INTRODUCTION - A PERSONAL VIEW
Martin Le Fevre
In 1970, the then newly formed Local History Society, carried out a survey
of the village to monitor and record the changes since the end of the Second World
War. It was not a record of momentous events, but a reflection of the village
and the every day lives of its inhabitants. Even so, it makes fascinating reading
and reminds us of the many changes that have taken place since, some of which
we take for granted.
The fabric of the village is little changed. Some shops and businesses have
come and gone, some this year, but others have come to take their place. The amenity
and social life of the village have undergone considerable change. The building
of the bypass has made an enormous difference, removing vehicle fumes, the ever
present danger from hurrying drivers and the interminable noise.
The wider world has undergone many changes which are reflected in the village
but less dramatically. Decimal coinage, metric measurements, membership of the
Common Market and the effects of the Common Agricultural Policy on this, still
rural, area are all accepted as 'ordinary' in spite of the misgivings expressed
before their introduction.
Perhaps, as an incomer, I can appreciate better some of those aspects of Belford
which have not changed. It remains a safe community for young and old alike. As
everywhere there are differences, sometimes forcefully expressed, usually nine-day
wonders which stand out from the regular tolerance and friendly welcome which
I have experienced.
For a small community there is a wealth of activity and thought for others
best demonstrated by the numerous fund raising activities to support various disparate
causes. Multiple Sclerosis, Macmillan Nurses, Hospices, Animal Sanctuaries, Medical
Research to name but a few have benefitted from the generosity and ingenuity of
the Belford people who have found so many ways to enjoy themselves whilst working
to help others.
 |
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
The Society wishes to record its thanks for the help and support received
from Mrs Linda Bankier, the Borough Archivist, the Community Council for Northumberland,
John Fawcett and the members who worked so hard to collect the information: Audrey
Atkin, Tom Braidford, Heather Dodds, Tony & Gillian Lee, Martin & Ann
Le Fevre, John & Betty Mark.
THE BOX
To accompany this survey, documents including newspaper cuttings, programmes,
timetables and photographs have been collected. The box containing these has been
lodged at the Berwick-upon-Tweed Record Office (Reference No: BRO.564).
|
LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS
Available in the printed copy only. Not in this online version.
Market Place drawn by Sarah Riseborough
The opening of the Belford Bypass
Belford Craft Gallery and the Black Swan
Belford Interiors
J. W. Eyre
John Dory
T. & H. Nixon Garage
Booth Chemist
The Post Office
Stylish
The Salmon
Spar
Singin' Hinnies
Willie Pat's
Bearsports
Barclays Bank and J & M Tait
Blue Bell Hotel
Community Club
Reading Rooms
Charlie Sidney and Roger Edwards entertain
Belford Carnival
West Hall Farm
The Police Station
The Medical Centre
The Ambulance Station
Methodist Church
St Mary's Parish Church
Croft Field
View of Church Street and the Post Office
3 - 7 Church Street
Rear of Church Street
1 and 2 Clark Place
3 and 4 Clark Place
The Old Vicarage
The Croft
West side of High Street i
West side of High Street ii
West side of High Street iii & iv
1 & 2 Northbank
Limekiln - Swinhoe
Belford Station
Welcome House
The approach to Swinhoe Limekiln
|
