BERWICK ADVERTISER, 23 JULY 1920

24/07/2020 by Northumberland Archives

TWEEDMOUTH JOTTINGS

On Monday afternoon, while driving down the Main Road at High Gate, a horse belonging to Robert Norris, Tweedmouth, took fright to such an engine blowing its whistle, and bolted down Main Street. A man named James Douglas, who was on the cart, fell off, and was cut and bruised about the head, and, continuing its career, the horse came in contact with a stationary motor car. Norris, who had kept his head, managed to draw the frightened animal up. The mud-guard of the car was torn off. Douglas, who was stunned by his fall, was taken to Berwick Infirmary for treatment. He is doing as well as can be expected.

TRACTION ENGINE GOES ON ROUND A CORNER ON ONE WHEEL

THE DRIVER’S PLUCK

On the morning of Thursday last a serious accident was averted by the presence of mind of an engine driver named Jack Morrison. He was bringing a traction engine and mill from Tweedmouth Station to Messrs Bain’s down the South Side of the High Gate when a gear pin on the engine became detached, and the engine commenced to free wheel at great speed down the hill. Knowing the danger of running down Main Street, where there are always children playing about, Morrison made up his mind to take the hairpin turn into Shielfield, the hill there being calculated to stop the engine’s career.

Photograph of the Berwick Bridge. The “Bridge Toll House” stood near to where the sundial is situated at the Berwick end of the bridge. © Copyright Chris Morgan, (CC BY-SA 2.0) https://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/3098053.

The traction engine took the turn at great speed, going round practically on one wheel, and then Morrison came face to face with another problem, several motor cars being on the road further up. At great danger to himself, he took the only course open to him, and swung the engine dead into the wall at Turret Villa. The engine knocked a clean hole in the wall and came to a stop. Morrison being little worse of his adventure. The foreman jumped off the engine before they reached the railway bridge.

SNIPPET FROM LETTER

Some time ago you had a report in your paper in reference to the “Bridge Toll House,” and the place stated was at the end of the bridge. Now, this was not the case, for it was in one of the recesses at the top of the bank on the bridge — the one next to the Sundial. I can remember seeing this, seeing I had to pass it so often when a young man. I was told by father, and also my grandfather, the gates were just on the Bridge End. My grandfather, being one of the Coastguards, helped to pull them down.

In the background is Holy Island Castle, occupied at one time by the Coastgaurd, and where Mr Scott’s grandfather was held after his misdeed. © Copyright Christine Matthews,(CC BY-SA 2.0) https://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/1239975.

There is another report in reference to Holy Island Castle, and I can endorse part of the history given by you about the Coastguards living in the Castle: for my mother’s father was banished from Spittal to the Castle because of my father’s grave misdeed in marrying his daughter. This was the punishment meted out to him, and I can remember paying a visit there when a boy. I mention this to show the difference then and now. Even after 50 years’ absence except for annual visits, I have still a kindly feeling for the old town. — I remain, yours sincerely. James Scott, 30, Chatterton Street, Southwick, Sunderland.

LOCAL NEWS

On Sunday a most successful motor char-a-banc tour of the Borders was held by the clerical and locomotive staff of Berwick Station. Leaving Berwick about nine o’clock in the morning, the journey was made through the beautiful pastoral scenery of the Merse, by way of Duns, Greenlaw, and Earlston, on to Melrose, where an alfresco lunch was very much enjoyed.

Adam Logan’s charabanc pictured in Sandgate in the early 1900s, with a patry about to set off on a trip. Adam Logan himself is pictured standing on the left of the picture. A similar vehicle transported the clerical and locomotive staff of Berwick station on their tour of the borders. Image in the collection of Fred Kennington.

The company then proceeded on to Selkirk, where a most enjoyable tea was served in the Fleece Hotel. A few hours were spent in song and sentiment, and Selkirk being left behind. Kelso was reached by way of St Boswells, and a little time was spent looking round the pretty little town. While here the trippers saw the competitors in the reliability run of Berwick Motor Club pass through. Berwick was reached about 9.30, the entire company being highly satisfied with the tour, upon which the sun had smiled all day

BERWICK ADVERTISER, 9 JULY 1920

10/07/2020 by Northumberland Archives

VIOLENT THUNDERSTORM

GARDNER KILLED BY LIGHTNING AT ORD

A RELATIVE OF GRACE DARLING

A thunderstorm of a violent character prevailed round the Border district on Friday afternoon and evening doing considerable damage to crops and being responsible for the tragic death of Mr George Horsley, a jobbing gardener, aged 66, residing at East Ord.

I was between half-past five and six o’clock when Horsley left his house to go for milk to the farm of Ord Mains. It was thundering heavily, but as the storm appeared to be still some distance off, no danger was feared. Five minutes later, Mr Robert Aire Horsley, the brother of the deceased, was summoned by Mr Wm. Gilchrist, farmer, who said he had found the unfortunate man dead on the road.

