JANUARY
7 January
The monthly drills continued throughout the year.
SOUTH SHIELDS VOLUNTEER LIFE BRIGADE.
THE MEMBERS are respectfully informed that the next DRILL will take place on SATURDAY AFTERNOON, the 7th of January, 1888, at 3.30 o'clock.
By order of the Committee,
S. MALCOLM, Hon. Sec.
Source: Shields Daily Gazette 4 January 1888
20 January
The Annual Dinner took place.
28 January
The Brigade were called out, but their services were not required.
Severe Snowstorm
A Schooner Ashore at South Shields
Lifeboats to the Rescue
Last night, a snowstorm of unusual severity passed over this district. Up to two o'clock in the afternoon the weather had been fine and bright, though intensely cold. About that time, the wind, which had been blowing fresh, increased in violence. Snow began to fall, and for a time darkened the air as it was driven along by the strong gusts of wind. During the evening, the snow continued to fall in light showers at intervals, and between seven and eight o'clock the storm again burst over the district with greater violence than ever. The snow fell thickly, and was driven about in blinding clouds. Now and again there was a lull in the storm, the wind going down and the snow ceasing. These intervals were brief, however, and no sooner was the sky cleared and the moon shone forth, than again the wind rose and the snow began to fall. The storm continued until this morning, the ground having been thickly covered with snow since ten o'clock the previous evening. The men the look-out North Shields, remained on duty during most of the night, there being a heavy sea outside the harbour.
SOUTH SHIELDS
Since yesterday morning there has been a complete change in the weather. A hard frost prevailed for several hours before the fall of snow commenced in the afternoon, but was not till about two o'clock that there were any signs of the storm which came on, and continued for some twenty hours, and which has had the effect of putting a wintry aspect on all things out of doors. The wind, which was from a westerly point veering round to the north, came away in strong gusts, and made it a somewhat difficult undertaking for sailing craft to enter the Tyne. After a cessation of some four or five hours the snow began to fall last night about eight o'clock, and was driven about in blinding showers in the streets of South Shields, and, being of a powdery nature, the particles clung to the clothing of people passing to and fro. During the night there were frequent showers, and this morning the snow lay upon the ground to the depth of three or four inches. About seven o'clock a three-masted schooner was observed off the Tyne in tow of a steamtug, making slowly for the harbour. The tug was the Stag, and there were two tow lines out. The vessel passed in between the piers about eight o'clock, but just when a short distance from the South Groyne, a squall caught the schooner with such force that both lines parted. Coastguardsman Bartlett, who had been watching the vessel for some time, on seeing her drive on to the Herd Sand fired the new rocket signals, to summon the Volunteer Life Brigade. About the same time the North Shields lifeboat was launched and put off to render any assistance that might be needed. The new South Shields lifeboat Bedford was also launched, but the north side boat was the first to reach the schooner, which had dropped her anchor when the towlines broke. In about ten minutes from the firing of the alarm signals a number of the South Shields Volunteer Life Brigade, with the members of the coastguard staff in command of Chief Officer Lorden, had taken the rocket cart along the Commissioner's line of railway which skirts the Herd Sand, and were ready to throw a line over the vessel, when a blue light was exhibited by one lifeboats, indicating that all was well. The tug had got a fresh line on board and succeeded in towing the vessel from her dangerous position, and eventually took her up the harbour to her destination. The tug Brothers was also near the scene, but her services were not required. The schooner proved to be the Balgay, of Dundee, Captain Cowper, from Rotterdam, with a cargo of moss litter, for Dundee. The captain's wife was aboard the schooner. The wind being partly of the land the water was not very rough within the harbour works, but outside matters were much different, heavy seas at times breaking over the north pier end. This forenoon the wind had abated, but there were not wanting indications of more snow.
Shields Daily Gazette 28 January 1888
FEBRUARY
1 February
SHIELDS VOLUNTEER LIFE BRIGADE.
MEMBERS are respectfully that the next DRILL will take place on Saturday Afternoon, the 4th of Feb., 1888, at 4 o'Clock.
