Economics is used as the justification for all manner of things many of which have a profound impact on our lives, yet as of July 2014 only 1 in 10 MPs could correctly identify how new money comes into the UK economy. This talk aims to explain the distinctly unfair workings of our money system and give everyone attending no matter their background the tools and understanding to begin to unpick economic arguments

Richard Shelley is a Doctor who trained in Newcastle following an Undergraduate Masters from the University of Oxford. He became interested in the Money System while working in Japan and China and continued this interest on his return to the UK. In 2011 Richard set up the North East branch of the Positive Money campaign group. Although busy working as a Doctor he continues in his spare time to work to improve people's understanding of the money system, it's impacts on society and the alternatives available in line with this not for profit's objectives.

This is a free event, although donations to help fund Newcastle Skeptics in the Pub events are appreciated. We suggest £3, or whatever you can afford.

Three and a half years behind the counter in a health food shop can be a learning experience in more ways than one.

From vitamins and minerals to the latest celebrity-endorsed wonder supplement, no main street or shopping centre is complete without a purveyor of alternative therapies. Likewise, there are very few people who don’t associate vitamin C or echinacea with the treatment of colds or flu.

If these ideas are so pervasive, one question is why? What is it about the sellers of these therapies that make them seem so valid or trustworthy?

Well, take it from a former believer: the answer is definitely not black and white.

---

Rebecca O’Neill is the founder of the Dublin Skeptics in the Pub group that looks to promote rational, critical thinking and examines extraordinary claims whilst having a quiet pint (or beverage of choice). She is also co-host and producer one of the few all-female skeptical podcasts: The Skeprechauns.

During her undergraduate, the necessary evil of a part time job led her to work in retail, spending three and a half years behind the tills in a well known health food shop. As a coping mechanism, and perhaps to make amends for her time selling goji berries and aloe vera juice, she now gives talks about her experiences and about the health food industry in general.

A designer by training she fell rather serendipitously into museum work, working the in the Natural History Museum in Dublin for five years. She is now studying for her PhD, interested in all things curatorial in the real and digital world.

This is a free event, although donations to help fund Newcastle Skeptics in the Pub events are appreciated. We suggest £3, or whatever you can afford.

The 2015 General Election is right around the corner, so we're hosting a skeptical election-themed night! The topic of the debate will be:

"What is your party going to do for Newcastle, and the North East?"

The event will consist of:

• A six-minute talk from each party
• A Q+A session and debate, with questions taken from the audience.

We are pleased to announce that the debate section will be chaired by Dr Nick Randall - Senior Lecturer and Head of Politics, Newcastle University. 

"With research interests in "the politics of the British Labour and Conservative Parties; political ideologies in the UK; the territorial politics of the UK; the impact of European integration upon UK politics; the role of ideational and discursive factors in politics" we're sure he's the perfect person to chair and ensure a thought-provoking debate between the candidates."

The Conservatives, Liberal Democrats, the Green Party and the United Kingdom Independence Party have confirmed their attendance. We are still awaiting confirmation from the Labour Party.

We're still working out some of the details behind the scenes, so stay tuned for more information.

This is a free event, although donations to help fund Newcastle Skeptics in the Pub events are appreciated. We suggest £3, or whatever you can afford.

Hydesville. New York. 1848. The young Fox sisters begin communicating with the spirit of a murdered beggar and spiritualism is born.

This interactive look at a history of talking to the dead will feature an array of magical treats including levitating tables, ectoplasm manifestation and spirit communication.
Part magic show, part comedy, part rational inquiry this fun show has regularly packed venues at the Edinburgh fringe.

Ouija Boards
Spirit Slates
Spirit Communication
Stopped Pulses
Spewing ectoplasm
And more...

"Ash Pryce is a naturally funny guy and won't allow his audience to be bored"
"Very entertaining" - edfringereview "Go see" - Edinburgh Skeptics

---

Ash Pryce is a performer, director and occassional magician based in Scotland.  He has written and staged several skeptically themed shows looking at myths & legends, ghosts, psychics and mediumship as well as producing full plays ranging from Faustus to more contemporary original shows in Edinburgh.  He is the founder of Edinburgh Skeptics, the newly started History in the Pub Edinburgh, and runs what is believed to be the worlds first skeptical ghost tour every Fringe.  He lives just outside of Edinburgh with his three Degus, one of which holds a grudge against him.

This is a free event, although donations to help fund Newcastle Skeptics in the Pub events are appreciated. We suggest £3, or whatever you can afford.