Accident

This Week in World War One, 30 June 1916

by

Berwick Advertiser title 1915

 

BERWICK ADVERTISER, 30 JUNE 1916

 

WOMEN FARM WORKERS

 

In many parts of the country there appears to exist a suspicion that, if women register their names for farm work, they may be subjected to some form of compulsory service.

The War Office and the Board of Agriculture and Fisheries desire to assure all women who

Women's Land Army. © Henry George Gawthorn (1879-1941), UK government, in the public domain.
© Henry George Gawthorn (1879-1941)

are engaged in work on the land, or who may be willing to undertake such work, that the registration of their names for that purpose will in no way be used to compel them to undertake either agricultural or any other form of work. Such work is entirely voluntary. In no case will they be expected to work on farms outside their own neighbourhood unless they are willing to do so. But it is necessary, in order that the most sufficient use may be made of their services, to have a list of the names and addresses of women who are prepared in the national emergency to undertake work in the place of the men who are fighting in the trenches. As there is a great need for the services of patriotic women who are willing to assist in the home production of food, it is hoped that all women who can see their way to offer their services, either whole or part time, will at once have their names registered at the Local Labour Exchange or by the village Registrar.

Board of Agriculture and Fisheries,

4, Whitehall Place, S.W.

23rd June, 1916

LOCAL NEWS

 

 A Big Smash. – On Monday afternoon a number of army motor vans were going through Bridge Street, one of the tyres of a van skidded, precipitating the vehicle through the plate glass windows of Mr Thomson, baker. The large front glass window as well as the side window were smashed.

Accident. – On Tuesday afternoon a woman named Swinney, 176 Main Street, Tweedmouth, slipped while taking clothes off a rope in a back yard, fracturing her left ankle. Nurse Davidson was called, and the woman was removed to the Infirmary.

Midsummer Holiday. – Tuesday was observed in Berwick as the annual Midsummer holiday, when all places of business were closed. Like its predecessor of 1915, the war put a damper on the usual observances – no railway facilities in the way of cheap, excursions being offered. That being so, far distance travelling was out of the question to the vast majority.

Old photograph of salmon fishermen below Chain Bride, near Horncliffe, Berwick-upon-Tweed. © Berwick Record Office, BRO 426 1125.
Old photograph of salmon fishermen below Chain Bride, near Horncliffe, Berwick-upon-Tweed. © Berwick Record Office, BRO 426 1125.

Notwithstanding these drawbacks the general public made the best of the circumstances – some went boating, some went fishing, some went cycling, others went in either for bowling or golf, while a goodly number made the Chain Bridge their rendezvous – where the Berwick Boy Scouts were having a picnic. There was quite a number of parties squatting here and there on the green sward. With their attendant fires to boil the kettle for tea and notwithstanding the cheerlessness of the day seemed to be enjoying themselves. The weather throughout the day was dull and scarcely in keeping with the leafy month of June. All are looking forward with eager anticipation to next midsummer holiday, when it is hoped the war clouds will have rolled away and everything back to usual conditions.

 

HOW TO GET TO HOLY ISLAND

 

Now that summer has come, and readers of the “Advertiser” will be planning their outings on Thursday afternoons, as well as for longer periods, a word as to Holy Island will not come amiss. Comparatively few of the inhabitants of Berwick and neighbourhood have visited this most interesting place; in many cases because they do not know how to make their visit suit the tides, going and returning. A safe rule is to cross on an ebbing tide in preference to a flowing one. If going by train leaving for Beal after 1.10 p.m. (from July 1st onwards), and returning by last train Spring tides (high water at from 1 to 4 p.m.), should be avoided, and a day chosen when the tide is full about 10 to 12 o’clock.

Early 20th century photograph showing the crossing of the sands at Holy Island. © Berwick Record Office, BRO 426 1059.
Early 20th century photograph showing the crossing of the sands at Holy Island. © Berwick Record Office, BRO 426 1059.

 

If going by either of the morning trains, and returning by last train, high water any time between 11 a.m. and 4 p.m. will suit.

Holy Island conveyances meet the 7.40 a.m. or the 1.10 p.m. trains, from Berwick, single fare 1s each, or for four persons or upwards conveyances will be sent to meet any train at the same fare. Conveyances can be ordered from any of the following :- Mr R. Bell, Post Office, Holy Island; Mr James Brigham, Holy Island; Mr Geo. Wilson, Northumberland Arms, Holy Island; Mr Thomas Fender, Holy Island.

