Berwick Newspapers

Berwick Newspapers – 100 Years ago

07/06/2024 by Northumberland Archives

BERWICK ADVERTISER, 5TH JUNE 1924

BERWICK FAIR OPENED

Berwick High Street presented a busy scene on Friday at midday, when a large number of people assembled to watch the official opening of the Fair by the Mayor and Corporation.

Among those who assembled at the Town Hall were the Mayor (Ald. Wilson), the Sheriff (Councillors Redpath), Ald. P. P. Boston, Councillors Stuart, Edminson, Morrison, Anderson, Edgar, Bolus, Watt, Davis, Lyall, R. Boston, and Campbell; the Town Clerk (Mr J. W. Porter), the Borough Surveyor (Mr R. Dickinson), the Inspector of Weights and Measures (Mr R. Smeaton), the Land Steward (Mr W. J. Bolam), the Borough Accountant (Mr Jas. Gibson), the Sanitary Inspector (Mr D. Boyd), along with the Treasurer (Mr C. W. L. Stevens).

Berwick Town Hall early 1900’s. BRO 426-294

Refreshments were served, after which the procession was formed outside the Town Hall, Headed by a detachment of the Police (under Supt. Halliday) and the Mayor’s Sergeant (Mr W. S. Blakey), the procession proceeded up the High Street, keeping on the left side of the stalls. For the first time in the history of the town the Town Clerk walked beside the mayor and Sheriff. After passing through the Scotsgate and returning on the other side of the stalls, the company walked round the Town Hall and re-entered.

The scene was then a busy one, the cries of the crockery men, mingled with those of the huxters, selling boots, linen, and other wares. The spectators thronged round the stalls and the street presented a bust appearance.

On the parade ground in the evening the various side shows were well attended. Amusements of every kind were in profusion. The cake walk came in for its share of attention, and also the chair-o-planes, both of which supplied excitement in a large measure. For those who wished to be jolly in comparative comfort the “Dragons” offered diversion, and hoop-las, billiards games, air rifle competitions and other shows catered for the sporting element. A boxing saloon was also on the ground and inside the aspirants to world championships punched each other to their hearts content. It must be confessed, however, that the fun did not commence until 9 o’clock. For those of romantic temperament were the clairvoyants and character delineators. These attracted little attention in the daylight, possibly owing to the shyness of those who wished to know their fate. Upon the arrival of dusk, however, business became a little more brisk. An old favourite, and one which is always to be seen at affair, was the cocoanut shy, and here the local lads came into prominence. In addition to the cocoanut shies were “the tanks3 and other innovations of recent years. These games did not at first come in for much attention, but later on were better patronised.

A peculiarity of the Fair was that “Aunt Sallies,” “strength machines” and “22 rifle saloons” were conspicuous by their absence, their places being taken by more up-to-date novelties. The weather certainly interfered with the attendance, but business nevertheless was fairly keen.

THE HORSE PROCESSION

The dismal weather interfered considerably with the success of the Horse Procession, held in connection with Berwick fair. Rain fell incessantly all morning and intermittently during the afternoon, with the result that the number of competitors forward were smaller than usual. The horses were in view and were judged at the Stanks at 2 o’clock and the tradesmen’s and tableaux exhibits were in Upper Ravensdowne. The classes were :- (1), Farm horses ( in pairs and shown in chains); (2) Farm horses in cart harness ( without carts); (3), Sanitary Authority, private contractors’ and merchants’ horses; (4), Horses regularly carting for hire; (5), Van or light horses (over 15 hands); (6), Cobs and ponies (of 15 hands and under); (7), Tradesmen’s exhibition (for best advertising exhibit on motor car, lorry, motor cycle and sidecar, steam lorry or char-a-banc); (8), Tableaux (on lorry or motor vehicle).

The respective judges for these classes were Messrs John Murdoch, Cornhill-on-Tweed; John Mack, Duns; Ogle Waite, Renton Barns, J. M. Strother, Wooler; Wm. Wood, Barmoor Tile Works; Col. Gibsone and Mr Charles Wilson, Berwick. Messrs John Murdoch and John Mack were judges for the championship. The stewards were: – Classes 1 and 2, Mr Peter Edgar; 3 and 4, Mr E. W. Turnbull; 5, Mr Wm. Fraser; 6, Mr John Robertson; 7 and 8, Messrs E. D. MacKay and Andrew Steven.

