Berwick Journal

BERWICK NEWSPAPERS,1923

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BERWICK JOURNAL, 8TH NOVEMBER 1923

BERWICK WAR MEMORIAL

ARRANGEMENTS FOR THE UNVEILING CEREMONY

War Memorial, Castlegate, Berwick-upon-Tweed. © Copyright J Thomas – (cropped image) Creative Commons Licence 2.0 Generic (CC BY-SA 2.0).

Yesterday we received the following, (with the information that it is “issued to the Press by the Unveiling Committee of Berwick War Memorial, for favour of publication”)- the anniversary of the Armistice will be a red letter day in the history of the Borough, for at 2.30 that afternoon the ceremony of unveiling the Memorial raised to the 480 sons of the Borough, who made the supreme sacrifice in the Great War, will commence.

BERWICK WAR MEMORIAL, REGISTRATION OF NAMES CIRCULAR:
Ref No: BRO 794/39/1/029

It is fortunate that the anniversary falls this year on a Sunday, for this means that the maximum number of inhabitants and others from further afield will be able to witness the ceremony, and also by their presence pay honour to our citizens who fell.

The Committee too have been extremely fortunate in securing the service of the victorious Commander of the British Expeditionary Force-Field Marshal Earl Haig, of Bemersyde,-to perform the unveiling ceremony. His Lordship has since his return from active service, been one of the busiest men in the country, and at this time the demands for his presence elsewhere must have been very insistent. But we are sure he feels it a privilege and a debt he owes to his late countrymen from this part of the Borderland, in whose countryside he has taken up residence, that he should accept the invitation. Certainly, the citizens of the Borough will look upon his presence on such an occasion as a great honour and a recognition of duty nobly done.

AT THE SITE

The unveiling Sub-Committee have been very busy during the last few weeks endeavouring to organise the ceremonial so that dignified in every way, and memorable to those taking part.

Since the garden plot in front of Polwarth House is not to taken into the lay-out the difficulties with regard to the space available have been accentuated and have given a good deal of worry to the members of the Committee. Invitations have been therefore had to be curtailed to a minimum.

There is likewise the difficulty of estimating how many ex-service men will parade-certainly there are sure to be many more than have so far sent in their names to the Legion Secretary.

Naturally the relatives of the fallen have been given the place of honour facing the Memorial, and those, who have written for seats to be reserved, will be present to the number of over 200.

Around the Memorial will be four of the nation’s defenders on guard throughout the ceremony, representing the Navy, Army, Air Force and Territorial Army. They will be in the position of “rest on your arms reversed” till the tablets are unveiled when they will present arms with the guards of honour.

There will be two guards of honour – by per mission of Major C. F. Kennedy, the Depot K.O.S.Borderers will furnish that to Lord Haig, and “D” Company, 7th Northumberland Fusiliers (T.A.), that at the Memorial (by permission of Lieut-Col. N. I. Wright, D.S.O.) the former will receive Lord Haig with the general salute at the Town Hall, and after he has inspected it, will march to the site and face West. The Borderers will be under Capt. R. H. W. Worsley, D.S.O.

The Territorials’ guard of honour will be under the command of Lieut. E. A. Mackay and like the 25th, will be two officers and 50 other ranks strong. It will proceed direct to the Memorial and will face East.

Relatives will be seated facing North and on each side of the garden railings will be the companies of the British Legion and Ex-service men and women in fours under Capt. R. H. Dodds, M.C. On the North side will be the Royal Naval Reserve under Capt. R. E. Carr, R.N., the Northumberland Fusiliers – and K.R.R.C/ (Church Lads’ Brigade) Cadets under cadet Capt. R. D. Harvey, and the Boy Scouts under Scoutmaster B. A. Parkes. In rear of them will be any additional companies of Ex-service men.

Within the railings of St. Mary’s Church will be accommodated the Band of the 1st Battn. K.O.S.Borderers, who are attending by kind permission of Lieut-Col. P. A. V. Stewart, C.B.E., D.S.O. Also, on specially constructed platforms inside the railings will be a choir of about 50 voices, organised by Dr. C.T. gauntlet, and members of the Press. All these bodies will be in position shortly after 2p.m. and relatives must take their seats by that hour.

