BERWICK ADVERTISER, 22ND DECEMBER 1922

23/12/2022 by Northumberland Archives

BELFORD HALL ESTATE SOLD

It is stated the Belford estate has just been sold by Messrs Anderson and Garland, in conjunction with Messrs John Baty and Son, of Newcastle, to Mr Blasé, near Northallerton. A syndicate is mentioned which is already prepared to part with some of the property and it is stated that some farmers have already been asked if they want to buy.

The estate, belonging to the Atkinson Clark family, embraces the larger portion of Belford village which has a long history of exceptional interest. In olden times the houses were covered with heather and sods, and the place, Tomlinson tells us, being liable to be burned by the Scots, was very poor.

It was sacked by these northern raiders in the reign of Henry II., and in the reign of Charles I. (1639) was in a state of declension. The “Castrum de Beleford,” which existed as early as 1416, is now West Hall Farm-houses. The old moat may still be traced. Belford Hall, also included in the sale, has been for many years the seat of the Atkinson-Clark family. The large stone mansion was designed by Payne, and altered and enlarged by Dobson. The greater part of the furnishings were disposed of at a sale at the hall last year after the death of the late Mr G. D. Atkinson-Clark. The present Squire, Mr H. G. Atkinson-Clark, has not resided at the Hall save for an occasional visit.

LOCAL NEWS

The happiest day of the school year for teachers and scholars of Berwick C.E. School was on Wednesday, when a dancing display was given by the girls in the Parochial Hall before a large number of parents. As Miss Richardson, the headmistress, said at the close, the girls work all the better when they know their work is to be appreciated and that they are going to give pleasure to others. The hour was all too short, all enjoying watching the girls dance. Very pretty was the Morris Dance, in which the girls wore lavender or green pinafores and sun-bonnets, and “Briar Rose” – a singing game in which the tots took part. In the centre of a ring sat a tiny maiden on a rose-decked chair spinning her wheel. Round her danced the maidens, till by came a fairy and, touching all with her wand, sent them to sleep for 100 years. In due course also by came the fairy prince and, cutting through the thorns of the briar rose, rescued the maiden.

The shops throughout the town are making a fine display with Christmas ware, and with lighting effects now brought to a high state of perfection the window displays are very pleasing. The toy shops are cram full of every mechanical and other device calculated to catch the children’s fancy, while the clothiers, tobacconists, fancy goods merchants, boot makers and bakers and confectioners vie with each other as to who will make their premises the most attractive. Such is the show that it is difficult to pass any of the shops without making a “saxpense gae bang.” The only fly in the ointment at the present time is the tightness of money. Shopkeepers freely tell us that there is not much of this passing at present, but perhaps by Friday the purse strings of economical and thrifty residents will be opened as a result of that Christmassy feeling which makes the whole world kin.

BRO 1944-1-4939-44. Santa delivering parcels on Marygate, Berwick-upon-Tweed.

The magazine night of the Berwick Debating Society is always looked forward to with anticipation by members as one of the treats of the syllabus, and particularly so when the Christmas magazine comes round. The Editor, Mr L. F. Gleig, on Wednesday night read the papers with a true interpretation of their meaning which could hardly have been improved upon. The first paper entitled “The angelic choir boy” was well thought out, and the anti-climax brought considerable hilarity. There was also a poem on Armistice Day, and a humorous skit entitled “7a Church Street, “ which produced a great deal of merriment. “Easter Island” was another good paper which we publish in full in another good paper which we publish in full in another column. The second part of the programme was a lengthy and extremely well written paper entitled the “Veneer of Civilisation.” The writer reviewed the various civilisations which had come and gone in the past centuries and said there was only a slim covering between the civilised people and the barbarians. A lively discussion ensued on every paper.

BERWICK PETTY SESSIONS

A WALKERGATE BATTLE

Mary Ann Campbell, 57 Church Street, Berwick, was charged with assaulting Ellen Pearson on 14th December. Mrs Campbell cross summoned Ellen Pearson, 55 Walkergate, for assault.

