General

Linton School Centenary

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Linton School celebrates its centenary this year and we looked back over the school’s eventful first year which unfortunately coincided with the General Strike of 1926 “in defence of miners’ wages and hours”. The General Strike took place from 4 to 12 May 1926 but the miners maintained their resistance for several more months.

Selected entries from the school log book read as follows:

May 1st – The school was formally opened by Mr C. Williams, Director of Education for Northumberland, in the presence of a large and representative gathering.

May 3rd – The school was opened to the children. 159 being present.

May 7th – The piano arrived today.

May 14th – School closed for the weekend. The average attendance is currently 93%.

May 28th – Mr E. Chester, correspondent, visited the school this afternoon and paid the teachers at closing time.

June 2nd – Inquiries made, showed that the necessity of feeding some of the children was becoming urgent, About 40-50 children admitted not getting sufficient food.

June 3rd – The parents of 59 children applied to have their children fed under the 1921 Act. These claims were investigated thoroughly by the Managers at a meeting in the school hall from 2-4pm when all the parents concerned were interviewed.

June 8th – Commander F.B Kemp, Superintendent of the Welfare activities of Ashington Coal Co. visited the school and granted permission to use the playing fields for organised games.

June 22nd – 135 children were fed at school today.

June 24th – A large number of children asked permission to leave school early to attend motor racing on the sands at Druridge Bay, as this was Race Thursday.

June 25th – 150 children were fed at school today.

July 2nd – The average attendance this week is 95.7%.

July 9th – The Colliery Welfare Club held a sports day at the Recreation Ground for the school.

July 13th – The School Medical Officer visited and examined children for evidence of malnutrition through the strike. Only about a dozen showed evidence of flabbiness or underdevelopment.

Sept. 20th – The attendance was affected today (32 children absent) because of severe rain and thunder storms. Many of the children are very poorly shod and clothed because of the long, continued strike.

Sept. 27th 151 out of 164 children present. Whooping cough and ringworm are the main reasons for absence.

Oct. 4th – 8th – Half yearly examinations. [No results are given]

Nov. 3rd – There was no fuel and no fires on today.

Nov. 4th – Some coal has been obtained. Frequent exercises have to be indulged in to keep warm.

Nov. 12th – No coal and consequently no fires on at school today. It was not a cold day, so not unduly uncomfortable. The average attendance this week is to 83.7%.

Nov. 15th – Still no coal, school was very cold. Writing was almost impossible in the morning. Frequent breaks for exercise to get warmth was the order.

Nov. 16th – Still no fires.

Nov 17th – No fires again and cold in the morning.

Nov. 18th – Very cold today. The children were asked to be allowed to bring coal from home and about 30 children brought a pailful of coal each. The school was comfortable by midday.

Page relating to the last entries above

It seems incredible that in a pit village, there was no coal for the school, however it’s quite heartwarming to note that the parents of the children all chipped in with a donation of coal so that the kids could keep warm and continue their education.

As you can see, the footnote to the story is that a lorry load of coal was delivered to the school on November 23rd.

This particular log book continues with entries regarding noteworthy events up until 1953 and can be viewed in our search room [Ref. CES 176/1/2]

Linton School in 1962.  Photo Ref.  CES/176/5/17

Not just Beef and Plum Pudding!

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The traditional image of Christmas Day in the workhouse is of inmates sitting down to beef and plum pudding. Reports in local newspapers confirmed this but also highlighted that there were many more treats and gifts provided by local shop keepers and wealthy patrons.  

The Morpeth Herald reported that Christmas 1864 was a very happy one in Morpeth workhouse. A Christmas tree was exhibited for the entertainment of the children and was laden with oranges, apples and sweetmeats of various kinds. After they had feasted on the pretty vision of the tree, the fruits were distributed to the excited infants. Mr Robert Oliver, baker of the town, proudly presented each inmate with a piece of his ’monster loaf’.

