Ponteland Historian September 2026 edition.

 

Ponteland Historian. August 2022 edition

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Ponteland Historian February 2020

Waitrose Community Matters: T Geoffrey Willey Photographic Collection

T. Geoffrey Willey Photographic Collection

Ponteland Local History Society (PLHS) has been offered the extensive photographic collection taken by local photographer, the late T Geoffrey Willey. The collection is currently housed in The Ryedale Folk Museum, Hutton-le-Hole, Yorkshire. The museum considers it would be more appropriate for the Ponteland photographs to be held in the PLHS Archive. 

The Ponteland Branch of WAITROSE & PARTNERS have included the History Society in their June "COMMUNITY MATTERS" Programme. Each month the store  allocates £1000 to be shared by local organisations. The amount allocated to each organisation is based upon customers preferences.

Any funding received by the History Society would be used to facilitate the transfer of the photographic collection from Yorkshire to Ponteland and housed in the society archive. Scanning of the collection will make the photographs more available to the community and give the opportunity to hold a retrospective exhibition of Groffrey's work.

Just One Spark

Sat 13th - Sun 21st Feb-- Beamish Museum

In 1812, the Felling Mine Disaster killed 92 men and boys after two explosions ripped through the mine. The cause was found to be the use of a naked candle, which ignited the methane gas and coal dust. As a result of this disaster, a local Reverend launched a campaign to find the design for a mining safety lamp. In January 1816, the Davy safety lamp was successfully tested down Hebburn Mine and designs by George Stephenson and William Reid Clanny were also developed. Just One Spark is the story of the investigation into the explosions and the race to find a solution to ensure the safety of miners. A whole range of activities will be taking place during February Half Term, from live demonstrations to historical investigations, find out and celebrate the mining safety lamp.

• Watch the “Just One Spark Show” at 11am, 12pm, 2pm and 3pm in the Pit Village Chapel.
• Join in with the Stephenson and Davy debate in Eston Church to find how who won the race to invent the lamp – which side will you take?
• Make a replica miners’ lamp to take home in the School.
• Sing along and learn traditional mining songs in Hetton Band Hall.
• See musical performances by Benny Graham (weekends only).
• Have a go at candle making at Pockerley Old Hall.
• Meet the Pit Ponies in the Pit Pony Stables.
• Purchase your own Mahogany Drift token, commemorating the Felling Mine Disaster from the Token Cabin in the Colliery Yard.
• Do you have memories of mining during the 1950s? Learn about our Re-Making Beamish plans and tell us your stories!
• Visit Pockerley Old Hall to see 1800s mourning traditions following a tragic death in the mine including a funeral procession at 1.30pm.
• See the day to day accounts of Mathias Dunn of Wylam which describe life down the mine between 1816 and 1824.
• Felling Heritage Group will have a display on the Felling Pit Disaster and the safety lamp in the Lamp Cabin.

February Half Term is looking to be a really exciting and important event, my top tip would be to catch the “Just One Spark Show” which is a brilliant chance to learn about the creation of a life saving lamp with explosive demonstrations!
Helen Talbot – Learning Coordinator (STEM)

** Please note that the Just One Spark show will involve demonstrating small, controlled, explosions. However, they may still upset children who are sensitive to loud bangs. You may wish for these children to sit further back and/or near an adult – please speak to a member of the team for more information.
The whole museum will be open during February Half Term including the Colliery, Waggonway and Real Ice Rink.

Poppies - weeping window

War remembrance exhibition

Union Chain Bridge - Heritage Open Days

Union Chain Bridge

Union Chain Bridge, Horncliffe, Berwick upon Tweed, Northumberland, TD15 2XT

A first as HODs crosses into Scotland! The Union Chain Bridge spans the River Tweed between Horncliffe in England and Fishwick, in Scotland. It was designed by Captain Samuel Brown RN, who held patents for the design of the chains, although Brown altered the tower and abutments on the suggestion of John Rennie.

With a span of 137 metres, it is the first vehicular bridge of its type in the world. It cost £7,700 to construct and pre-dates the similar Clifton Suspension Bridge and the Menai Bridge. Today it continues to carry traffic, although it is in need of a major refurbishment before its bicentenary in 2020. Join the Friends of the Union Chain Bridge as they explain the significance of this engineering landmark. Just up the hill from the Union Chain Bridge on the English side is the Chain Bridge Honey Farm, where there is situated a permanent exhibition on chain suspension bridges.

 

Opening Times

• Saturday 13 September: 1100-1500
• Sunday 14 September: 1100-1500
  

Access

Limited parking on either side of bridge.

Additional information

Toilets and refreshments at the nearby Chain Bridge Honey Farm.

Directions

Follow signs for and park at Chain Bridge Honey Farm from B6461 (Scotland) or A698 (England). The Union Chain Bridge is nearby.