Mrs Pearson said there was a dispute about a brush when Mrs Campbell jumped at her, pulled her hair and knocked her down behind the door. She remembered no more.

James Lyons corroborated and said Mrs Campbell thumped Mrs Pearson with a key.

This was denied by Mrs Campbell, who said she only struck in self defence as Mrs Pearson threw a jug at her.

The cross summons was then taken, when Mrs Campbell said a little boy was accused of stealing a brush, and she said they should look for it instead of blaming anyone. The elderly Pearson kept shouting at her and as she went down the passage threw an enamel jug at her Mrs Pearson then pulled her hair and to make her leave go witness hit her on the nose.

This was corroborated by Mrs Smith, aunt of the accused.

The Bench bound both parties over for six months and ordered them to pay their own expenses.

NO DEMAND ON PROPERTIES

FOUR LOTS SOLD OUT OF SIXTEEN OFFERED

In the Long Room of the Corn Exchange on Tuesday night Mr H M. Young, of Messrs Millers, F.A.I., offered for sale sixteen lots of property in Tweedmouth, Spittal, and Berwick. There was a large attendance at the sale, but actual business was practically nil, though the auctioneer, in his opening remarks, made it clear that the reserve prices fixed were very moderate.

Mr Young, at the outset, intimated that the parcel of copyhold land known as the “Quarry” on Tweedmouth Cemetery road had been sold privately before the auction. In his opening remarks, he covered most of the ground as he had done in the afternoon, and pointed out that it was very probable after June next year that the Rents Restriction Act would be considerably modified. He urged the necessity of tenants becoming owners of their own houses wherever possible.

Corn Exchange, Berwick-upon-Tweed. NT9990052696 from NT9990452736

The conditions of sale for the various lots were read by Mr Parker, Mr P. M. Henderson, Mr J. E. T. Smith, and Mr Jas. Gray, but biding all through was of a most depressing character. The only lots to find a market were the freehold tenements 19, 14 and 16 Well Square, the dwelling house at 11 Kiln Hill, the self-contained house and garden at 50 West Street, Spittal, and the property at 13, 15, 17 and 19 Walkergate. In every other case the lots were withdrawn as the reserve price had not been reached.

The property at 9, 14 and 16 Well Square is now in the occupation of Messrs Veitch, Taylor and others at the gross annual rental of £17 16s. For this lot bidding started at £70 and rose by £10 bids to £100, when Mr R. Sidey, plasterer, became the owner.

The dwelling house at 11 Kiln Hill is now let in tenements at the gross annual rental of £24 per annum. Bidding for it started at £100 and rose slowly to £150, when Mrs Skelly, Tweedmouth, was declared the purchaser.

No.50 West Street, Spittal, with 60 square yards of garden ground, is now in the occupation of Mrs Laidlaw at the rental of £13 per annum. It started at £20 and went slowly up by small amounts until £39 was reached, when Mr Spowart got the fall of the hammer.

The shop and dwelling house of three apartments, yard, etc, known as 13 and 15 Walkergate, in the occupation of Mr Cook, and the dwelling house Nos 17 and 19 Walkergate, in the occupation of Messrs Windram and Davidson at the gross rental of £44 was the only other lot to sell. There is a right of way from the Scotch Church in Greenside Avenue to Walkergate through the yard of this property. Bidding for it started at £200, and with several bidders out for it the most spirited moment of the evening was seen. At £400 it became the property of Mrs Forsyth.

LOTS WITHDRAWN

The following lots were withdrawn:- 3 Brewery Bank, withdrawn at £110; Elm House, Kiln Hill, tenements and garden, withdrawn at £150; Nos 1 and 3 Well Road, withdrawn at £150; Nos 5 and 7 Well Road, withdrawn at £120; freehold property 11 and 13 Coxon’s Lane, withdrawn at 3120; block of property, Nos 14,16,16a and 18 Kiln Hill, 17 Yard Heads, two self-contained dwelling-houses, warehouses and yards occupying an area of 690 square yards and occupied by the executors of the late A. D. Watt, withdrawn at £400; tenement property in Blakewell Lane withdrawn at £70; tenement dwelling-houses, 71,73 and 75 West End, no offers; dwelling-house 15 Church Road withdrawn, £110; block of property, 26 to 32 Middle Street and 23 to 25 West Street, Spittal, withdrawn at £60; tenement property, 29 and 31 East Street, withdrawn at £345, and tenement property, 46 to 48 West End, Tweedmouth, withdrawn at £110.

