Building Society...

A society, which has worked for 100 years to preserve some of the North East’s most historic buildings, will be the subject of a special, free event next month (September).

Over the past century, The Northumberland and Newcastle Society has been instrumental in preserving thousands of iconic monuments – from Kielder Viaduct and Hadrian’s Wall to the city walls which encircle Newcastle.

And on Monday 15th September, its chairman, John Matthews, will give a talk titled The Northumberland and Newcastle Society: its history and future, at The Literary and Philosophical Society at Newcastle’s Westgate Road.

The Society was formed in 1924 following a public meeting at the Lit & Phil and began life as The Newcastle Society, become the Northumberland and Newcastle Society (the N&N) in 1929.

Its work – then and now – concentrates on ensuring historic buildings, monuments and landscapes are preserved for future generations to enjoy.

Now one of the oldest civic societies in the country its membership has grown in recent years and comprises some of the region’s leading architects, historians and landowners.

And its experts work with planners and developers to ensure historic buildings are developed in a sustainable way, so they remain relevant as well as historically authentic.

In his talk, Mr Matthews will reveal the work the Society is doing to preserve the Kielder Viaduct, which it bought in 1969 to protect it from demolition.

And he will also talk about a book the Society published in 2024 to mark its centenary: Our City Our County: an Anthology, a celebration of the first one hundred years of the Northumberland and Newcastle Society.

With a foreword from life member Viscount Ridley and contributions from both Society members and members of the public, its features some of the region’s best loved buildings along with hidden gems dating to the 13th century.

The Northumberland and Newcastle Society: a brief history and its work today, will begin at 6ppm. It is free to attend but places must be registered at https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/the-northumberland-newcastle-society-a-brief-history-and-its-work-today-tickets-1600855926169?aff=oddtdtcreator  

Copies of the N&N’s book, Our City, Our County, which is priced at £20, can be purchased at selected branches of Waterstones or via the Society’s website at https://www.nandnsociety.org.uk/shop/