The Whitworth Society gathered in the city of Newcastle upon Tyne for the 2024 summer meeting on the 18th and 19th July 2024, hosted by 2023-24 President Kevin Urquhart CEng MIMechE WhSch (1997).
To highlight some of the region's rich engineering heritage and current innovations the meeting comprised visits to Red Engineering, Cragside and Newcastle University, with an evening meal at Blackfriars, a 13th Century dining venue close to the centre of the city, followed by after dinner cocktails for the late night revellers!
Please enjoy the video reel of the event attached kindly compiled by Chris Sidney , BEng (Hons), WhSch (2010), Whitworth Society Past President 2022-23.
Members may log in for a more detailed written account of the event also written by Chris.
Celebrating the Centenary Whitworth Society Commemoration Dinner, 8th March 2024
On March 8th 2024, 70 Whitworth Scholars assembled in the impressive setting of the House of Lords for the centenary Whitworth Society Commemoration Dinner, a week before the 156th anniversary of Sir Joseph Whitworth's letter to then Prime Minister Benjamin Disraeli that laid the foundation for the Whitworth Scholarships those present had gathered to commemorate.
Website members can login to read a detailed account of the event written by 2020 Whitworth Scholar Dean White, accompanied by photos from the evening supplied by Peter Whyman, Martin Comer, Rachael Hoyle and Chris Sidney.
President Kevin Urquhart WhSch (1997) speaking to the room
Whitworth Award Holders Lunch 2024
Whitworth Award Holders Group Photo Inside Holland House, 9th February 2024
On Friday 9th February 2024, the Annual Whitworth Award Holders Lunch was held in Holland House, a fantastic art deco office block in the heart of the City of London right at the foot of St Mary's Axe (more commonly known as "The Gherkin").
Ten of this year's new Award Holders met with host Vice President Rachael Hoyle, President Kevin Urquhart and Chair of the Whitworth Society Trustees and two-time Past President Brian Coaker for a fulfilling and delightful day.
Website members can login to read a full account of the event written by 2023 Award Holder Ella Bartley, which is accompanied by photos from the day supplied by Rachael, Brian and Kevin.
Whitworth Society Centenary Celebration - Autumn 2023
A special event was held in Liverpool on the 17th and 18th November 2023 in celebration of 100 years of the Whitworth Society.
Since being founded by Dr. Henry Selby Hele-Shaw in 1923, the society has provided a means for Whitworth Scholars to connect, as well as continuing to promote Sir Joseph Whitworth's vision of bringing Science and industry into closer relation with each other. The event was organised to recognise the benefit the Society has brought to those involved throughout the past century and included a visit to the University of Liverpool School of Engineering, a celebratory evening meal and a visit to Liverpool's World Museum. The event also included reflective talks by President Kevin Urquhart, Vice President Rachel Hoyle and past presidents Chris Sidney and Geoff Ward.
Website members can login to read a detailed account of the event written by 2016 Whitworth Scholar Rikki Jones, accompanied by photos from the event.
Summer Meeting 2023
The video below contains highlights of the 2023 Summer Meeting hosted in Loughborough on the 6th and 7th July by Chris Sidney, Whitworth Society President 2022-23.
Visit to Discovery Museum Archives - May 2023
Kevin Urquhart visited Tyne and Wear Archives and Museums (TWAM) stores near Beamish Museum in May 2023 to view several items donated by the the University of Salford and The Whitworth Society to the Discovery Museum, Newcastle upon Tyne back in 1998
He was pleased to see the various Whitworth gauges and measuring machine were largely in good condition, but sad to find they are no longer on public display with no plans to rectify this. He is working on resolving this situation before the Whitworth Society summer meeting to be held in Newcastle next July.
Website members can login to read an account of the visit with images by Kevin.