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BERWICK ADVERTISER, 5TH NOVEMBER 1925

07/11/2025 by Northumberland Archives

BERWICK WAR MEMORIAL

FINAL MEETING OF COMMITTEE

What may be regarded as the final meeting of the War Memorial Committee was held on Wednesday last, 28th October. The Mayor presided, and there were present Councillors Bolus and Robertson, Dr W. B. Mackay, Mr R. Dickinson, Mr D. Hebenton, Mr J. W. Boal, Mr P. M. Henderson, Mr J. W. Carmichael (Hon. Treasurer), and Mr J. W. Porter (Hon. Secretary).

At the outset the Mayor referred to the death of Mrs Steven, and paid a tribute to the excellent services rendered by her in connection with the raising, through the columns of the “Berwick Journal,” the money required to complete the Memorial. He added that but for the keen interest by her, the Fund, instead of showing a credit balance as was the happy position at present, would probably have indicated a debit balance. In addition, it would not have been possible to provide the improved type of railing, flagging, etc., necessary to complete the Memorial. he moved that a letter of sympathy be sent to Mayor Steven expressing the Committee’s appreciation of the service rendered by her. The Committee agreed to this by standing.

Unveiling of Berwick War Memorial – Ref: BRO 1555-01

The Hon. Treasurer submitted a statement showing a credit balance of £33 9s, and he was instructed to supply to the Press a complete statement after all the accounts have been paid.

It was agreed that the Mayor and Mr Dickinson should be authorised to obtain suitable tubs and trees for the memorial. It was reported that the flagging had been completed, and that steps were taken to have the turf re-laid.

The Secretary intimated that the Mayor elect proposed to lay a wreath on the memorial on Armistice Day, and that a short service would be conducted by the vicar of Berwick. It was agreed that as the memorial was now practically completed, the Mayor, as Chairman of the Committee, should hand over to the Mayor-elected at the conclusion of the ceremony the key of the gate leading to the Memorial.

Dr Mackay moved a vote of thanks to the Mayor for the services rendered by him in connection with the War Memorial, and intimated it was pleasing that the Memorial should be completed and free from any financial liability during his year of office. He also moved a vote of thanks to Councillor Bolus, who had taken an active interest in the Fund during the years he held office as Mayor.

A vote of thanks was also passed to the Hon. Secretary and the Hon. Treasurer for the services rendered by them.

ARMISTICE DAY AT BERWICK

The Mayor-Elect of Berwick-upon-Tweed, Ald. Alexander Darling, J. P. will place a wreath on the War Memorial at 11am on Armistice Day. It was been arranged to form a procession, which will leave the Town Hall at 10.40am and proceed by Marygate and Castlegate to the War Memorial.

On arrival there the Mayor-Elect will stand at the foot of the steps facing the Memorial, and those accompanying His Worship will form a circle facing the Memorial. The local school children will be in attendance, and the inhabitants of the Borough are cordially invited to be present at the short service, which will be conducted by the Rev. R. W. de la Het, Vicar of Berwick-upon-Tweed, supported by the local clergy and ministers. The Mayor’s Chaplian will deliver a short address. the time table is as follows:

10.40 – Leave Town Hall

10.45 Arrive at War Memorial- Hymn, “O God our help in ages past.” Prayer-The Vicar. Short address by the Mayor’s Chaplain. “The Last Post”

11.00- Silence

11.02-Reveille. It has been arranged for two rockets to be fired, marking the two Minutes’ Silence-one at 11am and one at two minutes past 11. The Chairman of the War memorial Committee (Ald. Wilson will hand over to the Mayor-Elect the key of the gate leading to the Memorial. The National Anthem will be sung and afterwards an opportunity will be given for placing of wreaths on the Memorial. At the conclusion of the National Anthem the Mayor-Elect will return to the Town Hall.

The War memorial has now been completed. The paths have been laid, and the grass inside the circular wall of the War Memorial has been re-laid recently, and the public, in passing round the memorial on Armistice Day are urged to use the paths, and to refrain from walking upon the grass.