The Hexham Courant reported on workhouses in Hexham, Rothbury and Haltwhistle. In 1877, the children of Hexham workhouse enjoyed a treat of tea and oranges provided by the Waddilove family of the parish. The festivities took place in the boys school room which was decorated in a neat and tasteful manner with holly, evergreens and Chinese lanterns. On Christmas Day, the Hexham inmates received an unexpected treat after lunch. The band of the Hexham Rifle Corps, on their way back from a performance, entered the workhouse yard. To the great delight of inmates, they played a selection of music ending with Auld Lang Syne. The following year, it was agreed by the Hexham Guardians to give the inmates a tea on New Years Day instead of beer with their Christmas Dinner. This was readily welcomed by all. 

The Morpeth Herald reported that Alnwick workhouse enjoyed a happy Christmas in 1888. There was the usual dinner of beef and plum pudding, but residents were also given sweets. Smokers were gifted tobacco and those who didn’t smoke received tea and sugar. All children received sweetmeats and oranges. In the evening, all inmates were treated to tea with fruit and cakes which was followed by musical entertainment. The children received toys, cakes and buns and all the older inmates were given a glass of punch at the close of the evening. 

In 1889, residents of Haltwhistle workhouse were reported to have received their usual Christmas breakfast treat of fruit loaf, cheese, tea and coffee. Dinner was the usual beef and plum pudding then after the meal, there was entertainment in the dining room which had been beautifully decorated for the occasion. Inmates were treated to a performance of Little Red Riding Hood by Miss Saint’s Sunday School class. After the show there was singing and dancing then a tea similar to breakfast finished off the lovely day. 

In December 1903, there was a lovely treat for the younger members of Alnwick workhouse. Her Grace the Duchess of Northumberland gave an afternoon tea and gifted a Christmas tree to the children. The tea took place in St. Michael’s Guild Room in Alnwick and 25 children were present under the supervision of the Matron and the School Superintendent. They had a thoroughly enjoyable afternoon and received gifts of sweets and toys. Her Grace the Duchess of Northumberland, Lady Margaret and Lady Victoria were present during the festivities. 

In 1904, to go with the beef and plum pudding, Alnwick inmates also feasted on mutton, pork and mince pies. Half a barrel of ale was supplied by the Alnwick Brewery Company and Messrs T. Dixon & Son, Confectioners, supplied all the children with sweets. The Duke’s forester sent evergreens for the adornment of the dining hall. Mrs Bosanquet of Rock Hall sent a Christmas letter conveying seasonal greetings and words of encouragement and hope for the future. Lady Margaret and Lady Victoria Percy gave presents of cake, tobacco and flowers. 

BERWICK ADVERTISER, 5TH NOVEMBER 1925

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BERWICK WAR MEMORIAL

FINAL MEETING OF COMMITTEE

What may be regarded as the final meeting of the War Memorial Committee was held on Wednesday last, 28th October. The Mayor presided, and there were present Councillors Bolus and Robertson, Dr W. B. Mackay, Mr R. Dickinson, Mr D. Hebenton, Mr J. W. Boal, Mr P. M. Henderson, Mr J. W. Carmichael (Hon. Treasurer), and Mr J. W. Porter (Hon. Secretary).

At the outset the Mayor referred to the death of Mrs Steven, and paid a tribute to the excellent services rendered by her in connection with the raising, through the columns of the “Berwick Journal,” the money required to complete the Memorial. He added that but for the keen interest by her, the Fund, instead of showing a credit balance as was the happy position at present, would probably have indicated a debit balance. In addition, it would not have been possible to provide the improved type of railing, flagging, etc., necessary to complete the Memorial. he moved that a letter of sympathy be sent to Mayor Steven expressing the Committee’s appreciation of the service rendered by her. The Committee agreed to this by standing.

Unveiling of Berwick War Memorial – Ref: BRO 1555-01

The Hon. Treasurer submitted a statement showing a credit balance of £33 9s, and he was instructed to supply to the Press a complete statement after all the accounts have been paid.

