This Week in World War One, 19 May 1916

Berwick Advertiser title 1915

 

BERWICK ADVERTISER, 19 MAY 1916

 

LOCAL NEWS

 

Mine Sweepers’ Pensions – The Admiralty have intimated that all mine sweepers injured in the course of duty, and not through culpable negligence, will receive a pension of twenty five shillings weekly, if totally incapacitated, and ten and sixpence if partially disabled, together with half-a-crown for each child. In the event of being killed, his widow will receive a weekly allowance varying from ten shillings to sixteen and sixpence, with a graduated scale for each child.

Different types of sea mines at the German Marine Museum. © Photographer - euro-t-guide.com.
Different types of sea mines at the German Marine Museum. © Photographer – euro-t-guide.com.

 

THE RISE IN FOOD PRICES

55 per cent. Since Beginning of War

 

The Board of Trade Labour Gazette, dealing with retail prices of food in the United Kingdom, states that on May 1 values showed an increase of about 4 per cent. as compared with April 1. Both beef and mutton indicated a rise of about 6 per cent., or from ½d to ¾d per lb, on the average. Potatoes showed an increase on the month of 42 per cent., whilst the increase in the tax on sugar was reflected in a rise in the retail price of about 10 per cent., or ½d per lb. The average prices of fish, bacon, and cheese were slightly higher at May 1 than a month earlier. Tea, milk, butter, and margarine showed little change in price, apart from an increase from 5d to 6d per quart of milk in a great part of London. The seasonal decline in the price of eggs continued. As compared with 1st May, 1915, the general level of prices showed an increase of about 23 per cent.

 

BERWICK PETTY SESSIONS

UNUSUAL CASE OF BRIGHT LIGHTS

 

Peter Richardson, Jun., Berwick, electrician, was charged with having on 8th May, failed to obscure light.

It appeared from statement by the Chief Constable that the accused was left in charge of the house of the Manager of the Electric Works at Bridge Terrace. He had visited the house during the day, and while doing so he had turned the light on, omitting to switch it off again. In the evening the light was observed by soldiers on guard at Bridge End, who ineffectually rung the bell.

A photograph taken in 1906 of the Berwick end of the Berwick Bridge, where soldiers observed the 'Bright Lights' ten years later in 1916. © Berwick Record Office.
A photograph taken in 1906 of the Berwick end of the Berwick Bridge, where soldiers observed the ‘Bright Lights’ ten years later in 1916. © Berwick Record Office.

 

Police Constable Spiers was called, and got the accused out of bed and had the light extinguished.

The Chief Constable mentioned it was an unusual case, and he pressed for no vindictive sentence. The accused was 18 years of age. Fined 2s 6d

 

PRESENTATION OF SILVER CUP TO CAPTAIN EVELYN CARR

Interesting Function at Scremerston

 

There was a large and popular gathering of the villagers of Scremerston on Friday evening last in the Miners’ Institute for the purpose of welcoming and honouring Captain J. Evelyn Carr, Manager of the Colliery Company, presently home on leave from the Front.

The gallant Captain has been on active service since August 1914, and notwithstanding his arduous experiences he looked fit and well.

It was fittingly decided to present Captain Carr with a solid silver cup, a replica of the famous gold cup offered by the Highland Agricultural Society at their show held at Hawick in 1914. This cup is valued at 300 guineas, and was won by Capt. Carr with a rare exhibit of Leicester sheep entered against all comers in this particular class.

The presentation cup was filled by the Capt., and the company entertained to cake and wine.

Scremerston Colliery Silver Band - © Berwick Record Office, BRO 1753-2a.
Scremerston Colliery Silver Band – © Berwick Record Office, BRO 1753-2a.

 

Mr Geo. W. Glahome presided, and during the evening a fine musical programme was sustained, a prominent feature being the Scremerston Silver Band under Mr Allan. The Scremerston Sketch Party submitted a short comedy, entitled “The Designing Woman,” which was greatly appreciated. Mr Whitfiled acted as leader of the party, and Misses Mason, Whitefiled, Jeanie Davidson, Messrs John Moore and Robert Foster all acted as capable artistes. Other songs were contributed. Among others present were Mrs Carr, Mr John Mitchell, Ancroft Town farm; Mr John Black, etc.

