BERWICK NEWSPAPERS, 1923

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.

BERWICK NEWSPAPERS, 1923

BERWICK JOURNAL, 21ST JUNE 1923

DEATH OF JOHN DICKSON

The death took place on Friday night at his residence in West End, Tweedmouth, of Mr John Dickson, a native of Edinburgh, but a resident of Tweedmouth for 23 years. Deceased, a butcher to trade, was an ex-Cameron Highlander, before coming to Berwick, and was engaged for some years with an imported meat firm in High Street, Berwick. When war broke out in 1914 he joined the KOSB.’s straight away on the 9th of August, and was soon on the Western Front, taking part in many important engagements, as he also did in Russia before the termination of the loop drawn out campaign. He was once gassed, and on another occasion had both feet frozen, and used to think even with these troubles, that he had come through the great ordeal very fortunate compared to thousands of others. Since demobilisation he has been less fortunate in keeping himself in regular employment, and at one time signed on to go with the Government War Graves Department, where bodies were being exhumed on the open battlefields and decently interred in specially prepared cemeteries, where it is now possible for relatives of deceased to go and find the graves of their dear ones. Mr Dickson was there 12 months, the full period of his engagement. He also served for some time at the KOSB. Depot in the Barracks, cutting and distributing meat rations to the soldiers. Latterly he found employment with the L. and N.E.R. Coy. at Tweedmouth, as a mason’s labourer, but with many others was discharged some time ago under the plea of economy, and redundancy of staff. Although only in his 44th year he has had a very chequered career, but proved himself a straight Britisher all through, willing to fight for the Empire, or work for an honest living whenever opportunities presented themselves either way, but like so many of our ex-service me, the privilege to work was often denied him. He was married to the 3rd daughter of the late Wm. Dryden, West End, Tweedmouth, the famous oarsman who rowed at Tweedmouth Feast Regatta for 50 years and was presented with a beautiful clock from the late Ald. Robt. Marshall, to commemorate his Jubilee as an oarsman on the Tweed. For some time past he has been in failing health, and seven weeks ago he took to bed, and never again rallied, death taking place as stated above on Friday night last from heart failure. Deceased was interred on Monday afternoon in Tweedmouth Cemetery, with full military honours. A detachment of KOSB from the Depot were present, comprising firing party, pall bearers, pipers and following party, while the coffin was covered with the Union Jack. There was also a large following of the general public, amongst them being many ex-service men. Amongst the relatives were deceased’s father, brother and sister, from Edinburgh, Mr Robt. Lowe, Mr John. Murray (Brothers-in-law), Mr Wm. Murray (East Ord), Mr Wm. Murray, jun., Mr John Murray, jun., Mr John Brigham carried out the duties of undertaker; while Rev, P. G. Peacocke, Vicar, officiated at the burial. Deceased leaves behind a widow and family of 5, 2 of whom are still at school; and to the bereaved ones we now tender our sincere sympathy in their sad loss.

BERWICK BARRACKS ACCIDENT

WELL-KNOWN INSTRUCTOR INJURED

On Tuesday, while C.S.M. Brisbane, K.O.S.B., was instructing recruits in the Gymnasium at Berwick Barracks, and was demonstrating the back heel kick from a high bar, he slipped and fell to the ground, landing on his head. He was rendered unconscious for some time. The medical Officer examined him, and it is

Fuller’s engraving of Berwick Barracks 1799. BRO 1637-04

satisfactory to learn that no bones are broken. It will be some time before C.S.M. Brisbane is out and about again. He came from the 2nd Batt. To the Depot in April, 1922, and is a fine soldier. He id well-known golfer on Berwick Town Course. We wish for him speedy and complete recovery.

TWEEDMOUTH GETS MORE HOUSES

Good progress is now being made with the erection of the new houses on the site at the top of Sunnyside, Tweedmouth, on Berwick and Scremerston-road. The scheme, which originated with Capt. J. Evelyn Carr, is designed to augment the housing facilities in the Borough, by private enterprise. A site, capable of accommodating 8 houses, has been purchased, and 2 houses are at present being erected, and will be ready at an early date.

