Berwick Parish Church

This Week in World War One, 5 April 1918

06/04/2018 by Northumberland Archives

BERWICK ADVERTISER, 5 APRIL 1918

MILITARY CROSS FOR BERWICK OFFICER

Second Lieut: N. S. Craig

We have pleasure in announcing that the Military Cross has been awarded to Sec. Lieut. N.S. Craig, Royal Scots, son of Mr Nicol M. Craig, chemist, Berwick, and Mrs Craig, Castle Terrace, and we are sure all will join with us in congratulating this gallant young officer on the award which has come to him for gallant work in the field. Lieutenant Craig, who was a medical student at Edinburgh University, was attached to the Officers Training Corps there before joining up. He proceeded to Gailes for training, and was gazetted to the 2-10th Royal Scots in April, 1917, being later transferred to another battalion for service in France. He has our heartiest congratulations and good wishes for his future in the Country’s service.

LOCAL NEWS

Ex Corporal Graham, D.C.M., son of Mr Graham, baker, Castlegate, has been made the recipient of a handsome silver rose bowl from the Woodhorn Colliery Coy., in appreciation of the gallant act which earned the award for Distinguished Conduct in the field. Ex Corpl. Graham is now discharged, having lost his foot as a result of a bomb explosion, but is able to get about quite well on his artificial limb, and is now engaged in driving an electrically controlled engine at the Ashington Pits.

An interesting display in ambulance work, Morse signalling, and physical exercises, by the members of the Berwick Scout’s Evening Classes took place in the Drill Hall, Ravensdowne, on Thursday evening. The Mayor presided, and here were also present Mrs Plenderleith, Rev. R.C. Inglis, Mr G. H. Ballard, Mr T. M. Morrison, Mr Geo. Stewart, Mr Wm, J. Dixon and Mr James Stevenson. The programme, which was carried out under the direction of Scout Master E. W. Turnbull, consisted of a display given by three classes which have been taught during the winter under the auspices of the Education Committee.

(c) Graham Robson http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0/

The first part consisted of semaphore signalling taught by Leading Boatman Sparrow; this was followed by ambulance and stretcher drill, taught by Nurse Anthoney; and physical drill and other exercises, taught by Lance-Corporal John Mace Short and stimulating addresses were delivered by the mayor and Mr Dixon, and a presentation was made to Scout Alexander Stevenson, Ravensdowne, for best attendance and diligence. This consisted of two handsome volumes- one on Scottish Character, and the other the New Testament, these being kindly gifted by Mr G. Lindsay Hilson, Kenmore Bank, Jedburgh.

Twenty six lads of the Berwick Parish Church C.L.B. Corps (affiliated to the King’s Royal Rifle Corps) under the command of Lieut. R. Harvey, paraded on Easter Monday for a trip to Horncliffe. The lads, who looked quite smart in their new khaki uniforms, spent a most enjoyable day with manoeuvres and games.

Berwick Parish Church. © John Box – Friends of Berwick and District Museum and Archives website.

This old establishment company of the Church Lads Brigade is now recognised by the War Office as a regular cadet company; and we are glad to note the increasing strength and efficiency of the company under the able command of Lieut. R. Harvey, assisted by Sergeant Instruct or Johnson, both of whom have been discharged from the army after severe wounds. It is proposed to have a Church Parade on Sunday at 10.45.

This Week in World War One, 15 June 1917

08/03/201816/06/2017 by Northumberland Archives

BERWICK ADVERTISER, 15 JUNE 1917

LOCAL NEWS

Berwick Lad Seriously Injured by Motor Tractor. – On Wednesday afternoon James Swan (18), apprentice motor mechanic, residing at 21 Wallace Green, Berwick, employed by the Berwick Garage Company, Hide Hill, met with serious injuries at the farm of East Ord, while working a motor tractor plough. The lad, who is presently employed by the Food Production Department, had been doing something to the machinery while in motion, when a portion of his coat, which was not buttoned, was caught, and he was dragged in among the wheels.

