Upcoming Events
Local History Mondays at West End Library, Condercum Road
Monday 5th June at 1pm
“At or near a place called Scotswood”
The title of this illustrated talk by Ian Farrier is taken from the title of the Act of Parliament that produced the first bridge across the Tyne at Scotswood. The talk will look at why and how the Chain Bridge was built, and its significance for the subsequent development of Scotswood.
Monday 11th September at 1pm
The Blaydon Races
Pat Lowery will give an illustrated talk about the history behind the Geordie anthem Blaydon Races. Are you ready to sing?
Monday 2nd October at 1pm
Robert Burns and Newcastle
Illustrated talk by Kevin Mochrie about Scotland’s national bard and his connections with Newcastle and the wider north east of England, including his links with Newcastle Utd.
Monday 6th November at 1pm
The Story of the Military Road
Join Ian Farrier for an illustrated presentation about the first ever government-funded road and how it changed West Newcastle.
Booking essential. Email stjamesbenwell@gmail.com to book
Our Creative Community – West End Library, 11th September to 9th October
An exhibition exploring aspects of the local history of Newcastle’s west end using different arts and crafts including knitting, pottery, felting and silk painting and showcasing the creativity of our community.
Our Creative Community Activities during Heritage Open Days:
Monday 11th September 11-1 The Picture of Your Life
Drop in to see West Newcastle Picture History Collection’s wonderful collection of photographs of the west end through the years and share your memories. Choose a photograph that connects with your life, and take a copy home with you.
Monday 11th September 11-1 Knitters in Action!
Knitting demonstration by the City Library knitting group. Join them and get knitting.
Monday 11th September 1-3 Blaydon Races
Illustrated talk by Pat Lowery about the history behind the Geordie Anthem Blaydon Races. Booking essential
Wednesday 13th September 10-12 Proggy Matting
Join Search to try your hand at the traditional local craft of proggy matting. Watch two mats being created by local residents.
Friday 15th September 11-12 Treasures of the Libraries’ Collection
Illustrated talk about Newcastle Libraries’ photographic collection of more than 80,000 images, and how to access these. Booking essential
Friday 15th September 2-3 Gannin’ Alang the Wall
Secrets of our very own World Heritage Site. Meet Romans, natives and present day residents in this film made last year by St James’ Heritage & Environment Group about the route of Hadrian’s Wall through Newcastle.
New film celebrating the route of Hadrian’s Wall through Newcastle
“Gannin’ Alang the Wall” was written and directed by St James’ Heritage & Environment Group. This film follows the route of the Wall through Newcastle, starting at the fort of Segedunum just east of the city boundary and travelling west as far as Heddon.
On the way, we meet a host of characters including a troop of Roman soldiers marching up Westgate Hill, several disaffected natives, and some present day residents from communities along the route of the Wall. To watch the film, click here.
Sharing the Film
The film can be used by other organisations and groups for public showings free of charge, provided that we are informed in advance. DVD copies are available for this purpose – contact us at stjamesbenwell@gmail.com for further information.
Visit St James Graveyard
Visit the historic graveyard of St James’, burial place of the developer Richard Grainger, mining engineer John Buddle, glass manufacturer John Sowerby among others. We welcome visitors any Wednesday morning between 10am and 1pm or at other times by arrangement. Volunteers are available to show you around – but please contact us in advance if you would like a tour by emailing stjamesbenwell@gmail.com.
You can also read or download our two graveyard guides from the Publications and resources page of this website – “A Guide to St James’ Graveyard and A short history of St James’ Graveyard, Benwell.
We are unable to show visitors around St James’ Church at the moment. Anyone wishing to look around the building should contact St James’ Church directly. You can read or download a heritage guide to the church from the Publications and resources page of this website – St James’ Church Heritage Guide.
PUBLICATIONS
You can find all of our previous publications free of charge on our Publications and Resources page – click here to see it.
ACTIVITIES AND INFORMATION BY EMAIL
If you would like to join our contact list to receive emails about our events and activities, email us at stjamesbenwell@gmail.com and ask to subscribe.
CONTACT
Email: stjamesbenwell@gmail.com
Write: c/o Sunnybank Centre, 12/14 Sunnybank Avenue, Pendower, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE15 6S
St James' Heritage and Environment Group 