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Tuesday 30 August 2011

Stop Press! A Holiday Trip in 1875.

Old newspapers offer fascinating titbits of information and cast a light on life at the times.  Here are a couple of short items on a works excursion  from the small mill town of Hawick in the Scottish Borders

On August 14th 1875, "The Hawick Advertiser" announced:  
NORTH BRITISH RAILWAY

EXCURSION

BERWICK-ON-TWEED

THE SEVENTH ANNUAL EXCURSION in connection with DICKSONS & LAINGS FACTORY
will take place on SATURDAY, 21ST August,
when a Special Train will leave Hawick at 6.20am.
and BERWICK on the return journey, at 6.30pm.

 

Fares – ADULTS, 2/9; Juveniles, 1/4½

Tickets to be had at Wilton Mill

The HAWICK SAXHORN BAND will accompany the Excursion.


"The Hawick Advertiser" of August 28th 1875 reported:
ANNUAL DAY TRIP TO BERWICK.
Overheard on Hawick Station platform a Dicksons & Laings worker announced that: “Oor trip’s aye the biggest”. They sold a total of 2113 tickets; 1330 Adults: 700 Juveniles: 60 Apprentices, and 23 tickets for the Saxhorn Band.

Considering the population of Hawick in the 1871 census was given as 8,370,  the numbers on this train excursion made it quite an occasion. 



With thanks to local historian Gordon for passing on this item




    


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