Latest news from Berwick Salmon Club

Andy Warlup is slowly recovering after taking seriously ill on a flight across Australia three months ago. So dangerous was his condition that the aircraft made an emergency landing in Alice Springs so that he could receive the quickest possible medical treatment. He is now in hospital near Brisbane, close to family.

Berwick Salmon Club, founded in 1743, sent greetings and hopes for steady progress to Andy. He responded with a text to the diners in typically modest and witty fashion, and hoped he would be back in Britain and fit enough to attend the annual meeting in October.

John Coats was president 25 years to the day after his father Jim, now secretary, held the office. John said they were all hoping Andy’s progress continued.

Ian McCreath, vice president, was master of ceremonies and the Berwick Salmon song was led by mine host Nigel Dudgeon.

The principal toast, The Tweed Salmon, was proposed by farmer Peter Close and replied to by Finlay Mitchell, whose father Dr Jimmy Mitchell is the longest serving member.

Other toasts were to H.M Forces, proposed by Blair Harrower and replied to by Tony Langmack; The Agricultural Industry, proposed by Nigel Dudgeon, replied to by James Armstrong; The Town Of Berwick proposed by Jim Gladstone, replied Toby Malcolm Reed; The Artiste by Jim Wood, responded by Dougal Moir; The President by Ian McCreath, replied to by John Coats; and Mine Host by Jim Turner.

Three choirs comprising the farmers, Rotarians and ex-Berwick rugby players sang songs and there were solos from Barry Allison, Willie Robson, Alistair Lindsay and Dougal Moir. Accompanist was Malcolm Reed.