Northumberland Archives

BERWICK NEWSPAPERS, 1923

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BERWICK ADVERTISER, 14TH SEPTEMBER

SCREMERSTON FLOWER SHOW

Scremerston Horticultural Society held their tenth annual show in the Institute on Saturday and established a post-war record as regards entries. The numerous exhibits wee nicely laid out and were admired by the crowds of interested visitors present during the afternoon.

The show was opened by Mr J. A. Kilpatrick, Manager of the Scremerston Colliery, the Secretary and Committee greatly regretting that Mr John Black, Broomhouse, who was to have performed this duty, was unable to be present owing to illness. Capt. J. E. Carr presided, and others on the platform wee Capt. R. E. Carr, R.N., and Rev. J. Lightfoot, Mr John Black, Broomhouse, and Mr James Thomson, Secretary. Introducing Mr Kilpatrick, Capt.Carr expressed pleasure at seeing such a large number of people present.

BRO 0515-211 SCREMERSTON

Mr Kilpatrick said there were one or two little points he wished to emphasise. He understood that the number of entries was very high- between 500 and 600 – and that this was a post-war record. That was very gratifying indeed. The second point was that Mr Richard Thomson had won the shield for the third time in succession. (Applause). Mr J Wilson, the runner-up, had been runner-up for the past two years. (Applause). Speaking as a layman, as one who knew very little about flowers or vegetables, he thought that the show was rather extraordinary, especially when one took in to account the lateness of the season.

Mr Kilpatrick then handed the shield to Mr Thomson amid applause, reading the names of previous winners out as he did so.

WASTE PAPER IN THE STREET

The Watch Committee report of July 30 stated:- With reference to the question of the deposit of waste paper in the streets the Town Clerk submitted a letter from the Under Secretary of State stating that the following bye-law has been allowed in Birmingham, viz.: No person shall throw down or deposit and leave in any street any newspaper or any paper bag, wrapping or sheet such as is likely to create a litter in or to affect or tend to affect injuriously the amenities of the street. Before allowing a similar bye-law to Berwick-on-Tweed the letter further stated that the Secretary of State would require to be informed of the circumstances which are thought to render the bye-law necessary and would also require an undertaking that liberal provision of receptacles would be made in the streets into which the public could deposit their waste paper and also that the Council would do everything in their power to upload the bye-law and prevent it becoming a dead letter. It was agreed to recommend that the Town Clerk submit evidence of the necessity for such a bye-law, and that an undertaking be given as required by the Secretary of State with a view to the bye-law being made.

Early 1900s photograph of the High Street, from the Scotsgate Arch. BRO 1636-2-9

Councillor Bolus moved the adoption of the report, saying – I think this is absolutely necessary. You can go down High Street, Church Street, or up in Castlegate and you will find paper flying about over the houses and shops. I think this regulation is very necessary so that every person will understand that they must not make the streets in such a disgraceful state.

Councillor Campbell, who seconded, said that this summer the condition of the streets through the quantities of waste paper flying about was really so bad that not only residents, but people visiting their native town on holiday had spoken about it. These people when they come back were struck, after living in other areas, with the litter we had in our streets. It was no fault of the Sanitary Authority officials for it could happen even half an hour after the carts had been round. He was convinced they could make out a case to amply satisfy the Secretary of State of the necessity for such a bye-law.

TWEEDMOUTH

The Norman Hall at the West End has had the electric light installed and the hall has been thoroughly cleaned and decorated for the winter session.

We hear that Mr Thos. Wright, son of Mr and Mrs George Wright, Dock view, Tweedmouth, who went to the United States recently has been successful in obtaining employment with the Canadian Pacific Railway Company at Chicago. Mr Wright, who is well-known in the town, started life as a clerk with Messrs Carter and Son, and was later with Messrs Simpson in Alnwick.

On the occasion of her marriage and departure from Tweedmouth Co-operative Society, Mrs Ford (nee Miss Maggie Howie) has been made the recipient of a very nice 40 piece set of china. The gift was subscribed for by the whole staff of the Society, amongst whom Mrs Ford has been very popular. She was in the clerical department at thee Store for many years.

