The search room at Woodhorn will be closing at 3pm between 24/6/26 and 26/6/26. This is to allow for essential building works.

Berwick Newspapers – 100 years ago

BERWICK ADVERTISER, 2ND JULY 1925

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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 24th 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 1st 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 JOURNAL, 4TH JUNE 1925

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MEMORIES OF AN OLD BERWICK BELL RINGER

“Ring a ding dong”! It is about 45 years ago since Mr. Joseph Redfearn, Wallace Green, Berwick, first began to toll the bells in Berwick Townhall, and he is the last of those old Bell Ringers. Mr. Thos. Statham was the Master bell ringer in those days. Tom Statham died several years ago after a long and worthy career as a Corporation Official. The other Town bell ringers when Mr. Redfearn began were Elias Weatherburn, the late Ald. Turnbull, Jas. Unthank, Geo. Weatherburn, John Moor, who had an ironmongery business in Hide Hill, and has been in London now for many years, William Strangeways, Mr. Redfearn and Mr. Statham, a ring of 8 bells. There was no teacher, and they were not members of a Society of Bellringers. They rang the same old round, with a variation that was known as the Queen’s change. They worked by figures in the old days, and from the common ring of 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 ,6 7, 8, they would turn to the Queen’s change, which was 1, 3, 5, 7, 2, 4, 6, 8, and then back to the common ring again.  They rang half hour peals at 8am, 10am, 12 noon, 3pm, and 6pm. They rang for the Battle of Waterloo, Queen Victoria’s Birthday and Ascension Day, Christmas Day and New Year’s Day and Berwick Fair. Mr. Redfearn rang his last peal on New Year’s Day.

Berwick Town Hall early 1900’s. Ref No. BRO 426-294

Mr Redfearn came to Berwick from Newcastle his birthplace, the year after the Royal Border Bridge was opened – over 75 years ago- and his memories of the old town are quaint indeed. Berwick was wretched place in those days. The soldiers would not let one into Wallace Green; they had sentries on guard at both top and bottom. The soldiers of that day were often rough and tumble lot, and the people in the Town had some stirring times. Police Force in those days comprised a Supt., a Constable and a special constable. At harvest time Irish harvesters used to come to town in trucks with scarce a “duddy” on them. Reaping machines wee not in use then. When the Irishmen got tipsy and began a hullaballoo, old Proudfoot, the solitary constable, was the only one that could quieten them.

The granaries were in full swing then; and Castle Terrace was unknown. There were only 2 houses there. One, which is now occupied by Miss Pearson, was owned at that time by Capt. Smith of the old Volunteers. At one time there was no less than 3 public houses in Wallace Green, where Wallace Green Church now stands. Public houses were numerous then, but many of them have been done away with.

Royal Border Bridge early 1990s. Ref No. BRO 515 377

Mr. Redfearn served his time as a cabinetmaker with Mr. Patterson, Berwick, and afterwards worked for Mr. Robt. Wood. His last master was Mr. Brown, Castlegate. After Mr. Brown died, he was in several places his last being with Mr. Goodall, in West Street. Mr Redfearn married Margaret Yeoman in 1868 in Berwick Parish Church, the then Vicar Rowe, officiating. They have had a family of 11, 7 of whom are still living. Mr. Redfearn’s son is Managing Director of Redfearns’ Garage in Golden Square. Mr. Redfearn has always had great love for music and was in 3 bands in Berwick. In 1860 he joined the Volunteer Band. He was in Mechanic’s Band when it was organised over 40 years ago. (He played the trombone), it amalgamated with the Volunteers after being in existence for about 14 years. He played in Artillery band, 1st in Fife and Drum Band and then in Brass Band. He played in a string band when he was 10 years of age. He was a member of a noted string band that played at all the dances in the surrounding district, at Ayton, Duns, Coldstream, Milne Graden, Paxton House and in the Scottish Border villages especially. He was an adept on the piccolo and very skillful with it. The other members of the band were Coun. Campbell’s father who played the bass fiddle, John Hogg, who died a few years ago in South Africa, was the 1st fiddle, Mr. Anderson was 2nd fiddle, and Mr. Ford and Mr. Bock played the cornet. Mr. Redfearn is the only survivor of that orchestra, but today he remembers the happy times they had. Until a few years ago, he continued to play the piccolo, at which he was a master hand. Mr Redfearm and his guid wife are still hale and hearty. He is rather deaf now, but if there is anything he regrets he has to relinquish it is the bell-ringing. He is only sorry the Berwick Bellringers were not trained to lay the bells in a proper way, when they could have rendered the chimes as they are done in other towns.