This Week in World War One, 5 May 1916

by

Berwick Advertiser title 1915

 

BERWICK ADVERTISER, 5 MAY 1916

 

BERWICK BOUNDS RIDING

Quiet Ceremony

 

For the 308th time the customary riding of Berwick Bounds took place on Monday. Few gentlemen made the round of the marches by conveyance, but there was again a fair proportion of equestrians, the number only being one short from that of last year. At twelve o’clock the procession led off from the parade, where a large concourse of spectators had assembled to witness the gathering, by way of Cowport Gate to the Magdalene Field and Jingling Bridge, when they struck the main road. The conveyances followed the usual route by way of Church Street, High Street, Castlegate, and North Road. Arriving at Whitadder Bridge the company were provided with a liberal refreshment, and the usual ceremonies were gone through. The company arrived back during the afternoon, and a halt being called in front of the Town Hall, the mayor briefly returned his thanks to all who had completed the circuit.

The Berwick Riding of the Bounds, the riders crossing the Jingling Bridge - © Berwick Record Office, BRO 1944-1-7215-20-018.
The Berwick Riding of the Bounds, the riders crossing the Jingling Bridge – © Berwick Record Office, BRO 1944-1-7215-20-018.

 

The horsemen were as follows:- Mr John Cameron, Vetinary Surgeon, Berwick; Mr R. Buchannan, Berwick; Master Moffat, West Edge; Capt. J. C. Collingwood and Miss Collingwood.

There also rode in the conveyances – His Worship the Mayor (Ald. J. W. Plenderleith), Sheriff Matthew Ross, Councillor Thos. Wilson, Mr Jas. Gibson, Acting Town Clerk; and Mr Johnston, Sergeant-at-Mace- first carriage. Ald. Maclagan, Mr H. W. Willits, Councillor Brewis, Councillor W. J. Dixon, Chief Constable Nicholson, Councillor F. Richardson, Councillor W. Richardson, Ald. H. Greenwood, and Mr Blaikie, jun., acting Sergeant-at-Mace – second carriage. Mr Robert Jeffrey and Private Albert Richardson – third carriage. Five cyclists also started out upon the round.

This year it was agreed that owing to the exceptional period of national stress through which we are passing, the no Bounds Dinner be held. It need not, however, be inferred that the absence of the customary spread had anything at all to do with the small attendance present.

 

OFFICER AND PRIVATE

BADLY INJURED BY GRENADE AT BELFORD

 

A most unfortunate and serious accident took place at Belford in the early hours of Tuesday evening in which a Lieutenant and a Private of the Northern Cyclists quartered in the district were involved. It appears that the officer was in charge of a small section a little way out of the village and was instructing the men in the art of grenade throwing. In the meantime, it is inadvisable to record how the unfortunate event occurred, but we may state that for some accidental reason a grenade exploded near to the Private and the Lieutenant, both of whom sustained wounds of an extensive and serious character. They were removed with all speed to Alnwick Infirmary, where, up to the time of writing, the lie in a rather critical condition. The sad occurrence cast quite a gloom over the village, where both the unfortunate men were well known. The hope is freely expressed on all hands that science may be able to alleviate their sever suffering.

 

LOCAL NEWS

 

Accident to a Well Known Butcher – The many friends of Mr Shiel Dods butcher, Berwick, will learn with regret that he met with a nasty accident on Monday morning at his slaughter house, Tweedmouth. He had been dispatching and weighing sheep for the London market, when in turning to leave his foot slipped, and he was brought to the ground with a nasty jerk. It was thought at first that he had broken his leg, but on being examined by Dr C. L. Fraser, it was discovered that the sinew of his right leg had been snapped. He was removed home to his residence in High Street. It is understood while the injury to Mr Dods is not of a serious character, it has been decided to remove him to the Infirmary, where a slight operation will be performed. A specialist may be called in to assist.

A recent photograph showing Berwick Infirmary. © Rod Allday, Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 2.0 license.
A recent photograph showing Berwick Infirmary. © Rod Allday, Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 2.0 license.

