BERWICK ADVERTISER, 100 YEARS AGO

26/10/2023 by Northumberland Archives

BERWICK ADVERTISER, 26 OCTOBER 1923

WOOLER PARISH CHURCH

MEMORIALS UNVEILED AND DEDICATED

The unveiling and dedication of a memorial Reredos in memory of the men from the parish who gave their lives for their country in the Great War, together with side panels in memory of Canon Wilsden, who was Vicar of the parish from 1880 to 1910, and a lectern in memory of Miss Bessie Wilsden took place in St. Mary’s Parish Church, Wooler, on Sunday afternoon. The memorials are all made from selected Austrian oak, designed and executed by Messrs E. Douglas and Son, cabinetmakers, Wooler, and correspond with the other fittings in the chance as carried out under the restoration scheme, the design being Gothic. In the panels of the Reredos are the sixty names of those who fell from the parish. The workmanship does infinite credit to local labour.

There was a very large congregation, the church being packed to the doors. Amongst those present were the Earl and Countess Tankerville and many others.

The Vicar (Canon Moran) conducted the service, which opened with the hymn “The King of Love my Shepherd is.” The lessons were read by the Vicar and the Rev, J, G. Shotton. A sacred solo, “Infinite Love,” was sung by the Earl of Tankerville to organ accompaniment. The choir gave a capable rendering of Stainer’s anthem, “Who Are These?”

The Reredos and panels were unveiled by Major J. G. G. Rea, D.S.O., and the lectern was unveiled by the Rev. J. G. Shotton, at the request of near relatives and friends by whom it has been provided.

The memorials were then dedicated by Bishop of the Diocese (Dr Wild). A large number of wreaths were placed in front of the communion table by relatives and friends. The hymn “Fight the Good Fight” having been sung, the Bishop delivered a stirring address, taking for his text 1^st Cor. iii., 8 –“Every man shall receive his own reward according to his own labour.” The Bishop, referring to the proceedings, said the day was a very appropriate one, for it was the anniversary of the Battle of Trafalgar. He paid a warm tribute to the men who went to almost certain death in that memorable month of August, 1914.

The” Last Post” was sounded, and after a minute’s silence the Blessing was pronounced by the Bishop, which was followed by the “Reveille” and the singing of the National Anthem.

The members of the Parish Council and British Legion were also present, also the Freemasons, Sunday School children, and representatives from other places of worship.

NORHAM

Norham Nursing Association held a successful jumble sale in aid of the work of the Association on Wednesday afternoon, £23 5s being realised.

The dance which was held in the Public Hall on Saturday last was very well patronised, the proceeds going towards the Football Club funds. Everybody seemed to enjoy themselves very well to the delightful music of Miss Jean Smith, extras being played by Miss L. Weatherston, Sunderland. Mr J. Sheppard was at the door as usual, and Mr A. Burns was M.C.

A whist drive and dance in aid of Norham Boat races, held on Friday evening in the Public Hall, proved a great success. The Committee intend making the whist drive and dance an annual affair in order to keep their funds in a healthy condition, prepared to meet any emergency which may arise through bad weather. Thirty-six tables were occupied and 24 games were played. At the end of the twelfth game tea and cakes were served round a number of young ladies under the supervision of Miss A. Lyall and Miss H. Rule, who kindly undertook the management of the catering. At the conclusion of the games the prize winners to be Miss Purves, Miss Wilkinson, Miss J. Wharton, and Messrs Easton, Anderson and Scott. The prizes, which were of a useful nature, were provided by local tradesmen and friends. At intervals during the dancing a Dutch auction was held, and the articles sold consisted of cakes, a canary, a cockerel, and a bottle of wine brought remarkable prices. The dance music was supplied by Miss Jean Smith in her usual able manner and was much appreciated. The whist drive and dance was voted by all present as the most enjoyable event which has taken place for some time. Thanks are due to all those friends who so kindly helped by assistance, giving cakes, tea, etc, and by lending cards and tables to make the drive so successful.

SIR WALTER RUNCIMAN ON UNEMPLOYMENT

Speaking on unemployment at the central Primitive methodist Church, Newcastle, on Monday night, Sir Walter Runciman said his own opinion was that there was no necessity for all those people to be out of work. If they could not handle a mallet or plane, they could do something; and he felt assured that, if the proper policy was adopted, employment could be found for hundreds of thousands now out of work. But he himself offered work to some people the other day, and they would not do it. That reminded him of a young girl who applied for a passage to America, and when he asked her why she wanted to leave England, she said: “I can scrub doorsteps out there, but I can’t do it here.” That was just a bit of standing on one’s dignity, continued the speaker; people did not like being seen doing unaccustomed work. Yet when he was a young sailor lad he was sometimes out of work. They got low wages in those days £32 10s a month – he thought he paid £13 a month now- and rotten food; and the cost of living was just as high then. But that did where else when not at sea.

