The Common Room

The Making of the Modern World - book launch and talk with Bill Lancaster
2022-07-02 18:30 - 20:00 (Europe/London) | The Common Room, Westgate Road, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE1 1SE, United Kingdom
To celebrate our new publication, ‘The Making of The Modern World’, historian and author Bill Lancaster will deliver a free public talk.

About this event

To celebrate our new publication, ‘The Making of The Modern World’ – The history of The North of England Institute of Mining and Mechanical Engineers volume 1:1852-1942, historian and author Bill Lancaster will deliver a free public talk titled ‘Nicholas Wood and George Elliot, The First and Third Presidents: Great Men?’
In this talk, Bill will explore the first half-century of the Mining Institute through the lens of its two most important founder members Nicholas Wood, the first President and Sir George Elliot, the third.
Though slightly different in age, both came from similar backgrounds in terms of family and education. Both were central figures in the creation of the Institute, shaping its fortunes and leaving behind a legacy that endured long after their deaths. Both Wood and Elliot could easily fit into the Samuel Smiles Pantheon of Victorian Great Men, but they were very different in character: Wood the brilliant empirical engineer who can be rightly termed the ‘Third Stephenson’; Elliot the visionary whose business and political activities were globally important.
During their stewardship of the Institute, Neville Hall (now known as The Common Room) became the hub of international mining engineering, and the myriad of innovations that cascaded from mining into the core industries of the second industrial revolution continue to shape the modern world…
The talk will be held 150 years to the day since members of the Institute first met at Neville Hall, now known as The Common Room. Join The Common Room and the North Of England Institute of Mining and Mechanical Engineers to celebrate this significant milestone.
Date and Timings
Date: Saturday 2nd July
Arrival from 6:00pm for drinks reception
Talk and Q&A: 6:30pm – 7:30pm
Guests are welcome to stay in our 5|Quarter cafe 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.
About The Making Of The Modern World
The publication introduces the Mining Institute and the founding members whose inventions, discoveries and innovations cascaded down into other industries new and old, and in the process created what is now the modern world.
Find out more and purchase the book here.
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 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 thecommonroom.org.uk/about-the-common-room

Talk: 'The Importance of Seaham in the creation of The Mining Institute' at Seaham Town Hall
2022-06-23 19:00 - 20:30 | Seaham Town Hall, Stockton Road, Seaham, County Durham, SR7 0HP, United Kingdom
Discover the role of Seaham in the formation of the world’s first Mining Institute, in this free public talk by Stuart Porthouse

About this event

Join The Common Room and The North of England Institute of Mining and Mechanical Engineers (NEIMME) for a free public talk at Seaham Town Hall, exploring the role of Seaham in the creation of The North of England Institute of Mining Engineers, that aimed to increase safety and reduce the fatalities in the “Great Northern Coal Field.”
The talk will explore how a disaster at Seaton Colliery ultimately lead to a fateful meeting of interested parties at The Mill Inn pub in Seaham (which once stood metres from the current site of Seaham Town Hall), which would become the first informal meeting of The North of England Institute of Mining Engineers.
This free public talk will be delivered by Stuart Porthouse, past president of the Institute, and will be held 170 years to the day of this first meeting.
Timings and Venue
Venue: Seaham Town Hall, Stockton Road, Seaham, SR7 0HP
Arrival: from 6:30pm
Talk commences: 7:00pm
Event close: approx. 8:30pm
About The Common Room
The Common Room is a charity formed in 2017 to restore the Grade II* listed Neville Hall in Newcastle upon Tyne (home to The Mining Institute since 1872), and its significant archive and collections documenting centuries of engineering, mining and wider scientific innovation.
Thanks to National Lottery players, an £8.9m grant has enabled us to spend over £7 million restoring the building, and around £2m to support our running costs, preserve our collections, and to drive our mission: to use our unique heritage to inspire the next generation of innovators and engineers.
Complete with its own cafe bar, The Common Room is also available for hire for private events, including conferences and lectures, to weddings and gigs.
About The North Of England Institute of Mining and Mechanical Engineers (NEIMME)
The Mining Institute is a membership organisation dedicated to the professions of mining engineering, mechanical engineering, mining electrical engineering and related professions. It is the world’s oldest professional mining organisation, established in 1852. NEIMME have been based in the building now known as The Common Room, since it was built in 1872.
NEIMME still encourages the study of mining and involves both practicing mining engineers and laymen amongst its members. Many of their members are experts in their field and we encourage people to work together and learn from each other. As an increasingly active Institute, it is once again growing with more members joining every year.

School of Rocks (workshop)
2022-05-31 | The Common Room, Westgate Road, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE1 1SE, United Kingdom
Join us at The Common Room and get hands-on with minerals, and learn amazing geological skills to become a certified rock star!

About this event

Learn the reason and rhyme of rocks and get hands-on with all kinds of samples from our treasure trove of minerals! This interactive workshop allows children to learn a range of geological skills through games and activities, to become a certified rock star!
Workshop lasts approximately 45 minutes- 1 hour.
Recommended ages 5-13.
This ticket includes general admission to explore our historic building, as well as our key exhibitions which are currently running, including The Common Room LEGO® Brick By Brick Model and The Mineral Wealth of the North.
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 donation to support the charitable work of The Common Room, it would be hugely appreciated.
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.

