BERWICK UPON TWEED - The North Northumberland Town and East Coast Port

Jubilee Fountain, Berwick upon Tweed - Part 1

This is the Jubilee Fountain which stands on Castlegate, immediately to the west of Scots Gate, Berwick upon Tweed, Northumberland.

The pink granite column was unveiled by Sir Edward Grey, M.P. for North Northumberland, the future Foreign Secretary,in 1897 to commemorate the Jubilee of Queen Victoria. Commissioned by Commander Francis Martin Norman R. N.(1833-1918) who was the founder of the town's Historic Monuments Committee.

The raised inscription reads:
TO COMMEMORATE / THE SIXTIETH ANNIVERSARY / OF QUEEN VICTORIA'S / ACCESSION TO THE THRONE / THIS FOUNTAIN / WAS PRESENTED TO THE / BOROUGH OF / BERWICK-UPON-TWEED / ON JUNE 20, 1897 / BY FRANCIS MARTIN NORMAN / COMMADER RN, JP / SUCCESSIVELY SHERIFF, / MAYOR, AND ALDERMAN

Photographs taken 23rd May 2018:














Hosted on https://www.flickr.com/photos/steve-ellwood/albums/72157698922936512

Public encouraged to attend Union Chain Bridge consultation events

Steve Ellwood said:

© https://www.flickr.com/photos/steve-ellwood/

Press release from Northumberland County Council @ http://www.northumberland.gov.uk/Ne...n-Bridge-closure-for-further-National-Lo.aspx
Union Chain Bridge closure for further National Lottery bid works
28 Aug 2018

A ten week series of closures of the iconic Union Chain Bridge will be taking place as further progress is made on the second round National Lottery bid.

The closure, which will be intermittent, begins on Monday 10 September and runs from 9am to 5pm, with the bridge open at weekends. Pedestrians and cyclists will continue to be able to use the bridge but may face short delays at times until it is safe to cross.

In order to minimise the impact for local residents and nearby visitor attractions, and because of the nature of the works, there may be periods during this time when the road is open to all traffic and diversion and advance warning signs will notify drivers of this happening.

A fully signed diversion route will be in place for the duration of the closure, which will allow the development activities to support the second round bid to take place, including a masonry inspection, investigation of the existing paintwork, strain gauge monitoring and handrail works.

The works are required as part of an ambitious project to conserve the historic bridge, which is currently in a one year development phase after initial support for National Lottery funding from the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) was approved in March 2018, securing a £360,000 development grant. It meant the £7.3million project could be progressed further, ahead of a second round submission.

The bid focuses on conserving and raising awareness of the internationally significant bridge, which celebrates its 200th birthday in 2020.

Scottish Borders Council, Northumberland County Council, community group the Friends of the Union Chain Bridge and Museums Northumberland – formerly known as the Woodhorn Charitable Trust - are working together on the scheme.

Built by Captain Samuel Brown in 1820, the Union Chain Bridge is currently the oldest operational suspension bridge in the world still carrying vehicles, and through securing National Lottery support, it is anticipated that the bridge project can also deliver numerous cultural, heritage, educational and community benefits.

A spokesperson for the partners of the Union Chain Bridge project said: “We realise this is a lengthy daytime closure but it is absolutely essential as part of the second round bid to the National Lottery to help us determine the condition of the bridge.

“Alongside conserving and promoting the Union Chain Bridge, our project also aims to raise the profile of nearby attractions, providing learning opportunities for young people inspired by the bridge’s innovative engineering, and developing meaningful cross-border heritage projects and partnerships. We hope local people understand the need to closure the road to vehicles during weekdays, with the bridge fully open to all at weekends and still open Monday to Friday for walkers, cyclists and horse riders.”

The Union Chain Bridge project also aims to use the structure and its conservation to develop educational resources and case study materials for the teaching of science, technology, engineering and maths subjects from primary schools up to postgraduate level.

This would aim to inspire a new generation to choose careers in science and engineering and to follow in the footsteps of Captain Samuel Brown.

http://www.northumberland.gov.uk/Ne...n-Bridge-closure-for-further-National-Lo.aspx

Click to expand...