FUNERAL OF CAPT. A. R. W. S. CLARK KENNEDY

The funeral of Capt. A. R. W. S. Clark Kennedy, who died at Chillingham on the 14th of October, took place the following Friday there and was attended by his father , General Kennedy, the Earl of Tankerville, Lord Ossulston, the Rev. F. Long of Chatton, Capt. E. G. Pape, Dr Jaboor, of Wooler, and many others. The service was performed by the Rev. Dr Bowick, Vicar of Chillingham, and the grave was covered with wreaths from the Earl and Coutess of Tankerville, Capt. and Mrs Pape, Lord and Lady Ossulston, Mr and Mrs A. Clark Kennedy, Mr and Mrs T. H. Robb, Miss Waddington, Mrs Rutter, Mr Henderson, Nurse Wilson, etc. The deceased officer served in the early part of the late war with the armoured cars, and was present at the battle of Ypres. After being in hospital with a broken arm, he went out to the Dardanelles as an aviator, also on the Egyptian Western Front, and down the Red sea, where he contracted the disease which eventually proved fatal. He was lent to the French command in Morocco at their special request, in order to help to locate the place where the Germans were landing arms to raise the Southern tribes. This was successfully accomplished after several French officers had failed to do so. Capt. Clark Kennedy, who was formerly in the Scots Guards, was in his 42nd year. He is descended from the old family of Kennedy, of Knockgray, in Galloway.

BERWICK ADVERTISER, 3RD SEPTEMBER 1925

24/09/202505/09/2025 by Northumberland Archives

NORHAM AND ISLANDSHIRES PETTY SESSIONS

WEDNESDAY

Before Capt. J. C. Collingwood, D. H. W. Askew, T. Darling, J. E. Carr, J. R. Wood, Esqs., Capt, C. Allenby and Capt, C. D. Leyland

WIFE DESERTED

George Wakenshaw, Shoreswood Pit House, was charged with wife desertion at Shoreswood Pit House in July, 1924. Mr H. R. Peters appeared for Mrs Wakenshaw, Mr Henderson appeared for Wakenshaw.

Mr Henderson suggested that a separation order be granted, but that as the husband was out of work and under the National Health Insurance at the present time that no order as to maintenance be made.

Wakenshaw said he was getting 17s from the insurance and had to pay 21s for lodgings in the house at Spowartstead where he was living.

Mrs Wakenshaw stated they were married about 11 years ago at Wooler and there were no children of the marriage. After they were married, they lived about three years with her mother and then went to Cornhill. Her husband left her in July 1924, and she had not got a half-penny from him since. Wakenshaw had taken all their furniture and had it stored in another woman’s house where he was living.

Wakenshaw said he was at present under Dr P. W. Maclagan, Berwick, and was receiving 17s a week sickness benefit from the Insurance and had done so since 10th May this year. The reason why he left Cornhill was that he was neither kept nor fed and had to work often in the harvest field without any dinner. He was quite willing to have a separation order. He had his furniture stored in a room at the house at Spowartstead.

Mr Peters– How long have you been living at Spowartstead? – Wakenshaw: Since April- Mr Peters: And how many people are living there? – Witness: Just four-Mr Peters: No more? –Witness: No- Mr Peters: Four people and you all sleep in the same room? – Witness: No, I sleep in the back room. – Mr Peters: But I thought you said your furniture was stored there? – Witness: My furniture and me. In the other room the woman and two girls of 16yrs and 11yrs sleep. – Mr Peters: Are you aware that notice for overcrowding has been served on this house? – Witness: Yes, but the other people went away.

On the suggestion of the Bench the pardon conferred together to come to an agreement about the division of the furniture and later announced that they had come to an agreement. The Bench then agreed to grant the separation order and fixed the nominal sum of 1s per week as maintenance.

INTERESTING WEDDING IN SOUTH AFRICA

NELSON-TURNBULL

A pretty wedding of local interest was solemnized at Troyeville Baptist Church, Johannesburg, on Wednesday, August 5^th, the contracting parties being Miss Maragret (Peggie) Turnbull and Mr William Nelson, both of Johannesburg.

