Robert Stephenson, Engineer. From Willington Quay to Westminster Abbey
2023-03-04 14:30 - 16:00 (Europe/London) | The Common Room, Westgate Road, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE1 1SE, United Kingdom
Join us FREE for the Robert Stephenson & Co. Bicentenary celebration in collaboration with the Robert Stephenson Trust.
UPDATE: due to unforeseen circumstances the talk topic has been changed from the Thomas Elliot Railway Engineer to Robert Stephenson, Engineer. From Willington Quay to Westminster Abbey by Hugh Fenwick.
About the Robert Stephenson Trust
The Robert Stephenson Trust was formed in 1988, initially to help save the last substantial part of what had once been the works of ‘Robert Stephenson & Co’ until 1904.
Today the Robert Stephenson Trust promotes the achievements of one of the greatest engineers of the Nineteenth Century with the aim of making today’s generation aware of his achievements and inspire a new generation of engineers through his achievements.
Date and Timings
Date: Saturday 4th March, starting 2:30pm
Guests are welcome to stay in our 5|Quarter café bar following the event.
Booking information
Each person attending must have their own ticket.
Tickets are free, but if you would like to make a small donation to support the charitable work of The Common Room, it would be hugely appreciated.
Additional information
Location: Lecture Theatre, The Common Room, Westgate Road, Newcastle NE1 1SE
Children must be supervised at all times by a responsible adult.
Our building is fully accessible – if you have any queries about accessibility, please contact programme@thecommonroom.org.uk

Wine Tasting Evening in 5|Quarter
2023-03-09 18:00 - 19:30
Join us on March 9th for an evening of wine tasting in our 5|Quarter bar.
Includes: 5 different wines (3 reds, 1 white, 1 rose) of 75ml glasses and light snacks – only £18 per person.
Delicious antipasti boards for 2 available to add on if you wish – £18
Includes: a variety of cheeses, cured meats, crackers and fruit
Event runs from 6pm-7:30pm.
We can’t wait to see you there!
Book your tickets now.

The Common Room & The Lit & Phil – Joint Tour
2023-03-11 10:30 - 11:30
Join our guides as they take you on a joint tour of The Common Room and The Lit & Phil.
A joint tour of The Common Room and The Lit & Phil.
Join us on a guided tour of these two beautiful historic neighbours situated in the heart of Newcastle Upon Tyne.

An evening with Faber: Eliza Clark and Dizz Tate
2023-03-15 19:30 - 20:45
New writing North have teamed up with their friends at Faber to host a literary evening with two of Faber’s most exciting new novelists. Join us here at The Common Room to listen to Eliza Clark and Dizz Tate in conversation, as well as a drinks reception and book-signing. Guests will also receive an exclusive New Writing North X Faber book-bag containing the new hardback of Brutes by Dizz Tate, a voucher to pre-order Penance by Eliza Clark, and more…
Ticket includes a glass of wine/soft drink and goodie-bag.
Head over to New Writing North to get your tickets and find out more!

Candlelight concerts: A Tribute to Taylor Swift
2023-03-16 18:00 - 19:05, 2023-03-16 20:30 - 21:35, 2023-03-24 20:30 - 21:35
Candlelight concerts bring the magic of a live, multi-sensory musical experience to awe-inspiring locations never before used for this purpose in Newcastle. Discover the music of Taylor Swift in the beautiful Wood Hall under the gentle glow of candlelight.

Thomas Elliott Harrison – Railway Engineer (Talk)
2023-03-22 11:30 - 13:00
Join us FREE for the Robert Stephenson & Co. Bicentenary celebration in collaboration with the Robert Stephenson Trust.
RESCHEDULED from 4th March
Thomas Elliott Harrison – Railway Engineer
by John Addyman
President of the North Eastern Railway Association
About the Robert Stephenson Trust
The Robert Stephenson Trust was formed in 1988, initially to help save the last substantial part of what had once been the works of ‘Robert Stephenson & Co’ until 1904.
Today the Robert Stephenson Trust promotes the achievements of one of the greatest engineers of the Nineteenth Century with the aim of making today’s generation aware of his achievements and inspire a new generation of engineers through his achievements.
Date and Timings
Wednesday 22nd March at 11:30am
Booking information
Each person attending must have their own ticket.
Tickets are free, but if you would like to make a small donation to support the charitable work of The Common Room, it would be hugely appreciated.
Additional information
Location: Lecture Theatre, The Common Room, Westgate Road, Newcastle NE1 1SE
Children must be supervised at all times by a responsible adult.
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.
Find out more at thecommonroom.org.uk

