User:Blythb/sandbox

Welcome to Her Majesties Coastguard Station Blyth. A History of.

After a series of shipwrecks in the Blyth area Blyth Volunteer life brigade was founded in 1863.

The following document was taken from the Tynemouth Volunteer Life brigade's archive.

Article from “The Shields Daily News” Monday, November 27, 1899.

The Shields Daily News

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 6, 1899.

TYNEMOUTH LIFE BRIGADE.

ANNUAL SUPPER.

SPEECH BY EARL GREY.

Last night the annual supper of the members of the Tynemouth Volunteer Life Brigade was held in the Watch House on the Spanish Battery. The Room had been tastefully decorated for the occasion, and projected quite a festive appearance. The walls were draped with flags, large Chinese lanterns hung suspended from the beams in the roof, while the tables were rendered attractive with little fairy lights, flowers, &c. A splendid repast, prepared by Capt. J. Anderson, the caretaker, was placed before about 200 gentlemen, whose appreciation of the caterer’s cuisine ability was plainly seen. The Mayor, wearing his chain of office, presided, and was supported by Earl Grey, Lord Lieutenant of the County. There were also amongst those present Ald. J.F. Spence, the hon. secretary; Mr J. S. Spence (hon. treasurer), Mr C.J. Spence, Rev. Canon Hicks, Rev. Father Howe; Dr. Wilkinson, hon. surgeon of the brigade; Ald. Dent, Blyth; Captain Bruce, harbourmaster; Chief Coastguardsman Craven, Ex-Chief Coastguardsman Jones, Mr. J.P. Smillie. Mr. T. Scott, Capt. C. Downie, Mr. B. Jaques, Mr. W. Chater, Mr. George Hadaway, Mr. H. Farrow, Mr. Lee, Capt. Brown, Mr. Robert Blair, South Shields, Mr. G. Weddell, and others. South Shields Volunteer Life Brigade was represented by Captains Walter Buckland, James Page, T.B. Grimes, and Mr. S. Malcolm, hon. secretary and treasurer and Sunderland Volunteer Life Brigade by Captains Ridley, Oliver, and Wilkinson. Letters of apology for absence were received from His Grace the Duke of Northumberland. Mr. J. Harrison Foster, Witley, Surrey (who enclosed £5 towards the expenses of the supper); Mr. Hugh Taylor, London; Mr. H.A. Adamson, the Town Clerk, and many other influential gentlemen.

After the supper,

The MAYOR proposed “The Queen,” the toast being enthusiastically honoured. This was followed by “The Navy, Army, and Auxiliary Forces,” submitted by Dr. Wilkinson, and acknowledged by Mr Craven and Capt. Brown.

Canon HICKS in a neat speech proposed “The Visitors and Supporters of the Brigade.” He said that all those who supported the Life Brigade could always feel that they were putting their hands into their pockets for a very good purpose, and to help in a good cause. (Hear, hear.)

Mr. G. WEDDELL and Ald. DENT replied. The latter said that 27 years ago, the veteran secretary Ald. Spence, induced him to form a life brigade at Blyth, and he did so. (Applause.) Since then excellent work had been done, and the members, he was glad to say. were full of enthusiasm, and ready and willing at all times to respond to the call to duty. (Applause.)

Earl GREY was asked to propose “The Coastguard and Life Brigade,” and upon rising to do so was greeted with quite an ovation, the company cheering and singing heartily “He’s a jolly good fellow.” He said that when he was listening to the remarks of Canon Hicks and to the songs that had been sung, he was reminded of an old story of a devout and religious man who framed a prayer and nailed it to the toot of his bed, and when he pulled up the counterpane under his chin said “Amen; them’s my sentiments” before placing the extinguisher upon his candle and going to sleep. He should like to place the extinguisher on his candle, and say that what had already been said and sung were his sentiments, He did not think he could say anything better than Canon Hicks had said with reference to their Brigade. He had to propose a toast to the honour of the Coastguard and their Volunteer Life Brigade.

This was the start of HM CG Blyth.

More to follow.

Category:HM Coastguard Category:Coastguard UK Category:Blyth, Northumberland Category:Search and rescue Category:To search to rescue to save