The accommodation of the houses is: Living room, scullery, pantry, coal house, bathroom, and 3 bedrooms. Each house has a veranda and is fitted with hot and cold water. The living room is 16 feet by 12 feet 6 ins. The houses are made of rock faced blockers to the sill course and rough cast above. They have a coronet projecting over the eaves, and the roofs are tiled.

The view the site commands is an admirable one, and will, it is expected, appeal both to Berwick people and workers at Scremerston. All the fittings in the houses will be of the latest design, and everything is planned out for the convenience of the housewife.

The houses will be of the non-parlour type and, we understand, will qualify for the Government subsidy. If that is the case they will be cheap houses for the purchasers

Contractors for the scheme are: Builders, Messrs P. Whitlie and Sons; plasterer, Mr D. Watson; plumber, Mr Staple; painter, Mr Little. Messrs Patterson and Gray are the architects.

SAM LEWIS AND MR LAMBETON

SAM LEWIS

Sam Lewis, the great money-lender, once did a very considerate thing for Hon. Geo. Lambton- he had him arrested and lodged for 24 hours in Holloway Gaol. Mr Lambton naturally did not at the time realise the act was prompted by a friendly spirit. But 2 years later he learned the motive. Rather against his inclination he had been going to Canada to start a new course of life, and Lewis, his principal creditor, on learning this, had him stopped at Liverpool, and made it a condition of his release that he should promise not to leave England. Thus Mr Lambton was restored to a racing career- to the subsequent gratification of all lovers.

MR LAMBTON

Mr Lambton, who is brother of Hon. F. W. Lambton, Fenton, Wooler, tells what Mr Lewis, and “Why he had Me Arrested,” Mr Lambton says – Mr Lewis played very important part in my life, as one action of his probably altered the whole course of it. At last, the time had come when I was stone broke with no money left. No man was ever so fortunate in an elder brother as I was , but there was a limit even to his endurance, and after having saved me many times in my financial difficulties he arranged that I should go out to Canada, where my uncle, Lord Lansdowne, was Governor-General, as a member of his staff, so that my affairs could be straightened out and myself settled down to a more useful life. On the afternoon of my departure for Liverpool to join the boat I was arrested and taken to Holloway Gaol in the suit of Mr Lewis, who was my principal creditor, under the law of “Ne exeat regno.” After 24 hours I was released on giving my word that I would not leave England, so my Canadian trip was knocked on the head. At the time I was greatly surprised at Lewis’s action and thought he had behaved badly, and it was not till 2 years later that he told me the true history of the affair.

Ford Castle, Ref: BRO 426-1025

It was this on hearing the rumour that I was being sent to Canada he went to Marcus Beresford (a member of Waterford Family, who once owned Ford Castle, Berwick), who was a great friend of mine, and asked him if it was true and also if I really wanted to go myself. Marcus said yes, but that I hated the idea of leaving England, and that in his opinion I was quite unsuited to the life that I was intended to lead there, so Sam said, “Well, I shall stop him going, but it must be a secret between us two,” and until Sam told Marcus never breathed a word to me.

BERWICK NEWSPAPERS, 1923

BERWICK JOURNAL, 7TH JUNE 1923

TWEEDMOUTH FEAST TO BE CELEBRATED IN CANADA-

BERWICK MAN’S LETTER

(To Editor “Berwick Journal”)

13 Reynold’s Place, Toronto, Canada.

Sir- Following up a suggestion made in “Berwick Journal” last year, I have discussed here with several Berwickers, the holding of a picnic in Toronto at Tweedmouth Feast time. The proposal and arrangements are being made to hold pic-nic at High Park, Toronto, on Saturday, (Tweedmouth Feast Eve), July 21, to which all natives of Berwick and district are cordially invited.

