|
Home
Wick
Wick
Rescues
50th
Anniversary
George
Robb
Disaster.
Newbiggin -
Now and Then
Chronicle
Winners
Lifeboat
Station
150th Anniversary
Station History
(Brief)
Cockburnspath
View Guestbook
Site Map
What's New
Welcome Page
Objectives
Bibliography
|
 The
photograph here (on left) shows the two Coastguard House's which were rented
to the Coastguard families from the Government's Board of Trade.
The house with the flag pole and small building in front (this was a
training room originally) belonged to the Station Officer - No. 6 - who
was then Joe Harris, and
next door (our left) is No. 5 where Eric and Eve lived. Taken in
1949, the views around the bay were breath-taking, (the house's are still
there but now privately owned - and yes the views are still
breath-taking! This bright and lively fishing community was (and
still is) a 'close-knit' family with everyone helping each other. By enlarging the
picture (click on the photo), you can see a tractor on the beach with a
trailer awaiting for their fishing boat, or 'Coble' to return, also, one
of three promenades (far left-hand-side of the photo), and yes - there
was a beach!
Eric
Campbell arrived in Newbiggin-By-The-Sea with his wife Evelyn after his
appointment to (then named) Board of Trade Coastguard Force, on the 2nd May 1949, as a newly qualified member,
with the rank of 'Coastguardsman'.
Newbiggin was a two coastguard station, Eric
Campbell's arrival relived Coastguardsman William Browne (who left in
1946). Eric served with Officer in Charge Joe Harris, until 1951
when Joe transferred, then Alex Kiloh arrived until 1953 when Alex
transferred and Coastguardsman Albert Hyde arrived in 1953. Eric
transferred to Cockburnspath in the New Year of January 1955
Coastguardsman John Dobson arrived - reliving Eric on 16th January 1955.
 The photo (left) show a view of the bay and
beach - probably taken from around Spital Cottage. Notice the swings on the
beach of soft sand which gently sloped out to sea - sometimes for
a 100 yards before reaching your knees! In the
distance, St. Bartholomew's Church. To the right of the
church is the Coastguard's Lookout Tower - certainly a marvellous
view to be had from there. It was also very draughty inside
the tower when
the wind was blowing. For a closer view of the Lookout Tower, click
here.
In
1851, Newbiggin-By-The-Sea had its first lifeboat station which was
provided by the Duke of Northumberland. This was followed by
Newbiggin's first lifeboat, named 'Latimer', again provided by the Duke.
This lifeboat station is still in use to-day and is now the oldest
working station in England. Their 150th anniversary was on 27th
May 2001, to which I personally will attend. It was here that
many, many rescues were launched, in all kind of weather.
It is
certainly true to say that many hundreds, if not thousands of people owe
their lives to the courageous and brave actions of the volunteer
lifeboat members. On the right is a postcard showing the Lifeboat
slipway etc for launching. There have been many lives saved
thanks to the tireless and tremendous efforts of the locals who
man-handled the lifeboat across terrains of tall, rough grass,
sand banks and rock so as to launch the lifeboat for a rescue. During each year within the local North Eastern
regional L.S.A.'s, (Life
Saving Apparatus), there is a competition as to who is the most
efficient and quickest to 'launch a rescue' on dry land, called "The
Chronicle Cup."
 On average there are between 16 and 20
Brigades taking part (depending who is on duty etc.) - all are judged and marked on their performance,
effort and team work. This competition will introduce
certain hazards and problems (which they may encounter in a real life
rescue), all of which change each year. In 1954, Newbiggin L.S.A. actually won the trophy
(from Tynemouth) for the first time in their history - as you could imagine, there were
many celebrations in 'The Old Ship Inn' where Newbiggin L.S.A. hold
their functions and members
meet.
(Click on the above picture for their names.)
TO BE CONTINUED....
|
