BERWICK ADVERTISER, 21ST JANUARY 1921

22/01/2021 by Northumberland Archives

HUNT BALL AT HAGGERSTON

The North Northumberland Hunt Ball at Haggerston Castle on Thursday evening last passed off very successfully. Over 300 were present, and the many coloured dresses of the ladies mingled with the huntsmen’s “pink” made a gay scene. Everyone was loud in praise of the excellent music of Archibald Joyce’s band, and the supper arrangements were generally voted splendid. This year the supper accommodation was increased by the provision of tables in the corridor near the dining-room. After dancing was over, the grounds, lit up with electricity, presented a busy scene, well over 100 motor cars waiting to convey the guests home.

There were some very beautiful dresses worn. Mrs Leyland was a stately figure in black velvet. Heavily draped in the skirt, the material was caught at the back to form the train, and the edges of the V-shaped bodice were jet-trimmed. The right shoulder was fastened with an ostrich pom-pom of shaded magenta, and a similar adornment clung to the left hip. A floating piece of black tulle hung from each shoulder, and the sleeves were of tulle, while diamond ornaments gave distinction to this beautiful toilette.

GLENDALE NOTES

WOOLER

There is every prospect of the Comrades’ ball again being a success. It will be held in the Archbold Hall tonight (Friday), Allan’s Band from Berwick will provide the music.

Invitations have been sent out for a whist drive and dance, the proceeds of which are to go towards providing a treat for the members of the Parish Church choir in the summer.

The weather keeps as changeable as ever. The week commenced mild and wet, but on Tuesday and Wednesday the wind was mainly from the N and NW which caused it to be much colder, but the return of sunshine was welcome.

SUCCESS OF A WOOLER DOG FANCIER

At the National Dog Show held in London on Wednesday, in the Border terrier Class, Mr John Strother’s bitch was awarded a first, a second and a championship. Mr Strother is to be congratulated on his success.

WOOLER WAR MEMORIAL

In order to assist the funds for the Wooler and District War Memorial the Belford Cinema Company are giving the entire proceeds of an exhibition of pictures to be held in the Archbold Hall on Wednesday next, 26th inst. Tickets may be had at the usual shops.

DR BARNARDO’S HOME

On Sunday last the Rev. T. L. Gomersall took the services in the Parish Church when he appealed on behalf of Dr Barnardo’s Homes, of which he is northern secretary. On Monday night a public meeting was held in the Archbold Hall at which the Rev. D. Mayes presided, there being a fair attendance.

The photograph above is the memorial to Dr Barnardo’s Children, in Tower Hamlets Cemetery, London. In 1921, the Rev. T. L. Gomersall, took the service in Wooler Parish Church, when he appealed on behalf of Dr. Barnardo’s Homes. © Copyright – Irid Escent. Creative Commons Attribution Share-alike license 2.0.

Mr Gomersall was present and delivered an interesting address on the work carried on by the Barnardo Homes. The lecture was illustrated with lantern views. The lecturer expressed his gratitude for all that people in Wooler had done for the homes as they had always responded splendidly to their appeals. Owing to the extra cost of food, etc., they needed funds more than ever if they were to maintain the ever-open door. A collection was made on behalf of the Homes. The following sums were received on behalf of the above in connection with Mr. Gomersall’s visit to Wooler. Collections in Parish Church, £2 10s; collecting box, 14s; collection at meeting in the Hall, £3 10s. Total, £6 14s.

CHILDRENS COURT

WEDNESDAY

Before the Mayor, Chas. Forsyth, Alex. Darling, Thos. Wilson, Esqs., and Miss A. Henderson.

Eight Berwick boys were charged with playing football in Coxon’s Lane on Sunday, 9th Jany. All pleaded guilty. P.C. Latto said about four in the afternoon he saw the boys playing football in the street near Rampart House. He later visited the parents and told them their boys would be reported. The Superintendent said there were numerous complaints about boys playing football in the streets and several windows had been broken. There was no excuse for this conduct, as there were plenty of open spaces for the purpose of football round about the town. The mothers of several of the boys attended, and in reply to questions by the mayor, they said they boys had left home to go to – Nurse Evans’ Bible Class and they never heard anything about them until the police called and said they had been kicking a ball about. The Mayor delivered an admonition and lectured the offenders on Sunday observance. They were all dismissed on paying of costs – 4s each.

GUARD FALLS OUT OF A VAN

A rather peculiar accident occurred on the main line near Cockburnspath on Friday morning whereby James Burrell, a North British Railway goods guard, sustained injuries and suffered greatly from exposure.