BODY ON SPITTAL BEACH

About 6.30 p.m. on Sunday evening, when Thomas Johnston, a Spittal labourer, was walking on the beach at Hallowstell Fishery, near Spittal Point, he noticed a parcel lying on the beach about four yards from where high-water mark was showing. The parcel had evidently been left by the tide, which was receding at the time.

Johnston cut the string and opened the parcel and was shocked to find wrapped in the clothes the body of a healthy-looking male child. From the size and condition of the body the child had evidently lived, and it had not been in the water any length of time.

The police wee informed, and Sergt. Barclay, Spittal, took charge of the body and conveyed it to the mortuary. In view of certain facts which have come to light it was considered advisable that full enquiry should be made into the case, and on Tuesday, after the Coroner (Mr H. R. Peters) had heard only evidence regarding the finding of the body, he adjourned the inquest until the 3rd October, stating that he would then call a jury.

It is probable that sensational evidence may be given at the adjourned inquest, which may lead to a serious charge against some person or persons at present unknown.

DEATH OF MR AND.MARTIN

The death took place in Berwick Infirmary on Sunday of Mr Andrew Martin, farmer, Town Farm, Tweedmouth, a leader in the Baptist de nomination at Berwick and one well-known to farmers on both sides of the Border. Mr Martin, who was a native of the district, was born at Marshall Meadows. He came to Berwick to work as a traveller with Mr Anderson, seedsman, and later he left there and started business in partnership with Mr Wm. Scott as seedsman in bridge Street, Berwick.

It is some fifteen years ago since Mr Martin took Tweedmouth Town Farm, and he certainly has done much to improve this 300 acre arable holding. At the farm he had thoroughly up-to-date threshing and grinding plant installed and in fact the farm has recently been self-contained, a blacksmiths and joiner’s shop having been fitted up on the premises. It will be remembered that during the war, when the Government was calling for supplies of barley, Mr martin, by putting on several tractors on his holding, cut a big crop of barley and marketed it within fourteen days of the time cutting was commenced.

Mr Martin certainly knew how to farm, and he was a very good judge of horse flesh. He kept fine types of animals on his farm, and believed that only the best results could be got by working with the best of stuff either in horseflesh or other things.

In politics Mr Martin was a staunch Liberal and in him Castlegate Baptist Church has lost a staunch supporter. He took a great interest in all that pertained to the welfare of the congregation, and in the Deacon’s Court he was a prominent figure.

The funeral took lace to Tweedmouth Cemetery on Wednesday afternoon, when there was a large following of townsmen and farmers.

BERWICK NEWSPAPERS, 1923

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BERWICK JOURNAL 30TH AUGUST, 1923

PEOPLE’S HOME IN BERWICK

[BY “BERWICK JOURNAL” SPECIAL CORRESSPONDENT]

What was formerly unused portion of Berwick Workhouse has been leased to Mr Harry Campbell, South Shields, as Working People’s Home and Model Lodging House for Men and Women.

Considerable improvements, internally particularly, have been made. The place throughout has been fitted with electric light. There are separate entrances for either sexes. The House has been fitted up for 47 beds. Ample kitchen accommodation is provided, which includes up to date cooking stoves. Hot and cold water basins are plentifully in evidence. Attendant’s room and offices have been excellently prepared, and the entire furnishings for beds and mattresses, etc, for the Home have been purchased from Local Firms. Baths for Men and Women are installed, fitted conveniently for all hours of the day and night with hot and cold water. The plans for structural alterations have been subject to the opinion and final passing of Mr Paterson, the well-known Local Architect, and Mr Boyd, the experienced Local Inspector.

Entrance to Workhouse, REFERENCE: BRO 1541-01

Everything possible that could be done for the comfort of people using the Home has been carefully looked after and no expense spared y Mr Campbell to bring the Home up to the highest possible standard. We understand a formal opening of the Building will be made. The Berwick Home, when finally completed, will be one of the finest examples of what a Model residence should be, and will doubtless prove a great boon to those who seek its accommodation.

