Berwick's bear and tree flag now flies at Newfields. Sheriff Michael Greener raised it on 13 October with Holy Trinity School pupils looking on.

Berwick-upon-Tweed’s flag, with the town’s bear and tree emblem, was raised at Newfields on the morning of Tuesday 13 October.

Berwick’s Sheriff, Michael Greener, led the ceremony, and children from Holy Trinity School joined him on the grass below the pole.

The project was started by Nicole Brooke, the county councillor for Berwick North, and delivered with the support of Northumberland County Council. She described it as a way of celebrating the town’s history, civic pride and identity.

The Berwick flag being raised up a white flagpole at Newfields, with a group of people standing on the grass beside it
The flag going up at Newfields, with a small group gathered beside the pole. Photo: supplied by Cllr Nicole Brooke

“A really proud moment for Berwick”

Cllr Brooke said: “Today was a really proud moment for Berwick. Our town has an extraordinary history and a unique identity, and it’s wonderful to see our flag flying for everyone to enjoy.”

The pupils were the part of the morning she singled out. “It was particularly special to have the children from Holy Trinity School joining us,” she said. “They are Berwick’s future, and I want them to grow up feeling proud of their town and its heritage.”

Holy Trinity School pupils in maroon jumpers gathered on the grass at Newfields
Holy Trinity School pupils gathered at Newfields for the ceremony. Photo: supplied by Cllr Nicole Brooke

She also made the case that a flag is about more than ceremony. “Our history is one of our greatest assets, particularly for tourism. Sometimes the smallest projects can make a big difference to civic pride,” she said.

“A huge thank you to our Sheriff, the schoolchildren, Northumberland County Council and everyone who helped make this happen.”

Berwick's Sheriff in a dark robe trimmed with fur, a gold chain of office and a feathered hat, holding a carved staff, standing on the grass at Newfields
Berwick's Sheriff, Michael Greener, in his robes and chain of office at Newfields. Photo: supplied by Cllr Nicole Brooke

The bear and the tree

The flag carries Berwick’s historic bear and tree emblem, which the councillor’s office describes as a symbol of the town’s distinctive identity. It sits on a field of blue and red.

A group of adults standing beneath the Berwick flag on a tall white pole at Newfields
The group gathered under the Berwick flag at Newfields. Photo: supplied by Cllr Nicole Brooke

“Berwick has so much to celebrate and even more to look forward to,” Cllr Brooke added. “I hope seeing our flag flying reminds everyone just how special our town is.”

The blue and red Berwick flag with its green tree and bear emblem flying from a white pole at Newfields under a clear sky
The Berwick flag, with its bear and tree emblem, flying at Newfields. Photo: supplied by Cllr Nicole Brooke

What it means for you

The flag is up at Newfields now, so anyone passing can see it. If your school, club or community group in Berwick has a moment like this coming up, send us your news.

The Berwick flag flying from a white pole above a grassy verge at Newfields, with a woman in a dark coat standing beside the pole
The Berwick flag flying over Newfields. Photo: supplied by Cllr Nicole Brooke