BERWICK ADVERTISER, 26TH SEPTEMBER 1922

ANCIENT HOTEL IN THE MARKET

KING’S ARMS TO BE SOLD

For nearly two centuries the King’s Arms has been an institution in the town, and in view of the fact that the death of the owner (Mr Robert Evans) causes it to be again offered for sale we give a few notes on its past.

That it was a flourishing concern in the 18th Century is recorded by Dr Fuller in his History of Berwick (17990. He says of it: “The King’s Arms Inn is situated about the middle of Hide Hill. The buildings are of hewn stone and very strong. The Inn is commodious, and from its being built on the top of the bank encourages the free circulation of air. The mail coach has always stopped here, and it is kept in readiness. The house is also connected with the High Flyer coach, and chaises are kept at this inn.”

In those days the proprietor was one named Mr George Dixon, and about the same time the Red Lion (in High Street), the Black Bull, and the Hen and Chickens (Sandgate) also did a lot of posting. Like its contemporary, the Red Lion (now the Ford Garage), the King’s Arms had large Assembly Rooms, and these in past years were the scene of many memorable gatherings.

BRO 0426-355 Hide Hill, showing the King’s Arms Hotel, Berwick-upon-Tweed

In the early days of last century Berwick’s Theatre was held there, and on the 6th May, 1824, and succeeding days the public were invited to witness a reproduction of Cumberland’s “Wheel of Fortune.” There was no such thing as entertainment tax then, and the charges were:- Boxes, 3s; pit, 2s; and gallery, 1s. After the performance a certain Mr Johnston and others gave comic songs, the whole performance finishing up with a farce entitled “Love-a-la-Mode.” At that period the Mayor of Berwick was Mr David Logan, to whose family the hotel belonged for generations.

In the early “fifties” Charles Dickens, the famous novelist visited Berwick and gave a recital in the King’s Arms Assembly Rooms, we believe, entitled “Greta Expectations, “ which work, however, was not completed until 1857. Later, in the early “seventies,” Penny Readings” were held in the rooms very frequently, and were a most popular form of entertainment, the Assembly Rooms being filled to overflowing. The Landlord was then Mr John Carr (some of whose monogrammed silver plate is still in use in the hotel). His predecessors were Mr Davidson and Mr George Montgomery. Following the Carr family in the hotel came Mr Corrie. Mr Hugo Reneicke, and in June, 1919, the hotel came into the market. It was purchased by the landlord, Mr W. J. Dover, who, in September of the same year, sold the hotel to Mr Robert Evans, of Whitley Bay, a well-known north-country sportsman and hotel owner. Mr Evan’s died rather suddenly during the summer, and as a result the hotel is again being sold.

A number of people in the town are under the impression that Jenny Lind, the famous singer, once stayed at the King’s Arms while passing through the town, but, on authority of an old and worthy resident who died some years ago, we were informed that “the nightingale” put up at the Red Lion some 90 years or more ago, either about the March Hirings or Berwick Fair periods. The Duke of Albany, we understand, did out up for a night at the King’s Arms when passing through at the head of a regiment of horse to Edinburgh about 60 years ago.

Many famous public dinners have been held in the Assembly Rooms, which have been used for a variety of purposes. In the middle of last century the majority of the leading townspeople learned to dance there, when dancing classes and balls were frequently held. Before the Queen’s Rooms were built Mr W. Purves, auctioneer held his sales there also, and since then many estates have changed hands within the same place under the hammer of Mr Bolam, amongst these being in the outlying portions of the Corporation Estate.

The Assembly Rooms, which had fallen into a rather dilapidated state prior to Mr Evans taking over, have been re-decorated and made most comfortable and thoroughly up-to-date. The hotel, too, has been renovated and re-decorated, and in the last few years, under the management of Mr Scott, it had begun to regain some of its old-time glory.

