The Common Room

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

About this event

This National Lottery Open Week, The Common Room invites National Lottery Players on a special tour of our building, including an insight into our collections as well as a peek into the Arbitration Room – a historic space usually not available for public view. The tours are led by our friends at Newcastle City Guides.
The Common Room is a venue and charity located in Newcastle upon Tyne. Built between 1869-1872, our building has been home to the North of England Institute of Mining and Mechanical Engineers ever since. Some of the region’s greatest pioneering minds like Robert Stephenson, Lord Armstrong and Nicholas Wood met here to invent, innovate and campaign for improved safety in the mines, to protect miners, and advise mine owners.
Inside the building lies centuries of history relating to the Great Northern Coalfield, full of tales of engineering excellence and innovation. Our archive and collections span centuries of engineering, geological, mining and wider scientific history, starting from the Industrial Revolution.
Tour dates
Tuesday 22nd and Wednesday 23rd March 2022
Tour times
10:00am – 11:30am
12:00pm – 1:30pm
1:30pm – 3:00pm
We have a number of additional offers for National Lottery Open Week, including 25% off for National Lottery Players in our cafe/bar 5|Quarter. To see all of our offers, click here.
Important booking information
You must be able to produce proof of purchase of a National Lottery game upon attendance – this can be a hard copy ticket or digital. The date of draw / purchase is not relevant.
The ticket or scratchcard holder, plus one accompanying adult and any accompanying children under 16 may attend these tours.
*Everyone in your party must have their own tour ticket, booked in advance of the tour.*
Tickets are free, but if you would like to make a small donation to support the charitable work of The Common Room, it would be hugely appreciated.
If you can no longer attend your slot, we kindly ask that you cancel your ticket so someone else may take your place, as demand is very high. Donations can be refunded upon request if you need to cancel your ticket.
Additional information
Children must be supervised at all times by a responsible adult.
Our building is fully accessible – if you have any queries about accessibility, please contact lucy.stockdale@thecommonroom.org.uk
The Common Room is taking a number of precautions to mitigate the risk to the public regarding COVID-19. Attendees will be encouraged to wear a face covering (unless they have a medical exemption) where possible. We would appreciate it if attendees could complete a lateral flow test prior to attending, and we kindly ask you do not attend if you have had a positive test result for COVID-19, or are experiencing symptoms. For further information on our COVID-19 protocol please email lucy.stockdale@thecommonroom.org.uk
About National Lottery Open Week
Since 1994, more than £45 billion has been raised for good causes. Due to this support, good cause projects in the arts, community, film heritage and sport are able to make a huge difference in their local communities.
For making their work possible, National Lottery funded projects across the UK want to say #ThanksToYou to the National Lottery players by offering free entry or other special offers this National Lottery Open Week!
Between 19-27 March 2022, anyone who presents a National Lottery ticket or scratchcard (digital or physical) will be able to access these special offers.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Learn the reason and rhyme of rocks and get hands-on with all kinds of samples from our treasure trove of minerals! This interactive workshop allows children to learn a range of geological skills through games and activities, to become a certified rock star!
Workshop lasts approximately 45 minutes.
Recommended ages 5+.
This ticket includes general admission to explore our historic building, as well as our key exhibitions, including The Neville Hall LEGO® Model and The Mineral Wealth of the North.
Dates
Tuesday 22nd, Thursday 24th, Friday 25th and Saturday 26th February 2022
Available workshop times
Workshop 1: 11:15
Workshop 2: 14:15
Booking information
Each person attending, including adults accompanying children, must have their own ticket.
Tickets are free, but if you would like to make a small donation to support the charitable work of The Common Room, it would be hugely appreciated.
If you can no longer attend your slot, we kindly ask that you cancel your ticket so someone else may take your place, as demand is very high. Donations can be refunded upon request, if you need to cancel your ticket.
Additional information
Location: Map Room, First Floor, The Common Room, Westgate Road, Newcastle NE1 1SE
Children must be supervised at all times by a responsible adult.
Our building is fully accessible – if you have any queries about accessibility, please contact lucy.stockdale@thecommonroom.org.uk
All visitors over the age of 16 may be asked to scan the NHS QR code or provide their name and contact details on arrival at The Common Room. Smartphone users can download the NHS COVID-19 app before arrival.
The Common Room is taking a number of precautions to mitigate the risk to the public regarding COVID-19. Visitors will be encouraged to wear a face-covering (unless they have a medical exemption) and to practice social distancing. For further information on our COVID-19 protocol please visit our home page.

