Berwick Advertiser

BERWICK ADVERTISER, 9 JULY 1920

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VIOLENT THUNDERSTORM

GARDNER KILLED BY LIGHTNING AT ORD

A RELATIVE OF GRACE DARLING

A thunderstorm of a violent character prevailed round the Border district on Friday afternoon and evening doing considerable damage to crops and being responsible for the tragic death of Mr George Horsley, a jobbing gardener, aged 66, residing at East Ord.

I was between half-past five and six o’clock when Horsley left his house to go for milk to the farm of Ord Mains.  It was thundering heavily, but as the storm appeared to be still some distance off, no danger was feared.  Five minutes later, Mr Robert Aire Horsley, the brother of the deceased, was summoned by Mr Wm. Gilchrist, farmer, who said he had found the unfortunate man dead on the road.

HOW THE BODY WAS FOUND

The brother hurried to the scene and in the centre of the road leading to the farm they found the body lying face downwards.  It was almost naked, but a few tattered portions of garments remained and were smouldering.  The boots were torn from the feet, the uppers being thrown to either side of the road, and the soles being found nearly 100 yards away.  The deceased’s watch which was found near the body looked as if it had been struck with a sledge hammer.  The winding screw was torn off, the back of the case badly dented, the works fused, and the pointers and glass smashed.  It appeared as if Horsley had been struck by the lightning on the crown of the head, for there was a circular burn and the face was badly marked and burned.

Death, to all appearances, had been instantaneous.  The police were communicated with, and a subsequent medical examination went to prove that the unfortunate man would never have suffered.

A RELATION OF GRACE DARLING.

George Horsley, the victim of this sad occurrence is the eldest son of the late Mr George Horsley of Bamburgh, a full cousin of the heroine of the Longstone, Grace Darling.  The sensational rescue performed by the gallant maid, when the paddle steamer Forfarshire was wrecked during the gale on the Goldstone Rock, is almost history.  How she braved the dangers of the Island channels in the small cobble manned by herself and her father has found its place in song and story.  Her early death from a lingering disease was regretted by the nation.  The only surviving son of the family, Mr R. A. Horsley, has in his possession several relics and personal belongings of Grace Darling, including the flag of the “Forfarshire.”

The family record of the Horsley’s seems to be interwoven with tragedy.  Many years ago, Richard Horsley, a brother, accidentally fell in front of a traction engine and was killed.  The old mother died from shock when the body was brought home, and the two were buried on the same day.  Grace Darling Horsley, the only daughter of the family died infancy.

© Copyright Graham Robson. (CC BY-SA 2.0).

We understand that Coroner Percy, having heard the report of P.C. Richardson, Ord, and considered the circumstances of the case at the inquest held without calling a jury, was satisfied that death resulted from Horsley being struck by lightning.

NOTES FROM SPITTAL

A most enjoyable outing was spent at the Chain Bridge on Thursday afternoon by the members of St Paul’s Church Choir, Spittal, and several friends.  The party, which numbered about 40 went by motor boat.  The trip was splendidly organised by Mr S Brown, organist of the Church. 

Construction of the Union Bridge over the Tweed by Alexander Nasmyth (1758 – 1840).

Great praise is due to Miss M. N. Boston in the manner the catering was carried out, assisted by other ladies of the choir.  Owing to the weather being wet, tea was served in the Shiel.  Games and races were indulged in until time for leaving.  On returning to the station the party was headed by a piper, and left Velvet Hall station for home after spending a very pleasant afternoon.  The company arrived at Spittal about 9pm.

ROWING

BERWICK REGATTA

The prospectus has now been issued for the above event, which takes place on the afternoon of August Bank Holiday, 2nd August.  The prospectus is on the same lines as 1914, when the Regatta was last held.  The premier event is for the Ladies Plate, a four oared race four senior oarsmen in strake boats.  There is another four oared event for maiden oarsmen, the pair oared race for the Marshall Meadows Plate, cutter races for senior and junior oarsmen, and the usual coble races for salmon fishermen.  Good support has already been promised.  The joint secretaries are Messrs R. D. Harvey and R. P. Campbell.

Berwick Amateur Rowing Club in 1951 REF: BRO 1944-1-54-010.

CREW FOR TYNE REGATTA

Berwick A.R.C. is to be represented by the following crew at Tyne Regatta on Saturday, 17th July: — J. Hutchison (bow), Norman Anderson, E. Soulshy, J. D. Buglass (stroke).  It will compete in the race for maiden oarsmen.

