Berwick Journal

BERWICK JOURNAL, 1ST OCTOBER 1925

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BERWICK’S MAYORALITY

ALD. ALEX. DARLING

In connection with Berwick’s Mayorality for 1925-26, we understand that Ald. Alex. Darling has been approached to accept office.

Ald. Darling is a native of Berwick, and a prominent member and office bearer of Wallace Green English Presbyterian Church. He has been and is conspicuously identified with Border Sports and Pastimes. As President of Berwick Rangers Football Club, he has rendered valuable service in support of one of the most popular pastimes. He is an official of the North-eastern Amateur Athletic Association he holds high rank in the Masonic world. He has been Worshipful master of St. Daid’s Lodge of Freemmasons, W. M. of St. Cuthbert’s mark Master Lodge of Freemasons and is a member of other branches of Freemasonary. He is an ex-official of Berwick St. Andrew’s Club, Berwick Athletic Society, Ravensdowne Bowling Club, Berwick Amateur Rowing Club, Berwick and District Motor Club, and is connected with almost every sporting institution in the town. He is a Vice-President of Edinburgh Borderers’ Rugby Club. He has been Chairman of Berwick Salmon Company and is a Director of Berwick Gas Company and other companies.

He has an extensive experience of Council work, having presented the Middle Ward on two different occasions; he held the office of Sheriff, 1908-09; and is a Justice of the peace. He was elevated to the Aldermanic Bench in Nov. 1922, to fill the vacancy created by the retiral of the late Ald. Richardson.

Ald. Darling belongs to a family who has a fine record of municipal service. His father, the late Adam Darling, was Councillor, Sheriff, thrice Mayor, Alderman and County Alderman; has brother, County-Alderman Thomas Darling, J. P., has been Sheriff; and another brother, Mr Adam Darling, Bondington, is an Ex-Councillor.

REPORT ON BERWICK MUSEUM

BY MRS W. B. DICKINSON

The following is the report on Berwick Museum by Mrs W. B. Dickinson, prseneted to Berwick Town Council:-

The Museum is in a very neglected condition. This is not the fault of the caretaker, who does his work conscientiously and well. It is in departments not pertaining to his duties that much work and care is required to make the Museum a place that the town may be proud of. The co-operation of the public is also much needed. Perhaps the best way to gain this would be to make a list of the exhibits required, which, with the consent of the Committee, I would be pleased to do after the work of cleaning, re-grouping and re-classifying is finished. For instance, we have no specimens of locally found prehistoric implements. The local historic objects could almost be counted on one hand. We have scarcely half of the British wild animals, and many of the very component birds such as blackbird and robin are needed in the case of British birds. There are no specimens of needlework and only one or two literary exhibits. There is only one exhibit in connection with the Border marriages at Lamberton: none in connection with the Battle of Halidon. There are no exhibits in connection with the Great war, nor anything to remind future generations that the German Zeppelins visited Berwick. These are only a few examples to show what lines the list of requirements might be compiled. On the other hand, we have too many cases of stuffed pheasants, and examples of such monstrosities as two-headed lambs are out of place in a local museum.

In the meantime, the primary work to be done, and which is now proceeding, is as follows:- When the workmen left, the cases were full of dust that had sifted in, covering everything with a thick layer of dirt. The caretaker has scrubbed out the cases and polished the glass, but careful cleaning of all the exhibits is required.

Many of the exhibits have got mixed and require re-grouping and re-classifying.

Some objects are damaged or broken and require careful; mending.

Labels are lost in many cases, also there are labels with no exhibits to correspond, and groups of unlabelled objects with groups of labels beside them that have to be sorted out and re-attached.

As most of the labels are too dirty to read clearly, practically the whole of the exhibits need re-labelling.

Spoiled and unsuitable exhibits need weeding out.

