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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.

BERWICK ADVERTISER, 2ND JULY 1925

04/07/2025 by Northumberland Archives

NORHAM BOAT RACES

Norham Boat Races were held on the Tweed on Saturday, fine weather favouring this popular annual event in the district. The cold wind was not felt on the riverside, where it was nice and mild, and though the sun only shone in blinks, it was very pleasant throughout the day, and the beautiful woods on the Ladykirk side of the river made a fine background for the racing events. There were, however, fewer people at the races than last year, and the gate unfortunately was down by some £5. This was no doubt owing to the many other events on in the district- Coldstream Sports and the Workers’ Gala at Wooler, etc. Sport was better than last year, and there were some very keen races. The river was divided into the two courses- English and Scotch, by means of floating buoys, and this plan worked well, there being practically no fouling owing to one competitor getting out of his course into his opponent’s. There was the old keen rivalry between Norham men and their neighbours from “Hurklie” and great was the rejoicing in Norham when it was a Norham man who carried off the Championship stakes, wresting the honour from its Horncliffe holder, the stalwart Tom Robertson.

Norham Castle on the River Tweed. Ref: BRO 515-178

Berwick Pipe Band, looking very smart in their fine uniforms, played selections down by the river side during the afternoon, to the great enjoyment of spectators of the races. One of the most interesting features of the races was the great keenness of the small boys who had come to watch. The youngsters not only helped by selling programmes, but took keen interest in the races, swarming round the good-humoured judge to ask time and again in anxious tones “Have they rowed for the cup yet?” The older ones kept their programmes marked up to date, and in between races discussed among themselves who was going to win the next event as well as debating whether to spend their last coppers on another bottle of lemonade or a pie. The tiny tots wee perhaps more interested in the gaily coloured balloons being sold on the river side, or the coloured canaries which fluttered in the breeze, worrying their mothers till they bought them either a balloon or canary to amuse them.

BERWICK PETTY SESSIONS

THURSDAY

Before A. J. Dodds, C. Forsyth, D. H. W. Askew, G. N. Broadbent, Esqs., Miss Henderson, and major A. Tower Robertson.

RIDING ON THE FOOTPATH

John Fleming, Norham, was charged with unlawfully riding a bicycle on a footpath set aside for pedestrians, on the Ord Road at 5.30 pm on 24^th June.

P.C. Lindsay proved the case. Defendant said the road was rough. Witness thought the road in fair condition.

Defendant said his chain was liable to come off and the road was rough. He did not intend to do any harm.

The Bench reprimanded defendant but dismissed the case.

A DANGEROUS PARACTICE

Mr. Dodds said, before the press retired, he wished to remark on the dangerous practice of riding cycles at extreme speed when going round corners, particularly Bridge Street, and into Sandgate and round by the Garage.

Bridge Street, Berwick-upon-Tweed, dated 1959. Ref No: BRO 1250-147

Perhaps the Police would keep an eye on anything of the kind for at any moment a child crossing the road might be run over and killed.

1st K.O.S.B. BAND VISITS BERWICK

The Band of the 1^st K.O.S. Borderers visited Berwick on Thursday, and by permission of Col. P. A. V. Stewart, C.B.E., D.S.O., and Officers of the Regiment, gave two performances in Berwick Corn Exchange. In the afternoon the attendance was very poor, owing no doubt to the many other attractions on in the town. In the evening there were a few more present, but the building was more than half empty. Among those present were Major C. F. Kennedy, Commanding Officer at the Depot, Berwick, and Mrs. Kennedy, Capt. B. C. Lake, Lieut. Watt, Lieut. J. B. Vans Agnew, Lieut. D. V. Kennedy. The band is well worth going to hear, and Berwick people missed a treat by not turning out in larger numbers. The items at the evening performance were greatly enjoyed and several were encored with great enthusiasm.

Corn exchange, Berwick-upon-Tweed. Ref No: BRO 1636/4/11

The conductor is Band master M. T. Kingston Jarvis. The selections from Tannhauser were very fine and also the selections from Greig. Very amusing was the wedding ceremony introduced into the descriptive piece by Lotter, the parson being represented by the bassoon, while the responses of the bride and bridegroom were taken by the flute and trombone. The Musical Jig-Saw cleverly worked in some 52 melodies ending with that fine Selenelle “1812” Overture by Tchaikovsky. The evening programme was: Grand selection from “Tannhauser,” Wagner: xylophone solo, “Orchid Blossoms.” Underhill, soloist, Musician barber (encored0; first selection of gems from Gilbert and Sullivan Operas, arrd. Godfrey; descriptive, “A Southern Wedding,” Lotter (encored); excerpts from “Greig’s Works” selection, “A Musical Jig-Saw,” arrd. Aston; a Military Tattoo by Col. Mackenzie Rogan, late Director of Music, Coldstream Guards; regimental march, “Blue Bonnets o’er the Border.”