BERWICK ADVERTISER, 25 JUNE 1920

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    THE BAKERS’ STRIKE

    EMPLOYERS TO CARRY ON WITH IMPORTED OPERATIVES

    PLENTY BREAD STILL ON SALE

    Another phase of the strike of operative bakers in Berwick took place at week-end, when the employers, standing out against the £4 minimum and the 44 hour week of the Scottish Award, hardened their hearts, and left the men whose notices had expired to roll up their aprons and clear out.

    Mr J. I. Cairns adopted Lord Fisher’s injunction and “sacked the lot, “bringing in their places operatives from the south of England. Other firms have carried on with their staffs who were non-union, and the men regret that there have been two backsliders from the Union ranks.

    A 1950s photograph of J Cairns the bakers shop in Marygate.  In June, 1920, during the bakers’ strike, Mr Cairns adopted a hard line approach to his workforce. Ref: BRO 1250-23

    Branch Secretary Huntley of the men’s organisation has started work at Tweedmouth Co-Operative Society which is paying the full Scottish Award, and has adopted the 44 hours week. Mr Thompson, baker, Bridge Street, has also granted his men the Scottish rate, and is working full time on the 44 hours basis.

    A representative of the men, on being interviewed, said he hoped his colleagues would hold out, though he regretted to say there had been two backsliders. He considered the employers were very belated with their pledge to treat with the men should they become affiliated to an English Union. “It is only a shuffle,” he said. “They knew very well that we would naturally join a Scottish Union when they, the employers, were members of a Scottish master bakers’ Association. If it is legal for employers to organise under a Scottish Association from Berwick, why should the workers be told, although they are doing the same thing and becoming members of a Scottish Operatives’ Union, that they cannot be met, as Berwick is an English Borough. My belief is, “he concluded, “that had we joined an English Union, employers would still have told us they did not recognise us, because we were not members of a Scottish Union.”

    A master baker interviewed, said he was managing to carry on quite well, and was determined to hold out. He reiterated the view that the Scottish Master Bakers could not recognise an English Borough coming under a Scottish award. The whole matter was being contested on principle.

    Mr Morton, of Glasgow, a Union organiser, visited Berwick on Monday, and held a conference with the men on strike. He may be back in the town at the weekend.

    There is, we understand, 5s difference between the regional award for England and the Scottish award. The English wage is 75s, and the Scottish 80s per week. Berwick, situated as it is, gives more trouble to Master Organisations and Trade Unions than any other borough in the Kingdom, owing to the various industries having labour organised either in Scotland or England.

    NEW VICAR OF ST MARY’S, BERWICK

    The Rev. Samuel Edward Raymond Fenning, Curate of Cwmdu, Glamorgan, has been presented by the Dean and Chapter of Durham to the Vicarage of St. Mary’s, Berwick, vacated by the Rev. H. F. H. Henderson. After studying in London, Mr Fenning was ordained deacon in 1911 and priest the following year. He first held a curacy at Cymmer with Porth (Glamorgan) from 1911-13, and in 1917 was appointed a Chaplain to the Territorial Forces, serving for two years. He is the proud possessor of the M.C. Mr Fenning is a distinctly popular cleric in the Cwmdu parish, and has manifested a keen interest in all parochial organisations.

    The former St Mary’s church in Castlegate, now converted into flats, where the Rev. Samuel Edward Raymond Fenning was installed as vicar in June 1920.  And where Mr John Inglis served as an office-bearer. © Peter Bond, (CC BY-SA 2.0) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0/

    This has been a very poor week for the Tweed Salmon Net Fishings. The wind having changed from the seaward to the west, takes immediately took off. Trout and grilse are still very scarce and the retail price per lb. for salmon has risen to 3s 10d.

    On Tuesday afternoon a 15-inch souvenir shell arrived in Berwick addressed to Councillor Dixon as Chairman of the Local War Savings Committee, as a gift from the National War Savings Committee for the Borough’s efforts during “Aeroplane” week. The shell, which weighed 11 cwt., was enclosed in a box and it took three Corporation employees to house it in the Butter Market.

    NOTES FROM SPITTAL

    Considerable interest is being taken in the new cinema show which has opened in the Spittal Hall. Formerly, when a cinema entertainment was held here, it was the mecca of visitors when weather conditions were not favourable for sitting out on the beach and prom.

    Race Week brought a good many former residents back to the township from the Tyneside, and excellent weather favoured the invasion. There were also a few additional visitors arriving at the week-end from the Borders, and the beach had quite a summery appearance.