DAVID ATKINSON

The photograph here reproduced is a known face in Berwick, at least to the football fraternity. Davie Atkinson, Berwick Rangers’ captain, is one who has done his bit to help the club along. The backbone of the team, he has many a time carried them through on his own broad shoulders. Davie is an earnest worker, and though he may, at times, be rather robust in his methods, it is but an excess of zeal. Glasgow born, Davie first showed his paces with Jordanhill, a juvenile team. Clyde F. C. spotted the lad, and right away he was transported from the juvenile ranks into senior league football. The Second Division of the Scottish League was formed at the end of the season, and Armadale, who were on the look-out for a good half-back, spotted Atkinson. At the end of the season Davie transferred his services to Dunfermline Athletic, and in May 1923 came to Berwick Rangers as player manager. This season the Club decided not to have a player-manager, but Davie is captain. Atkinson scored the goal which secured his side’s entry int o the Scottish Cup in the qualifying tie against Gala Fairydean.

LOCAL NEWS

Spittal-by-the-Sea grows in popularity on Borderland and far beyond. This noted health and holiday resort was the objective of 70 pupils, who filled 3 char-a-bancs drawn up at Denholm School gate last Friday at 9.30am. Route was by Jedfoot,[sic] Heiton, [sic] Sprouston, Cornhill, Tweedmouth to Berwick. After dinner the company motored to Spittal Beach. There they had Promenade and beach at their disposal. To half of the children this was their first sight of the sea.

One wonders what their thoughts were. Unfortunately, visibility was poor, and the water was sufficiently stormy that no fishing was in progress. In a trice over 100 bare feet were in the brine, and nearly 2 hours the wave and the sand arrested the attention of every boy and girl. Later the rocks, Spa Well, spade works etc attracted attention. Returning to Berwick at 4pm, harbour, town walls and pier were explored. Tea was served at 5pm Some time remained to wander about the town before starting for home at 6.15pm Returning, the route was Coldstream, Birgham and Kelso. By 9 o’clock they had returned safely to Denholm. The desire to have this outing originated with the pupils a year ago, and since September, the teachers have been receiving from them” offerings” for the trip. Each scholar made up his own fare, besides contribution towards cost of dinner and tea.

Driver T. Douglas, and Fireman John Waite, both of Tweedmouth Loco Sheds, N.E.R., have each received from the directors of the company, a bronze medallion for service rendered by them, as the oldest driver and fireman of Tweedmouth, during the recent commemoration of the centenary of British Railways at Stockton and Darlington. The souvenir, for such it is, is a fine piece of work and well worth its place amongst whatever other relics of the past they may have preserved in their possession. Fitted into a neat little case with a cavity for its reception, the medallion bears the following on the obverse side: “Portraits of Edward Pease, Chairman and guiding influence in the management of the first public railway, and of George Stephenson, who built the first engine on the railway, and actually drove it on its historic journey on Sept.27, 1825.”

TWEEDMOUTH RAILWAY STATION, 1936. Ref no: BRO 2482-001

There are also shown the coats of arms of Stockton and Darlington, the two towns between which ran the world’s first passenger train, the arms of Stockton being on the left hand, and those of Darlington on the right. On the reverse side is a figure of Vulcan holding in his hand Locomotive No.1, the first engine to be employed on public railway, with in the background, one of the London and North Eastern Railway Company’s famous 1925 type, “Pacific” express locomotive. A letter has also been received by the two men mentioned, which is as follows;- “Divisional General manager, North Eastern Area, L. and N. E. Railway, York, 24th Sept. 1925. Dear Sir, – On behalf of the Directors of the Company, I have great pleasure in sending you herewith a medallion struck by-in connection with the recent commemoration of the Centenary of British Railways at Stockton and Darlington, which I hope you will accept as a souvenir of the events- Yours faithfully, George Davidson.” Needless to say, both gentlemen are quite proud of the distinguished honour conferred upon them by being presented with so unique and interesting a souvenir, for services rendered ion such an occasion

BERWICK JOURNAL 30TH JULY, 1925

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Mrs Philipson’s Great Welcome at Unionist Picnic at Haggerston

Amidst delightful surroundings – Haggerston Castle – the annual picnic of the Berwick-on-Tweed Conservative and Unionist Polling District was held on Thursday. Once more through the kindness of Capt. And Mrs C. D. Leyland, these grounds were placed at the disposal of the organisers, along with a field for the tea amusements, sports, etc., and proved just as popular as ever. The weather although not of the best for picnicking – a haze hovering overhead almost all the time – kept up and was just nice and cool for walking. As usual, many of the company, which included from Coldstream, Norham, Bamburgh, Seahouses, Berwick, etc., visited the flower garden, and some of the beautiful walks. Numbers also visited the Tower, which proved most interesting and instructive.