S. MALCOLM, Hon. Sec.
Source: Shields Daily Gazette 1 February 1888
19 February
A storm lasted several days.
Storm on the Coast
The whole of yesterday the weather on the coast was of an exceedingly stormy description. The wind came away on Saturday night from a north-easterly direction, and continued right until this morning. Blinding showers of sleet and hail fell at short intervals, and made it a most uncomfortable undertaking for people in the harbour boroughs to go out of doors. The sea at the mouth of the Tyne was in a rough state and as a consequence sailings were nil. The arrivals on the other hand were very large. Upwards of 60 vessels have entered the Tyne since yesterday morning. There are 15 from foreign, 12 of which brought cargoes, and 3 in ballast; and 45 vessels from coasting ports, 7 having cargoes, and 38 in ballast. Amongst the vessels from foreign the following large steamers may be noticed.—the iron screw steamer Isis of Newcastle, 1806 tons. Captain Stobart, from Garrucha, via Aberdeen, with lead ; the Queen, of Sunderland, 1975 tons, Captain Anderson, from Bremerhaven; the Albula, of South Shields, 1885 tons, Captain Johnson, from Hamburg; the Cleveland, of Newcastle, 1210 tons, from Bilbao, with ore, for Jarrow, and the Crete, of Newcastle, 1725 tons, Captain James, from Bilbao, with iron ore, bound to Middlesbrough. Last night about eight o'clock the first sailing vessel of the day entered the harbour. The coastguard and members of the South Shields Volunteer Life Brigade kept a strict lookout throughout the day, and last night there was a large muster of brigade on duty. The rocket van was taken along the pier about 7 o'clock, but happily its services were not in request, although during the night the sea was extremely rough. This morning, although the wind had somewhat subsided, it moved round to the eastward. The water between the ends of the piers showed that the force of the gale was still having its effect, while a broad line of white breakers along the coast southwards gave further indication the fierceness the storm.
Source: Shields Daily Gazette 20 February 1888
21 February
This article appeared on Tuesday 21 February.
Since Saturday night the Life Brigades have been on duty all night through, both at Tynemouth and South Shields, but during that time no occasion has arisen for their services. There has been neither wreck nor accident. In a storm, not of terrific dimensions, but of sufficiently threatening appearance to make most vessels within reach of the port run for shelter, there has not only been no wreck, but there has not even been an occasion for alarm.
Source: Shields Daily Gazette 21 February 1888
28 February 1888
SOUTH SHIELDS VOLUNTEER LIFE BRIGADE.
THE MEMBERS are respectfully informed that the Next DRILL will take place on Saturday Afternoon the 3rd March, 1888, at 4 o'clock.
S. MALCOLM, Hon. Sec.
Source: Shields Daily Gazette 28 February 1888
MARCH
5 March
The storm continued yesterday and last night with unabated fury, snow falling in large flakes, with scarcely a break, whole time. As a consequence streets and roads are almost completely blocked. was but a few weeks ago that we heard much of a “blizzard," but the experience of last day or two has been such as to make it probable that this transatlantic word will become permanently included in our vocabulary, dating from the present great storm. People of this district have good reason to the storm of the 1st and 2nd March, two years ago, but they will probably admit that the present visitation excels even that in long continuance, more especially so far as the wind is concerned. It came away from the east early on Sunday morning, and blew a gale until Monday at noon, after which it slackened, and it was generally thought we had seen the last of the wintry weather. A disappointment was in store for those who indulged in these anticipations, for there was a renewal of the gale on Tuesday night. The wind came away from the S.S.E. direction this time, and the present prolonged snowfall commenced. At first it was of fine powdery nature and was whirled into drills, and filled the eyes of pedestrians. Since then the flakes have been large and persistent. The wind yesterday veered round to south-east, and last night at twelve o'clock it went still further round, and was blowing with great force from the east. As might be expected there was a tremendous sea on the bar, and whenever the sky cleared for a few moments, which was very rarely during the day, those on the look-out beheld one of the wildest scenes the mouth of the