Of the exhibits, classes 1 and 2 were undoubtedly the best and they were much admired by the spectators. The horses forward for these classes were certainly few, but quality made up for lack of quantity. The animals were magnificent specimens and the decorative work on mains and harness was a feature.

The prize for this class was won by Mr Thos. Imrie with a pair of chestnuts, and he also won the championship with the same pair. Mr Mack, the judge, observed that both in keeping and decorations the exhibits were splendid and deserved every credit, especially as it was Mr Imrie’s first appearance as an exhibitor. There was a volume of praise due to him. The championship was easily won.

The vehicles in Ravensdowne came in for a good deal of attention, and among these were some exceptionally good and original exhibits. A horse vehicle exhibited by the local Labour party was a feature. Several little girls in white were seated on it and banners with mottoes of the Party were displayed. It was a pretty and effective display. Messrs W. B. Anderson’s exhibition was also a good one, demonstrating how bananas were grown, imported, and how sold; an imitation tree surrounded the vehicle. Messrs Elders had a lorry exhibiting an engine in motion and churn. Messrs Horners distributed toffee from a large Dainty Dinah tin and attracted the kiddies. The Tweedside Co-Operative Society had also an attractive show and cakes of soap were thrown to the pedestrians. A “B.P.” motor lorry was also among the entries. Messrs Youngs Garage, Spittal, had several new motor models in the parade, and also Messrs Thompson, of Station Garage, Berwick.

PRESENTATION OF PRIZES

The procession after passing through the streets of Berwick made the journey to Spittal, headed by the Scremerston Colliery Band in a char-a-banc provided free of charge by Mr Willis. On returning, the presentation of prizes was made by the Mayoress. Two handsome silver cups were on view, one presented for competition by Mr Peter Waite, who won the previous trophy outright last year and presented a new one in its place: the other given by Viscount Grey of Fallodon for Class 1.

Horse Procession Certificate, Class 1, 2nd prize, 1914. Ref: BRO 1710/50

Mr Thos. Imrie, Broadmeadows House, was awarded both the Cups, and the large crowd of spectators at the foot of the Town Hall steps raised a hearty cheer as he ascended to receive the trophies. Mr Nesbit, of Norham West Mains, received the second prize and he and the other winners were heartily applauded, and snapped by a Press photographer. The prize for Class 2 was won by Mr Andrew Mein, Greenses. The 1^st prize for Class 3 was won by Mr Chas. Purvis (Sanitary Authority) and the 2^nd by Mr J. Stephenson (Sanitary Authority). The prize for Class 4 was won by Mr Jas. Bell, Low Greens. The 1^st prize in Class 5 went to the Tweedside Co-Operative Society (Mr Mitchell driver); 2^nd. Messrs Gray & Sons (J. Yule driver). Mr Hugh Robertson obtained 1^st prize for Class 6. Miss J. Bryson (Unthank) 2^nd, and Mr T. Rowland 3^rd. For Class 7 the prize-winners were; – 1^st, Messrs W. B. Anderson & Son (Mr Patterson driver); 2^nd, Messrs Elders (Mr McEwen) driver; 3^rd, Tweedside Co-Operative Society (Mr Nelson driver). The prize-winners for Class 8 were: – 1^st, Labour Party (Mr Telford); 2^nd, Tweedside Co-Operative Society (Mr Nelson driver).

BERWICK JOURNAL, 1ST MAY 1924

03/05/2024 by Northumberland Archives

LONG SERVICE MEDAL FOR MR ROBT.BURGON

Mr Robt. Burgon, ex-Coxswain of Berwick Lifeboat, has been awarded the Long Service Medal of the Lifeboat Institution. This medal was to have been presented to him on Sunday at Lifeboat Concert but did not come to hand.