We heartily congratulate Mr Campbell on his enterprise, for although he makes no pretense as a philanthropist, but is running the plan as a business speculation, yet, withal, this is another way of helping, to a certain extent, towards the solution of social reforming for the betterment of people who have hitherto not had the advantages of an up-to-date place wherein to rest and feel that here is a Home.

FOOTBALL

1st football match of the season on Saturday, at Union Park, Tweedmouth, was noteworthy for change of position of goalposts, owing to encroachment on the field of new houses. Hitherto, the 2 winning areas were top and bottom of Union Park – or about west and east- and now they are across the pitch- or about north and south. In 1st half of the match, Berwick pressed hard, and give promise of a good team. In 2nd half, Coldstream showed pressing powers; and, on the whole, it was a hard, fair and square tussle, with the goal each as the record. Coldstream will be heard of this season if they keep up their display on this occasion.

LOCAL NEWS

Fair quantity of herrings was landed at Berwick last week, Thursday being the principal day, but, unfortunately, quality was not so good as would be desired and several shots were disposed of for manure. On Tuesday this week 4 boats landed 124 crans, and on Wednesday there were 2 arrivals with 25 crans between them. Prices from 8s to 26s per cran. The season’s catch now stands at 2141 crans as against 450 crans at corresponding date last year.

Splitting the herring, REFERENCE: BRO 426-0829

 We regret to record the death in London of Mr Daniel Heagerty, a well-known Chemist, son of late Dr Heagerty, Tweedmouth, (Medical Officer of Health for Berwick Borough.) Mr Heagerty, who was about 50, suffered serious illness for some time. He was educated at Berwick and served apprenticeship with Messrs W. G. Carr and Son, Chemists, Berwick. A brother of Mr Heagerty- Travers-is an able Actor in America, where he is doing well. He was original member of Berwick Amateur Dramatic Club.

WHITTINGHAM GAMES

SUCCESSFUL GATHERING

On Saturday, the 63rd annual Whittingham Games Meeting was held in that beautiful and picturesque “Vale of Whittingham,” surrounded by lovely, massive green trees and heather clad hills. The games were favoured by weather which although not ideal was nevertheless dry. During the morning it was none too promising but cleared up about mid-day. Widely known as the “Games of the North,” this popular and far-fames gymnastic festival was established in the year 1860. Unlike village associations, Whittingham Games have never been suspended owing to finance since inauguration but have on the other hand gone forward by leaps and bounds, with the exception of the suspension during the war period. By the untiring efforts of an able Committee and generosity of the public who subscribe to the Games, the financial side of the sports has always been well maintained. It was regretted that the Agricultural Section was not carried on this year, but it is hoped that it will be revived in 1924.

REFERENCE: BRO 2140/13/012

Supported by Lady Ravenswoth, Mrs Branfoct, Lady Grey, and Mrs Collingwood, Glanton Pike, the Poultry Section was tried for the first time, and proved very satisfactory.

The Committee this year offered £230 in prizes for the various events and shows, and were well rewarded for their enterprise, as from mid-day onwards large crowds of people poured into the village, by trains, motor cars, char-a-bancs, and push bikes. In fact, every conceivable way of transport was used. An excursion was run from Newcastle, and many took advantage of the cheap fares from Berwick and Wooler districts.

The tents were kindly given and erected by Major Browne, who was always a liberal subscriber to the games, while Messrs Hindmarsh Bros. again kindly granted the use of the same field as is always used. The catering was in the hands of Miss Anderson, Rothbury.

During the afternoon the Ashington Harmonic Band rendered popular selection of music.

BORDER SCHOOLMASTER UNDUE SEVERITY

Robt. John Brown, Schoolmaster of Makerstoun, Kelso, appeared at Roxburghshire Sheriff Court on Thursday on a charge of assaulting a 6-year-old pupil, This. Ballantyne, with his hand and beating him with a pair of taws on the hips and thighs on July 11. Brown pleaded not guilty.

