INTERESTING SPITTAL WEDDING

COL., SERGT. TAIT AND MISS L. E. PEARCE

The wedding took place at Spittal Parish Church on Wednesday, May 14th, of Col. Sergt. T. J. B. Tait, Lancashire Fusiliers, third son of ex. Col-Sgt. Robt. Tait, Lancashire Fus., of the Blenheim Hotel, Spittal, and Miss L.E. Pearce, late Q.M.A.A.C., only daughter of Mrs House, Pontypridd, South wales, and the late Mr Edward Pearce, Bagshot, Surrey. The Rev. J. H. Cuthbertson, Vicar of Spittal, and late Chaplain to the Forces, officiated. The bride, who was given away by her mother, was dressed in ivory crepe-de-chene, trimmed with real lace, which was brought from Valenciennes by the bridegroom while on service there. She wore a wreath and veil, and carried a sheaf of lilies tied Lancashire Fusilier’s colours.

The bridegroom’s brother, Mr R. St. G. Tait, acted as best man, and Miss Tait, Commercial Inn, Spittal, a cousin, was bridesmaid. An interesting feature of the ceremony was the fact that the bride, bridegroom and the officiating minister had all served in His Majesty’s Forces on active service.
The Vicar, in the course of a short address to the bride and bridegroom, said: “Both of you have served your King and country overseas and, there, both of you in your own sphere must have learnt something of that comradeship which, perhaps only those of us who have served with the Forces abroad can thoroughly understand and appreciate. Loyalty to King and country, courage and self-sacrifice were notable features of that life. Never forget that there is another King to whom you owe loyalty, even the King of Kings. You are now going out from this church to start a new life together; you will have your difficulties and your trials, but loyalty to God will help you to overcome them, and will be to you the surest source of happiness.”

After the ceremony the guests sat down to the wedding feast at the Blenheim Hotel, and in the evening the happy pair departed for the North on their honeymoon. Chalked on the back of the car were the words “Two little turtle doves,” whilst below was suspended the usual lucky shoe, draped with pale blue ribbon.

LOCAL NEWS

Gardeners will rejoice to learn that the import restrictions on bulbs have now been withdrawn. We can therefore look forward next spring to having our gardens brightened by renewed stocks of crocus, dainty glory of the snow, and the beautiful blue scilla. Later on hyacinths for indoor and outdoor cultivation will be once more procurable. Bedding out with gay tulips will be possible. Lovers of Spanish iris will be able to buy to their heart’s content, and the stately spikes of gladioli will again add to the rich colouring of the autumn beds.

Major Rowland Routledge Gibson, son of Mr. Geo. Matthew Gibson, formerly of Berwick, has been promoted temporary lieutenant-colonel in the Labour Corps. He was admitted to the Freedom of the Borough in March, 1912, when serving at Aldershot with the Royal Fusiliers. Lieut Col. Gibson was first commissioned to the Dorsetshire Regiment 22 years ago, and afterwards served in the Royal Fusiliers and the West African Regiment. He took part in the Tirah expedition and the Ashanti campaign, in which he was wounded, and at the beginning of the war in 1914, was appointed adjutant in Kitchener’s Army. He is a qualified interpreter in the Russian and Chinese languages.

CRICKET

Like all other sports clubs in the town, the Berwick Cricket Club is resuming its pre-war activities. The cricket field is being put in order and will under careful treatment soon be in first class condition. An endeavour is being made to increase the membership. The Rev. J. H. Cuthbertson, vicar of Spittal, who has played for the Gentlemen of Yorkshire ought to prove a valuable addition to cricketing circles in Berwick. We hear also of the advent of an Eton player to the neighbourhood.

No club matches have been played during the past few years, but arrangements have now been made for matches both at home and away. The following fixtures have already been settled: – Widdrington at Berwick, June 9th. Manderston at Berwick, June 25th. Manderston at Manderston, July 10th. It is also hoped to be able to arrange matches with Berwickshire, Coldstream and Galashiels.

RETURN OF THE COLOURS

CIVIC WELCOME EXTENDED AT BERWICK

TO 2ND BATT., K.O.S.B. COLOUR PARTY

Word was received at Berwick Barracks on Tuesday morning that the Colour Party of the 2nd Batt., Kings Own Scottish Borderers Cadre, the majority of whom were demobilised some days ago at Barrow in Furness, where they arrived from Antwerp, would come by the fast train from the south at 5.33 in the evening. The civil authorities being made acquainted of the fact, immediately made the news known in the town, and the Mayor (Ald. J. W. Plenderleith) arranged to give the party a civic welcome.

The town was soon gaily decorated with bunting, and from the Town Hall the Borough flags were flown. Large crowds from the town and surrounding district were seen about, and the road to the station was lined by a gathering of interested spectators as the hour of arrival drew near.

The Colour Party were met at Berwick Station by the Brass Band and Pipers of the 2nd Batt., and there was also present a detachment from the Depot and several members of the original 2nd who are now stationed there. Officers in charge were Captain Vickers Dickson and Captain Machin, M.C., while the party was made up by Corpls. Develin and Dixon and two men.