JANUARY

6 January

The gale proved to be one of the most damaging to shipping for some years and resulted in one of the busiest nights in the history of the brigade. The Cora, Margee, Mary Mac, Lucerne and Emmanuel Boucher were all wrecked by the storm.

7 January

Samuel Malcolm, the Brigade's Hon. Secretary, makes a public appeal for funds to build a watch house on the South Pier.

South Shields Volunteer Life Brigade

Sir, —Allow me, through the medium of your valuable paper, to bring before the public the claims of the above brigade on their liberality and support.  As will be seen in another column, a perfect hurricane swept along our coast early on Sunday morning, bringing destruction to several vessels, and, in all probability, to several lives, but for the timely efforts of the life brigade and others who were present. It is the desire of every man connected with this institution that it should be the most efficient in the kingdom, and it is very evident from what has already occurred this year, and last year also, that its formation has not been in vain. During that time they have saved from a watery grave about forty persons, among whom were a woman and her infant child. While we are willing to risk our lives in this noble cause, we confidently hope that the public will come to our assistance, and provide us with funds for efficiently carrying on our work. At present we are having a watch-house built on the South Pier for the accommodation of the members in stormy weather. The Board of Trade and others have come to our assistance, but still we are greatly deficient in the necessary funds for completing it. It is the wish of the committee not only to rescue the poor sailors, but also to supply them with those comforts so necessary in their helpless condition. During the recent disaster we had 26 men thrown on our hands, more dead than alive, from the great exposure they had undergone, without being able to administer to their comforts, save the warmth derived from a fire. The consequence was the greater part of the poor fellows had to walk more than a mile through sleet, snow, and wind, before they could get dry clothing or anything to eat or drink. It is our wish to have all these necessaries in our new watch house, which can only be done by liberal response to this appeal.  For this purpose, by the permission of the bankers of the town, subscription lists will lie at their establishments. Donations will also be thankfully received by any of the committee or myself. In conclusion, I may state, we stand in the proud position of being the first volunteer brigade in the United Kingdom that has saved life from shipwreck, and while we are still willing to give our, services and expose ourselves for our suffering fellow creatures, we trust our efforts will be seconded by the public, that they will identify themselves with our success and liberally sustain the prestige we have already gained.

Yours very truly,

S. Malcolm,

Honorary Secretary to: South Shields Volunteer Life Brigade -January. 7th, 1867.

Source: Shields Daily Gazette 7 January 1867

January and February

The Brigade receive several donations and the funds from a collection at the Pantomime.

South Shields Volunteer Life Brigade

The committee beg to acknowledge the following donations with thanks :—£l from Mrs Wood, Westoe Villa; 1 Quilt from Mr J. S. Collinson, Market Place ; 1 Pair of Blankets and 1 Quilt from Mr Wigham, East King Street;  1Pair of Blankets from Messrs J. Fenwick Sons, King Street ; and 1 Pair of Blankets from Messrs Kirkley & Co., Market Place.

Source: Shields Daily Gazette 9 January 1867

The Pantomime

The pantomime at the South Shields theatre still continues to meet with enthusiastic approbation and full houses. The following addition to the stock of local allusions was given last night, and was received with great applause. We may add that, to give practical effect to the closing sentiment, Mr Reeve has placed boxes at the entrances to the pit, gallery, and dress circle, which it is to be hoped will be filled with contributions to the funds the Brigade :—

How save the boy from drowning, can you ask?
If e'en to fairy skill too great the task,
Help in reserve I have in those brave spirits here,
Who but few nights since, devoid of fear,
With noble daring risked their lives to save
Poor shipwrecked sailors from an ocean grave.
Bravest of Volunteers! Noble is your task!
And nobly should the public give the help you ask;
Humanity demands that all who can should aid
The glorious spirit of your Life Brigade.