Ballantyne said he had been reported as having bitten another pupil, and after dismissal of the class he was taken from the playground by the Headmaster, put across a chair, and thrashed. He fell from the chair, and Brown picked him up and thrashed him again. Other pupils corroborated.

Brown said the boy Ballantyne had been reported on 2 occasions as having bitten other children. On this occasion he took Ballantyne into a classroom and thrashed him. The thrashing, he admitted, was severe, but he contended it should be so in the interest of discipline.

Medical evidence was given that there were 13 weals on the child.

Sheriff Chisholm said the punishment was unduly severe. He imposed a fine of £10- or 15-days’ imprisonment.

Before leaving Court, Brown said he would go to prison.

BERWICK NEWSPAPERS, 1923

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BERWICK JOURNAL, 16TH AUGUST, 1923

Saturday, July 21, 1923 – (Tweedmouth Feast Eve) – was “Red Letter Day” for Natives of Berwick-upon-Tweed and District, who reside in Toronto and surrounding neighbourhood of this great Canadian City. It was First Celebration of the “Feast” ever held in British Colonies, and, indeed, in British Isles, except in City of Leeds, where, some years ago, on the initiative of a well known and noted Native of Berwick (Mr J. W. Miller, Chief Overseer of “Yorkshire Post”) Borderers in Yorkshire celebrated the Feast by a successful dinner.

Right well did Borderers in Canada celebrate the feast, on the initiative of Mr Wm Hogg, loyal native of Berwick, and an Ex Capt. of Berwick Cycling Club. Permission having granted from the Civic Authorities of Toronto to hold Tweedmouth feast Picnic at High Park, arrangements were at once made to communicate with local Borderers. Many copies of “Berwick Journal” crossed the Atlantic with a certain letter heavily marked. It was not long before the active and energetic organisers were getting calls on the telephone for all particulars. Mr W. Hogg, er., Mr R. Swan, and Mr Thos. Hogg (late of Ness Street, Berwick), formed themselves into a Committee and things started to hum.

The weather was delightful in Toronto on Tweedmouth Feast Eve, and as it went past a certain section of High Park a huge banner, with Berwick Coat-of-Arms attracted considerable attention. Underneath Berwick Coat-of-Arms was a 2nd banner, on which were wonderful words- “Berwick-on-Tweed District First Annual Picnic; Feast sat., July 21.” (Full article available on request at Berwick Record Office).

BERWICK VISITORS

On visit to Berwick, his Native Town, is Mr Somerville Steven, Schoolmaster, London, son of Mr Wm. Steven, cabinetmaker, Berwick, Mr Steven, who at one time was a Teacher in Berwick Boys’ National School, has been many years in the South, and has done fine work as a Schoolmaster.

We welcome Major Stammas, R. A., Woolwich, on a visit to his Native Town of Berwick. With Mrs Stammas the gallant Officer is staying at Roxburghe Hotel, Spittal. He is son of a distinguished Crimean and Mutiny Veteran, the late Sergt. Major Stammas, R. A., who was so long one of permanent Staff of Berwick Militia in Col. Reed’s day. Major Stammas, who began his soldiering in Berwick Militia, afterwards transferring to R.H.A., has very fine Army record, of which any man may be proud. We wish Major and Mrs Stammas happy time on the Homeland.

Pleased to see on a visit to Berwick this week Mr J. Ganson and his son John. Mr Ganson was Volunteer Instructor at Chirnside from 1905 until Dec. 1908. On leaving Chirnside he was posted to recruiting staff in England. On outbreak of War in 1914 he joined up and served at Berwick Depot from 1914 until 1919, holding the rank of Quarter-Master-sergeant. From Berwick he proceeded to Edinburgh with Major Parkinson on recruiting work, and when Major Parkinson returned to Berwick, he was transferred to Perth, where he now is. His son John attended Berwick Grammar School while his father was stationed at Berwick Depot.