Press release from Northumberland County Council @ https://www.northumberland.gov.uk/N...ouraged-to-attend-Union-Chain-Bridge-con.aspx
Public encouraged to attend Union Chain Bridge consultation events
08 Oct 2018



A series of consultation events with local residents, teachers and community groups will be held this month as further progress is made on the second round National Lottery bid for the Union Chain Bridge project.

Public meetings will be held in Paxton and Horncliffe to provide an update to local people and stakeholders about the project ahead of the bridge’s 200th anniversary in 2020.

Union Chain Bridge: crossing borders, inspiring communities, is an ambitious cross-border project to conserve the historically and internationally significant Union Chain Bridge and deliver an exciting and engaging programme of events, activities and learning opportunities.

The project is currently in a one year development phase after initial support for National Lottery funding from the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) was approved in March 2018, securing a £360,000 development grant.

During this development phase consultation meetings have been organised to offer local people an opportunity to get involved in the development of activities and events and share their stories about the bridge.

The public events are open to all and the details are:

Wednesday 17 October, Paxton Village Hall, 7 to 8pm
Thursday 18 October, Horncliffe Memorial Hall, 7 to 8pm

If you would like more information contact Jane Miller, Union Chain Bridge Project Coordinator, on 07768 557698 or email [email protected].

Scottish Borders Council, Northumberland County Council, community group the Friends of the Union Chain Bridge and Museums Northumberland – formerly known as the Woodhorn Charitable Trust - are working together on the scheme.

Built by Captain Samuel Brown in 1820, the Union Chain Bridge is currently the oldest operational suspension bridge in the world still carrying vehicles, and through securing National Lottery support, it is anticipated that the bridge project can also deliver many cultural, heritage, educational and community benefits.

A spokesperson for the partners of the Union Chain Bridge project said:

“Alongside conserving and promoting the Union Chain Bridge, our project also aims to raise the profile of nearby attractions, providing learning opportunities for young people inspired by the bridge’s innovative engineering, and developing meaningful cross-border heritage projects and partnerships.

“The Union Chain Bridge project also aims to use the structure and its conservation to develop educational resources for the teaching of science, technology, engineering and maths subjects from early years up to postgraduate
level, inspiring a new generation of scientists and engineers to follow in the footsteps of Captain Samuel Brown.

“Engagement with the public is absolutely vital if this project is to be a success, and we would encourage as many people as possible with an interest to come along to one of the consultation events.”

https://www.northumberland.gov.uk/N...ouraged-to-attend-Union-Chain-Bridge-con.aspx

42 Marygate Berwick

18/03544/FUL | Conversion of existing vacant 1st floor space over retail unit to provide 4 number residential dwellings (planning use class C3), with associated amenity facilities at ground floor level. | 42 Marygate Berwick-Upon-Tweed TD15 1BN
Reference 18/03544/FUL
Alternative Reference PP-07315313
Application Received Mon 08 Oct 2018
Application Validated Mon 08 Oct 2018
Address 42 Marygate Berwick-Upon-Tweed TD15 1BN
Proposal Conversion of existing vacant 1st floor space over retail unit to provide 4 number residential dwellings (planning use class C3), with associated
amenity facilities at ground floor level.
Status Registered
https://publicaccess.northumberland...s.do?activeTab=documents&keyVal=PG4MXNQSJGV00

Image courtesy of the planning documents:


Hosted on https://www.flickr.com/photos/steve-ellwood/

The Main Guard - The Old Guardhouse, Berwick upon Tweed

This is the Grade II* Listed C18 (1743) Main Guard standing on the south side of Palace Green, Berwick upon Tweed.

As the sign indicates the building was relocated from Marygate in 1815.

The building was used as offices of the Town Guard and held a roster room, office and cell. In its later days it was used a storeroom by the Coastguard. At one time there were four such guardrooms within the Town Walls but only this example survives.

Listing text can be found @ https://britishlistedbuildings.co.uk/101042425-the-old-guardhouse-berwick-upon-tweed#.W8njN_ZRfb0

Photographs taken 23rd May 2018.














