Howdo Bob
Being a bred and buttered smoggie I'm not too sure about the geordie/mackem side of things but here’s a few general goings on that may interest you.
You should think about coming along to this year’s Rock Art Meeting (RAM08), you'll be able to hook-up with some like minded folk from around your area. Details are here http://docs.google.com/View?docID=ahb468fmksd4_31dmb5vm&revision=_latest
Keeping in a rock art groove (groan!), there is the excellent Northumberland and Durham Rock Art Project. The heroic volunteers meet-up on a very regular basis and get out and about throughout the year. You can get details from the lovely Dr Kate Sharpe
[email protected]
You can keep in touch with all things Northern via the wonderful Northern Earth magazine. Details to be found here
http://www.northernearth.co.uk/
Dave Raven organises regular Northern Earth fieldtrips and meet-ups via this e-group
http://tech.groups.yahoo.com/group/NEWalks/
It may be worth seeking out your local archaeological society, most societies have regular meetings and lectures.

Hope this helps and maybe I’ll see you at the RAM
fitz