Tyne they had seen for a very long time past. The waves between the Trow Rocks and the South Pier were churned into a yeasty foam, the rollers being of enormous height. Broken water covered the space between the ends of uncompleted pier, and dashed with fury over those great structures. The waves tumbled mountain-like upon the beach, and created a good sized lake south of the watch house, in the large hollow where some years ago five persons were drowned in trying to get near the Life Brigadesmen who at the time were rescuing a shipwrecked crew. The wide space on the opposite side of the watchhouse, known as Herd Sand and eastward of the Groyne, was filled with great billows, which tore along the inner side of stonework of the piers with terrific force. As a consequence of the rough sea no vessel ventured to leave the harbour, and the arrivals were few and far between. At the South Shields watch house the brigade were on duty from ten o'clock in the morning, and last night at twelve o'clock, thirty-five members answered the roll. The officers on duty during the night were Captains Grey and Potts; Deputy- Captains Ross and Scrafton. Mr S. Malcolm, secretary of the Brigade, was also in attendance. Rations were served out at midnight, consisting of some capital soup, potatoes, and the meat from which the soup was made. One of the local butchers, Mr T. Oliver, of Fowler Street, South Shields, sent a quantity of beef, an example that might be copied other knights of the cleaver when there is a big muster of brigadesmen on all night duty at the watch house.
Source: Shields Daily Gazette 6 March 1888
12 March
More stormy weather required the Brigade to keep watch.
Terrible Storm off the Tyne
Exciting Scene on the Bar
A Fishing Boat in Danger
Terrible Experiences at Sea
One the wildest storms that has visited the north east coast for a considerable time burst over this district yesterday, bringing with it complete change in the weather from that of the previous day, which was calm and genial. The storm commenced the early morning, and the wind continued to blow with almost hurricane force from the south-east during the whole of the day. The sea began to rise in the morning, and early in the afternoon the coast was bounded line of white breakers as far the eye could see. As the wind blew straight into the harbour, there was a heavy sea on the bar, which increased in violence as evening approached. Great white waves surged along the piers, and all along the north side of the entrance almost up to the breakwater at the Fish Quay, the water was coveted with foam. Rain, sleet and hail fell at intervals during the day, and at night, when the wind veered round more to the east, snow began to fall. The men the Tynemouth Volunteer Life Brigade were on duty in the Watch House at the Spanish Battery and the lifeboat men were also on the look out at the Low Lights, North Shields. Very few vessels arrived during the day. Owing to the stormy weather outside, the undermentioned vessels, which left the Tyne yesterday, put back for shelter: —The Champion for Lowestoft, the screw-steamer Avochie for Ergasteria, the Glenroy for Blakeney, the screw-steamer Langley from London for Sunderland, and the Joseph for London. The members of the South Shields Life Brigade were on duty at the Watch House the whole afternoon, and a strong watch remained last night, the Coastguard, under Mr Lorden, being also in attendance. The rocket van was got ready about three o'clock in the afternoon, but was not taken along the pier. Clouds of sand were blown across the pier, and the wind carried masses of thick foam on to the stonework. Numbers of people crowded behind the Watch House and watched the effects of the storm, which is certainly the worst that has been experienced on the coast during the present winter. A thick line of white breakers lined the coast as far as could be seen, and the waves dashed with great fury on the Long Sands.
Although the wind has fallen considerably, writes our North Shields reporter at noon, there still a very heavy sea on the bar, and the breakers extend from end to end of the piers, making it very difficult for vessels to enter the harbour, and rendering it all but impossible for assistance to be rendered outside, except by the lifeboats. The sky has been overcast all the morning, and light showers of snow have fallen almost continuously outside the piers, and along the coast nothing is to seen except the white breakers. Crowds of people have been collected the Banks, Fish Quay, and Low Lights during the whole of the morning.