UNVEILING OF BERWICK WAR MEMORIAL, Ref No: BRO 1555-01

Invited guests – Glergy, magistrates, members of the County and Town Councils, Guardians, etc. will assemble at the Town Hall at 1.45p.m., where they will be received by the Mayor and Sheriff. About 2 p.m. they will be joined by the Lord Lieutenant of the County, the Duke of Northumberland, who will preside, and Field Marshall Earl Haig and Countess Haig.

A procession in column of fours will be formed at the Town Hall at 2.10 p.m. under the direction od Capt. F. B. Cowen, M.C., and will move off at 2.15.

At the Memorial, which the procession will reach just prior to 2.30, the service will be conducted by the Revs S. E. R. Fenning, M.C., H. Maishaman, and W. Jardine, M.C., late Chaplains of the Forces, and Rev. R. W. Hey. Vicar of Berwick. On the call of the Duke of Northumberland, Lord Haig will deliver a short address, and will unveil the Memorial, the guards of honour presenting arms, and the Buglers of the K.O.S.B. sounding the “Last Post.”

THE SILENCE

This will be followed by one minute’s silent tribute, the period being indicated by a “G” sounded by a bugler, and another “G” at its termination. The Band of the 1st K.O.S.B. will next play eight bars of Chopin’s Marche Funebre, after which the memorial will be dedicated, the Mayor will accept its custody on behalf of the Town Council, the Vicar of Berwick will pronounce the Benediction, and a verse of the National Anthem will be sung.

The hymns selected are well known and appropriate, being “Oh God our help in ages past” and “For all the Saints.”

Relatives of the fallen, who desire to place floral tributes at the base of the memorial, will then be formed up and under the direction of stewards. The mayoress will lay the first wreath on behalf of the Borough, and Lord Haig will follow with a tribute from the Berwick Branch of the British Legion.

His Lordship will inspect the troops and Ex-service men, etc., prior to the civil procession returning to the Town Hall, where the Mayor and Mayoress will entertain the guests and members of public bodies to afternoon tea.

The Depot K.O.S.B. and British Legion will march off as soon as Lord Haig commences his inspection of the other troops. The Legion will await His Lordship in Sandgate, where he will inspect the members and headquarters.

Lieut-Col. W. B. Mackay, C.M.G., T.D., is to be in charge of the stewards, who will see to the seating of the relatives of the fallen choir, public bodies, invited guests, etc., also the placing of wreaths round the Memorial at the close. Major Smail has been appointed Director of Ceremonial at the site.

TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS

Desiring to have complete silence during the speech of Lord Haig, and also to reserve the whole of Castlegate to those wishing to witness the ceremony, the Committee has arranged with Supt. Halliday to divert all North traffic up Tweed Street, and all going South via the Greenses, Brucegate and Scots Place between 1.30 and 4 p.m.

Motorists can go to any garage in the town, but cars cannot be parked in High Street or Castlegate between those hours. Those from the North car park in the vicinity of Northumberland Avenue, and those from the South on the Parade.

In case of accidents, the L. and N.E. Railway Ambulance Class from Berwick Station and the Queen’s Nurses will be on duty in the porch of St. Mary’s Church.

CHILDRENS’ CEREMONY

Weather permitting, it is hoped to hold a short service round the Memorial on Monday, 12th inst., commencing at 9.10 a.m., when the various schools of the Borough will be represented. The ceremonial pat will be conducted by clergy representing the various denominations. Programme (provisional) is as follows: – Hymn 185, “O Gid our Help,” 9.10 a.m.; short prayer; addresses, about 5 mins.; Kipling’s Recessional sung to tune of Hymn 380 (A. and M.); National Anthem (1st and 3rd verses); Benediction.

It is hoped to hold this on a similar ceremony round the Memorial near Armistice Day or school day nearest to Nov.11th.

BERWICK NEWSPAPERS, 1923

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BERWICK JOURNAL 30TH AUGUST, 1923

PEOPLE’S HOME IN BERWICK

[BY “BERWICK JOURNAL” SPECIAL CORRESSPONDENT]

What was formerly unused portion of Berwick Workhouse has been leased to Mr Harry Campbell, South Shields, as Working People’s Home and Model Lodging House for Men and Women.