It appears Burrell was looking out of his van when the “hill pilot” was giving the goods train of which he was guard, a “shove up” the hill near the distant signal at Cockburnspath. Whether the door of the van flew open or a rough shunt caused Burrell to lose his balance is not clear, but the fact remains that he was shot out of his van without anyone having observed the accident and the train proceeded to Berwick.

© Copyright – Ben Brooksbank. Creative Commons Attribution Share-alike license 2.0.

It was only when the train checked through Berwick that Burrell was missed and immediately a light engine and van was sent north and various stations asked to send out search parties. Three hours after the accident Burrell was found lying on the lineside near Cockburnspath in an injured and exhausted condition. Medical aid was summoned from Dunbar and he was then brought on with all speed to Berwick, where he was admitted to the Infirmary. On examination it was found that he suffered from fractured ribs and minor injuries, but he was very much exhausted owing to the long period he had been exposed.

SPORT

TWEEDSIDE LEAGUE

Grindon United (h), 7; Horncliffe, 0.

A very exciting game was played before a small attendance of spectators at the Home Park, Grindon, when the United secured a glorious victory over Horncliffe. The visitors won the toss and decided to play with the sun in their favour. The homesters opened strongly, scoring two goals in the first five minutes. For a short time some mid-field play was witnessed. Graham once more proved himself an able leader and led some strong attacks against the visitors’ goal. At times the visitors attempted to raid the home goal, but their attacks were feeble, compared with those of the United, and seldom got past Brown, who gave a fine display. At half-time the score was: – Grindon, 4: Horncliffe,0.

On resuming Grindon pressed hard. Bell made some fine saves, but the ground being greasy caused bad shooting. The homesters kept pressing to the finish, and when the final whistle blew Horncliffe had to retire from the field beaten as above. The scorers were: – Graham (4), Waters, Wedderburn, Dalgliesh. The game was refereed by Mr J. Hume.

Mrs Amy Firman

12/01/2021 by Northumberland Archives

Lately, as part of my working from home timetable, I have been summarising oral histories to be entered onto our Northumberland Archive systems.

I listened as Mrs. Amy Firman very kindly answered questions and talked about her time as a member of the Womens Institute, Newbiggin by the Sea, Northumberland. This was part of a ‘Woman’s Work’ project with students of Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne.

Amy told of living all her life in Newbiggin by the Sea, attending the infant school and then the colliery school and progressing further to Bedlington Grammar School. She also spoke of how much she enjoyed her office work for the Electricity Board in Newcastle.

Amy had joined the Newbiggin branch of Womens Institute after she was married and continued being a member there for over 52 years. She remembered that in the Institute’s early days women had to be voted in by the committee as members. According to Amy, the Women’s Institute in Newbiggin was established in 1922 and members might have met in someone’s house in the early days before finally moving to the hall. She said that a mortgage was applied for 1936 for to have a hall built.

The Women’s Institute often played a significant role in Mrs. Firman’s life as well as being an active community service in Newbiggin. She and her friends assisted in schools with lessons such as road safety. They knitted animals and made puppets to tell stories with. They once dressed up as fisher folk and towed a boat through Newbiggin celebrating the town’s heritage.

Amy told of how her group encouraged her to take part in such events as drama groups, keep fit classes. She gave blood when the Blood Donor sessions were set up in the hall and she eventually got her Gold badge after donating 57 pints of blood throughout her time there. She was certainly a very active member of her group. Her busy home life was balanced with her Women’s Institute group. She would often leave housework to attend, catching up on it at a later time. Mrs. Firman told of how she and other members provided and joined in a varied programme of events. Running and organising drama groups, tea and biscuit afternoons, crafting, knit and natter classes, fund raising events, panto and shows, raffles, dancing afternoons and many talks attended by guest speakers.

When asked about her favorite part of the Newbiggin by the Sea, Women’s Institute she replied that it was the company and friendships that she made and the support given to her when her husband died. Mrs. Firman proved herself to be a hard-working lady who was a credit to her family and friends as well as being dedicated to helping the residents of her home town of Newbiggin by the Sea.

Taken from an oral history, NRO T-958 (NRO 101888), Womens Institute, Newbiggin by the Sea, Northumberland.

BERWICK ADVERTISER, 7TH JANUARY 1921

08/01/2021 by Northumberland Archives

LOWICK WAR MEMORIAL UNVEILED

Sunday, the 2nd day of January 1921, will be a never-to-be-forgotten day in Lowick and parish, for on that day the memorial was unveiled in honour of the brave lads who went forward at their country’s call to make the great sacrifice. The memorial has been erected in the Market Place, opposite the Post Office, and is of Aberdeen Granite, with a Doddington Freestone base. The site is an ideal one, and the memorial standing 11 ft. 6 ins high, looks well and lends beauty to its surroundings.