© https://www.flickr.com/photos/steve-ellwood/albums/72157699361387072

Council cash to refurbish Berwick football pavilion

Press release from Northumberland County Council @ https://www.northumberland.gov.uk/N...sh-to-refurbish-Berwick-football-pavilio.aspx
Council cash to refurbish Berwick football pavilion
22 Oct 2018


Pictured: Councillor Catherine Seymour and Richard Baxendale, Club Secretary and member of Senior Playing Squad.

Spittal Rovers Football Club, based in Newfields, Berwick has been given a cash boost from Northumberland County Council to help refurbish a local pavilion adjacent to its sports pitch.

The club has been awarded a grant of £1,500 from the council’s community chest fund and a further £4,500 from local county councillor Catherine Seymour’s members allowance to complete funds required for the restoration scheme.

The old pavilion building had been out of use for a number of years but has now been brought back into use as a community venue and provides changing and shower facilities for training and match days.

Over the past year the pavilion has had a major internal refurbishment but unforseen findings in the structure meant that the club had run out of funds for the external works.

The £6,000 contribution from Northumberland County Council will now allow the club to move forward with work to remove the old external cladding of the building and replace it with larch cladding, helping to secure its long term future.

Spittal Rovers is an amateur football club that provides training and competitive football matches for children and adults in the borough and beyond.

Sharon Buglass from the club said: “Our club is very popular and we have an enthusiastic membership, however we are a voluntary group and funds are limited. Although we have done a lot of fundraising this has been a costly scheme and the financial contribution from the council and our local councillor is really appreciated.”

Local Councillor Catherine Seymour said: “ Well done to all the volunteers at the football club for their vision and hard work in carrying out this project for the children and adults to participate in outdoor sport by restoring this building to benefit the community. We are delighted to have been able to offer financial support to complete this local worthy cause.”

https://www.northumberland.gov.uk/N...sh-to-refurbish-Berwick-football-pavilio.aspx

Victoria House, 15 & 17 Castlegate, Berwick upon Tweed

Photographs of the Grade II Listed Victoria House at 15 & 17 Castlegate, Berwick upon Tweed taken 23rd May 2018.

Built mid C19 with heavily corbelled cornice and acroteria.

Listing text can be found @ https://britishlistedbuildings.co.uk/101211158-victoria-house-berwick-upon-tweed#.W9hqTeKYTb0




© https://www.flickr.com/photos/steve-ellwood/albums

10 and 12, Hide Hill, Berwick upon Tweed

Grade II Listed 10 and 12, Hide Hill, Berwick upon Tweed, photographed 23rd May 2018. Listing text can be found @ https://britishlistedbuildings.co.uk/101211360-10-and-12-hide-hill-berwick-upon-tweed#.W9mZ9-KYTb0

Built in early C19 and currently occupied by the Newcastle Building Society. (evidently it has been a branch for 20+ years).

Proposal for refurbishment as per this planning application on the Northumberland Country Council Planning Portal:

18/03766/LBC | Listed Building Consent for refurbishment of ground floor of existing branch; new aluminium shop front; alterations to existing timber cornice and sign deails and forming disabled ramped level access. | Newcastle Building Society 12 Hide Hill Berwick-Upon-Tweed Northumberland TD15 1AB
Reference 18/03766/LBC
Alternative Reference Not Available
Application Received Mon 22 Oct 2018
Application Validated Thu 25 Oct 2018
Address Newcastle Building Society 12 Hide Hill Berwick-Upon-Tweed Northumberland TD15 1AB
Proposal Listed Building Consent for refurbishment of ground floor of existing branch; new aluminium shop front; alterations to existing timber cornice and sign deails and forming disabled ramped level access.
Status Registered
https://publicaccess.northumberland...s.do?activeTab=documents&keyVal=PH1WMSQS0K500


© https://www.flickr.com/photos/steve-ellwood/

Barclays, 22 - 24 Hide Hill, Berwick upon Tweed

Steve Ellwood said:

