Berwick Advertiser

This Week in World War One, 18 June 1915

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Berwick Advertiser title 1915

 

BERWICK ADVERTISER, 18 JUNE 1915

NORTHUMBERLAND FUSILIERS PRISONERS

 

Lady Allendale has received numerous postcards and letters from prisoners interned in Germany, acknowledging parcels sent to them, for which they are most grateful.

One prisoner, writing from Munster, Westphalia, asks for cocoa, sugar, milk, Golden Syrup, Hovis bread, Woodbines, and soap. He says he is only allowed to write two letters a month, so, if this regulation applies to other prisoners, this will account for parcels not being acknowledged regularly.

Lady Allendale understands that at some of the prisons luxuries are not allowed. Therefore, it is advisable only to send such articles of food as bread (brown is best), biscuits, butter, dripping, cocoa, and milk. Anything in the way of luxuries, such as sweets, chocolate, and cakes, are liable to be confiscated.

 

Poster National Egg Collection for the wounded
Poster National Egg Collection for the wounded

 

 WOOLER

 

FOR WOUNDED SOLDIERS: On Sunday afternoon last a united missionary and egg service was held in the Archbold Hall at which there was a good attendance. The Rev. H. Proctor gave an interesting address on mission work in West Africa where he had laboured for some years. All were invited to bring fresh eggs to be sent to the British Red Cross Society for our wounded soldiers and sailors. A collection was also taken in aid of missionary work. The Rev. N. Reid was chairman. At the united service on Sunday in the Archbold Hall, nearly 500 eggs were collected for the wounded soldiers and sailors, and over £3 was taken for the Missionary cause.

BERWICK PUBLIC BOWLING GREEN OPENED

A Splendid Acquisition to the Town

 

The outcome of the enterprise and labour of a number of the working men in Berwick was witnessed at the Old Bowling Green, Ravesdowne, on Monday evening, when the Mayor (Mr Thomas Wilson) opened the Berwick Public Bowling Green. The mayor was accompanied by the Sheriff (Mr E. W. Stiles), Mr D.H.W. Askew, Castle Hills, Mr H. G. McCreath, Mr J. Elder, Dr C. L. Fraser, Rev. R. C. Inglis and the Secretary of the Club, Mr A. Carstairs. There was a large attendance to witness the opening ceremony.

Area marked as Former Tennis Court, Ravensdowne, Berwick-upon-Tweed. 1900's
Area marked as Former Tennis Court, Ravensdowne, Berwick-upon-Tweed. 1900’s

The proposal to have a public Bowling Green in Berwick has been afoot for some time and to expedite the matter a public meeting was called in the Town Hall where it was decided to canvas the town for subscriptions. A good sum of money was obtained but not of a sufficient amount to enable a green to be laid out, for the outbreak of war in a great measure stopped the flow of subscriptions. A splendid opportunity was afforded the Committee when the old bowling green behind the barracks was advertised to be let, and the Committee have entered into a five years lease. This green was where the Berwick Bowling Club first started and it was vacant for some time after that club laid out their green at the Stanks. Later it was occupied for bowls by the officers of the King’s Own Scottish Borderers, but latterly the ground has been utilised for playing of tennis. The turf is in a good state of preservation, and with a little care and attention the surface will soon be made quite suitable for playing. Its condition on Monday evening was excellent considering the short time spent in improving it.

THE ORIGIN OF THE MOVEMENT

Mr Jos. Seals, in calling upon the Mayor to declare the green open, said: – The origin of this movement took place some few months ago. Berwick Town Council was approached with a view to providing as they do in other towns, a public bowling green to be within the financial reach of the working classes. Owing to their having so much in hand they found it impossible to carry out what was required. The Mayor kindly suggested that a public meeting be called, and from that meeting we have this green. We commenced to canvas the town for subscriptions to assist financially and as far as we went the town responded right nobly, but owing to the war we had necessity to cease asking for subscriptions owing to the very large number of necessities that had arisen from the war. The matter then lay for some time until it was seen in the papers that the green was to be let. A committee meeting was called and without hesitation it was decoded to take the green and bring the matter to a successful issue to the best of our ability. We still have a need for more financial support but we have sufficient confidence in the public spirit of the Borough to know that that need will be supplied. We propose in some way to make arrangements for allowing the different bodies of soldiers in the town to play on the green. We should like to let them play free but as that would be killing the goose which lays the golden egg, we will meet them in the best way we can.  I have great pleasure in calling upon the Mayor to open this green, and I may add that we have had assistance from the beginning and our success in a very large measure is due to him. (Applause)

THE GREEN OPENED

The Mayor said: let me congratulate this Committee of Berwick Public Green for having done such a great work as this. I have much pleasure in declaring the green open and I hope it will be taken advantage of by the working class. (Loud applause)

The Mayor, thereafter played the first bowl and was followed by the Sheriff, Mr Askew, and  Mr. McCreath.

