UPCOMING EVENTS

FEBRUARY & MARCH EVENTS – WALKS, FILMS & PHOTOGRAPHS

Booking essential for these events – email stjamesbenwell@gmail.com to book

Thursday 15^th February 10.30am, film showing and discussion at Denton Burn Library: 

“The Changing West End” – Made in 2008, this film tells the story of the changing west end through the voices of local residents recalling their own memories and experiences.  It is illustrated by old photographs showing what the area was like in the past. 

Thursday 15^th February 12 noon, film showing at Denton Burn Library

“Gannin’ Alang the Wall” is a film made locally to celebrate the Hadrian 1900 Festival.  The film follows the route of Hadrian’s Wall through Newcastle – a section of the route usually ignored.  What better place to watch this lively film than at Denton Burn, site of a substantial section of the Wall?  Refreshments provided. 

Tuesday 27^th February 1pm, circular guided walk around Benwell, starting at the east end of Lidl carpark at the junction of Benwell Lane and Condercum Road.                                                              

“Gone but not forgotten” is a walk around places that have disappeared or changed in past decades.  Revisit the sites of streets, schools, churches, cinemas and other places that were once part of your daily life, and share your memories with others.   The walk is mainly on pavements but will include some grassed and possibly muddy areas, so please wear suitable footwear.  The route will include some uphill walking.

Monday 11^th March 10.30-12, drop-in session at the West End Library:

“Bygone Benwell and Scotswood” is an informal drop-in session for people to explore Newcastle Picture History’s collection of thousands of photographs of the area through the years and share their memories with others in a relaxed setting with refreshments and a quiz.   No booking required for this session

Tuesday 12^th March 1pm, guided walk around Scotswood, starting at the entrance to the John Marley Centre, Muscott Grove (off Whickham View):

“Scotswood revisited” is a guided walk around some important places in the history of Scotswood, starting from the newly refurbished John Marley Centre which used to be Whickham Road School and finishing at the site of the Blue Star Football Club where rows of terraced housing once stood.  At the end of the walk, participants can return to the Centre or leave the group on Denton Road.    This walk is mainly on pavements and indoors, but participants are advised to wear robust footwear as there are a few places where it may be muddy.  The route is relatively flat with a short uphill stretch at the end.  In the event of bad weather there will be the option of remaining on the site of the Centre and the adjacent community garden. 

 Monday 18^th March 10.30, circular guided walk starting inside Denton Burn Library:

“Denton Dene – nature and history” is a guided walk through Denton Dene, an area of ancient woodland which is one of Newcastle’s oldest landscape features.  The dene also marks a significant border, as it used to be the western boundary of Newcastle.  Enjoy the sounds and sights of the countryside just a short walk from the West Road.  At the end of the walk there will be refreshments in the library.  The route involves some uphill walking, and suitable footwear is essential.  If the weather is really bad, there will be the option of staying in the library and finding out more about the area from a representative of the Friends of Denton Dene.

Wednesday 20^th March 1pm, tour of St James’ Graveyard, Benwell Lane:

“Telling the story of Benwell and Scotswood” is a guided tour of the parish graveyard and the adjacent church.  Find out what the history of this place tells you about how the area changed from being mainly rural and home to some of the richest and most powerful families on Tyneside to become a densely populated area inhabited by thousands of families drawn in to work in the booming factories and coalmines.  The tour ends with refreshments in the church hall.  The tour will involve walking on grass so suitable footwear is essential.       

LOCAL HISTORY MONDAYS 2024 at West End Library, Condercum Road

Monday 5^th February at 1pm

Fenham Hall

Theresa Brolly tells the story of Fenham Hall.  Hear about a loyal knight, a talented heiress, a convent and a Hollywood star – all in Fenham. 

Monday 4^th March at 1pm

The Loss of the Ninth Legion

The Ninth Legion was last heard of in Britain in AD 108.  Its fate has been the subject of controversy – and a Hollywood movie.  Nick Hodgson will look at the facts behind the story. 

Monday 15^th April at 1pm

Walbottle: A Small Village with a Big History                                                                    

Join Roger Parnell for an illustrated talk about the history of Walbottle – a village on Hadrian’s Wall, home to an important coalmining industry, and believed to have been the seat of the Saxon kings of Northumbria.

Monday 13^th May at 1pm

Lost Farms of the West End

Illustrated talk by Ian Farrier about the legacy of the many farms and fields that once covered West Newcastle on the local landscape today.

Monday 3^rd June at 1pm

The Pope who came to Newcastle

John Griffiths will tell the story of the career and undercover visit to Newcastle of Aeneas Silvius Piccolomini – scholar, poet, writer of erotic prose and secret agent – who became the only pope ever to visit Newcastle.

Monday 1^st July at 1pm

Out and Proud

Join Richard Bliss for a talk about LGBTQ history on Tyneside.  

Monday 2^nd September at 1pm

Summerhill Revealed

Illustrated talk by Olive Taylor about the historic suburb of Summerhill in West Newcastle.

Monday 7^th October at 1pm

Exploring the Streets of Pendower: What’s in a Name?

Join Richard Bliss to hear about the stories and characters behind the street names on Pendower Estate.

Monday 4^th November at 1pm

From Ireland to Newcastle

Illustrated talk by Rosie Serdiville about the history of Irish Centres in the west end and wider Tyneside.

Booking essential. Email stjamesbenwell@gmail.com to book

NEW BOOK ABOUT HADRIAN’S WALL

Our new walk guide Gannin’ Alang the Wall describes the complete 12 mile route of the Wall through Newcastle from Heddon to Segedunum in Wallsend.  This is the real line of the Wall – completely different from the route followed by the official Hadrian’s Wall National Path.  It also tells you about other interesting historical features you will pass as you walk through the city.  Copies of the book are available from St James’ Heritage and Environment Group (email stjamesbenwell@gmail.com) or from Newcastle City Library, Segedunum Roman Fort and the Great North Museum Hancock.  Certificates are available free of charge for everyone who walks the full route.

A POTTED HISTORY; PEOPLE AND PLACES OF THE WEST END

Our newest publication is an illustrated book based on our community project “A Potted History of the West End” in which more than 200 local residents of all ages and backgrounds made pottery models of people and places from the area’s history.  View the book by clicking on this link  A Potted History