Tweedmouth Feast, 1965 Programme. Ref: BRO 1864/18/10

I have received promises from quite a number, (but as there may be many in this District of Canada whom I am unable to communicate with, I would be pleased to have you publish this letter in your widely read Paper, so that anyone who gets the “Berwick Journal” out here – ( and every Borderer does) – may know of the coming event, which will link us up with our Homeland at Tweedmouth Feast-time.

Those who read “Berwick Journal” at Home, and have friends out  here, might please send them out word; and anyone here wishing to be present can obtain particulars on phoning me at North 7241.

With good weather pleasant and happy day may be spent and many tales of “Ye Olde Towne” talked over by those who though thousands of miles away are with “Berwick Journal” and the Homeland in spirit in this Great Annual Re-Union of Tweedmouth Feast – yours, etc., Wm. Hogg, Sir.

This letter from our old friend Mr Hogg brings joy to us, for Berwickers and Borderes in Canada are going to do a very good thing- celebrate Tweedmouth Feast some thousands of miles from Home; and this is a thing which might be done by Natives of Borderland now in every Colony and Outpost of Empire. It is one of the best way of linking up with Home, and at opportune time, when Tweedmouth Feast brings many Exiles back again to their “Ain Folk”.

We give here a photograph of Mr Hogg and another Berwicker, Mr Alec. Barrie, sent Home to us from Canada, where it was recently taken.

Many old Berwickers and Borderers will remember well the faces above portrayed, and they will kindle many happy memories of Auld Lang Syne – Editor, “Berwick Journal”.

BELFORD

The past week has had little else to record, but election fever. Not probably in the entire history of the Berwick Constituency had a contest been fraught with more excitement than that on Thursday last. The supporters of each candidate were all for a time equally confident of the final issue. Many were the prognostications from day to day, but even the best forecast came a long way off the result. The fact of the matter was that it was not a question of politics at all, but rather of sentiment, and when the result of the polling was declared there is no doubt, that the figures for the Conservative candidate surpassed by far the most sanguine anticipations of her most enthusiastic supporters.

MABEL PHILIPSON, REF: BRO 85

A Constituency so traditionally Liberal has not turned Conservative on the question of politics. Belford which at one time actually voted 99 per cent. Liberal was on this occasion as red wellnigh as it was possible to be. The wave of sentiment caught on all over ere the polling day, and from that, and that alone, Mrs Philipson received her very handsome majority. On Friday night she was enthusiastically received at every at every village from Alnwick to Berwick. At Belford her car was met by some of the younger stalwarts, and ropes being attached, it was hauled through the village to the Market Cross, from where Mrs Philipson addressed a great crowd. Mrs Philipson very unfortunately had completely lost her voice and could only whisper to her husband the message she wished him to convey to her supporters, whom she ardently desired to thank. The car was afterwards gain taken in tow and pulled well up the North Bank. Certainly not in the memory of any Belfordian can there have been greater excitement evidenced than that seen-on Friday night. Long before the arrival of the candidate the Street was thronged with an expectant crowd, and her appearance was greeted with the greatest enthusiasm. Mrs Philipson spent some time amongst the crowd, shaking hands with those whose acquaintance she had made at the previous election.

SPITTAL MAN KILLED TODAY

ON RAILWAY NEAR TWEEDMOUTH

As we were on the point of going to Press, we were informed that a Spittal man has been killed this day on the railway near Tweedmouth.

It seems that the engine driver of a south going train some time after noon saw what appeared to be a body on the line south of Tweedmouth, and he drew the attention of some workmen who had been on the line in Scremerston direction; and they found the dead man badly mangled and mutilated, having been, apparently, run over by a passing express train.

The unfortunate man is Jas. Laidlaw, aged 52, fisherman, Spittal, who used to live in Princes St. alone, but who has, for the past 6 weeks, been living with his sister Mrs Thompson, 52 Middle St., Spittal.