Exciting Scene at the South Pier
The Alarm Signals Fired
At daybreak this morning the coast line presented an extremely wild appearance. The storm had not abated, and a great quantity of snow having fallen during the night, the sea banks had most wintry look. The white breakers were at least a quarter of a mile broad, and the waves were dashing with great fury against the piers, making breaches clean over the stonework. The brigadesmen at the South Shields Watch House remained on duty the whole the night, the officers in charge being Capt. Geo. Grey and Deputy - Captain Walter Ross. The sea was close up to the watch house. About four o'clock in morning a light was observed off the south pier, but it suddenly disappeared. Whether the vessel had met with some mishap or had put about and got away, the men on duty were unable to say. Only one vessel came in during the night. At ten o'clock this morning a steam line boat, was seen approaching the harbour. She was well handled, but had to encounter terrific seas, and her course was watched by the coastguard on duty and by the pilots on the Lawe with considerable anxiety. When she had got within fifty yards of the pier she suddenly broached to, and going on to her broadside the alarm signals were fired. On looking again it was seen that she had righted, and the helm having been got about she had her head to sea, and out of danger. As soon as the perilous position of the vessel was observed on the Lawe, the lifeboats Tom Perry and Bedford were launched,, as was also the Tynemouth lifeboat. Some thousands of people on hearing the signals made their way to the pier, and much relief was manifested when it was learned that no casualty had occurred. The harbour was a scene of the wildest description, the waves being churned into great lines of white foam, but notwithstanding this the lifeboats knocked about between the piers for a considerable time. One of the lifeboats went right out into the broken water and had her qualities thoroughly tried in the rough seas. The accident off the end the pier, when the small steamer narrowly escaped capsizing was witnessed by a local Nonconformist minister, who was standing on the stonework close overhead. He speaks of it as one of the most thrilling incidents he has ever seen. As soon as the vessel went on to her broadside the helm was put hard down, and she got out of her awkward position a marvellous manner. Nearly everything on the deck was washed into the sea, and a portion of this wreckage was shortly after picked up by the lifeboats and tugs in and about the harbour. The effect of the storm may be judged from the fact that the steam crane on the North Pier was stripped of its gear by the huge seas. About eleven o'clock the s.s. Chipchase came in and was followed shortly other steamers. At half-past eleven o'clock snow commenced to fall and added to the perplexity of those in command of vessels making the port. The wind had considerably abated, but the effect of the storm had little if any diminished.
Another Account
About ten o'clock this morning exciting scene was witnessed on the bar. At that time the line fishing boat British Prince, was seen approaching the ends of the piers, and her progress was watched with great anxiety. After a severe buffeting she succeeded getting between the piers, and was in a fair way of getting safely into the harbour, when she was struck by a huge sea which turned her completely round. The incident was witnessed by large numbers people on both sides of the river, and immediately the rockets were fired and the lifeboat men who were on duty at once put off in their boats to render assistance. In the meantime, the British Prince made for the open water outside, and fortunately succeeded in clearing the breakers. The tug Brothers made a gallant attempt to get out, but was compelled to return, and the work of rendering assistance was left to the lifeboats of North and South Shields, the crews of which, like the daring fellows they are, pulling right out in the very teeth of the storm. The greatest excitement prevailed among the spectators.
Source: Shields Daily Gazette 12 March 1888
13 March
The Great Gale
The gale, as foreshadowed in our last edition of yesterday, entirely subsided last night, though the disturbed state of the sea afforded very strong evidence of the severity of the storm which had swept over the coast. At the watch-house on the South Pier fewer members were on duty than on the previous night, these being Mr George Robson (the captain of the week's watch), J. W. Henderson, Mr James Page, Mr Hunter, Mr George Wilson, and a gentleman from the Sunderland Volunteer Life Brigade, with Mr Lorden, of the Coastguard, and the Rev. Mr Bull, of St. Thomas's but the state of the elements became so promising by one o'clock this morning, that these gentleman saw no reason to remain longer on the watch, and the South side was left to the care of the ordinary sentinel of the coastguard. At that time only one light was observable outside the bar, and that was supposed to be a tug in wait for a ship
Source: Shields Daily Gazette 13 March 1888
14 March
The Great Storm
Between 10 and o'clock, during a temporary cessation of the storm, and the atmosphere having somewhat cleared, a schooner was seen close inshore, midway between the Trow Rocks and the South Pier. Evidently those in command had just ascertained their dangerous position, for her head was immediately got about to sea, and tacking about she came into the harbour, weathering the pier in good style. She proved to be the Elizabeth Ray, of Portsmouth. Two steamers, one the Maglona, of the Londonderry line, were seen off the harbour at the same time, and they eventually came in, a third steamer, after knocking about some time, steaming away northward.
