The Common Room

Kids’ Bridge Building Challenge (Heritage Open Days event)
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

Public Talk: Exploring Environmental Safety in Underground Mining Throughout the Years
2022-09-03 18:00 - 19:00 (Europe/London) | 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/

Do It the Safety Way! - Live Science and History Show
2022-09-03, 2022-08-30 12:45 - 13:30, 2022-08-23 12:45 - 13:30, 2022-08-16 12:45 - 13:30 | The Common Room, Westgate Road, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE1 1SE, United Kingdom
Join us FREE for our Game Changers summer festival, to celebrate 170 years of the Mining Institute, and 150 years of our building – the Institute’s home since 1872.
About ‘Do It the Safety Way!’
This Live Science and History 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 live demonstrations and artefacts from our archive!
Show lasts approximately 45 minutes.
Recommended ages 5+, however younger children are welcome.
This ticket includes general admission to explore our historic building, as well as our key exhibitions, including the Game Changers exhibition, The Common Room Brick by Brick LEGO® Model and The Wealth of the North.
Why not join us for lunch in our 5|Quarter café bar? Show proof of your booking for a discount on kids’ meals when you purchase a full-price adult meal (Ts and Cs apply).
Dates
Tuesday 26th July, Tuesday 2nd August, Tuesday 9th August, Tuesday 16th August, Tuesday 23rd August, Tuesday 30th August, Saturday 3rd September
Show Times
Tuesdays: 12:45pm – 1:30pm
Saturday 3rd Sept: 12:45pm – 1:30pm, 2:15pm – 3:00pm
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.
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: 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/

'School of Rocks' Workshops
2022-08-30, 2022-08-16 | The Common Room, Westgate Road, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE1 1SE, United Kingdom
Join us FREE for our Game Changers summer festival, to celebrate 170 years of the Mining Institute, and 150 years of our building – the Institute’s home since 1872.
About School of Rocks
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.
Each child will receive a School of Rocks certificate at the end of the session.
This ticket includes general admission to explore our historic building, as well as our key exhibitions, including the Game Changers exhibition, The Common Room Brick by Brick LEGO® Model and The Wealth of the North.
Why not join us for lunch in our 5|Quarter café bar? Show proof of your booking for a discount on kids meals when you purchase a full price adult meal (Ts and Cs apply).
Dates
Tuesday 2nd August, Tuesday 16th August, Tuesday 30th August 2022
Workshop Times
Morning workshop: 11:00am – 12:00pm
Afternoon workshop: 2:15pm – 3:15pm
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.
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: 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/

STAMP! - Print Workshops
2022-08-23 | The Common Room, Westgate Road, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE1 1SE, United Kingdom
Join us FREE for our Game Changers summer festival, to celebrate 170 years of the Mining Institute, and 150 years of our building – the Institute’s home since 1872.
About STAMP!
Knowledge is power, and sharing it is our mission. But how can you put knowledge in a box and share it with the world? How can you copy it over and over again? Welcome to the wonderful world of printing. Learn about our Archives, see real printing plates and learn about how we might create a way to print books over, and over again, long before computers by making your own stamps. Make your mark with STAMP!
Suitable for ages 7+.
This ticket includes general admission to explore our historic building, as well as our key exhibitions, including the Game Changers exhibition, The Common Room Brick by Brick LEGO® Model and The Wealth of the North.
Why not join us for lunch in our 5|Quarter café bar? Show proof of your booking for a discount on kids meals when you purchase a full price adult meal (Ts and Cs apply).
Dates
Tuesday 26th July, Tuesday 9th August and Tuesday 23rd August 2022
Workshop Times:
Morning workshop: 11:00am – 12:00pm
Afternoon workshop: 2:15pm – 3:15pm
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.
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: 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/

LEGO Mini Model Workshops
2022-08-20, 2022-08-13 | The Common Room, Westgate Road, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE1 1SE, United Kingdom
Join us FREE for our Game Changers summer anniversary festival, to celebrate 170 years of the Mining Institute, and 150 years of our building – the Institute’s home since 1872.
About our LEGO Mini Model Workshops
Build your very own mini LEGO® models 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 Game Changers exhibition, The Common Room Brick by Brick LEGO® Model and The Wealth of the North.
Why not join us for lunch in our 5|Quarter café bar? Show proof of your booking for a discount on kids’ meals when you purchase a full-price adult meal (Ts and Cs apply, offer must be redeemed on the date of your booking).
Dates
Saturday 13th and Saturday 20th August
Workshop times
Workshop 1: 10:30am – 11:30am
Workshop 2: 1:00pm – 2:00pm
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.
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: 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/
LEGO is a registered trademark of the LEGO Group, who do not endorse or sponsor
this event.