18/02773/LBC | Listed Building Consent for refurbishment comprising: Repairs to the main roof and the flat roofs to the rear elevation. External repairs to doors and windows as per the Schedule of Dilapidations. Clearing and repairs to rainwater goods, internal repairs to include defective plaster, decorations to banking hall. Render repairs to side elevation. Works to extend external damp course protection. | Barclays 22 - 24 Hide Hill Berwick-Upon-Tweed Northumberland TD15 1AF
Reference 18/02773/LBC
Alternative Reference PP-07163839
Application Received Fri 03 Aug 2018
Application Validated Mon 20 Aug 2018
Address Barclays 22 - 24 Hide Hill Berwick-Upon-Tweed Northumberland TD15 1AF
Proposal Listed Building Consent for refurbishment comprising: Repairs to the main roof and the flat roofs to the rear elevation. External repairs to doors and windows as per the Schedule of Dilapidations. Clearing and repairs to rainwater goods, internal repairs to include defective plaster, decorations to banking hall. Render repairs to side elevation. Works to extend external damp course protection.
Status Registered
https://publicaccess.northumberland...s.do?activeTab=documents&keyVal=PCTVWEQSI7Y00

18/02772/FUL | Refurbishment comprising: Repairs to the main roof and the flat roofs to the rear elevation. External repairs to doors and windows as per the Schedule of Dilapidations. Clearing and repairs to rainwater goods, internal repairs to include defective plaster, decorations to banking hall. Render repairs to side elevation. Works to extend external damp course protection. | Barclays 22 - 24 Hide Hill Berwick-Upon-Tweed Northumberland TD15 1AF
Reference 18/02772/FUL
Alternative Reference PP-07163839
Application Received Fri 03 Aug 2018
Application Validated Mon 20 Aug 2018
Address Barclays 22 - 24 Hide Hill Berwick-Upon-Tweed Northumberland TD15 1AF
Proposal Refurbishment comprising: Repairs to the main roof and the flat roofs to the rear elevation. External repairs to doors and windows as per the Schedule of Dilapidations. Clearing and repairs to rainwater goods, internal repairs to include defective plaster, decorations to banking hall. Render repairs to side elevation. Works to extend external damp course protection.
Status Registered
https://publicaccess.northumberland...s.do?activeTab=documents&keyVal=PCTVVWQSI7X00

These photographs of the Grade Listed II, C18 building taken 23rd May 2018.

© https://www.flickr.com/photos/steve-ellwood/albums/72157700417365165

Click to expand...

Status Decided
Decision Application Permitted
Decision Issued Date Wed 31 Oct 2018

Council continues parking improvements in Berwick

Press release from Northumberland Cou ty Council @ https://www.northumberland.gov.uk/N...ontinues-parking-improvements-in-Berwick.aspx
Council continues parking improvements in Berwick
06 Nov 2018



Hundreds of new parking spaces are being created across Northumberland as the council continues its multi-million pound traffic improvements.

The county council has allocated £10m to fund parking improvements throughout Northumberland, producing detailed parking studies and action plans for our market towns in conjunction with town and parish councils.

The improvement programme is well underway, expanding and refurbishing existing car parks and creating new ones in many towns and villages.

The latest plans recommended for funding include schemes to provide a further 120 spaces in Berwick, at the railway station and at West End, Tweedmouth. Also in Berwick, the former coach park in Chapel Street is now converted to short stay car park with additional on-street parking and EV point.

At Castlegate, planning approval has been secured for temporary use of the extension area for a further three years. Costings are being sought for the installation or barriers to prevent use during the winter period. Consideration is also being given to identify the most appropriate option for repairing the surface to make it safer and more hardwearing. Work is also about to start on the development of a scheme for the permanent use of Castlegate.

Discussions are ongoing to see whether the library car park being could be left open at weekends to enable access for a limited number of residents/visitors. There are currently 13 bays plus 2 disabled bays, with approximately 10 required for staff at weekends. If public use can be facilitated at weekends then suitable signage will be provided at the entrance.

Also in the town,discussions will continue with Advance Northumberland to see if they are able to open up their development site at the GWA Building on Walkergate for informal long stay parking by their tenants/visitors to help reduce pressure on the Council’s town centre long stay car parks.