Progress in Design and Manufacture: The Steam Locomotive 1825-1830 (talk)
2023-03-22 14:00 - 16:00
Join us FREE for the Robert Stephenson & Co. Bicentenary celebration in collaboration with the Robert Stephenson Trust.
About ‘Progress in Design and Manufacture: The Steam Locomotive 1825-1830’, Dr Michael R Bailey MBE, railway historian and archaeologist.
Recent archaeological and archival research into some of the earliest locomotive products of the Stephenson factory has revealed further understanding of the circumstances under which designs evolved resulting in such rapid progress being made in the critical years before and after the opening of the Stockton & Darlington and the Liverpool & Manchester Railways. Improved understanding of material technology and manufacturing processes improved reliability to allow the locomotive form to progress, and, in turn, the growth of railway networks to proceed.
About the Robert Stephenson Trust
The Robert Stephenson Trust was formed in 1988, initially to help save the last substantial part of what had once been the works of ‘Robert Stephenson & Co’ until 1904.
Today the Robert Stephenson Trust promotes the achievements of one of the greatest engineers of the Nineteenth Century with the aim of making today’s generation aware of his achievements and inspire a new generation of engineers through his achievements.
Date and Timings
Date: Wednesday 22nd March, starting 2pm
Booking information
Each person attending must have their own ticket.
Tickets are free, but if you would like to make a small donation to support the charitable work of The Common Room, it would be hugely appreciated.
Additional information
Location: Lecture Theatre, The Common Room, Westgate Road, Newcastle NE1 1SE
Children must be supervised at all times by a responsible adult.

Do It The Safety Way!
2023-03-22 16:30 - 17:30
Join us for National Lottery Open Week for ‘Do It The Safety Way!’, our Live Science and History Show.
With live demonstrations, and real artefacts from our archives, discover the deadly dangers of the pit, and the inventions which helped keep miners safe! ⛏️

Candlelight concerts: A Tribute to Taylor Swift
2023-03-24 18:00 - 19:05
Candlelight concerts bring the magic of a live, multi-sensory musical experience to awe-inspiring locations never before used for this purpose in Newcastle. Discover the music of Taylor Swift in the beautiful Wood Hall under the gentle glow of candlelight.
Head over to the Fever website to book your tickets now.

All Aboard - Family fun day
2023-04-04
Join us for a fantastic experience for families with different activities like making a train whistle, assembling a train with LEGO or discovering all the challenges of train operation.
Booking information
Each child attending must have their own ticket. Parents may attend without a ticket but register their name on arrival. Reserving tickets will guarantee you a space for the workshop but there might be more space during the day.
Tickets are free, but if you would like to make a small donation to support The Common Room, it would be hugely appreciated.
Children must be supervised at all times by a responsible adult.
Times:
10am- 12pm
1pm – 3pm

All Aboard – Family Fun Day
2023-04-05 10:00 - 15:00
Join us for a fantastic experience for families with different activities like making a train whistle, assembling a train with LEGO or discovering all the challenges of train operation using a Scalextric.
Booking information
Each child attending must have their own ticket. Parents may attend without a ticket but register their name on arrival. Reserving tickets will guarantee you a space for the workshop but there might be more space during the day.
Tickets are free, but if you would like to make a small donation to support The Common Room, it would be hugely appreciated.
Children must be supervised at all times by a responsible adult.
Times:
10am- 12pm
1pm – 3pm

Candlelight Concert: Hans Zimmer’s Best Works
2023-04-05 18:00, 2023-04-05 20:30 - 2023-05-06 21:35
Candlelight concerts bring the magic of a live, multi-sensory musical experience to awe-inspiring locations never before used for this purpose in Newcastle upon Tyne. Discover the music of Hans Zimmer in the beautiful Wood Hall, under the gentle glow of candlelight.
Head over to the Fever website to book your tickets now.

DO IT THE SAFETY WAY! - Live science show
2023-04-11 11:00 - 12:00, 2023-04-11 14:00 - 15:00
Our Live Science and History Show. Free tickets available now!
With live demonstrations, and real artefacts from our archives, discover the deadly dangers of the pit, and the inventions which helped keep miners safe! ⛏️
Booking information
1 ticket per person attending.
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.
Age recommendation: 5+
Additional information
Location: The Common Room, Westgate Road, Newcastle NE1 1SE
Children must be supervised at all times by a responsible adult.
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.
Find out more at thecommonroom.org.uk

All Aboard – Family Fun Day
2023-04-12
Join us for a fantastic experience for families with different activities like making a train whistle, assembling a train with LEGO and more.
Booking information
Each child attending must have their own ticket. Parents may attend without a ticket but register their name on arrival. Reserving tickets will guarantee you a space for the workshop but there might be more space during the day.
Tickets are free, but if you would like to make a small donation to support The Common Room, it would be hugely appreciated.
Age: recommended 5+. Children must be supervised at all times by a responsible adult.
Time slots:
10am- 12pm
1pm – 3pm

Candlelight: A Tribute to Taylor Swift
2023-04-18 08:45 - 21:45, 2023-04-28 08:00 - 21:30, 2023-04-28 18:00 - 19:30, 2023-05-12 06:45 - 20:15
⭐ Candlelight concerts bring the magic of a live, multi-sensory musical experience to awe-inspiring locations never before used for this purpose in Newcastle. Buy your tickets now to discover the music of Taylor Swift in our beautiful Wood Hall under the gentle glow of candlelight.