Do It the Safety Way! - Live Science and History Show
2022-08-09 12:45 - 13:30 | The Common Room, Westgate Road, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE1 1SE, United Kingdom
Join us FREE for our Game Changers summer festival, to celebrate 170 years of the Mining Institute, and 150 years of our building – home to the Institute and some of the region’s biggest ‘Game Changers’ since 1872.
About ‘Do It the Safety Way!’
This Live Science and History 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 live demonstrations and artefacts from our archive!
Show lasts approximately 45 minutes.
Recommended ages 5+, however younger children are welcome.
This ticket includes general admission to explore our historic building, as well as our key exhibitions, including the Game Changers exhibition, The Common Room Brick by Brick LEGO® Model and The Wealth of the North.
Why not join us for lunch in our 5|Quarter café bar? Show proof of your booking for a discount on kids’ meals when you purchase a full-price adult meal (Ts and Cs apply).
Dates
Tuesday 26th July, Tuesday 2nd August, Tuesday 9th August, Tuesday 16th August, Tuesday 23rd August, Tuesday 30th August, Saturday 3rd September
Show Times
Tuesdays: 12:45pm – 1:30pm
Saturday 3rd Sept: 12:45pm – 1:30pm, 2:15pm – 3:00pm
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.
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/

STAMP! - Print Workshops
2022-08-09 | The Common Room, Westgate Road, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE1 1SE, United Kingdom
Join us FREE for our Game Changers summer anniversary festival, to celebrate 170 years of the Mining Institute, and 150 years of our building – home to the Institute and some of the region’s biggest ‘Game Changers’ since 1872.
About STAMP!
Knowledge is power, and sharing it is our mission. But how can you put knowledge in a box and share it with the world? How can you copy it over and over again? Welcome to the wonderful world of printing. Learn about our Archives, see real printing plates and learn about how we might create a way to print books over, and over again, long before computers by making your own stamps. Make your mark with STAMP!
Suitable for ages 7+.
This ticket includes general admission to explore our historic building, as well as our key exhibitions, including the Game Changers exhibition, The Common Room Brick by Brick LEGO® Model and The Wealth of the North.
Why not join us for lunch in our 5|Quarter café bar? Show proof of your booking for a discount on kids meals when you purchase a full price adult meal (Ts and Cs apply).
Dates
Tuesday 26th July, Tuesday 9th August and Tuesday 23rd August 2022
Workshop Times:
Morning workshop: 11:00am – 12:00pm
Afternoon workshop: 2:15pm – 3:15pm
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.
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: 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/

Do It the Safety Way! - Live Science and History Show
2022-08-02 12:45 - 13:30 | The Common Room, Westgate Road, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE1 1SE, United Kingdom
Join us FREE for our Game Changers summer anniversary festival, to celebrate 170 years of the Mining Institute, and 150 years of our building – home to the Institute and some of the region’s biggest ‘Game Changers’ since 1872.
About ‘Do It the Safety Way!’
This Live Science and History 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 live demonstrations and artefacts from our archive!
Show lasts approximately 45 minutes.
Recommended ages 5+, however younger children are welcome.
This ticket includes general admission to explore our historic building, as well as our key exhibitions, including the Game Changers exhibition, The Common Room Brick by Brick LEGO® Model and The Wealth of the North.
Why not join us for lunch in our 5|Quarter café bar? Show proof of your booking for a discount on kids’ meals when you purchase a full-price adult meal (Ts and Cs apply).
Dates
Tuesday 26th July, Tuesday 2nd August, Tuesday 9th August, Tuesday 16th August, Tuesday 23rd August, Tuesday 30th August, Saturday 3rd September
Show Times
Tuesdays: 12:45pm – 1:30pm
Saturday 3rd Sept: 12:45pm – 1:30pm, 2:15pm – 3:00pm
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.
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: 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/

'School of Rocks' Workshops
2022-08-02 | The Common Room, Westgate Road, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE1 1SE, United Kingdom
Join us FREE for our Game Changers summer anniversary festival, to celebrate 170 years of the Mining Institute, and 150 years of our building – home to the Institute and some of the region’s biggest ‘Game Changers’ since 1872.
About School of Rocks
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.
Each child will receive a School of Rocks certificate at the end of the session.
This ticket includes general admission to explore our historic building, as well as our key exhibitions, including the Game Changers exhibition, The Common Room Brick by Brick LEGO® Model and The Wealth of the North.
Why not join us for lunch in our 5|Quarter café bar? Show proof of your booking for a discount on kids meals when you purchase a full price adult meal (Ts and Cs apply).
Dates
Tuesday 2nd August, Tuesday 16th August, Tuesday 30th August 2022
Workshop Times
Morning workshop: 11:00am – 12:00pm
Afternoon workshop: 2:15pm – 3:15pm
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.
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: 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/