LEGO® Mini Model Workshops
2022-02-26, 2022-02-25, 2022-02-22 | The Common Room, Westgate Road, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE1 1SE, United Kingdom
Event details
Join us this February Half Term at The Common Room, to build your very own mini LEGO® model of some of the North East’s greatest engineering feats, or a Mars research robot.
Suitable for ages 5+
Models you can build:
– The Swing Bridge
– Stephenson’s Rocket
– The Electric Car
– The Geordie Lamp
– Wind Turbine
– The Perseverance rover
– The Ingenuity helicopter drone
This ticket includes general admission to explore our historic building, as well as our key exhibitions, including The Neville Hall LEGO® Model and The Mineral Wealth of the North.
Dates
Tuesday 22nd, Friday 25th and Saturday 26th February 2022
Workshop times
Workshop 1: 10:00 – 11:00
Workshop 2: 11:30 – 12:30
Workshop 3: 13:30 – 14:30
Workshop 4: 15:00 – 16:00
Booking information
Each person attending, including adults accompanying children, must have their own ticket.
Tickets are free, but if you would like to make a small donation to support the charitable work of The Common Room, it would be hugely appreciated.
If you can no longer attend your slot, we kindly ask that you cancel your ticket so someone else may take your place, as demand is very high. Donations can be refunded upon request, if you need to cancel your ticket.
Additional information
Location: Stephenson Room, First Floor, The Common Room, Westgate Road, Newcastle NE1 1SE
Children must be supervised at all times by a responsible adult.
Our building is fully accessible – if you have any queries about accessibility, please contact lucy.stockdale@thecommonroom.org.uk
All visitors over the age of 16 may be asked to scan the NHS QR code or provide their name and contact details on arrival at The Common Room. Smartphone users can download the NHS COVID-19 app before arrival.
The Common Room is taking a number of precautions to mitigate the risk to the public regarding COVID-19. Visitors will be encouraged to wear a face-covering (unless they have a medical exemption) and to practice social distancing. For further information on our COVID-19 protocol please visit our home page: thecommonroom.org.uk

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

Event details

Our all-new science and heritage show explores the deadly dangers of the dark underground. Learn how to keep yourself unpoisoned, unsuffocated and unexploded from the perils of the pit, with our live demonstrations and artefacts from our archive!
Show lasts approximately 45 minutes – 1 hour.
Recommended ages 5+, however younger children are welcome.
Dates
Tuesday 22nd, Thursday 24th, Friday 25th February 2022
Available show times
Morning show: 10:00
Afternoon show: 13:00
Booking information
Each person attending, including adults accompanying children, must have their own ticket.
Tickets are free, but if you would like to make a small donation to support the charitable work of The Common Room, it would be hugely appreciated.
If you can no longer attend your slot, we kindly ask that you cancel your ticket so someone else may take your place, as demand is very high. Donations can be refunded upon request, if you need to cancel your ticket.
Additional information
Location: Lecture Theatre, The Common Room, Westgate Road, Newcastle NE1 1SE
Children must be supervised at all times by a responsible adult.
Our building is fully accessible – if you have any queries about accessibility, please contact lucy.stockdale@thecommonroom.org.uk
All visitors over the age of 16 may be asked to scan the NHS QR code or provide their name and contact details on arrival at The Common Room. Smartphone users can download the NHS COVID-19 app before arrival.
The Common Room is taking a number of precautions to mitigate the risk to the public regarding COVID-19. Visitors will be encouraged to wear a face-covering (unless they have a medical exemption) and to practice social distancing. For further information on our COVID-19 protocol please visit our home page.
To stay up to date with what’s on at The Common Room, click here to sign up to our newsletter.