Dates
Tuesday 31st May 2022
Available workshop times
Workshop 1: 10:00am
Workshop 2: 11:15am
Workshop 3: 1:15pm
Workshop 4: 2:30pm
Additional information
Location: Map Room, First 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 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 thecommonroom.org.uk/about-the-common-room/

Heritage Tours
2022-05-28 | The Common Room, Westgate Road, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE1 1SE, United Kingdom
Join our FREE Heritage Tours of The Common Room and explore the history of The North of England Institute of Mining and Mechanical Engineers

About this event

Join us and Newcastle City Guides for a unique tour of The Common Room. Our building has been the home to The North of England Institute of Mining and Mechanical Engineers since 1872; a membership organisation affiliated with some of the 19th century’s most eminent engineers. Inside the building lies centuries of history relating to the Great Northern Coalfield, full of tales of engineering excellence and innovation.
Tickets are free, however we recommend a voluntary donation of £5.00 per person. 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 would not be possible without your kind donations and the support of our funders.
20 slots are available per tour, but tour groups will be divided into 2 groups of 10. We will try our best to ensure that your party is not separated, but please note that we may on some occasions have to split parties.
**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**
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 ecnouraged 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 thecommonroom.org.uk/about-the-common-room/

Metro Memories: Constructing the Metro
2022-05-04 13:00 - 15:00 | The Common Room, Westgate Road, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE1 1SE, United Kingdom
hare your own memories or bring your pieces of memorabilia of the Metro at our Metro Memories Community Events, and contribute to Nexus’ historic archives! These FREE events are designed to trigger your memories of anything and everything related to the Metro system, so we can add your memories to the community history content of the Nexus archive.
These events are open to all. Current and retired Metro staff, their families and friends are especially welcome. After all, it’ll be your memories that add the human touch to the facts and figures about the Tyne & Wear Metro!

Dr Kath Smith and her team of memory collectors from Remembering the Past, Resourcing the Future will start off each session by sharing a selection of the amazing photographs that have been taken, and films that have been made since the Tyne & Wear Metro began to run 42 years ago. We’re sure that this wonderful material will get some conversations going and trigger happy memories!
Date and Time:
Wednesday 4th May 1:00pm – 3:00pm
Constructing the Metro: We want to hear more about what it was like to build the Metro system. Were you involved in building the stations, digging the tunnels, laying the tracks, or testing the trains? If so we’d love to meet you and hear your stories.
Other Community Events:

Wednesday 20th April 1:00pm – 3:00pm
Travelling on the Metro
Saturday 30th April 1:00pm – 3:00pm
Working on the Metro
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. As this is a free event, models are reused by future visitors and cannot be taken home.
Additional information
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 Remembering the Past:
Remembering the Past, Resourcing the Future holds one of the longest-established digital archives of local history anywhere in the UK, gathering local people’s stories, photos and memories to add to their online archive, which can be viewed at www.rememberingthepast.co.uk
In summer 2021 Remembering the Past, Resourcing the Future received the prestigious Queens Award for Volunteering, the MBE for volunteer groups, for their ongoing work. The team are proud to be part of the consortium of organisations which has produced the Metro Memories exhibition and events.

Metro Memories Community Events: Working on the Metro
2022-04-30 13:00 - 15:00 | The Common Room, Westgate Road, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE1 1SE, United Kingdom
Share your own memories or bring your pieces of memorabilia of the Metro at our Metro Memories Community Events, and contribute to Nexus’ historic archives! These FREE events are designed to trigger your memories of anything and everything related to the Metro system, so we can add your memories to the community history content of the Nexus archive.
These events are open to all. Current and retired Metro staff, their families and friends are especially welcome. After all, it’ll be your memories that add the human touch to the facts and figures about the Tyne & Wear Metro!

Dr Kath Smith and her team of memory collectors from Remembering the Past, Resourcing the Future will start off each session by sharing a selection of the amazing photographs that have been taken, and films that have been made since the Tyne & Wear Metro began to run 42 years ago. We’re sure that this wonderful material will get some conversations going and trigger happy memories!
Date and Time:
Saturday 30th April 1:00pm – 3:00pm
Working on the Metro: We want to fill in some gaps in our knowledge about what it’s like to work on the Metro, not just on the trains but in the stations, the workshops, and all the other vital behind-the-scenes roles! Come along and share your stories with Kath and her team.
Other Community Events:
Wednesday 20th April 1:00pm – 3:00pm
Working on the Metro
Wednesday 4th May 1:00pm – 3:00pm
Constructing the Metro
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. As this is a free event, models are reused by future visitors and cannot be taken home.
Additional information
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 Remembering the Past:
Remembering the Past, Resourcing the Future holds one of the longest-established digital archives of local history anywhere in the UK, gathering local people’s stories, photos and memories to add to their online archive, which can be viewed at www.rememberingthepast.co.uk
In summer 2021 Remembering the Past, Resourcing the Future received the prestigious Queens Award for Volunteering, the MBE for volunteer groups, for their ongoing work. The team are proud to be part of the consortium of organisations which has produced the Metro Memories exhibition and events.