Laidlaw has been ill for some time, and depressed, and was, we hear, to go to Edinburgh infirmary for an operation.

The remains were conveyed to Berwick Mortuary; and an inquest will be held by the Coroner.

BERWICK WEDDING TODAY

OGG – HOLMES

A wedding of much local interest was solemnised in Wallace Green Church, Berwick, today, the contracting parties being Miss Phoebe Holmes, 3rd daughter of the late Coun. Ralph S. Holmes and Mrs Holmes, bridge Street, Berwick, and Mr James Edward Ogg, Cockburnspath. The Church was tastefully decorated with palms, plants and greenery.

Wallace Green Church, Ref: BRO 1636/9/5

As the bride leaning on the arm of her mother (who gave her away) came up the aisle the “Bridal March” from Wagner was played. The bride wore a charming dress of white satin broche (draped) and caught at the side with a brilliant and pearl buckle; the yoke and sleeves were embroidered with pearls. Her shoes were of silver, and her bouquet was of white laburnum and forget-me-nots. She was attended by 3 bridesmaids, Miss Doris S. Holmes and Misses Marjory Mc. C Willits and J. and G. Patricia Willits (nieces). Miss Holmes wore a smart dress of aluminum grey broche crepe-de-chene, trimmed with steel ornaments. She wore a black picture hat and carried a black and silver brocade bag with ivory top. The little bridesmaids looked dainty in white crepe-de-chene dresses and lace hats with pink ruching carrying ivory topped white satin bags.

The best man was Mr R. Oliver, Jedburgh.

The bride’s mother was attired in black charmeuse and wore a hat of black with Birds of Paradise tails.

The bride and bridegroom were recipients of many beautiful presents. The scholars of Cockburnspath and a number of friends presented the bride with a canteen of stainless cutlery in a beautiful framed oak case, with suitable inscription, on the occasion of her marriage. Miss Holmes has been a teacher in the school for 8 years, and has taken a great interest in her work, and has been much appreciated by the community. The Staff at Cockburnspath Post Office and late staff Oldhamstocks Post Office, presented the bridegroom with a beautiful smoker’s cabinet in polished oak, with bevelled glass panels and doors.

The staff of Messrs R. Holmes and Son, presented the bride with a beautiful entrée dish Mr R. Smith made the presentation.

BERWICKSHIRE MAN’S FIRM SENT,

1,400 of its Staff To The War

VICTORIA CROSS WON BY A WORKER

“To the glorious memory” of the 85 members of the Staff of William Whiteley, Limited, who made the supreme sacrifice in the War, a Memorial was unveiled on Friday on the firm’s premises, at Westbourne-grove, London, by Field-Marshal Lord Methuen.

Worked in bronze, the Memorial represents the figure of a recumbent warrior, wrapped In a Union Jack with Britannia at the head and Charity weeping at the foot. Behind is a marble tablet bearing the names of the fallen.

Every member of the Staff, numbering 5,000, was present at the Service, held beneath the central dome, the 4 circular galleries, being draped with the flags of the Allies. The Store was closed for half an hour.

Mr John Lawrie, Managing Director pf the Firm (noted Berwickshire Native, who lost his only son after gallant and distinguished deeds in the field), said 1,4000 of its employees went to the War, 13 won distinctions, and on was awarded Victoria Cross.

After unveiling the Memorial, Lord Methuen said we had had to face relentless enemy with patience, courage, and chivalry, and we had now among us an insidious foe that would do its upmost, not only in England, but in Europe, to destroy what had been handed down to us. The future was full of anxious thought. We had hitherto trusted to our great Navy, but that would be in the air. He was not one of those soldiers who wished to see this country a military nation, but he did feel what we had to do today was to see that our country had always a perfect assurance it was in a proper state of defence. We had no greater duty than to bring up our young as we should wish our forefathers to have brought us up. We should inculcate in them love of Country and love for God.

At the conclusion of the ceremony upwards of 100 beautiful wreaths were placed at the foot of the Memorial.