Website

www.berwicktimelines.com
unionchainbridge.blogspot.co.uk

Organised by

Friends of the Union Chain Bridge

Union Chain Bridge

Union Chain Bridge, Horncliffe, Berwick upon Tweed, Northumberland, TD15 2XT

A first as HODs crosses into Scotland! The Union Chain Bridge spans the River Tweed between Horncliffe in England and Fishwick, in Scotland. It was designed by Captain Samuel Brown RN, who held patents for the design of the chains, although Brown altered the tower and abutments on the suggestion of John Rennie. With a span of 137 metres, it is the first vehicular bridge of its type in the world. It cost £7,700 to construct and pre-dates the similar Clifton Suspension Bridge and the Menai Bridge. Today it continues to carry traffic, although it is in need of a major refurbishment before its bicentenary in 2020. Join the Friends of the Union Chain Bridge as they explain the significance of this engineering landmark. Just up the hill from the Union Chain Bridge on the English side is the Chain Bridge Honey Farm, where there is situated a permanent exhibition on chain suspension bridges.

- See more at: http://www.heritageopendays.org.uk/directory/union-chain-bridge#sthash.Eeb675A9.dpuf

Union Chain Bridge

Union Chain Bridge, Horncliffe, Berwick upon Tweed, Northumberland, TD15 2XT

A first as HODs crosses into Scotland! The Union Chain Bridge spans the River Tweed between Horncliffe in England and Fishwick, in Scotland. It was designed by Captain Samuel Brown RN, who held patents for the design of the chains, although Brown altered the tower and abutments on the suggestion of John Rennie. With a span of 137 metres, it is the first vehicular bridge of its type in the world. It cost £7,700 to construct and pre-dates the similar Clifton Suspension Bridge and the Menai Bridge. Today it continues to carry traffic, although it is in need of a major refurbishment before its bicentenary in 2020. Join the Friends of the Union Chain Bridge as they explain the significance of this engineering landmark. Just up the hill from the Union Chain Bridge on the English side is the Chain Bridge Honey Farm, where there is situated a permanent exhibition on chain suspension bridges.

Opening Times

• Saturday 13 September: 1100-1500
• Sunday 14 September: 1100-1500

Access

Limited parking on either side of bridge.

Additional information

Toilets and refreshments at the nearby Chain Bridge Honey Farm.

Directions

Follow signs for and park at Chain Bridge Honey Farm from B6461 (Scotland) or A698 (England). The Union Chain Bridge is nearby. Map link.

Website

www.berwicktimelines.com
unionchainbridge.blogspot.co.uk

Organised by

Friends of the Union Chain Bridge

- See more at: http://www.heritageopendays.org.uk/directory/union-chain-bridge#sthash.Eeb675A9.dpuf

Union Chain Bridge

Union Chain Bridge, Horncliffe, Berwick upon Tweed, Northumberland, TD15 2XT

A first as HODs crosses into Scotland! The Union Chain Bridge spans the River Tweed between Horncliffe in England and Fishwick, in Scotland. It was designed by Captain Samuel Brown RN, who held patents for the design of the chains, although Brown altered the tower and abutments on the suggestion of John Rennie. With a span of 137 metres, it is the first vehicular bridge of its type in the world. It cost £7,700 to construct and pre-dates the similar Clifton Suspension Bridge and the Menai Bridge. Today it continues to carry traffic, although it is in need of a major refurbishment before its bicentenary in 2020. Join the Friends of the Union Chain Bridge as they explain the significance of this engineering landmark. Just up the hill from the Union Chain Bridge on the English side is the Chain Bridge Honey Farm, where there is situated a permanent exhibition on chain suspension bridges.

Opening Times

• Saturday 13 September: 1100-1500
• Sunday 14 September: 1100-1500

Access

Limited parking on either side of bridge.

Additional information

Toilets and refreshments at the nearby Chain Bridge Honey Farm.

Directions

Follow signs for and park at Chain Bridge Honey Farm from B6461 (Scotland) or A698 (England). The Union Chain Bridge is nearby. Map link.

Website

www.berwicktimelines.com
unionchainbridge.blogspot.co.uk

Organised by

Friends of the Union Chain Bridge

- See more at: http://www.heritageopendays.org.uk/directory/union-chain-bridge#sthash.Eeb675A9.dpuf

Union Chain Bridge

Union Chain Bridge, Horncliffe, Berwick upon Tweed, Northumberland, TD15 2XT

A first as HODs crosses into Scotland! The Union Chain Bridge spans the River Tweed between Horncliffe in England and Fishwick, in Scotland. It was designed by Captain Samuel Brown RN, who held patents for the design of the chains, although Brown altered the tower and abutments on the suggestion of John Rennie. With a span of 137 metres, it is the first vehicular bridge of its type in the world. It cost £7,700 to construct and pre-dates the similar Clifton Suspension Bridge and the Menai Bridge. Today it continues to carry traffic, although it is in need of a major refurbishment before its bicentenary in 2020. Join the Friends of the Union Chain Bridge as they explain the significance of this engineering landmark. Just up the hill from the Union Chain Bridge on the English side is the Chain Bridge Honey Farm, where there is situated a permanent exhibition on chain suspension bridges.