HOW THE BODY WAS FOUND

The brother hurried to the scene and in the centre of the road leading to the farm they found the body lying face downwards. It was almost naked, but a few tattered portions of garments remained and were smouldering. The boots were torn from the feet, the uppers being thrown to either side of the road, and the soles being found nearly 100 yards away. The deceased’s watch which was found near the body looked as if it had been struck with a sledge hammer. The winding screw was torn off, the back of the case badly dented, the works fused, and the pointers and glass smashed. It appeared as if Horsley had been struck by the lightning on the crown of the head, for there was a circular burn and the face was badly marked and burned.

Death, to all appearances, had been instantaneous. The police were communicated with, and a subsequent medical examination went to prove that the unfortunate man would never have suffered.

A RELATION OF GRACE DARLING.

George Horsley, the victim of this sad occurrence is the eldest son of the late Mr George Horsley of Bamburgh, a full cousin of the heroine of the Longstone, Grace Darling. The sensational rescue performed by the gallant maid, when the paddle steamer Forfarshire was wrecked during the gale on the Goldstone Rock, is almost history. How she braved the dangers of the Island channels in the small cobble manned by herself and her father has found its place in song and story. Her early death from a lingering disease was regretted by the nation. The only surviving son of the family, Mr R. A. Horsley, has in his possession several relics and personal belongings of Grace Darling, including the flag of the “Forfarshire.”

The family record of the Horsley’s seems to be interwoven with tragedy. Many years ago, Richard Horsley, a brother, accidentally fell in front of a traction engine and was killed. The old mother died from shock when the body was brought home, and the two were buried on the same day. Grace Darling Horsley, the only daughter of the family died infancy.

© Copyright Graham Robson. (CC BY-SA 2.0).

We understand that Coroner Percy, having heard the report of P.C. Richardson, Ord, and considered the circumstances of the case at the inquest held without calling a jury, was satisfied that death resulted from Horsley being struck by lightning.

NOTES FROM SPITTAL

A most enjoyable outing was spent at the Chain Bridge on Thursday afternoon by the members of St Paul’s Church Choir, Spittal, and several friends. The party, which numbered about 40 went by motor boat. The trip was splendidly organised by Mr S Brown, organist of the Church.

Construction of the Union Bridge over the Tweed by Alexander Nasmyth (1758 – 1840).

Great praise is due to Miss M. N. Boston in the manner the catering was carried out, assisted by other ladies of the choir. Owing to the weather being wet, tea was served in the Shiel. Games and races were indulged in until time for leaving. On returning to the station the party was headed by a piper, and left Velvet Hall station for home after spending a very pleasant afternoon. The company arrived at Spittal about 9pm.

ROWING

BERWICK REGATTA

The prospectus has now been issued for the above event, which takes place on the afternoon of August Bank Holiday, 2nd August. The prospectus is on the same lines as 1914, when the Regatta was last held. The premier event is for the Ladies Plate, a four oared race four senior oarsmen in strake boats. There is another four oared event for maiden oarsmen, the pair oared race for the Marshall Meadows Plate, cutter races for senior and junior oarsmen, and the usual coble races for salmon fishermen. Good support has already been promised. The joint secretaries are Messrs R. D. Harvey and R. P. Campbell.

Berwick Amateur Rowing Club in 1951 REF: BRO 1944-1-54-010.

CREW FOR TYNE REGATTA

Berwick A.R.C. is to be represented by the following crew at Tyne Regatta on Saturday, 17th July: — J. Hutchison (bow), Norman Anderson, E. Soulshy, J. D. Buglass (stroke). It will compete in the race for maiden oarsmen.

BERWICK ADVERTISER, 25 JUNE 1920

26/06/2020 by Northumberland Archives

THE BAKERS’ STRIKE

EMPLOYERS TO CARRY ON WITH IMPORTED OPERATIVES

PLENTY BREAD STILL ON SALE

Another phase of the strike of operative bakers in Berwick took place at week-end, when the employers, standing out against the £4 minimum and the 44 hour week of the Scottish Award, hardened their hearts, and left the men whose notices had expired to roll up their aprons and clear out.

Mr J. I. Cairns adopted Lord Fisher’s injunction and “sacked the lot, “bringing in their places operatives from the south of England. Other firms have carried on with their staffs who were non-union, and the men regret that there have been two backsliders from the Union ranks.

A 1950s photograph of J Cairns the bakers shop in Marygate. In June, 1920, during the bakers’ strike, Mr Cairns adopted a hard line approach to his workforce. Ref: BRO 1250-23

Branch Secretary Huntley of the men’s organisation has started work at Tweedmouth Co-Operative Society which is paying the full Scottish Award, and has adopted the 44 hours week. Mr Thompson, baker, Bridge Street, has also granted his men the Scottish rate, and is working full time on the 44 hours basis.

