BERWICK ADVERTISER, 5TH JUNE 1924
BERWICK FAIR OPENED
Berwick High Street presented a busy scene on Friday at midday, when a large number of people assembled to watch the official opening of the Fair by the Mayor and Corporation.
Among those who assembled at the Town Hall were the Mayor (Ald. Wilson), the Sheriff (Councillors Redpath), Ald. P. P. Boston, Councillors Stuart, Edminson, Morrison, Anderson, Edgar, Bolus, Watt, Davis, Lyall, R. Boston, and Campbell; the Town Clerk (Mr J. W. Porter), the Borough Surveyor (Mr R. Dickinson), the Inspector of Weights and Measures (Mr R. Smeaton), the Land Steward (Mr W. J. Bolam), the Borough Accountant (Mr Jas. Gibson), the Sanitary Inspector (Mr D. Boyd), along with the Treasurer (Mr C. W. L. Stevens).
Refreshments were served, after which the procession was formed outside the Town Hall, Headed by a detachment of the Police (under Supt. Halliday) and the Mayor’s Sergeant (Mr W. S. Blakey), the procession proceeded up the High Street, keeping on the left side of the stalls. For the first time in the history of the town the Town Clerk walked beside the mayor and Sheriff. After passing through the Scotsgate and returning on the other side of the stalls, the company walked round the Town Hall and re-entered.
The scene was then a busy one, the cries of the crockery men, mingled with those of the huxters, selling boots, linen, and other wares. The spectators thronged round the stalls and the street presented a bust appearance.
On the parade ground in the evening the various side shows were well attended. Amusements of every kind were in profusion. The cake walk came in for its share of attention, and also the chair-o-planes, both of which supplied excitement in a large measure. For those who wished to be jolly in comparative comfort the “Dragons” offered diversion, and hoop-las, billiards games, air rifle competitions and other shows catered for the sporting element. A boxing saloon was also on the ground and inside the aspirants to world championships punched each other to their hearts content. It must be confessed, however, that the fun did not commence until 9 o’clock. For those of romantic temperament were the clairvoyants and character delineators. These attracted little attention in the daylight, possibly owing to the shyness of those who wished to know their fate. Upon the arrival of dusk, however, business became a little more brisk. An old favourite, and one which is always to be seen at affair, was the cocoanut shy, and here the local lads came into prominence. In addition to the cocoanut shies were “the tanks3 and other innovations of recent years. These games did not at first come in for much attention, but later on were better patronised.
A peculiarity of the Fair was that “Aunt Sallies,” “strength machines” and “22 rifle saloons” were conspicuous by their absence, their places being taken by more up-to-date novelties. The weather certainly interfered with the attendance, but business nevertheless was fairly keen.
THE HORSE PROCESSION
The dismal weather interfered considerably with the success of the Horse Procession, held in connection with Berwick fair. Rain fell incessantly all morning and intermittently during the afternoon, with the result that the number of competitors forward were smaller than usual. The horses were in view and were judged at the Stanks at 2 o’clock and the tradesmen’s and tableaux exhibits were in Upper Ravensdowne. The classes were :- (1), Farm horses ( in pairs and shown in chains); (2) Farm horses in cart harness ( without carts); (3), Sanitary Authority, private contractors’ and merchants’ horses; (4), Horses regularly carting for hire; (5), Van or light horses (over 15 hands); (6), Cobs and ponies (of 15 hands and under); (7), Tradesmen’s exhibition (for best advertising exhibit on motor car, lorry, motor cycle and sidecar, steam lorry or char-a-banc); (8), Tableaux (on lorry or motor vehicle).
The respective judges for these classes were Messrs John Murdoch, Cornhill-on-Tweed; John Mack, Duns; Ogle Waite, Renton Barns, J. M. Strother, Wooler; Wm. Wood, Barmoor Tile Works; Col. Gibsone and Mr Charles Wilson, Berwick. Messrs John Murdoch and John Mack were judges for the championship. The stewards were: – Classes 1 and 2, Mr Peter Edgar; 3 and 4, Mr E. W. Turnbull; 5, Mr Wm. Fraser; 6, Mr John Robertson; 7 and 8, Messrs E. D. MacKay and Andrew Steven.
Of the exhibits, classes 1 and 2 were undoubtedly the best and they were much admired by the spectators. The horses forward for these classes were certainly few, but quality made up for lack of quantity. The animals were magnificent specimens and the decorative work on mains and harness was a feature.
The prize for this class was won by Mr Thos. Imrie with a pair of chestnuts, and he also won the championship with the same pair. Mr Mack, the judge, observed that both in keeping and decorations the exhibits were splendid and deserved every credit, especially as it was Mr Imrie’s first appearance as an exhibitor. There was a volume of praise due to him. The championship was easily won.
The vehicles in Ravensdowne came in for a good deal of attention, and among these were some exceptionally good and original exhibits. A horse vehicle exhibited by the local Labour party was a feature. Several little girls in white were seated on it and banners with mottoes of the Party were displayed. It was a pretty and effective display. Messrs W. B. Anderson’s exhibition was also a good one, demonstrating how bananas were grown, imported, and how sold; an imitation tree surrounded the vehicle. Messrs Elders had a lorry exhibiting an engine in motion and churn. Messrs Horners distributed toffee from a large Dainty Dinah tin and attracted the kiddies. The Tweedside Co-Operative Society had also an attractive show and cakes of soap were thrown to the pedestrians. A “B.P.” motor lorry was also among the entries. Messrs Youngs Garage, Spittal, had several new motor models in the parade, and also Messrs Thompson, of Station Garage, Berwick.
PRESENTATION OF PRIZES
The procession after passing through the streets of Berwick made the journey to Spittal, headed by the Scremerston Colliery Band in a char-a-banc provided free of charge by Mr Willis. On returning, the presentation of prizes was made by the Mayoress. Two handsome silver cups were on view, one presented for competition by Mr Peter Waite, who won the previous trophy outright last year and presented a new one in its place: the other given by Viscount Grey of Fallodon for Class 1.
Mr Thos. Imrie, Broadmeadows House, was awarded both the Cups, and the large crowd of spectators at the foot of the Town Hall steps raised a hearty cheer as he ascended to receive the trophies. Mr Nesbit, of Norham West Mains, received the second prize and he and the other winners were heartily applauded, and snapped by a Press photographer. The prize for Class 2 was won by Mr Andrew Mein, Greenses. The 1st prize for Class 3 was won by Mr Chas. Purvis (Sanitary Authority) and the 2nd by Mr J. Stephenson (Sanitary Authority). The prize for Class 4 was won by Mr Jas. Bell, Low Greens. The 1st prize in Class 5 went to the Tweedside Co-Operative Society (Mr Mitchell driver); 2nd. Messrs Gray & Sons (J. Yule driver). Mr Hugh Robertson obtained 1st prize for Class 6. Miss J. Bryson (Unthank) 2nd, and Mr T. Rowland 3rd. For Class 7 the prize-winners were; – 1st, Messrs W. B. Anderson & Son (Mr Patterson driver); 2nd, Messrs Elders (Mr McEwen) driver; 3rd, Tweedside Co-Operative Society (Mr Nelson driver). The prize-winners for Class 8 were: – 1st, Labour Party (Mr Telford); 2nd, Tweedside Co-Operative Society (Mr Nelson driver).