CHILDREN’S COURT

Before T. M. Morrison, R. Boston, T. Purves, W. Hogarth, P.P. Boston, Theo. Bolus, Esqs. and Miss Henderson

DAMAGE BY CHILDREN

Two Tweedmouth boys aged seven and nine were charged with wilful damage to growing turnips, the property of Andrew Martin, farmer to the amount of 3s each. They pleaded guilty.

P.C. Lindsay said he saw the boys come through the “one tunnel” at the embankment. They entered Mr Martin’s field and each pulled a turnip which they stripped of the shaws. One boy ate his turnip and the other put his in his pocket.

Mark Anderson said within the last month damage amounting to £20 or £30 had been done by youngsters pulling up turnips and leaving them lying.

The bench retired to consider the case, and on their return the Chairman said they would be bound over in the sum of £5 for six months, the parents to pay costs 4s 3d. The Chairman said there was a lot of destruction going on and parents were really responsible for not exercising proper control. In future cases parents would be held responsible and the sentence would be a heavy one.

Another little Tweedmouth boy was charged with a similar offence. He pleaded guilty, and similar evidence having been led, the boy was bound over, his father being ordered to pay costs 4s 3d.

WILFUL DAMAGE TO SPITTAL SHELTER

A Spittal boy aged thirteen was charged with wilful damage to a wooden shelter at Spittal, the property of the Sanitary Authority, to the amount of £2 5s. He pleaded guilty.

The Promenade and Sands at Spittal

Ellen Jamieson and Mary Sykes gave evidence that three boys were there. One of the boys took another boy’s foot and cracked a wooden panel, and defendant then took his foot and put it through the panel.

Mr Burn, joiner, said he estimated the damage at £2 5s. It certainly would take that to put the woodwork right.

The Bench retired, and on their return the Chairman said he wished it to be known that the Bench intended to put these cases of wilful damage down. He was ordered to pay the damage £2 5s, fined 5s, and costs 4s.

FEAR OF POVERTY

FARMERS AND FARM WORKERS’ APPEAL

The National farmers’ Union have addressed an important letter to employers’ representatives on Agricultural Conciliation Committees whose agreements are due to expire at an early date. It states that a conference had taken place between representatives of the Union and those of the National Union of Agricultural Workers, and the Workers’ Union and all present appreciated that “The position of agriculture is disastrous, alike to the farmer and the farm worker, and it was realised that unless some alleviation can be found, poverty and misery face many whose livelihood has in the past been drawn from the land.

“It was agreed that a committee consisting of representatives of the Union and the two unions representing the workers should meet forthwith to consider the position generally and endeavour to formulate proposals to place before the Government for the relief of the industry.

FUTURE WAGE RATES

“It was further agreed that the Conciliation Committees should be asked to adjourn the consideration of the fixing of future wage rates and to recommend the payment of existing rates until September 30th in order that the joint committee of the organisations may have time to explore the serious problems which they will have to consider.”

It was pointed out that the letter had been shown to the representatives of the National Union of Agricultural Workers and the Workers’ Union, and the hope is expressed that the employers’ representatives on the Conciliation Committee will fall in with the suggestion, and that everything will be done to influence a united policy between the three unions.

SPORTS, AMUSEMENT, &C. SWIMMING

SCHOOL SQUADRON CHAMPIONSHIPS

The annual School’s Swimming Gala had to be postponed last Thursday afternoon on account of the bad weather. On Saturday afternoon the School’s squadron championships were decided, and weather conditions were much more favourable, and the water not too cold. There was a great muster of headmasters, teachers, scholars and others interested, and the encouraging cheers of the youngsters lining the banks or squatting on the roof of the bathing hut made the rocks ring with their heartiness. There were six teams entered for the boys “Askew Challenge Shield,” which St. Mary’s School held, but only three for the girls’ “Sergt. Major Hamilton Challenge Shield, “also held by St. Mary’s. Berwick Grammar School won easily in their heat and also in the final, when they beat St. Mary’s “A” team by fully two yards. The winning team included R. B. Richardson, who went up to the Grammar School this year and who swam in St. Mary’s winning team last year. The final was an excellent race, though the British School were handicapped by only having two representatives, one of the boys having to swim the pond twice. St. Mary’s made a fine effort to retain the shield, but Richardson was a little too much for Borthwick in the last lap.