Opening Times

• Saturday 13 September: 1100-1500
• Sunday 14 September: 1100-1500

Access

Limited parking on either side of bridge.

Additional information

Toilets and refreshments at the nearby Chain Bridge Honey Farm.

Directions

Follow signs for and park at Chain Bridge Honey Farm from B6461 (Scotland) or A698 (England). The Union Chain Bridge is nearby. Map link.

Website

www.berwicktimelines.com
unionchainbridge.blogspot.co.uk

Organised by

Friends of the Union Chain Bridge

- See more at: http://www.heritageopendays.org.uk/directory/union-chain-bridge#sthash.Eeb675A9.dpuf

Exhibition at Stephenson Works - AND associated tours

CIRCA Projects
Space Release #18
DOES THE IT FIT
Joanne Tatham & Tom O'Sullivan
 

Joanne Tatham & Tom O'Sullivan, John Smith, David Dye, Fiona Jardine, Alexander Harmon, Lothar Götz,
Alex Dordoy, Nadia Hebson, Alan Michael, Chris Evans

Preview: Thursday 17 October, 6pm

17 October-14 December 2013
Thursday-Saturday, 11am-6pm

The Stephenson Works
Sussex Street Entrance
Newcastle upon Tyne
NE1 3PD

CIRCA Projects invited Joanne Tatham & Tom O’Sullivan to work with them on the final instalment of their Space Release programme at Newcastle upon Tyne’s Stephenson Works. The exhibition responds to the Stephenson Works and the surrounding area, a site currently undergoing major redevelopment by Newcastle based property developers Silverlink Holdings. DOES THE IT FIT is an interrogative response to this situation that, amongst other things, considers the complex and nuanced relationships between re-generation and art.

The Stephenson Works is an historically significant building currently being used by a range of different organisations. A number of design companies have offices there and the space also provides a venue for cultural and food events. CIRCA Projects programme of exhibitions itself fits within a wider cultural agenda promoted by Silverlink Holdings.

DOES THE IT FIT positions a new work by Joanne Tatham & Tom O’Sullivan alongside a curated programme of works and talks. This schedule of exhibitions and events has been devised by Tatham & O’Sullivan, working with CIRCA Projects, as a response to both the context of the site and the commission.

In common with many of Joanne Tatham & Tom O’Sullivan’s works, their new commission comprises of a number of choreographed elements and uses a range of forms and approaches. Two constructed structures, sited on the factory floor and the mezzanine echo the recent and original architecture of the site and engage with the buildings current use and status. A second presentation comprises of a series of photo-works of composed subjective encounters with civic space within Newcastle. Finally, a printed text re-positions information relating to places, people and organisations connected both directly and indirectly to DOES THE IT FIT at the Stephenson Works. These seemingly disparate facts build a narrative that becomes increasingly coherent as a more complex picture emerges around the relationships between art and public space.

DOES THE IT FIT will be accompanied by a series of talks and screenings from Nadia Hebson, Fiona Jardine, Lothar Götz and Chris Evans. Each of these will follow through a theme or idea relating to the space and the commissioned work, from mural painting to corporate identity. Alongside this programme will be a cumulative exhibition of work by David Dye, Alex Dordoy, Alexander Harmon and Alan Michael. This series of presented works encourage a viewer to consider modes of art-making quite different to the demands of public engagement and the redevelopment of urban space.

Close by to the Stephenson Works and just visible through the windows of the factory floor is a high rectangular water tower. Given the vicinity of this structure, John Smith’s The Black Tower functions as a wilful curatorial device, drawing attention to the site and the choreography of the project.

DOES THE IT FIT Programme
Thursday 17 October, 6pm: Preview - DOES THE IT FIT Joanne Tatham & Tom O'Sullivan
Thursday 24 October, 6pm. Factory Floor: John Smith, The Black Tower
Thursday 07 November, 6pm. Mezzanine Space: David Dye,
Pod Event: Fiona Jardine
Thursday 14 November, 6pm. Mezzanine Space: Alexander Harmon, Pod Event: Nadia Hebson
Thursday 21 November, 6pm. Mezzanine Space: Alan Michael,Pod Event: Lothar Götz
Thursday 28 November, 6pm. Mezzanine Space: Alex Dordoy, Pod Event: Chris Evans

Heritage Tours lasting around one hour will take place at 12 noon on:
Saturday 26 October by Michael Taylor, Robert Stephenson Trust 
Saturday 07 December by Ian Ayris, Urban Design and Conservation Team at Newcastle City Council.

Summer Festival

The Art of Mining