It was agreed that the Mayor and Mr Dickinson should be authorised to obtain suitable tubs and trees for the memorial. It was reported that the flagging had been completed, and that steps were taken to have the turf re-laid.

The Secretary intimated that the Mayor elect proposed to lay a wreath on the memorial on Armistice Day, and that a short service would be conducted by the vicar of Berwick. It was agreed that as the memorial was now practically completed, the Mayor, as Chairman of the Committee, should hand over to the Mayor-elected at the conclusion of the ceremony the key of the gate leading to the Memorial.

Dr Mackay moved a vote of thanks to the Mayor for the services rendered by him in connection with the War Memorial, and intimated it was pleasing that the Memorial should be completed and free from any financial liability during his year of office. He also moved a vote of thanks to Councillor Bolus, who had taken an active interest in the Fund during the years he held office as Mayor.

A vote of thanks was also passed to the Hon. Secretary and the Hon. Treasurer for the services rendered by them.

ARMISTICE DAY AT BERWICK

The Mayor-Elect of Berwick-upon-Tweed, Ald. Alexander Darling, J. P. will place a wreath on the War Memorial at 11am on Armistice Day. It was been arranged to form a procession, which will leave the Town Hall at 10.40am and proceed by Marygate and Castlegate to the War Memorial.

On arrival there the Mayor-Elect will stand at the foot of the steps facing the Memorial, and those accompanying His Worship will form a circle facing the Memorial. The local school children will be in attendance, and the inhabitants of the Borough are cordially invited to be present at the short service, which will be conducted by the Rev. R. W. de la Het, Vicar of Berwick-upon-Tweed, supported by the local clergy and ministers. The Mayor’s Chaplian will deliver a short address. the time table is as follows:

10.40 – Leave Town Hall

10.45 Arrive at War Memorial- Hymn, “O God our help in ages past.” Prayer-The Vicar. Short address by the Mayor’s Chaplain. “The Last Post”

11.00- Silence

11.02-Reveille. It has been arranged for two rockets to be fired, marking the two Minutes’ Silence-one at 11am and one at two minutes past 11. The Chairman of the War memorial Committee (Ald. Wilson will hand over to the Mayor-Elect the key of the gate leading to the Memorial. The National Anthem will be sung and afterwards an opportunity will be given for placing of wreaths on the Memorial. At the conclusion of the National Anthem the Mayor-Elect will return to the Town Hall.

The War memorial has now been completed. The paths have been laid, and the grass inside the circular wall of the War Memorial has been re-laid recently, and the public, in passing round the memorial on Armistice Day are urged to use the paths, and to refrain from walking upon the grass.

FUNERAL OF CAPT. A. R. W. S. CLARK KENNEDY

The funeral of Capt. A. R. W. S. Clark Kennedy, who died at Chillingham on the 14th of October, took place the following Friday there and was attended by his father , General Kennedy, the Earl of Tankerville, Lord Ossulston, the Rev. F. Long of Chatton, Capt. E. G. Pape, Dr Jaboor, of Wooler, and many others. The service was performed by the Rev. Dr Bowick, Vicar of Chillingham, and the grave was covered with wreaths from the Earl and Coutess of Tankerville, Capt. and Mrs Pape, Lord and Lady Ossulston, Mr and Mrs A. Clark Kennedy, Mr and Mrs T. H. Robb, Miss Waddington, Mrs Rutter, Mr Henderson, Nurse Wilson, etc. The deceased officer served in the early part of the late war with the armoured cars, and was present at the battle of Ypres. After being in hospital with a broken arm, he went out to the Dardanelles as an aviator, also on the Egyptian Western Front, and down the Red sea, where he contracted the disease which eventually proved fatal. He was lent to the French command in Morocco at their special request, in order to help to locate the place where the Germans were landing arms to raise the Southern tribes. This was successfully accomplished after several French officers had failed to do so. Capt. Clark Kennedy, who was formerly in the Scots Guards, was in his 42nd year. He is descended from the old family of Kennedy, of Knockgray, in Galloway.

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