Events 1926

Annual Report

and Statement of Receipts and Payments for the Year Ending 31st December 1926

The Committee beg to present the Sixtieth Annual Report of their proceedings to their members and friends. This has been an uneventful year as far as wrecks are concerned, and we can only chronicle our other proceedings in various ways.

On Friday, January 16th, we celebrated our 60th anniversary by having a smoking concert and supper in the Watch House. It was presided over by Mr S. Malcolm, our President, who took the occasion of presenting to the Brigade a Souvenir Shield carved by himself, representing in various panels the different parts of the Rocket Apparatus, together with a view of the Brigade House, all carved in solid oak. This Shield was formally accepted by the Honorary Secretary on behalf of the Members. Mr Malcolm’s health was afterwards proposed by Capt. Page in eulogistic terms, referring to his long services and the way he had so successfully carried on the duties of Secretary for so many years.

The Hon. Secretary then proposed the health of the Mayor (Mr J. R. Curbison), who responded in a very pleasing manner. The toast of “Kindred Brigades” was given and the rest of the evening was spent in songs, recitations etc.

February 7. – South-easterly gale and very heavy sea. Watch kept all day, and continued till 7.30 a. m. on February 8.

The Tyne Improvement Commissions have kindly consented to remove our drill mast, which the building of the Promenade had much interfered with the use of, a commencement was made on May 12 to prepare a new berth for it. It was finally hoisted into position a few days after and properly stayed and secured. We are very grateful to the Commissioners for it all. It is a great improvement and our drills have been more expeditious ever since.

On Sunday, July 11, the brigade attended the Annual Service in the South Park in memory of the men and women who laid down their lives in the Great War. The service was taken by the Rev. J. G. Lane-Davies, M. C., Vicar of St Michael’s, who preached an excellent sermon.

Tuesday, July 13. – P.C. Darling, of the South Shields Police and Station Officer W. White, of H.M. Coastguard, were presented by the King with silver and bronze medal respectively given by the Board of Trade, for bravery in saving life nat the wreck of the P. C. 71 on November 25, 1925. They both afterwards received recognition by the Carnegie Trust.

August 13. – The Brigade and Coastguard were inspected by Capt. Rundle, R. N. , Inspector-General of Coastguard. He inspected all the gear and other parts of the apparatus, but did not require the attendance of the Brigade, as the time fixed, 10.30 a. m., was very unsuitable for us. He was satisfied with everything.

September 1. – The Brigade competed in the “Chronicle” Cup Competition. Capt Roy Bacchus, R. N. , Inspector of Coastguard, conducted the competition, assisted by Divisional Officers Boucher and Clayton. We were severely handicapped, being four men short. We were allowed to take on two other members. The principal feature of the performance was the stowing of the rocket line, which received the well-deserved commendation of the Inspecting Officer.

November 6. – A detachment of the Brigade attended the funeral of Brigadesman Meickle, an old member of the Brigade.

Sunday, November 14. – The Brigade attended the Mayor, Councillor Ranson, to St Hilda’s Church. The usual sermon was preached by the Vicar, and a collection taken for the Ingham Infirmary.

Saturday, November 27. – Very thick fog. At 8.30 p. m. the s.s. Ramsey grounded on the Herd Sand, between the South Pier and the Groyne. Sea perfectly calm, and our services were not necessary. Towage on the Ramsey was commenced the following morning but was not successful. On Sunday evening at high tide another attempt was made which was successful. The wind had changed to the south-east, and brought on a little sea during the afternoon. Many members were in attendance, and Watchman J. Dixon had the searchlight ready in case (as seemed very probable) she took a sheer and came against the stones.

From the balance sheet it will be seen that there is a debit balance of £37/19/8. It is by exercising the most stringent economy that we are able to meet our liabilities, and it is chiefly due to the fact that we receive financial assistance from our honorary members that the Brigade can continue its work. We are anxious to enrol more honorary members; this incurs a subscription of £1/1/0 per annum. Smaller donations will also be welcomed. The Honorary Secretary (Mr J. B. Bowman) or the Treasurer (Capt. Jas. Page) will be pleased to receive and acknowledge the same.

The best thanks of the Brigade are due to the Tyne Improvement Commissioners for moving the drill mast at considerable expense and for the efficient manner in which the work has been carried out, and to the Corporation of South Shields for the great improvement at the east front of the House and the path down to the beach.