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, […]
Events and Promotions 2022
Click to go to Events Calendar for more details This year‘s calendar of events begins on the 11th of May with a talk by Hugh Garratt on;“Change and Decay: Some Key Issues in the Conservation of Historic Buildings.”. Thiswas arranged by Brian Gowthorpe and it will concentrate on a problematic area whichoccurs time and time […]
Main Guard Party
There has been some delay in the printing of our Newsletter because of staff shortages due to Covid. However, we hope to have these distributed very soon. In the meantime, we should like members to know the date of our Main Guard Party on Thursday, 26th May from 6.30 pm to 8.30 pm. It will […]
Field Trip: Geology & Industrial Archaeology of Cocklawburn
Field Trip for Civic SocietyGeology & Industrial Archaeology of Cocklawburn led by Elizabeth Devon & Sandra Gann, Tuesday 24th May 2022 2.30 pm.Meet at the gun emplacement car park (NU 031481) at the end of the Cocklawburn Road.We then do a slow 2km circular walk looking at the gun emplacement, the remains of a lime […]
Window change/decay and restoring public buildings
The Civic Society’s next talk will be on 11th May 2022, at 7:30 pm, within The Parish Centre and will be given by Hugh Garratt of Smith and Garratt, Specialist Surveyors. Hugh Garratt is a Chartered Surveyor, specialising in planning and development, heritage and private client advisory work. The presentation will be on window change/decay and […]