When the lifeboat station was changed from Spittal to Berwick, Mr Burgon formed one of the original crew, and was appointed second Coxswain under his cousin, the late Mr James Burgon, who, after holding the office for 4 ½ years retired and became lighthouse keeper. On the retiral of his cousin Mr Burgon was promoted to the post of Coxswain, and held that position 14 ½ years, during which time he won the appreciation of his superiors. Berwick Lifeboat House was recognised by the Lifeboat inspector as a model of how such a place should be kept. It is significant of Mr Burgon’s keen sense of duty that during the time the boat was at Berwick he had only once been absent when the boat went to sea, and that was April 1914, when he himself was one of the persons to whose assistance the boat was called out.

During those years he assisted in rescuing about 30 lives, and the largest rescue was performed in March 1913, when the crew of the Swedish barque Jacob Rauers was saved from a watery grave.

The special vote of thanks on vellum, presented by Royal National Lifeboat Institution to ex-Coxswain Burgon, in recognition of his valuable service to the Institution and humanity at large, was publicly handed to him in Feb., 1920, in the Queen’s Rooms by Lady Francis G. Osborne, Ord House, president of the Berwick Branch.

In making the presentation lady Osborne said- The certificate was a mark of the Institution’s appreciations of the excellent work ex-Coxswain Burgon had performed on their behalf and for mankind at large. Had the audience thought of it? Mr Burgon had served 20 years in the lifeboat, 5 years as 2^nd Coxswain and 15 years as skipper of the boat. They who lived within sight and sound of the North Sea knew full well what that meant, and what it must mean to the crew of a doomed ship to see the lifeboat battling to their rescue. It had been the custom in late years that after any meritorious service the Coxswain had received a medal. That was as it should be, because very often it was largely due to his seamanship that the rescue was due. But it had been felt that every member of the crew should receive some recognition and ow, thanks to the energy of the Secretary of the Berwick Branch it was suggested, and she hoped it would soon come to pass that every member of the crew would receive a badge at the same time as the Coxswain received his medal. Mr Burgon wore 2 medals on his breast and the other by the Swedish Government. On the latter were the words “For bravery and valour at sea.” What splendid words they were; and how glad Berwick people ought to be that they had among them a man, who, by his conduct, had earned such a medal. In handling over the certificate to Mr Burgon she expressed the hope that for many years it would remind him not only of the many lives he had saved, but of the 20 years of splendid work which he had given to the Institution. She knew it could not but bring back memories of days and nights when he battled with the waves, but she hoped also that it would remind him of the peace which followed the storm.

Mr Burgon, in returning thanks, said he was the first man to volunteer to become a member of the crew when the lifeboat was moved from Spittal to Berwick. His cousin: the late Mr Wm. Burgon was appointed Coxswain, and he himself received the appointment of 2^nd Coxswain. For 4 ½ years they worked hand in hand, and then his cousin was appointed keeper of Berwick lighthouse, and he was promoted Coxswain. During all his 20 years he had done his best both for the crew and the Institution. On many a stormy night he had gone about the fields when everybody else was in bed. He thought that would be the last time he would have a presentation made to him in public. The lifeboat was now to be manned by a crew from Spittal; and he thought in Mr Lough they had got a man to take charge who was as good as he was himself. He promised that if ever the boat was needed, he would assist it in every way.

Dr C. L. Fraser said as Secretary he had been in the exceptional position of coming into close contact with the Coxswain and member of the crew, and he would like to state that during his long service ex-Coxswain Burgon had always been found on his beat. In speaking of their ex-Coxswain, he wished also to remember his very active lieutenant, ex-2^nd Coxswain Jas. Jamieson (who is also to receive Long Service medal), who had done splendid service. They must not also forget the men who had sailed with these gentlemen- rank and file of Berwick Lifeboat. The Institution had agreed that their services too would be recognised and on some other night he hoped the badges for them would be publicly presented. The attributes of a good Coxswain were very many. He must have a keen professional knowledge, the ability to form his judgments quickly; and alertness and carrying these into practice. Robt. Burgon had shown on more than one occasion that he possessed all these qualities. He was sorry to have to say good-bye to so old a comrade. They had had many experiences together. Mr Burgon had been a good and faithful servant to the town, and to the Institution. He had brought great honour to the town, to the lifeboat and to himself, and in bidding him good-bye they could say to him “Well done.”