Metro Family Fun Days
2022-04-23, 2022-04-22, 2022-04-21 | The Common Room, Westgate Road, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE1 1SE, United Kingdom
Our Metro Memories exhibition goes much bigger for our ‘Family Fun Days!’
Nexus is bringing all kinds of extra activities and fascinating showcases suitable for all ages:

Experience the Tyne & Wear Metro’s new fleet in glorious Virtual Reality (this is what the Metro drivers themselves are using for training!)
Build and run a LEGO train, brick by studded brick.
Get kitted out in high vis and safety equipment, as you get ready to work on the Metro!
Help us plan and build our own cardboard city, with its own Metro line and stations.
See the 12ft Knitted Metro Model, made by knitters during lockdown.

Plus even more games and activities at The Common Room!
Tickets for the Metro Family Fun Days include admission to the Metro Memories Exhibition. Find out more about the exhibition itself here.
Booking information
Dates: Thurs 21st – Sat 23rd April
Times: Drop-in, 10am-4pm each day – just book your timeslot and arrive any time during it!
Each person attending, including adults accompanying children, must have their own ticket.
Children must be supervised at all times by a responsible adult.
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: 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 our home page: thecommonroom.org.uk

Metro Memories Community Events: Travelling on the Metro
2022-04-20 13:00 - 15:00 | The Common Room, Westgate Road, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE1 1SE, United Kingdom
Share your own memories or bring your pieces of memorabilia of the Metro at our Metro Memories Community Events, and contribute to Nexus’ historic archives! These FREE events are designed to trigger your memories of anything and everything related to the Metro system, so we can add your memories to the community history content of the Nexus archive.
These events are open to all. Current and retired Metro staff, their families and friends are especially welcome. After all, it’ll be your memories that add the human touch to the facts and figures about the Tyne & Wear Metro!

Dr Kath Smith and her team of memory collectors from Remembering the Past, Resourcing the Future will start off each session by sharing a selection of the amazing photographs that have been taken, and films that have been made since the Tyne & Wear Metro began to run 42 years ago. We’re sure that this wonderful material will get some conversations going and trigger happy memories!
Date and Time:
Wednesday 20th April 1:00pm – 3:00pm
Travelling on the Metro: To start us off we’ll be exploring what difference Metro has made in our lives. It could be an easier journey to work, more opportunities to see a show or even take part in the Great North Run! What is your earliest memory of using the Metro? Have you kept your first ticket? Were you one of the first travellers? Come along and share your stories with Kath and her team.
Other Community Events:

Saturday 30th April 1:00pm – 3:00pm
Working on the Metro
Wednesday 4th May 1:00pm – 3:00pm
Constructing the Metro
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. As this is a free event, models are reused by future visitors and cannot be taken home.
Additional information
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 Remembering the Past
Remembering the Past, Resourcing the Future holds one of the longest-established digital archives of local history anywhere in the UK, gathering local people’s stories, photos and memories to add to their online archive, which can be viewed at www.rememberingthepast.co.uk
In summer 2021 Remembering the Past, Resourcing the Future received the prestigious Queens Award for Volunteering, the MBE for volunteer groups, for their ongoing work. The team are proud to be part of the consortium of organisations which has produced the Metro Memories exhibition and events.

Metro Memories Exhibition (19 April - 7 May)
2022-04-19 - 2022-05-07 | The Common Room, Westgate Road, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE1 1SE, United Kingdom
The story of how our Metro came to be, as taken from the memories of those who built and lived it

About the exhibition

The Common Room is proud to present, in collaboration with Nexus and the Oral History Unit and Collective at Newcastle University, The Metro Memories Exhibition.
Though the Tyne and Wear Metro has served the people of Newcastle for over 40 years, and is a metro network second in the UK only to the London Underground, the history, significance and cultural impact of this vital system is not widely known to the passengers on their 36.4 million journeys a year.
Here we explore what this transport system means to the people and the history of our region, featuring photographs, films and interviews with key decision-makers including politicians and Director Generals, engineers, designers and retired staff.
The exhibition will be accompanied by a programme of events, including community gatherings to invite members of the public, and former staff, to share their own stories, photographs and artefacts connected to the construction of the Metro. As well as Family Fun Days! *Please note, tickets to these events must be booked separately. To find out what’s on, check out all our events here.*
Exhibition dates and times
The Metro Memories exhibition opens free to the public from Tuesday 19th April until Saturday 7th May (inclusive). During this period, the exhibition will be open to the public from 10:00am – 4:00pm Monday to Saturday, with the exception of the following dates, where the exhibition is closed to the public:
Tuesday 26th April
Wednesday 27th April
Thursday 28th April
Friday 29th April

Booking information
Each person attending must have their own ticket.
These tickets are for the Metro Memories Exhibition only. If you would like to attend events running alongside the exhibition, such as our Metro Family Fun Days, and Community Events, please check our other event listings here to book your tickets.
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: The Wood Memorial 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
All visitors over the age of 16 may be asked to scan the NHS QR code or provide their name and contact details on arrival at The Common Room. Smartphone users can download the NHS COVID-19 app before arrival.
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 our home page: thecommonroom.org.uk