PROFESSIONALISM IN FOOTBALL

LORD JOICEY ALARMED

The menace which professionalism constitutes to football as a sport was commented on by Lord Joicey at the Station Hotel, Newcastle, on Tuesday afternoon, when he presented a beautiful silver shield, mounted on oak, to last season’s winners of the North-Eastern Railway Cottage Homes football competition, the Newcastle Accountants’ department team, who are the first holders.

In the course of his remarks Lord Joicey said that he was an old football player himself, and when at school he was captain of the football team and knew the value of games. Games were really an education in themselves, and football developed determination, character, and a high honour, and the amateur teams had a very good influence. “I confess I took with some degree of alarm,” he went on, “at the way that football has been given over to professionals. Professionals are all very well and good of the sport is where every footballer player for the benefit of the game itself. I regret that very large sums are paid to gentlemen who are engaged as professional football players. Three, four, and even five thousand pounds is sometimes paid to get a good player. That all leads to betting, and I am afraid that ultimately it will have a very bad effect upon the game itself. I hope your club will continue as an amateur club, because it will be beneficial to everybody connected with the railway company and to yourselves.

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, 15TH JULY 1921

16/07/2021 by Northumberland Archives

SPITTAL WAR MEMORIAL UNVEILED

STIRRING ADDRESSES BY COLONEL RIDDELL, C.M.G., D.S.O., AND LIEUT.COL. N.I. WRIGHT, D.S.O

Spittal War Memorial shortly after construction 1921. REF: BRO 1895

Unequalled in the district for beauty, simplicity, environment, and chaste design was the memorial unveiled at the Spa Well site, Spittal, on Sunday in commemoration of the sacrifice made by the thirty-seven good men and true who fell during the agonising period of the Great War. The site had, if anything, a sentimental attraction. How many times in the calm and piping days of peace had the children of the township treaded the long path to the Spa well to quench their youthful thirst in the heat of the day. Now, many years afterwards, when the flower of the country’s manhood had been swept away by the devastating tide of modern warfare, on the same old place hallowed in the memory of childhood, a tapering obelisk marks the passing of a land where there is no eventide of many who were daily there in their boyhood days.

Tropical conditions prevailed during the proceedings, which were characterised by an earnestness which showed that the speakers felt the need for a general resolve to bring the old country into that state of civil and industrial prosperity, so that the ideals for which these men fought and fell might be realised.

The Mayor of Berwick (Councillor Bolus) attended, and he was accompanied by the Sheriff, (Mr R. Carr), Councillors Hadley and Edminson, Ald. Wilson, Councillor Redpath, Mr Robt. Dickinson, the Town Clerk (Mr D.S. Twigg), and the Revs Fergus Chambers, W. Brown, J. D. Bowman, J. H. Cuthbertson, and Wm. Jardine were also in attendance. Officers present, in addition to those taking part in the ceremony, were; – Col. W. B. Mackay, C.M.G., Major H. R. Smail, Capt. P. W. Maclagan, Capt.D. Hebenton, Capt. E. H. Crow, Lieut. J. P. Huffam, V.C., Lieut. Eric Mackay, and Capt. F. B. Cowen, M.C.

A guard of honour was provided by the 7^th N.F., and this body, under command of Capt. Cowen, lined up in the street in front of the memorial. They were inspected prior to the ceremony by Col. Commandant Riddell. Crowds lined the street and the high ground behind the memorial, the enclosure being reserved for relatives of the fallen and invited friends. A choir, under Mr John Moffat, led the singing of the fine old hymns chosen, and Mr Nicholson ably presided at the organ.