Play was free to visitors for the evening and a most enjoyable game was played.

 

FUNDS FOR THE QUEEN’S NURSES

SOLDIERS AND CIVILIANS HELP

 

Royal Scots…………………..1                                  Berwick Rovers…………………..0

Without doubt a larger crowd has never gathered at the Stanks, Berwick, than that which viewed the match on Thursday evening between the 2/10th Royal Scots, and Berwick Rovers, at which a collection was taken in aid of the funds of the Berwick Queen’s Nurses. By kind permission of Colonel Peterkin, the Royal Scots Piper Band paraded the principal street before the match, and drew large

The Stanks, Berwick-upon-Tweed, Northumberland. Grazing sheep, 1900s. Ref: BRO 2103-6-32
The Stanks, Berwick-upon-Tweed, Northumberland. Grazing sheep, 1900s Ref: BRO 2103-6-32

crowds to the venue of play. Collectors were busy amongst the crowd during the match, and the excellent sum of £8 10s was realised. The arrangements for the match were in the hands of Mr. A. A. Crisp, High Street, Berwick. The teams chosen were: Royal Scots-Corpl. Hill ( Queensferry St Andrew’s); Lance Corpl. Hay (Wemyss Athletic) and Pte.Trupe ( Juvenile); Corpl. Anderson ( Juvenile), Pte.Valentine ( Bathgate Primrose), and Pte.Preston ( Bathgate), Sergt. Brown (Armadale Rangers), Corpl. Jameison (Vale of Grange), Pte. McIver (Juvenile), and Pte. Middleton (Linlithgow Rose.) Berwick Rovers- W. Ferguson; R.T. Tait and E.N.Fenby; D.Redfearn, H. Burgon, J.Paul; J. Weatherburn, C. Barth, A. Weatherburn, G. Mofatt, and J. Scobie.

This Week in World War One, 11 June 1915

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Berwick Advertiser title 1915

 

BERWICK ADVERTISER, 11 JUNE 1915

 

 BERWICK AMATEUR ATHLETIC CLUB

 

Proposed Benefit Race to help Patriotic Funds

 

A special general meeting of the members of the Berwick Amateur Athletic Club was held in the Red Lion Hotel on Friday evening to decide whether or not sports should be held this year, also to discuss the amount of subscriptions to be collected, and for any other competent business.

Councillor Darling presided, and it was explained at the outset that there had been no sports meeting held this season anywhere except in London and Manchester, and these were conducted by the military.

The Chairman said he did not think it was at all possible this year to hold sports. The only thing they could do as a club was to follow the example of other centres, and get up some kind of a meeting for the soldiers, such as a harriers’ race. He moved that they do not hold sports this year.

 

Berwick Advertiser 11 June 1915, Dunlop Advert.
Berwick Advertiser 11 June 1915, Dunlop Advert.

 

 

INTERESTING LETTERS FROM A BERWICK CORPORAL

 

Writing to his brother in Newcastle, Corporal C. N. Noble, 7th N.F., sends the following interesting communications from the Front:-

“Many days have passed since we received our baptism of fire. It took place when we passed through at midnight a certain village which has been famous in this war. The shells were flying round us, and I may say we felt a bit queer. It was a weird and uncanny experience passing through this dead city which had been incessantly bombarded night after night for weeks by the Germans. Our first engagement took place the next morning and lasted for about half the day, when we had a few killed and wounded. The following day we took part in a big engagement. We received a great deal of praise for our conduct that day. It was a terrible experience going through the hail of maxim bullets and “Johnsons,” but the Battalion displayed remarkable steadiness.

7th Northumberland Fusiliers. BRO 2098-001
7th Northumberland Fusiliers at Greystoke Camp.
Ref: BRO 2098-001

I received your letter of the 25th April. I replied before this, but it was too much for the Censor. We were never down at that place where the imposing sights are, but, as you will know, we have had it hot – aye, too hot. We were addressed by the famous warrior, Sir John French, the other morning. He spoke in terms of the highest praise for the important part we took in the recent big engagement. I met J. Dixon (Rangers) and Borthwick of the Royal Engineers (once with Caverhill, blacksmith), and a few others whom you know well.

Some days have passed since I wrote to you. We are now under covering fire, and fraternising with some —–, a battalion of which has come amongst us. The guns are fairly speaking but we are now quite accustomed to these noisy instruments of war. We are having a fine time and enjoying the experience immensely. You might let me know how the war is getting on, and be sure to mention the result of the cup final.

By the way, while passing through England, I was much impressed with the beautiful city of Lincoln. Our young friend, Harry Mangham should feel proud of his native-place. The cathedral is a fine building.

