BERWICK NEWSPAPERS, 1924

05/01/2024 by Northumberland Archives

BERWICK ADVERTISER, 3RD JANUARY 1924

MILITARY NOTES-DEPOT NOTES

Lt. J. Watt, M.C., has taken over the duties of Adjutant at the Depot in succession to Capt. B. C. Lake, who has been appointed Officer in Charge of training at the Depot. Capt. E.W.T. Agar, M. C., has also arrived and takes over the position vacated by Capt. Campbell, who has gone to the War Office. Capt. Agar is from the 1^st Battalion, and the new Adjutant from the 2^nd.

Sergt. Abbot has returned to the Depot after his course at Hythe and he appeared once more in the orchestra at the Hogmanay dance given by the Sergeants in the Gymnasium. The hall was tastefully decorated, and everything went through without a hitch. Excellent music was provided at the dance by Mr N.P. Allan’s orchestra and there was abundance in the way of light refreshment. The New Year, as is customary, was “piped” in and the company sang “A Guid New Year” and “Auld Lang Syne.” The dance was voted a great success by all who took part in it.

On New Year’s night, the Sergeants and honorary members of the Mess had their new Year dinner and social evening. There was a full attendance, and the evening was pleasantly spent with song, reminiscence, and toasts.

Colour Sergt. McKellar has been promoted C.S.M. and has been posted to the 1^st Battalion. He will be leaving the Depot shortly and his going is regretted by all.

LOCAL NEWS

Christmas has come and gone, but it has left happy memories with some 400 poor children in the town, who on Friday, 28^th December, were entertained in Wallace Green Hall. The ladies who promoted the treat wee Mrs Fulton, Miss McConville and Misses McAdam, and they had the assistance of a large band of willing workers, male and female. The tea tables were heavily laden with good things, and it was found necessary to have two sittings for tea as many more children turned up than were at first expected. Tea over, a lengthy programme of music, song and dancing was gone through to the delight of all present.

Still standing, St Andrew’s church (Church of Scotland), Wallace Green, Berwick-upon-Tweed. © Author: mattbuck, Wikimedia Commons, Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 2.0 Generic license.

When father Christmas appeared in the Hall to dismantle a large Christmas tree, heavily laden with gifts and illuminated with coloured lights, the scenes of enthusiasm were such as to make the heart glad. Every child received a present and, judging from the happy faces, every child was perfectly satisfied. After the tree had been dismantled Mr Seals called for three cheers for the ladies who had given the treat, these were given with great gusto. The following contributed to the programme during the evening: – Dancers; Misses Black, Elder, Isaac, Crow, McLaren, Whittle, King and Casey. Pipe selections were given by Mr Heckles, and comic songs were sung by Mr Dudgeon. Miss Todd and Miss Wilson played the accompaniments, and Mrs Thompson led the children in singing all the latest songs. As the children retired each received an apple, orange, toffee, and cake. The promoters thank all who helped in gifts and in service, and thanks are also due to Messrs Knox, Bridge Street, who did the lighting arrangements, and the trustees of Wallace Green Church for the use of the hall.

GOSWICK

On Christmas Eve upwards of seventy children and adults from Goswick Station, Goswick Farm, Windmill Hill, Cheswick, Cheswick farm, and Broomhouse, were entertained to a tea and Christmas tree in the E.P. Church, Goswick. After an enjoyable repast each child was handed a present from the Christmas tree. Mr Stinton, Wireless Station, acting as Santa Claus in a most appropriate way. Thereafter games were indulged in and songs and recitations by the following ladies and gentlemen added to the enjoyment of the evening: – Messrs Beattie, Wilson, Stinton, and Moffatt, Mrs Wye, and Miss Beattie. Miss Wedderburn contributed a violin solo. A doll given by Mrs Ash was raffled and won by Miss Olive Grahamslaw. Mrs Chirnside presided at the organ. Those responsible for the organisation of the affair were: – Mrs Whye, Mr and Mrs Chirnside, Mrs J. Grahamslaw, Mr and Mrs Beattie and others.