He went to dig a garden on one occasion; and another time he saw a ship coming in and buried to ask the captain if he wanted help and got the job he was after. It was only a very few shillings, but it showed what could be done if people would only adapt themselves to circumstances. If they could not do one thing, they could do another. He had heard of communities who would rather starve than take the dole, and so would he. He had himself given people employment who said they would not accept the dole.

“I tell you,” concluded Sir Walter, “that there is work if you go where it is to be found. I don’t think anyone who has work to offer would turn a man or woman away if they are willing to take it. It is necessary to go on working to keep brain and body alive. I don’t want to die yet, and I think I would if I stopped working. Don’t get into the habit of thinking you ought to retire. If you are any good at your work, keep at it as long as you can. If you are not, get another job.

“I wish some of the leaders of what they call the working class – though we are all workers-would impress on the people they profess to lead that they can get work of some fashion if they only look for it.”

LOCAL NEWS

A volume of Dugald MacFadyen’s humorous stories and sketches, including “Buffoon’s Who’s Zoo,” has been edited by his son, R. MacFadyen, and for those who like this sort of thing it should serve to while away a journey or a cold and dirty night. It is published by W. F. Henderson, Edinburgh, at 2s net and s 6d net in paper covers.

Under the auspices of the International Bible Students’ Association, Mr J. Mackenzie, Edinburgh, delivered a lecture in the Long Room of the Corn exchange on Sunday evening. The lecturer dealt exhaustively with the new worldwide subject, “All nations marching to Armageddon,” and the audience followed his discourse with great attention.

BERWICK CHIMNEYS

A NEW BROOM SWEEPS CLEAN

Jane Pattison (60), 41 Church Street, Berwick, was charged with allowing her chimney to catch fire on Saturday afternoon, October 20^th. The Mayor and Councillor Bolus, as members of the Sanitary Authority, retired from the bench when this case came on.

Mrs Pattison pleaded guilty, saying it was an accident.

Mr Porter, Town Clerk, appearing for the Sanitary Authority, said they proposed to assume that the firing of the chimney was an accident. Mr Boyd was passing along Church Street at the time and saw huge clouds of smoke issuing from the chimney. Mrs Pattison, when spoken to, said it had been swept within the previous six weeks and gave the name of the sweep, but it was found from his books that it had been swept last on August 2^nd– 11 weeks ago. There were frequent cases of this sort in the borough, and the Sanitary Authority had been compelled to take proceedings. All that he would ask for was costs, the case to serve as a warning. In future cases he would press for a penalty.

SPORTS-FOOTBALL

EAST OF SCOTLAND QUALIFYING CUP

BERWICK RANGERS IN FORM

Rangers…………..3 Civil Service Strollers (h)…….1

Even the most ardent supporter of Berwick Rangers had “his doots” regarding the ability of the Yellow and Black to pull off the semi-final of the East of Scotland Qualifying Cup, and such scepticism was justified by the Civil Service Strollers having a good team together this year and the added advantage of home venue. The result therefore of a win for the Berwick lads after a game in which they held the whiphand throughout gave some credit to the prophets who in recent weeks have foretold a more successful run for the Rangers since their play has improved.

COMMENTS ON PLAY

There was no denying the superiority of the Rangers on the day’s play and even supporters of the Edinburgh Club admitted that their team was well beaten. The Berwick team was smart on the ball and all their attacks were made with method. Much of the good work came from good advice and general ship shown by Atkinson. Harvey was not killed with work but what he had to do he did well. Younger showed good form at back and what he slipped Haswell got. Atkinson was the outstanding man of the half line with Wakenshaw a close second. The Borthwick-Johnston wing showed splendid football and though they had not the luck to get goals they were the means of leading up to two of them. Wilson was one of the most useful men in the team and was always on the spot while Purves distributed well and played an improved game. Of the home team Bridges and Lamb played a sound game at back while McLaren at centre half was splendid in defence. The forwards were a nippy lot but once the Rangers’ defence got their measure they seldom had a look in. There was little to chose between them, but Sutherland and Purves took the eye most.