Berwick Advertiser 11 June 1915 Advert- Your Country Needs You
Berwick Advertiser 11 June 1915 . To Assist in raising further men for the 7th Battalion, Northumberland Fusiliers

May 20th. –

In due course I received the parcel of clothing all right, and your letter of the 10th. Many thanks. You were mentioning about Alick. I am grieved to say that he has been missing since our big engagement on the Monday. I would have informed you sooner, but we are not allowed to mention anything until the lapse of so many days. I had hopes that he might write from some hospital if he had been wounded. However, I would not give up hope, because if the worst had happened his identification disc and pay-book would have come in. Stragglers are still coming in who lost the battlion (sic) that day, and have been with other regiments in the interval. So I am still living in hope that he may return any day. I would have replied sooner, but we went up into the trenches for three days immediately after I received your communique. We were just about washed out with the rain the first day, but it turned out fine afterwards, and the sun shone resplendent over the beautiful landscape. The heat was intense in more ways than one. Give my regards to all my Newcastle friends.

 

ITEMS OF INTEREST

 

An interesting story of a lost photograph comes from “somewhere in France.” A local hero serving with the Northumberland Fusiliers had the misfortune to lose on the field of battle in Flanders, a photograph of a lady friend. This was found by another Newcastle soldier, who enclosed it when writing home to his parents. They, in return, recognising the photograph, forwarded it to the relatives of the owner, who resides in Newcastle.

This Week in World War One, 4 June 1915

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Berwick Advertiser title 1915

 

 

BERWICK ADVERTISER, 4TH JUNE 1915

 

HONOURING THE BRAVE HEROES

 

At a meeting of the Berwick Town Council on Tuesday evening, the Mayor stated that he had received intimation from the Rev. Robt. Leggatt, Bankhill Church, that there was to be a memorial service held on Sunday evening first for those brave local soldiers who had fallen in France. Two or three of these were members of Mr Leggatt’s Church, and he asked if the Mayor and Town Council might perhaps countenance the service. There would be no procession from the Town Hall. He (the Mayor) hoped that as many of the Council as possible would see their way to accompany him in the Church. By doing so they would be paying the last rites to the brave young men belonging to the town who had fought their battles. The service began at six o’clock pm.

The Zion Presbyterian Chapel (Bankhill Church), Berwick-upon-Tweed, Northumberland. Ref: BRO 1613-44
The Zion Presbyterian Chapel (Bankhill Church), Berwick-upon-Tweed, Northumberland. Ref: BRO 1613-44

 

 BERWICK FAIR

Berwick Fair was observed on Friday and was opened in the time honoured fashion by the Mayor, Sheriff, and Corporation marching in procession round the grounds, and formally declaring it open. There was a large influx of country visitors, and during the day the streets presented a busy and animated appearance. The customary stalls were erected in the High Street, and the majority of these vended china and dishes, while there were also a few hardware booths.

Berwick-upon-Tweed May Fair, 1968. Ref No. BRO 2103-1-624
Berwick-upon-Tweed May Fair, 1968.
Ref No. BRO 2103-1-624

The town bells at intervals rung out merry peals and, with the hoisting of the flags, the streets had a holiday aspect. The fair was duly opened at mid-day, when the Mayor, Sheriff, and officials, headed by the Chief Constable, members of the Burgh Police, and the Sergeants-at-Mace, marched through the fair grounds and formally declared proceedings open. The progress of the civic pageant was a subject of much interest to the assembled crowds. On returning to the Town Hall refreshments were served, the toast of “The King” being honoured.

At The Parade a number of merry-go-rounds and fair booths were erected, and these did a good trade throughout the day and evening. Notwithstanding the large influx of visitors the proceedings connected with it, the Fair fortunately passed off with out any untoward incident or serious crime. The stalls in the High Street remained open till Wednesday evening and continued to do good business.

On Saturday there was again a large influx of visitors into the town, although not so large as on previous Fair Saturdays, consequent upon the abandonment of the Horse Procession this year. Rain fell heavily in the morning, but as the day advanced it cleared up. A cold north wind however, prevailed the whole of the day and towards evening had quite a mid-winter feeling rather than the genial warmth of mid-summer.

Berwick Advertiser 4 June 1915 Hall's Wine
Berwick Advertiser 4 June 1915 Hall’s Wine

 

Advert for T. H. Lawsons. Berwick Advertiser 4 June 1915

 

HORSE PROCESSION ABANDONED

ONE CLASS FOR SANDERSON SHEILD

 

Owing to the war, it was this year decided not to hold the annual fair Horse Procession, but the annual competition for the Sanderson Challenge Shield for the best kept horse during the year was held. This year there were three competitors. The judging took place in Sandgate and was undertaken by Mr P. Edgar, Camphill, assisted by the Secretary, Mr Ralph, Bradford, Tweedmouth. Mr J. Bryson, Tweedmouth, who has won the Shield on two previous occasions, won it this year again, and it now becomes his property. Hugh Fisackerly took second prize and R. Swinney third. In presenting the shield to the winner, Mrs Wilsden congratulated him on the beautiful condition of his horse and for the care and attention he had bestowed upon it.

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