BERWICK TOWN COUNCIL

A special meeting of Berwick Town Council took place in the Council Chamber of the Town Hall, on Friday evening, when the Mayor (Ald. Wilson) presided, and there were also in attendance Aldermen Boston, Maclagan, and Cowe, Councillors Redpath, Stuart, Morrison, Dudgeon, Campbell, Dickinson, Davis, and Anderson; along with the Town Clerk (Mr J. W. Porter) and the Borough Accountant (Mr Jas. Gibson).

The Mayor announced that the only business which had brought them together was to consider and if necessary pass a resolution, “That an emergency having arisen through an outbreak of small pox the Council make a temporary order that for a period of three months the Infectious Diseases (Notification) Act 1889, shall apply to cases of chickenpox within the borough of Berwick, and that the order shall come into operation at the expiration of one week from the publication of the advertisement viz., on the 5^th day of January, 1924.

Berwick Town Hall early 1900’s. BRO 426-294

Alderman Maclagan – As chairman of the Public Health Committee I beg to move the adoption of this resolution. You will know that there have been five cases of smallpox at Morpeth area, and that is rather near to us. Norham and Islandshires made chickenpox notifiable some time ago and now they have made it notifiable for twelve months. If I had been consulted before the motion was framed, I would have been in favour of making it notifiable here for six months, but I am afraid it is too late now for moving that. I have discussed it with the Medical Officer, and he agreed with me six months would be much better than three, but it was thought best by reason of expense to limit it to three months. This period proposed would end in April, and it was usually April and May when outbreaks of infectious disease occurred, but in the end of March if it was necessary notice could be given to extend the period for another three months. The idea of making chickenpox notifiable was that mild cases of smallpox resemble chickenpox closely, and if notified and seen by a medical man he was able at once to distinguish between the two and so stamp out smallpox as soon as it appeared.

Alderman Boston seconded, and the resolution was agreed to without discussion. The whole proceedings only occupied four minutes-surely a record for Council business.

FORMER BERWICK TRAVELLER

SENT TO PRISON FOR EMBEZZLEMENT

Sheriff Crole passed sentenced of eight months’ imprisonment at Edinburgh Sheriff Court on Monday on a well-dressed young man, Percy Wainwright, in custody, previously residing at 8 Kirkhill Road, Penicuik, who admitted that between April 24^th and August 5^th, while acting as agent and collector for the Humber Fishing and Fish Manure Company (Limited), Hull, he embezzled sums amounting to £366 6s 6d.

An agent on wainwright’s behalf stated that accused was employed by the Company from June, 1919, and part of his work was to collect accounts. One matter which might have some bearing on the case was that Wainwright seemed to have spent more money on entertaining his customers than he ought to have done.

The procurator-Fiscal said that Wainwright appeared to have been doing quite well for his firm, but had become financially embarrassed. He had certainly made the most of it, for at the time of his arrest he had only 3d left. Except for his disposal of his wearing apparel, he had nothing to live upon.

Wainwright is well known in Berwick. During the latter period of the war and until two years ago, when he left for Loanhead, he worked the Berwick and north Northumberland districts. He resided at the Castle Hotel and attended all the stock and grain markets and as side lines he held agencies for several companies. He was a keen golfer and was often seen on the Magdalene Fields Course. Since removing to Penicuik, he has frequently come back to attend Berwick market and it is only a few weeks ago since he was in the town.

FOOTBALL

EAST OF SCOTLAND LEAGUE

Berwick Rangers (h)….3 Gala Fairydean….1

Jack Frost held sway at Union Park on Saturday. Despite the fact that two tons of sand had been used, the field was in a dangerous condition, melted snow, frozen hard, making the foothold treacherous and even where the sand had been liberally used in the goalmouths the going was none too good. Under the circumstances the teams are to be congratulated on the display given. The game never lacked interest up to the last kick and it was fortunate that no one was hurt, there being no heavy charging indulged in. Brown was accidently kicked on the head by Purves in the second half but after attention and some of the hot drink which the Rangers had at the interval, he was able to resume amid applause.