The Common Room Heritage Tours
2022-02-21 | The Common Room, Westgate Road, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE1 1SE, United Kingdom
Event details
Join us and Newcastle City Guides for a unique tour of The Common Room (formerly known to many as the Mining Institute). 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.
This ticket includes general admission to explore our historic building unguided too, as well as our key exhibitions, including The Neville Hall LEGO® Model and The Mineral Wealth of the North.
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.
Dates
Saturday 5th and Monday 21st February 2022
Tour times
10:00-11:00, 11:00-12:00, 13:00-14:00, 14:00-15:00, 15:00-16:00
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
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 Heritage Tours
2022-02-05 | The Common Room, Westgate Road, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE1 1SE, United Kingdom
Event details
Join us and Newcastle City Guides for a unique tour of The Common Room (formerly known to many as the Mining Institute). 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.
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.
Dates
Saturday 5th and Monday 21st February 2022
Tour times
10:00-11:00, 11:00-12:00, 13:00-14:00, 14:00-15:00, 15:00-16:00
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
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 Polar Express - The Common Room Christmas Movie Showings
2021-12-24 12:00 - 14:30 | The Common Room, Westgate Road, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE1 1SE, United Kingdom
Join us for a hot chocolate and a portion of popcorn as we screen The Polar Express in our Lecture Theatre.

About this event

Join us for a hot chocolate and a portion of popcorn as we screen your festive favourite films this December!
Date: Friday 24th December 2021
Film: The Polar Express
Doors: 12:00
Film starts: 12:30

Booking information
Price: £9.50 per ticket per person
Each ticket provides one hot chocolate and one portion of popcorn for one person. All attendees, including children, require their own individual ticket.
Children must be supervised at all times by a responsible adult.
Location: Lecture Theatre, The Common Room, Neville Hall, Westgate Road, NE1 1SE
COVID-19 Information
We kindly ask visitors to wear a face mask/covering when not eating/drinking if you are able and to practice social distancing where possible.
Please note, parties will be seated together, socially distanced from others.
We encourage visitors to complete a Lateral Flow Test before attending and to not attend if you have a positive result. We also ask visitors to not attend if you have symptoms of Covid-19 and have not received a negative PCR test result. If you have been advised to self-isolate, please do not attend If you can longer attend, please contact melissa.forster@thecommonroom.org.uk who can assist with refunds where valid.
Visitors may be asked to provide their name and contact details on arrival at The Common Room for contact-tracing purposes. Smartphone users can download the NHS COVID-19 app before arrival, and ‘check-in’ using our NHS QR code.
Hand sanitiser is available across the building, and we encourage visitors to use this alongside regular handwashing.
Accessibility
Our building is fully accessible – if you have any queries about accessibility, please contact melissa.forster@thecommonroom.org.uk

The Common Room Heritage Tours
2021-12-06 | 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 (formerly known to many as the Mining Institute). 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 but booking is required. 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**
Event Timings
Monday 6th December
Available tour times: 10:00, 11:00, 13:00, 14:00, 15:00.
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
In line with updated government advice, all visitors over the age of 16 will 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 required 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

The Common Room Heritage Tours (29 October, 6 November)
2021-11-06 | 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 (formerly known to many as the Mining Institute). 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 but booking is required. 16 slots are available per tour, but tour groups will be divided into 2 groups of 8. 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**
Event Timings
Friday 29th October and Saturday 6th November
Available tour times: 10:0o, 11:00 (6 Nov only), 13:00, 14:00, 15:00
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
In line with updated government advice, all visitors over the age of 16 will 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 required 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: www.thecommonroom.org.uk

