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

About this event

To celebrate our new publication, ‘The Making of The Modern World’ – The history of The North of England Institute of Mining and Mechanical Engineers volume 1:1852-1942, historian and author Bill Lancaster will deliver a free public talk titled ‘Nicholas Wood and George Elliot, The First and Third Presidents: Great Men?’
In this talk, Bill will explore the first half-century of the Mining Institute through the lens of its two most important founder members Nicholas Wood, the first President and Sir George Elliot, the third.
Though slightly different in age, both came from similar backgrounds in terms of family and education. Both were central figures in the creation of the Institute, shaping its fortunes and leaving behind a legacy that endured long after their deaths. Both Wood and Elliot could easily fit into the Samuel Smiles Pantheon of Victorian Great Men, but they were very different in character: Wood the brilliant empirical engineer who can be rightly termed the ‘Third Stephenson’; Elliot the visionary whose business and political activities were globally important.
During their stewardship of the Institute, Neville Hall (now known as The Common Room) became the hub of international mining engineering, and the myriad of innovations that cascaded from mining into the core industries of the second industrial revolution continue to shape the modern world…
The talk will be held 150 years to the day since members of the Institute first met at Neville Hall, now known as The Common Room. Join The Common Room and the North Of England Institute of Mining and Mechanical Engineers to celebrate this significant milestone.
Date and Timings
Date: Saturday 2nd July
Arrival from 6:00pm for drinks reception
Talk and Q&A: 6:30pm – 7:30pm
Guests are welcome to stay in our 5|Quarter cafe bar following the event.
Booking information
Each person attending must have their own ticket.
Tickets are free, but if you would like to make a small donation to support the charitable work of The Common Room, it would be hugely appreciated.
About The Making Of The Modern World
The publication introduces the Mining Institute and the founding members whose inventions, discoveries and innovations cascaded down into other industries new and old, and in the process created what is now the modern world.
Find out more and purchase the book here.
About our Game Changers anniversary festival
The Common Room is hosting a free anniversary festival throughout the summer, celebrating the North East’s mining and engineering past, present and future innovations. The festival, called ‘Game Changers’, is delivered in partnership with the North of England Institute of Mining and Mechanical Engineers (known to many as the Mining Institute) and will offer something for everyone, from live music, family science shows and workshops, to an exhibition and unique building tours.
The festival marks 170 years of the Mining Institute and 150 years of The Common Room building, which has been the home of the Institute and some of the region’s most pioneering minds – or ‘Game Changers’ – throughout the years, including engineers Robert Stephenson, Lord Armstrong and Nicholas Wood.
Our headline exhibition and festival’s namesake, ‘Game Changers’, will be open to the public between Saturday 16th July to mid-September on select dates – if you are joining us for an event this summer, the exhibition will be open that day. Book a general admission ticket to find out what other dates the exhibition is open this month. The exhibition will uncover the major individuals, inventions and innovations tied to the Institute throughout its now 170-year lifespan, and will also look to the future of innovation in the North East.
The Game Changers anniversary festival has been made possible thanks to National Lottery Players, via funding from the National Lottery Heritage Fund.
To find out more, click here.
Additional information
Location: Lecture Theatre, The Common Room, Westgate Road, Newcastle NE1 1SE
Children must be supervised at all times by a responsible adult.
Our building is fully accessible – if you have any queries about accessibility, please contact lucy.stockdale@thecommonroom.org.uk
The Common Room is taking a number of precautions to mitigate the risk to the public regarding COVID-19. Visitors will be encouraged to wear a face-covering (unless they have a medical exemption) and to practice social distancing. For further information on our COVID-19 protocol please visit thecommonroom.org.uk/about-the-common-room

Game Changers: Summer Extravaganza
2022-07-16
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

Heritage Tours with past presidents of the Mining Institute
2022-07-16
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/

STAMP! - Print Workshops
2022-07-26
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/

Do It the Safety Way! - Live Science and History Show
2022-07-26 12:45 - 13:30
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/

'School of Rocks' Workshops
2022-08-02
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
2022-08-02 12:45 - 13:30
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/

STAMP! - Print Workshops
2022-08-09
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
2022-08-09 12:45 - 13:30
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/

LEGO Mini Model Workshops
2022-08-13, 2022-08-20
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.

'School of Rocks' Workshops
2022-08-16, 2022-08-30
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/

Do It the Safety Way! - Live Science and History Show
2022-08-16 12:45 - 13:30, 2022-08-23 12:45 - 13:30, 2022-08-30 12:45 - 13:30, 2022-09-03
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/

STAMP! - Print Workshops
2022-08-23
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/

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

Kids’ Bridge Building Challenge (Heritage Open Days event)
2022-09-10, 2022-09-17
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

Special Heritage Tours (Heritage Open Days event)
2022-09-10, 2022-09-17
Experience a special tour of The Common Room building, including a peek into the historic Arbitration Room!

About this event

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

This event is for;

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

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

Life on the Moon - Workshop
2022-10-22
We are building our own lunar city at The Common Room!
Over October half-term, watch The Common Room’s lunar settlement grow. Build your own cardboard and paper buildings, vehicles and more for our city, and imagine your own lunar life stories!
To mark NASA’s Artemis 1 mission, the first step on the way back to the Moon (not just to visit, but to stay!) we are taking engineering to the moon, and imagining our own city where humans could live in space!
Join us and learn about everything astronauts will need to safely live on the moon, and how equipment needed for life in space could improve life on Earth too!
During your visit, you can also explore the Institution of Civil Engineers’ exhibition – ‘Time Is Running Out – Help Us Engineer a Net Zero World’ – and try their games and activities.
Recommended ages 5+
Dates: Sat 22nd October, Tues 25th October, Thurs 27th October
Times: Drop-in between 10am and 4pm, no need to book!
Booking information
No need to book! Just turn up and join us FREE between 10am and 4pm.

Recommended age: 5+
Additional information
Location: Wood Hall, The Common Room, Westgate Road, Newcastle NE1 1SE
Children must be supervised at all times by a responsible adult.
Our building is fully accessible – if you have any queries about accessibility, please contact lucy.stockdale@thecommonroom.org.uk

Life on the Moon – Workshop
2022-10-25, 2022-10-27

Halloween Cinema Experience: The Addams Family (2019)
2022-10-28 11:30 - 13:00
Step inside our historic, Victorian Wood Hall as it transforms into a spooky cinema this Halloween, for a truly unique experience with the kids and ‘The Addams Family’ (2019 – the cartoon one!)

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

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