This talk by Chris Goulding, which will take place at The Corner House on Wednesday 25 September 2013 at 7.00pm, will look at the remarkable life of the Toon’s own Renaissance man, Colin Veitch. Probably the greatest player ever to take the field for Newcastle United, Veitch was a versatile and charismatic captain as well as an innovative tactician and an early campaigner for the professionalisation of the game. His life off the pitch was every bit as multi-faceted, with Veitch involving himself in politics, trade unionism, theatre, journalism and serving his country during the First World War. Veitch’s extraordinary story sheds fascinating sidelight on life, sport and culture on Tyneside during the first half of the Twentieth century.

Dr Christopher Goulding teaches English at the Royal Grammar School. A former professional actor and published author, he has been a member of the People’s Theatre for over 30 years. He has carried out extensive research into the life and career of Colin Veitch and maintains the Colin Vetch website.
Heaton History Group and Chris Goulding have campaigned for a commemorative plaque to be displayed on Colin Veitch’s former home in Heaton. We are delighted to be able to announce that this has now been approved. Details of the site, generous supporters and the timetable for the unveiling will be announced soon. STOP PRESS 25 September, to coincide with our talk, has now been pencilled in and the Lord Mayor has it in her diary. Perfect! Confirmation and more details soon.
Booking for the talk is open. Entry is free for members. The non-members’ price is £2. Contact Maria Graham (0191 215 0821 / 07763 985656).
Find out about Membership.
I would be very interested in this talk about colin veitch as I am his great niece janet keighley nee veitch my grandfather was norman veitch and my father was named colin after his uncle. colin and norman married 2 sister edith to norman and colin to minnie paulsen who died in the twenties I think, he then married Greta. Norman was born at clayton park squareand they then moved to stratford villas.
Dear Janet, I am so glad that you have made contact. We wanted to trace descendants of Colin to invite them to the plaque unveiling – and, of course, to the talk as well – but didn’t quite know where to start. If you could email me at Chris.jackson@heatonhistorygroup.org I’ll tell you about the arrangements.
Best wishes,
Chris
Hi, Hoping to get along to the lecture and solve a family history question – related to the great man or not? Perhaps Janet can help me out? Paul Veitch, Benton, Newcastle
Hi Paul,
Hope you can make it. The more Veitches the better!
Chris
Secretary
Hi Paul, Maria told me that you thought you had arranged to come to the plaque unveiling on Wednesday. You are very welcome to come to the talk in the evening but the ceremony has been arranged by the council and is by invitation only, I’m afraid. Look forward to meeting you at the Corner House though from 7.00pm. Chris (Secretary – Heaton History Group)