On making inquiry at the South Shields Railway Station, at 4 30 this afternoon, we were informed that the trains had not been delayed all by the storm so far.
South Pier, 3 30 p.m.
The storm at present shows no signs of abating, the wind having rather increased in energy during the last half-hour. The snow still continues, and often obscures the outlook seaward. The south side of the pier is almost one mass of white foam, which at parts streams across the top of the stonework, and occasionally the sea makes clean breaches over the pier. The members of the Life Brigade were duly as early as ten o'clock, and this afternoon there has been a strong muster. The rocket van was taken along the pier early in the day and within the last hour the storm gates have been closed to prevent reckless persons proceeding beyond safe bounds. A number of vessels have entered the harbour since noon, and so far there has happily been no casualty of any kind to report.
Source: Shields Daily Gazette 14 March 1888
15 March
Brigadesmen Endangered
Yesterday afternoon, between four and five o'clock, at high tide, while several members of the South Shields Life Brigade were along the pier, a heavy sea leaped over the parapet and struck the rocket van. Some of the men were sheltering under the lee side of the van, which was almost toppled over by the weight the sea. The force of the wave swept two of the men off their feet, and, but for their seizing hold of the hand rail on the north side of the pier, they would have been carried into the sea
Source: Shields Daily Gazette 15 March 1888
16 March
Great Snowstorm in the North
The storm continued yesterday and last night with unabated fury, snow falling in large flakes, with scarcely a break, the whole time. As a consequence streets and roads are almost completely blocked. It was but a few weeks ago that we heard much of a “blizzard," but the experience of the last day or two has been such as to make it probable that this transatlantic word will become permanently included in our vocabulary, dating from the present great storm. People of this district have good reason to remember the storm of the 1st and 2nd March, two years ago, but they will probably admit that the present visitation excels even that in long continuance, more especially so far as the wind is concerned. It came away from the east early on Sunday morning, and blew a gale until Monday at noon, after which it slackened, and it was generally thought we had seen the last of the wintry weather. A disappointment was in store for those who indulged in these anticipations, for there was a renewal of the gale on Tuesday night. The wind came away from the S.S.E. direction this time, and the present prolonged snowfall commenced. At first it was of a fine powdery nature and was whirled into drifts, and filled the eyes of pedestrians. Since then the flakes have been large and persistent. The wind yesterday veered round to south-east, and last night at twelve o'clock it went still further round, and was blowing with great force from the east. As might be expected there was a tremendous on the bar, and whenever the sky cleared for few moments, which was very rarely during the day, those on the look-out beheld one of the wildest scenes at the mouth of the Tyne they had seen for a very long time past. The waves between the Trow Rocks and the South Pier were churned into a yeasty foam, the rollers being enormous height. Broken water covered the space between the ends of the uncompleted pier, and dashed with fury over those great structures. The waves tumbled mountain-like upon the beach, and created a good sized lake south of the watch house, in the large hollow where some years ago five persons were drowned in trying to get near the Life Brigadesmen who at the time were rescuing a shipwrecked crew. The wide space on the opposite side of the watch house, known as Herd Sand and eastward of the Groyne, was filled with great billows, which tore along the inner side of the stonework of the piers with terrific force. As a consequence of the rough sea no vessel ventured to leave the harbour, and the arrivals were few and far between. At the South Shields watch house the brigade were on duty from ten o'clock in the morning, and last night at twelve o'clock, thirty-five members answered the roll. The officers on duty during the night were Captains Grey and Potts; Deputy- Captains Ross and Scrafton. Mr S. Malcolm, secretary of the Brigade, was also in attendance. Rations were served out at midnight, consisting of some capital soup, potatoes, and the meat from which the soup was made. One of the local butchers, Mr T. Oliver, of Fowler Street, South Shields, sent a quantity beef, an example that might be copied by other knights of the cleaver when there is a big muster of brigadesmen on all night duty at the watch house. A few steamers came in this morning, and made the harbour in safety. All land traffic has been impeded by the heavy fall of snow.