BERWICK ADVERTISER, 100 YEARS AGO

26/10/2023 by Northumberland Archives

BERWICK ADVERTISER, 26 OCTOBER 1923

WOOLER PARISH CHURCH

MEMORIALS UNVEILED AND DEDICATED

The unveiling and dedication of a memorial Reredos in memory of the men from the parish who gave their lives for their country in the Great War, together with side panels in memory of Canon Wilsden, who was Vicar of the parish from 1880 to 1910, and a lectern in memory of Miss Bessie Wilsden took place in St. Mary’s Parish Church, Wooler, on Sunday afternoon. The memorials are all made from selected Austrian oak, designed and executed by Messrs E. Douglas and Son, cabinetmakers, Wooler, and correspond with the other fittings in the chance as carried out under the restoration scheme, the design being Gothic. In the panels of the Reredos are the sixty names of those who fell from the parish. The workmanship does infinite credit to local labour.

There was a very large congregation, the church being packed to the doors. Amongst those present were the Earl and Countess Tankerville and many others.

The Vicar (Canon Moran) conducted the service, which opened with the hymn “The King of Love my Shepherd is.” The lessons were read by the Vicar and the Rev, J, G. Shotton. A sacred solo, “Infinite Love,” was sung by the Earl of Tankerville to organ accompaniment. The choir gave a capable rendering of Stainer’s anthem, “Who Are These?”

The Reredos and panels were unveiled by Major J. G. G. Rea, D.S.O., and the lectern was unveiled by the Rev. J. G. Shotton, at the request of near relatives and friends by whom it has been provided.

The memorials were then dedicated by Bishop of the Diocese (Dr Wild). A large number of wreaths were placed in front of the communion table by relatives and friends. The hymn “Fight the Good Fight” having been sung, the Bishop delivered a stirring address, taking for his text 1^st Cor. iii., 8 –“Every man shall receive his own reward according to his own labour.” The Bishop, referring to the proceedings, said the day was a very appropriate one, for it was the anniversary of the Battle of Trafalgar. He paid a warm tribute to the men who went to almost certain death in that memorable month of August, 1914.

The” Last Post” was sounded, and after a minute’s silence the Blessing was pronounced by the Bishop, which was followed by the “Reveille” and the singing of the National Anthem.

The members of the Parish Council and British Legion were also present, also the Freemasons, Sunday School children, and representatives from other places of worship.

NORHAM

Norham Nursing Association held a successful jumble sale in aid of the work of the Association on Wednesday afternoon, £23 5s being realised.

The dance which was held in the Public Hall on Saturday last was very well patronised, the proceeds going towards the Football Club funds. Everybody seemed to enjoy themselves very well to the delightful music of Miss Jean Smith, extras being played by Miss L. Weatherston, Sunderland. Mr J. Sheppard was at the door as usual, and Mr A. Burns was M.C.

A whist drive and dance in aid of Norham Boat races, held on Friday evening in the Public Hall, proved a great success. The Committee intend making the whist drive and dance an annual affair in order to keep their funds in a healthy condition, prepared to meet any emergency which may arise through bad weather. Thirty-six tables were occupied and 24 games were played. At the end of the twelfth game tea and cakes were served round a number of young ladies under the supervision of Miss A. Lyall and Miss H. Rule, who kindly undertook the management of the catering. At the conclusion of the games the prize winners to be Miss Purves, Miss Wilkinson, Miss J. Wharton, and Messrs Easton, Anderson and Scott. The prizes, which were of a useful nature, were provided by local tradesmen and friends. At intervals during the dancing a Dutch auction was held, and the articles sold consisted of cakes, a canary, a cockerel, and a bottle of wine brought remarkable prices. The dance music was supplied by Miss Jean Smith in her usual able manner and was much appreciated. The whist drive and dance was voted by all present as the most enjoyable event which has taken place for some time. Thanks are due to all those friends who so kindly helped by assistance, giving cakes, tea, etc, and by lending cards and tables to make the drive so successful.