Commander Carr, R. N., said the rescue for which Mr Burgon received his Swedish medal was one of the finest pieces of work performed on this coast. He showed on that occasion a seamanship which few men would have shown. The life-saving apparatus could do nothing to save the crew of the schooner Jacob Rauers; and the lifeboat could get into communication with them only after much difficulty and skilful handling. In another 10 minutes or so the crew of the schooner would have been drowned. There was no jealousy now between the lifeboat and the L.S.A.

Bred of a fishing family, Mr Burgon, although born in Berwick, first became acquainted with the sea at Hartlepool, whither his benefits, along with many other Greenses families, removed when he was 2 ½ years of age. He first went to sea at the age of 11 in a boat skippered by his uncle, the late Alex. Hall, who for many years acted as Treasurer to the Greenses Fishermen’s Benefit Society, and who for a long time prior to his death a few years ago, was well known to the frequenters of Spittal Ferry.

The Motor Ferry, Berwick, dated 1923. Ref: BRO 1636/6/6

Sandy decided to return to Berwick in the first year that “Bob,” as the subject of our sketch is familiarly known, was with him, and bringing his furniture with him in the boat he fished for a season at Berwick, after which Mr Burgon returned to Hartlepool. After a second season at Berwick, he settled in Hartlepool for a few years, and went to sea in a coble which his father, Mr James Burgon, had had built for the family. At the age of 19 Mr Burgon left his father and became skipper of a coble owned by his uncle. Fate dealt kindly with him for he left that crew and joined another uncle in the following year, and shortly afterwards the coble of which he had been skipper for a year was lost with all hands. 3 years later he came and settled in Berwick, but in the summer his father and other members of the family went to Hartlepool for the fishing there and in 9 weeks they shared £34. Afterwards he acted as skipper of the Berwick fishing vessel galatea and has acted as skipper of herring and line fishing boats ever since. He and one of his brothers fished together for 32 years and had 3 herrings boats in that time. Readers will remember the Brothers, belonging to his brother James, which foundered in the bay some years ago.

In a life spent at the mercy of the elements there have been many exciting incidents and numberless narrow escapes, but although his boat has been filled almost to the gunwales, and a coble belonging to some comrades had been sunk within a short distance of his own boat, which was also in great difficulties, he has come through it all, and in addition has had the satisfaction of rescuing others of his fraternity who were in distress.

05/04/2024 by Northumberland Archives

BERWICK ADVERTISER, 3RD APRIL 1924

BERWICK NEW STATION

(FROM THE BERWICK DEBATING SOCIETY MAGAZINE)

Much ink has been spilt and hot air wasted over the necessity of having a new bridge over the river Tweed at Berwick, and while all are agreed that this proposal is of vital importance to the future development of the town, many differences of opinion are noted as to the location of the structure. The many expressions of interest in the scheme from all sections of the community is indeed gratifying and angers well for the future of the borough. This, however, regrettable that during all the discussions on the future welfare of the town, little or no comment has been made on the proposed new Railway Station at Berwick.

The front of Berwick Railway Station — An early 20th Century postcard of the front of the railway station

Rightly or wrongly, a traveller arriving at a town on his first visit, sizes up the importance of that town at the moment he steps off the train. It is, therefore, most essential that this ancient and prosperous Border town should have a railway station fitting the importance of the locality served. It will be agreed that the necessity of having a modern station at Berwick has been apparent for many years past. The low, dark platforms of inadequate length for modern through East Coast trains, the ill-lit waiting rooms and other conveniences, the acute curves whereby passenger trains entering the station from either direction are compelled to travel at a greatly reduced speed, and the “back street” entrance to the present structure do not give the town the status it deserves. The proposed alterations, is gratifying to note, will dispense with many of these very serios disabilities. Platforms are to be lengthened, extra waiting rooms introduced, and the acute curves minimised to such an extent that non-stopping trains will be able to pass Berwick at a much greater speed. No notice, however, appears to have been taken of the present station entrance, and no proposals have apparently been made whereby the new station will have the imposing main street entrance so essential to a railway station of first-class importance. Those of us who have visited Alnwick cannot fail to have noted the splendid railway station at that town. No necessity to enquire the way to the station at Alnwick, and no unsightly hoardings reminding us that “Boxo” puts a man on his feet, and that “Crushem” salts makes grandad an athlete of no mean ability. It is, of course, agreed that the proposals of the Railway Company are admirable so far as utility in railway working is concerned. Local trains will, it is understood, be started from a suitable platform for that class of train, thereby obviating the present method whereby passengers for different trains are frequently seen threading their way along narrow platforms among innumerable fish and luggage barrows.