LEGO® Mini Model Workshops
2022-04-19, 2022-04-14 | The Common Room, Westgate Road, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE1 1SE, United Kingdom
Event details
Join us this Easter at The Common Room, to build your very own mini LEGO® model of some of the North East’s greatest engineering feats, a giant beast from our fossil past, or a rover and helicopter duo to explore the surface of Mars.
Suitable for ages 5+
Models you can build:
– The Swing Bridge
– Stephenson’s Rocket
– The Electric Car
– The Geordie Lamp
– A wind turbine
– The Perseverance Mars rover
– The Ingenuity helicopter drone
Plus our newest models:
– The Turbinia, fastest ship of its day
– Arthropleura, the ancient giant millipede
This ticket includes general admission to explore our historic building, as well as our key exhibitions, including The Neville Hall LEGO® Model, The Mineral Wealth of the North and our Metro Memories Exhibition.
Dates
Thursday 14th and Tuesday 19th April 2022
Workshop times
Workshop 1: 10:30 – 11:30
Workshop 2: 1:00 – 2:00
Workshop 3: 2:45 – 3:45
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. As this is a free event, models are reused by future visitors and cannot be taken home.
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
Location: Stephenson Room, First 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 lucy.stockdale@thecommonroom.org.uk
All visitors over the age of 16 may be asked to scan the NHS QR code or provide their name and contact details on arrival at The Common Room. Smartphone users can download the NHS COVID-19 app before arrival.
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 our home page: thecommonroom.org.uk

Family Activity Day - The Face Of Engineering Festival
2022-04-09 | The Common Room, Westgate Road, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE1 1SE, United Kingdom
A day of free, fun and informal science and engineering activities, for all ages.

Drop in and meet real, diverse engineers; get hands-on with some exciting pieces of equipment; discover how your own skills could make you a brilliant engineer! All ages welcome.

Activities for the day include:
Virtual Reality challenges, Skills Test Boards, colouring activities and much more!
Date and Time
Saturday 9th April, drop-in between 10:00am and 4:00pm
Booking information
Each person attending in person 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.
Location: The Common Room, Westgate Road, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE1 1SE
Additional information
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 The Face of Engineering Festival
The Face of Engineering Festival will challenge stereotypes of who an engineer is, celebrate and drive greater representation in the engineering workforce for women, people of colour and LGBTQ+ people, and bring together young people and families to inspire the next generation of innovators and engineers.
We invite everyone from industry professionals to families to join us for The Face of Engineering Festival this April, as we host a range of events, led by a range of inspiring women and engineers of colour.
Did you know that a 2020 ‘EngineeringUK’ survey showed that only 14.5% of those working in engineering are female? Here at The Common Room, we are incredibly passionate about supporting a future in engineering and wider STEM (science, technology, engineering and maths), that better reflects our society and its diversity.
The Face of Engineering Festival follows on from our podcast series of the same name, hosted by BBC Radio Presenter, Ngunan Adamu. The podcast series celebrated a group of thirteen inspirational female engineers, working across a number of engineering disciplines. Each episode shines a light on the women’s experiences of engineering and innovation – showcasing and championing the important role women play in engineering and STEM careers. You can listen to the podcast here or across streaming platforms, including Spotify.
#TheFaceOfEngineering Festival has been made possible thanks to National Lottery Players (National Lottery Heritage Fund), plus our supporters The Reece Foundation, NA College, The Platten Family Fund (via Community Foundation Tyne & Wear and Northumberland), Stadler, Nexus, Turner & Townsend, Crowne Plaza Newcastle – Stephenson Quarter, North East Local Enterprise Partnership, and Women in Transport.
About The Common Room
The Common Room is a charity formed in 2017 to restore the Grade II* listed building formerly known to many as The Mining Institute in Newcastle upon Tyne, and its significant archive and collections documenting centuries of engineering, mining and wider scientific innovation.
Thanks to National Lottery players, an £8.9m grant has enabled us to spend over £7 million restoring the building, and around £2m to support our running costs, preserve our collections, and to drive our mission: to use our unique heritage to inspire the next generation of innovators and engineers.

