BERWICK ADVERTISER, 1ST OCTOBER 1920

02/10/2020 by Northumberland Archives

MEMORIAL TO GRAMMAR SCHOOL F.P’s

Who fell in the War

Beautiful Tablet Erected By Sir Francis Blake

In the history of Berwick Grammar School, the ceremony performed within its walls when Dr Maclagan, Chairman of Governors, unveiled a Memorial tablet, presented by Sir Francis Blake, to the memory of the 32 former pupils who fell in the war, is perhaps the most sad. Still, in the glorious example of self-sacrifice left by the men who laid down their lives, there was a feeling of pride and an inspiration to emulation given to the pupils who now occupy the benches.

Some time ago, Sir Francis, who is an old pupil of the school, made an offer to the Governors to perpetuate the memory of the fallen by the erection of a fitting memorial. This offer was accepted and the tablet which is now placed over the fire-place in the south wall of the school is indeed a work of art. The memorial, which is framed in walnut with panels of laurel leaf design in enamel, is flanked on either side with figures symbolic of Victory and fame and on the top scroll are the County Shields. The central pane is a beautiful shade of cobalt blue and in relief silver letters the names of the fallen, with dedicatory inscription are set out in artistic fashion.

LOCAL NEWS

The temporary bridge over the railway at Berwick Railway Station is now nearing completion. On Sunday last the large steam crane from St. Margaret’s, Edinburgh, arrived and swung the heavy iron girder spans on to the wooden pile piers which had been erected on cement bases two weeks ago.

Berwick Railway Station early 1900s. The arches of the old road bridge which carried the main road traffic over the railway can just be seen in the background. © Berwick Record Office – BRO 1636-10-013

Large crowds watched the operations, and again on Monday workmen were busy fixing the staying girders and fitting the planking for the road bed. A considerable amount of work is yet to be done and it is not likely that the bridge will be open for traffic for a fortnight or three weeks yet.

BERWICK AND DISTRICT HARRIERS

Resuscitation of Club Fully Justified

The annual general meeting of Berwick and District Harriers took place in the White Horse Inn, Castlegate, on Friday evening, when Councillor W. J. Dixon, the President, presided over a large attendance. An apology for absence was intimated from Mr E. H. Crow.

The Hony. secretary, Mr W. McA. Urquhart, read the annual report, which was in the following terms: —

Your Committee has much pleasure in reporting that, in the first season of the revival of the Club since the Great War, the enthusiasm displayed by the younger and active members fully warranted the re-starting of the Club, which thereby has permitted athletes to participate and enjoy the undoubted benefits to be derived from cross-country running. The Committee only hope that the membership may be increased this season, and that once having joined, members will maintain their enthusiasm throughout the season.

Notwithstanding the fact that the night chosen for training runs, namely, Wednesday, were not favoured with the best of weather, the attendance at these weekly events showed an average of nine for the season, the largest number to turn out being 22. The attendance medal was won by J. S. Beveridge.

SCREMERSTON

The fancy dress carnival arranged for Friday and Saturday last in aid of the Scremerston and Ord Nursing Association was cancelled at the last minute, mainly owing to the threatened coal strike. The news of the postponement of the strike reached Scremerston late on Friday afternoon, but by then all arrangements for the carnival had been declared off. The dance arranged for Friday evening was, however, held in the Workmen’s Institute. The attendance was good, excellent music being supplied by Mr Whitfield’s orchestra. The committee desire to express their thanks to all who assisted in making the event a success and hope the Nursing Association will benefit by over £10.

One of the prettiest stations on the N.E.R. line this year is Scremerston. The borders on the up and down platforms are gay with flowers of all hues. There is an unusual good selection. Tall hollyhocks form a background for beautiful Cosmos of all shades, snap-dragons, and there is a specially fine show of Love-lies-Bleeding, a plant rarely grown in gardens now-a-days. The edging of lovely blue Nemesias or gay Schizanthus adds to the wealth of colour.