SIR WALTER RUNCIMAN ON UNEMPLOYMENT

Speaking on unemployment at the central Primitive methodist Church, Newcastle, on Monday night, Sir Walter Runciman said his own opinion was that there was no necessity for all those people to be out of work. If they could not handle a mallet or plane, they could do something; and he felt assured that, if the proper policy was adopted, employment could be found for hundreds of thousands now out of work. But he himself offered work to some people the other day, and they would not do it. That reminded him of a young girl who applied for a passage to America, and when he asked her why she wanted to leave England, she said: “I can scrub doorsteps out there, but I can’t do it here.” That was just a bit of standing on one’s dignity, continued the speaker; people did not like being seen doing unaccustomed work. Yet when he was a young sailor lad he was sometimes out of work. They got low wages in those days £32 10s a month – he thought he paid £13 a month now- and rotten food; and the cost of living was just as high then. But that did where else when not at sea.

He went to dig a garden on one occasion; and another time he saw a ship coming in and buried to ask the captain if he wanted help and got the job he was after. It was only a very few shillings, but it showed what could be done if people would only adapt themselves to circumstances. If they could not do one thing, they could do another. He had heard of communities who would rather starve than take the dole, and so would he. He had himself given people employment who said they would not accept the dole.

“I tell you,” concluded Sir Walter, “that there is work if you go where it is to be found. I don’t think anyone who has work to offer would turn a man or woman away if they are willing to take it. It is necessary to go on working to keep brain and body alive. I don’t want to die yet, and I think I would if I stopped working. Don’t get into the habit of thinking you ought to retire. If you are any good at your work, keep at it as long as you can. If you are not, get another job.

“I wish some of the leaders of what they call the working class – though we are all workers-would impress on the people they profess to lead that they can get work of some fashion if they only look for it.”

LOCAL NEWS

A volume of Dugald MacFadyen’s humorous stories and sketches, including “Buffoon’s Who’s Zoo,” has been edited by his son, R. MacFadyen, and for those who like this sort of thing it should serve to while away a journey or a cold and dirty night. It is published by W. F. Henderson, Edinburgh, at 2s net and s 6d net in paper covers.

Under the auspices of the International Bible Students’ Association, Mr J. Mackenzie, Edinburgh, delivered a lecture in the Long Room of the Corn exchange on Sunday evening. The lecturer dealt exhaustively with the new worldwide subject, “All nations marching to Armageddon,” and the audience followed his discourse with great attention.

BERWICK CHIMNEYS

A NEW BROOM SWEEPS CLEAN

Jane Pattison (60), 41 Church Street, Berwick, was charged with allowing her chimney to catch fire on Saturday afternoon, October 20^th. The Mayor and Councillor Bolus, as members of the Sanitary Authority, retired from the bench when this case came on.

Mrs Pattison pleaded guilty, saying it was an accident.

Mr Porter, Town Clerk, appearing for the Sanitary Authority, said they proposed to assume that the firing of the chimney was an accident. Mr Boyd was passing along Church Street at the time and saw huge clouds of smoke issuing from the chimney. Mrs Pattison, when spoken to, said it had been swept within the previous six weeks and gave the name of the sweep, but it was found from his books that it had been swept last on August 2^nd– 11 weeks ago. There were frequent cases of this sort in the borough, and the Sanitary Authority had been compelled to take proceedings. All that he would ask for was costs, the case to serve as a warning. In future cases he would press for a penalty.

SPORTS-FOOTBALL

EAST OF SCOTLAND QUALIFYING CUP

BERWICK RANGERS IN FORM

Rangers…………..3 Civil Service Strollers (h)…….1

Even the most ardent supporter of Berwick Rangers had “his doots” regarding the ability of the Yellow and Black to pull off the semi-final of the East of Scotland Qualifying Cup, and such scepticism was justified by the Civil Service Strollers having a good team together this year and the added advantage of home venue. The result therefore of a win for the Berwick lads after a game in which they held the whiphand throughout gave some credit to the prophets who in recent weeks have foretold a more successful run for the Rangers since their play has improved.