Berwick Grammar School, Golden Square, Berwick-upon-Tweed, 1927

The girls were very excited, and were off the mark before the signal was given, and owing to the cheers of their supporters were almost halfway across the pond before they heard the starter calling them back again. When they got going again it looked as if the National School “A” team were likely winners till the last journey across the pond when, amid great excitement. Peggy Richardson overhauled the National School girl only just in time to retain the shield for St. Mary’s for another year, winning by about a yard. She is a sister of the boy who swam for the Grammar School.

Mr Brotherton acted as honorary secretary in place of Mr T. Oliver, who was unable to be present, and also acted as starter. The Rev. S. E. R. Fenning and Capt. D. Hebenton acted as judges. At the close of the races the shields and prizes were presented by Mr Fenning, who was thanked for his services by Mr. A. Leach, headmaster of St. Mary’s School.

BERWICK ADVERTISER, 1ST SEPTEMBER 1922

NORHAM BOAT RACE

GOOD WEATHER FAVOURS SUCCESSFUL MEETING

A quarter of a century ago Norham Boat Races were the chief event in the sporting calendar of the village, but some eleven years ago for some reason or other this popular event was allowed to lapse. Since then it has been the grumble of the fishermen that while all other sports can be catered for, that of the boat pulling and quoiting which is more in keeping with the sporting inclinations of the villagers has been passed over. Immediately after the Norham Horse Show, a few local gentlemen heard these murmurings and immediately made the sporting offer that if a small committee could be got together and local support was whole hearted, the Boat races would be again restarted.

The result was seen on Saturday when under ideal conditions the boat races, foot handicap and quoit main came off on the river and riverside below Norham bridge, a large gathering being in attendance. The preliminary heats in the boating events were started in the early forenoon, and thought they were run off smartly, reflecting great credit on the committee; it was five-thirty before finals were decided, and seven-fifteen before the quoiting was completed.

THE SCOTTISH BORDERS COLLECTION- NORHAM REF: BRO 515-178

The beautiful weather had brought quite a large gathering of visitors to the village and from mid-day onwards the grassy bank of the river presented an animated appearance. To add to the attractions for the day too, there was a good variety of shows, shooting galleries, hoopla, and round-abouts on the village green, and here at night a pleasant hour or two was spent after the races.

The course, which was over a good 400 yards straight, reach of the river had been early marked off with flags fixed in both river banks, and it proved to be an excellent idea to have two anchored boats at the starting point, against which competitors had to back their boats preparatory to being slipped like a whippet when the gun went. By this means a great deal of time was saved, boats competing never needing to be manoeuvred to be brought into line. The running track was staked off on a flat stretch on the river side and with a high bank at the side of it spectators had no difficulty in following everything which went on. The quoiting ground, which was in close proximity was the centre of great interest during the day.

Refreshment and ice cream venders, as well as a stall selling all kinds of fruit, were on the ground and some of these enterprising people appeared to do quite a good trade.

During the afternoon music was provided by the Duns Branch British Legion Pipe band and the pipe music sounded very well on the waterside. A collection, to which a generous response was made, was taken in the course of the afternoon, the money going to help the funds.

Through the generosity of Mr N. Currie a handsome silver cup was offered this year for the championship, and handsome prizes in money were also offered in this and all the other races, while in the races on the flat for school children useful prizes wee given by the Committee.

THE BOAT RACES

None of the preliminary boats in the Championship were of a very close order, rows over being the usual thing owing to competitors at a distance not being forward. Once the first heats were embarked upon however some good races were seen though in one or two cases a rower gave up. Green Bell, Norham, won by a boat length after a stiff tussle with Murray Gregor, Norham, and John Steppard, also a local, only got the verdict by inches after a great race with T. B. Purves, Horncliffe.

