Berwick Advertiser

BERWICK ADVERTISER, 4TH FEBRUARY 1926

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HOWICK HALL GUTTED

Howick Hall, the Northumberland home of Earl and Countess Grey, was partly gutted by fire early on Tuesday morning.

Earl Grey discovered the outbreak about 3am in a room above his bedroom. He gave the alarm promptly and saw to the safety of Countess Grey and his daughter, the lady Elizabeth, the only daughter at home. Countess Grey has been confined to her room with cold for several days, and she was found accommodation in the servants’ quarters in the west wing which, with the east wing, was saved from the flames.

Howick Hall Ref: NRO 02709/57

Earl Grey, the lady Elizabeth, and the members of the household staff and estate worked heroically with the fire appliances available to save the Hall, but the flames spread too rapidly, and by the time the Fire and Rescue Brigade from Ashington arrived nothing much remained of the main hall but its stone walls.

FIRE FIGHTERS DELAYED

The Ashington Brigade under Chief Officer F. P. Mills had an unlucky experience. The fog was so thick they could only crawl along the roads, and the fire had been burning three hours at least when they arrived at the hall. Earl Grey believes that most of the valuable pictures and other works of art on the ground floor have been saved, but the drawing room, the breakfast room, the Chinese room, the Italian room, the library, the central and inner halls and eight bedrooms and dressing rooms have been destroyed. Classic volumes were saved from the library, and the Italian room, distinguished for its wood carving and panelling, was not involved in the conflagration before the major portion of its removable contents were placed in safety.

The utmost sympathy is felt for Earl and Countess Grey in the loss of their beautiful home. They had intended going to London on Monday, nut had cancelled their arrangements in view of the Countess’s indisposition.

It is singular that the Northumberland homes of families bearing the same distinguished names should both have been destroyed by fire. Fallodon, the seat of Viscount Grey Fallodon, it will be recalled, was burnt to the ground on May 2nd, 1917.

Falladon Hall Ref No: BRO 515/68

Beside a water heating apparatus on the top floor, it is believed, the flames originated, and they had obtained a very good hold before earl Grey was aroused by the noise of burning material.

The butler, Mr J. J. Garlick, who has been at Howick only six months, and a chauffeur named Lowery, who were among the first to respond to the clanging of the alarm bell, tell how Earl Grey organised the fire-fighting force of the hall which included a manual engine and superintended operations in the removal of the more valuable works of art and furniture.

“t was amazing how quickly it spread. By half-past three the flames were right through the rook,” said the butler. The water supply was good and the hoses were brought to bear on the flames at every available point, but the destruction went on space until in a short time the whole of the top floor made a beacon light in a mist-enshrouded countryside, so that volunteers came streaming in from all parts of the estate. As soon as it was realised that the fire could not be brought under control Earl Grey directed the removal of the furnishings and valuables from the ground floor, and this work was accomplished with great expedition by members of the household staff and volunteers from the estate, and the villages of Howick and Craster.

“We might not have been able to have saved the contents of the ground floor even, “ said Mr J. Wright, the head gardener, “ only the two huge cisterns containing thousands of gallons of water, at the top of the house, came right down, and subdued the flames for a quarter of an hour or so, just long enough to give us time to remove the valuables,” He regretted that two beautiful tapestries in the inner hall were amongst the works of art lost, and it was hoped at one time that the Italian room, which was distinguished by notable carvings, might be saved. It was burnt out to a shell, however.

In the inner hall, destroyed by fire were two large pictures by Northcote- “The Disobedient Prophet,” and “Daniel in the Lions’ Den.” In other rooms were also valuable paintings and portraits, including Sir A. Calcott’s “Rotterdam”; Martin’s “Nymph Bathing”; Thompson’s “Lady Mary Wood as a Child”; the late “Earl Grey,” by Lawrence; “The Emperor Napoleon,” painted during the Hundred Days. The bees on the frame were taken from the Emperor’s Throne. Northcote’s “The last Sleep of Argyle”; Lawrence’s “The late Countess Grey, with Lady Durham and Lady E. Bulteel as Children,” and others.

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.

BERWICK ADVERTISER, 3RD SEPTEMBER 1925

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NORHAM AND ISLANDSHIRES PETTY SESSIONS

WEDNESDAY

Before Capt. J. C. Collingwood, D. H. W. Askew, T. Darling, J. E. Carr, J. R. Wood, Esqs., Capt, C. Allenby and Capt, C. D. Leyland

WIFE DESERTED

George Wakenshaw, Shoreswood Pit House, was charged with wife desertion at Shoreswood Pit House in July, 1924. Mr H. R. Peters appeared for Mrs Wakenshaw, Mr Henderson appeared for Wakenshaw.

Mr Henderson suggested that a separation order be granted, but that as the husband was out of work and under the National Health Insurance at the present time that no order as to maintenance be made.

Wakenshaw said he was getting 17s from the insurance and had to pay 21s for lodgings in the house at Spowartstead where he was living.

