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When graduates of the Department of Agricultural Engineering at the University of Newcastle upon Tyne met on the evening of their Congregation in 1982,  they were confident that the Society that they founded that day would become one of the most intellectually respected bodies of its time.

Over the last forty or so years,  The Otterburn Society has arguably become one of the most respected authorities on engineering innovation,  culture and the arts.

Members present papers at private conferences held each autumn.  These are philosophically sophisticated and intellectually stimulating.

The papers published in the Otterburn Society Journal reflect matters of interest to members and these are made publicly available for the benefit of society.

Origins

The origins of the Otterburn Society date back to the halcyon days of the eighties, when engineering was studied in the faculty of Agriculture at the University of Newcastle upon Tyne and the Agricultural Society was focused on the active pursuit of hedonism. 

Members of the Otterburn Society fondly remember the Cochrane lounge, the lower bun room and the walk from there to the level six disco to the chorus of “Lloyd George knew my father”.

Many members also have fond memories of the facilities on Level 3. 

Much has changed at the University since those days,  and indeed much has changed for the founders of the Otterburn Society.

Each member of the Otterburn Society has become a subject matter expert in his chosen field.

This wealth of experience enables healthy debate and confidence that the principles adopted by the members are of benefit to society.