Source: Shields Daily Gazette 11 January 1867

South Shields Life Brigade

The committee of the South Shields Life Brigade beg to acknowledge the receipt of the following subscriptions per Messrs H. Nelson and S. Crisp

Messrs Lambton & Co.	£10 0 0
Messrs James Joicey & Co.	£2 2 0
C. W. Anderson, Esq J. P.	£2 2 0
Messrs Hunter and Ericksen	£2 2 0
Edward Story, Esq.	£1 1 0
Messrs Palmer, Hall, & Co.	£1 0 0
Messrs Anthony Hood & Co.	£1 1 0
John Liddell, Esq.	£1 1 0
Henry Scholefield, Esq.	£1 1 0
Messrs J. H. & P. Brown	£1 1 0
W. J. Harding, Esq.	£1 1 0
Borries, Craig, & Co.	£1 1 0
Edward Marrin, Esq.	£1 1 0
Henry Nelson, Esq.	£1 1 0
John Straker, Esq.	£1 1 0
R. Thiedemann Esq.	£1 1 0
J. Caro, Esq.	£1 1 0
Messrs Shield, Fenwick, & Co.	£1 1 0
Messrs Jas. Black & Co.	£1 1 0
Messrs Heald, Matherson, & Co.	£1 1 0
John Bowes, Esq., and Partners	£1 1 0
Messrs the Owners of Pelaw Main Colliery	£1 1 9
Messrs Chivers and Fraser	£1 1 0
M. J. Jonassohn, Esq.	£1 1 0
Messrs G. Schmalz & Co.	£1 1 0
Messrs Garrido, Barboza, & Co.	£1 1 0
Messrs Curry, Weyergang, & Co.	£1 1 0
Messrs C. Clementson & Co.	£1 1 0
Henry Clapham, Esq.	£1 1 0
Messrs Bell & Dunn	£1 1 0
Messrs the Owners of Burnhope Colliery	£1 1 0
John Lawrence, jun., Esq.	£1 1 0
Messrs John Hall & Co.	£1 1 0
Messrs Frazer Brothers	£1 1 0
Messrs C. F. Jackson & Co.	£1 1 0
Messrs Wm. Swanston & Sons	£1 1 0
Messrs Elliot & Lowrey	£1 1 0
Messrs John Ridley, Son, & Tully	£1 1 0
Messrs Christiansen, Schier, & Co.	£1 1 0
Hylton Philipson, Esq.	£1 1 0
R. W. Hodgson, Esq., J.P,	0 10 6
Robert Rowell, Esq.	0 10 6
Messrs Fedden Brothers	0 10 6
Joseph Anderson, Esq.	0 10 0
James Reid, Esq.	0 10 0
Joseph Fothergill, Esq.	0 10 0
Messrs Anthony Harris & Co	0 10 0
Messrs Intelman, Rose, & Co.	0 10 0
Arthur Prinz, Esq.	0 10 0
John Clarke, Esq.	0 10 0
L. S. Carr, Esq.	0 10 0
Messrs Harrison & Hood	£1 1 0
James Farridge, Esq.	£1 0 0
Thomas Emmerson, Esq	0 10 0
Ben Taylor, Esq.	0 10 0
Donation from Lifeboat Trustees	£25 0 0
Half-year's Subscription from ditto	£5 0 0
Subscriptions through two Ladies	£1 10 6
Young's Paraffin Light Co., Four Paraffin Lamps, value	£2 2 0
£96 7 0

Source: Shields Daily Gazette 15 January 1867

South Shields Volunteer Life Brigade.

The committee beg to acknowledge the receipt the following subscriptions, per Mr J. W. Lamb —Messrs John Fenwick and Son, London, £5 5s; Messrs W. Cory & Son, London, £5  5s; Messrs Dixon & Harris, London, £5 5s

Source: Shields Daily Gazette, 18 January 1867

Mr Ralph Thompson, watch and clock maker, of the Arcade, Newcastle, one of the presidents of the South Shields Swimming Club, has presented the South Shields Life Brigade with beautiful six guinea “eight-day" timepiece, which was this day fixed in the brigade's new house on the South Pier

Source: Shields Daily Gazette 21 January 1867

The committee of the South Shields Volunteer Life Brigade beg to acknowledges the receipt of the following subscriptions :—The Mayor of Newcastle,' £1 1s ; Wm. Southern, Esq., £1 1s ; John Jobling, Esq., £2 2s; Charles West, Esq., 10s 6d; Joseph Pollard, Esq., £1 1s; Bedlington Coal  Co., £1 1s ; Alderman Ormston£1 ; S.J. Taylor & Co., £1 1s ; A. Legat, Esq., M.D., £1 1s ; Thompson and Harper, 10s; and Coll Taylor, Esq., 10s 6d.