In the second ties P. Elliott, Berwick, never put up a fight against Green bell, and J. Turnbull also gave up after being well left by John Steppard. J. Robson too also tired half way down the course and was badly beaten by T. Robertson, the Horncliffe champion. The best race in this tie was between G. C. Purves and Jas. Sheppard. It was a great race the crowd following along the bank to the winning post, cheering both men. Purves won by inches.

NORHAM CASTLE BY THE RIVER TWEED- REF: BRO 2288-023

In the semi-final Green Bell had a stiff task to beat Jno. Sheppard, but he did it and won by half a length, while T. Robertson finished alone owing to G. C. Purves giving up. The final proved none of the most exciting races ever rowed on the Tweed. Bel land T. Robertson came down the course practically level, and the Horncliffe man had a yard lead seven yards from the wining post. Bell finished strongly, his boat fairly lifting out of the water, and he crossed the line a dead beat with Robertson. After a breather the men rowed over but this time Green bell led Robertson home and won by a length amid scenes of great enthusiasm.

In the young men’s race, A. Robson, Morris Hall, rowed well in his heat, and in the final against J. Strother, Horncliffe he pulled a plucky race only being defeated by half a length. The veterans had quite a field day and put every ounce into their heats in the veterans’ race. The preliminary heat between T. turner, Norham, and Tom Purves, Horncliffe, was a very close one, being decided on a question of inches. “The prince” who got the decision fully deserved it, and when he fell against A. Sheppard, Norham, in the second heat he was never seriously troubled to win. Bill Malcolm made him go for it in the final, and it was only in the last ten strokes that Quinn pulled ahead to win by a length.

If Malcolm had to take second place in the veterans’ race, he made it up in the quoiting match when he defeated the famed Fairbairn of Ednam, and then outed White, of Royalty by 15-9 in the final. Not a bad performance for a man of 62 who has never thrown a quoit for nearly eleven years.

The 400 yards foot handicap produced little sensation, most of the heats being won fairly comfortably. There was a good race in the semi-final between R. Strother, Norham (4) and A. Russell, Twizel (20, inches only dividing the runners, but in the final Russell left little to chance, beating Watson, of Swinton (4 yds) by a yard, and Strother by two yards.

BERWICK ADVERTISER, 4TH AUGUST 1922

BERWICK PETTY SESSIONS

CIGARETTE DEAL AT THE BARRACKS

Frank Cook (30), of 17 Walkergate, Berwick was charged with unlawfully assaulting and beating Pte. George Brown, K.O.S.B., Berwick, on July 26th. Cook pleaded not guilty.

Brown explained that he was owing Cook some £7 for cigarettes, and Cook took him into the rifle room by himself and assaulted him when he refused to pay him the money.

Mr H. R. Peters, appearing for Cook, cross examined Brown, asked brown if there had not been repeated attempts by Brown to get the money, which Cook did not deny.

Dr Fraser gave evidence that when he was called to see him he found Brown bleeding from the nose, lips, and left ear. The most serious matter was a serious contusion over the bone that leads to the brain. He sent him to the Infirmary and kept him there for a week. He was that day just fir to appear.

Corpl. Johnson, from the Barracks, said he found Brown lying on the floor. He had been locked up in the rifle room and was in an unconscious state. He stayed with him till the civil policeman came. He only saw Cook leaving the rifle room.

Sergt. Midlemiss gave evidence of finding Brown on the floor of the rifle room as described.