COMMENTS ON PLAY

There was no denying the superiority of the Rangers on the day’s play and even supporters of the Edinburgh Club admitted that their team was well beaten. The Berwick team was smart on the ball and all their attacks were made with method. Much of the good work came from good advice and general ship shown by Atkinson. Harvey was not killed with work but what he had to do he did well. Younger showed good form at back and what he slipped Haswell got. Atkinson was the outstanding man of the half line with Wakenshaw a close second. The Borthwick-Johnston wing showed splendid football and though they had not the luck to get goals they were the means of leading up to two of them. Wilson was one of the most useful men in the team and was always on the spot while Purves distributed well and played an improved game. Of the home team Bridges and Lamb played a sound game at back while McLaren at centre half was splendid in defence. The forwards were a nippy lot but once the Rangers’ defence got their measure they seldom had a look in. There was little to chose between them, but Sutherland and Purves took the eye most.

BERWICK ADVERTISER, 100 years ago

13/10/2023 by Northumberland Archives

BERWICK ADVERTISER, 12 OCTOBER 1923

A WELL KNOWN BERWICKER IN CANADA

We publish this week a photo of Mr and Mrs William Hogg, who, as announced in our columns last week, have founded in Canada a “Berwick-on-Tweed Association.” Mr Hogg was at one time a well-known in sporting circles. He was associated with his father and brother in the bill-posting business in Berwick and district and was one of the most enthusiastic workers on behalf of the Berwick Cycling Club, in which he held office. He was also keenly interested in football. Mr Hogg’s wife is a daughter of Mr T. Rule, Fenwick, and a grand-daughter of the late Mr Peter Rule, Tweedmouth, Berwickers in Canada who wish to get in touch with each other should communicate with Mr Hogg at 13 Reynold’s Place, Toronto, Canada.

THE BABY SHOW

There was great excitement amongst the proud mothers of Berwick on Monday when in connection with the Baby Show, officials from the County Council Medical Department attended at the Parochial Hall to examine no less than 107 bonnie babies who had been entered for the competitions. The work of examination was started at 10 a.m. and when the babies arrived with their mothers in relays of ten every half hour, the work went through without a hitch, being about 4.30.

Parochial Hall, Chapel Street, late 1960’s.
Ref: BRO 2103-4-4-12a

The examination was a very thorough one, the youngsters being judged in cleanliness, weight, limbs, digestion, and general health. As at other baby shows a number of rising generation objected strongly to be undressed, weighed and handled, and loudly protested, while others appeared to enter into the spirit of health week and posed like little statues of Greek gods.

THE PRESENTATION OF PRIZES

Thursday was of course the field day for mothers and not only those who were showing, but others who would have been likely competitors had the show been held thirty years ago, were lined up outside the Hall nearly an hour before the opening. In the centre of the hall a space had been reserved for the mothers of competing children, and the remaining floor space of the hall was utilised to the last inch, the crowd which was nearly wholly women extending out into Chapel Street. Even the yard was utilised by those wishing to see the babies, and through the open windows women could be seen struggling to get a look inside. At the back of the hall the heat was almost unbearable, nut there was a cool current of air I the centre of the hall from the open windows.

Ald. Wilson presided, and he was accompanied on the platform by Mr D. S. Twigg, Town Clerk; Dr P. W. Macglan, Mrs Redpath, Mrs De La Hey, Mrs Macaskill, Mrs Erskine, Mrs Jno.Gray, Miss Weir and Miss Makin, of the County Council Medical Service; Miss Chisholm, Tweedmouth.

Mrs De La Hey then graciously presented the prizes, and as each proud mother went up to the platform carrying her baby, the assembly cheered loudly. Some very bright children were amongst the winners and several when held up for the inspection of the audience, grinned broadly and one had the courage to wave its hand. Girl prize-winners were in the majority, but the boys rather came in to their own in the twin classes. Ald. Wilson had a special word for Mrs Jefferson, 23 Walkergate, who was awarded a prize and also a special award as the mother who had reared a healthy baby under greatest difficulty. With a large family, said Mr Wilson, Mrs Jefferson has had her hands full, and we are all the more pleased to see her a prize-winner.

At the conclusion of the prize distribution, the Town Clerk moved a vote of thanks to the Chairman (Ald. Wilson), and in the course of a few remarks he said the show a “scream” as he had been led to believe from the advertisement. He noticed that girls predominated as prize-winners, and this pointed, he rather thought, to Berwick becoming in future years an ideal place for eligible bachelors to stay. (Laughter and applause.)