Source: Shields Daily Gazette 24 January 1867

February

The committee of the South Shields Volunteer Life Brigade acknowledge with thanks the receipt of a Fitzroy barometer from Messrs Reid & Sons, Newcastle ; also, a telescope from Mr J. Bushell, South Shields.
Source : Shields Daily Gazette 28 of February

March

7 March

A gale increased in strength and the Brigade was on-watch duty.

The Gale on the Tyne

During yesterday the gale increased in violence as the day wore on, the wind and snow squalls breaking more frequently and continuing longer, while the sea assumed a much heavier character, breaking over the bar with increased violence, and fringing the coast with a deep line of white breakers. Very few crafts attempted enter the port yesterday afternoon, but about tide time a few vessels from northern European ports attempted the bar, and succeeded in getting into the harbour in safety.

About half-past two o'clock, the full swing the flood tide was entering the harbour, a large body of water being swept into the river by the boisterous ESE wind, operations were commenced to get the screw steamer Florence off the Mussel Scarp, where she had remained all the morning. The assistance of the tugs Pilots and Mariner having been procured, steam was got up on board the screw, and half-past two o'clock she slowly left her position on the beach, apparently little the worse for her temporary detention. She was afterward towed up the river to Smith's buoys, where she will discharge her cargo. The agreement with the steamboats was for £15 each.

During the afternoon very few vessels arrived, and as night set in the weather was exceedingly tempestuous. In the evening a strong muster the members of the Tynemouth and South Shields Life Brigades took place at their stations, and most of the men remained on duty all night. Not a single vessel of any description entered the Tyne until eight o'clock this morning, when the screw steamer Earl Percy arrived from London. At half-past nine o'clock, or at nearly dead low water, the screw steamer Admiral, from Hamburg, arrived. The master of that vessel reports that he arrived off the Tyne about six o'clock last night, but in the state of the weather he deemed it most prudent to lie off all night. A most terrific night was spent at sea, the wind, sleet, and sea raging with great fury. On crossing the bar this morning the vessel touched the ground, but, it is anticipated, sustained no injury. Two brigs are reported to be in the offing, but the time of their arrival is extremely problematical in the state of the weather, which seems to be more threatening than it was yesterday.

Source: Shields Daily Gazette 8 March

11 March

A member of the Brigade narrowly missed a serious accident.

About 11 o'clock last night, while one of the members of the South Shields Volunteer Life Brigade was going down the pier to see after what he took for a vessel's light, he fell over the pier on the north side and had a very narrow escape from being drowned.

Source: Shields Daily Gazette 12 March 1867

23 March

A practice drill took place.

The South Shields Volunteer Life Brigade had a practice at the South Pier on Saturday afternoon, and notwithstanding the inclement weather there was a good muster of the brigade.

Source: Shields Daily Gazette 25 March 1867

20 March

The public support for the Brigade is shown by more subscriptions.

The committee of the South Shields Volunteer Life Brigade, acknowledges with thanks the following subscriptions :—Messrs Fidden Brothers, 10s 6d; J. H. and P. Brown, £1 1s; Fraser Brothers, £1 1s; Borries, Craig and Co., £1  1s; Ridley, Son and Tully, £1 1s; Rennoldson and Farley, 10s; Bell and Dunn, £1 1s ; Garrido, Barboza, & Co., £1 1s ; C. Clementson and Co £1 Is; L. C. Carr, Esq., 10s; W. I. Harding, Esq., £1 1s; Joseph Straker, Esq., £1 1s; Hylton Philipson, Esq., £1 1s; W. Hunter, Esq., £1 1s; W, Kimpster, Esq., £1 1s; W. J. Hutchinson, Esq., £1 1s; W. Wylie, Esq., £1 1s; J. Crisp, Esq., £1 Is.