BRO 1636-8-22 Berwick Barracks

Frank Cook said Brown was in the habit of coming to his shop for cigarettes. He was responsible for paying for them. They were sold to him at the full price. He got fairly large quantities. At first he paid regularly, but gradually the amount owing grew, until it reached £6 18s 8d,and he was still sending for cigarettes. Brown then did his best to avoid him, and ceased to come to the shop. Eventually Cook heard that he was about to go on draft leave, so he went to the barracks, and he charged him with avoiding him. A week before the assault he got an I.O.U. from him, as he said various men were owing him money. On the 26th he got permission from Capt. Lake to see Private Brown, who was there on parade with the draft, and was fetched. They went I to the rifle room. There was a Yale lock on the door and the door closed “quite unconscious to him.” Brown had £6 13s on him and he asked him to pay £5, but he flatly refused. Both, said Cook, got angry. Brown made a wild endeavour to reach a rifle and a bayonet and the fight started. After a time Brown told Cook that he was the better man, and he would pay him £5.

Mr Peters, for the defence, said what had happened was only what men of the world would expect in such a case. Brown had been playing an old soldier’s game, and as he had got the worst of it, he was now trying to get back on Cook through the law.

The magistrates retired and on coming in the Mayor announced that they had considered the case and they found him guilty of assault and battery. They had nothing to do with what led up to the quarrel, but he had taken the wrong way to settle it. He would be fined £2 or one month’s imprisonment.

LOCAL NEWS

On July 21st, Mr R. H. Dodds had a call from a visitor to the town, Mr James Tinto, who was accompanied by a fisherman. Mr Tinto had been along at Dodd’s well with some friends and had seen something splashing about in a pool, which they found to be a young seal the ebbing tide had left stranded. When they got up to it the seal was trying to make its way back to the sea over the rocks, but they killed it with their walking sticks. With the help of the fisherman, they had taken it down to the salmon house, and now had called for their reward. As Mr Dodds gives 5s for a cormorant they no doubt thought that there was a fortune in a young seal, almost 4 feet long. However, an arrangement, satisfactory to both sides, was come to.

An inquest was held at Mr Peter’s office, Ravensdown, at 12 o’clock on Tuesday, concerning the sudden death of Iris Burgon, of 37 Church Street, aged two months and three weeks. On Monday morning at 5 o’clock the mother got up and gave the child which was sleeping separately in a crib, a bottle of milk. To all appearance the child was in her usual health. At 7 o’clock, the father, as was his custom, went to take the little thing out of the crib and put it beside its mother, and before lifting it he found it apparently dead. He at once informed the police and went for the doctor. A post-mortem was held by Dr on Monday. Pneumonia of the right lung was found to have been the cause of death. The child was well nourished. The Coroner’s verdict was in accordance with the medical evidence.

NORHAM HORSESHOW AND GAMES

SPLENDID ANIMALS SHOWN

CUPS GO TO NESBIT HILL AND GALAGATE

In these days of ever increasing motor traffic, when horses seem to be going off the roads, the splendid turnout of Clydesdales at Norham’s annual horse show on Saturday last proved that our countryside still breeds horses and takes a pride in breeding only of the best. There was not a bad horse on the ground. Many of them have already proved their qualities by successful competition in wider fields and will do so again without a doubt. With Alnwick and Dumfries winners in the entries competition was naturally keen and standard high.

BRO 515-179 Norham Castle, harvest time.

The only bad feature about the show was the weather, whose vagaries reduced the spectators to about half last year’s numbers. To begin with, in the early morning there was a good hour’s heavy rain when many exhibitors from a distance were making a start to get to the show yard by 10.30 a.m. for the judging. Then the sun shone, and with every appearance of a fine day preparations were pushed forward. The judges got busy and were getting well through with their task, when about noon rain fell in torrents, a regular thunder plump. For a short while the judges carried on, but were forced to seek the shelter of a hedge, and the decorated horses had to be taken from their stands in search of shelter under trees. The officials began to shake their heads and predict a “wash-out” for Norham Horse Show and to talk gloomily of debt. Gradually, however the rain lightened, the judges got agoing again, and bye-and-bye the sun came out to cheer the officials and with the winds help to dry up the soaking wet grass. And a good crowd turned up after all and generally proclaimed the show one of the best, and the Committee hope to pay their way.