Engraving of Berwick Infirmary HB1-68 late 19th Century

He sustained severe injuries before the machine could be stopped, his left arm being broken at the elbow, while his head, which struck one of the large wheels, was cut open. Dr C. G. Maclagan was driven out by Mr H. E. Blackney, manager of the Berwick Garage, and attended to the lad’s injuries. Five stitches had to be inserted in the wound on the head. The lad was afterwards conveyed to the Berwick Infirmary, where he is progressing as well as can be expected.

Grammar School Rambling Club.- On Saturday, June 2^nd, a cycle run to St. Abbs took place; the party of nineteen went out by Burnmouth, Eyemouth and Coldingham, and after the ramble from the village were very kindly shown through the Lighthouse, a novel and interesting experience. After a visit to the “landing” and bathe, the return was by Ayton, the party reaching Berwick in the evening. On Saturday, June 9^th, a visit was paid to Holy Island, the party again numbering nineteen, going through the Priory and Church, then visiting the caves and sands on the north shore returning from the snook.

Fine weather and a merry party (including boys from Cornhill, Paxton, and Ancroft as well as from the Borough, and a master) made the excursion a most enjoyable one. The next outing will probably take place on June 23^rd.

Military Wedding at Berwick.- Yesterday afternoon an interesting military wedding was solemnised in Berwick Parish Church, the contracting parties being Miss Hilda Shield, daughter of Mr and Mrs Shield, Golden Square, and Second- Lieut. Ralph Hedley of the Machine Gun Corps, youngest son of the Ralph Hedley, North Shields.The best man was the bridegroom’s brother, Captain John Herbert Hedley, of the Lincolnshire Regiment, who is presently home on leave from France, while the bridesmaids were Miss Edith Hornsby of Durham, and Miss Dora Shields, sister of the bride.

Following the ceremony the brides’ parents held a reception in the Long Room of the Corn exchange when a large number of guests were entertained. The presents received were numerous and valuable, and included several cheques.

No Trip to Spittal this Year.- The annual meeting of Sunday School teachers connected with the various churches was held in the Session house of St. John’s U.F. Church, Kelso, on Wednesday evening at the close of the intercessory service. The minute of last meeting having been read and approved, the Chairman stated that the business before the meeting was to consider whether a picnic should be provided for the children this summer. The food restrictions which had been in operation until lately would have left them no choice in the mater, but Sunday School picnics were now permissible under certain conditions. After discussion it was unanimously agreed that it would be wise, in view of all the circumstances to have no picnic this summer.

Sunday School Scholars Kindly Gift.- An interesting ceremony took place at the Berwick Public Bowling Green on Tuesday evening, when two invalid chairs were handed over for the use of wounded soldiers frequenting the green. The chairs were the gift of the Sunday school children and teachers of Castlegate Baptist Church, and bore the following inscriptions :- “For the use of wounded Soldiers, from Castlegate Baptist Church Sunday school, with gratitude and good wishes.”

The Committee wish to make it known that wounded soldiers may play on the green, free of charge, and other soldiers at the reduced rate of 1d. The well-appointed green is also open to all who care to come and watch the play.

War Time Cookery.- It will be observed from our advertising columns that a public meeting is to be held in the Queen’s Rooms, Berwick, on Thursday evening, 21^st June, for the purpose of providing a course of lessons and demonstrations in war time cookery for women without payment of any fee. An address is to be given by Miss Howman, superintendent of domestic subjects under the Northumberland County Education Committee, and the Mayoress will preside to which all are cordially invited. He hour of meeting is 7pm.

This Week in World War One, 24 March 1916

08/03/201825/03/2016 by Northumberland Archives

BERWICK ADVERTISER, 24 MARCH 1916

ROLL OF HONOUR

“Advertiser” Men Serving Their King and Country

Private JOHN STRAFFEN, London Regiment.