The following were the prize awards:-

Under 6 Months – 1, Mary Gordon, Mill Strand, Tweedmouth, and Janet Patton, 70 Church Street; 2, Elizabeth Johnson, 31 Woolmarket, and Nancy Guyan, 35 East Street; 3, Mary Johnson, 164 Main Street, Spittal.

Under 1 Year – 1, Isolda Wakenshaw, 13 High Street; 2, Margaret Logan, High Letham, Jack Gregg, 14 Quay Walls, Iris Robson, 30 Woolmarket, and Barbara Moffatt, 16 High Street; 3, James Cook, 15 Walkergate, and Charles James Menzies, 50 Castlegate; 4, Catherine Mavin, 76 Church Street.

Under 2 Years – 1, Emily I. C. Smith, Scotsgate House; 2, Harold Yardley, 10 Married Quarters; 3, William Dow; 85 High Street; 4. Thomas Spelman, 8 Church Road, Tweedmouth.

Under 3 Years – 1 Betty Trotter, 70 Church Street; 2. Margaret Horsbrough, 11 Scotts Place; 3, Eileen Swanston, 39 East Street.

Twins – 1 Douglas and William Craik, West End, Tweedmouth; 2 Douglas and Irene Cockburn, Castlegate, Berwick; 3, Norman and Nora Faill, 9 Coxon’s Lane, Berwick; 4, Ronald and Jean Heeley, Church Road, Tweedmouth.

Extra Prizes for Babies under 6 Months – Jessie Patterson, 5 Low Greens, James William Plummer, Married Quarters, George Abbot, married Quarters; Harry Jefferson, 23 Walkergate; George Manual, 16 High Street, Elizabeth Flannagan, 39 Chapel Street, Charlotte Blyth, 37 Chapel Street, and Susan Octon, 52 Church Street.

The Mother who has had the greatest difficulties and who has overcome them – Mrs Jefferson, 23 Walkergate.

Walkergate, dated 1934. REF: BRO 794-70-4-10

THE EXAMINERS’S VIEWS

Miss Weir, one of the examiners, said this was one of the best shows she had ever taken part in as an examiner. She was highly delighted with the way it had been taken up and the organisation was splendid. Both Miss Makin and herself had been particularly struck with the sporting manner in which mothers had received the results of the examination, and to the appreciation hearing they gave to any remarks made by the examiners. Even though many mothers had not the satisfaction of seeing their child a prize-winner they were not stinting in their praise of the examiners awards. “We were greatly impressed by the co-operation amongst workers on the Ladies’ spirit shown on the part of everyone to do their best. The babies on the whole were a very fine lot of youngsters, and we were very pleased with the high standard of mothercraft shown. the clothing of the children was generally good.”

ECHO OF BERWICK BURGLARY

At York Quarter Sessions on Monday Charles Arthur Benson, alias Bourne (21), motor mechanic, was sentenced to 20 months’ imprisonment for sealing a motor car. Benson, it will be remembered, was arrested at York when attempting to steal a motor car. He had previously broken into Springbank, Castle Terrace, and other places on his way south. He travelled on an old Indian motorcycle, and Alnwick and Gosforth both had his attention.

It was stated that he was a native of Edinburgh. He received a good education and was apprenticed to a firm of motor engineers there. In 1916 he was sent to an industrial school for stealing a motor car, but absconded and committed a series of housebreaking offences in Edinburgh, for which he was sentenced to three months’ imprisonment. In 1917 he was sentenced to two terms of three months each at Berwick-on-Tweed for shop breaking at Mr Crisp’s premises, when he was singled out as the ringleader amongst some band boys of the K.O.S.B., and on completing his sentenced he returned to Edinburgh to his parents. In 1918, he committed a further series of housebreaking offences and was committed to a Borstal institution for three years, being released in 1920.

His parents sent him to a relative in Canada, but he stole a motor car there and was ordered a year’s imprisonment and deportation. On arrival home he was arrested and completed the Borstal term. Since September of last year he had resided with his parents a warrant out for him on further housebreaking charges.

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