FACT

Bringing Fawdon and Coxlodge Together

We believe strong communities are built when people know one another, share ideas and work together.

Fawdon and Coxlodge Together, or FACT, is a local charity created to help make that happen. We bring residents, schools, community groups and local organisations together to support projects that celebrate the area, respond to local needs and create new opportunities for people to get involved.

Through community events, local projects, volunteering, consultation and partnership working, we help residents share their experiences, contribute ideas and play an active role in shaping the future of the area. We work with schools, community groups, local organisations and residents of all ages—from the very youngest to the young at heart.

Rooted in the local community

FACT grew out of Fawdon and Coxlodge: Past, Present and Future, a community project that brought different generations together to explore the history, identity and changing character of the area. What began as a time-limited project developed into something more lasting. The energy, relationships and ideas it created showed the value of having a permanent organisation dedicated to the community. FACT was established as a Charitable Incorporated Organisation and is registered with the Charity Commission under charity number 1187736.

Led by local volunteers

FACT is run by volunteers who live in Fawdon and Coxlodge. We give our time because we care about the area and want to help it thrive. Our volunteers bring different skills, experiences and interests, but we share the same aim: to make Fawdon and Coxlodge a welcoming, active and connected place for everyone.

What we do

Our work is shaped by local people and local priorities.

We develop and support activities that:

bring residents together
celebrate local history and identity
improve shared spaces
create opportunities for volunteering
involve children, families and older residents
encourage conversation and community participation
help local voices influence positive change

We work closely with schools, community groups, local partners and residents of all ages. Whether you are new to the area or have lived here all your life, there is a place for you in our community.

Everyone has something to contribute

You do not need specialist experience to get involved. You might have an idea for a project, a few hours to volunteer, a local story to share or simply an interest in meeting people and helping your neighbourhood. Every contribution matters.

Join us

Help us make Fawdon and Coxlodge an even better place to live. Get in touch to volunteer, share an idea or find out more about our current projects.

Email: fawdonandcoxlodgetogether@gmail.com

We’re excited to launch Growing Fawdon Together—a new community-led environmental and wellbeing project designed to bring local people together, improve Dykefield and encourage greater care for our shared green spaces. Through volunteer planting sessions, a community treasure hunt, environmental activities with a local primary school and a final community celebration at Fawdon Community Centre, the project will create opportunities for residents of all ages to learn new skills, spend time outdoors and connect with others. Developed in response to local conversations and Fawdon & Coxlodge Greenways community survey in 2025, Growing Fawdon Together will focus on practical action, biodiversity, recycling and community pride.

Running from August to December 2026, the project is delivered by Fawdon and Coxlodge Together and funded by the Small Sparks Plus Fund. Everyone is welcome to get involved—together, we can make Dykefield and the wider neighbourhood greener, healthier and more connected.

Find out more

Fawdon & Coxlodge Greenways

A Community-Driven Green Space Project

We’re excited to launch Fawdon & Coxlodge Greenways—a new community-led initiative designed to enhance local green spaces, promote biodiversity, and create sustainable, accessible routes for everyone to enjoy. By planting trees, improving footpaths, and supporting local wildlife, this project will reconnect residents with nature and transform underused spaces into thriving, eco-friendly corridors. Working alongside local groups, schools, and volunteers, we aim to make Fawdon and Coxlodge greener, healthier, and more connected. Launching in 2025 with a public consultation, the project will grow and evolve based on community input and the success of the pilot phase. Everyone is welcome to get involved—together, we can make a lasting difference.

David Faulkner OBE awarded the Freedom of Newcastle

David Faulkner OBE has been made an Honorary Freeman of Newcastle, recognising more than five decades of service to the city and its communities. The honour was presented during a special ceremony at Newcastle’s Civic Centre, where David received a framed scroll from the Lord Mayor, Cllr Henry Gallagher, in front of family, friends, and colleagues who have supported him throughout his long career of public service.

A lifelong Newcastle United supporter, David was born and raised in Newcastle and attended Heaton Grammar School between 1959 and 1966. After graduating with a first-class honours degree in History, he went on to build a successful professional career, rising to Director of Personnel and Corporate Affairs at Northern Electric, based at Carliol House in Newcastle city centre. In this role he developed strong connections with many of the city’s organisations and institutions.

David has long been a passionate supporter of arts and culture. He served as Director of the Sponsors’ Club of Arts and Business and, for the past 15 years, has managed Newcastles of the World, an international network connecting towns and cities across the globe that share the name Newcastle.

His commitment to public life also includes many years in local government. First elected as a councillor in 1973 representing Elswick, David later returned to Newcastle City Council in 2004, representing Fawdon until 2018. He also served as Liberal Democrat leader of Newcastle City Council from 2010 to 2011. In recognition of his contributions, he was appointed Honorary Alderman of Newcastle when he stepped down from the council.

Even after leaving elected office, David has continued to play an active role in community life. He has helped lead the community-led preservation of Fawdon Community Library and Kenton Park Sports Centre, ensuring these valued local facilities remain at the heart of the community.

A keen historian, he has also written about the city’s industrial heritage. His recent book, Memories of the Fawdon Factory: A Sweet Story, explores the history and memories surrounding the former Nestlé factory in Fawdon.

The Freedom of the City recognises individuals whose service and commitment have made an exceptional contribution to Newcastle and its communities. Through decades of work in public service, culture, and community life, David Faulkner’s legacy continues to shape and strengthen the city he has served for so long.