 

Ambulance Aid in time Emergency – Our readers will probably be interested and gratified to learn that arrangements have been made for coping with any circumstances which require ambulance assistance in times of emergency during the war. In consequence of a recent meeting held between representatives of the Infirmary, the Chief Constable, and officials of the two local ambulance organisations, and subsequently with the Chief Scout Master, the following arrangements have been made. By courtesy of the parties interested three stations will be available: (1) for Berwick, “The Infirmary, “ (2) for Tweedmouth, “The Mitchell Memorial Hall” in Kiln Hill and (3) for Spittal. “The Police Station” at Spittal. As soon as occasion arises, and if sufficient warning be given, a staff of ambulance workers will immediately proceed to each of these stations, and boy scouts will, also, be detailed to each station to act as messengers and orderlies. Steps have been taken to furnish each station with the necessary appliances, and it is hoped by these means that, in the unhappy event of first aid being required, ample assistance will be forthcoming.

 

WEDDING BELLS IN WAR TIME

Pretty Ceremony at Ford

 

On Tuesday, May 2nd, at Ford Parish Church, Northumberland, the marriage took place of the Rev. T. J. Parry, temporary chaplain at the Front, second son of Mr James Parry of Halesworth, Suffolk, and Miss Betty Neligan, eldest daughter of the Right Rev. Bishop Neligan, D.D., and Mrs Neligan of Ford Rectory, Northumberland.

The ceremony was performed by Bishop Neligan, the father of the bride, and was choral. The Church was most tastefully decorated with flowers, kindly given by Lord Joicey, from the gardens of Ford Castle.

The bride who walked up the aisle on the arm of her brother, Cadet M. D. M. Neligan, R.N., was given away by her mother, who wore a pale grey dress of liberty silk and chiffon and a black hat.

The bride was charmingly dressed in a white liberty crepe de chine gown with a simple train and tulle veil, and carried a beautiful bouquet of white flowers. She was attended by two bridesmaids, Miss Helen Neligan (sister) and Miss Joan Ackland (cousin), whose pretty dresses were shell pink liberty crepe de chine with black picture hats and wreaths of forget-me-nots. They carried lovely bouquets of pink carnations and silver chain bags, the gift of the bridegroom.

The best man was Captain Parry, D.S.O., 4th Suffolk Regiment, brother of the bridegroom. Both he and his brother were in service khaki uniforms.

The charming bouquets were made by Mr Jackson, head gardener of Ford Castle.

Ford Castle and Parish Church, part of the Ford and Etal estate. © N T Stobbs - Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 2.0 license.
Ford Castle and Parish Church, part of the Ford and Etal Estate. © N T Stobbs – Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 2.0 license.

 

The Church was filled with friends and parishioners, including Lord Joicey, the Hon. Marguerite Joicey, and Mrs Macray, grandmother of the bride. All the friends assembled at the Rectory afterwards, when a presentation was made by Lord Joicey and Mr Gray, on behalf of the parishioners of Ford Parish of a very handsome pair of tall silver candlesticks. The presents included many handsome cheques.

The happy couple left later in a motor for St. Mary’s Loch, where the short honeymoon will be spent before the bridegroom returns to the Front. The bride’s going away dress was a dark blue gabardine coat and skirt with pale chiffon blouse and black straw hat with pale blue flowers.

This Week in World War One, 18 February 1916

by

Berwick Advertiser title 1915

 

BERWICK ADVERTISER, 18 FEBRUARY 1916

 

A BLESSING FOR BERWICK-UPON-TWEED

 

Mr Winston, The Eyesight Specialist, has been persuaded to remain another week until Saturday, 26th February.

In consequence of numerous applications from those whom he was unable to attend to during the last five days of his sojourn in Berwick, Mr Winston has decided to remain another week with us, and give those who have not yet had the opportunity of interviewing him the advantage of his free advice.

Retinoscopy at the School Travelling Ophthalmic Clinic, Australia. Dated 1st January, 1914. © State Records New South Wales, Creative Commons Attribution 2.0 Generic license.
Retinoscopy at the School Travelling Ophthalmic Clinic, Australia. Dated 1st January, 1914. © State Records New South Wales, Creative Commons Attribution 2.0 Generic license.

 

NOT AN OCULIST

It must be distinctly understood that Mr Winston does not pose as an oculist, that, is, according to the dictionary, “once skilled in diseases of the eyes,” but he claims to be, and is justified in doing so, the most expert specialist Optometrist or Optician in England. He has tested the eyesight of no fewer that a hundred thousand people in London alone during the past five years, and has fitted glasses to sixty thousand of them in his store, 72 Regent Street. The chemist is not an optician, neither is the doctor, nor the oculist even. Their education and experience have taught them the nature and use of drugs with regard to ailments, but for impaired vision the scientific optician is the man.