Source: Shields Daily Gazette 20 March 1867

April

20 April

The "Gazette" announces that members of the Brigade will perform in the drama "A Mariner's Compass".

The theatre goers of South Shields have somewhat of treat in store for them next week, in the production of the drama of the Mariner's Compass, which has been performed with immense success at most of the leading theatres of the kingdom, and will, no doubt, meet with as much favour here as elsewhere; at least will not be Mr Reeve's fault if it does not, as in addition to some fine scenery, by Mr Wood, part of which has already won well merited approbation, the drama will be rendered even more attractive by the appearance in propria persona of a number of members of the South Shields Volunteer Brigade, who will have an opportunity of showing their fellow townsmen the dangers which have to braved in saving life from shipwreck.

Source: Shields Daily Gazette 20 April 1867

23 April 1867

A review of the drama gives details of the Brigade's involvement.

Theatre Royal, South Shields.—

The entertainments provided for the Easter holidays are the drama of the Mariner's Compass, and the burlesque of Orpheus and Eurydice. Both pieces are splendidly mounted, and a crowded house last night pronounced unanimous and enthusiastic verdict of approbation. The Mariner's Compass is a thrilling story of the love of two men—friends —for one woman; something after the style of Mr Tennyson's Enoch Arden. The leading parts are entrusted to Miss Cathcart, Mr Harris, Mr Rogerson and Mr M Moss Mellor, and very capitally indeed are they played. There is a very touching scene betwixt Mr Harris and his little girl. He returns from the Arctic Regions, where he was supposed to have been frozen death, strays into the church-yard, meets his little girl, just at the moment his wife is being married to his friend, and her old sweetheart Ruby. He is recognised by his devoted old father, Mr Mellor, and the scene that follows betwixt his wife and her newly made husband is striking and effective as could be well conceived. Indeed the whole of this act, with the drowning and final rescue on the water wheel of the faithful and devoted wife (Miss Cathcart), who sought relief from her sorrows in suicide, is, whether as regards the acting or the scenery one of the finest yet produced on this stage. A detachment from the South Shields Life Brigade was present with their apparatus, and "saved" several lives from a supposed wreck—amidst tremendous applause, as a matter of course. The burlesque is also nicely rendered, Mr Wood's new scenes, the historical dresses of the ladies, the music, and the puns being the leading features.

Source: Shields Daily Gazette 23 April 1867

NEW THEATRE ROYAL,
SOUTH SHIELDS

Lessee .... Mr Wybert Reeve.
GRAND TREAT FOR EASTER WEEK
Production of
THE MARINER'S COMPASS
THIS EVENING, the Entertainments will commence with the nautical Drama of
THE MARINER'S COMPASS,
In which the South Shields Life Brigade will appear.
Concluding with the Burlesque of
ORPHEUS AND EURYDICE
With New and Splendid Scenery.

Source: Shields Daily Gazette 26 April 1867

A synopsis of an earlier performance of the play:

"THE MARINER'S COMPASS" AT ASTLEY'S.