LEGO® Mini Model Workshops (28, 29, 30 October)
2021-10-29 - 2021-10-30 | The Common Room, Westgate Road, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE1 1SE, United Kingdom
This ticket includes general admission to explore our historic building and key exhibitions, including The Neville Hall LEGO® Model and Digging Deep: Coal Miners of African Caribbean Heritage & The North East. In line with our Covid Safety Statement, if you intend to visit as part of a group, please ensure one person in your party books all tickets. Visitors may need to queue at various points in the building to ensure social distance can be maintained in exhibitions, workshops and events.
About this event
Join us this October Half Term at The Common Room, to build your very own mini LEGO® model of some of the North East’s greatest engineering feats, or a Mars research robot.
Models you can build are:
– The Swing Bridge
– Stephenson’s Rocket
– The Electric Car
– The Geordie Lamp
– Wind Turbine
– The Perseverance rover
– The Ingenuity helicopter drone

Event Timings

Dates: 28th, 29th and 30th October 2021
Workshop Times: 10:00 – 11:00, 11:30 – 12:30, 13:30 – 14:30, 15:00 – 16:00

Booking information
Tickets are free for these workshops but booking is required, as capacity is capped at 20 people per workshop. Please note, adults accompanying children will also require their own ticket.

Additional information
Location: Map Room, First Floor, The Common Room, Westgate Road, Newcastle NE1 1SE
Children must be supervised at all times by a responsible adult.
Our building is fully accessible – if you have any queries about accessibility, please contact lucy.stockdale@thecommonroom.org.uk
In line with updated government advice, all visitors over the age of 16 will 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 required to wear a face-covering (unless they have a medical exemption) and to practice 2m social distancing. For further information on our COVID-19 protocol please visit our home page: www.thecommonroom.org.uk

The Rock Showman presents: Volcanoes are Oresome! (23, 25, 26 October)
2021-10-26 | The Common Room, Westgate Road, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE1 1SE, United Kingdom
Join The Common Room, The Rock Showman and Floss for an oresome volcanic journey back in time!
This ticket includes general admission to explore our historic building and key exhibitions, including The Neville Hall LEGO® Model and Digging Deep: Coal Miners of African Caribbean Heritage & The North East. In line with our Covid Safety Statement, if you intend to visit as part of a group, please ensure one person in your party books all tickets. Visitors may need to queue at various points in the building to ensure social distance can be maintained in exhibitions, workshops and events.
The Rock Showman presents: Volcanoes are Oresome!
2021 has been an exciting year for volcanism as our dynamic planet circulates heat whilst land is both created and destroyed. North East England has no active volcanoes now, but our backyard tells us that things weren’t always as cool and quiet. What can we learn from modern eruptions that tell us about the ancient landscapes of the British Isles? Why were many of the shiny crystals of the North Pennines so valuable? Could we power our future from volcanoes? Join Floss and The Rock Showman for an oresome volcanic journey back in time.
Extra Feature
The Rock Showman welcomes you to bring something special from your collection of rocks, minerals or fossils to the The Common Room.
Do you want to know the geological story of your pebble? Or perhaps want a fossil identified! Bring your piece along and ask an expert!
Event Timings
Dates: Saturday 23rd, Monday 25th and Tuesday 26th October
Showtimes: 11:00am – 11:45am, 2:00pm – 2:45pm
Booking information
Tickets are free for this performance but booking is required, as capacity is limited. Please note, adults accompanying children will also require their own ticket. In line with our Covid Safety Statement, if you intend to visit as part of a group, please ensure one person in your party books all tickets.

