Cowe's researcher gives fascinating talk to Probus Club

Cameron Robertson outside Cowe's department store and cockle shop at the bottom of West Street

In a talk to Berwick Probus Club, Cameron Robertson, who is researching its history, revealed the cockle had been produced for years by the Weatherhead family from whom the Cowes bought the property in 1886.

The Cowes used their own recipe and marketed them in red and white tins as The Original, Genuine Berwick Cockle. But in 1912 three local firms were making their own version.

The premises are now being redeveloped by Arch and much of the building retains key features, including the tiny room where the sweet was made.

Mr Robertson has interviewed former staff to find out how the sweet was made. Cockle-making ended in 2004.

He showed interesting shots from the old proprty as well as some of the renovation work being done.

Mr Robertson is also carefully documenting the current work.

He reminded members of the building’s importance to Berwick and stressed that until 1928 when the Royal Tweed Bridge opened, Cowe’s was the first place people saw on entering Berwick from Tweedmouth.