Do It the Safety Way! - Live Science and History Show
2022-07-26 12:45 - 13:30 | The Common Room, Westgate Road, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE1 1SE, United Kingdom
Join us FREE for our Game Changers summer anniversary festival, to celebrate 170 years of the Mining Institute, and 150 years of our building – home to the Institute and some of the region’s biggest ‘Game Changers’ since 1872.
About ‘Do It the Safety Way!’
This Live Science and History 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 live demonstrations and artefacts from our archive!
Show lasts approximately 45 minutes.
Recommended ages 5+, however younger children are welcome.
This ticket includes general admission to explore our historic building, as well as our key exhibitions, including the Game Changers exhibition, The Common Room Brick by Brick LEGO® Model and The Wealth of the North.
Why not join us for lunch in our 5|Quarter café bar? Show proof of your booking for a discount on kids meals when you purchase a full price adult meal (Ts and Cs apply).
Dates
Tuesday 26th July, Tuesday 2nd August, Tuesday 9th August, Tuesday 16th August, Tuesday 23rd August, Tuesday 30th August, Saturday 3rd September
Show Times
Tuesdays: 12:45pm – 1:30pm
Saturday 3rd Sept: 12:45pm – 1:30pm, 2:15pm – 3:00pm
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.
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 https://thecommonroom-wqosm.projectbeta.co.uk/about-the-common-room/

STAMP! - Print Workshops
2022-07-26 | The Common Room, Westgate Road, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE1 1SE, United Kingdom
Join us FREE for our Game Changers summer festival, to celebrate 170 years of the Mining Institute, and 150 years of our building – home to the Institute and some of the region’s biggest ‘Game Changers’ since 1872.
About STAMP!
Knowledge is power, and sharing it is our mission. But how can you put knowledge in a box and share it with the world? How can you copy it over and over again? Welcome to the wonderful world of printing. Learn about our Archives, see real printing plates and learn about how we might create a way to print books over, and over again, long before computers by making your own stamps. Make your mark with STAMP!
Suitable for ages 7+.
This ticket includes general admission to explore our historic building, as well as our key exhibitions, including the Game Changers exhibition, The Common Room Brick by Brick LEGO® Model and The Wealth of the North.
Why not join us for lunch in our 5|Quarter café bar? Show proof of your booking for a discount on kids meals when you purchase a full price adult meal (Ts and Cs apply).
Dates
Tuesday 26th July, Tuesday 9th August and Tuesday 23rd August 2022
Workshop Times:
Morning workshop: 11:00am – 12:00pm
Afternoon workshop: 2:15pm – 3:15pm
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.
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: 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/

Heritage Tours with past presidents of the Mining Institute
2022-07-16 | The Common Room, Westgate Road, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE1 1SE, United Kingdom
Join us FREE for our Game Changers summer anniversary festival, to celebrate 170 years of the Mining Institute, and 150 years of our building – home to the Institute and some of the region’s biggest ‘Game Changers’ since 1872.
About The Common Room Heritage Tours with past presidents of the Mining Institute
Experience a unique tour of The Common Room which has been 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.
These hour-long tours will be led by an actual past or current president of the Institute, William Hogarth Bell or Steve Martin. Inside the building lies centuries of history relating to the Great Northern Coalfield, full of tales of engineering excellence and innovation. This is your chance to discover this heritage from the perspective of a president.
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 would not be possible without your kind donations and the support of our funders.
Date
Saturday 16th July 2022
Tour times
10:00-11:00 – led by Steve Martin, current President
11:30-12:30 – led by Steve Martin, current President
13:00-14:00 – led by William ‘Bill’ Hogarth Bell, past President
14:30-15:30 – led by William ‘Bill’ Hogarth Bell, past President
Booking information
Each person attending, including 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.
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: 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/

Game Changers: Summer Extravaganza
2022-07-16 | The Common Room, Westgate Road, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE1 1SE, United Kingdom
Join us FREE for a host of family-friendly activities and live music from a brass band, at the Game Changers: Summer Extravaganza!

About this event

This special day marks the first in a line of family-friendly events throughout the summer, as part of our Game Changers summer anniversary festival! Join us FREE for a host of activities, to celebrate 170 years of the Mining Institute, and 150 years of our building – home to the Institute and some of the region’s biggest ‘Game Changers’ since 1872.
What’s On

Performances from Backworth Colliery band – 11am, 12:30pm and 1:45pm

Drop-in LEGO ® engineering challenges – between 10am – 4pm

Drop-in Papercraft & more – between 10am – 4pm

Unique heritage tours of our building, led by Past Presidents of the Mining Institute (must be booked separately and in advance. Click here to book)

Our headline exhibition and festival’s namesake, ‘Game Changers’, will also open to the public on this day, running between Saturday 16th July to mid-September (on select dates). 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.

Date and Time
Saturday 16th July, drop-in between 10am – 4pm
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.
Children must be supervised at all times by a responsible adult.
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.
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: 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. 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

The Making of the Modern World - book launch and talk with Bill Lancaster
2022-07-02 18:30 - 20:00 | 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