For more info on the Rock Showman
www.rockshowman.co
https://linktr.ee/stevecousins
Additional information
Location: Lecture Theatre, Ground Floor, The Common Room, Westgate Road, Newcastle NE1 1SE
Children must be supervised at all times by a responsible adult.
Guests may be allocated seats sat in bubbles.
Our building is fully accessible – if you have any queries about accessibility, please contact lucy.stockdale@thecommonroom.org.uk
In line with updated government advice, all visitors over the age of 16 will 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 required 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: www.thecommonroom.org.uk

'What’s Beneath Our Feet?' Workshop for Home-Ed Groups at The Sill
2021-10-19 | The Sill, National Landscape Discovery Centre, Bardon Mill, Hexham, Northumberland, NE47 7AN, United Kingdom
Home-educated young people studying at Key Stage 2 level, and their guardians, are invited to join The Common Room team at The Sill: National Landscape Discovery Centre, for a workshop which explores rocks, fossils and scientific investigation.
About this event
Mining is dangerous work, with perils always waiting beyond the next strike of a pickaxe. Safely finding your way underground as you dig means being able to read hundreds of millions of years of the Earth’s history from the minerals around you. The Common Room and the Mining Institute (NEIMME) have a history of sharing this knowledge and making underground exploration safe.
Our ‘What’s Beneath Our Feet?’ workshop links to parts of the National Curriculum relating to rocks and fossils and scientific investigation. Throughout the workshop, young people are encouraged to develop their scientific skills as they explore and get hands-on with coal, strata (the layers underneath our feet) and geology specimens from The Common Room’s collection, as well as linking to the North of England’s rich mining heritage.
Groups will also be able to visit The Common Room’s Graft & Glory exhibition (currently at The Sill) before or after their workshop.
Graft & Glory tells the story of our region’s engineers. They invented, innovated and campaigned to make mining safer, not only in the North East, but also around the world. It is the story of our region’s graft and glory: our responses to challenges facing industry, past, present and future.
Event Timings
Date: Tuesday 19th October 2021
Time: 12:30pm
Workshop lasts no longer than 90 minutes
Booking information
To book your free tickets, please email lucy.stockdale@thecommonroom.org.uk with the number of tickets you require.
These workshops are for are ideally suited to those studying at Key Stage 2 level.
Home Education groups: As capacity is limited due to social distancing measures, we kindly ask you to limit the number of adults and infants attending with your party if possible and practical. Please ensure you book a ticket for everyone in your party, not just children.
Additional information
The Northumberland National Park Authority is following current government guidelines. Given the high levels of Covid infection in our region, and the impact on staffing through the need for some to self-isolate, they are having to review their services and Covid provisions on an ongoing basis. Please check The Sill’s website for further updated information ahead of your visit.
About The Sill
The Sill: National Landscape Discovery Centre is a hub for the rural economy; a laboratory; centre and base for education from primary to tertiary level; a driver for the Northumberland economy; a celebration and a reminder of the importance of landscape in understanding who we are as a nation, and a place to emphasise the importance of its care. Their vision is to transform how people connect with landscape and to inspire a new generation and generations to come.

Pop-up Mars Workshop with Helen Schell
2021-10-09 | The Common Room, Westgate Road, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE1 1SE, United Kingdom
To celebrate World Space Week, visual artist and ESERO-UK Space Ambassador, Helen Schell will be delivering a one-day, drop-in family workshop to create objects for a Mars settlement!
About this event
Get creative and join us at The Common Room to celebrate World Space Week with our Pop-up Mars Workshop with Helen Schell! Use pop-up & folding techniques to create your own rocking rovers, robots, rockets, Martian habitats, mission badges, Mars flags and cards etc.
Event timings
Date: Saturday 9th October
AM slot: 10:00 – 13:00
PM slot: 13:00 – 16:00
Booking information
Tickets for this workshop are free but booking is required as capacity is limited. You can arrive any time during your dedicated time slot.
Please note, adults accompanying children will also require their own ticket. These tickets include general admission, so we invite you to take a stroll around the rest of our building to see our other attractions!
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
In line with updated government advice, all visitors over the age of 16 will 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 required to wear a face-covering (unless they have a medical exemption) and to practice social distancing. For further information on our COVID-19 protocol please visit our home page.