The Face of Engineering Festival - Industry Conference (Live Stream)
2022-04-07 10:00 - 15:30 | The Common Room, Westgate Road, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE1 1SE, United Kingdom
Join us via live stream for a day-long conference, celebrating the diverse faces in engineering, and driving action around the recruitment and retention of women, LGBTQ+ people, and people of colour in the industry.
We will hear from a range of inspiring engineers via a number of panels, and optional workshops and talks. The conference is open to all, from those working in any engineering discipline, to students and academics, to educators, to those who are just passionate about changing the current face of engineering.
*Please note, the entirety of the conference will not be available to view via live stream, only the day’s panel discussions and talks. Once you have booked your ticket, we will email you the week commencing 4th April with exact timings, and links to access each live stream.*
If you would like to attend this event in person for all, or part of the day, tickets can be booked here.
Booking information
Date: Thursday 7th April
Time: 10:00am – 3:30pm
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.
Once you have booked your ticket, we will email you the week commencing 4th April with exact timings, and links to access each live stream.
What’s happening via Live Stream
Welcomes and key note – 10:00-10:40
Welcome from Liz Mayes – Chief Executive, The Common Room
Welcome from Ngunan Adamu – Producer/Presenter, BBC Radio Merseyside; BBC International multi-platform trainer; and Founder and CEO, iWoman Academy
Sponsor welcome: Paul Patrick – Stadler
Key note: Shrouk El-Attar – Lead Senior Electronics Engineer, Emm Technology; Belly Dancer, ‘Dancing Queer’; and refugee
Panel Discussion: ‘Diversity in engineering: barriers and why diversity is important’ – 10:40-11:20
Chaired by Ngunan Adamu – Producer/Presenter, BBC Radio Merseyside; BBC International multi-platform trainer; and Founder and CEO, iWoman Academy
Panellists:
Steena Nasapen-Watson – Regional Director, the Institution of Civil Engineers (ICE) North East, Yorkshire and Humber
Clare Wood – Director, Turner & Townsend
Margherita Pasquariello – Head of Strategy, NA College
Flash Talks – 11:30-12:15
Our flash talk speakers will share their thoughts and perspective on diversity in engineering.
Olivia Mclurg – Fourth Year Mechanical/Electrical Apprentice, CAT)
Laura Bartle – Electrical Engineer, Arup
Panel Discussion: ‘Innovation and Failure’ – 13:00-13:50
Chaired by Ngunan Adamu – Producer/Presenter, BBC Radio Merseyside; BBC International multi-platform trainer; and Founder and CEO, iWoman Academy
Panellists:
Tina Catling – Director of Innovation, Morgan Sindall Infrastructure
Matt Boyle OBE – Chair of Trustees, The Common Room and Professor of Practice, Newcastle University Engineering Faculty
Meshi Taka – Associate Director, Waterman Aspen and North East Fairness, Inclusion and Respect Lead, The Institution of Civil Engineers (ICE) North East
Flash Talks – 14:00-14:45
Our flash talk speakers will share their thoughts and perspective on diversity in engineering.
Eden McGlen – Engineering Tutor Assessor at UNIPRES (UK) LIMITED
Yewande Akinola MBE – Engineering Designer; Innovator; and Visiting Professor at the University of Westminster
‘Reflections on the day, and how we can inspire future generations’ – 14:50-15:30
Chaired by Ngunan Adamu – Producer/Presenter, BBC Radio Merseyside; BBC International multi-platform trainer; and Founder and CEO, iWoman Academy
Panellists:
Shrouk El-Attar – Lead Senior Electronics Engineer, Emm Technology; Belly Dancer, ‘Dancing Queer’; and refugee
Krystina Pearson-Rampeearee – Senior Flight Systems Engineer, BAE Systems
Asiya Jelani – Account Director, The Future of Transport (TFT)
Laura Hoang – Senior Human Factors Engineering Consultant, ERM
Kim Smith – Regional Lead for Education & Enterprise, the North East Local Enterprise Partnership
About The Face of Engineering Festival
Did you know that a 2020 EngineeringUK survey (Labour Force Survey Q3 2020) showed that only 14.5% of those working in engineering are female? Here at The Common Room, we are incredibly passionate about supporting a diverse future workforce in the engineering and wider STEM sectors, to see our society better-reflected in the industries, and the products, buildings and spaces they develop.
The Face of Engineering Festival will challenge stereotypes of who an engineer is, celebrate and drive greater representation in the engineering workforce for women, people of colour and LGBTQ+ people, and bring together young people and families to inspire the next generation of innovators and engineers.
We invite everyone from industry professionals to families to join us across 3 days of activity from 7 – 9 April, as we host an Industry Conference, Schools Day and Families Day, led by a range of inspiring women and engineers of colour. To find out more, click here.

The Face of Engineering Festival follows on from our podcast series of the same name, hosted by BBC Radio Presenter, Ngunan Adamu. The podcast series celebrated a group of thirteen inspirational female engineers, working across a number of engineering disciplines. Each episode shines a light on the women’s experiences of engineering and innovation – showcasing and championing the important role women play in engineering and STEM careers. Click here to listen to the podcast on our website, or you can find it across streaming platforms, including Spotify.

#TheFaceOfEngineering Festival has been made possible thanks to National Lottery Players (National Lottery Heritage Fund), plus our supporters The Reece Foundation, NA College, The Platten Family Fund (via Community Foundation Tyne & Wear and Northumberland), Stadler, Nexus, Turner & Townsend, EngineeringUK, Crowne Plaza Newcastle – Stephenson Quarter, North East Local Enterprise Partnership, and Women in Transport.