Source: Shields Daily Gazette 16 March 1888
17 March
The Great Snowstorm in the North East
The men connected with the South ShieIds Volunteer Life Brigade have shown a commendable spirit mustering in such large numbers night after night at the watch house on the pier, and among the officers none have shown a more assiduous attention to the duties the position than Deputy-Captain James Henderson. His name in the various reports of what has taken place on the pier has up to this been somehow time after time omitted, but now that the storm seems to have spent itself it is well in rectifying any little omission that has crept into the record of the proceedings from day to day, and that honour should be given where is due. But there should no invidious distinction, for there is not an officer or private member connected with the institution but seems to have considered it imperative to put in an appearance at the watch house at one time or another. Happily there has been no serious casualty calling for their active services, and it is to be hoped that this, like others that have gone before, may be described as a “wreckless winter”.
Source: Shields Daily Gazette 17 March 1888
A Disabled Steamer off the Tyne
Yesterday the Recepta ,s., of London, 622 tons, Captain Thain, from London, arrived in the Tyne in charge of three tug boats, the Great Britain, the Hector, and the Gauntlet, having broke down when off the Tyne. She was moored at the High Buoys, South Shields. The Recepta was observed about noon off the mouth of the Tyne flying signals of distress. Her position was observed by the coastguard and members of the South Shields Volunteer Life Brigade, the officers in command at the time being Capt. Potts and Deputy-Captain Scrafton, and they proceeded along the pier with the object of rendering any assistance that might be possible. There was also a large muster on the north pier. The lifeboats were also launched, but before they had proceeded far the three tugs named had got under weigh, and shortly came up with disabled steamer, and took her in tow.
Source: Shields Daily Gazette 17 March 1888
APRIL
3 April
SOUTH SHIELDS VOLUNTEER LIFE BRIGADE.
THE MEMBERS are respectfully informed that the Next DRILL will take place on Saturday Afternoon the 7th of April, 1888, at 4 o'clock.
S. MALCOLM, Hon. Sec.
Source: Shields Daily Gazette 3 April 1888
MAY
3 May 1888
SOUTH SHIELDS VOLUNTEER LIFE BRIGADE.
THE MEMBERS are respectfully informed that the Next DRILL will take place on Saturday Afternoon the 5th of May, 1888, at 6 o'clock.
S. MALCOLM, Hon. Sec.
Source: Shields Daily Gazette 3 May 1888
28 May
The Rev. Moore leaves the Brigade.
The Vicar of St Peter’s,
North Shields
We are informed that the Rev. E. H. Moore, B.A., formerly Chaplain of Missions to Seamen on the Tyne (on board the Joseph Straker), for the last six years Chaplain of the Lichfield Diocean Barge Mission, and for 8 years an active member of the South Shields Volunteer Life Brigade, has been appointed vicar of St. Peter’s as successor to Rev. M. Woosnam, who has recently been appointed to the living of Kirk-by- Wiske. The living of St. Peter's, we understand, is worth £320 per annum, and a vicarage.
Source: Shields Daily Gazette 28 May 1888
JUNE
JULY
6 July 1888
The Annual Meeting took place.
SOUTH SHIELDS VOLUNTEER LIFE BRIGADE.
THE ANNUAL MEETING will be held at the Watch House on Friday, July 6th, at 7.30 p.m.
S. MALCOLM, Hon Sec.
Source: Shields Daily Gazette 4 July 1888
31 July 1888
SOUTH SHIELDS VOLUNTEER LIFE BRIGADE
THE MEMBERS are respectfully informed that the Next DRILL will take place on Saturday Afternoon, the 4th of August, 1888, at 6 o'clock.
S. MALCOLM, Hon Sec.
Source: Shields Daily Gazette 31 July 1888
AUGUST
4 August 1888
A presentation to Mr Wood on the occasion of his wedding.