LEGO® Space Mini Model Workshops with artist Steve Mayes
2021-10-09 | The Common Room, Westgate Road, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE1 1SE, United Kingdom
Join LEGO® artist, Steve Mayes to celebrate World Space Week and build a model of the robots currently exploring the surface of Mars!
About this event
Join LEGO® artist, Steve Mayes, and build your very own LEGO® model of robots currently exploring the surface of ‘The Red Planet’. The mini models you will have the opportunity to build include:
– The Perseverance rover
– The Ingenuity helicopter drone
Event timings
Date: Saturday 9th October 2021
Workshop times: 10:00 – 11:00, 11:30 – 12:30, 13:30 – 14:30, 15:00 – 16:00
About Steve Mayes:
Steve Mayes’s company ‘Brick This’ specialises in bespoke architectural models made of LEGO®. Over the past few years Steve has worked with a range of clients including English Heritage, The Alnwick Garden, the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors, Bowes Museum, Tyne and Wear Metro and the Newcastle United Foundation. Steve prides himself on building highly accurate models that are used by clients to attract visitors or to raise awareness of projects. At The Common Room, you can visit Steve’s LEGO® brick model of our building, Neville Hall, with over 30,000 bricks going into the scale model.
Booking information
Tickets are free for these workshops but booking is required, as capacity is capped at 20 people per workshop. Please note, adults accompanying children will also require their own ticket.
Additional information
Location: Map Room, First Floor, The Common Room, Westgate Road, Newcastle NE1 1SE
Children must be supervised at all times by a responsible adult.
Our building is fully accessible – if you have any queries about accessibility, please contact lucy.stockdale@thecommonroom.org.uk
In line with updated government advice, all visitors over the age of 16 will 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 required to wear a face-covering (unless they have a medical exemption) and to practice 2m social distancing. For further information on our COVID-19 protocol please visit our home page: www.thecommonroom.org.uk

World Space Week Schools Special
2021-10-08 | The Common Room, Westgate Road, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE1 1SE, United Kingdom
Key Stage 2 school classes are invited to join The Common Room and The Sill this World Space Week for a carousel of space and STEM activities!
About this event
To mark World Space Week, The Common Room and The Sill will be running two activities in a carousel format: Engineering for Space with The Common Room and Dark Skies Assembly with The Sill.

This event is for school groups only and is ideally suited to classes studying in Key Stage 2.
Engineering for Space with The Common Room
60-minute carousel session
Space is an unforgiving, massive environment full of dangers. Even getting there in the first place is a near-impossible challenge, let alone surviving once we get there, or then exploring the vast expanse above us. Engineering is all about using our skills and ideas to overcome those challenges. Each of the session’s activities is a chance for you to think like one of those engineers:
– Space Materials Challenge: Many objects in our lives today only exist because engineers worked to overcome challenges to life in space. Which of these do you think were invented for space travel? Why? Why not?
– LEGO Martian Explorers: NASA’s Perseverance rover has been exploring the surface of Mars in new ways. For the very first time, engineers designed a machine that could fly across the Martian surface, the Ingenuity drone. You are going to build that drone, out of LEGO.
– James Webb Origami: The James Webb telescope is going to unfold itself, at a distance far further than any human has ever travelled, and look into deeper parts of space than we have ever seen. You are going to make its mirrors.
Dark Skies Assembly with The Sill
45-minute assembly
How many of us have truly seen a dark sky? In this interactive school assembly, pupils will learn how and why the National Park protects the darkness of the night sky, including how darkness is measured, the issues around light pollution, nocturnal animals, and the different constellations that can be seen at different times of year. The assembly will also include information on where to go to get the best view of the night sky, and some tips for any budding astronomers who would like to get outside for some stargazing!
Event timings
Date: Friday 8th October 2021
Times: 10am – 12pm, 1pm – 3pm
Booking information
This event is for school groups only and is ideally suited to classes studying in Key Stage 2. Schools are invited to book their class on either the morning or the afternoon timeslot, which will include both activities. Teachers are asked to book a place for each student attending.
If you have any queries or issues with booking, please contact lucy.stockdale@thecommonroom.org.uk
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
In line with updated government advice, all visitors over the age of 16 will 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 required 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
About The Sill
The Sill: National Landscape Discovery Centre is a hub for the rural economy; a laboratory; centre and base for education from primary to tertiary level; a driver for the Northumberland economy; a celebration and a reminder of the importance of landscape in understanding who we are as a nation, and a place to emphasise the importance of its care. Their vision is to transform how people connect with landscape and to inspire a new generation and generations to come.