The Face of Engineering Festival - Industry Conference
2022-04-07 09:30 - 15:30 | The Common Room, Westgate Road, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE1 1SE, United Kingdom
Join us for a day-long conference, celebrating the diverse faces in engineering, and driving action around the recruitment and retention of women, LGBTQ+ people, and people of colour in the industry.
We will hear from a range of inspiring engineers via a number of panels, and optional workshops and talks. The conference is open to all, from those working in any engineering discipline, to students and academics, to educators, to those who are just passionate about changing the current face of engineering.
Delegates are welcome to join us for all, or part of the day. We will also be live streaming this event for those who cannot attend in person – to register to access the live stream, click here.
Booking information
Date: Thursday 7th April
Time: 9:30am – 3:30pm
Each person attending in-person 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.
Lunch will be provided for all delegates on the day.
What’s happening
Welcomes and key note – 10:00-10:40
Welcome from Liz Mayes – Chief Executive, The Common Room
Welcome from Ngunan Adamu – Producer/Presenter, BBC Radio Merseyside; BBC International multi-platform trainer; and Founder and CEO, iWoman Academy
Sponsor welcome: Paul Patrick – Stadler
Key note: Shrouk El-Attar – Lead Senior Electronics Engineer, Emm Technology; Belly Dancer, ‘Dancing Queer’; and refugee
Panel Discussion: ‘Diversity in engineering: barriers and why diversity is important’ – 10:40-11:20
Chaired by Ngunan Adamu – Producer/Presenter, BBC Radio Merseyside; BBC International multi-platform trainer; and Founder and CEO, iWoman Academy
Panellists:
Steena Nasapen-Watson – Regional Director, the Institution of Civil Engineers (ICE) North East, Yorkshire and Humber
Clare Wood – Director, Turner & Townsend
Margherita Pasquariello – Head of Strategy, NA College
Breakout Sessions – 11:30-12:15
Delegates can choose to attend one of the three following sessions:
‘Motherhood and Engineering’ workshop
Host: Liz Mayes – Chief Executive, The Common Room
Facilitators:
Krystina Pearson-Rampeearee – Senior Flight Systems Engineer, BAE Systems
Yewande Akinola MBE – Engineering Designer; Innovator; and Visiting Professor at the University of Westminster
Meshi Taka – Associate Director, Waterman Aspen and North East Fairness, Inclusion and Respect Lead, The Institution of Civil Engineers (ICE) North East
‘Inspiring, securing and maintaining diverse talent pipelines’ workshop
Host: Emily Tench – Programme and Engagement Manager, The Common Room
Facilitators:
Steena Nasapen-Watson – Regional Director, the Institution of Civil Engineers (ICE) North East, Yorkshire and Humber
Neil Willis – Regional Lead for Education Challenge, the North East Local Enterprise Partnership
Margherita Pasquariello – Head of Strategy, NA College (afternoon breakout session only)
Flash Talks
Our flash talk speakers will share their thoughts and perspective on diversity in engineering.
Olivia Mclurg – Fourth Year Mechanical/Electrical Apprentice, CAT)
Laura Bartle – Electrical Engineer, Arup
Panel Discussion: ‘Innovation and Failure’ – 13:00-13:50
Chaired by Ngunan Adamu – Producer/Presenter, BBC Radio Merseyside; BBC International multi-platform trainer; and Founder and CEO, iWoman Academy
Panellists:
Tina Catling – Director of Innovation, Morgan Sindall Infrastructure
Matt Boyle OBE – Chair of Trustees, The Common Room and Professor of Practice, Newcastle University Engineering Faculty
Meshi Taka – Associate Director, Waterman Aspen and North East Fairness, Inclusion and Respect Lead, The Institution of Civil Engineers (ICE) North East
Breakout Sessions – 14:00-14:45
Delegates can choose to attend one of the three following sessions:
‘Motherhood and Engineering’ workshop
See above.
‘Inspiring, securing and maintaining diverse talent pipelines’ workshop
See above.
Flash Talks
Session 2 speakers:
Eden McGlen – Engineering Tutor Assessor at UNIPRES (UK) LIMITED
Yewande Akinola MBE – Engineering Designer; Innovator; and Visiting Professor at the University of Westminster
Panel Discussion: ‘Reflections on the day, and how we can inspire future generations’ – 14:50-15:30
Chaired by Ngunan Adamu – Producer/Presenter, BBC Radio Merseyside; BBC International multi-platform trainer; and Founder and CEO, iWoman Academy
Panellists:
Shrouk El-Attar – Lead Senior Electronics Engineer, Emm Technology; Belly Dancer, ‘Dancing Queer’; and refugee
Krystina Pearson-Rampeearee – Senior Flight Systems Engineer, BAE Systems
Asiya Jelani – Account Director, The Future of Transport (TFT)
Laura Hoang – Senior Human Factors Engineering Consultant, ERM
Kim Smith – Regional Lead for Education & Enterprise, the North East Local Enterprise Partnership
Additional information
Location: The Common Room, Westgate Road, Newcastle NE1 1SE
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 The Face of Engineering Festival
Did you know that a 2020 EngineeringUK survey (Labour Force Survey Q3 2020) showed that only 14.5% of those working in engineering are female? Here at The Common Room, we are incredibly passionate about supporting a diverse future workforce in the engineering and wider STEM sectors, to see our society better reflected in the industries, and the products, buildings and spaces they develop.
The Face of Engineering Festival will challenge stereotypes of who an engineer is, celebrate and drive greater representation in the engineering workforce for women, people of colour and LGBTQ+ people, and bring together young people and families to inspire the next generation of innovators and engineers.
We invite everyone from industry professionals to families to join us across 3 days of activity from 7 – 9 April, as we host an Industry Conference, Schools Day and Families Day, led by a range of inspiring women and engineers of colour. To find out more, click here.