Mr Leslie, the author of “A Trail of Sin” and “The Orange Girl,"-two dramas that achieved an immense popularity at the Victoria and Surrey Theatres-has produced a piece at Astley's that will probably eclipse his former successes, and prove a mine of wealth to Mr E. Smith, the excellent and enterprising manager of that house. The new nautical drama has all the elements of popularity in its composition. The British sailor is the greatest of stage favourites, and Mr Leslie's hero possesses all those characteristics which render our nautical heroes so deservedly popular. The scene is laid at a familiar spot, the most frequented of watering places- Margate; the plot of the piece is so clearly developed that no reference to book or playbill is required, and the dialogue is penned in plain round English, intelligible to every ear. Popular taste on the Surrey side of the Thames is generally supposed to favour those pieces wherein villainy triumphs for a time, but is eventually check-mated by honesty. A play without the traditionary stage villain some time back would have been as unpalatable to a Surrey or East-end audience as a Christmas pudding with no plums in it to a school-boy. But now-a-days such a piece as the "Mariner's Compass "-albeit every one of its dramatis personae are irreproachable members of society-will probably obtain an unequivocal success by the aid of a good story, well- written dialogue, beautiful scenery, highly effective situations, and, on the whole, excellent acting. This is a sketch of its plot:-Silas Engleheart, in early life a British sailor, but at the opening of the piece one of the Coastguard at Kingsgate, has, steering by the compass of duty, adopted two orphan children, a boy and girl, whom he has brought up in his father's old mill on the Kentish coast. Surrounded by mariners, and knowing and loving all their ways, the youth Ruby Dayrell had entered in the merchant service, and had gone to sea. That he should have previously fallen in love with the other little protégée of the noble-hearted Silas, and that she, reciprocating his passion, should bear his image in her heart, was a thing of course. Neither of them know that for eight years their benefactor himself had been smitten with the same passion for Hetty Arnold, now grown to a beautiful young woman, but Silas reveals his passion on the Kingsgate Sands just on the eve of the storm which was to engulf the ship in which her lover, Ruby Dayrell, was returning home. Acting on the same principle of duty, she, after a short internal struggle, promises her hand to her benefactor. Suddenly the alarm is raised-a large ship stranded, man the lifeboat-the stage becomes crowded with mariners and villagers, all the machinery used in rescuing shipwrecked sailors is hastily erected, and the rocket being fired by Silas, the crew are saved. Ruby Dayrell, however, the first on shore, rushes off again to assist in saving the rest, but gets washed overboard, and is supposed to have perished. Some short time afterwards he is washed in a lifeless condition to the very feet of Silas, and then ensues in the breast of the latter a struggle between love, jealousy, and duty, which is finally determined in favour of duty by a distant chorus of sailors, "England expects that every man this day shall do his duty." Ruby is saved and carried to the old mill. In due time he recovers, and a painful scene takes place, in which Hetty Arnold tells her lover of her promise to wed Silas. Here again the struggle between love and duty comes into play, and both Hetty and her lover persuade themselves that it is their duty to make the sacrifice of their young love. Ruby consents to Silas's marriage, and rushes from the scene in an agony of despair. The marriage takes place, but dark days are in store, and in a period of fifteen months a lawsuit, in which the family at the mill were engaged, having failed, Ruby Dayrell, who has, as he says, 'battened down" all feeling of disappointment and jealousy, returns to find that ruthless lawyers had swept every article of furniture away, leaving the Engleheart family neither a morsel to eat, nor a bed to lie on. With characteristic generosity, Dayrell and his crew club their pay and prize money together, and buy back all the things, and the curtain falls on a dance by the villagers and sailors, and a general merry- making. When it rises again, a lapse of five years has occurred. Unable to support the weight of obligation, Silas Engleheart had determined to join an Arctic expedition, and the scene of his parting on the lower landing stage of Margate jetty, where he leaves his young wife to the care of her old lover, Ruby Dayrell, was one of the finest and most effective in the piece. A letter from the captain of the vessel had announced that he had perished; the love of Dayrell for Hetty, which duty had compelled him to suppress, burns with as ardent a flame as ever, and he persuades her to become his wife. Affairs at the mill have prospered, and when the curtain rises it discloses to view the churchyard and exterior of Margate old church, crowded with villagers, waiting the arrival of the bridal party. The ceremony, however, has just concluded, when Silas, who had been lost on an iceberg, but was subsequently picked up by another vessel, enters the churchyard, and learns from the lips of his own child, who is playing among the gravestones, that his wife and Ruby Dayrell are wedding. At that moment the church doors open, and the - party emerge, when they are met by the outraged husband, who in an agony of jealous rage curses them both, refuses to listen to any explanations, and flies to the old mill where he is followed by his wife and child. The wife in the most impassioned language relates the love she originally had for Dayrell, the sacrifice she had made to the principle of duty, shows her husband the fatal letter conveying the intelligence of his death, and implores forgiveness for the wrong she had done him. He listens, accords a cold forgiveness, but announcing his intention to go elsewhere with his child, he waves her an adieu, and departs. Wrought up to madness by this desertion, she utters a short prayer, rushes on to the bridge, and throws herself into the mill stream. At that moment Ruby Dayrell comes in, plunges into the stream to save her, and both are carried down rapidly under the dreadful wheel. Silas, hearing the shrieks and cries of alarm, hastens to the rescue, and after much difficulty succeeds in reversing the mill-wheel, and raises the unhappy Hetty clinging to one of the floats, thus saving her Life. As at this moment the curtain falls, the audience are left to imagine that Ruby Dayrell has perished in the stream, and that the rival being thus removed, Silas and Batty are again united and happy. There is some very amusing by-play, in which a London waiter at a small watering-place and a smart landlady are admirably portrayed by Mr Friend and Miss Minnie Clifford. The piece abounds in highly effective situations, one of the most prominent being that wherein the sailors are seen carrying back the miller's property, and the rejoicings that follow. The stage swarms with jolly tars and pretty lasses, and a lively dance brings the curtain down amidst thunders of applause. The Messrs. Brew have by their clever scenic designs materially assisted in achieving the success of "The Mariner's Compass." Mr Fernandez is the beau ideal of a gallant young-sailor; and Mr Basil Potter is a first-rate representative of the rough, but noble-hearted, Silas. Miss Josephine Fiddes performs with great care and earnestness; and the other parts are all well acted. On the first night of its production the curtain fell amidst loud and long-continued outbursts of applause.