Considerable improvements, internally particularly, have been made. The place throughout has been fitted with electric light. There are separate entrances for either sexes. The House has been fitted up for 47 beds. Ample kitchen accommodation is provided, which includes up to date cooking stoves. Hot and cold water basins are plentifully in evidence. Attendant’s room and offices have been excellently prepared, and the entire furnishings for beds and mattresses, etc, for the Home have been purchased from Local Firms. Baths for Men and Women are installed, fitted conveniently for all hours of the day and night with hot and cold water. The plans for structural alterations have been subject to the opinion and final passing of Mr Paterson, the well-known Local Architect, and Mr Boyd, the experienced Local Inspector.

Entrance to Workhouse, REFERENCE: BRO 1541-01

Everything possible that could be done for the comfort of people using the Home has been carefully looked after and no expense spared y Mr Campbell to bring the Home up to the highest possible standard. We understand a formal opening of the Building will be made. The Berwick Home, when finally completed, will be one of the finest examples of what a Model residence should be, and will doubtless prove a great boon to those who seek its accommodation.

We heartily congratulate Mr Campbell on his enterprise, for although he makes no pretense as a philanthropist, but is running the plan as a business speculation, yet, withal, this is another way of helping, to a certain extent, towards the solution of social reforming for the betterment of people who have hitherto not had the advantages of an up-to-date place wherein to rest and feel that here is a Home.

FOOTBALL

1st football match of the season on Saturday, at Union Park, Tweedmouth, was noteworthy for change of position of goalposts, owing to encroachment on the field of new houses. Hitherto, the 2 winning areas were top and bottom of Union Park – or about west and east- and now they are across the pitch- or about north and south. In 1st half of the match, Berwick pressed hard, and give promise of a good team. In 2nd half, Coldstream showed pressing powers; and, on the whole, it was a hard, fair and square tussle, with the goal each as the record. Coldstream will be heard of this season if they keep up their display on this occasion.

LOCAL NEWS

Fair quantity of herrings was landed at Berwick last week, Thursday being the principal day, but, unfortunately, quality was not so good as would be desired and several shots were disposed of for manure. On Tuesday this week 4 boats landed 124 crans, and on Wednesday there were 2 arrivals with 25 crans between them. Prices from 8s to 26s per cran. The season’s catch now stands at 2141 crans as against 450 crans at corresponding date last year.

Splitting the herring, REFERENCE: BRO 426-0829

 We regret to record the death in London of Mr Daniel Heagerty, a well-known Chemist, son of late Dr Heagerty, Tweedmouth, (Medical Officer of Health for Berwick Borough.) Mr Heagerty, who was about 50, suffered serious illness for some time. He was educated at Berwick and served apprenticeship with Messrs W. G. Carr and Son, Chemists, Berwick. A brother of Mr Heagerty- Travers-is an able Actor in America, where he is doing well. He was original member of Berwick Amateur Dramatic Club.

WHITTINGHAM GAMES

SUCCESSFUL GATHERING

On Saturday, the 63rd annual Whittingham Games Meeting was held in that beautiful and picturesque “Vale of Whittingham,” surrounded by lovely, massive green trees and heather clad hills. The games were favoured by weather which although not ideal was nevertheless dry. During the morning it was none too promising but cleared up about mid-day. Widely known as the “Games of the North,” this popular and far-fames gymnastic festival was established in the year 1860. Unlike village associations, Whittingham Games have never been suspended owing to finance since inauguration but have on the other hand gone forward by leaps and bounds, with the exception of the suspension during the war period. By the untiring efforts of an able Committee and generosity of the public who subscribe to the Games, the financial side of the sports has always been well maintained. It was regretted that the Agricultural Section was not carried on this year, but it is hoped that it will be revived in 1924.

REFERENCE: BRO 2140/13/012

Supported by Lady Ravenswoth, Mrs Branfoct, Lady Grey, and Mrs Collingwood, Glanton Pike, the Poultry Section was tried for the first time, and proved very satisfactory.

The Committee this year offered £230 in prizes for the various events and shows, and were well rewarded for their enterprise, as from mid-day onwards large crowds of people poured into the village, by trains, motor cars, char-a-bancs, and push bikes. In fact, every conceivable way of transport was used. An excursion was run from Newcastle, and many took advantage of the cheap fares from Berwick and Wooler districts.

The tents were kindly given and erected by Major Browne, who was always a liberal subscriber to the games, while Messrs Hindmarsh Bros. again kindly granted the use of the same field as is always used. The catering was in the hands of Miss Anderson, Rothbury.

