BERWICK ADVERTISER, 21ST JULY 1922

22/07/2022 by Northumberland Archives

MILITARY NEWS

PRESENTATION OF COLOURS

TO 4TH NORTHUMBERLAND FUSILIERS

There was a very large gathering of members, ex-members, and friends of the 4^th Northumberland Fusiliers for the presentation of colours at Newburn Football Ground, on Saturday, by Major-General Sir P. S. Wilkinson, K.C.M.G., C.B. At 4pm the Battalion marched on to the football pitch, formed line and gave the general salute to General Wilkinson. Hollow square having been formed, the colours were laid over the drums, and General Wilkinson, followed by Colonel Commandant E. P. A. Riddell, C.M.G., D.S.O., (G.S.O. 50^th Division), and the Rev. C. Milner, C.F., proceeded to the spot. After the singing of “Brightly gleams our banner” and the consecration, Sir Percy Wilkinson presented the King’s Colour to Lieut. R. Wood and the Regimental Colour to Lieut. W. M. Gibson, M.C., who received them on bended knee. After an address by Sir Percy Wilkinson and a reply by Lieut-Colonel C.O.P. Gibson, M.C., Commanding the Battalion, the colour party marched to its position in the centre of the Battalion to the strains of the National Anthem, played as a slow march. Thereafter the Battalion marched past the pavilion in column to the regimental march, General Wilkinson taking the salute, and the colours were thereafter lodged in the officers’ pavilion prior to their removal to Hexham, the headquarters of the Battalion.

INDUCTION OF THE NEW VICAR OF BELFORD

On Tuesday, July 11^th, the Lord Bishop of Newcastle came to Belford to introduce the new Vicar to his charge, and also to dedicate the Jarvie War Memorial Roll. It was not strictly speaking, and induction service, as the new Vicar, the Rev. J.E. Hull, was instituted to the living by the Bishop on June 17^th at Benwell Tower and has been resident in the parish ever since. The service was therefore somewhat private in character, the only neighbouring clergyman present being Dr Westgarth, of Lucker, who acted as the Bishop’s chaplain. There was, however, a large congregation of Belford people drawn from all sections of the community. The first part of the service was taken by Dr Westgarth, the new Vicar sitting in the front pew.

The High Street, Belford, in the early 1900s, BRO 0515/39

Dr Westgarth, representing the Archdeacon, presented him to the Bishop, handing him the letters testimonial signed by the Rural Dean of Hexham, the Vicar of Wall, and the Rector of Whitfield, Mr Bates, who for eight years was a curate in Belford under Canon Robertson. Preceded by the Churchwardens, the Bishop led the new incumbent first to the font, then to the lectern, next to the pulpit and altar and finally to the priests’ desk, where he installed him. After installation Mr Hull took his place in the chancel and continued the service as “the new Vicar.” The Bishop’s sermon was based on Ephesians IV., 7, 8 and 11-13 – “Unto every one of us is given grace according to the measure of the gift of Christ.” Dr Wild began with an appreciation of the work and character of Canon Robertson, and then went on to refer to Mr Hull’s gifts, both as a clergyman and as naturalist and scholar. The Bishop himself, we may add, is a classic and a bit of a naturalist.

AREOPLANE PASSENGER FLIGHTS AT WOOLER

Quite a sensation was caused on Monday afternoon in Wooler, when an aeroplane was seen flying over the town at a very low altitude as if trying to find a field to come down in, which it eventually succeeded in doing at Till bridge. Mr W. Atkinson, Glendale House, Wooler, who was a Lieutenant in the Air Service and apilot, went to render assistance, and learned that a De Haviland Aeroplane belonging to the Northern Aerial Transport Co. is staying in Wooler for a time and is taking passengers up.

Our representative spoke to the pilot, Mr Victor Yates, late R.A.F., and was informed that he never expected to be on duty so early, but quite a number of local enthusiasts were anxious to see their native town from an aeroplane. Many trips were arranged, and a large crowd visited the aerodrome to see it start and come down again as graceful as a bird. To encourage flying in the North, the flights are only half London prices, and one free passenger flight is given daily. Aerodrome flights are 10s, and flights round the town £1; special flight, 2s per mile. Aeroplane flights should be a great attraction at the Show on Saturday, and Mr Cabry has given the pilot consent to stay as long as business allows.