BERWICK ADVERTISER, 16 FEBRUARY 1923

17/02/2023 by Northumberland Archives

BELFORD HALL ESTATE SALE

REALISES BETWEEN £70,00 AND £80,000

Belford has never in all its long history had such exciting days as last Thursday and Friday, when the Belford Hall Estate, divided into 177 lots, was put up for auction by Messrs John D. Wood & Co., London, and practically the whole of the village changed hands. The sale was the one absorbing topic of conversation. The Memorial Hall, west Street, where the sale took place, was crowded both days, even standing room being occupied on the Thursday afternoon. Some were in their seats long before the sale opened and, bringing lunch with them, sat the whole day through, intensely interested in the bidding and the fate of the various lots put up. The auctioneer’s remark that he knew of no district in the whole of England where land had been more tightly tied for generations than in Northumberland was certainly applicable to Belford, where for generations the Squire has held sway and freehold was unknown. For over 200 years the estate has been in the hands of the Atkinson-Clark family, and it is only within the last ten years that any portion of it has been parted with. Some months ago the estate changed hands, being bought by Mr Place, timber merchant, Northallerton, from the Atkinson-Clark family. Almost immediately tenants were acquainted with the change and given an opportunity to purchase their houses, shops, farms, etc. Many did so, and in the weeks prior to the sale negotiations for various parts of the estate were completed, tenants generally being satisfied with the new owner’s reasonable demands. Others preferred to await the sale and did so with no little anxiety as to what the future held in store. There is no doubt Belford was anxious. Shopkeepers and businessmen realised that their living was in the village. If they did not buy, other people would, and they might be turned out. Elderly people living in houses were afraid they would have to turn out and leave the village where they wished to end their days. This anxiety was common to the whole village, and one of the most human touched at the sale was the sympathetic applause from the audience when the fall of the auctioneer’s hammer decided the bidding in favour of a tenant.

High Street, Belford c.1900. Ref: BRO 515/40

Mr Place accompanied by his agent, Mr J. Cleghorn, Wooler, was present throughout the sale on the platform with the auctioneer and took a keen interest in the business. An army of solicitors and clerks from Berwick, Newcastle and Alnwick were present ready to tackle the initial stages in the enormous amount of conveyancing work the sale of so many lots involved. There was a great run on the handsomely got up particulars of the sale, the whole of the 650 copies printed being distributed, and will no doubt be treasured as a reminder of the memorable sale.

The sale included nine farms, varying in size from 50 to 845 acres. Chesters farm, 217 acres, was purchased prior to the sale by Mr G. Scott, whose family have held it for over sixty years. Sionside farm, 333 acres, was also purchased privately by the tenants, Messrs Bowmer, Westhall, 175 acres, and Craggyhall farm, 196 acres, and Belford Moor farm, 845 acres-the largest on the estate-and Westroad farm, 50 acres, and Bricksheds farm, 70 acres, went to buyers from further south in the county. In addition to the farms, the lots included some 112 houses or cottages of varying sizes, 22 shops, two licensed premises, the post Office, Belford Quarry and Maltings, and numerous gardens and acres of accommodation land- in all about 3100 acres, producing an income of about £5000 per annum.

Among premises not offered for sale, having been purchased at various times during the past ten years, were:- The Blue Bell Inn, the Salmon Inn, the Bank, Mr Pringle’s shop in market Place, Mr Tully house in West Street, which he recently enlarged and improved; Mr Bolton the watchmaker’s shop, High Street, which he has occupied for over 30 years, and which, along with house next door and his own shop

Market Place, Belford c.1900. Ref: BRO 426/944

premises, has been bought by Mr Young, baker, High Street; the Police Station, the Primitive Methodist Church in West Street, bought by Mr Young, baker, whose family for generations has been prominently identified with Primitive Methodism in the district. The gas and water supplies, which belonged the estate, were originally included in Belford Hall lot, but were taken out of this, having been purchased by the District Council. The auctioneer said he knew of no better way to protect the interests of the users of water and gas than for the Local Authority to purchase them.

This is only a snippet of the full article in the Berwick Advertiser.

BELFORD IN THE OLDEN DAYS

In the old days Belford was often mentioned in history as a stage in the journey between England and Scotland. Queen Margaret stopped there. Raids from the Borders often reached the village and houses were destroyed. In the reign of Charles I. it is described as “the most miserable beggarly town of sods that ever was made in an afternoon of loam and sticks. In all the town not a loaf of bread, nor a quart of beer, nor a lock of hay, nor a peck of oats and little shelter for horse or man.” In the 18^th century Belford, like many another village, was visited by the plague, the dead being shovelled hastily out of sight in their clothes on Belford Moor. Before the union of 1603, Belford was still a collection of clay-daubed hovels.