WOMEN WORKERS

Mr Winston has found during the past week that the strenuous work the war has thrown upon women has considerably affected their eyes – probably previously weak- and has produced in numerous cases those terrible headaches from which so many women suffer. He has in the majority of cases recommended a cheap pair of lenses to use when they are at work, but which they need not use and – as they think – disfigure themselves afterwards. Make the most of the opportunity of seeing Mr Winston, as he will not be able to stop in BERWICK ANY LONGER THAN FEB. 26th inclusive.

Mr Winston can now be seen by anyone from 10 to 1 or 2 to 7.30, at the CORN EXCHANGE, BERWICK-ON-TWEED, and they can obtain advice perfectly free of any charge. So do not neglect an opportunity which may never occur again. Special appointments can be arranged by post. N.B.- A written guarantee with all work for ten years.

 

BERWICK PETTY SESSIONS

 

USING THE ROOM OWING TO THE RATS

Elizabeth Gleig, Berwick, married, was charged with allowing the chimney of her house in East Street to be on fire on Thursday, 10th inst.

Police Constable Watt stated that the chimney was very dirty and clouds of smoke issued. He could see these from the top of Hide Hill. It burned for a quarter of an hour. On proceeding to the house he found it was the room chimney which had caught fire, and a young boy had been using an old tray to create a draught. The defendant told him that the chimney had not been swept for two years, and that the fire was not often kindled.

The defendant stated that since her husband joined the army she had using the room, as the kitchen was infested with rats. She had been two years in the house, and as she never used the room until recently the chimney had not been swept.

She was fined 2s 6d.

 

LOCAL NEWS

Local Fancier’s Important win – Showing at Crufts Great International Dog Show, held in the Royal Agricultural Hall, London, February 9th, 10th, and 11th, Mr David Black, Berwick, successfully brought out a smart home-bred bull dog puppy, and won second prize Dog Puppies (14 entries), third prize Junior Dogs, and v.h.c. Maiden Dogs (18 entries). Crufts is acknowledged to be the greatest dog show held throughout the year, and some idea may be gathered from the fact that the total entries reached the enormous number of 3,235. It is interesting to note that this show was honoured with double Royal patronage, both the King and Queen being first prize winners with their exhibits.

Irish Woolfhound 'Felixstowe Regan,' who was the winner of the Dog CC at Crufts,in 1916.
Irish Woolfhound ‘Felixstowe Regan,’ who was the winner of the Dog CC at Crufts,in 1916.

 

Engine Derailed on Border Bridge – On Wednesday morning a North British goods engine went off the rails as it was proceeding from Tweedmouth to Berwick. The engine had just entered on the second arch of the Royal Border Bridge when it became derailed, the result being that it blocked both lines. The 7.45 train from Edinburgh was delayed half an hour at Berwick ere [sic] one of the lines was cleared. The traffic had to be conducted on a single line all forenoon, and a break-down gang from Tweedmouth were busily engaged with a crane replacing the engine on the metals. The cause of the accident is unknown, and fortunately no one was injured.

Royal Border Bridge ealry 1990s. © Berwick Record Office - BRO 515 377
Royal Border Bridge early 1900s. © Berwick Record Office – BRO 515 377

 

THE PLAYHOUSE

 

Average houses have been present during the past week and have greatly appreciated the programme provided. For the coming week the management have arranged a bill of exceptional merit. “The Counterfeiter” a new and powerful Sexton Blake drama will be screened on Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday, and being full of exciting incidents and movements from start to finish, it should indeed prove a popular choice. The latter part of the week will provide a film of no mean order entitled “Every Woman Should Know.” The picture is a revelation of highly skilled acting, and being essentially a morality play, should these times, with all their disturbing element, create quite a sensation. In it, woman descends into the lowest depths, following the lure of vanity, flattery, vice and evil, only at the last moment to turn aside from the path of sin and embrace the spirit of God, which has ever followed her. This week’s vaudeville performance stars the “original Pimple,” formerly of “Tom White’s Arabs” fame. Patrons would be well advised to see this screaming turn.

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