The bride who has spent most of her life in South Africa, is the only daughter of Mr and Mrs Jas. Turnbull, of Berwick-on-Tweed, and a granddaughter of Mrs Black and the late Councillor George Black, of Tweedmouth. The bridegroom is the only son of Mrs Nelson and the late Mr W. Nelson, of Dennistoun, Glasgow. During the Great War he saw considerable service on the Western Front and held a commission in a Highland regiment. He is Secretary to the well known South African firm of house furnishers, Messrs Shepherd and Barker, Ltd.

The ceremony was performed by the Rev. W. H. Doke, and the bride was given away by her brother, Mr James Turnbull. Her gown of ivory silk marocain was embroidered in silver beads and diamante and caught at one side with a spray of orange blossom. Her veil of Brussels lace was worn beneath a coronet of silver, and she carried a bouquet of white carnations and lilies.

The bridesmaid, Miss Cronje, wore shell pink crepe-de-chine over gold tissue and a picture hat of shell pink and gold tissue. She carried a bouquet of pink carnations.

Little Olive Wallace, daughter of Mr and Mrs Andrew Wallace, late of Berwick, was the flower girl. She wore a pretty frock of pale mauve, inlet with mauve net and lace and a cape to tone and carried a basket of mauve sweet peas. Mr Bob Paterson, of Johnnesburg, officiated as best man.

The bride’s mother wore a smart frock of black silk marocain embroidered with gold beads and a black and gold hat. Mrs Nelson, the bridegroom’s mother, wore navy blue marocain and a hat to match.

After the ceremony a reception was held at Oaklea, Kensington, and was attended by a large number of invited guests. The toast of the newly-married couple was proposed by the Rev. W. H. Doke. Mr Nelson made a happy and appropriate reply. Other toasts were duly honoured. Music was provided by Mr Gill’s orchestra and dancing was freely indulged in on the beautiful lawn. The graceful dancing of little Olive Wallace was greatly admired.

The wedding gifts were both numerous and valuable, and included a dinner service from the staff of Messrs Shepherd and Barker, Ltd., a silver tea service from the Ancient Order of Foresters, and a canteen of cutlery from the Jeppe Station Tennis Club.

The happy couple left in the evening for the south coast of Natal, where the honeymoon is being spent. The bride’s travelling costume was of wine-coloured repp trimmed with fur. Her sand-coloured hat was trimmed with a wine-coloured wing.

Credit: (WT-shared) NJR ZA at wts wikivoyage – Open Street Map: Image:Map-South_Africa.svg, CC BY-SA 1.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=22746461

It is interesting to record that the bride and bridegroom attended the ball in honour of the Prince of Wales’ birthday during His Royal Highness’s recent visit to Johannesburg.

Among the Berwickers present at the wedding were Mr and Mrs Alex. Simpson, Mr Wm. Simpson, and Miss Isobel Simpson; Mr and Mrs Andrew Wallace and Miss Olive Wallace; Mrs Selby Pattinson and Miss Iris Pattison; Mr John Scott and Miss Scott, of Whiterigg, Ayton; and Mr and Mrs J. R. Noble and Masters Alec. And Douglas Noble.

BERWICK JOURNAL 30TH JULY, 1925

01/08/2025 by Northumberland Archives

Mrs Philipson’s Great Welcome at Unionist Picnic at Haggerston

Amidst delightful surroundings – Haggerston Castle – the annual picnic of the Berwick-on-Tweed Conservative and Unionist Polling District was held on Thursday. Once more through the kindness of Capt. And Mrs C. D. Leyland, these grounds were placed at the disposal of the organisers, along with a field for the tea amusements, sports, etc., and proved just as popular as ever. The weather although not of the best for picnicking – a haze hovering overhead almost all the time – kept up and was just nice and cool for walking. As usual, many of the company, which included from Coldstream, Norham, Bamburgh, Seahouses, Berwick, etc., visited the flower garden, and some of the beautiful walks. Numbers also visited the Tower, which proved most interesting and instructive.