Lowick War Memorial which was unveiled in 1921, amidst great ceremony. © J Thomas – Geograph – Creative Commons (CC BY-SA 2.0)

It was early evident the work of the Committee had been appreciated, for people came from all parts of the parish, many carrying wreaths. About 2 p.m. the crowd numbered anything from 800 to 1,000 persons. Promptly at 2.10, the procession was formed up at the churchyard gates and singing the hymn “Onward Christian Soldiers,” moved slowly forward as follows: Buglers, Comrades of the Great War (under Capt. Gee and Sergt. Pringle), relatives of the fallen, Sunday School children, Church congregations, Church Officers and Choirs; Major Rea, Capt. Elliott, Capt. Alexander, Mr R. Barber, the Rev. C. V. Gee, and the Rev. G. Tait, followed by the general public.

On arrival at the memorial, the procession formed into a square with military precision. On the platform were the Rev. C. V. Gee, the Rev. G. Tait, Major J. G. G. Rea, Captain Elliott, Mr R. Barber, Capt. Alexander, and Capt. Gee.

LOCAL NEWS

Arrangements are being made for the distribution of guaranteed pure fertile Italian Queen bees during season 1921, at a cost of 11s 6d for each delivery during May and up to June 25th, and 8s 6d each for July and August. Beekeepers should apply not later than January 25th to the Director of Education, The Moothall, Newcastle-on-Tyne.

There is prevalent in London and throughout the country a rather mysterious infection, which causes swelling of the glands around the angles of the jaws and sometimes in front of the ears. At first it was supposed that the condition was mumps; but now it is evident that there is a difference. Happily, the glands seem to subside of themselves in a period of a few days or weeks. The nature of the condition is not clear; by some it is regarded as a complication of “influenza.”

On New Year’s night the Long Room of the Corn Exchange was comfortably filled when a whist drive was held under the auspices of the Berwick-upon-Tweed Public Bowling Green. Mr R. Logan officiated as M.C. This was a new role for Mr Logan and he fulfilled the duties very courteously and efficiently. Before commencing play Mr M. L. Walker, the President of the Club, on behalf of the Committee, wished the company a Happy and Prosperous New Year. This was reciprocated with one shout — “the same to you, Mr Walker.” Extra prizes were given on this occasion, the successful winners being: — Ladies — 1, Mrs Thompson, 234; 2, Mrs Hendry, 231; 3, Mrs Cowperthwaite and Miss Morton tied with 226 and on being drawn Mrs Cowperthwaite was successful; booby, Miss Drummond, 188. Gentlemen — 1, Mr T. Harbottle, 254; 2, Mr H. Jamieson, 231 Mr R. Butler, 226; booby, Mr Duncan, 191. At an interval in the proceedings the usual supper was served and much enjoyed. Mr Walker presented the prizes, and before the proceedings terminated intimated their next whist drive would be held in about a fortnight’s time.

On Wednesday evening, 22nd December, St. Andrew’s Church Woman’s Guild held their Christmas tea, at which the members of the congregation and children of the Sunday School were entertained. During the evening the Rev. J. Scott Morrison was presented with a wallet containing Treasury notes by Miss Tait, on behalf of the Guild and members of the congregation. Mrs J. Sanderson was also presented by Miss Bella Gemmel with a brush and comb on behalf of the Children’s Choir, and with a picture from the Rev. J. Scott Morrison for services rendered in training the children. Suitable replies were made by both recipients. There was a large gathering present. A splendid tea and varied programme of songs and recitations was thoroughly enjoyed by everyone. Fruit was served to the children, kindly provided by the Rev. J. Scott Morrison and Mr Landels.

CORNHILL

In the January “Border Magazine” “Herd Laddie” tells the following Border anecdote: — “One of the Askews, a former squire of Pallinsburn, was a very eccentric person, who frequently went about the district dressed with a threadbare black velvet suit and carrying under his arm a big old-fashioned umbrella green with age. Nothing gave him greater delight than people mistaking his social position, and at dinner parties he was wont to relate some of the ridiculous remarks made to him.

The Blue Bell Inn, Pallinsburn, where one of the Askew’s, a squire, had his encounter with the carter and his horse. © Andrew Curtis – Geograph – Creative Commons (CC BY-SA 2.0).

The following is said to have been his favourite: — One day he was sauntering down the steep bank between Pallinsburn and the Blue Bell Inn, when he met a lame carter with a very hard-up horse. The horse was struggling up the hill with the load of lime, and the carter was assisting it for all he was worth by pushing behind the cart. On seeing the old squire, and not knowing who he was, shouted, “Come and gies a sheet (push), man.” “Sheet yursel,” was the tardy response. “ Eigh! Yur just some auld lazy deevil,” was the disappointed rejoinder.

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