Berwick Advertiser Archives - Northumberland Archives

BERWICK ADVERTISER, 2ND APRIL 1926

03/04/2026 by Northumberland Archives

CHAPEL STREET’S UNHEALTHY AREA

A letter was read at the meeting of the Public Health Committee from the Town Clerk of Wallsend, enclosing a copy of a resolution passes by that Council requesting the Ministry of Health to promote legislation, in pursuance of which the Minister shall be enabled to contribute to the cost of providing houses for persons displaced in pursuance of an Order made under Part 11 of the Housing Act, 1925 (relating to unhealthy areas) on the same basis as in the case of contributions made under the Housing (Financial Provisions) Act 1924, and asking the Council to support the proposal by passing a similar resolution.

It was resolved of that having regard to the suggested scheme for the clearance of Chapel Street unhealthy are, the Chairman and Sanitary Inspector be requested to interview the officials of the Wallsend Corporation on the matter and on that in the meantime consideration of the question of passing a similar resolution be deferred.

The Committee further considered the official representation on the Medical Office of health relative to the Chapel Street unhealthy area. The Borough surveyor submitted a plan of the area and suggested layout thereof, and it was resolved that a special meeting of the Committee be held to further the matter.

BIRTH CONTROL

A letter was also read to the Committee from Edmonton E. P. C enclosing copies of resolutions passed by that Council urging the Minister of Health to issue instructions allowing Medical Officers in charge of maternity centres to give information on birth control in cases which they consider warrant such information being given, and requesting that the Council support their efforts to secure legislation on the subject. It was resolved that consideration of the matter be deferred until next meeting.

DUMPING OF REFUSE AT OLD QUARRY

A letter was read from a member of occupiers of properties in Shielfield Terrace, Tweedmouth, calling attention to a nuisance at the Old Quarry, caused by the dumping of refuse. It was resolved (i) that the Borough Surveyor be instructed to communicate with the owner of the Quarry on the matter and endeavour to obtain control thereof, in order that the nuisance might be remedied, and that the Town Clerk be instructed to inform, the complainants that the matter is having attention.

PLANS-INCLUDING THE NEW THEATRE

On the recommendation of the Works Committee, the following plans were approved; – Six outbuildings at Northumberland Avenue by Mr John Ayre for various owners; alterations at 4 The Crescent, Spittal, by Messrs Gray & Paterson from Mrs Pardum; alterations to dwellinghouse at Marygate by Messrs Gray & Paterson for Mr John Smith; garage at Springhill by Mr J. E. Carr for Mrs Hinsworth; boarding at Castle Bridge by and for Messrs Symington & Sons, telephone poles at Warkworth Terrace for G. P.O.; drainage at 46a West End, Tweedmouth, for Mr. R. Younger; drainage at 75 West End, Tweedmouth, by Mr D. Watson for Mr A. Shwam; drainage at 74-80 Main Street, Tweedmouth, by Mr D. Watson for the Misses I, and M. Logan; Washhouse at 5 Blakewell Lane, by Messrs Gray & Paterson for Mrs Rutherford; drainage at 108 Middle Street, Spittal, by Messrs A. C. Burn & Son for J. Bruce and others; Theatre at Hide Hill, by Schofield, Southport, for Berwick Theatre Limited, subject to certain details being arranged by the Borough Surveyor with the architect.

DANGEROUS CONDITION OF CHURCH STREET PROPERTY

The Borough Surveyor reported to the Works Committee that statutory notices had been served on the owner and occupiers of certain property being Nos 35 and 37 Church Street, relative to the dangerous condition of the building, and that he intended to demolish a portion of it so as to render it safe. It was resolved that the Borough Surveyor be instructed to proceed accordingly.

OPENING OF MUSEUM

The Reading Room Committee reported they had considered the question of reopening of the Museum and had resolved that consideration of the matter be deferred until the next meeting of the Committee. They had also resolved that the Town Clerk be instructed to arrange for the removal of the relics of the Great War to the Museum, and that they be exhibited on the part of the wall indicated by the Committee.

In moving the adoption of the report of the Committee, Councillor Dickinson (chairman) intimated the Museum was now open 9 am till dusk.

Councillor Stuart seconded but did not get a chance of finishing his remarks before Ald Bolus rose to speak.

Ald. Bolus- I think the Council and the town are deeply indebted to Councillor Dickinson and Mrs Dickinson, who have done so much to renovate and make the Museum a place in which one can now be greatly interested. I am sure the council and people in genera appreciate the work which has been done (Applause).

Councillor Stuart- That is just what I was going to say. (Laughter)

PLAYING FIELD FOR TWEEDMOUTH,

PROPOSAL TO PURCHASE BLAKEWELL GARDENS

The business occupying the Council in Committee was the consideration of three reports of a special committee of the Tweedmouth members in regard to the provision of a playing field at Tweedmouth.

The reports of the Committee meetings were as follows:-

At the meeting on 18^th September, 1925, when there were present, Councillor Lockhart (Chairman), Ald. Brewis, Councillor Adams,, the Town Clerk reported that only three of the owners of property in the vicinity of the Meadow Fields had assented to the field, if required, being used for recreation purposes. It was resolved that the Town Clerk be instructed to ascertain at what price the northern-most portion of the fields can be acquired, and, if necessary, to offer the sum of £200 per acre; and to ascertain if the land in Blakewell Gardens can be acquired, and at what price.

At the meeting on the 27^th October 1925, when there were present, Councillor Liddle (Chairman), Ald Brewis, Councillors Adams and Hay, the Town Clerk reported the present position of the proposal to provide a recreation ground at Tweedmouth. It was reported that lady Osbourne did not desire to sell the Meadows but was willing to assist the town in any way she could. It was resolved that the Town Clerk be instructed to enquire upon what terms Lady Osbourne would sell the Meadow Field north of the footpath leading from the Main Street, Tweedmouth.

At the meeting on the 24^th March 1926, when there were present Councillor Liddle (Chairman), Alderman Brewis, Councillors Adams and Hay, the Town Clerk read a letter from the Agent of Ord Estate informing the Committee that the owner cannot see her way to sell the meadow Filed, north of the footpath, leading from Main Street, Tweedmouth and also one from the Agent of Blakewell Gardens, asking the Council to make an offer, which the owner would be pleased to consider.

It was resolved (i) that the Council approve of the proposal to purchase the Blakewell Gardens as a Playing Field for Tweedmouth, subject to satisfactory terms being arranged; (ii) that the District Valuer be requested to make a valuation of the Gardens and that the borough Surveyor be instructed to prepare an estimate of the cost of converting the Gardens into a playing field; (iii) that the Committee be instructed to report back to the Council.

On the motion of Councillor Liddle, seconded by Alderman Brewis, the Council resolved that the proceedings of the Committee be approved.

BERWICK ADVERTISER, 4TH FEBRUARY 1926

06/02/2026 by Northumberland Archives

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.

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 2^nd, 1917.

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

07/11/2025 by Northumberland Archives

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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