Digging Deep - Industrial Artistry Family Open Day
2021-10-02 | The Common Room, Westgate Road, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE1 1SE, United Kingdom
About this event
Drop by for a creative arts family day on Saturday 2nd October at The Common Room, alongside the ‘Digging Deep: Coal Miners of African Caribbean Heritage & The North East’ exhibition!
Explore for the first time, the Black Miner Stained Glass Window created by artist Stella Chadwick. Be inspired by this artwork and others featured in the Digging Deep exhibition and create your own piece of art, share stories and/or produce a piece of creative writing.
All ages welcome.
Event Timings
AM slot: 10:00-12:30
PM slot: 12:30-15:00
Visitors may arrive and leave at any time during their chosen timeslot.
Booking information
Tickets for the exhibition are free but booking is required as capacity is limited.

Please note, adults accompanying children will also require their own ticket.
These tickets include general admission, so we invite you to take a stroll around the rest of our building to see our other attractions!
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
In line with updated government advice, all visitors over the age of 16 will 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 required 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.
About Nottingham News Centre CIC
Nottingham News Centre CIC, founded in 2013, is a heritage project management company providing professional services in heritage consultancy and research, heritage media content production (print, online and broadcast) and heritage exhibition production. Based in Nottingham, East Midlands UK, we offer services and support for national and international organisations.
For more information please visit www.nottinghamnewscentre.com and www.blackcoalminers.com or connect with us on LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook or Instagram.
Image Credits: Black Miners Museum Archives

LIVE STREAM: Talk and Q&A with Curator Norma Gregory, on ‘Digging Deep: Coal Miners of African Caribbean Heritage & The North East’ Exhibition
2021-10-01 19:00 - 21:00
Join us via live stream and hear from Digging Deep exhibition curator, Norma Gregory, on the origins, challenges, process, journey and future legacy of the exhibition.

About this event

The Common Room are thrilled to be hosting ‘Digging Deep: Coal Miners of African Caribbean Heritage & The North East’ from Saturday 25th September to Monday 1st November.
Join us via live stream on Friday 1st October, and hear from the exhibition curator, Norma Gregory, about the origins, challenges, process, journey and future legacy of Digging Deep.
If you’d like to attend this event in person, please visit this page.
The Digging Deep exhibition reveals personal narratives, memories and creative representations of former coal miners of Black/African-Caribbean heritage and other diverse groups within UK mining history, including the North East. Visitors can expect to see portraits, poetry and more, which draw their attention to the diversity of our once prestigious mining industry, in contrast to the typical narratives surrounding the industry and its communities.
Event timings
Live stream begins at 7pm
Event close at 9pm
Booking information
An email with the link to access this live stream will be emailed to you a couple of hours prior to the event start time – please make sure you check your inbox (and spam/junk folder).

Image Credits: Black Miners Museum Archives

Talk and Q&A with Curator Norma Gregory, on 'Digging Deep: Coal Miners of African Caribbean Heritage & The North East' Exhibition
2021-10-01 19:00 - 21:00 | The Common Room, Westgate Road, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE1 1SE, United Kingdom
Hear from Digging Deep exhibition curator, Norma Gregory, on the origins, challenges, process, journey and future legacy of the exhibition.

