Memories of Tweedmouth told in new book

George Martin, a retired printer, has produced An Anecdotal History of Tweedmouth.

His first book, on Spittal, was a winner with four reprints already and all of them containing additional information.

Berwick archivist Linda Bankier and her staff have given valuable assistance on the Tweedmouth book but George has gathered a highly interesting amount of information about a community which dates back well over 1,000 years.

It is a community which has seen Roman occupation, a Viking raid, an attack on the English fleet – Tweedmouth has always been in England – and has a salmon on its parish church spire in recognition of its importance to local fishing.

George has included much historical information on the community and its life but he has a wealth of facts over a wide range of topics.

Three boat-building firms thrived there and it was renowned for the clay pipes manufactured.

The salmon queen crowning, its sporting clubs and its businesses and schools are included.

Industries like the boiler works, wood yard and Berwick and Tweedmouth Gaslight Company are featured, as well as the railway which provided employment for so many until the 1960s and 1970s.

A chapter on its dock tells of how it was built and developed and the author also has a chapter on the pubs of Tweedmouth, listing as many as 15 and two clubs.

There are also honourable mentions for Berwick Rangers, Berwick Bandits Speedway Club and Tweedmouth Bowling Club.

In his foreword, George says he was never expecting to find so much of interest in Tweedmouth.

The book has been printed by Spittal-based Martins and with help from Berwick Record Office and is available in local book shops.