Coach drop-off and short stay bays are also being regularly used and signage to the long stay parking bay at the Swan Centre has been put in place. Further promotion of the coach parking facilities being undertaken with tour operators to encourage visits to Berwick.

To help fund these raft of improvements consultation is set to take place on proposals to reintroduce charges at a number of non town centre council-owned car parks. The move would bring the council in line with parking charges at other tourism destinations and railway car parks in the region and save the authority over £400,000 a year, as it looks to address the need to make £27 million in revenue savings over the next three years.

It is proposed that charges are increased at six out of the seven car parks where charging is already in place. Plans are also being put forward to introduce parking charges at seven coastal tourist car parks, four railway station car parks and at Tyne Riverside Country Park. Many of these car parks would see charges of just £3 a day being introduced.

Consultation will also be carried out on proposals to increase the cost of an annual parking pass from £130 year to £225 (or just over 60 pence a day). These passes are often used by commuters and the new rate would still represent good value for money compared to a daily parking rate of £3 - which would equate to almost £700.

The recently introduced country parks annual pass, which costs £35, will currently be unaffected by these proposals.

By keeping the first hour free at the more urban coastal car parks, it would also ensure that local residents who regularly visit the sites for short walks would not be significantly affected by the proposals.

If the consultation is approved by Cabinet, detailed proposals will be put forward to residents, stakeholders and key partners in the coming weeks.

Councillor Glen Sanderson, Cabinet member for Environment and Local Services, said: “We know parking is an issue about which many people feel strongly and that’s why we’ve invested so much in improvements. There’s an urgent need to provide more spaces in our county and we’ve worked closely with our Parish and Town Council colleagues to increase capacity in our towns and villages and there is still a lot more to come.

“However there is absolutely no plans to introduce parking charges in existing town centre car parks. Maintaining and improving our everyday frontline services is of the greatest importance to us. At the same time we need to service our debt and, more importantly, we need to continue to generate investment income to allow us to safeguard and improve these front line services.”

If ultimately agreed, the new charges would be introduced by summer 2019.

https://www.northumberland.gov.uk/N...ontinues-parking-improvements-in-Berwick.aspx

Historic bridge scheme nets grant funding

Press release from Northumberland County Council @ https://www.northumberland.gov.uk/News/2018/Nov/Historic-bridge-scheme-nets-grant-funding.aspx
Historic bridge scheme nets grant funding
07 Nov 2018



The historic Union Chain Bridge linking England and Scotland is among seven Scottish Borders projects set to share over £150,000 in the latest round of grant awards from the Fallago Environment Fund.

The Fund shares the benefits of the Fallago Rig Wind Farm in the Lammermuir Hills with projects right across the Borders that enhance the region’s built, natural and cultural environment.

The 198 year-old Union Chain Bridge is the oldest vehicular suspension bridge in the world and is set to receive £50,000 from the Fallago Environment Fund towards its restoration.

A joint project to conserve the internationally significant engineering icon is being developed by the Friends of the Union Chain Bridge, Museums Northumberland, Scottish Borders Council and Northumberland County Council in order to safeguard its future. The project is currently in a one-year development phase after initial support for National Lottery funding from the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) was approved in March 2018.

Gareth Baird, Chairman, Fallago Environment Fund, said; “We’re delighted that the Fallago Environment Fund is able to share the benefits of the windfarm in such a varied and worthwhile manner, often helping to unlock match-funding from additional sources. From an engineering icon that plays a vital role in linking communities on both sides of the Border, to projects that promote accessibility, music, education and an appreciation of the region’s rich architectural, environmental and literary heritage, we are supporting initiatives that we believe will make the Borders an even better place to live, work and visit.”

Councillor Glen Sanderson, Cabinet Member for Environment and Local Services at, Northumberland County Council, said; “This is a very generous donation towards what is an iconic scheme linking England and Scotland. There is a great deal of work going on both north and south of the border as we head towards a second round submission to the Heritage Lottery Fund next year and we’re delighted with the support from the Fallago Environment Fund.”