High Street, Belford c.1900. Ref; BRO 515/39

The earl of Hertford, in one of his retaliatory expeditions against the Scottish Borders – the one in which he burned the nunnery at Coldstream- was nearly captured at he lay at Belford, but the Scots managed to carry off his chaplain. Whether he was ransomed or died on the spears of jeering Scots is not recorded. At Cockenheugh Crag, about two miles west of Belford is Cuddie’s Cove, a traditional resting place of St. Cuthbert. Along the High Street of Belford, in more recent years, stone residences and shops were built; and a fine old cross, largely, is not wholly, post-mediaeval, stands in the Market Place. The Church of St. Mary, which stands behind the Market Place, dominates High Street. The sacred edifice was rebuilt in 1827. This church was an ancient chapelry in the parish of Bamburgh. The chancel arch (though not its jambs) is original 12^th century work, with zig-zag ornament; and there is said to be some old masonry in the chancel. An old Gazetter of 1823 printed in Berwick states that the church is a neat edifice, near which are vestiges of a chapel and of a Danish camp. The population of Belford in 1823-100 years ago-was 931.

BERWICK ADVERTISER, 2ND FEBRUARY 1923

03/02/2023 by Northumberland Archives

BURNS ANNIVERSARY

The place of honour at the Burns anniversary gathering of the Bradford and District Caledonian Society was occupied by Mr J. R. Noble, late of Spittal. He served his apprenticeship at the “Berwick Advertiser” Office, and has, for the past three years, been employed by the Bradford and District newspaper Co., Ltd. His father, the late Mr John Noble, was at one time President of the now defunct Spittal Burn’s Club. During the course of his address, Mr Noble seldom referred to his notes, and quoted from memory many of the outstanding passages in the poet’s works. We take the following extracts from the “Bradford Daily Telegraph” of the 26^th January :- Bradford and District Caledonian Society last night celebrated the Burns Anniversary by a dinner at the Market Tavern. Dr MacIlraith presided over a company of over 100. Fraternal greetings were received from Tweedmouth and many other kindred societies.

Berwick-on Tweed Burns Club Annual Celebration, Red Lion Hotel – Programme, 25 Jan 1906. This programme gives you a taster of how Burns Supper had been celebrated in Berwick. REF: BRO 502/2/1

The toast, “The Immortal Memory of Robert Burns,” was proposed by Mr Noble, who said that even now new gems of thought continued to flash out from the poet’s exquisite verses, which, amid the changing scenes of life, retained their original freshness. They had to carry their minds back to the conditions that prevailed in Scotland in Burns’s day to appreciate fully the motive of many of his works. The ministers preached the wrath of God in every sermon, they forbade amusement, they stamped out the New Year festival, and universal gloom settled over the land. It was due to Burns more than anybody else that the best part of the people’s nature had not withered into sterility, for he did much to brighten and humanise religion and bring back to the life of the people some of the joy they had lost. It was the passionate and poignant love songs for which the world best loved Burns. They carried the fragance of the heather hills to distant lands. It was Robert Burns, peasant, poet, patriot, and prophet, who enshrined the characteristics and ideals of a great race in immortal verse, and his influence shall endure “till a’ the seas gang dry and the rocks melt wi’ the sun.” (Applause).

LOCAL NEWS

Berwick Esperanto Club has started. Soon the star-shaped badge, which is the world-wide symbol of the speakers or those who “hope” to speak Esperanto, will become familiar in the town. Esperanto means “one who hopes” – and every member of the newly forms Berwick Club is hopeful that the study of this easy and fascinating international language will “catch on” in the town. Between 20 and 30 members have joined. Some are at the alphabet stage, while others, more familiar with the language, can already speak and write it. More members will be welcomed. Meetings are to be held each Wednesday evening in the hall of the Primitive Church, Walkergate. Officials have been elected. Dr C. T. Gauntlet, who has made a study of the language, becomes the Club’s first President, and Mr R. Trotter and Mr J. Strachan, Vice-Presidents. Miss Gaul is Secretary and Treasurer, and the Committee members RE Mrs J. Bishop, Miss H. Gray, and Messrs D. Storar and Lyall. A small subscription of probably 2s 6d will be asked from each member to cover expenses in connection with the use of the room each week.