The Face of Engineering Festival follows on from our podcast series of the same name, hosted by BBC Radio Presenter, Ngunan Adamu. The podcast series celebrated a group of thirteen inspirational female engineers, working across a number of engineering disciplines. Each episode shines a light on the women’s experiences of engineering and innovation – showcasing and championing the important role women play in engineering and STEM careers. Click here to listen to the podcast on our website, or you can find it across streaming platforms, including Spotify.
#TheFaceOfEngineering Festival has been made possible thanks to National Lottery Players (National Lottery Heritage Fund), plus our supporters The Reece Foundation, NA College, The Platten Family Fund (via Community Foundation Tyne & Wear and Northumberland), Stadler, Nexus, Turner & Townsend, EngineeringUK, Crowne Plaza Newcastle – Stephenson Quarter, North East Local Enterprise Partnership, and Women in Transport.

Metro Memories Community Events
2022-03-25 08:00 - 17:00 | The Common Room, Westgate Road, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE1 1SE, United Kingdom
These free events are designed to trigger your memories of anything and everything related to the Metro system so we can add to the community history content of the Nexus archive. Dr Kath Smith and her team of memory collectors from Remembering the Past, Resourcing the Future will start off each session by sharing a selection of the amazing photographs that have been taken and films that that have been made since Metro began to run. We’re sure that this wonderful material will get some conversations going.
There’s something for everyone at these informal events. Current and retired Metro staff, their families and friends are especially welcome. After all, it’ll be your memories that add the human touch to the facts and figures about Metro!

Timetable:
Wednesday 20th April 1.00 – 3.00
Travelling on Metro: To start us off we’ll be exploring what difference Metro has made in our lives. It could be an easier journey to work, more opportunities to see a show or even take part in the Great North Run! What is your earliest memory of using Metro? Have you kept your first ticket? Were you one of the first travellers? Come along and share your stories with Kath and her team.

Wednesday 27th April 1.00pm – 3.00pm
Constructing Metro: We want to hear more about what it was like to build the Metro system. Were you involved in building the stations, digging the tunnels, laying the tracks, testing the trains? If so we’d love to meet you and hear your stories.

Saturday 30th April 1.00 – 3.00pm
Working on Metro: We want to fill in some gaps in our knowledge about what it’s like to work on Metro, not just on the trains but in the stations, the workshops and all the other behind the scenes roles. Come along and share your stories with Kath and her team.

Wednesday 4th May 1.00pm – 3.00pm
Working on Metro: Another chance to fill in some gaps in our knowledge and hear more about what it’s like to work on Metro, not just on the trains but in the stations, the workshops and all the other behind the scenes roles. Come along and share your stories with Kath and her team.

About Remembering the Past:
Remembering the Past, Resourcing the Future holds one of the longest-established digital archives of local history anywhere in the UK, gathering local people’s stories, photos and memories to add to their online archive, which can be viewed at www.rememberingthepast.co.uk
In summer 2021 Remembering the Past, Resourcing the Future received the prestigious Queens Award for Volunteering, the MBE for volunteer groups, for their ongoing work. The team are proud to be part of the consortium of organisations which has produced the Metro Memories exhibition and events.

National Lottery Open Week - Special Building and Collections Tour
2022-03-23, 2022-03-22 | The Common Room, Westgate Road, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE1 1SE, United Kingdom
This National Lottery Open Week, The Common Room invites National Lottery Players on a special tour of our building and collections!

About this event

This National Lottery Open Week, The Common Room invites National Lottery Players on a special tour of our building, including an insight into our collections as well as a peek into the Arbitration Room – a historic space usually not available for public view. The tours are led by our friends at Newcastle City Guides.
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 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.
Tour dates
Tuesday 22nd and Wednesday 23rd March 2022
Tour times
10:00am – 11:30am
12:00pm – 1:30pm
1:30pm – 3:00pm
We have a number of additional offers for National Lottery Open Week, including 25% off for National Lottery Players in our cafe/bar 5|Quarter. To see all of our offers, click here.
Important booking information
You must be able to produce proof of purchase of a National Lottery game upon attendance – this can be a hard copy ticket or digital. The date of draw / purchase is not relevant.
The ticket or scratchcard holder, plus one accompanying adult and any accompanying children under 16 may attend these tours.
*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.
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 National Lottery Open Week
Since 1994, more than £45 billion has been raised for good causes. Due to this support, good cause projects in the arts, community, film heritage and sport are able to make a huge difference in their local communities.
For making their work possible, National Lottery funded projects across the UK want to say #ThanksToYou to the National Lottery players by offering free entry or other special offers this National Lottery Open Week!
Between 19-27 March 2022, anyone who presents a National Lottery ticket or scratchcard (digital or physical) will be able to access these special offers.

International Women's Day with COCO
2022-03-08 17:30 - 20:00 | The Common Room, Westgate Road, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE1 1SE, United Kingdom
International Women’s Day is a global holiday celebrated annually on 8th March to commemorate the cultural, political, and socioeconomic achievements of women.
Join COCO, and a diverse and exciting panel of speakers to hear about current issues facing women in the UK, East Africa and beyond, and share positive messages and ideas to empower each other and future generations.
Event Details
Arrive from 5:30pm for a drinks reception and networking ahead of a panel discussion and Q&A with the speakers below, centred around the 2022 International Women’s Day theme of ‘Break the Bias’.
The evening will end with more networking and drinks in our café bar, 5|Quarter.
​Speakers

Imogen Horrocks – Co-founder of The Last Taboo, an organisation aiming to tackle the issue of sexual violence within UK Universities through awareness raising and policy change.