AMUSEMENTS

There was a nice collection of amusements to suit all, both old and young, and keen interest was evinced at various stalls. The treasure hunt, which proved a huge success, had no less than 400 competitions in 2 hours, and those in charge had as exceedingly busy time, for, mark you, there was a real treasure for the winners, the 1^st receiving a £1 note as 1^st prize; 2^nd, 10/-; 3^rd. 6/-; 4^th, 4/-. Another well patronised stall was the fishing pond, and here you were allowed 1 minute to procure your catch, and this in practically most cases was too short for the keen competitors. The target golf received many patrons, and here to gain the prize was more difficult than at first anticipated. The ever-popular hoopla received its full quota, and the coconut shies were not forgotten.

Haggerston Castle, 1930’s. Ref No: ZNG XIX

SPORTS

These were conducted on excellent lines and good entries were received for all. Strange to say the lady who won the first prize in the ladies’ race has done so far 3 years in succession, namely since the picnic was held. In the 100 yards race, some of the entrants had passed their youth, but nevertheless they put up a good show, and added enjoyment to the on-lookers. The ladies’ tug-of-war brought out 6 teams, and keen tussles were seen in all, the final having to be pulled twice. The boys’ race was well contested and brought out some good runners.

CONCERT

One of the tit-bits of this function is the concert, and this year this item was just as popular as ever. The programme was submitted by the Plus Fours Concert party from Coldstream. This was their first appearance outside of Coldstream since they had been formed, and we are quite sure that it is only a beginning of a company which will be more heard about. The artistes all belong to Coldstream and are purely amateur, but this latter fact does not underrate them at all. They are all artistes of no mean repute, and with more public appearances will do exceptionally well. Their programme was of a most entertaining character, and the large crowd which had assembled thoroughly enjoyed every item. The concert could not have been held in more delightful surroundings, in front of the Castle, where the roses bloomed in great profusion Seats were placed on the lawn, and in excellent position for the audience to hear. At the close of the concert, Mrs Scott Briggs proposed a hearty vote of thanks to the artistes, and this was heartily responded to.

MRS PHILIPSON’S ADDRESS

As Mrs Phillipson rose, she was greeted with cheers. Her address, which was splendidly and distinctly delivered was listened to with rapt attention, punctuated with rounds of applause. Dealing with political matters Mrs Philipson mentioned the Widows’ Pensions Bill which had been read for the third time on Wednesday, with full agreement of the whole House. The passing of the Bill meant that widows with a family could keep their children at school until 16 and receive an allowance, whereas before as soon as the children reached the age of 14 years the allowance was withdrawn. Ex-service men’s dependants were also safeguarded with this bill.

The Government, remarked Mrs Philipson had had a very busy session and had gone through an enormous amount of work. “Our Government and Party” are keeping their promises. They were still faced wit the great problem of unemployment, and it was unfair to say they were doing nothing to alleviate it. The number of men who had obtained employment under relief schemes directly assisted by the Government in Feb, last was 117,963. The ship building industry which was very hard pressed, had been again guarantees of security, and certain work had also been undertaken by the Railway Coys., whereby 34 million pounds would be involved. The Home Secretary, too, was taking up the undesirable Alien question, and this would help unemployment and housing questions. It was all nonsense to say that the Government was doing nothing to help unemployment. Mrs Philipson also spoke on the health question, embracing education, schools, etc., and said that a survey was being carried out in the urban areas, and there would soon be a similar survey in rural areas, when any improvements or alternations necessary, would be put right. Then there was the food question, which was no easy one, and was a serious industrial problem.