This Week in World War One, 25 January 1918

08/03/201826/01/2018 by Northumberland Archives

BERWICK ADVERTISER, 25 JANUARY 1918

War News

MILITARY CROSS FOR K.O.S.B. OFFICER

Second Lieutenant A. McCall

Second Lieutenant A. McCall, K.O.S.B. who was wounded on 31st July, near Ypres, and subsequently died in hospital in France, was awarded the Military Cross. The following is the official account of the act of gallantry for which the decoration was awarded:-

For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty. When all the other officers of his company had become casualties, he took command and led them with the greatest gallantry and skill during the severe fighting which ensued, returning after the capture of each strong point and collecting more men, whom he led forward. While doing this gallant work, he fell severely wounded in the head, having materially assisted in the capture of the position.

Lieut. McCall was the elder son of Hon. Sheriff-Substitute M. McCall, British Linen Bank House. He obtained his commission in the K.O.S.B., in June, 1916, and went to France in April of last year.

The Military Cross was recently presented to Sheriff Mccall, as next-of-kin to the late Lieut, MCCall, by Colonel Maclaren of the K.O.S.B., at Berwick.

NEW REPORTED PRISONER

Private W. J. Dalgleish

The anxiously awaited news reached Mrs Dalgleish, West End, Tweedmouth, last Thursday that her husband, Private Wm. Joseph Dalglesih, N.F., who was reported in December to have been missing since 26th October, is now stated to be a prisoner of war in Germany. Private Dalgleish joined up at Alnwick on 16th June, 1915, and proceeded in to France in Nov. 1916. We trust that he will return safe and well to his native town, when the war is over.

LOCAL NEWS

Large queues outside the grocers’ shops were distressing sight in Berwick on Saturday. A drenching rain was falling during the greater part of the day and the miserable conditions were intensified by the unfortunate people having to stand ankle deep in snow slush. So bad were the conditions that in two instances women through exposure and excitement fainted and had to receive attention.

Berwick Advertiser 25 Jan 1918 Advert Food Control

Fair supplies of bacon were to be had in some of the shops while margarine which had been scarce commodity during the greater part of the day, was in better supply in the evening, a consignment having arrived late in the afternoon. It is to be sincerely hoped that sights like that of Saturday will never again be allowed to take place, and they could be prevented if a system of equal rationing, not only of butter, margarine, bacon, tea and cheese, but of butcher meat, was immediately introduced. The situation demands immediate and drastic action, but it should not be out with the power of the local Food Control Committee to grapple with the problem quickly and effectively.

Former pupils of the Berwick Grammar School will be pleased to know that Mr Jones (who acted as a modern language master from 1907 to 1913) is still in the pink after two years’ service with the Royal Engineers in France. Mr J. N. Peace, B.A., junior master, is still on active service and feeling fit. We are sure that the “Old Boy’s” will wish them both continued good luck. No less than fifty copies of the School Magazine were sent by the pupils to former pupils at the front last year.

The sudden thaw after the phenomenal spell of frost has produced a scene on the River Tweed which has not been equalled for many years. Ice and snow piles which had gathered on the floes were on the evening tide of Sunday night, being swept to sea by the swollen stream, in considerable quantities. On Monday forenoon the sight presented to the onlooker was not likely soon to be forgotten, and more closely resembled an arctic scene than anything else. As far as the eye could reach a mixture of pack ice, snow and tree trunks was spread over the surface of the river.

(c) Berwick Record Office. Children sledging, River Tweed in the background.

About ten thirty, fishermen on the Quay observed a large tree root being carried down to the sea. Running backwards and forwards and evidently alarmed at their plight two rabbits were seen. The poor creatures had evidently been foraging for food on the tree trunk when it broke away further up the river. The state of the river made it impossible for boatmen to attempt then capture and it is possible that the luckless bunnies would meet a sailor’s end in the choppy waters at the harbour mouth. At the mouth of the river the ice pack presented an almost unparalleled sight when meeting with the breakers rolling over the bar. As each succeeding sea rolling in it met the ever increasing volume of ice and water and an almost straight wall of water was set up, just as one party remarked “like the Red Sea when the Israelites passed through.” The grinding and crashing of the ice was heard for a considerable way from the riverside.