    Mr Alf Rick has arrived with his troupe of Pierrots, and visitors are assured of a breezy open-air entertainment. Prior to the war, Mr Rick and his assistants succeeded in drawing crowds from Berwick in the evenings, and if the war has not killed the sense of humour, he should still succeed in doing so.

    A. Johnson continued his winning career in fine style by securing the 1st three prizes in Spittal Homing Society’s 4th O.B. race from Oxford, 278 miles, on Saturday. Fifty birds competed in the race, and they were liberated at 8 a.m. by Mr V. Stone, light south-west wind. About ten birds arrived home together, and the result was as follows :- 1, 2 and 3, A. Johnson, 1283, 1275, 1274 yds. Per minute; 4th, A. Dixon, 1268; 5th H. Young, 1266. The 6d. and 2s “pools” and Secretary’s Nomination prize were won by A. Johnson. While the Spittal birds had the benefit of the breeze on Saturday, the Bournemouth Central H. S. birds, liberated at Spittal by A. Dixon at 6.5 a.m., did not arrive home until after 6 p.m. Saturday’s race will be from Longhoughton, ringing 1.15 to 1.45.

    LOCAL NEWS

    On Sunday last Mr and Mrs John Inglis, Cockburn’s Buildings, Berwick, celebrated their silver wedding, and were the recipients of presents and congratulations from a large circle of friends. Several relations travelled from a distance to be present on the happy occasion. Mr Inglis, who is the third son of the late Mr Peter Inglis, Berwick, was married in Bankhill Church to Miss Margaret Hall, second daughter of the late Mr Thomas Hall, foreman lorryman with Messrs Mutter Howey, by Mr McGregor, who was their minister, on 20th June 1895. “Jack” is well-known to all dealing in the cattle business, having followed the droving and transport of stock from his youth. During the last great railway strike he frequently took charge of large droves of cattle, proceeding by road to Newcastle and Haddington markets. He is also an office-bearer in the St. Mary’s Church. We trust the worthy couple will be spared to celebrate even yet another 25 years of married life.

    BERWICK ADVERTISER, 11 JUNE 1920

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    BERWICK OFFICER’S NARROW ESCAPE

    TWO B.A.R.C. MEMBERS IN THE RIVER

    Canoe Upsets Opposite Boathouse

    GALLANT RESCUE BY BERWICK MEN

    A sensational affair took place on the Tweed about 9.30 p.m. on Wednesday night, when Capt. F. B. Cowen, M.C., Berwick, and Mr Thos. Smart, Tweedmouth, nearly met their death by drowning as the result of a sailing canoe upsetting near the Tweedmouth side of the river, opposite the Boathouse.

    Capt. Cowen and his friend have been frequently out on the river lately, sailing this canoe, and on the night of the accident they were sailing up the “gut” between the fishing bat and the Tweedmouth side when a squall of wind struck the sail and the frail craft overturned.

    Tom Smart was lucky enough to fall clear of the boat but Capt. Cowen getting entangled in the sail was held under the water beneath the overturned boat and was being slowly drowned.

    THE RESCUE

    The accident was observed by many friends at the Boathouse, people on the Tweedmouth side, and a large number of pedestrians on the Old Bridge and New Road. Rescue work was immediately begun. A boat was manned at the Boathouse and pulled with all speed to the scene, while Mr R. J. Moor, a member of the B.A.R.C., who happened to be in his house at West End, was quickly sent for and entered the water and swam out to the boat which was only about 12 yards from the Tweedmouth shore. Mr Thomas, who is at present at the Queen’s Theatre with his Welsh Choir, also took the water and swam out, but being an elderly man was soon exhausted and had to himself seek safety.

    The water at the point was about seven feet deep and when the boats arrived on the scene Smart had gone down for the second time and was making rather feeble efforts to keep afloat. Capt. Cowen had been under water all the time and Mr A. A. Crisp dived from a boat fully dressed to assist Mr Moor in the work of rescue. Happily their united efforts were successful. Moor released Capt. Cowen, who was too far gone to struggle and at the same time Smart was pulled aboard and the rescue boat with the aid of an oar where he collapsed.

    Moor having raised Capt. Cowen from the bottom handed him to Mr Crisp who bore him to the wherry and safety. The rescuers were in a very exhausted condition and were violently sick owing to having swallowed so much river water.

    Medical aid was waiting on the shore when the unfortunate men were landed.  Dr T. P. Caverhill and his assistant applying artificial respiration while Dr Badenoch and Dr C. G. Maclagan attended to Smart and assisted on keeping a clear air space. Capt. Cowen was in a bad state and for a time his life was despaired of, but he gradually responded to treatment much to the relief of all present.