During the afternoon the Ashington Harmonic Band rendered popular selection of music.

BORDER SCHOOLMASTER UNDUE SEVERITY

Robt. John Brown, Schoolmaster of Makerstoun, Kelso, appeared at Roxburghshire Sheriff Court on Thursday on a charge of assaulting a 6-year-old pupil, This. Ballantyne, with his hand and beating him with a pair of taws on the hips and thighs on July 11. Brown pleaded not guilty.

Ballantyne said he had been reported as having bitten another pupil, and after dismissal of the class he was taken from the playground by the Headmaster, put across a chair, and thrashed. He fell from the chair, and Brown picked him up and thrashed him again. Other pupils corroborated.

Brown said the boy Ballantyne had been reported on 2 occasions as having bitten other children. On this occasion he took Ballantyne into a classroom and thrashed him. The thrashing, he admitted, was severe, but he contended it should be so in the interest of discipline.

Medical evidence was given that there were 13 weals on the child.

Sheriff Chisholm said the punishment was unduly severe. He imposed a fine of £10- or 15-days’ imprisonment.

Before leaving Court, Brown said he would go to prison.

BERWICK NEWSPAPERS, 1923

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BERWICK JOURNAL, 16TH AUGUST, 1923

Saturday, July 21, 1923 – (Tweedmouth Feast Eve) – was “Red Letter Day” for Natives of Berwick-upon-Tweed and District, who reside in Toronto and surrounding neighbourhood of this great Canadian City. It was First Celebration of the “Feast” ever held in British Colonies, and, indeed, in British Isles, except in City of Leeds, where, some years ago, on the initiative of a well known and noted Native of Berwick (Mr J. W. Miller, Chief Overseer of “Yorkshire Post”) Borderers in Yorkshire celebrated the Feast by a successful dinner.

Right well did Borderers in Canada celebrate the feast, on the initiative of Mr Wm Hogg, loyal native of Berwick, and an Ex Capt. of Berwick Cycling Club. Permission having granted from the Civic Authorities of Toronto to hold Tweedmouth feast Picnic at High Park, arrangements were at once made to communicate with local Borderers. Many copies of “Berwick Journal” crossed the Atlantic with a certain letter heavily marked. It was not long before the active and energetic organisers were getting calls on the telephone for all particulars. Mr W. Hogg, er., Mr R. Swan, and Mr Thos. Hogg (late of Ness Street, Berwick), formed themselves into a Committee and things started to hum.

The weather was delightful in Toronto on Tweedmouth Feast Eve, and as it went past a certain section of High Park a huge banner, with Berwick Coat-of-Arms attracted considerable attention. Underneath Berwick Coat-of-Arms was a 2nd banner, on which were wonderful words- “Berwick-on-Tweed District First Annual Picnic; Feast sat., July 21.” (Full article available on request at Berwick Record Office).

BERWICK VISITORS

On visit to Berwick, his Native Town, is Mr Somerville Steven, Schoolmaster, London, son of Mr Wm. Steven, cabinetmaker, Berwick, Mr Steven, who at one time was a Teacher in Berwick Boys’ National School, has been many years in the South, and has done fine work as a Schoolmaster.

We welcome Major Stammas, R. A., Woolwich, on a visit to his Native Town of Berwick. With Mrs Stammas the gallant Officer is staying at Roxburghe Hotel, Spittal. He is son of a distinguished Crimean and Mutiny Veteran, the late Sergt. Major Stammas, R. A., who was so long one of permanent Staff of Berwick Militia in Col. Reed’s day. Major Stammas, who began his soldiering in Berwick Militia, afterwards transferring to R.H.A., has very fine Army record, of which any man may be proud. We wish Major and Mrs Stammas happy time on the Homeland.

Pleased to see on a visit to Berwick this week Mr J. Ganson and his son John. Mr Ganson was Volunteer Instructor at Chirnside from 1905 until Dec. 1908. On leaving Chirnside he was posted to recruiting staff in England. On outbreak of War in 1914 he joined up and served at Berwick Depot from 1914 until 1919, holding the rank of Quarter-Master-sergeant. From Berwick he proceeded to Edinburgh with Major Parkinson on recruiting work, and when Major Parkinson returned to Berwick, he was transferred to Perth, where he now is. His son John attended Berwick Grammar School while his father was stationed at Berwick Depot.