Source: Reynold's Newspaper 12 March 1865

26 April 1867

A donation from Mr Fox, who ran a large hardware store at 19 Market Place.

South Shields Volunteer Life Brigade. — The committee acknowledge with thanks the receipt of a Storm Indicator from Mr Fox, hardwareman, Market Place, South Shields.

Source: Shields Daily Gazette 26 April 1867

May

June

July

17 July

The first Annual Meeting of the Brigade took place in the newly opened watch house.

19 July

At the Annual Meeting, Mr Cay expressed the opinion that he thought themembers of the brigade should receive remuneration for thier efforts. His remarks elicited the following response from the "Gazette"

South Shields Volunteer Life Brigade

The success which has followed the attempts to establish Volunteer Life Brigades for purpose of saving life from shipwreck is one of the most gratifying incidents connected with the numerous philanthropic projects which have from time to time been submitted to public favour on the coasts the United Kingdom. It is not yet three years since the Stanley came ashore at Tynemouth, and by the sacrifice of life which followed that disaster, first aroused the attention of the inhabitants of that borough to the necessity of some organization being formed in order to utilize the strength and daring which were then in great measure thrown away for want of discipline amongst the willing workers who crowded the beach in the hope of bringing safely to land those who were staring death in the face upon the surface of the Black Middens; and it is to the honour of the town on the north bank of the Tyne's broad estuary that not only has it succeeded in accomplishing its humane purpose, but also so far commended it, by the force of example, to the approbation of its neighbours, that at other parts of the coast life brigades have been formed on the model of that of Tynemouth. South Shields, as might have been anticipated, was the earliest to tread in the footsteps of the sister borough, and on Wednesday evening the members of its spirited brigade held their first annual meeting, when they were able congratulate themselves and the seafaring community at large on the result of their year's labours. Second in order of formation, South Shields has been first in order of usefulness, for it has been instrumental in saving no fewer than thirty lives, and it has performed this priceless service at an outlay of rather less than £180. Encouraged by the open-handed generosity that distinguishes their fellow-townsmen, and which has already enabled them to build a comfortable house in which the sentinels of the storm may keep their anxious watch, the brigade now proposes to erect another building in which temporary shelter shall be provided for shipwrecked crews. A house of this description will complete the equipment of the force, and the propriety of providing such building will be at apparent to all who give the subject a moment's consideration.

