Bridlington Augustinian Society – Members’ Evening.
There were five short presentations with topics from murder most foul to a gently flowing stream.
Joan Turner talked about the history of the harbour with the emphasis on the harbour community. She told how the harbour commissioners came into being, how the harbour first grew in importance with ship building and foreign trade, and how now it is the premier shellfish port in the UK and going from strength to strength. It is a focus for tourists, commerce, services, and trades.
Carol French, when looking for a suitable tree to plant, stumbled across the name of David Douglas. The Douglas Fir is named after him. He died suddenly in Hawaii, but was it an accident or murder? He was found dead in a cattle pit trap while staying with one Ned Gurney. Carol took us through the evidence as recorded at the time with elements of jealousy and greed, but can arrive at no firm conclusion.
Bro Keith Kaye remembered the time when Bridlington was agog with the news that “the Russians are coming”. This was 1973 when Satra Motors set up shop on the Carnaby industrial estate. Bro Keith recounted some interesting features of this story. For example, the “Lada” car was named after a Russian executive’s daughter. Coincidently “Sara Lee”, the other big employer on the estate at the time, was also named after an executive’s daughter.
Bro Martin Wallace introduced a film he made about another murder. Maria Marten of Bury St Edmunds was the victim of the infamous “Red Barn murder” of 1827. Museum pieces include the hair, skeleton, and a book bound in tanned skin, all from the murderer William Corder. The murder has inspired a ballad, a play, and a feature film. Bro Martin revealed that Maria is his 2nd cousin five times removed.
Christine and Bro John Gatenby have explored photographically the upper reaches of the Gypsey Race. They explained how the geology causes its intermittent nature. A description of 1622 describes the stream at one point as “falling into the earth”. They showed that there is much of historical interest to discover on route, from Duggleby Howe to restored unusual water pumps.
The Scribe Bro Garry Sunley thanked everyone for an intriguing, if murderous, evening.