Corporal HECTOR JACKSON, Royal Scots.

Sapper JOHN R NOBLE, Royal Engineers.

Private JOHN BROGAN, Northern Cyclists.

Corporal ROBERT M. LEYDEN, 7^th N.F.

Sergeant CHAS. N. NOBLE, 7^th N.F.

Private JOHN M. JOHNSTON, R.A.M.C.

Private GEORGE RUTHERFORD, 7^th N.F.

Private JOHN M.BURTON, Motor Transport.

Lance-Corporal EDWARD F. S. HARVEY, 7^th N.F.

Captain HENRY R. SMAIL, 7^th N.F.

Enlisted under Group System:-

KERR MIDDLEMISS, ROBERT M. BRUCE

Rejected:-

JAMES M. ROBERTS, JAMES M. FRIAR.

On Munition Work – THOMAS KENNEDY.

Berwick Advertiser, 24 March 1916 Ralph Dodds & Son Advert

DEATH OF EX-SUPERINTENDENT

JOHN GARDEN, BERWICK

It is with deep feelings of regret that we record the death of Ex-superintendent John Garden, Berwick, the sad event having taken place at his house in Scots Place, in the early part of Monday afternoon. For some considerable time the deceased gentleman has been far from his usual health, and a more acute stage having been reached within the past few weeks, he became slowly weaker, and passed peacefully away. Mr Garden was a prominent figure at one time in the town, his duties of Chief Constable keeping him more or less in the public eye. In later years, after retiring from this office, he devoted much of his leisure to the services of the community, by giving of his best to the deliberations and exacting Committee Work of the Board of Guardians. The office of Chief Constable is one not altogether calculated to make a man at all popular, but in the person of the late gentleman there was one who could, be charitable in his views upon men, merciful when such might perchance help an erring brother, and stern when following up a clue to the detection of serious crime. These traits of character won for him the respect and esteem of all, and he retired from his official position, it may be truly said, without an enemy in the town or district, and accepted as a trusted friend by all classes. The sympathy of all goes out to the family in this their sore bereavement.

BELFORD

A row of Miners Cottages, Pit Village, Beamish Museum. © Bill Henderson, 2013. Creative Commons Attribution Share-alike license 2.0.

Golden Wedding. – Mr and Mrs Robert Donaldson, of the Miners’ Homes, Broomhill, celebrated their golden wedding on Monday last. The worthy old couple were married at Belford on the 13^th March, 1866. The husband belonged to North Sunderland, and his wife, then Isabella Younger, to Shawdon Woodhouse. Mr Donaldson was afterwards employed as a miner till about twenty years ago, when his health failed, and he and his wife became residents of the Miners’ Homes at Broomhill. They had a family of ten children, five sons and five daughters, of whom four sons and four daughters are living. The old people were warmly congratulated upon the attainment of their golden wedding, and a nice little present will be made to them in honour of the event. Mr and Mrs Donaldson have 22 grandchildren and 4 great grandchildren. Two of his sons are serving with the colours, and the others reside at Radcliffe and Amble respectively. There are surviving four generations on the female side, and three generations on the male side.

LOCAL NEWS

After 30 Years’ Service – The death occurred at his house, 4 Deputy Row, Scremerston, on Tuesday, of Mr Henry Patterson, colliery weigh-man, for thirty years in the employ of the Scremerston Coal Company. Mr Patterson has been in failing health for some time, and although death came rather suddenly in the end the melancholy event was not unlooked for.

BRO 0515-211 (SCREMERSTON) (c) Berwick Record Office

The deceased was at one time a prominent member of Berwick Parish Church Choir, and since going to reside at Scremerson, he has been actively associated with the church there, being a sidesman and later being appointed peoples warden. He was associated with the old volunteer movement in the Borough, and was also a member of the now defunct Tweedside Rowing Club. He was also a member of the local lodge of Oddfellows.

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