Chantal Herbert – Audio Producer, DJ and events organiser. Founder/Director of Sister Shack, feminist led Community Interest Company (CIC) that focuses on working with and promoting women and non-binary entrepreneurs, creatives, artists, musicians and DJs.

Margherita Pasquariello – Head Of Strategy at NA College. Margherita is responsible for the strategic management of the college and is shaping the future education pathway under the Institute of Technology footprint.

Jess Whitaker – COCO Programmes Manager. Jess works with partner organisations in East Africa to plan, develop and implement sustainable development programmes within the remote communities that they work.

Date
Tuesday 8th March 2022
Time
5:30pm – 8:00pm
Booking information
This event is free to attend, but advance booking is required. Click the ‘get tickets’ button or above, or visit COCO’s website to book your tickets.
Additional information
Location: The Common Room, Westgate Road, Newcastle NE1 1SE
Our building is fully accessible – if you have any queries about accessibility, please contact lucy.stockdale@thecommonroom.org.uk
About COCO
COCO provides sustainable sources of quality education to children living in poor and marginalised communities. We believe that education gives children the best possible opportunity to break the cycle of poverty. We do this through our Schools for Life programme.
COCO’s vision is a world where every child, everywhere has access to quality education. COCO believes that education provides children with the best possible chance of breaking the cycle of poverty.
COCO was founded by Steve Cram CBE and British Army Major Jim Panton in 2000. Since then, the charity has raised over £5 million to fund small, sustainable, community-led initiatives. COCO and its partners have now undertaken 66 transformational programmes in 16 countries, positively impacting the lives of over 200,000 people.
COCO is currently operating in Tanzania, Kenya, and Uganda, in East Africa to support remote communities in developing sustainable, quality schools. Our Schools for Life programme incorporates six core elements: Shelter, Power, Food, Water and Sanitation, Sport and Recreation, and Entrepreneurship. This model provides marginalised children with the skills and knowledge to experience a brighter future and lift themselves and their families out of poverty.

School of Rocks (workshop)
2022-02-26, 2022-02-25, 2022-02-24, 2022-02-22 | The Common Room, Westgate Road, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE1 1SE, United Kingdom
Event Details

Learn the reason and rhyme of rocks and get hands-on with all kinds of samples from our treasure trove of minerals! This interactive workshop allows children to learn a range of geological skills through games and activities, to become a certified rock star!
Workshop lasts approximately 45 minutes.
Recommended ages 5+.
This ticket includes general admission to explore our historic building, as well as our key exhibitions, including The Neville Hall LEGO® Model and The Mineral Wealth of the North.
Dates
Tuesday 22nd, Thursday 24th, Friday 25th and Saturday 26th February 2022
Available workshop times
Workshop 1: 11:15
Workshop 2: 14:15
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 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
Location: Map Room, First 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 lucy.stockdale@thecommonroom.org.uk
All visitors over the age of 16 may be asked to scan the NHS QR code or provide their name and contact details on arrival at The Common Room. Smartphone users can download the NHS COVID-19 app before arrival.
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 our home page.

LEGO® Mini Model Workshops
2022-02-26, 2022-02-25, 2022-02-22 | The Common Room, Westgate Road, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE1 1SE, United Kingdom
Event details
Join us this February Half Term at The Common Room, to build your very own mini LEGO® model of some of the North East’s greatest engineering feats, or a Mars research robot.
Suitable for ages 5+
Models you can build:
– The Swing Bridge
– Stephenson’s Rocket
– The Electric Car
– The Geordie Lamp
– Wind Turbine
– The Perseverance rover
– The Ingenuity helicopter drone
This ticket includes general admission to explore our historic building, as well as our key exhibitions, including The Neville Hall LEGO® Model and The Mineral Wealth of the North.
Dates
Tuesday 22nd, Friday 25th and Saturday 26th February 2022
Workshop times
Workshop 1: 10:00 – 11:00
Workshop 2: 11:30 – 12:30
Workshop 3: 13:30 – 14:30
Workshop 4: 15:00 – 16:00
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 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
Location: Stephenson Room, First 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 lucy.stockdale@thecommonroom.org.uk
All visitors over the age of 16 may be asked to scan the NHS QR code or provide their name and contact details on arrival at The Common Room. Smartphone users can download the NHS COVID-19 app before arrival.
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 our home page: thecommonroom.org.uk

Do It the Safety Way! (Live history and science show)
2022-02-25, 2022-02-24, 2022-02-22 | The Common Room, Westgate Road, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE1 1SE, United Kingdom
Join us at The Common Room and discover how to protect yourself from the deadly dangers of the mine!

Event details

Our all-new science and heritage show explores the deadly dangers of the dark underground. Learn how to keep yourself unpoisoned, unsuffocated and unexploded from the perils of the pit, with our live demonstrations and artefacts from our archive!
Show lasts approximately 45 minutes – 1 hour.
Recommended ages 5+, however younger children are welcome.
Dates
Tuesday 22nd, Thursday 24th, Friday 25th February 2022
Available show times
Morning show: 10:00
Afternoon show: 13:00
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 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
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
All visitors over the age of 16 may be asked to scan the NHS QR code or provide their name and contact details on arrival at The Common Room. Smartphone users can download the NHS COVID-19 app before arrival.
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 our home page.
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