A very pretty and quiet wedding took place in Wallace Green Church on Monday 21st inst the contracting parties being Sergt J. R. Young, R. F. C., eldest son of Mr and Mrs George Young, Christon Bank, and Mary eldest daughter of James MacNab, J. P. and Mrs Macnab, Station House, Tweedmouth. The ceremony was conducted by Rev. J. Macaskill, M. A., minister. The bride was given away by her father and had her sister Miss L. MacNab and Miss Young for maids.

St Andrew’s Church of Scotland, Berwick-upon-Tweed. © Bill Henderson, Creative Commons Licence.

The groomsmen were Cpl C. Johnstone N.H., cousin of bridegroom, just home from France the same morning, who has twice been taken prisoner by the Germans, and Mr Williams of North Shields. The bride was dressed in grey Gaba dine trimmed with mole stole and hat to match, the maids wore mole coloured coat frocks and black silk hats. The happy couple left for Retford by 6.40pm Express, where Sergt Young is at present stationed he having been sent back to this country for duty after nearly three years in France. Another brother of Sergt Young is in Italy also in the R.F.C. Both families have given of their best for our Country’s cause. The bride’s travelling dress was of navy blue. At the close of the wedding a reception was held at the home of the bride’s father.

This Week in World War One, 16 July 1915

08/03/201817/07/2015 by Northumberland Archives

BERWICK ADVERTISER, 16 JULY 1915

BERWICK GRAMMAR SCHOOL SPORTS

Under ideal weather conditions Berwick Grammar School held their annual school sports in the Pier Field on Thursday afternoon. There was a large attendance of parents and friends and the various events were keenly contested. The Rev. R. C. Inglis and Mr A. L. Miller acted as judges and the two house masters, Mr Pearce and Mr Woodcock officiated as starters and handicappers. At the conclusion of the sports the prizes were presented to the successful competitors by Commander F. M. Norman, R.N., in the unavoidable absence of the Mayoress (Mrs T. Wilson). Before presenting the prizes Captain Norman said he had for many years presented the prizes to the boys in school, but this was the first time he had had the privilege and honour of presenting the prizes at the annual school sports. He had to congratulate them on the splendid weather they had during the afternoon, and he was sure it had been a pleasure to all to watch the various events. It was of inestimable benefit to the boys to take part in such games, and he hoped that it would help them to become good citizens and soldiers. It gave him great pleasure to announce that no less than 100 old boys of the school had their names inscribed on the roll of honour, and were serving their King and Country. (Applause.)

Old Grammar School Building, Palace Street East, Berwick-upon-Tweed. Photograph taken in August 1952. — Old Grammar School Building, Palace Street East, Berwick-upon-Tweed. Photograph © Barbara Carr and licensed for reuse under this Creative Commons Licence

In presenting the prizes, Captain Norman referred to the fact that the first prize for the Cross Country Run had been presented by Pte. T. Boal, 7^th N.F., who was at present serving in the trenches. Private Boal was last year the winner of the Norman Challenge Bowl, and it was gratifying to know that, while he was in France, he had not forgot his old school. He hoped Pte. Boal would be spared to come back amongst them. (Applause.) Mr A. L. Miller proposed a hearty vote of thanks to captain Norman for presenting the prizes. The name of Captain Norman had been long associated with the school, and he was sure that wherever and whenever old boys and present pupils thought of Berwick Grammar School, they would always remember Captain Norman, who had taken such a kindly interest in them. (Applause.) The boys gave three hearty cheers for Captain Norman, and the singing of “God Save the King” brought the proceedings to a close.

Postscript: the above article refers to a Pte. T. Boal, 7th N.F., this should have read Pte. J.E. Boal who was later promoted to Corporal 7th Northumberland Fusiliers. The T. Boal mentioned in the article was his father.

Corporal John Edgar Boal 7th Northumberland Fusiliers

BOAL, Cpl. John Edgar, 2074, M.M. 7^th Bn. Northumberland Fusiliers, attd. 149^th T.M. Bty. Accidently killed 8^th Dec., 1916. Age 20. Son of Thomas W. and Lily Boal, of 12, West St., Berwick-upon-Tweed. Educated at Berwick Grammar School. The notice below shows the presentation of the Military Medal to Mr Thomas. W. Boal, father of the late Corporal John Edgar Boal dated 14th April 1917.