JUNIOR RED CROSS UNITS MEET AT

COUPLAND CASTLE

COUNTESS TANKERVILLE’S ADDRESS

To most of the older children in the Glendale district Saturday last was a red letter day, as they had been invited to Coupland castle-one of the most beautiful places in the district. Mr J. Cully, who has taken up his abode at the Castle after spending many years in America, has always shown great interest in the children and he also takes a great interest in Red Cross work, having been connected with the military department in America for four years during the late war. Efforts are being made with the idea of developing the spirit of service in the youth of Glendale, and how far that has been accomplished was witnessed by those who were present at the great gathering on Saturday. The arrangements had been made by Mr Cully, Lady Grey, and Mr Williams of the County Education Committee, and were carried out by Miss Harrison, who was ably supported by the managers, head masters, head mistresses and teachers of the individual schools which were represented. All the boys and girls over eleven years of age attending the schools from Wooler to Branxton had been asked to do something in aid of the Russian Relief Fund, and the results of their labours were beautifully arranged in ne of the Castle rooms, which presented a fine picture. Among the many articles were 78 Russian blouses, which should realise good prices. The girls did knitting and sewing, and the boys from each school were given a piece of land to cultivate potatoes on, and the garden on Saturday did the youngsters infinite credit, as good crops are anticipated. The produce, when taken up, like the garments made by the girls, will be sold for the benefit of the Russian Relief Fund.

AN AFTER SUPPER STROLL BY 84190

And it came to pass that, after we had partaken of supper, I, 84190, did take my merry men out for an evening ramble. We made for the old Factory corner at Spittal, and on looking out to the sea did we spy a fine looking yacht coming from a northerly direction and making towards Berwick. The tide was about half ebb and running strongly out to sea, and the wind, which was from the north, was blowing strongly, the result being a bit “naggle.” Someone suggested looking out for cork jackets and the lifeboat, but I replied “We cannot take the lifeboat- “Wullie’s not here.” However, on looking round, we espied a smart looking motor coble coming down the river manned by “Zamba” and Co.

Their voices were strong and loud (as a result of many were eagerly looking forward to getting a “fiver,” according to their “friendly shouts” at one another. Soon they were down the Pierside and out to sea, but the yacht came steadily on, and Zamba’s eyes began to water as he noticed the yacht’s crew lowering the sail, and as they passed they only wished to know the road in, as they had a motor as well as sails. Zamba got on board the yacht when they reached the Pierside and safely piloted her up to the Buoy, where she was made fast. A goodly number of villagers made their way to the New Quay to watch the landing of the “Jazz Dancer.” On his arrival at the New Quay his assistant missed the landing rope, and amid many protestations from old Zamba, they managed at last to make their boat fast. Someone proposed “three cheers for our gallant pilots,” and these were eagerly responded to. Some clapped their hands; others not wishing to be entirely left out of the welcome, collected and threw stones at them just to show their appreciation of such gallant and worthy locals. Finally I, 84190, did call my merry men away, and on turning round heard loud “praises” from Zamba’s crew, and we turned our backs on the New Quay and went into the night along the great Spittal road to look for further adventure.

BERWICK ADVERTISER, 7TH JULY 1922

08/07/2022 by Northumberland Archives

PRIZE DAY AT ST. MARY’S

SCHOLARS GIVE DISPLAY IN PLAYGROUND

The annual prize distribution to pupils attending St. Mary’s Church of England School took place in the playground on Thursday afternoon, when there was a large attendance of parents and friends present. Happily, apart from two showers in the afternoon weather conditions were good and the youngsters assembled, garbed in summer frocks, appeared to thoroughly enjoy the programme of singing, dancing, recitation, and drill which was gone through. The applause which followed each item was in every case well deserved and showed the appreciation of the audience.

Present at the ceremony were Mr G. N. Broadbent and Mrs Broadbent, Mr Chas. Forsyth and Mrs Forsyth, Mr Robt. Carr, Mr W. B. Dickinson, the Rev. S. E. R. Fenning (who presided), etc. The programme submitted by the children was very good indeed, the quaint old folk dances being exceedingly well executed. We feel convinced that the girls’ team which danced “If all the world were paper,” could have easily won at Wooler last week, where that dance was made the test piece at the dancing competition at the Workers’ Union Gala. “Gathering Peascods” was another dance smartly done. The singing was very nice, though the boys were just a little strong for good harmony. The most pleasing item was “O wert thou in the cauld blast,” which though rather a difficult song for youngsters to harmonise in, was done very well indeed. Misses I. Elliot and M. Richardson performed creditably as the piano in the duet “The Merry Skaters.” Though little Janet Renton suffered from stage fright at first in her recitation “Hiawatha’s Childhood, “she did remarkably well at the second attempt and deserved all the applause she got. Mary McRobb also recited “The Pied Piper” clearly and with wonderful expression.