Captain Carr left for the Front on Sunday night.

 

This Week in World War One, 5 May 1916

Berwick Advertiser title 1915

 

BERWICK ADVERTISER, 5 MAY 1916

 

BERWICK BOUNDS RIDING

Quiet Ceremony

 

For the 308th time the customary riding of Berwick Bounds took place on Monday. Few gentlemen made the round of the marches by conveyance, but there was again a fair proportion of equestrians, the number only being one short from that of last year. At twelve o’clock the procession led off from the parade, where a large concourse of spectators had assembled to witness the gathering, by way of Cowport Gate to the Magdalene Field and Jingling Bridge, when they struck the main road. The conveyances followed the usual route by way of Church Street, High Street, Castlegate, and North Road. Arriving at Whitadder Bridge the company were provided with a liberal refreshment, and the usual ceremonies were gone through. The company arrived back during the afternoon, and a halt being called in front of the Town Hall, the mayor briefly returned his thanks to all who had completed the circuit.

The Berwick Riding of the Bounds, the riders crossing the Jingling Bridge - © Berwick Record Office, BRO 1944-1-7215-20-018.
The Berwick Riding of the Bounds, the riders crossing the Jingling Bridge – © Berwick Record Office, BRO 1944-1-7215-20-018.

 

The horsemen were as follows:- Mr John Cameron, Vetinary Surgeon, Berwick; Mr R. Buchannan, Berwick; Master Moffat, West Edge; Capt. J. C. Collingwood and Miss Collingwood.

There also rode in the conveyances – His Worship the Mayor (Ald. J. W. Plenderleith), Sheriff Matthew Ross, Councillor Thos. Wilson, Mr Jas. Gibson, Acting Town Clerk; and Mr Johnston, Sergeant-at-Mace- first carriage. Ald. Maclagan, Mr H. W. Willits, Councillor Brewis, Councillor W. J. Dixon, Chief Constable Nicholson, Councillor F. Richardson, Councillor W. Richardson, Ald. H. Greenwood, and Mr Blaikie, jun., acting Sergeant-at-Mace – second carriage. Mr Robert Jeffrey and Private Albert Richardson – third carriage. Five cyclists also started out upon the round.

This year it was agreed that owing to the exceptional period of national stress through which we are passing, the no Bounds Dinner be held. It need not, however, be inferred that the absence of the customary spread had anything at all to do with the small attendance present.

 

OFFICER AND PRIVATE

BADLY INJURED BY GRENADE AT BELFORD

 

A most unfortunate and serious accident took place at Belford in the early hours of Tuesday evening in which a Lieutenant and a Private of the Northern Cyclists quartered in the district were involved. It appears that the officer was in charge of a small section a little way out of the village and was instructing the men in the art of grenade throwing. In the meantime, it is inadvisable to record how the unfortunate event occurred, but we may state that for some accidental reason a grenade exploded near to the Private and the Lieutenant, both of whom sustained wounds of an extensive and serious character. They were removed with all speed to Alnwick Infirmary, where, up to the time of writing, the lie in a rather critical condition. The sad occurrence cast quite a gloom over the village, where both the unfortunate men were well known. The hope is freely expressed on all hands that science may be able to alleviate their sever suffering.

 

LOCAL NEWS

 

Accident to a Well Known Butcher – The many friends of Mr Shiel Dods butcher, Berwick, will learn with regret that he met with a nasty accident on Monday morning at his slaughter house, Tweedmouth. He had been dispatching and weighing sheep for the London market, when in turning to leave his foot slipped, and he was brought to the ground with a nasty jerk. It was thought at first that he had broken his leg, but on being examined by Dr C. L. Fraser, it was discovered that the sinew of his right leg had been snapped. He was removed home to his residence in High Street. It is understood while the injury to Mr Dods is not of a serious character, it has been decided to remove him to the Infirmary, where a slight operation will be performed. A specialist may be called in to assist.