TWEEDMOUTH NOTES

The annual picnic of the Tweedmouth Scotch Church Sunday School took place to Hawick on Tuesday (Mid-summer Day), by char-a-bancs. Never before has a Sunday school trip made this journey by buses, so one can imagine how pleased the youngsters greeted the idea and how they looked for the day to come. At about 8.30 in the morning the children began to gather at the church, and at nine o’clock about a hundred were marched down to the “Alley” in the West End, where eight buses were lined up. Never before has any party had a better send off than the 200 adults and children who made the journey. The West End was like a Feast Monday.

The journey was made via Coldstream, Kelso, Denholm and the outskirts of Jedburgh. At halt was made just a mile out of Hawick for dinner, but owing to a misunderstanding other arrangement had to be made and dinner was served in St. John’s Church Hall, in Hawick about one o’clock. After this the company adjourned to the Public Park, where races were held for the children and adults. The tug-of-war caused much excitement, especially among the older members. During the afternoon many took advantage of other amusements in the Park, such as bowling and putting. After the races many took the opportunity of visiting the War memorial and the Wilton Museum. About 5pm all sat down to tea in St John’s Hall.

Shortly after six a start was made for home after everybody had spent a most enjoyable day. A short halt was made in Kelso, and home was reached shortly after nine.

Berwick Advertiser, 7 May 1925

02/05/2025 by Northumberland Archives

BERWICK BOUNDS RIDING

Record Attendance

The annual Bounds riding of the Borough took lace from the Parade on Friday, at mid-day, when a large number of people assembled to see the commencement. Mr Moffat, junr., formerly of West Edge, acted as horseman for his seventeenth time and proceeded round the bounds on the usual course which cannot be followed by the cars. The procession taking the road was formed of twenty-four cars, a motorcycle and sidecar, pedestrians, and two pedal bicycles. The weather was quite genial and last year’s numbers, a record, were exceeded for 131 people partook of the refreshments provided at Whitadder Bridge (Corporation Arms), as compared with 122 last year, and the cars were two more than 1924.

Riding of the Bounds, 1985. Ref No: BRO 2103-1-1985-7513-004

The occupants of the vehicles were as follows:- The Mayor, Ald. T. Wilson, the Sheriff, Coun. H. Stuart, the Mayor’s Chaplain, the Rev. G. R. Russell, and the Town Clerk, Mr J. W. Porter; the Mayoress, Mrs Wilson, Mrs Souden, Mrs Redpath and Coun. Mrs Edminson; Ald. Boston, Mrs Boston, Miss Boston, and Mrs Bolus; Coun. And Mrs Lyal, Mrs Lyal, senr., Miss Lyal and Miss Nan Lyal; Couns. D. Redpath, W. Anderson, J. C. Campbell, T. Bolus and Davis; Coun. Liddle, Coun. Thorburn, Mr J. Gray, Coun. Morrison, and Mr T. Buglass; Mr Aird, Mrs Aird, Miss Aird, Mrs Simpson, Mrs Henderson and Mr T. Hogg; Counc. Dickinson, Mrs Dickinson, Mrs Ironside, and Mrs Hamilton; Mr Gibson, Mr D. Boyd, Mr seals, Supt. P. Halliday, and Mr R. Smeaton; Mr S. Brown, Mrs Thorburn, Mrs Williams, Mrs Wells; Coun. How and Mr George How and party; Mrs Carmichael and Mr J. W. Carmichael, Treasurer; Mrs Sloan, Mrs Elder, Miss McConville, and Mrs Fulton; Mr J. Huffam, Mr Davidson, Mrs Buglass, Mr Davison; Miss Edminson, Mrs Gibson and Miss Gibson; Coun. Dudgeon, Mrs Dudgeon, and Miss Ross; Mrs Evans, Mrs Mace and Mrs Purves; Mr and Mrs Hair, master Hair, master Boston; Mr Short, Mr Rowley, Messrs P. Boston and James Temple; Mr and Mrs Young, Mr and Mrs A. M. Garden.

AT MORDINGTON

In the course of the annual riding of the Bounds of Berwick on 1^st May, by the Mayor and his Councillors, the old custom of presenting the Mordington school children with oranges was carried out. The long procession of cars halted at the School, and the Mayor handed over the oranges to the accompaniment of hearty cheers from the children. A few of the children had also the pleasure of being photographed along with the Mayor and Mayoress. The Rev. Hugh Fleming moved a hearty vote of thanks to the Mayor for his thoughtfulness in keeping up the old custom and for his kindness in providing the oranges.