SEAHOUSES

The usual tranquillity of the village of Seahouses was upset in Wednesday afternoon, June 28^th, when it became known that one of its well-known inhabitants had been found dead. The person in question, Mrs Elizabeth Langley, widow, was found by her daughter hanging from a hook, in the basement of the house in which they live in harbour View.

Assistance was promptly procured from the fish stand, where the fish and crates were being sold, and which is only a few yards from the house, but this alas was too late. Mrs Langley for many years kept a pop shop facing the harbour, and was well-known and respected. She has been in poor health for some time. – Mr Hugh J. Percy, deputy coroner, held an inquest on the body of deceased on Thursday at the Police Station, North Sunderland. Evidence of identification was given by Robert Langley, son of the deceased, and by William Norris, who stated that he went into the cellar below the house with Mrs Langley’s daughter (who was unable to attend the inquest) and removed deceased’s body, which was hanging by a cord. Life was quite extinct. – A verdict was returned that deceased committed suicide by hanging herself whilst temporarily insane.

LOCAL NEWS

During the week the large double decker motor bus which was running between Spittal and Berwick has been withdrawn. We hear that the drivers have found great trouble in passing horses, which being unused to meeting such a high affair, either showed a desire to sit down or shie on to the pavements. Messrs Thompson Bros., we see, have started a new covered in bus, which in bad weather should be a great advantage to people travelling between Berwick and Spittal.

Spittal Promenade, 1900s Ref: BRO 426/24-3

Mr R. W. Michael, the tenant of Kerchesters, on Tuesday last week treated all the people on his farm- men, women and children, to the number of sixty- to a motor drive to the coast. Starting at nine o’clock, the first stage was by Ford and Lowick to Bamburgh-a fine long run, which, in delightful weather, was greatly enjoyed. A few hours, all too brief, were spent on the fine beach, and in viewing the great castle and the surrounding beauties- besides other generous entertainment in the form of luncheon, provided by Mrs Michael. The second stage was taken in the afternoon, from Bamburgh to Spittal-an enjoyable drive along the coast. At the latter place the party had tea and a couple of hours were agreeably spent; the third stage was started- from Spittal to Kerchesters via Cornhill- the homeward journey being completed at about nine o’clock.

ALNWICK CASTLE TO BE CLOSED

It is reported on good authority that the Duke of Northumberland is immediately to close Alnwick Castle on account of high taxation.

As a matter of fact, the shootings and fishings were let some time since, and the household at the castle, which formerly numbered little short of 100, has been considerably reduced of late.

It has customary to keep a few rooms open for the Duke and Duchess, and their family, when in the North; but they are not usually in residence at this season of the year.

Lion Bridge and Alnwick Castle, Ref: NRO 2709/8

The Duke is at present in France.

Alnwick Castle was commenced by Ovo de Vescy in 1096, and rebuilt by the Percies in the 14^th century. It has been their principal residence ever since.

The Duke only recently let Syon House and sold his lands in the London district.

PIGEON FLYING

BERWICK CLUB

Berwick and District H.S. flew their fifth old bird race from Bournemouth, 349 miles, on Saturday, July 1^st. Mr Maidment liberated 41 birds at 5.45 a.m., wind S.W. The winners were :- R. Jeffrey, 1463, and R. Sutherland, 1452. The race is a record from Bournmouth to Berwick, the birds flying close on 50 miles per hour.

TWEEDMOUTH CLUB

Owing to the birds beating the officials to the winning post the Tweedmouth Homing Society’s race from Bournemouth on Saturday came to a rather unsatisfactory ending. The birds were liberated from Bournmouth on Saturday morning and none of the officials at Tweedmouth expected them to arrive home within seven and a half hours least. Conditions for flying, however, were favourable and five birds landed in a bunch without anybody being ready to receive them 6 hours and 40 minutes after having been let off. They averaged a speed of 1512 yards per minute over the journey of 348 miles. A meeting of the Society was therefore held on Monday night when it was decided that the fairest way out of the difficulty was to share the prize money equally amongst the owners of the five birds first home. Those sharing the prize money were Messrs Hay and Nelson, Mount Road; Gilchrist Brothers, Howick Terrace; P. Matthewson, Mount Road, and Speedy Brothers, Mill Strand ( 2 shares). The Bournemouth race having completed the races for old birds, the cup formerly belonging to the old Homing Club of Tweedmouth for the best average over all the long distance races was awarded to Messrs Hay and Nelson. The pools in the Bournemouth race were shred in the same way as the prize money. The young birds races will commence in August.

