I was lucky enough to be able to watch Whitby’s swing Bridge 100 centenary celebrations on Saturday, 8 August from a prime location the second floor of the Dolphin Hotel which is right next to the bridge itself. I don’t think it would have been possible to have a better view on the gorgeous sunny day.

It was a very popular event and literally thousands of people turned up to watch the various celebrations.

Whitby Bridge celebrations then and now

Much of the credit for organising the event must go to John Freeman was a local well-known artist with the gallery in the square.

The History of Whitbys Swing Bridge and its predecessors

At the entrance to the bridge during the afternoon Susan Harty pictured above (who regularly writes articles about forthcoming events in Whitby to inform tourists) was selling an excellent history of Whitby Swing Bridge and its predecessors booklet which had been written by John Freeman in a short space of time so it would be ready for the big day itself. The booklet is extremely well written and produced with some great articles and pictures. If you’re interested in the history of Whitby I would highly recommend trying to find a copy. There was also a 100 year certificate on sale.

The certificate to celebrate the 100th centenary of Whitby Bridge

There was a PA system next to the bridge which produced an entertaining commentary throughout the afternoon’s events from local Whitby man unafraid I didn’t catch the details of but he certainly kept everybody informed and entertained with some corny jokes.
Various entertainment started at 12:30 PM giving your day I carnival style feel. The entertainment was provided by the Cleveland Police band, Stakesby Steel band, Whitby Jets juvenile jazz band, and playlets by youngsters from the The Paul Nicholas School of Acting, Marske Fishermans Choir sang and the Saltburn Victorian Society dressed up for the day to bring a touch of period drama to the festivities.

Whitby Victorian costumes giving the bridge's centenary of flavour from the past

 Also a spectacular stunts as the famous Red Arrows flew under Whitby Bridge in formation….. OK I’m fibbing with the last one obviously just a teeny weenie bit impossible Actually the Red Arrows are scheduled to make an appearance Whitby Regatta this year, and if you’ve not seen them before they are certainly worth a viewing especially with the gorgeous backdrop of Whitby.
There were many people from the Saltburn Victorian Society dressed up to the nines making the event the extremely atmospheric and giving you some idea of what the original opening ceremony could have been like in 1909.
As the time approached 4 PM the main events of the day were to unfold. Rev Canon David Smith blessed the bridge as there was a sail through by various boats including the current Whitby lifeboat and the 1938 Whitby lifeboat Mary Ann Hepworth which is now used as a pleasure trip vessel by a gentleman called Barry who I believe is a former Whitby lifeboat member.

Next a group of dignitaries gathered on both sides of the bridge to officially unveil the specially-commissioned plaques marking the anniversary.
Then on the west side, Whitby town mayor Coun Terry Jennison cut the ribbon to reveal the plaque, while on the east side, Scarborough Borough Council mayor Coun Bill Chatt did the honours.

They then led their groups, including many in historic costumes, to meet in the centre of the bridge, recreating a famous image from the opening 100 years ago.

In the meantime, huge crowds waited patiently on both sides for the bridge to re-open before the gates were finally unlocked and the massed throngs poured onto the bridge from both sides.

Article by Alan Davidson

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