communities, and people of African descent
Network, learn from each other while sharing life experiences

This event is for;

Individuals and orgarnisations who champion tackling inequalities, fighting discrimination and racism
Individuals and organisations that promote diversity and inclusion
Everyone

****Keynote speakers to be announced at a later date***
Stalls
Guests will be able to explore a number of stalls on the day. If you are individual, business or organisations and would like to exhibit your work or services, there are 10 stalls/tables available to first come first served. To book yourself a table (£35 per table) please send email to info@teakisi.com

Special Heritage Tours (Heritage Open Days event)
2022-09-17, 2022-09-10 | The Common Room, Westgate Road, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE1 1SE, United Kingdom
Experience a special tour of The Common Room building, including a peek into the historic Arbitration Room!

About this event

Experience a special tour of The Common Room building, including a peek into the Arbitration Room – a historic space usually not available for public view.
The Common Room is a venue and charity located in Newcastle upon Tyne. Built between 1869-1872, our building has been home to the North of England Institute of Mining and Mechanical Engineers (or ‘The Mining Institute’) ever since. Some of the region’s greatest pioneering minds like Robert Stephenson, Lord Armstrong and Nicholas Wood met here to invent, innovate and campaign for improved safety in the mines, to protect miners, and advise mine owners.
Inside the building lies centuries of history relating to the Great Northern Coalfield, full of tales of engineering excellence and innovation. Our archive and collections span centuries of engineering, geological, mining and wider scientific history, starting from the Industrial Revolution.
Dates
Saturday 10th and Saturday 17th September 2022
Tour times
10:00am – 11:00am
11:00am – 12:00pm
1:00pm – 2:00pm
2:00pm – 3:00pm
3:00pm – 4:00pm
Booking information

*Everyone in your party must have their own tour ticket, booked in advance of the tour.*
Tickets are free, but if you would like to make a small donation to support the charitable work of The Common Room, it would be hugely appreciated. We suggest a donation of £5.00 per booking.
If you can no longer attend your slot, we kindly ask that you cancel your ticket so someone else may take your place, as demand is very high. Donations can be refunded upon request if you need to cancel your ticket.
Additional information
Children must be supervised at all times by a responsible adult.
Our building is fully accessible – if you have any queries about accessibility, please contact lucy.stockdale@thecommonroom.org.uk
The Common Room is taking a number of precautions to mitigate the risk to the public regarding COVID-19. Attendees will be encouraged to wear a face covering (unless they have a medical exemption) where possible. We would appreciate it if attendees could complete a lateral flow test prior to attending, and we kindly ask you do not attend if you have had a positive test result for COVID-19, or are experiencing symptoms. For further information on our COVID-19 protocol please email lucy.stockdale@thecommonroom.org.uk

About Heritage Open Days
Heritage Open Days is England’s largest festival of history and culture, involving thousands of local volunteers and organisations. Every year in September it brings people together to celebrate their heritage, community and history. Stories are told, traditions explored, and histories brought to life. It’s your chance to see hidden places and try out new experiences – and it’s all FREE.
Find out more at heritageopendays.org.uk

Kids’ Bridge Building Challenge (Heritage Open Days event)
2022-09-17, 2022-09-10 | The Common Room, Westgate Road, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE1 1SE, United Kingdom
Celebrate the North East’s incredible engineering through our drop-in bridge-building challenges. Can you get the most out of your materials – like LEGO – to create the best bridge around?