BERWICK ADVERTISER, 23RD JUNE 1922

24/06/2022 by Northumberland Archives

BERWICK BOARD OF GUARDIANS

SCALE OF RELIEF UNDER ARTICLE XI REVISED

On the recommendation of the Workhouse and Finance Committee the Board agreed to continue the granting of unemployment relief under Article XI. They also agreed to reduce the present scale from 15s per week for a single man to 12s per week, and for a man and wife from 20s to 17s 6d per week, and from 5s for each child to 3s per week.

BOARD’S UPKEEP OF CHILDREN COSTS 15s A WEEK

It was intimated that the Carlisle Union were willing to take three children from the Berwick Union at present in Gateshead Home, and also two at present in the Workhouse for the sum of 15s a head for week.

The inmates were stated to be in the sick wards 13 men, 12 women, and two infants, a total of 27; and in other parts of the house 11 men, three women and two children, a total of 16, making a total of 24 men as against 23 last year, 15 women against the same number last year, two children against none last, and two infants against one last ear, a total of 43 inmates of all classes against 39 last year – an increase of four. The casuals numbered 19 as against 18 for the corresponding last year.

The Board agreed to continue for another year certificates of exception under the National Unemployment Insurance Acts.

RESOLUTIONS

Resolutions on the subject of war bonuses to Poor Law officers were submitted from Newmarket Union and from the National Poor Law Officers’ Association. That from the Newmarket Union urged that steps be taken to reduce the bonuses to Poor Law officers, and also called for the removal of the anomaly under the Poor Law Superannuation Act of 1896, whereby superannuation was 25 per cent higher than for other members of the community. The Poor Law Officers’ Association on the other hand, urged that this resolution be not supported as the scale of bonuses was regarded as fair to guardians and officers, and that it was unfair to compare the 1896 Act with claims for civil servants. The Board agreed to send both resolutions to the House and Finance Committee for further consideration.

A resolution from the Romford Union urging amendments in the Lunacy Acts was allowed to lie on the table. Some of the amendments suggested were that the terms mental hospital and mental patient should be substituted for asylum and pauper lunatics.

Another resolution from the National Union of Assessment Committee regarding the Removal of Machinery Bill was referred to the Assessment Committee.

Miss Greet gave notice of motion that two delegates and the Medical Officer be appointed at the next meeting to visit the Asylum at Morpeth to inspect the patients there chargeable to the Union.

SPORT

GOLF

The new putting course seems to have taken on with members of the Magdalene Fields Club and the general public, who are allowed to use it on the same terms as members of the club.

BERWICK GRAMMAR SCHOOL

On Friday evening the Berwick Grammar School boys played a foursome match together with the Old Boys’ Association- thus forging a new link between the Past and Present of the school. While all concerned thoroughly enjoyed the game, to the boys it was particularly pleasant and instructive, and they are eagerly looking forward to a return match. The Magdalene Fields club kindly allowed the players the courtesy of the greens. The match resulted in a win for Councillor J. Colin Campbell’s side by four matches to two. The details were as follows:- Mr J. C. Campbell and A. D. Patterson beat Mr James Richardson and J. D. Crosbie. Dr. P. W. Maclagan and R. W. Glahome beat Mr W. R. McCreath and W. Parkinson. Mr John Crisp and Roy Campbell tied with Mr C. Lee and Ivan Crisp. Mr I. Torrance Smith and Melville Caverhill beat Mr James Gray and Douglas Henderson. Mr R. S. Eaton and John Stoddart beat W. Patterson and J. D. Williams. Mr R. F. S. Morrison and Stanley I. Ballard tied with R. T. Renwick and Fred Stott.

THE MAYOR’S GOLF PRIZE

The Mayor (Dr Maclagan) who takes a great interest in the boys’ golf has offered a golf prize to the Grammar School. The draw for the prize is as follows: – 1^st round-S. I. Ballard (29) v. D. Henderson (19). 2^nd round- J. Stoddart (26) v. J. D. Williams (26); W. Grieve (15) v. F. Stott (18); W. Patterson (60 v.. R. W. Glahome (scr); R. T. Renwick (9) v. M. Caverhill (23); A. D. Patterson (6) v. winner of 1^st round; J. D. Crosbie (5) v. G. Martin (11); Roy Campbell (17) v. W. Parkinson (11); Ivan Crisp (110 v. A. E. Fletcher (23).

