To mark the centenary of the end of the First World War, Berwick Record Office in conjunction with Berwick Town Council is running an event in the Guildhall, Berwick on the weekend of Saturday 10th/ Sunday 11th November. There will be displays, family activities and talks about Berwick and the surrounding area. The displays will include material on the Belgian refugees; Berwick’s contribution to the War on the Home and War Front; local poetry; information on the stories behind the names on St Andrews Wallace Green War Memorial; school work, and much more. On the Sunday, the town’s Book of Remembrance will also be there for people to sign. Refreshments are available both days. The event runs from 10 to 4 on Saturday and 12 to 4 on Sunday.

A programme of talks will take place in the Council Chamber:

SATURDAY 10 NOVEMBER

11:00.   Sir Philip & Ann Mawer.   The poetry of Noel Hodgson : War Poet
 
12:00 / 1:00   Nigel Sumerling.   The Aftermath in Berwick  – short talk followed by a Guided tour round “The Aftermath” exhibition at the Barracks
 
2:00   Jim Gibson.   The Navy and the First World War
 
3:00   Mike Fraser.   Landed Northumbrians at War – Sir Edward Grey and Sir Charles Trevelyan

SUNDAY 11 NOVEMBER

12:15   Linda Bankier.   The War Memorials in St Andrews, Wallace Green Church : The Stories behind the Names
 
1:00    Phil Rowett.   “From Scareship to Luxury Transport—Airships over Berwick”
 
2:15    Sir Philip and Ann Mawer.   The poetry of Noel Hodgson : War Poet
 
3:00   Mike Fraser.   “Does My Country really need me?” The work of the Berwick upon Tweed Military Service Tribunal 1916-1918
 

If you have not seen the “Aftermath” exhibition at the Barracks, Nigel Sumerling will give a short talk on the local context at 12 on Saturday in the Council Chamber. This will then be followed by a visit to the exhibition where he will provide additional information on it.