A recent photograph showing Berwick Infirmary. © Rod Allday, Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 2.0 license.
A recent photograph showing Berwick Infirmary. © Rod Allday, Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 2.0 license.

 

Ambulance Aid in time Emergency – Our readers will probably be interested and gratified to learn that arrangements have been made for coping with any circumstances which require ambulance assistance in times of emergency during the war. In consequence of a recent meeting held between representatives of the Infirmary, the Chief Constable, and officials of the two local ambulance organisations, and subsequently with the Chief Scout Master, the following arrangements have been made. By courtesy of the parties interested three stations will be available: (1) for Berwick, “The Infirmary, “ (2) for Tweedmouth, “The Mitchell Memorial Hall” in Kiln Hill and (3) for Spittal. “The Police Station” at Spittal. As soon as occasion arises, and if sufficient warning be given, a staff of ambulance workers will immediately proceed to each of these stations, and boy scouts will, also, be detailed to each station to act as messengers and orderlies. Steps have been taken to furnish each station with the necessary appliances, and it is hoped by these means that, in the unhappy event of first aid being required, ample assistance will be forthcoming.

 

WEDDING BELLS IN WAR TIME

Pretty Ceremony at Ford

 

On Tuesday, May 2nd, at Ford Parish Church, Northumberland, the marriage took place of the Rev. T. J. Parry, temporary chaplain at the Front, second son of Mr James Parry of Halesworth, Suffolk, and Miss Betty Neligan, eldest daughter of the Right Rev. Bishop Neligan, D.D., and Mrs Neligan of Ford Rectory, Northumberland.

The ceremony was performed by Bishop Neligan, the father of the bride, and was choral. The Church was most tastefully decorated with flowers, kindly given by Lord Joicey, from the gardens of Ford Castle.

The bride who walked up the aisle on the arm of her brother, Cadet M. D. M. Neligan, R.N., was given away by her mother, who wore a pale grey dress of liberty silk and chiffon and a black hat.

The bride was charmingly dressed in a white liberty crepe de chine gown with a simple train and tulle veil, and carried a beautiful bouquet of white flowers. She was attended by two bridesmaids, Miss Helen Neligan (sister) and Miss Joan Ackland (cousin), whose pretty dresses were shell pink liberty crepe de chine with black picture hats and wreaths of forget-me-nots. They carried lovely bouquets of pink carnations and silver chain bags, the gift of the bridegroom.

The best man was Captain Parry, D.S.O., 4th Suffolk Regiment, brother of the bridegroom. Both he and his brother were in service khaki uniforms.

The charming bouquets were made by Mr Jackson, head gardener of Ford Castle.

Ford Castle and Parish Church, part of the Ford and Etal estate. © N T Stobbs - Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 2.0 license.
Ford Castle and Parish Church, part of the Ford and Etal Estate. © N T Stobbs – Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 2.0 license.

 

The Church was filled with friends and parishioners, including Lord Joicey, the Hon. Marguerite Joicey, and Mrs Macray, grandmother of the bride. All the friends assembled at the Rectory afterwards, when a presentation was made by Lord Joicey and Mr Gray, on behalf of the parishioners of Ford Parish of a very handsome pair of tall silver candlesticks. The presents included many handsome cheques.

The happy couple left later in a motor for St. Mary’s Loch, where the short honeymoon will be spent before the bridegroom returns to the Front. The bride’s going away dress was a dark blue gabardine coat and skirt with pale chiffon blouse and black straw hat with pale blue flowers.