History of Lead Mining in the North East - Les Turnbull Book Launch
2023-04-26 14:00 - 15:30
Join us at The Common Room with NEIMME to celebrate the launch of Les Turnbull’s new book The History of Lead Mining in the North East.
Les Turnbull’s book ‘The History of Lead Mining in the North East of England’ was first published in 1975. This fourth edition has been greatly enlarged by the addition of new chapters and the volume is now printed in colour throughout. This is a companion volume to ‘Coals from Newcastle’ and is an essential guide to the mineral mines of the northern Pennines.
The first half of the book provides an historical introduction and a description of all the principal processes involved in the mining, dressing and smelting of lead ore. Throughout, it deals with the communities established in the dales and the lives of the men and women connected to the industry. The second section provides ideas from exploring the region by car and on foot. There are numerous historical and contemporary photographs as well as maps to aid those who wish to explore the industrial archaeology of the lead dales.
Copies of the book will be available to purchase at £15.00 alongside Les’s other past publications.
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.
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 luca.cepollaro@thecommonroom.org.uk

Candlelight: A Tribute to Coldplay
2023-05-05 08:45 - 21:45, 2023-05-05 18:45 - 19:45
⭐ Candlelight concerts bring the magic of a live, multi-sensory musical experience to awe-inspiring locations never before used for this purpose in Newcastle. Buy your tickets now to discover the music of Coldplay in our beautiful Wood Hall under the gentle glow of candlelight.

Magic Castles
2023-05-08 19:00 - 23:00
Magic Castles are an American neo-psychedelic rock band from Minneapolis, MN. The group is well-versed in the ways of blissfully floating psychedelically-inclined folk-rock. Gentle harmonies float above twanging guitar and farfisa organ.Their songs have an optimistic and light tone, but the guitars often jangle and crash with the best of them. There’s a little for psych heads of all tastes, and a lot to like for anyone who appreciates softer psych intonations with a distinct pop sheen.

Travel, as spiritual experience in real environments, and the sound between the space and the audience have been central themes of their works. The family’s yearly pilgrimages inform every aspect of their art.

FFOs: The Allah Las / Spacemen 3 / Tess Parks / HP Lovecraft

For more gigs: https://linktr.ee/wanderingoakuk

Face of Engineering Conference
2023-05-23 09:30 - 15:30
It’s back! Face of Engineering Festival is back for 2023 with a fantastic line up of speakers, panellists and workshops. We aim to challenge stereotypes, celebrate diversity and inspire the next generation of innovators and engineers.
Come along to network with your peers, meet incredible engineers and help drive change, all for the common good. Learn more about the challenges and triumphs of achieving within the STEM sector and learn about what it takes to become a leader in a field crying out for diverse representation.
Hosted by Ngunan Adamu at The Common Room, Newcastle Upon Tyne.
Book now and watch this space for speaker announcements!

Face of Engineering - Family Fun Day
2023-05-27 10:00 - 16:00
Come along to our Face of Engineering family fun day, where you can learn more about engineering and discover new innovations from the engineers themselves.
After huge success last year we are delighted to bring back our Face of Engineering Festival in May this year. With lots of opportunities over the course of the week, our family fun day is sure to bring it all to close with a special day of learning, exploration and innovation.
The day will include talks and demonstrations from industry professionals, a chance to have a go at creating your own designs and opportunities to learn from the best the engineering industry has to offer.
Our festival aims to challenge stereotypes, celebrate diversity and inspire the next generation.
Booking information
Each child attending must have their own ticket. Parents may attend without a ticket but register their name on arrival to the venue.
The tickets are valid from 10am but you may turn up whenever you like within the time frame, although there are many activities to carousel around we would recommend giving yourself enough time to experience the whole day.
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.
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.
Find out more at thecommonroom.org.uk

Candlelight Concert: A Tribute to Taylor Swift
2023-05-30 09:00 - 22:30
⭐ Candlelight concerts bring the magic of a live, multi-sensory musical experience to awe-inspiring locations never before used for this purpose in Newcastle. Buy your tickets now to discover the music of Taylor Swift in our stunning Wood Hall under the gentle glow of candlelight.

Trauma Informed Network
2023-06-06 13:30 - 16:30
One Small Thing’s Trauma Informed Network meeting in Newcastle, 06 June at The Common Room.
It is an in-person event, and we are delighted to have Dr Sophie Mitchell, Northumbria University join us to share her research followed by group discussions on the implications of her findings to a trauma informed approach.
When: Tuesday 06 June, 1.30-4.30pm