MR BORTHWICK’S LAST DAY IN SPITTAL SCHOOL

Presentation From Scholars And Staff

On Thursday, April 30th, Mr T. W. G. Borthwick completed his engagement as headmaster of Spittal Council School and bade farewell to his scholars and staff. There were also present three of Mr Borthwick’s former assistants – Mrs Johnston (head teacher of Duddo School), Miss Johnson (now retired) and Mrs McCallum, his first pupil teacher, and Mrs R. Thompson, wife of the Assistant Master.

At the outset Mr R. Thompson, Assistant master, addressed the scholars, and in a few well-chosen words expressed the sorrow of scholars and teachers in parting with their Headmaster, who had not only been an inspiration in his teaching, but also a good friend. He reminded the scholars of some of the mottoes which Mr Borthwick had so often kept before them, from amongst which he chose two – “The Best I can,” to keep before them while at their daily lessons and their work in after life; and “Play the Game,” with its wide application to all activities whether in the playing field, in the workshop, or in every other sphere in contact with their fellows. After drawing the analogy between the captain leaving the vessel of which he might well be proud, he concluded by reading the inscription on the bureau, the gift to Mr Borthwick from the scholars and staff. This was: – “Presented to Mr T. W. G. BORTHWICK by the Staff and Scholars of Spittal Council School in recognition of faithful service as Headmaster for 43 years. April 30^th, 1925.

Spittal Council School – Standard V Class

Mrs Johnston (Miss Mary Noble), who was a scholar, pupil teacher and certificated teacher under Mr Borthwick, spoke of the great esteem in which he was held. He was not only their headmaster; he was also their friend and was always ready to continue their education. School, under Mr Borthwick, was always more of a family circle than merely a conventional combination of headmaster and staff, and he always showed great consideration for others. She would never forget the valuable lessons she learned from Mr Borthwick.

MR BORTHWICK’S REPLY

Mr Borthwick, in relying, said: I must first of all thank Mr Thompson for the kind things he has said about me, and I also thank Tom White, the scholars, and the teachers for presenting me with this handsome bureau. I cannot think of anything which would have been more useful. Every time I open the bureau and sit down to write with the superb Swan fountain pen you have given me, I shall think of you all, remembering especially this afternoon and our most touching expression of affectionate regard. How proud, too, shall I be when I show the bureau to my friends and watch them read the inscription on it. I cannot say I feel happy this afternoon; indeed, for several days I have felt quite sad at heart at the thought that my work among you is at an end. We have been so happy together. Never again shall I have the pleasure of meeting you every morning to go through an interesting day’s routine of delightful lessons. When you go home this afternoon I would like you to tell your parents how deeply I regret giving up my work; and also tell them that I shall always remember how loyal they have been to me. When I happen to meet you I hope you will continue to give me your usual pleasant smile of recognition.

The children then sang the master’s favourite hymn, beginning “New every morning id the love our wakening and uprising prove.” Though some parts of this hymn were rather difficult for the children to understand, he advised them all to learn it by heart, because as the grew older and pondered over the meaning of the various verses they would find great help and solace if they tried to carry out every day the teaching of this hymn.

PRESENTATION TO MRS BORTHWICK

Mr Thompson then called on Annie Renton, one of the senior girls, to present a handsome leather hand-bag to Mrs Borthwick.

Mr Borthwick, in replying for his wife, said there was no one more loyal to the children of Spittal than Mrs Borthwick. It was no use going home to her and making a complaint about them. She would never admit that it was their fault. To Annie Renton, the scholars and the staff she tendered her heartiest thanks.

FAREWELL TO SCHOLARS

The 300 children, beginning with the youngest, then filed past, and Mr Borthwick shook hands with each in turn bidding them good-bye. Many of the girls, and not a few of the boys, were in tears, and Mr Borthwick himself found it very difficult to conceal his emotions.

Mr and Mrs Borthwick afterwards entertained the staff and visitors to tea.

FAREWELL TO STAFF

In saying farewell to his staff, Mr Borthwick expressed himself as follows: – This is my last session as your headmaster, but before I go I would like to thank you al for your loyal and willing co-operation at all times. No one could have had more agreeable colleagues. Of our united success I need say very little. You have all seen His Majesty’s Inspectors’ reports from time to time and can share with me the satisfaction of knowing that our work has on every occasion been appraised at a high value. We have been a very happy family, for I cannot recall a single occasion when there has been any unpleasantness. I am sorry to say good-bye, but it is a great satisfaction to be assured that I part from you knowing that, in days to come when we look back on the years we have spent together in this school, it will be a fragrant and delightful memory.

The members of the staff present were Mr Robert Thompson, Mrs Clements, Miss Lee, Miss Brewis, Miss Harris, Miss Davidson, and Mr John Rutter. Miss Rea, who is absent on sick leave, expressed regret at not being present.

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