The response which will be given to the solicitation of the volunteers for the necessary subscriptions will be the proof that could be afforded of the deep interest with which their labours are regarded by the port; and it is in this way —in the ready acquiescence of the public with the reasonableness of the demands which they may occasionally make upon them for pecuniary assistance—that the volunteers will find their most fitting reward, and not by any acknowledgments offered them in the way suggested by Mr Cay. The whole character of the brigade would, in fact, be altered were it to be composed of men who worked in the hope of receiving any portion of its funds in the shape of payment. Mr Robinson, with a morsel of that unpretentious philosophy which runs through almost all his public utterances, spoke, on Wednesday night, of the "moral benefit" which the members derive from the satisfaction of doing good to their fellow creatures, and pointed out how hopeless was the expectation of happiness being gained by the man who works only for his own benefit. Were the element of remuneration to be introduced, the brigade would very soon fall to pieces, and it is reassuring to bear mind that the proposed innovation was brought forward —no doubt in the kindliest spirit— by a gentleman who is not in its membership. It was decided that the money to be received from the Board of Trade should be applied towards reimbursing those who were the means of saving life, and whose personal outfit is greatly damaged by their exertions at the water-side. This is only as it should be for there would very soon be as little of the voluntary character about the brigade if its members had to make up their own losses, as there would if they were to accept remuneration for that which costs them nothing.

Source: Shields Daily Gazette 19 July 1867

August

9 August

The Committe call for recognition for the members' efforts in response to a fatal boating accident in the harbour.

The committee of the South Shields Life Brigade have, we understand, written to the Board of Trade, calling attention to the claim, which the five pilots who went off to the assistance of the people in the boat which was upset on the Herd Sand on Sunday week, six of whom were drowned, have for an Albert medal. Special attention is called to the case of Stephenson, who steered the coble after having his thumb split open by falling on the stones.

Source: Shields Daily Gazette 9 August 1867

September

October

24 October

A benefit concert for the Brigade was held at the "Alhambra Music Hall", in order, to raise funds to extend the Watch House.

Under the patronage of the RIGHT WORSHIPFUL THE MAYOR, (J. ANDERON, ESQ.) TOWN CLERK, (T.SALMON, ESQ) and SHUM STOREY, ESQ
VOLUNTEER LIFE BRIGADE,
SOUTH SHIELDS

MESSRS BAGNALL & BLAKEY, Proprietors of the ALHAMBRA MUSIC HALL,  have kindly placed the Hall and the Services of the whole of their Talented Company of Artistes, at the disposal of the Volunteer Life Brigade, for a BENEFIT, to assist in the completion of the House now being erected for the Reception of Shipwrecked Mariners, on Thursday Evening, Oct. 24, when, in addition to their own Company, several Artistes of known reputation will assist, from Newcastle.

Admission:- Boxes 1s, Pit, 6d ; Gallery, 3d ; Doors open at 7 p.m., Overture at 7 30.

Tickets now ready, and may be had of the Secretary, S. Malcolm, and Members of the Brigade

Source: Shields Daily Gazette 19 October 1867

ALHAMBRA MUSIC HALL
Opposite the Railway Station, South Shields
MESSRS BAGNALL and BLAKEY have
kindly given the use of the above Hall,
together with the Services of their Numerous and
Talented Company, on THURSDAY NEXT, October 24th 1867
BENEFIT to the
SOUTH SHIELDS VOLUNTEER LIFE
BRIGADE,
To assist the Funds for the Erection of a House,
for the Reception of Shipwrecked Mariners, when
the performance will be under the distinguished
Patronage of THE MAYOR, (J. ANDERSON ESQ.),
the TOWN CLERK, (T. SALMON ESQ.), and SHUM
STOREY, ESQ.
The Splendid BAND of the 6th Durham (Tyne
Dock) Rifle Volunteers have kindly consented to
attend and Play a Selection.
Mr DAVID HOLLIDAY
Has kindly consented to attend and Sing
the celebrated Song of ‘Man the Lifeboat.'
The company will comprise the following
brilliant Star Artist:
Mr and Mrs MILES,
The Eminent Sensational Duettists, Dancers, &c
Mr TOM BOURNLEY,
Comique and Author, from the Oxford, Newcastle,
for this night only.
Mr J. STEPHENS,
With his Wonderful Troup of Performing Dogs
Mr J0E WILSON,
Local, will Sing a New Song composed for this occasion.
Miss CARRIE JULIEN,
The fascinating Serio-Comic Vocalist.
Mr G. FREDERICKS,
The celebrated London Comique.
Messrs MILE S and GARDENER,
Ethiopians Dancers, &c.
THE SPLENDID BAND,
Under the able Leadership of Mr J. Bartle,
Will play an Original Composition, entitled the
VOLUNTEER GALLOP
Dedicated to the Mayor of South Shields, by the Composer,
Mr W. E. Misdale, Pianist at the
Oxford, who will be present and Preside at the
Grand Piano-Forte.
Prices as Usual.
Doors Open Seven, Overture at Half-past Seven o'Clock