Presentation to Mr J. H. Wood.—On Thursday night the officials and workmen of the South Shields Gas Company met at the works to offer Mr J. H. Wood, superintendent, their united congratulations upon the occasion of his marriage, and accompanied the expression of goodwill with a substantial present in the shape of a beautiful marble clock with bronze ornaments to correspond. Mr J. H. Penney, secretary, presided over the gathering. Mr W. J. Warner, engineer, in making the presentation, said it was a confirmation of the opinion which they had all held, that Mr Wood had not only won their confidence, but had won the goodwill of all engaged in the company. Apart from his connection with the company, he had been zealous and energetic as a member of the ambulance corps, teaching their own men, while training himself. As a member the Volunteer Life Brigade, he had won for it and himself the high honour of the Albert Medal. In his profession there had been displayed the same spirit of zealous devotion; he therefore ventured to forecast him a career of usefulness, of honour, and of distinction. Mr Wood, in acknowledging the gift, thanked Mr Warner for his encouraging remarks, and the officials and workmen for their kindness in remembering him at such a period. The interesting proceedings terminated with the usual vote of thanks to the chairman. The clock and ornaments were from the establishment of Mr J. Grant, King Street, South Shields.
Source: Shields Daily Gazette 4 August 1888
30 August 1888
SOUTH SHIELDS VOLUNTEER LIFE BRIGADE
THE MEMBERS are respectfully informed that the next Drill will take place on Saturday afternoon, the 1st of September, 1888, at 6 o'clock.
S. MALCOLM. Hon. Sec.
Source: Shields Daily Gazette 30 August 1888
SEPTEMBER
OCTOBER
3 October
SOUTH SHIELDS VOLUNTEER LIFE BRIGADE.
THE MEMBERS are respectfully informed that the Next DRILL will take place on SATURDAY AFTERNOON, the 6th of October, 1888, at 4 o’clock.
S. MALCOLM. Hon. Sec.
Source: Shields Daily Gazette 3 October 1888
19 October 1888
The Brigade continued their association with the local theatres.
COOKE'S ROYAL CIRCUS
Ocean Road, South Shields.
TO-NIGHT. FASHIONABLE BESPEAK.
The Red Letter Night of the Season.
BENEFIT PERFORMANCE
IN AID OF THE WOULDHAVE AND
GREATHEAD MEMORIAL FUND
The performance will be under the patronage and presence of HIS WORSHIP THE MAYOR and Gentlemen of the above Committee, the members of the Life Brigade and several influential families. Your patronage and presence in this deserving cause will be esteemed. A. splendid programme will be given.
CAVIAR, the RIDING BEAR.
THE FOUR MARTINETTES, Grotesques.
The Wonderful PERFORMING ELEPHANT.
HURST, Champion Trick Bicyclist.
Cooke's Grand Equestrian Combination.
Doors open 7. Commence 7.30. Carriages 10.10
Grand MID-DAY PERFORMANCE TO-MORROW,
commencing at Half-past two.
CAVIAR, the Bear, will ride. The Elephant will perform. Cooke's Great Combination will appear.
Children Twopence each to the Gallery.
Source: Shields Daily Gazette 19 October 1888
NOVEMBER
1 November
SOUTH SHIELDS VOLUNTEER LIFE BRIGADE
THE Next Drill will take place on Saturday afternoon, the 3rd of November, 1888, at 4 o'clock.
S. MALCOLM, Hon. Sec.
Source: Shields Daily Gazette 1 November 1888
2 November 1888
More bad weather required the Brigade to be on watch.
Later Report
Writing at four o'clock this afternoon our reporter states:—There is no signs of abatement in the storm off the Tyne. The sea is still exceeding rough, high rollers breaking fiercely over the Tyne piers which are at times are completely buried. There is no change in direction of the wind. It is still blowing from the N.N.E. There is a fairly good muster of the Life Brigade, in case their services should be required, but up to the present there is nothing to record in the casualty line.