This Week in World War One, 21 April 1916

Berwick Advertiser title 1915

 

BERWICK ADVERTISER, 21 APRIL 1916

 

LOCAL NEWS

 

Lady Teacher’s Long Service: On Thursday afternoon, 20th inst., Miss Phillip, who has been for twenty-five years a teacher in the Church of England Infant School at the Parade, Berwick, was presented with a silver tea service, a china tea set, and cabinet in recognition of her long and faithful services. The presentation was made by the Vicar (the Rev. R. W. De La Hey) in a graceful and eloquent manner, and the gifts were suitably acknowledged by Miss Phillip.

The Parade School can be seen back left in this 1950s photograph of the Riding of the Bounds in Berwick. Pictured also in the background on the right is the Freemasons' Hall. © Berwick Record Office, BRO 1944-1-4008-054.
The Parade School can be seen back left in this 1950s photograph of the Riding of the Bounds in Berwick. Pictured also in the background on the right is the Freemasons’ Hall. © Berwick Record Office, BRO 1944-1-4008-054.

 

Early advertisement for James Buchanan's Whisky.
James Buchanan’s Whisky.

Alleged Theft of Whisky – At the Norham and Islandshire Petty Sessions on Friday – before John Black, Esq., a railway porter at Goswick, named William Wedderburn, was charged with the theft of three bottles of whisky. It appeared that a case of Buchanan’s whisky had fallen from a railway waggon. The loss was intimated to the officials at Goswick and Tweedmouth, A man named William Skee proceeded along the line and found the case as well as two bottles, which were concealed underneath railway sleepers and another in a rabbit hole. The accused was remanded on bail till Wednesday, 3rd May.

 

 

St. Paul’s Church Spittal – Guild Social – It being felt that something ought to be done, for the young people of the village during the winter months, Councillor P.P. Boston,

Early photograph of St Paul's Church, Spittal. © Berwick Record Office. BRO 1887-4-3.
Early photograph of St Paul’s Church, Spittal. © Berwick Record Office. BRO 1887-4-3.

always the friend of the young, was instrumental in calling a meeting at which fifty young people were present. It was decided to reform the Guild of Mutual Aid and Improvement, and to meet once a week in the Hall of the Church. Old and young took advantage of these meetings which were bright and attractive, with an average attendance of eighty, the membership exceeding one hundred. A social was held on Friday evening when one hundred and twenty sat down to tea. The President, Councillor P. Boston in his remarks, gave all a hearty welcome, and hoping that they would have a pleasant evening.

 

 

 

 

After tea the time was taken up with games interspersed with songs, recitation, etc. The following was the programme: –

Song                Miss M. Younger

Swedish Drill   by ten members of the Guild

Song                Miss Gibson

Recitation        Miss S Crisp

Song                Mrs J. Moffat

Song                Mr Dewar.

The singing of the National Anthem brought a most successful session to a close.

 

BERWICK PETTY SESSIONS

SATURDAY

Before A. L. Miller, Esq., and Alderman Maclagan

AN HOUR TO LEAVE THE TOWN

 

John Duncan, Banffshire, pedlar, minus the right leg, was charged with having on Friday been, drunk and disorderly in Tower Road, Tweedmouth. He pleaded guilty.

Police sergeant Wilson said that on the previous day three women complained to him regarding the dirty and abusive language which the accused had used towards them. He had been asking them to purchase some articles he was selling. The witness remonstrated with the accused regarding his conduct, and told him he would have to clear out of the town. The accused made a very insolent reply, and in consequence he took him in charge. As a sample of the language accused used witness handed up a note of same to the Bench. The accused was selling writing paper, and had a pedlar’s certificate.

Mr A. L. Miller said the accused seemed to have been spending any money he had on spirituous liquors.

The Chief Constable – Without doubt; but we know nothing about him, and have never seen him before.

The accused said he had not tasted drink for a number of years until Friday, and that he was making for his native country in the North of Scotland.

Mr A. L. Miller said that the accused had used the most disgusting language towards the women, and deserved to be sent to prison for a month without the option of a fine. He would be fined 10s 6d or ten days’ imprisonment, but if he promised to clear out of the town within an hour’s time the sentence would not be put in force.

The accused gave his promise to leave the town, and was dismissed.