LADIES’ MEDAL

There was a better entry for the ladies’ medal played over the Magdalene Fields course on Tuesday evening, 17 taking part. A high wind made good scoring difficult. The best card returned was a net score of 80 by Miss C. E. Purves. The best scratch score amongst the low handicaps were recorded by Miss Marshall with 96. Those qualifying for the match play for the Officers’ Cup are Misses C. E. Purves, K. Grant, Marshall, and J. Stirling.

TENNIS

DUNS v. BERWICK

The mixed doubles match against Berwick, played at Duns on Saturday, resulted in a win for Berwick by 7 matches to 2, 14 sets to 4, 99 games to 54. Details were:-

Miss Romanes and P. Deas ( Duns) beat Miss Tate and capt. Dover, 6-3, 6-4; lost to Mrs R. W. Maling and M. E. Maling, 0-6, 4-6; lost to Mrs Hutchinson and R. W. Maling, 2-6, 2-6.

Miss B. Laidlaw and T. F. Walton (Duns) lost to Mrs Hutcheson and R. W. Maling, 2-6, 1-6; lost to Mrs R. W. Maling and M. E. Maling, 0-6,0-6; lost to Miss tate and Capt. Dover, 4-6, 4-6.

Miss C. Fair and W. Easton (Duns) beat Miss Tate and Capt. Dover, 6-4, 6-4; lost to Mrs Hutcheson And R. W. Maling, 3-6, 3-6; lost to Mrs R. W. Maling and M. E. Maling, 3-6, 2-6.

EVENING TOURNAMENT

The Berwick Club held an evening tournament on the Pier Field courts on Thursday last. There were nine couples entered for the mixed doubles and six for the ladies’ doubles. The winners of the mixed doubles were Miss Middlemas and J. Fleming who beat Miss Cowe and J. Patterson 6-5 in the final. The ladies’ doubles were won by Miss K. D. Mackay and Miss Oswald, who defeated Miss Walker and Miss Buglas 6-1 in the final.

ACTIVITY AT THE DOCKS

There was great activity at the Dock on Wednesday morning, when a favourable tide, full at 11.21 a.m., allowed five boats to be safely berthed within two hours. The “Hibernia,” which is a regular trader with Scremerston coal to the South of England and the Continent, was one of the first arrivals, and as soon as she was berthed began coaling operations At the depot on the south side of the dock. She is taking on board a cargo of 328 tons for Plymouth. Wagons of coal awaited her arrival, and all hands were soon busy transferring the cargo. Alongside of her lay the “Horsham,” which arrived light on the same tide, and will also ship a cargo of 470 tons of Scremerston coal for Bremerhaven.

Photograph of the Berwick Quayside early 1900s Ref: BRO 1636-5-6

The next arrival was a dainty little sailing yacht from the Tyne with the 1^st Tyne Sea Scouts aboard flying the Scout flag at the mast. The scouts are on a three weeks’ cruise, and have been as far north as Montrose and St. Andrews, where a pleasant time has been spent. The yacht is on her homeward journey, and on leaving Berwick will call at Holy Island, and then compete in a yacht club race to Blyth. She is a trim little craft lent to the scouts by her owner, Mr Anderson of Tyneside.

Then followed the steamer ”Orion” with a cargo of wood from Sweden for the Woodyard. She arrived in the bay on Tuesday, and the large craft was safely piloted up the river and berthed on the north side of the dock, where she will unload.

The last arrival was the motor drifter “C.S.L.” from Frazerburgh which brought a cargo of oats for Clarabad Mills.

The Danish sailing vessel “Gloria” arrived on Monday with a cargo of ice, which was also being discharged on Wednesday morning.

NOTES FROM SPITTAL

Spittal has always been a popular place for West Country children and in pre-war days it was the custom to give them a day at the seaside. Of late years owing to the war and railway restrictions this has not been possible, but this year the Railway Companies have seen their way to grant concessions and the public are taking full advantage of these. Last week Kelso Sunday Schools visited Spittal and on Monday Melrose Sunday Schools had their annual outing there.

The journey was made by special train by Kelso, a non-stop run from St. Boswells accomplishing the distance in little over an hour. There were some 300 children and fully another 200 adults, from Melrose and district. A pleasant day was spent on Spittal sands or in visiting Berwick and shortly after 6 p.m. all entrained once more at Tweedmouth station for the return journey. The youngsters, many of whom had not seen the sea before, were all tired with their day, but happy in the possession of spades, or pails filled with pebbles or shells, or sand, and local shops appeared to have done quite a good trade with shrimp nets. On Wednesday next another trip from the same district visits Spittal, and will include Sunday Schools from Newton Earlston, etc.

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