AMUSEMENTS

There was a nice collection of amusements to suit all, both old and young, and keen interest was evinced at various stalls. The treasure hunt, which proved a huge success, had no less than 400 competitions in 2 hours, and those in charge had as exceedingly busy time, for, mark you, there was a real treasure for the winners, the 1st receiving a £1 note as 1st prize; 2nd, 10/-; 3rd. 6/-; 4th, 4/-. Another well patronised stall was the fishing pond, and here you were allowed 1 minute to procure your catch, and this in practically most cases was too short for the keen competitors. The target golf received many patrons, and here to gain the prize was more difficult than at first anticipated. The ever-popular hoopla received its full quota, and the coconut shies were not forgotten.

Haggerston Castle, 1930’s. Ref No: ZNG XIX

SPORTS

These were conducted on excellent lines and good entries were received for all. Strange to say the lady who won the first prize in the ladies’ race has done so far 3 years in succession, namely since the picnic was held. In the 100 yards race, some of the entrants had passed their youth, but nevertheless they put up a good show, and added enjoyment to the on-lookers. The ladies’ tug-of-war brought out 6 teams, and keen tussles were seen in all, the final having to be pulled twice. The boys’ race was well contested and brought out some good runners.

CONCERT

One of the tit-bits of this function is the concert, and this year this item was just as popular as ever. The programme was submitted by the Plus Fours Concert party from Coldstream. This was their first appearance outside of Coldstream since they had been formed, and we are quite sure that it is only a beginning of a company which will be more heard about. The artistes all belong to Coldstream and are purely amateur, but this latter fact does not underrate them at all. They are all artistes of no mean repute, and with more public appearances will do exceptionally well. Their programme was of a most entertaining character, and the large crowd which had assembled thoroughly enjoyed every item. The concert could not have been held in more delightful surroundings, in front of the Castle, where the roses bloomed in great profusion Seats were placed on the lawn, and in excellent position for the audience to hear. At the close of the concert, Mrs Scott Briggs proposed a hearty vote of thanks to the artistes, and this was heartily responded to.

MRS PHILIPSON’S ADDRESS

As Mrs Phillipson rose, she was greeted with cheers. Her address, which was splendidly and distinctly delivered was listened to with rapt attention, punctuated with rounds of applause. Dealing with political matters Mrs Philipson mentioned the Widows’ Pensions Bill which had been read for the third time on Wednesday, with full agreement of the whole House.  The passing of the Bill meant that widows with a family could keep their children at school until 16 and receive an allowance, whereas before as soon as the children reached the age of 14 years the allowance was withdrawn. Ex-service men’s dependants were also safeguarded with this bill.

Mrs Mabel Philipson, Ref No: NRO 2161

The Government, remarked Mrs Philipson had had a very busy session and had gone through an enormous amount of work. “Our Government and Party” are keeping their promises. They were still faced wit the great problem of unemployment, and it was unfair to say they were doing nothing to alleviate it. The number of men who had obtained employment under relief schemes directly assisted by the Government in Feb, last was 117,963. The ship building industry which was very hard pressed, had been again guarantees of security, and certain work had also been undertaken by the Railway Coys., whereby 34 million pounds would be involved. The Home Secretary, too, was taking up the undesirable Alien question, and this would help unemployment and housing questions. It was all nonsense to say that the Government was doing nothing to help unemployment. Mrs Philipson also spoke on the health question, embracing education, schools, etc., and said that a survey was being carried out in the urban areas, and there would soon be a similar survey in rural areas, when any improvements or alternations necessary, would be put right. Then there was the food question, which was no easy one, and was a serious industrial problem.

