Rowan Brown, CEO, Museums Northumberland At the February meeting of the Civic Society we welcomed Rowan Brown CEO of Museums Northumberland (MN) who gave an excellent illustrated presentation on the background and organisation of the MN and its vision for the future though Rowan stressed expecting to hear the actual plans for the Berwick Museum […]
Why is Putin attacking Ukraine?
A talk by David Saunders, Emeritus Professor School of History, Classics & Archaeology, Newcastle University Ukraine was my first subject of study when I became an academic. No-one in the UK was very interested at that time and I had to present myself as a Russianist, so I am very glad indeed that people are […]
Berwick upon Tweed Civic Society Christmas Party
Wednesday 7th December 2022 at 7:00 pm within the Parish Centre An informal evening with musical entertainment and finger buffet Tickets are £7.50 per head, to include finger buffet, a glass of wine and soft drinks. Wine will be available by the glass or bottles for a donation. All tickets have now been sold. Thank […]
The Museum of the Wood Age
by Max Adams, Archaeologist, Author and Woodsman We were very pleased to welcome Max Adams to the Civic Society for a tour of his virtual Museum of the Wood Age. As well as the beauty of trees, we were reminded of their unique properties that make them such a valuable resource – longevity, durability and […]
The Miracles of St Aebbe of Coldingham
by Robert Bartlett CBE FBA FRSE Bishop Wardlaw,Professor of Mediaeval History Emeritus, University of St Andrew’s We were very privileged to welcome Professor Bartlett to the Guildhall this month to talk about the miracles of St Aebbe of Coldingham. He first gave us a fascinating insight into the 7th century world of Princess Aebbe born […]
The Perils of Property Development
Brian Gowthorpe BA FRICS (retired) : Chairman of the Civic Society Planning & Development Committee We were pleased to have Brian Gowthorpe give a fascinating insight into the Perils of Property Development. Perhaps his opening image of Bruegel’s Tower of Babel should have given us a clue about the difficulties of negotiating ways through the […]
Simpson’s Malt – A Berwick History
A Talk by Richard Simpson, Vice-Chairman of Simpson’s Malt at the Parish Centre on 8th June 2022 Richard introduced himself as the 5th generation of a family business that started as ‘Corn Factors’ – the buying and selling of corn to others – in 1852 in Leeds. He went on to give an informative and […]
The Queen’s Jubilee Party at the Main Guard
The Civic Society celebrated Her Majesty The Queen’s Platinum Jubilee with a party at The Main Guard on 26th May. This was also a preview of this year’s current exhibition on Royal Berwick. Over 60 guests enjoyed a great evening with a delicious finger buffet catered by Susan Reay. Amongst these was The Mayor of Berwick, Cllr […]
Berwick Heritage Open Days
This year Heritage Open Days (HODS) will take place in England between 9 and 18th September inclusive and the general theme is “Astounding Inventions”. I’m not sure how we will fit into that at the moment and so, if anyone has any ideas, do let me know. Berwick HODS will run over the whole period […]
Is Berwick changing for the Better?
Reproduced from the Berwick Civic Society Summer Newsletter: download copy We regularly hear grumbles from those who are convinced that Berwick has declined from a previous golden age of bustling prosperity; they are convinced that nothing much happens except decline. In fact, Berwick continues to change a lot more than people might think. Gilbert O’Brien, […]