MISS FELICITY ASKEW’S EXHIBITION AT BERWICK

The Exhibition of Drawings and Paintings by Miss Felicity Askew, now on view in Side Room, Corn Exchange, Berwick, is full of interest to lovers of Art. Although the display is small there is enough to show the all-round ability of the Artist. The first impression is that all the drawings are the work of one who is a lover of animals – especially of horses; and if the maxim holds good that we do best that which  we love most, then we see the secret of Miss Askew’s success. Most of the subjects depict horses: some are portraits – many are clever drawings of them in motion – some are introduced into her landscapes with much ability and nice feeling. One is rather impressed by her compositions showing race and other horses in motion – particularly such drawings as “The last Furlong, “Across the Flat,” “Ploughing on the Borders,” and Ceaserwitch, 1921,” which are excellent. The Artist shows in all her work a goof knowledge of anatomy, a fine sense of proportion, and workmanlike style in execution of each picture.

Image of Corn Exchange, Berwick-upon-Tweed.

We believe Miss Askew’s Art Education was obtained in one or 2 of the Chief Art Centres on the continent, and this is evident in the greater part of the work exhibited. We notice several portrait studies of hunters and other horses. One or two of these are very good, particularly the drawing of “Bute,” the cart horse, executed in direct and easy style; and I is excellent.

Miss Askew is also represented in “Modelling, such as a good bas-relief of a mare’s head; also 2 statutes in bronze of horses, which show the same knowledge and workmanlike style in execution.

There are also some very good studies of dogs, effectively drawn and strong in character, particularly those depicting bull dogs.

The weak part of the display is the lack of colour. Most of the work is etched by the pen, and in some cases slightly tinted, and where backgrounds are washed in show a lack of softness in blending the colours. There are clever etchings of Scotsgate, Berwick, and Berwick Old Bridge, but one perspective drawing of Royal Border Bridge is far astray in proportion. There is a nice pleasing figure study of a lady seated on the elbow of a chair.

Berwick upon Tweed, Old Bridge

The Exhibition is well worth a visit, and we congratulate Miss Askew on her display. It gives us great pleasure to look forward to any further success this talented young lady may attain to in the future.

“Berwickshire News” of this week says-

Exhibition and Sale of Drawings, Paintings and Models, ( work of Miss felicity Askew, niece of County-Ald. David Askew, J.P., of Castle-hills, Berwick), is one in Side-room, Berwick Corn Exchange, and is being visited by many people. There is much to admire in this young lady’s artistic efforts. Castle hills farm prize horse at Berwick Fair Show and procession takes the eye, as does also Binns Mansion, the Home of Sir Jas. and Lady Wilkie Dalyell, formerly of Foulden, Berwick, uncle and aunt of Miss Askew, and whose daughter ( Miss Dalywell) assisted her cousin at the Exhibition. Then there are notable local “bits.” Quite a novel and original study is that of 2 or 3 arches of Royal Border Bridge, at Berwick end: this is a piece of excellent work which provides subject for development.

The sixth annual North Northumberland Tennis Tournament, held under the auspices of Berwick Lawn Tennis Club, opened at Berwick in fine weather and before a good attendance of spectators. Notwithstanding the heavy rain overnight, the courts were in good condition. Though the individual entries are half a dozen short compared with last year, the total number of matches is 593, and increase of 33. There are eleven grass courts available.

MARRIED IN CENTRE OF TWEED

We reproduce certificate of marriage of Jan. 3 1820, which is in possession of Mrs Hartley, 5 West End, Tweedmouth.

(Copy Certificate)

Married January the 3rd, one thousand and eight hundred and twenty.

Married in the centre of the River Tweed opposite Paxton House in a boat fronting the Borders.

This is to certify that John Allan of Tweedmouth, in the Parish of Tweedmouth, in the County of Durham, and Mary Turner of Horncliffe, in the Parish of Norham, in the County of Durham, were this day lawfully married together by me John Forster, before these witnesses as below. Witness John Forster. Witness John Allan. I the aforesaid John Allan and Mary Turner have allowed the above marriage at the aforesaid place the River Tweed opposite Paxton House. Given under my hand. John Allan. Mary Turner.

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