She was very proud to be their member, and she was one of those who supported the Government. Capt. Leyland had said she was an optimist. Perhaps she was. Well, she knew the men connected with the coal industry did not want a strike, because they realised it would take 10 years to recover from its effects. Mr Baldwin, by not interfering between the workmen and the masters, and allowing them to settle their own quarrels, was doing the right thing, as by co-operation, and goodwill the best results would be obtained. (Applause). She believed in the character and uprightness of the British workmen and knew it would help us through the present crisis. Continuing Mrs Philipson said she was a very small member of that Government, and Mr Baldwin was a very busy man, but sometimes she had an opportunity of speaking to hi, and once she had told him that there was one place in the north which had faith in him. They, too, would remember when Mr Baldwin passed through Berwick Station. One day the Premier had asked “How are they all at Berwick?” Well, when she got back to London she would tell him, “they are all very well.”

She was glad to have been present and to have seen them all. It gave her wonderful encouragement to have their affect on as well as being their member. (Applause).

One of the most interesting events in the afternoon’s programme was the presentation to Mr W. J. Dixon, who had acted as Agent for 14 years, and this was made by Ald. D. H. W. Askew. Mr Askew said it was a very great pleasure to make the presentation to Mr Dixon for the valuable and good work he had done for 14 years in this constituency as their Agent. He had done admirable work as an agent and had also been a long and active and willing worker for the whole constituency. He regretted very much that the Chairman, Col. Scott, was unable to be present; he had had much intercourse with Mr Dixon and he knew the really good and useful work he had done. Col. Scott very much regretted that the work of a long-standing engagement forbade him to be present. Continuing, Mr Askew said it was safe before 1800 to consider North Northumberland a Conservative stronghold. Suddenly a Liberal candidate was brought into the field in the person of Lord Grey, who won the seat from the then Duke of Northumberland, one of the very best men; and the seat [assed away to Liberalism. It was in 1910 that Mr Dixon was appointed as principal agent and since then a great change had come over the constituency.

Mr Dixon got into touch with a large constituency, but no election had been held to test the strength of the party, and to show the valuable work done by Mr Dixon until Lord Grey gave up the seat, and Sir Francis Blake was elected. The next candidate was Capt. Philipson who stood as a Coalition candidate, and was backed up by the Conservative Party, and who unfortunately lost his seat. Hi wife came gallantly along to the aid of the Conservative Party, and she was returned as the Conservative member. Mr Dixon had had the honour of having 3 splendid victories on 3 occasions and anyone could be proud of such. Continuing, he said Mr Dixon was held in great esteem and regard throughout the large constituency. He had taken a leading part in local affairs, having been a member of Berwick Town Council, Chairman of Board of Education, and was Chairman when it was merged into County. He took a leading part in all organisations and had something to do with almost everything in War work. He had played a public part and it was only to show such recognition that the many subscribers wish Mr Dixon to accept this silver cup and to show the great regard in which he was held. He had now come to an end of his active work as political agent, but he would be able to help us yet. Mr Askew then said he had great pleasure on behalf of the many subscribers to present Mr Dixon with a silver flower bowl and wallet of Treasury notes. (Applause).

Mr Dixon on rising received a great ovation. He thanked Mr Askew very much for the kind words he had said about him and his friends for subscribing towards the handsome presents; he would prize them most heartily. His aim had always been to win the seat for Conservatisers and he had succeeded in doing so. He was now back, he said, to the position he began in – a member of the Executive Finance Committee-and he thanked the Association for putting him in that position. Once again Mr Dixon thanked them for the handsome presents they had given him. (Applause).

Capt. Leyland who said that he did not wish to keep them longer, as Mrs Philipson wished to get down amongst them, said he had to thank the 2 Committees – ladies and gentlemen-for the splendid organisation. It was, he said, entirely due to them that the outing had been such a huge success; and it was through them that Mrs Philipson had come to address them. You will agree with me, he said, that it has been a huge success, and we have had even better weather than usual, and it has not actually rained. I will ask you to give 3 hearty cheers for the workers. ( Cheers).

Mrs Philipson then called for 3 hearty cheers for Capt. Leyland, and these were heartily given.