About this event

The Common Room are thrilled to be hosting ‘Digging Deep: Coal Miners of African Caribbean Heritage & The North East’ from Saturday 25th September to Monday 1st November.
Join us on Friday 1st October, and hear from the exhibition curator, Norma Gregory, about the origins, challenges, process, journey and future legacy of Digging Deep.
If you can’t attend The Common Room in person, you can view this event via live stream by booking via this page.
The Digging Deep exhibition reveals personal narratives, memories and creative representations of former coal miners of Black/African-Caribbean heritage and other diverse groups within UK mining history, including the North East. Visitors can expect to see portraits, poetry and more, which draw their attention to the diversity of our once prestigious mining industry, in contrast to the typical narratives surrounding the industry and its communities.
Event timings
Arrival between 6:30pm and 6:55pm
Talk begins at 7pm, followed by a Q&A session.
Event close at 9pm
Booking information
Tickets are free but booking is required to reserve your space.
Additional information
Location: Wood Hall, The Common Room, Westgate Road, Newcastle NE1 1SE
Children must be supervised at all times by a responsible adult.
Hand sanitiser will be supplied. Face masks should be worn by adults at all times unless medically except.
Our building is fully accessible – if you have any queries about accessibility, please contact lucy.stockdale@thecommonroom.org.uk
In line with updated government advice, all visitors over the age of 16 will 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. Face masks should be worn by adults at all times unless medically except and visitors should practice social distancing. For further information on our COVID-19 protocol please visit our home page: www.thecommonroom.org.uk
Image Credits: Black Miners Museum Archives

The Common Room Building Tour (12, 13 & 14 September)
2021-09-12 10:00 - 2021-09-14 15:00
The Common Room welcomes visitors to explore the history of The North of England Institute of Mining and Mechanical Engineers!
About this event
Join The Common Room and the Newcastle City Guides for a unique tour of Neville Hall (formerly known to many as the Mining Institute). The 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 North Coalfield, full of tales of engineering excellence and innovation.
Booking information
Tickets are free but booking is required. 16 slots are available per tour, but tour groups will be divided into 2 groups of 8 to stay in line with our Covid-19 statement. 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 and we are now operating a waitlist**
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
In line with updated government advice, all visitors over the age of 16 will 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 required 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.

Graft and Glory at The Sill
2021-09-09 10:00 - 2021-10-24 17:00 | The Sill, National Landscape Discovery Centre, Bardon Mill, Hexham, Northumberland, NE47 7AN, United Kingdom
Explore The Common Room’s Graft and Glory Exhibition at The Sill: National Landscape Discovery Centre.
About this event
Graft & Glory tells the story of our region’s engineers. They invented, innovated and campaigned to make mining safer, not only in the North East, but also around the world. It is the story of our region’s graft and glory: our responses to challenges facing industry, past, present and future.
Discover geology specimens and items from The Common Room’s archive and collection that link to the heritage of the National Park.
Booking information
The Graft and Glory Exhibition is open daily at The Sill: National Landscape Discovery Centre between 10:00 – 17:00, Monday – Sunday from 9th September until 24th October 2021.
Access to the exhibition is free and suitable for all ages however children must be supervised at all times by a responsible adult.
The Northumberland National Park Authority is following current government guidelines. Given the high levels of Covid infection in our region, and the impact on staffing through the need for some to self-isolate, we are having to review our services and Covid provisions on an on-going basis. Please check The Sill’s website for further updated information ahead of your visit.
About The Sill
The Sill National Landscape Discovery Centre is a hub for the rural economy, a place where local producers and brands have a route to market via our Once Brewed Café and Sill Shop; it’s a centre and base for learning from early years to higher education; a driver for the Northumberland economy; a celebration and a reminder of the importance of landscape in understanding who we are as a nation, and a place to emphasise the importance of its care.