We hope our very old friend “Joe” Redfearn may enjoy many years of retirement in the good old town, which he loves so well, and where he has been such a useful citizen throughout a long and valued life.

SCOTTISH SCOUT WEEK

BERWICK SCOUTS’ DISPLAY

This being Scout Week, a special effort was made to augment the funds of the Berwick Association, by a 2d annual display by the Boy Scouts of Berwick, Tweedmouth and Spittal, on Tuesday night in the Flagstaff Park, Berwick. There was a record attendance, every vantage point being crowded. There was a very long programme, which lasted over 1 ½ hours, but during this time not a dull moment was experienced. The Scouts who were formed up at their headquarters, were headed by Berwick Pipe band, and marched in procession form there along Silver Street, up Hide Hill, High Street, Walkergate Lane, Parade, and thence to the Park. S. M. Parkes was in the enclosure ready to welcome them; after which they formed a circle and rallied round the Commissioner. Thereafter the flag was hoisted, and cheers resounded again and again. National Anthem was next sung, in a hearty manner by all. The programme now began in real earnest and went with a swing the whole time.

4 boxing bouts were next witnessed, the first being between Troop Leaders Johnston and Gleig. This was the most exciting of all, they really seemed to mean business and gave the crowd a good exhibition of boxing. The next bout was between patrol Leaders Blythe and Shearlaw, and though they did not get so near to grips as the others, yet they gave quite a good exhibition. The next bout was between 2 young boys, Scouts Clements and Weatherburn, and a good show they put up considering their ages. The most laughable of all was the contest between Scouts Renton and Trotter, who were bare-backed, one being whitened and the other blackened, almost out of recognition. They too showed quite a good knowledge of the art.

A few members of the 1st Berwick gave an excellent exhibition of Indian club drill, to the accompaniment of ex-Pipe-Major McMillan.

Berwick Boy Scouts Annual Camp at Wooler, 1910- Group Photograph. Ref No: BRO 2599-BOX 3-File 1 -015

While the Sea Scouts were giving their display of life-saving, various stunts were going on by the other Scouts, including signalling, jumping, skipping, lassoing, single sticks, etc.

The Eightsome Reel by mixed units caused much hilarity amongst the spectators, as the boys were in good form. They wee accompanied by the pipes and drum.

A rather novel item was that consisting of a new type of sword dance by the 2nd Berwicks. It was good to watch, and we are sure to most it was new, making it all the more appreciable. The same Troop gave a display of games which were much enjoyed.

The campfire sing-song was another laugh-provoking item, with the Scouts all arrayed in wraps of multi-coloured materials. They arranged themselves round the fire, before which they sang “E’en gen Yama.” The Commissioner then declared the campfire open, and a selection of songs were given, S. M. Gleig being the moving spirit. Choruses, etc., were given in lusty fashion. The Commissioner and S. M. Gleig gave contributions in which the Scouts joined in. The organ accompaniments wee played by A.S.M. J. Elder.

The proceedings were brought to a close by the singing of a verse of “Abide with me.”

Votes of thanks were called for by the Commissioner for Major Kennedy, Depot K.O.S.B., for the assistance he had given, and for help received from the barracks; and also to Berwick Pipe Band for so kindly playing for them that night.

Capt. Lake, Depot K.O.S.B., kindly acted as umpire for boxing. Those in charge of collecting boxes were Mr. Parker, Counc, Thorburn, Mr. Simmen, jun., Mr. W. Howe, Mr. Hoggarth, and Miss Hogarth.

Amount received, up to going to press, is 12 5s.

Berwick Advertiser, 7 May 1925

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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 1st 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 30th, 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.

Borthwick Family Ref: 13-1-32-3

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.

Spittal School- Ref No: P45-11

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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