January
1 January
On Sunday 1st January, the Brigade attended Evensong at St Stephen’s Church on the occasion of the Pilots’ Memorial Service. There was a large attendance and the Bishop of Durham preached the Sermon.
Source: Annual Report 1933
February
18 and 19 February
On 18th and 19th February, owing to a strong easterly wind, watch was kept until the weather moderated at 3 a.m.
24-27 February
On the 24th February strong easterly wind and gale. Watch was kept – the lamp being lit at 8 p.m. it was reported that a vessel, the “Sheaf Arrow” was ten miles North of Whitby with a list to starboard and it was thought that she would make for the Tyne. Careful watch was kept. Several vessels entered the harbour during the night.
On the 25th February there was a strong North-easterly gale. About 7 a.m. the “Sheaf Arrow”, after several attempts entered the harbour practically broadside on. In the meantime, the steamer “Eilande” got into difficulties and about 10 a.m. was thrown on to the Black Middens near the gas buoy. The crew were taken off by the Motor Lifeboat. Watch was continued until 11 p.m.
On the 26th February watch was continued all day.
On the 27th February, watch continued until 8 a.m.
Source: Annual Report 1933
March
21 March
On the 21st March, Brigadesman Richard Gardner, who had been Brigade watchman for some time, died and was buried on the 25th March at St Stephen’s Churchyard. A large number of members of the Brigade were present at the Service in St Stephen’s Church prior to the internment.
Source: Annual Report 1933
24 March
On 24th March, a Smoking Concert was held in the Brigade House, several members of the Brigade being present, also visitors and Honorary Members. Ambulance Certificates were presented.
Source: Annual Report 1933
April
May
June
July
1 July
On the 1st July, the “Chronicle Cup” Competition Drill took place in very hot weather and a large crowd watched the competition drill, which was indeed a very fine performance. The result of the competition, however, was not declared until later.
Source: Annual Report 1933
Victory for Roker
Life-Saving Shield Won at Tynemouth
Roker Volunteer Life Brigade scored a fine victory on Saturday in the Wear Shipowners’ Shield competition, held at Tynemouth.
Competition between the Roker, Sunderland South, Tynemouth, and South Shields brigades is always keen, but on this occasion, the Roker Brigade was placed first by the three neutral umpires after a thorough test of life-saving work. Tynemouth were second. South Shields third, and Sunderland South fourth.
Captain Urwin, who was in command of the Roker Brigade, was given a rare reception when the trophy was presented at the close of the competition.
Source: Sunderland Daily Echo 10 July 1933
August
7 August
On the 7th August, a crew from this Brigade were successful at Roker Regatta in winning the “Moffat” Cup, a challenge cup for competition amongst crews from Volunteer Life Brigades.
Source: Annual Report 1933
Close Finishes
There were some close finishes inside the harbour in the rowing races confined to crews of four of Volunteer Life Brigades. The final was watched by an enthusiastic crowd. South Shields “A” team beating Sunderland South ”B” team by several lengths.
In earlier heats Sunderland South “B” beat Roker “B.” and Roker “A” beat South Shields “B,” while South Shields “A” beat Sunderland South “A,” and Sunderland South ’B” beat Roker “A.”
Source: Sunderland Daily Echo 7 August 1933
September
23 September
On the 23rd September, the Brigade received the news that the team from the Brigade under Deputy-Captain Robson were the winners of the “Chronicle Cup” for the year 1933. To win this cup is now a severe test and proof of a high standard of efficiency, the competition having been brought thoroughly up to date and the competitors being given difficult complications to tackle during the actual progress of the competition drill. The team and the Brigade are to be congratulated on their success.
Source: Annual Report 1933
30 September
On the 30th September, Mr John Swainston, who, previous to his illness, had been a well-known tradesman in the town and in his earlier days, a prominent swimmer, and who for many years was an active member of the Brigade and had taken part in many rescues, died. He was buried at Harton Cemetery on the 3rd October, and a number of Officers and members of the brigade were present at his funeral.
Source: Annual Report 1933
October
25-29 October
From the 25th to 29th October, intermittent watch was kept owing to stormy weather. A number of members presented themselves in case of need.
Source: Annual Report 1933
November
2 November
On November 2nd, owing to weather conditions, a watch was set at 9.30 p.m., and continued to about 1 a.m. on 3rd November.
Source: Annual Report 1933
9 November
On November 9th, a Film showing the “Chronicle Cup” Competition Drill was exhibited by Mr Charles Kell in the Brigade House and was highly appreciated by those members present.
Source: Annual Report 1933
18 November
On November 18th following several days of stormy weather, the van was run out along the Pier at 3.30 p.m. and a way dug through the heavy banks of sand which had accumulated and when the weather abated at 2.30 a.m., on the 19th, the watch ended.
Source: Annual Report 1933