Robert Hunter, Chairman, Friends of the Union Chain Bridge, said; “The Friends of the Union Chain Bridge are incredibly grateful to the Fallago Environment Fund for this very significant grant. It will help enormously to build the momentum behind our fundraising strategy for the restoration of this historic bridge as we head towards its bicentenary.”

Councillor Gordon Edgar, Scottish Borders Council’s Executive Member for Roads and Infrastructure, said: “The Union Chain Bridge project is not just about restoring this internationally significant crossing but delivering exciting and engaging programme of events, activities and learning opportunities. We are progressing a second round National Lottery bid and the backing of the Fallago Environment Fund is a huge show of support for our efforts to conserve the bridge.”

Photo courtesy of Paul Dodds.

https://www.northumberland.gov.uk/News/2018/Nov/Historic-bridge-scheme-nets-grant-funding.aspx

Berwick Masonic Hall

Berwick Masonic Hall on Church Street, photographed 23rd May 2018.

Grade II Listed and built in 1874 by the St David's Masonic Lodge at a cost of £1,800.

Listing text can be found @ https://britishlistedbuildings.co.uk/101290128-masonic-hall-berwick-upon-tweed#.W-q3GuKYTb0
















© http://GeordiePhotographs.fototime.com/Berwick/Berwick Masonic Hall

57 - 59 Marygate Berwick-Upon-Tweed

18/04016/LBC | Listed Building Consent for the conversion of first floor levels into three residential flats. | 57 - 59 Marygate Berwick-Upon-Tweed Northumberland TD15 1AX
Reference 18/04016/LBC
Alternative Reference Not Available
Application Received Wed 14 Nov 2018
Application Validated Wed 21 Nov 2018
Address 57 - 59 Marygate Berwick-Upon-Tweed Northumberland TD15 1AX
Proposal Listed Building Consent for the conversion of first floor levels into three residential flats.
Status Registered
https://publicaccess.northumberland...s.do?activeTab=documents&keyVal=PI6PV3QS0K400

Built C18 - Listing text can be found @ https://britishlistedbuildings.co.uk/101211286-53-61-marygate-berwick-upon-tweed#.W_1CCOKYTb0

This image of the property taken 23rd May 2018:


© http://GeordiePhotographs.fototime.com/Berwick/57 - 59 Marygate

North And West Of Hillcrest East, Ord, Berwick

Steve Ellwood said:

18/00828/OUT | Outline permission for residential development of 30 dwellings, access, parking, open space and associated infrastructure. | Land North And West Of Hillcrest East Ord Northumberland
Reference 18/00828/OUT
Alternative Reference PP-06793536
Application Received Tue 06 Mar 2018
Application Validated Wed 07 Mar 2018
Address Land North And West Of Hillcrest East Ord Northumberland
Proposal Outline permission for residential development of 30 dwellings, access, parking, open space and associated infrastructure.
Status Registered
https://publicaccess.northumberland...s.do?activeTab=documents&keyVal=P54KJYQSMR500

Click to expand...

Status Decided
Decision Application Permitted
Decision Issued Date Fri 23 Nov 2018

Lion's House

The Grade II* Listed Lion's House in Berwick upon Tweed, Northumberland, photographed 31st August 2021.

The front faces East across the river's open mouth and forms a tall and imposing landmark, a free-standing neighbour to the Magazine. Ashlar, C18, with rusticated quoins, scrolled gables, 3 storeys, centre doorway with good fanlight, 4 sash windows on ground floor and 5 on each upper floor.

The Magazine

The Grade II* Listed Magazine on the Town Walls of Berwick Upon Tweed, photographed 31st August 2021.

Built to hold the town's supply of gunpowder, constructed between 1749 and 1750. The thick walls of the magazine and its surrounding walls were meant to keep intruders out and any potential









Aerial - courtesy of Google

The Ice House - Berwick Upon Tweed

The Grade II Listed Ice House at Berwick Upon Tweed, photographed 31st August 2021.The ice house is entered via the path to the south-east of Bank Hill, with its entrance tunnel leading north-east.

1796 constructed for the fishing industry. It was designated as an air raid shelter during World War II and was later used for storage. It is currently cared for by the Berwick Preservation Trust.