A representative of the men, on being interviewed, said he hoped his colleagues would hold out, though he regretted to say there had been two backsliders. He considered the employers were very belated with their pledge to treat with the men should they become affiliated to an English Union. “It is only a shuffle,” he said. “They knew very well that we would naturally join a Scottish Union when they, the employers, were members of a Scottish master bakers’ Association. If it is legal for employers to organise under a Scottish Association from Berwick, why should the workers be told, although they are doing the same thing and becoming members of a Scottish Operatives’ Union, that they cannot be met, as Berwick is an English Borough. My belief is, “he concluded, “that had we joined an English Union, employers would still have told us they did not recognise us, because we were not members of a Scottish Union.”

A master baker interviewed, said he was managing to carry on quite well, and was determined to hold out. He reiterated the view that the Scottish Master Bakers could not recognise an English Borough coming under a Scottish award. The whole matter was being contested on principle.

Mr Morton, of Glasgow, a Union organiser, visited Berwick on Monday, and held a conference with the men on strike. He may be back in the town at the weekend.

There is, we understand, 5s difference between the regional award for England and the Scottish award. The English wage is 75s, and the Scottish 80s per week. Berwick, situated as it is, gives more trouble to Master Organisations and Trade Unions than any other borough in the Kingdom, owing to the various industries having labour organised either in Scotland or England.

NEW VICAR OF ST MARY’S, BERWICK

The Rev. Samuel Edward Raymond Fenning, Curate of Cwmdu, Glamorgan, has been presented by the Dean and Chapter of Durham to the Vicarage of St. Mary’s, Berwick, vacated by the Rev. H. F. H. Henderson. After studying in London, Mr Fenning was ordained deacon in 1911 and priest the following year. He first held a curacy at Cymmer with Porth (Glamorgan) from 1911-13, and in 1917 was appointed a Chaplain to the Territorial Forces, serving for two years. He is the proud possessor of the M.C. Mr Fenning is a distinctly popular cleric in the Cwmdu parish, and has manifested a keen interest in all parochial organisations.

The former St Mary’s church in Castlegate, now converted into flats, where the Rev. Samuel Edward Raymond Fenning was installed as vicar in June 1920. And where Mr John Inglis served as an office-bearer. © Peter Bond, (CC BY-SA 2.0) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0/

This has been a very poor week for the Tweed Salmon Net Fishings. The wind having changed from the seaward to the west, takes immediately took off. Trout and grilse are still very scarce and the retail price per lb. for salmon has risen to 3s 10d.

On Tuesday afternoon a 15-inch souvenir shell arrived in Berwick addressed to Councillor Dixon as Chairman of the Local War Savings Committee, as a gift from the National War Savings Committee for the Borough’s efforts during “Aeroplane” week. The shell, which weighed 11 cwt., was enclosed in a box and it took three Corporation employees to house it in the Butter Market.

NOTES FROM SPITTAL

Considerable interest is being taken in the new cinema show which has opened in the Spittal Hall. Formerly, when a cinema entertainment was held here, it was the mecca of visitors when weather conditions were not favourable for sitting out on the beach and prom.

Race Week brought a good many former residents back to the township from the Tyneside, and excellent weather favoured the invasion. There were also a few additional visitors arriving at the week-end from the Borders, and the beach had quite a summery appearance.

Mr Alf Rick has arrived with his troupe of Pierrots, and visitors are assured of a breezy open-air entertainment. Prior to the war, Mr Rick and his assistants succeeded in drawing crowds from Berwick in the evenings, and if the war has not killed the sense of humour, he should still succeed in doing so.

A. Johnson continued his winning career in fine style by securing the 1st three prizes in Spittal Homing Society’s 4^th O.B. race from Oxford, 278 miles, on Saturday. Fifty birds competed in the race, and they were liberated at 8 a.m. by Mr V. Stone, light south-west wind. About ten birds arrived home together, and the result was as follows :- 1, 2 and 3, A. Johnson, 1283, 1275, 1274 yds. Per minute; 4th, A. Dixon, 1268; 5th H. Young, 1266. The 6d. and 2s “pools” and Secretary’s Nomination prize were won by A. Johnson. While the Spittal birds had the benefit of the breeze on Saturday, the Bournemouth Central H. S. birds, liberated at Spittal by A. Dixon at 6.5 a.m., did not arrive home until after 6 p.m. Saturday’s race will be from Longhoughton, ringing 1.15 to 1.45.

LOCAL NEWS

On Sunday last Mr and Mrs John Inglis, Cockburn’s Buildings, Berwick, celebrated their silver wedding, and were the recipients of presents and congratulations from a large circle of friends. Several relations travelled from a distance to be present on the happy occasion. Mr Inglis, who is the third son of the late Mr Peter Inglis, Berwick, was married in Bankhill Church to Miss Margaret Hall, second daughter of the late Mr Thomas Hall, foreman lorryman with Messrs Mutter Howey, by Mr McGregor, who was their minister, on 20th June 1895. “Jack” is well-known to all dealing in the cattle business, having followed the droving and transport of stock from his youth. During the last great railway strike he frequently took charge of large droves of cattle, proceeding by road to Newcastle and Haddington markets. He is also an office-bearer in the St. Mary’s Church. We trust the worthy couple will be spared to celebrate even yet another 25 years of married life.

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