Mrs Wakenshaw stated they were married about 11 years ago at Wooler and there were no children of the marriage. After they were married, they lived about three years with her mother and then went to Cornhill. Her husband left her in July 1924, and she had not got a half-penny from him since. Wakenshaw had taken all their furniture and had it stored in another woman’s house where he was living.

Wakenshaw said he was at present under Dr P. W. Maclagan, Berwick, and was receiving 17s a week sickness benefit from the Insurance and had done so since 10th May this year. The reason why he left Cornhill was that he was neither kept nor fed and had to work often in the harvest field without any dinner. He was quite willing to have a separation order. He had his furniture stored in a room at the house at Spowartstead.

Mr Peters– How long have you been living at Spowartstead? – Wakenshaw: Since April- Mr Peters: And how many people are living there? – Witness: Just four-Mr Peters: No more? –Witness: No- Mr Peters: Four people and you all sleep in the same room? – Witness: No, I sleep in the back room. – Mr Peters: But I thought you said your furniture was stored there? – Witness: My furniture and me. In the other room the woman and two girls of 16yrs and 11yrs sleep. – Mr Peters: Are you aware that notice for overcrowding has been served on this house? – Witness: Yes, but the other people went away.

On the suggestion of the Bench the pardon conferred together to come to an agreement about the division of the furniture and later announced that they had come to an agreement. The Bench then agreed to grant the separation order and fixed the nominal sum of 1s per week as maintenance.

INTERESTING WEDDING IN SOUTH AFRICA

NELSON-TURNBULL

A pretty wedding of local interest was solemnized at Troyeville Baptist Church, Johannesburg, on Wednesday, August 5th, the contracting parties being Miss Maragret (Peggie) Turnbull and Mr William Nelson, both of Johannesburg.

The bride who has spent most of her life in South Africa, is the only daughter of Mr and Mrs Jas. Turnbull, of Berwick-on-Tweed, and a granddaughter of Mrs Black and the late Councillor George Black, of Tweedmouth. The bridegroom is the only son of Mrs Nelson and the late Mr W. Nelson, of Dennistoun, Glasgow. During the Great War he saw considerable service on the Western Front and held a commission in a Highland regiment. He is Secretary to the well known South African firm of house furnishers, Messrs Shepherd and Barker, Ltd.

The ceremony was performed by the Rev. W. H. Doke, and the bride was given away by her brother, Mr James Turnbull. Her gown of ivory silk marocain was embroidered in silver beads and diamante and caught at one side with a spray of orange blossom. Her veil of Brussels lace was worn beneath a coronet of silver, and she carried a bouquet of white carnations and lilies.

The bridesmaid, Miss Cronje, wore shell pink crepe-de-chine over gold tissue and a picture hat of shell pink and gold tissue. She carried a bouquet of pink carnations.

Little Olive Wallace, daughter of Mr and Mrs Andrew Wallace, late of Berwick, was the flower girl. She wore a pretty frock of pale mauve, inlet with mauve net and lace and a cape to tone and carried a basket of mauve sweet peas. Mr Bob Paterson, of Johnnesburg, officiated as best man.

The bride’s mother wore a smart frock of black silk marocain embroidered with gold beads and a black and gold hat. Mrs Nelson, the bridegroom’s mother, wore navy blue marocain and a hat to match.

After the ceremony a reception was held at Oaklea, Kensington, and was attended by a large number of invited guests. The toast of the newly-married couple was proposed by the Rev. W. H. Doke. Mr Nelson made a happy and appropriate reply. Other toasts were duly honoured. Music was provided by Mr Gill’s orchestra and dancing was freely indulged in on the beautiful lawn. The graceful dancing of little Olive Wallace was greatly admired.

The wedding gifts were both numerous and valuable, and included a dinner service from the staff of Messrs Shepherd and Barker, Ltd., a silver tea service from the Ancient Order of Foresters, and a canteen of cutlery from the Jeppe Station Tennis Club.

The happy couple left in the evening for the south coast of Natal, where the honeymoon is being spent. The bride’s travelling costume was of wine-coloured repp trimmed with fur. Her sand-coloured hat was trimmed with a wine-coloured wing.

Credit: (WT-shared) NJR ZA at wts wikivoyage – Open Street Map: Image:Map-South_Africa.svg, CC BY-SA 1.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=22746461

It is interesting to record that the bride and bridegroom attended the ball in honour of the Prince of Wales’ birthday during His Royal Highness’s recent visit to Johannesburg.

Among the Berwickers present at the wedding were Mr and Mrs Alex. Simpson, Mr Wm. Simpson, and Miss Isobel Simpson; Mr and Mrs Andrew Wallace and Miss Olive Wallace; Mrs Selby Pattinson and Miss Iris Pattison; Mr John Scott and Miss Scott, of Whiterigg, Ayton; and Mr and Mrs J. R. Noble and Masters Alec. And Douglas Noble.

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