LOCAL NEWS

Mr Walter Clarence Holloway, an actor well known in Scottish theatrical circles, is on 2000 miles walking tour through Scotland for a wager. He is expected to arrive in Berwick about the week-end. Mr Holloway set out from Glasgow on 20^th April without a copper in his pocket, his only means of subsistence throughout the tour being derived from the sale of water colour paintings, which he executes enroute. He has already covered 1300 miles, passing through the West Highlands, Skye, and John O’Groats, and has only encountered bad weather on one day of his walk, when he walked into a wind and rainstorm at Cape Wrath.

BELFORD DISTRICT COUNCIL

A FIRE ENGINE

Mr James Clark, with a few to ascertaining the feeling of the Council, raised the question of the need for a fire engine in the district. There had been a good many fires in the district and considerable damage had been done to property. He brought forward the subject to have it discussed. He suggested that the Clerk write to the Norham and Islandshires and to the Glendale Councils and ask them to consider the question of a joint fire engine for the three Councils, and that a conference on the question at a future date be held. Sir E. C. Haggerston agreed, and the Council supported the suggestion.

BELFORD HIGH STREET, 1900S. REF: BRO 1519-007

Mr Johnson thought that as rates were now 200 per cent. Higher than before the war, they should let the mater be, even though there was no doubt a fire engine was needed. If Belford was to faced with a new fire engine as well as a new sewage scheme, the rate would be higher.

COMMERCIAL TRAVELLERS’ VISIT TO WOOLER

Members of the Committee of the North of England Commercial Travellers’ Benevolent association thoroughly enjoyed their visit to Wooler by a char-a-banc on Saturday. The arrangements were carried out by Mr Harry J. Welford and Mr James Laing. The luncheon was presided over by Sir Arthur m. Sutherland, Bart., and the vice-chair was occupied by Mr J. Laws, the vice-president.

Mr E. Taylor, the chairman of the Executive, proposing the health of the President, expressed hearty congratulations to Sir Arthur Sutherland upon the recent honour conferred upon him by the King.

Sir Arthur Sutherland, replying, thanked the gathering for the reception they had accorded him. Work, he said, was a grand thing, but some of them could get too much of it and too little recreation. Latterly, however, he was afraid that there had been a tendency to have too much recreation and too little work. He hoped that all would make up their minds to do their duty to the country, which at the present time needed work so much. We had had a tremendous set-back with the coal dispute, and it behoved everyone, commercial magnates included, to do all they could to redeem what we had lost, not only in the war, but since the war. We won the war by sacrifice, and we could not win the peace by selfishness, and he hoped that people would recognise that.

OTTER HUNTING

The otter hounds, which are at present having good sport on Tweed and its tributaries, met at Cornhill on Saturday. There was a very large following, which included Capt. And Mrs Collingwood, Capt. And Mrs Goodson, Mr G. Henderson, Mr J. Robertson, Mrs J. R. C. Cowan, Capt. Blake, Capt. Brummell, and many others. A fine otter was raised in the mill race on the Lees, which made for the river Leet. He was chased up this stream through part of the Hirsel policies. Just below the mansion house, where the overflow from the lake enters the leet through a built conduit, he gave hounds the slip.

The Northern Counties’ Hounds had a very fine day’s sport at Norham-on-Tweed. Casting off the master drew up the Tweed for a mile and finding the “sport” of an otter pointing downstream, he returned to the bridge and drew down the river. He soon hit off a catchy drag and the hounds carried it forward and below Norham Castle, where Rallywood and Garlie marked at an old weiring. The otter at once swam off and entered the back-water of the Tweed. After being hunted here for nearly an hour, the pace was too hot for the otter and he swam into the Tweed, and for over an hour a rare swimming hunt took place. The hounds had a fine “wash” on the stream and they gave their quarry no rest whatever, driving him from root to root and hover to hover. Eventually they killed a well spent dog otter of 28lbs, after a splendid Tweed hunt of two hours and a quarter.

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