Important Notice:
All attending delegates will need to
provide photo ID to gain admission.
Pre Arrival Information
Covid-19
We are all familiar with Covid risk assessments and we have worked with each venue to understand their risk assessments. Currently, with no Covid-restrictions in place, we are able to host the conference without the need for social distancing, but delegates are encouraged to wear masks in the various venues, particularly, if they are busy. Finally, this will be the first time many of us will have seen each other for a long time, so please be kind and respectful of those amongst us who will wish to maintain physical distance and take a lateral flow test if you are feeling unwell.
Venues and timings
We have done our best to ensure locations of the conference sessions and the hotels are very easy to navigate and you will have time to walk between venues. If Newcastle is not familiar to you, please refer to the map on page 41 below, or by accessing the National Cathedrals Conference website www.nationalcathedralsconference.org where we have a map of Newcastle City Centre. We hope that this will give you a good idea on venues. We will have 80 + volunteers supporting the conference, please approach any of these for assistance. All volunteers will have a conference T-shirt on, highlighting that they are volunteers.
Dress code
Conference dress code is Smart Casual, dress for the Gala Dinner is Casual elegant.
Arrival, Monday 16 may, up to 1345
Travelling to Newcastle by train is easy thanks to the number of train services which offer regular and direct routes from London, Edinburgh and Leeds, to name a few. As you arrive at Newcastle Central Station you will be greeted by conference volunteers who will direct you to Newcastle Cathedral. If your arrival is by plane, please catch the Metro and alight at Newcastle Central Station, where volunteers will direct you to the Cathedral. Entrance to Newcastle Cathedral will be via the South West door. Due to the security protocols associated with Sir John Major’s visit, you may be asked to show some form of photo identification to gain access. Once in the Cathedral you will be given a conference lanyard, name tag, conference pin and delegate bag. You will also be advised which hotel you will be staying at and be issued with your room key. We recommend that you arrive between 1130 and 1300, to give you an opportunity to drop off your bag at the hotel and enjoy lunch at the Cathedral.
Arrivals after 1345 on Monday 16 may
If you arrive at the Cathedral after 1345 on the Monday, conference security will direct you to the East door and the conference help desk where you will be issued with conference lanyard, name tag, conference pin and delegate bag. You will also be advised which hotel you will be staying at and given directions so you can go the hotel and check-in.
Conference and Departure Information
Accommodation
You will be staying in one of three hotels, all within a short walk of the Cathedral. Cathedral delegations will mostly be staying in the same hotel. Breakfast will be provided at your hotel. You will be able to drop your bag at the hotel before the conference starts at 1345 on Monday. You should check out on Thursday morning before the final morning session starts. Bags can be left at the hotel for you to pick up at the end of the conference.
Conference help desk
The help desk will be in operation from 1345 on Monday 16 May and will remain open throughout the conference. If you find yourself in any difficult situation while in Newcastle, please contact Canon Peter Dobson on the following number: 07594 622 882.
External workshops and dinner venues
The conference workshops on the Wednesday will be operating over the following five locations:
- Newcastle Cathedral
- County Hotel
- Vermont Hotel
- Common Room of the North (Miners Institute)
- Lit & Phil
Monday night’s dinner will be at Revolución de Cuba, a very short walk from the Cathedral. The dinners on Tuesday and Wednesday will be taking place at the Civic Centre.
We will have volunteer stewards on duty at each location to assist delegates in wayfinding across Newcastle.
Cathedral Shop
During the conference, it is envisaged that the staff at Newcastle Cathedral will operate a limited retail offer for delegates.
Food & beverage
During the conference all Food and Beverage in the day-time will be served at the east end of the cathedral or outside on the East Terrace. Monday evening dinner will be at Revolución de Cuba, 1 Cloth Market, Newcastle upon Tyne. Tuesday and Wednesday evenings’ dinners will be at the Civic Centre, Barras Bridge, Haymarket, Newcastle upon Tyne
Departure
Departure on Thursday 19 May will be after lunch. All delegates will be able to get a ‘Grab & Go Lunch’ and you can choose to take this away with you or to stay and eat it with colleagues. Please note, please leave your luggage at your hotel and collect after you finally leave the Cathedral; if this is not possible, Newcastle Cathedral has limited storage facilities in the Refectory.
Feedback questionnaire
A feedback questionnaire will be sent to all delegates immediately after the conference that can be filled in and sent back electronically. The link for the questionnaire can be found here: https://bit.ly/NCCQuestionnaire
We would greatly appreciate your participation in completing this.