During the afternoon selections were rendered by Berwick Pipe Band and were much enjoyed. The arrangements for the picnic were excellently carried out, and the tea was up to the standard of past years.

There were between 1500 and 2000 present.

BERWICK JOURNAL, 4TH JUNE 1925

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MEMORIES OF AN OLD BERWICK BELL RINGER

“Ring a ding dong”! It is about 45 years ago since Mr. Joseph Redfearn, Wallace Green, Berwick, first began to toll the bells in Berwick Townhall, and he is the last of those old Bell Ringers. Mr. Thos. Statham was the Master bell ringer in those days. Tom Statham died several years ago after a long and worthy career as a Corporation Official. The other Town bell ringers when Mr. Redfearn began were Elias Weatherburn, the late Ald. Turnbull, Jas. Unthank, Geo. Weatherburn, John Moor, who had an ironmongery business in Hide Hill, and has been in London now for many years, William Strangeways, Mr. Redfearn and Mr. Statham, a ring of 8 bells. There was no teacher, and they were not members of a Society of Bellringers. They rang the same old round, with a variation that was known as the Queen’s change. They worked by figures in the old days, and from the common ring of 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 ,6 7, 8, they would turn to the Queen’s change, which was 1, 3, 5, 7, 2, 4, 6, 8, and then back to the common ring again.  They rang half hour peals at 8am, 10am, 12 noon, 3pm, and 6pm. They rang for the Battle of Waterloo, Queen Victoria’s Birthday and Ascension Day, Christmas Day and New Year’s Day and Berwick Fair. Mr. Redfearn rang his last peal on New Year’s Day.

Berwick Town Hall early 1900’s. Ref No. BRO 426-294

Mr Redfearn came to Berwick from Newcastle his birthplace, the year after the Royal Border Bridge was opened – over 75 years ago- and his memories of the old town are quaint indeed. Berwick was wretched place in those days. The soldiers would not let one into Wallace Green; they had sentries on guard at both top and bottom. The soldiers of that day were often rough and tumble lot, and the people in the Town had some stirring times. Police Force in those days comprised a Supt., a Constable and a special constable. At harvest time Irish harvesters used to come to town in trucks with scarce a “duddy” on them. Reaping machines wee not in use then. When the Irishmen got tipsy and began a hullaballoo, old Proudfoot, the solitary constable, was the only one that could quieten them.

The granaries were in full swing then; and Castle Terrace was unknown. There were only 2 houses there. One, which is now occupied by Miss Pearson, was owned at that time by Capt. Smith of the old Volunteers. At one time there was no less than 3 public houses in Wallace Green, where Wallace Green Church now stands. Public houses were numerous then, but many of them have been done away with.

Royal Border Bridge early 1990s. Ref No. BRO 515 377

Mr. Redfearn served his time as a cabinetmaker with Mr. Patterson, Berwick, and afterwards worked for Mr. Robt. Wood. His last master was Mr. Brown, Castlegate. After Mr. Brown died, he was in several places his last being with Mr. Goodall, in West Street. Mr Redfearn married Margaret Yeoman in 1868 in Berwick Parish Church, the then Vicar Rowe, officiating. They have had a family of 11, 7 of whom are still living. Mr. Redfearn’s son is Managing Director of Redfearns’ Garage in Golden Square. Mr. Redfearn has always had great love for music and was in 3 bands in Berwick. In 1860 he joined the Volunteer Band. He was in Mechanic’s Band when it was organised over 40 years ago. (He played the trombone), it amalgamated with the Volunteers after being in existence for about 14 years. He played in Artillery band, 1st in Fife and Drum Band and then in Brass Band. He played in a string band when he was 10 years of age. He was a member of a noted string band that played at all the dances in the surrounding district, at Ayton, Duns, Coldstream, Milne Graden, Paxton House and in the Scottish Border villages especially. He was an adept on the piccolo and very skillful with it. The other members of the band were Coun. Campbell’s father who played the bass fiddle, John Hogg, who died a few years ago in South Africa, was the 1st fiddle, Mr. Anderson was 2nd fiddle, and Mr. Ford and Mr. Bock played the cornet. Mr. Redfearn is the only survivor of that orchestra, but today he remembers the happy times they had. Until a few years ago, he continued to play the piccolo, at which he was a master hand. Mr Redfearm and his guid wife are still hale and hearty. He is rather deaf now, but if there is anything he regrets he has to relinquish it is the bell-ringing. He is only sorry the Berwick Bellringers were not trained to lay the bells in a proper way, when they could have rendered the chimes as they are done in other towns.