Presentation of Military Medal to J E Boal. Reference no: D13-1-83-001

GOLDEN WEDDING AT SPITTAL

A worthy old Spittal couple in the persons of George Elliott, fisherman, residing in Gibson’s Row, and his good lady celebrated the 50^th anniversary of their marriage on Monday, and were the recipients of many presents and congratulations from their family and friends.

The family of George Elliott from the 1901 Census:

Name: George Elliott

Age: 56

Spouse: Jane Elliott

Birth Place: Northumberland, Spittal

Civil parish: Tweedmouth

Ecclesiastical parish: Spittal St John the Evangelist

County/Island: Northumberland

Registration district: Berwick

Household Members:

George Elliott aged 56, occupation fisherman. Jane Elliott aged 56. Richard Elliott aged 27, occupation fisherman. George Elliott aged 25, occupation Salmon fisher. Joseph Elliott aged 16, occupation labourer. Thomas Elliott aged 13, Ellen Elliott aged 23 and Isabella Elliott aged 19, occupation Clay Pipe Moulder,

The family of George Elliott from the 1911 Census:

Name: George Elliott

Age: 65

Birth Place: Tweedmouth, Northumberland, England

Civil parish: Tweedmouth

County/Island: Northumberland

Street Address; 6B East St, Spittal, Berwick

Marital status: Married

Occupation: Fisherman

Registration district: Berwick

Household Members:

George Elliott aged 65, occupation fisherman. Jane Elliott aged 65. Joseph Elliott aged 26, occupation fisherman. Thomas Elliott aged 23, occupation Cooper, Herring Curing.

EGG SUNDAY IN SPITTAL

Magnificent collection

1,153 Eggs as a gift for the Wounded

What may very truly be described as a “unique service,” was held on Sunday last in the Congregational Church, Spittal, when an effort to procure eggs for the use of the wounded soldiers quartered in the Borough was brought to a most successful issue. The special service was held in the evening when a crowded congregation, gathered for worship, which was conducted by the minister of the Church, the Rev. Frederick T. Williams. The praise portion first celebrated was fittingly rendered by the choir of the Church, and included the anthems, “Blessed is he that Considereth the Poor”, and “The Lord is Almighty” Mr J. N. Peace, B.A., also contributed a solo. Immediately preceding the hymn “We give Thee but Thine Own, “ the Minister said he thought that would be the most fitting moment in the service to express his sense of gratitude for the magnificent response which had been made to his appeal. In a very appropriate manner he said:- “My dear friends, let me at this point in the service express my sincere thanks for the truly magnificent manner in which you have responded to my appeal. You have far exceeded my expectations, but then you have been constantly doing that during the term of my pastorate in this place. I know you are all wondering and some of you have been making various calculations as to the number of eggs which you see so nicely displayed in the front of the Church. Including those brought to the service this evening I have received no less than eleven hundred and fifty-three. Truly a generous gift from loving hearts. Why have you done this? The answer comes very readily. I know the one all compelling motive which has moved you. True there are one or two motives of a secondary nature. I know you like to do your best for every appeal made by the Church. I know you like to encourage the man who for the time being is your minister; and you have never given me cause for greater thankfulness than you have today, and I am proud of you; but these considerations do not constitute the chief reason why you have done this thing. You have done it, because you have husbands, sons, brothers, sweethearts serving at the Front. Some of them have been wounded and they are lying in hospitals in different parts of England, and you know that our countrymen in every town and village are doing what they can to minister to their comfort. As you would like them treated as you know they are being treated, even so you are seeking to do for those in your own midst who having given themselves for their country’s service, have returned stricken from the field of battle. God bless you everyone, and in the name of those for whom your gifts are intended please accept my heartfelt thanks.

After the hymn had been sung a suitable prayer was offered, and then the Reverend gentleman preached a most appropriate sermon…

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