She was very proud to be their member, and she was one of those who supported the Government. Capt. Leyland had said she was an optimist. Perhaps she was. Well, she knew the men connected with the coal industry did not want a strike, because they realised it would take 10 years to recover from its effects. Mr Baldwin, by not interfering between the workmen and the masters, and allowing them to settle their own quarrels, was doing the right thing, as by co-operation, and goodwill the best results would be obtained. (Applause). She believed in the character and uprightness of the British workmen and knew it would help us through the present crisis. Continuing Mrs Philipson said she was a very small member of that Government, and Mr Baldwin was a very busy man, but sometimes she had an opportunity of speaking to hi, and once she had told him that there was one place in the north which had faith in him. They, too, would remember when Mr Baldwin passed through Berwick Station. One day the Premier had asked “How are they all at Berwick?” Well, when she got back to London she would tell him, “they are all very well.”

She was glad to have been present and to have seen them all. It gave her wonderful encouragement to have their affect on as well as being their member. (Applause).

One of the most interesting events in the afternoon’s programme was the presentation to Mr W. J. Dixon, who had acted as Agent for 14 years, and this was made by Ald. D. H. W. Askew. Mr Askew said it was a very great pleasure to make the presentation to Mr Dixon for the valuable and good work he had done for 14 years in this constituency as their Agent. He had done admirable work as an agent and had also been a long and active and willing worker for the whole constituency. He regretted very much that the Chairman, Col. Scott, was unable to be present; he had had much intercourse with Mr Dixon and he knew the really good and useful work he had done. Col. Scott very much regretted that the work of a long-standing engagement forbade him to be present. Continuing, Mr Askew said it was safe before 1800 to consider North Northumberland a Conservative stronghold. Suddenly a Liberal candidate was brought into the field in the person of Lord Grey, who won the seat from the then Duke of Northumberland, one of the very best men; and the seat [assed away to Liberalism. It was in 1910 that Mr Dixon was appointed as principal agent and since then a great change had come over the constituency.

Mr Dixon got into touch with a large constituency, but no election had been held to test the strength of the party, and to show the valuable work done by Mr Dixon until Lord Grey gave up the seat, and Sir Francis Blake was elected. The next candidate was Capt. Philipson who stood as a Coalition candidate, and was backed up by the Conservative Party, and who unfortunately lost his seat. Hi wife came gallantly along to the aid of the Conservative Party, and she was returned as the Conservative member. Mr Dixon had had the honour of having 3 splendid victories on 3 occasions and anyone could be proud of such. Continuing, he said Mr Dixon was held in great esteem and regard throughout the large constituency. He had taken a leading part in local affairs, having been a member of Berwick Town Council, Chairman of Board of Education, and was Chairman when it was merged into County. He took a leading part in all organisations and had something to do with almost everything in War work. He had played a public part and it was only to show such recognition that the many subscribers wish Mr Dixon to accept this silver cup and to show the great regard in which he was held. He had now come to an end of his active work as political agent, but he would be able to help us yet. Mr Askew then said he had great pleasure on behalf of the many subscribers to present Mr Dixon with a silver flower bowl and wallet of Treasury notes. (Applause).

Mr Dixon on rising received a great ovation. He thanked Mr Askew very much for the kind words he had said about him and his friends for subscribing towards the handsome presents; he would prize them most heartily. His aim had always been to win the seat for Conservatisers and he had succeeded in doing so. He was now back, he said, to the position he began in – a member of the Executive Finance Committee-and he thanked the Association for putting him in that position. Once again Mr Dixon thanked them for the handsome presents they had given him. (Applause).

Capt. Leyland who said that he did not wish to keep them longer, as Mrs Philipson wished to get down amongst them, said he had to thank the 2 Committees – ladies and gentlemen-for the splendid organisation. It was, he said, entirely due to them that the outing had been such a huge success; and it was through them that Mrs Philipson had come to address them. You will agree with me, he said, that it has been a huge success, and we have had even better weather than usual, and it has not actually rained. I will ask you to give 3 hearty cheers for the workers. ( Cheers).

Mrs Philipson then called for 3 hearty cheers for Capt. Leyland, and these were heartily given.

During the afternoon selections were rendered by Berwick Pipe Band and were much enjoyed. The arrangements for the picnic were excellently carried out, and the tea was up to the standard of past years.

There were between 1500 and 2000 present.

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