Source: Shields Daily Gazette 24 October 1867

South Shields Volunteer Life Brigade

Last night, the members of the South Shields Volunteer Life Brigade mustered at the Watch House, and marched thence in procession—fully equipped for service—with the Tyne Dock Volunteer band playing at their head, to the Alhambra Music Hall, which was crammed to excess. The occasion was a “ free benefit," kindly given by the proprietors and the artistes—Messrs Blakey and Bagnall—in aid of the fund for the erection of an addition to the present Watch House, in which sleeping and bath accommodation will be provided for the benefit of shipwrecked mariners. The entertainment was most successful, and would add a good sum to the fund.

Source: Shields Daily Gazette 25 October 1867

November

2 November

The Brigade was inspected by Captain Robertson of the Board of Trade.

SOUTH SHIELDS VOLUNTEER LIFE BRIGADE
MEMBERS, who can POSSIBLY ATTEND, are requested to meet at the South Pier. To-morrow Morning, at 11 o'Clock, to be inspected by Captain Robertson, R.N.
S. Malcolm, Hon Sec.

Source: Shields Daily Gazette 1 November 1867

South Shields Volunteer Life Brigade

This forenoon, the South Shields Volunteer Life Brigade was inspected by Captain Robertson, R.N., Inspector-General of Coast Guard, at the South Pier. There was a good turnout of the members, about 70 of whom were present, with the following captains:—W. Cay, M. Cay, and W. Wright. Mr Byrne of the coastguard, Mr A. Stephenson, Mr M. Cay, &c., were also present. The various operations connected with the working of the rocket apparatus were gone through with smartness and promptitude, and at the close of the Inspection, Captain Robertson addressed a few remarks to the members. He said must congratulate them, and the port of Tyne on their efficiency. He had also to congratulate them on their having already been the means of saving life, he alluded to the case of the wreck on the pier, for which they deserved every credit. The Tyne had the honour of having been the first to form such brigades, and although the rest of the country had followed their noble example, they were still the only efficient brigades in the kingdom for though there were companies elsewhere there were no brigades. He concluded expressing his confidence that, should occasion arise, they will do as much in the future as they had done in the past. Three cheers were given for Captain Robertson, and the proceedings terminated.

Source: Shields Daily Gazette 2 November 1867

The committee of the South Shields Volunteer Life Brigade, on behalf of the members, return their thanks to Messrs Bagnall and Blakey, for their kindness in handing over to the funds of the Brigade the entire proceeds of the entertainment at the Alhambra Music Hall, on Thursday, the 24th ult., amounting to £23 10s 6d.

Source: Shields Daily Gazette 2 November 1867

December

4 Dec 1867

The Brigade acknowledges receipt of more donations.

South Shields Volunteer Life Brigade

The committee beg to acknowledge the following donations with thanks :—£l from Mrs Wood, Westoe Villa; 1 Quilt from Mr J. S. Collinson, Market Place ; 1 Pair of Blankets and 1 Quilt from Mr Wigham, East King Street;  1Pair of Blankets from Messrs J. Fenwick Sons, King Street ; and 1 Pair of Blankets from Messrs Kirkley & Co., Market Place.

Source: Shields Daily Gazette 4 December 1867