Newcastle is known for its many impressive and varied bridges; they are a huge part of the North East’s proud engineering heritage! This is your chance to walk in the footsteps of great engineers, like Robert Stephenson and Dorothy Buchanan!
But what makes a good bridge? How can it be made strong? How are its materials made to work to their maximum potential? And can you get home without getting your feet wet?
Choose your materials and challenges, and try to create a structure of strength, worthy of the river Tyne itself.
Date and Timings
Saturday 10 September: Drop-in between 10:00-12:30 and 13:00-16:00
Saturday 17 September: Drop-in between 10:00-12:30 and 13:00-16:00
Booking information
No need to book! Just turn up during one of the times above.
Additional information
Location: The Common Room, Westgate Road, Newcastle NE1 1SE
Children must be supervised at all times by a responsible adult.
Our building is fully accessible – if you have any queries about accessibility, please contact lucy.stockdale@thecommonroom.org.uk
The Common Room is taking a number of precautions to mitigate the risk to the public regarding COVID-19. Visitors will be encouraged to wear a face-covering (unless they have a medical exemption) and to practice social distancing. For further information on our COVID-19 protocol please visit https://thecommonroom-wqosm.projectbeta.co.uk/about-the-common-room/
About Heritage Open Days
Heritage Open Days is England’s largest festival of history and culture, involving thousands of local volunteers and organisations. Every year in September it brings people together to celebrate their heritage, community and history. Stories are told, traditions explored, and histories brought to life. It’s your chance to see hidden places and try out new experiences – and it’s all FREE.
Find out more at heritageopendays.org.uk

'Howay the Lasses' - Public Concert
2022-09-10 18:30 - 20:30 | The Common Room, Westgate Road, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE1 1SE, United Kingdom
With our deepest respect, Howay the Lasses concert will go ahead as planned. Our thoughts are with the Royal Family and those in mourning at this time. We will hold a minutes silence at the beginning of the concert to mark our respect.
Join us for this special concert to close our Game Changers summer anniversary festival, celebrating 170 years of the Mining Institute, and 150 years of The Common Room building – home to the Institute and some of the region’s biggest ‘Game Changers’ since 1872.
About ‘Howay the Lasses’
This public concert is a musical tribute to the scientists, inventors, engineers & creatives who helped shape the North East and the country! Come and be entertained by musical tales of daring, disaster, perseverance, intrigue and invention.
Join award-winning musicians, pianist/accordianist/songwriter ANNIE BALL, cellist KATIE TERTELL and singer-songwriter GARETH DAVIES-JONES, for an engaging and accomplished evening of folk acoustic music, with original songs, stirring tunes and a curiosity of tales – each with their own unique character.
Combining over 30 years of touring experience, Annie, Katie and Gareth bring a range of instruments, wit and wisdom, to guide you through the life and times of women engineers like Rachel Parsons, notable historic figures such as Roman writer, Severa and pioneering inventors like Janet Taylor.
Tickets are free, however we recommend a voluntary donation of £5.00 per booking. The Common Room is a charity – the work we do to preserve our building and archive’s rich heritage and to inspire the next generation of innovators and engineers (our future ‘Game Changers’) would not be possible without your kind donations and the support of our funders.
To find out more about ‘Howay the Lasses’, visit their Facebook Page
Date and Timings
Saturday 10th September 2022
Doors: 6:00pm
Start: 6:30pm
15-30-minute interval: 7:15pm
Event close: approx. 8:30pm
Booking information
Each person attending, including adults accompanying children, must have their own ticket.
Tickets are free, but if you would like to make a small donation to support the charitable work of The Common Room, it would be hugely appreciated.
If you can no longer attend, we kindly ask that you cancel your ticket so someone else may take your place, as demand is very high. Donations can be refunded upon request, if you need to cancel your ticket.
About our Game Changers anniversary festival
The Common Room is hosting a free anniversary festival throughout the summer, celebrating the North East’s mining and engineering past, present and future innovations. The festival, called ‘Game Changers’, is delivered in partnership with the North of England Institute of Mining and Mechanical Engineers (known to many as the Mining Institute) and will offer something for everyone, from live music, family science shows and workshops, to an exhibition and unique building tours.
The festival marks 170 years of the Mining Institute and 150 years of The Common Room building, which has been the home of the Institute and some of the region’s most pioneering minds – or ‘Game Changers’ – throughout the years, including engineers Robert Stephenson, Lord Armstrong and Nicholas Wood.
Our headline exhibition and festival’s namesake, ‘Game Changers’, will be open to the public between Saturday 16th July to mid-September on select dates – if you are joining us for an event this summer, the exhibition will be open that day. Book a general admission ticket to find out what other dates the exhibition is open this month. The exhibition will uncover the Game Changers – individuals, inventions and innovations – tied to the Institute throughout its now 170-year lifespan, and will also look to the future of innovation in the North East.
The Game Changers anniversary festival has been made possible thanks to National Lottery Players, via funding from the National Lottery Heritage Fund.
To find out more, click here.
Additional information
Location: Wood Hall, The Common Room, Westgate Road, Newcastle NE1 1SE
Children must be supervised at all times by a responsible adult.
Our building is fully accessible – if you have any queries about accessibility, please contact lucy.stockdale@thecommonroom.org.uk
The Common Room is taking a number of precautions to mitigate the risk to the public regarding COVID-19. Visitors will be encouraged to wear a face-covering (unless they have a medical exemption) and to practice social distancing. For further information on our COVID-19 protocol please visit https://thecommonroom-wqosm.projectbeta.co.uk/about-the-common-room/

