Tradition kept alive at old folks' supper

Tweedmouth old folks supper in Berwick town hall.

Rae Huntly, president, discovered it in a scrapbook given to him which gave details of the suppers from 1902 to 1988.

Councillor Jim Smith, member for Berwick East, used it to urge the community to forge ahead after the closure of Seton Hall and the threat to the future of Jus-Rol had cast a shadow.

The evening was a great success and Mr Huntly was delighted at the increased number attending this year.

He said the 1906 supper in the Royal Hotel had rabbit pie or beef steak and kidney pie as main courses, followed by plum pudding. There was a singer and gramophone music for entertainment. A total of £11 was raised to pay for it all.

By 1945, the event had moved to St Cuthbert’s Hall with rabbit pie still the main course but with no drink because it was in short supply nationally.

In 1951, Tommy Gladston began his long association with the supper as accompanist and musical director.

The centenary supper was held in the holiday centre in 1981, with roast turkey, bacon and sherry trifle and entertainers included Harry Smith, Malcolm Thompson and John Dougall. There were over 100 donations.

By 1988, the venue had switched to the Tweed View Hotel and there were suppers on successive Thursdays because of the large numbers. One was for Seton ward, the other for Tower. Peter Thomas and his son, Malcolm Thompson and Isobel Skene entertained. Mr Huntly was pleased to see her among the residents at Thursday’s function.

He thanked Prior Park School for a delightful selection of carols at the outset and praised the young students of a recently-formed youth group studying for Duke of Edinburgh awards, who helped out during the evening.

Sheriff Ian Hay, in the absence of the mayor, wished guests a Happy New Year.

Cllr Smith paid tribute to the volunteer spirit and support of youth so obvious in Tweedmouth. He called for local people to help with the discussions on the proposed neighbourhood plan.

Vice president Tony Langmack thanked the old people for their support in keeping a long-established event moving forward.