Berwick Railway Station early 1900s. © Berwick Record Office – BRO 1636-10-013

Utility, however, from the viewpoint of the Railway Company is quite a different matter to the utility of the residents of the town served by the railway station. Representation should be made urging the necessity of having an entrance to the new station direct from the top of Castlegate. The plan obtaining at the present moment appears to be, a front street entrance to cattle docks, and a back passage entrance for the passengers. This order of things should, of course, be reversed in the new station. Another sore point to the artistic eye at Berwick Station is the disorderly array of shacks and huts of all descriptions which, in many cases, obstruct what would be one of the most beautiful views in this country. Some months ago, the writer was in conversation with a gentleman who had arrived at Berwick Station from the South at 4am on a beautiful summer morning. Glancing westwards from the train in crossing the Royal Border Bridge the sight that met his eye was the most gorgeous it was possible to imagine, and it was made clear from the traveller’s remarks and in all his travels which, by the way, extended to many countries, he had never experienced the thrill which he experienced on glancing up the silvery Tweed that morning. Now, Mr Editor, except from passing trains, how many of us have been privileged to view this most wonderful landscape. The placid silvery Tweed at high-tide, the surrounding country one mass of colour, away in the West can be seen the Eildon Hills and Hume Castle, while to the South, Cheviot and Hedgehope Mountains stand grim and forbidding. All this grandeur is. However, unfortunately obscured to the visitors at Berwick Station by an array of shacks built near the end of the Royal Border Bridge. In the building of the new station, it would be gratifying to know that these unsightly little buildings were to be removed with a view of leaving an unobstructed view of the river Tweed and surrounding country from the end of the platforms.

Royal Border Bridge early 1990s. Ref: BRO 515 377

Another anomaly in the present arrangements is the system whereby the exit from the goods warehouse and coal sidings also serves as the ordinary passenger exit from the station to the town, but this would, of course, be obviated if the Castlegate entrance were adopted.

Another very urgent reform necessary in the building of the new station at Berwick is the necessity of affording sufficient room for the standage of cars and taxis at the station entrance. At present the cars are obliged to line up any old how as near to the station portico as circumstances will permit, with the result that the turning of a car or taxi while foot passengers are passing to and from the station is a hair-raising thrill for the spectators who view the feat from a safe point of vantage. This, Mr Editor, is an antiquated and obsolete arrangement, suitable no doubt for ancient horse-drawn vehicles, but quite up safe for the present means of road transport using the railway station premises. In the new station we should therefore insist that the entrance from the town be made sufficiently wide to accommodate the large number of vehicles which meet all the East Coast express trains. Another item of importance, although not directly connected with the actual structure of the station, is the complete absence of a Sunday passenger train from Berwick to stations North. Can you name another town of equal importance so served, Mr Editor? Surely if towns like Kelso, Alnwick, and Hexham are worthy of a Sunday service, then, in an even greater degree, must out town need a service.

Another matter the visitor to our railway station must surely notice is the absence of train destination indicator boards on the platforms. The system adopted at Berwick, of lusty-lunged individuals bawling the destination or next stop of the train is, to say the least, reminiscent of the small wayside stations, and misleading when more than one train occupies the platforms.

I hold that the inhabitants of Berwick, who are justly proud of their town, should have a say in the very important work that is about to be undertaken at Berwick Station. Let us make it clear that any make-shift will not meet with our approval, and that our ancient town, which is one of the most famous on the great East Coast route, is well worthy of a railway station harmonising with the natural grandeur of the famous Borders.

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