    GOLF

    A start has already been made with preparations for the Northumberland Agricultural Society’s Show to be held on the Magadalene Fields on 15th July. The judging ring is nearly complete, and the grandstand is in process of erection. The two holes affected so far are the “Moat” and the “Cricket Field,” but in a week or so the South end of the course will practically be out of play till after the Show.

    Players on the first hole at the Magdalene Fields golf course, shortly after its reopening after the lockdown in 2020. © Kevin Graham, Berwick-upon-Tweed.

    On Saturday the Goswick Club ladies meet the Magdalene Fields Club ladies on the town course in a six-a-side match. The home team will be Miss H. F. M. Caverhill, Miss H. Gray, Miss H. Crossman, Miss McKelvie, Miss Gray, Miss Marshall. Goswick – Mrs P. C. Swan, Mrs Marrow, Mrs W. R. McCreath., Mrs T. P. Caverhill, Mrs Collingwood, Miss C. Gough.

    The ladies’  June Monthly Medal was played over Goswick Course on Saturday last and was won by Miss Henderson, Coldstream, with 111-26- 85.

    After considering the state of the course, the Green Committee have decided to restrict play to 7 holes on and after Monday 14th June. A temporary tee will be made adjacent to No.3 green for play to No. 6 green. The full course must, however, be played in competitions, and members engaged in competitions take precedence at No.7 tee. For the guidance of members the Committee have also decided that a ball lying within 10 yards of any Show structure may, with the consent of opponent or marker, be lifted and dropped no nearer the hole without penalty. If the ball is lying in a hazard, within 10 yards of any Show structure, the ball may be lifted at the option of the player under a penalty of one stroke.

    The Green Committee have placed the hollow at the Greens Haven, where the newly erected refreshment hut is situated, out of bounds. Golfers driving into the hollow will require to drive a second ball from the ninth tee.

    “NO GAS” THREAT

    WORKERS DECIDE TO STRIKE.

    SPITTAL MEN AFFECTED

    Unless a national settlement of the matters in dispute between the Gasworkers in the United Kingdom and the Gas Companies and Corporations, comes before the night of June 26th, over 1000,000 men employed in the industry will come out on strike at the end of the strike notices.

    The demands made by the men are for a 10s per week increase in wages, a 44-hour working week, and double pay for Sundays and holidays.

    A ballot was taken recently as to whether members of the Union concerned were in favour of strike action, when 96 per cent of the workers voted in favour of a strike. The position is being laid before the Ministry of Labour.

    The gasworkers employed by the Berwick and Tweedmouth Gas Company are affected by the threatened strike. A demand for increased wages was made by them some time ago, but this was withdrawn when a national demand was made by the unions. The seventeen men employed at the Gas Works, Spittal, balloted on the strike proposal recently and unless a settlement comes, they will come out with the rest of the gasworkers in the country on the night of June 26th.

    On Wednesday the Ministry of Labour officially invited both sides of the Joint Industrial Council for the industry to meet and try to come to a settlement.

    CHEAP FISH

    WHY NOT BERWICK?

    We learn that the Comrades of the Great War at Alnwick have set about in a business-like way, the provision of cheap fish for the people. The method is to have a list of parties to be supplied regularly and to meet these demands fish are purchased wholesale and given to the customers at a price which is almost 100 per cent. below shop prices. Cod and haddock can be sold by the Comrades at 6d per lb., while  the prices charged by fish dealers in Berwick is 1s per lb, for cod and 9d per lb. for haddock.

    Why not start this method in Berwick as a means of bringing down prices. Last week on Berwick Quay fishermen got from 8s to 10s per stone for haddocks, and these haddocks were retained in the shops at 9d per lb., an all round rate.

    Photograph of the Berwick Quayside early 1900s Ref: BRO 1636-5-6

    The percentage of profit here is reasonable, but a much larger profit iis taken from cod which is retailed at 1s per lb., after having been purchased on the Quay at from 25s to 38s per box for small, and at about 8d per lb. for large fish. Halibut sells on the Quay at 15s and 16s a stone, and is retailed at 1s 6d per lb. upwards. Crabs can be bought from fishermen at 6s and 7s per kit, yet in a shop a purchaser is charged from 6d to 1s according to size. A kit holds some 30 crabs when well packed.

    Of course, it will be said that the fish merchant must have his profit, on account of the work he has to do in handling and gutting the larger fish, but surely if men who have no experience in the fish trade can buy and sell at a profit and let the public have fish at 6d per lb., the fishmonger should go one better.

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