From the Worker’s Educational Association

JACK COMMON FESTIVAL IN NEWCASTLE

The life of Tyneside writer, Jack Common, whose work inspired George Orwell, will be celebrated at an event in Newcastle Central Library on Saturday 17 October.

Jack Common, who was born and grew up in the railway streets of Heaton, Newcastle, wrote novels, film scripts and articles about everyday life on Tyneside during the 1930s and 1940s, including his
famous book, ‘Kiddar’s Luck’. His life story has now been recounted in a new biography by North East poet Keith Armstrong, ‘Common Words and the Wandering Star’, which will be launched at the
festival.

Arranged jointly by the Workers’ Educational Association (WEA) and Newcastle City Libraries, the festival includes a talk by Keith Armstrong, and a short tribute to Jack Common by his son, Peter.

The event also features screenings of two rarely seen films – ‘Tyneside Story’, scripted by Jack Common about the area’s shipyard workers during the Second World War, and ‘Common’s Luck’ directed by
John Mapplebeck and last broadcast in 1984. John Mapplebeck will be present to introduce his film.

Musician Jez Lowe, writer of ‘Jack Common’s Anthem’, together with folk group ‘Kiddar’s Luck’, will round off the free festival.

The festival kicks off at 10.30 in the Library’s Bewick Hall, and ends at 5.00 pm.

For booking details contact Kath Cassidy at Newcastle Central Library on 0191 2774155.