MISS FELICITY ASKEW’S EXHIBITION AT BERWICK

The Exhibition of Drawings and Paintings by Miss Felicity Askew, now on view in Side Room, Corn Exchange, Berwick, is full of interest to lovers of Art. Although the display is small there is enough to show the all-round ability of the Artist. The first impression is that all the drawings are the work of one who is a lover of animals – especially of horses; and if the maxim holds good that we do best that which  we love most, then we see the secret of Miss Askew’s success. Most of the subjects depict horses: some are portraits – many are clever drawings of them in motion – some are introduced into her landscapes with much ability and nice feeling. One is rather impressed by her compositions showing race and other horses in motion – particularly such drawings as “The last Furlong, “Across the Flat,” “Ploughing on the Borders,” and Ceaserwitch, 1921,” which are excellent. The Artist shows in all her work a goof knowledge of anatomy, a fine sense of proportion, and workmanlike style in execution of each picture.

Image of Corn Exchange, Berwick-upon-Tweed.

We believe Miss Askew’s Art Education was obtained in one or 2 of the Chief Art Centres on the continent, and this is evident in the greater part of the work exhibited. We notice several portrait studies of hunters and other horses. One or two of these are very good, particularly the drawing of “Bute,” the cart horse, executed in direct and easy style; and I is excellent.

Miss Askew is also represented in “Modelling, such as a good bas-relief of a mare’s head; also 2 statutes in bronze of horses, which show the same knowledge and workmanlike style in execution.

There are also some very good studies of dogs, effectively drawn and strong in character, particularly those depicting bull dogs.

The weak part of the display is the lack of colour. Most of the work is etched by the pen, and in some cases slightly tinted, and where backgrounds are washed in show a lack of softness in blending the colours. There are clever etchings of Scotsgate, Berwick, and Berwick Old Bridge, but one perspective drawing of Royal Border Bridge is far astray in proportion. There is a nice pleasing figure study of a lady seated on the elbow of a chair.

Berwick upon Tweed, Old Bridge

The Exhibition is well worth a visit, and we congratulate Miss Askew on her display. It gives us great pleasure to look forward to any further success this talented young lady may attain to in the future.

“Berwickshire News” of this week says-

Exhibition and Sale of Drawings, Paintings and Models, ( work of Miss felicity Askew, niece of County-Ald. David Askew, J.P., of Castle-hills, Berwick), is one in Side-room, Berwick Corn Exchange, and is being visited by many people. There is much to admire in this young lady’s artistic efforts. Castle hills farm prize horse at Berwick Fair Show and procession takes the eye, as does also Binns Mansion, the Home of Sir Jas. and Lady Wilkie Dalyell, formerly of Foulden, Berwick, uncle and aunt of Miss Askew, and whose daughter ( Miss Dalywell) assisted her cousin at the Exhibition. Then there are notable local “bits.” Quite a novel and original study is that of 2 or 3 arches of Royal Border Bridge, at Berwick end: this is a piece of excellent work which provides subject for development.

The sixth annual North Northumberland Tennis Tournament, held under the auspices of Berwick Lawn Tennis Club, opened at Berwick in fine weather and before a good attendance of spectators. Notwithstanding the heavy rain overnight, the courts were in good condition. Though the individual entries are half a dozen short compared with last year, the total number of matches is 593, and increase of 33. There are eleven grass courts available.

MARRIED IN CENTRE OF TWEED

We reproduce certificate of marriage of Jan. 3 1820, which is in possession of Mrs Hartley, 5 West End, Tweedmouth.

(Copy Certificate)

Married January the 3rd, one thousand and eight hundred and twenty.

Married in the centre of the River Tweed opposite Paxton House in a boat fronting the Borders.

This is to certify that John Allan of Tweedmouth, in the Parish of Tweedmouth, in the County of Durham, and Mary Turner of Horncliffe, in the Parish of Norham, in the County of Durham, were this day lawfully married together by me John Forster, before these witnesses as below. Witness John Forster. Witness John Allan. I the aforesaid John Allan and Mary Turner have allowed the above marriage at the aforesaid place the River Tweed opposite Paxton House. Given under my hand. John Allan. Mary Turner.

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