Source: Shields Daily Gazette 2 November 1888
3 November
The Stormy Weather
North and South Shields
The storm which came away with such force yesterday morning, continued throughout the whole of the day. Rain fell incessantly, and the outlook seaward at the mouth of the Tyne was of most unpleasant description. The breakers came over the piers in great sheets, and the space between these structures was a mass of broken water, making navigation a very trying task for the few vessels that came in during the day. The wind, which in the morning had blown from the North East, veered steadily round till at night-fall it was S.S.E. About ten o'clock it had greatly subsided and after that there was an almost complete abatement of the storm. The coastguard, under Mr Lorden, and several members of the Volunteer Life Brigade were on duty in the evening, and during the blinding showers of rain the rocket van was taken along the pier to be ready in case of need. As the tide rose the waves outside the piers increased in height and high water they swept into the harbour with alarming violence. With the ebb there was gradual improvement, yet this morning the shore line had a very wild appearance, and the sky had most threatening aspect.
Source: Shields Daily Gazette 3 November 1888
13 November
A November Gale off the Tyne
Arrival of Distressed Vessels
The Sunken Steamer Triumph
Serious Collision
Yesterday afternoon, a storm broke over the north-east coast, the wind blowing with terrific force from the south-east. Heavy showers of rain began to fall, and rendered the state of affairs at the mouth of the Tyne of exceedingly wild description. From five o'clock till midnight the storm seemed to gain in intensity, and vessels at sea must have experienced a very hard time it. The sea, which has been in a more or less tumultuous condition for several days,
Gradually Got Worse,
and the waves swept over the Tyne piers for a considerable portion of the length of those great structures. The coastguard and members of the Volunteer Life Brigade were early on duty, and kept a close look-out seaward for arriving craft, everything being put in readiness in case of any casualty. With the huge waves sweeping into the harbour,
The Sunken Steamer Triumph,
which lies athwart the channel close to the Groyne, became a much more dangerous obstacle to navigation than usual, notwithstanding that every precaution has been taken to prevent vessels colliding with the partly submerged steamer. Events too surely proved this in a very early stage of the gale. About seven o'clock a Dundee steamer coining into the river had a narrow escape of a serious collision. Her proximity to the Triumph being noticed several tugs went to her assistance, but it was found that she had cleared, or at least had not been in violent contact with the sunken vessel, and she was taken by the tug Hector, of South Shields, to the pontoon dock, Wallsend, whither she was bound. It is stated that she sustained some damage to her propellor, but to what extent was not ascertained. Between eight and nine o'clock the
Swedish Steamer Vesta
was entering the harbour, when she look a sheer and ran stern to the Triumph's stern. Several steamtugs, which were fortunately on the spot, rendered her valuable assistance, and she was subsequently towed clear. It was found that the Vesta had ripped her starboard bilge open and was rapidly filling. It was deemed necessary, seeing her critical condition, to run the vessel ashore, and she was successfully beached at Salmon's Quay. Several workmen were put on the steamer to repair the breach caused by the collision, and the hole was eventually patched up with woodwork, which was carefully caulked. A donkey engine was kept in motion for the purpose of pumping out the water, and it is proposed to take the vessel up the river to be docked for repairs. The Vesta was bound for Northumberland Dock to load, and was in ballast.
Source: Shields Daily Gazette 13 November 1888
19 November
The Ambulance classes recommence.
ST. JOHN AMBULANCE ASSOCIATION.
SOUTH SHIELDS CENTRE.
THE VOLUNTEER LIFE BRIGADE AMBULANCE CLASS, instructed by Dr. Crease, will begin on Thursday, 22nd Nov., at 8 15 p.m., at the Watch House.
The other Classes for First Aid and Nursing will begin after the New Year.
J. SHANNAN STEVENSON, Local Hon. Sec.
Source: Shields Daily Gazette 19 November 1888
DECEMBER
1 December
SOUTH SHIELDS VOLUNTEER LIFE BRIGADE.
THE NEXT DRILL will take place on SATURDAY AFTERNOON, the 1st of December, at 4 o'clock.
S. MALCOLM, Hon. Secretary.
Source: Shields Daily Gazette 29 November 1888