FOOTBALL

BERWICK RANGERS’ PLAYER-MANAGER

Berwick Rangers’ Committee have appointed Peter Nellies, late of the Heart of Midlothian and Scotland, as player-manager of the club. The salary is not disclosed, but we understand this noted player has been secured on very favourable terms to the club. Peter was chosen out of a short leet of four, and it is interesting to note that amongst other applicants were several who have had a prominent connection with First League football.

The new player-manager will start his work practically at once. He is meeting the players this week and will arrange for taking their training in hand and having a practice game when he can spot likely talent. Nellies has been employed as a chauffeur recently, and he will follow that occupation in Berwick.

Originally a full back, Nellies blossomed forth as a half-back while with his only senior team, the heart of Midlothian. He has played for Scotland on various occasions, but his head could always fit his cap. A very modest and genuine player is “Peter.” Last year he was playing in second League football for King’s Park.

GLENDALE PETTY SESSIONS

SEPARATION ORDER GRANTED

Alexander Shiel, Glanton, labourer, was charged with unlawfully and wilfully neglecting to provide reasonable maintenance for his wife and children, and by such neglect causing her on the 8th of July to leave him and live apart from him.

Mr M. Wade, Alnwick who appeared on behalf of Mrs Shiel, explained that his client was married on February 13th, 1909 and had three children of the marriage, but they had never been happy owing to her husband’s relations with other women. She was a very tidy woman, and was now in the Workhouse at Wooler.

Sarah Shiel was sworn, and examined by Mr Wade, said she was married on February 13th,1909. She had three children by the marriage, Bryda 13 years, Esther 11 years, and Alexander James 9 years. She made application for a separation order on the 9th December, 1920, at the Glendale Court, for persistent cruelty and the case was dismissed. From then up to the 12th April her husband had never lived with her, and he had never given her any money for food and clothing during that period.  She made application to the Guardians for relief, and received 25s a week, which was paid up to 12th April. Her husband returned then. He was not working but he was receiving 23s from the dole, and she got 10s a week from the Guardians. He never tried to get work. He said he would not work when he was getting dole. He gave her all the money he was receiving then. In June last the dole was stopped and she applied again to the Guardians and was allowed 25s a week for the children and herself. Her husband again said there was no need to work when the Guardians were paying. On the 24th June the Guardians discontinued outdoor relief. Her husband then got work for a fortnight. I that time she received £2 5s, which was to pay a bill standing at Mr Hill’s shop, Bowsden, for groceries received when he was staying with her.

BRO 2619-241 Wooler High Street.

By Mr Middlemiss- he told her to pay the bill with the money. He had never given her any money besides that.

By Mr Wade- He was working at Whittingham as far as she knew. On the 8th July there was no food or money in the house, and she was that day admitted in to the Wooler Workhouse, and had been there ever since.

Mr T. A. Robson, Relieving Officer of Glendale, said that Mrs Shiel had applied for temporary relief. He investigated the case and relief was granted, and a total of £102 4s 4d had been paid.

By Mr Middlemas- There had been no interval in which they had not paid something. When Shiel was on the dole they did not pay so much. He had never received any money from the husband. He only saw Shiel once in the house, and he said that he was not working.

Shiel, on being asked if he had any questions to put, said he wished the case to be adjourned for a month, as Mr H. Percy, Alnwick, who had taken it up, was not able to attend that day.

Mr Middlemas – Why did you not ask this before?

Mr Wade- He has heard all my evidence now.

Shiel – I was never listening to the evidence.

The bench retired, and on returning notified that as notice had not been given they had decided not to adjourn the case.

Accused refused to be sworn, and Mr Middlemas informed him he could say what he liked. Shiel then said the house was kept open for them all the time.

By Mr wade- he was working for the County Council at Moor House, and his wages were £1 18s a week.

The Bench again retired, and after a lengthy absence, the Chairman said that they had decided to grant a separation order, and Shiel would have to pay 15s a week, the wife to have the custody of the children. He would also have to pay the cost.