One of the North East’s oldest societies is appealing for anyone with memories of its past members or projects to get in touch.
For almost a century, the Northumberland & Newcastle Society has campaigned to preserve historic buildings and influence the planning of new ones.
And it is urging anyone who can share their memories, or pictures of its work in years gone by, to contribute to a book being published to mark its centenary.
Founded in 1924, the aim of the Northumberland Society was ‘to promote a wider concern for the beauty, historical interest, amenity, healthfulness and development of the city’.
Led by some of Tyneside’s most prominent figures – such as engineer Sir Charles Parsons and newspaper magnate Sir Joseph Reed - it became the Northumberland & Newcastle Society in 1929.
Since then, it has led and raised awareness of countless campaigns to preserve the best of the North East’s architecture, landscapes and culture.
These have included, in earlier years, the protection of historic monuments, the control of advertising and litter, the abatement of smoke pollution and even ‘how to manage the motor car’.
And the society is currently lending its voice to a variety of issues from housing development and policy to speed-limit policies in rural communities, windfarms and energy matters including fracking.
“Our work is very much about ensuring we - and future generations - can enjoy our surroundings,” said chairman John Matthews, “and that is how it has been since the society was founded.
“It is quite rare for a civic society to reach a centenary so we fully intend to mark the occasion.
“We very much want to hear from anyone with memories or pictures of people or places linked to the Society – and the plan is to publish a book which we hope will be a fantastic record of the city and county over the century.”
For more information about the Northumberland & Newcastle Society, or to join, visit https://www.nandnsociety.org.uk.
Anyone with information or images of the society’s activities, achievements and alumni is asked to contact administrator@nandnsociety.org.uk.
Don't forget to check out our Memory Lane local history website that's packed with archive photographs and has an easy-to-use picture colourisation tool.