We hope our very old friend “Joe” Redfearn may enjoy many years of retirement in the good old town, which he loves so well, and where he has been such a useful citizen throughout a long and valued life.

SCOTTISH SCOUT WEEK

BERWICK SCOUTS’ DISPLAY

This being Scout Week, a special effort was made to augment the funds of the Berwick Association, by a 2d annual display by the Boy Scouts of Berwick, Tweedmouth and Spittal, on Tuesday night in the Flagstaff Park, Berwick. There was a record attendance, every vantage point being crowded. There was a very long programme, which lasted over 1 ½ hours, but during this time not a dull moment was experienced. The Scouts who were formed up at their headquarters, were headed by Berwick Pipe band, and marched in procession form there along Silver Street, up Hide Hill, High Street, Walkergate Lane, Parade, and thence to the Park. S. M. Parkes was in the enclosure ready to welcome them; after which they formed a circle and rallied round the Commissioner. Thereafter the flag was hoisted, and cheers resounded again and again. National Anthem was next sung, in a hearty manner by all. The programme now began in real earnest and went with a swing the whole time.

4 boxing bouts were next witnessed, the first being between Troop Leaders Johnston and Gleig. This was the most exciting of all, they really seemed to mean business and gave the crowd a good exhibition of boxing. The next bout was between patrol Leaders Blythe and Shearlaw, and though they did not get so near to grips as the others, yet they gave quite a good exhibition. The next bout was between 2 young boys, Scouts Clements and Weatherburn, and a good show they put up considering their ages. The most laughable of all was the contest between Scouts Renton and Trotter, who were bare-backed, one being whitened and the other blackened, almost out of recognition. They too showed quite a good knowledge of the art.

A few members of the 1st Berwick gave an excellent exhibition of Indian club drill, to the accompaniment of ex-Pipe-Major McMillan.

Berwick Boy Scouts Annual Camp at Wooler, 1910- Group Photograph. Ref No: BRO 2599-BOX 3-File 1 -015

While the Sea Scouts were giving their display of life-saving, various stunts were going on by the other Scouts, including signalling, jumping, skipping, lassoing, single sticks, etc.

The Eightsome Reel by mixed units caused much hilarity amongst the spectators, as the boys were in good form. They wee accompanied by the pipes and drum.

A rather novel item was that consisting of a new type of sword dance by the 2nd Berwicks. It was good to watch, and we are sure to most it was new, making it all the more appreciable. The same Troop gave a display of games which were much enjoyed.

The campfire sing-song was another laugh-provoking item, with the Scouts all arrayed in wraps of multi-coloured materials. They arranged themselves round the fire, before which they sang “E’en gen Yama.” The Commissioner then declared the campfire open, and a selection of songs were given, S. M. Gleig being the moving spirit. Choruses, etc., were given in lusty fashion. The Commissioner and S. M. Gleig gave contributions in which the Scouts joined in. The organ accompaniments wee played by A.S.M. J. Elder.

The proceedings were brought to a close by the singing of a verse of “Abide with me.”

Votes of thanks were called for by the Commissioner for Major Kennedy, Depot K.O.S.B., for the assistance he had given, and for help received from the barracks; and also to Berwick Pipe Band for so kindly playing for them that night.

Capt. Lake, Depot K.O.S.B., kindly acted as umpire for boxing. Those in charge of collecting boxes were Mr. Parker, Counc, Thorburn, Mr. Simmen, jun., Mr. W. Howe, Mr. Hoggarth, and Miss Hogarth.

Amount received, up to going to press, is 12 5s.

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