Public Talk: Exploring Environmental Safety in Underground Mining Throughout the Years
2022-09-03 18:00 - 19:00 | The Common Room, Westgate Road, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE1 1SE, United Kingdom
In this free public talk, Bill Tonks C.Eng FIMMM will explore the ways in which the UK showed the world how to mine coal industrially, then how to mine coal safely. Finally, Bill will briefly discuss whether coal has any role in our future.
In his talk, Bill will also uncover methods of observing, analysing and improving underground environments even further, by looking at how we can reduce long-term harmful particulates, toxins, and radon – a radioactive gas.
This talk will be hosted on the 170th anniversary of The Mining Institute’s first president, Nicholas Wood’s inaugural address to members. Wood’s speech spoke specifically to ventilation, alongside other methods in which the Institute would serve to protect and advise those working in the mining industry, as well as providing one of the Institute’s most pertinent quotes: “There is no finality in science.” Wood’s speech will receive a moment of recognition on the evening.
About Bill Tonks
Bill Tonks C.Eng FIMMM is a Chartered engineer with over 40 years’ experience in underground ventilation systems in mines and civil tunnels, and is Director at Bill Tonks Ventilation Services Ltd.
Date and Timings
Saturday 3rd September 2022
Talk commences: 6:00pm
Event close: approx. 7:00pm
Guests may visit our onsite 5|Quarter cafe bar prior and following the talk. Please note, drinks may not be allowed in the Lecture Theatre during the talk.
Booking information
Each person attending must have their own ticket.
Tickets are free, but if you would like to make a small donation to support the charitable work of The Common Room, it would be hugely appreciated.
About our Game Changers anniversary festival
The Common Room is hosting a free anniversary festival throughout the summer, celebrating the North East’s mining and engineering past, present and future innovations. The festival, called ‘Game Changers’, is delivered in partnership with the North of England Institute of Mining and Mechanical Engineers (known to many as the Mining Institute) and offers something for everyone, from live music, family science shows and workshops, to an exhibition and unique building tours.
The festival marks 170 years of the Mining Institute and 150 years of The Common Room building, which has been the home of the Institute and some of the region’s most pioneering minds – or ‘Game Changers’ – throughout the years, including engineers Robert Stephenson, Lord Armstrong and Nicholas Wood.
Our headline exhibition and festival’s namesake, ‘Game Changers’, will be open to the public between Saturday 16th July to mid-September on select dates – if you are joining us for an event this summer, the exhibition will be open that day. Book a general admission ticket to find out what other dates the exhibition is open this month. The exhibition will uncover the major individuals, inventions and innovations tied to the Institute throughout its now 170-year lifespan, and will also look to the future of innovation in the North East.
The Game Changers anniversary festival has been made possible thanks to National Lottery Players, via funding from the National Lottery Heritage Fund.
To find out more, click here.
Additional information
Location: Lecture Theatre, The Common Room, Westgate Road, Newcastle NE1 1SE
Children must be supervised at all times by a responsible adult.
Our building is fully accessible – if you have any queries about accessibility, please contact lucy.stockdale@thecommonroom.org.uk
The Common Room is taking a number of precautions to mitigate the risk to the public regarding COVID-19. Visitors will be encouraged to wear a face-covering (unless they have a medical exemption) and to practice social distancing. For further information on our COVID-19 protocol please visit https://thecommonroom-wqosm.projectbeta.co.uk/about-the-common-room/
