My creation
plus discussion on Humanism, religion and race in modern Britain
Thursday May 21st 2026, Meet-up and Social with some Topical Discussion, 7pm (doors open 6:45) at the Literary and Philosophical Society Building, 23 Westgate Road, Newcastle, NE1 1SE (near the main station)
plus discussion on Humanism, religion and race in modern Britain
Thursday May 21st 2026, Meet-up and Social with some Topical Discussion, 7pm (doors open 6:45) at the Literary and Philosophical Society Building, 23 Westgate Road, Newcastle, NE1 1SE (near the main station)
Join us for an engaging and interesting evening where NEH trustees and members will talk about something they have created and perhaps how it was made, the pleasure it gives and why it it is important to them. This could be a work of art, a recipe, a book or whatever the speaker thinks is appropriate, Attendees, should they choose, will have the opportunity to contribute and talk about their creation. Creations don't have to be Humanist in any particular way.
There will also be discussion on Humanism, race and religion in modern Britain given how central these issues are in the public space at the moment.
Time allowing, our resident troubadour, Philip Nathan, may also regale us again with one or two Humanist songs from his recent album of Humanist music
FREE and open to all – everyone is welcome. Refreshments provided. Donations are welcome to help cover costs.
We look forward to seeing you there for what promises to be a pleasant and social evening.
North East Humanists
There will also be discussion on Humanism, race and religion in modern Britain given how central these issues are in the public space at the moment.
Time allowing, our resident troubadour, Philip Nathan, may also regale us again with one or two Humanist songs from his recent album of Humanist music
FREE and open to all – everyone is welcome. Refreshments provided. Donations are welcome to help cover costs.
We look forward to seeing you there for what promises to be a pleasant and social evening.
North East Humanists
Sunday 17th May 4-6pm at Merryoaks Community Hall, Park House Road, Durham, DH1 3QF
A talk on modern slavery by Beryl Downing
Our next Secular Salon promises to be a thought-provoking and highly relevant discussion, led by Beryl Downing, a long-standing NEH member, whose curiosity was sparked by a conversation with her ten-year-old grandson.
We often think of slavery as something Britain helped to abolish in the 19th century. But while the Slavery Abolition Act 1833 marked a turning point, the story is far from over. In fact, modern slavery is more widespread than ever. According to Anti-Slavery International and the UN Office on Drugs and Crime, nearly 50 million people worldwide are currently living in conditions of forced labour or exploitation.
Beryl has been exploring where this slavery exists today and how it connects to our everyday lives. Her research reveals that forced labour is embedded in global supply chains—meaning that many of the goods and services we rely on may be linked to exploitation. Governments, corporations and organised crime all play a part.
This raises challenging but important questions: What can we, as Humanists, do in response? How can we reduce our reliance on systems that depend on exploitation? And what practical steps can individuals and communities take?
Join us for what promises to be a stimulating and eye-opening discussion—and a chance to reflect together on how Humanist values apply to one of the most pressing ethical issues of our time.
The event is free and refreshments will be provided. Donations to cover costs are welcome.
We look forward to seeing you there.