On Friday night the members of the Border Union Lodge of Good Templars held a Burns’s celebration at their weekly meeting. After the usual business was concluded the members, to the number of about 50, adjourned to the room downstairs and partook of a splendid supper, the principal dish being “haggis,” and then a short programme by members was gone through. Brother Clarke gave a reading. “Life of Burns,” and some of Burn’s songs were sung by Sister Borthwick, Brothers Borthwick, Morecroft and Hastings; while a humorous reading was given by Brother Evans. An enjoyable evening was brought to a close with the singing of “Auld Lang Syne.” The Border Union Lodge is the oldest lodge in the Borough and at present is in a flourishing condition. Every week sees new members being added to its roll. A hearty welcome is offered to all wishing to join. Meetings are held in the Lodge Room in the Good Templar Hall Friday night at 8 p.m.

SUPERINTENDENT’S LICENSING REPORT

The Superintendent’s annual report was in the following terms: I have the honour to present this my report on the carrying out of the Licensing Acts in the Borough of Berwick-upon-Tweed. There are in the Borough: – 44 full licenses, one beer on, four beer and wine off, and two beer off; making a total of 51, and showing an average of one license to about 255 inhabitants – the population of the Borough being 12,994. There are four registered clubs in the Borough with a membership ranging from 108 to 250. During the year 1922, proceedings for drunkenness were taken in 71 cases and 66 convictions resulted, being a decrease of 50 proceedings and 51 convictions when compared with the number similarly dealt with during the year 1921. The figures for 1922 are equivalent to 5.07 convictions per 1000 population as compared with 9. convictions per 1000 in 1921. I have served Notices of objections on the licenses of the Berwick Arms, Marygate, and the George Inn, Church Street. Thee premises I consider are structurally deficient and unsuitable for licensed premises. There are no applications for new licenses.

THE PRESERVATION OF NORHAM CASTLE

Work has been commenced in connection with excavating, etc., at Norham Castle. It was to have started last summer but owing to the illness and subsequent death of Mr Romanes, the proprietor of the Castle, it was delayed. It was understood that Mr Romanes was in the act of transferring the Castle and grounds to H.M. Office of Works when his illness took place, and it was rumoured that the whole scheme was to have been dropped. That has not, however, been the case, as there are now labourers busy digging around the Marmion Arch, and erecting scaffolding just inside, along the wall facing north which is pierced with

portholes. Its is estimated that the work will be spread over a period of six years, and as well as giving employment to a large number of men it should bring a lot more visitors to see the romantic old ruins. The main idea seems to be to clear away all accumulations from the walls and foundations, and thoroughly repair and point with cement the whole of the walls. The work is being undertaken by H.M. Office of Works. The work is not in full swing yet, owing to the difficulty of finding a place to put the old rubbish.

TERMS OF LEASING FOR COMMON LODGING HOUSE

The Workhouse Committee at a special meeting had considered the question of a part of the Workhouse being leased to the Berwick Sanitary Authority for use as a common lodging house. A letter from the Town Clerk of Berwick stated the matter had been before the Public Health Committee of the Sanitary Authority, who requested the terms of the lease. The Workhouse Committee recommended to the Board that they lease the aged women’s block of the Workhouse premises and the lunatic ward to Berwick Sanitary Authority as a common lodging house. The terms of the lease were submitted, the lease to be for 10 years, the rent to be £25 per year, payable half yearly, the Authority to pay rates and taxes, and carry out necessary alterations to cut off this portion of the premises from the Workhouse, to the satisfaction of the Guardians, to provide gas and water supply, and a separate entrance from Brucegate, to keep in repair, not to sublet without the consent of the Guardians, and not to suffer any nuisance to tenants in neighbouring houses, etc.

Mr Bolus moved the adoption of the Committee’s recommendation. He knew that the Mayor and the Medical Officer for the Borough were very anxious that there be a model lodging house in the town. Such a place would be an acquisition to the town and an acquisition to the Board, as men could go there at very reasonable cost without coming to the Workhouse for the night. In making the lodging house a certain amount of money would have to be spent to make it to meet the requirements of the Inspector. In view of the expenditure one of the objections the Sanitary Authority might raise was what would happen if the Workhouse premises had to be sold. This was why they recommended a lease of 10 years. Mr Bolus thought that in the event of this taking place the men of good financial standing, might but the place, or the Corporations might but the place.

BADMINTON-SINGLES TOURNAMENT

The ladies of the Officers 7^th N.F. Club held a singles tournament on Thursday afternoon in the Drill Hall, Ravensdowne. Sixteen players took part, the winner being Miss M.B. Cowen (minus 5) in the final by 11 points to 10 after a very keen game. Prizes were presented by Miss M. Oswald, West Coates.

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