Berwick Playhouse

This Week in World War One, 9 February 1917

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BERWICK ADVERTISER, 8 FEBRUARY 1917

 

BERWICK SOLDIER WHO HAS EARNED DISTINCTION

 

 

We have favoured with the above recent photo of Rough Riding Sergeant Mathew McConville Burke, Royal Field Artillery, who has been awarded, as already briefly reported, the Russian Order of the 4th Class of St. George. We understand he has also been awarded a Serbian Order for meritorious service in the field. When he was Corporal prior to the outbreak of war, he was a prominent Fencing Instructor to the troops. He was seen considerable service on several fronts, and is a well-known and popular figure in the borough. Sergeant Burke, who in his early soldering days was for a long period trumpeter on the Artillery Permanent Staff at Berwick, is the son of Mrs Rose Ann Burke, West End, Tweedmouth. He married an estimable young lady, who will be well-known to Berwick readers, a grand-daughter of the late Mr Patrick Davis, West Street, Berwick.

 

LOCAL NEWS

 

The Playhouse – This week the film will be “A Butterfly on the Wheel”, from the play by E. C. Hemmerde and Francis Neilson, in five reels. When produced at the Globe theatre in 1911 it achieved an instantaneous success, being revived later at the Queen’s theatre, where it enjoyed an equal measure of popularity. There is an excellent and captivating variety entertainment. On Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday, the film will be entitled “Jimmy,” by John Strange Winter. It reflects British life with a fidelity unknown, breathes the home spirit, and the story is told amid correct surroundings.

Lobby card for the American film “A Butterfly on the Wheel” (1915). © Schubert Films (Pre-1923) – Wikimedia Commons.

 

On Thursday, Friday, and Saturday of next week the picture will be “Hesperia, the Lady of the Camellias”, a masterly version of one of Dumas novels. It is the most famous love story written in modern times. The attention of the public is specially directed to another film also to be shown on the same evenings – “How to Help Tommy.” It has been specially authorised by the War Office showing the work of the Voluntary Organisation Department. The film shows how every class and age is helping to provide comforts for the men who are fighting. The Boy Scouts will make a collection at the door of each house in aid of the local work. Genie Glenn, a dainty comedienne and refined soprano vocalist, will provide an excellent variety programme.

Free meals for Soldiers and Sailors. – The Committee in charge of the fund for providing free meals for soldiers and sailors who are compelled to remain overnight at Berwick owing to lack of train connections, deserve the highest praise for the work which has already been accomplished. The fund, which was inaugurated by Lady Clementine Waring of Lennel, and Mrs Fraser Bate, Bassendean, has up to the end of January, 1917, provided no less than 3,135 free meals.

Berwick Railway Station early 1900s. © Berwick Record Office – BRO 1636-10-013

 

Nightly a patrol meet the last train from the south, and after the wants of the man or men coming by such train have been cared for, a bed is found for the night, and next morning before leaving, breakfast is provided. In this good work the railway officials give great assistance in seeing that any man “stranded” for the night is looked after. Naturally, such an organisation as this costs a considerable amount of money to keep in working order, and when it is remembered that the men who benefit and appreciate its efforts are soldiers and sailors mostly from Northumberland and Berwickshire, it has a greater claim to the support of the public. We trust that the work of the Committee will continue in the future to bring cheer and comfort to our serving men as it has done in the past.

 

LOCAL SOLDIER’S LITERARY EFFORT

 

The other day, somewhere in France, a grand competition was inaugurated by the Y.M.C.A. workers at a large centre. Prizes were offered for the best love letter, for the best poem modelled on “John Gilpin”, written about the Y.M.C.A., and for the best ten minutes speech. Great interest was taken in the competitions, and there were many entries, and great excitement reigned in the huts as the day for the declaration of results drew near. The first prize in each class was won by a Berwick man, Leslie P. Gleig, Royal Engineers, for the best following poems, and for a brilliant ten minutes speech on “The Mule.”

Sapper Leslie F Gleig, the subject of our sketch came to Berwick from Newcastle some six years ago, and was employed as a plumber and gas fitter with N.E. Railway, he having served the company from his days of apprenticeship. He is a fluent speaker, and in the Socialist cause did yeoman service on platform and in the work of organisation. His work as secretary to the local branch of the I. L.P. has been greatly appreciated, while in the Berwick Debating Society he earned for himself an honoured place. For many years he was a member of the Newcastle Chess Club, and was an enthusiastic follower of the game. From the outbreak of war he was anxious to enlist, but it was only in December 1915 that the Company agreed to liberate him, he then enlisting in the Royal Engineers. His training was done in Yorkshire, and while there he won the certificate and bronze medal of the Royal Life Saving Society for the rescue from drowning test, only one other man in the Battalion winning this.

The following is the “love letter” which earned the prizes for Sapper Gleig:-

Dear lady, in that land across the sea,

Which I for duty’s sake have left awhile,

This loving letter that I send to thee,

Perchancer may draw a tear or win a smile.

Which of these tributes, sweet, would be my choice

I know not, for thy tender smile of yore

When I did greet thee, made my heart rejoice

And lose itself in loving more and more.

But if a tear should dim those eyes so kind,

At thought of me far travelled from thy side,

And if some sadness shall o’ercast the mind,

Because our destinies are thus divide,

That tear to me a greater price would bear

Than wealth of sparking jewels, rich and rare.

For I do treasure every fleeting thought

My gracious lady does on me bestow,

None other can supplant her, there is nought

Of inspiration that I do not owe

To that sweet mistress of my soul, for i

Unworthy though I am to be her slave,

Do yet among all men my head bear high;

For that she deigned accept the love I gave,

Dear sweetheart mine, my love can ne’er be tod,

It is a well of happiness and trust.

A treasure house of joy as pure as gold,

Hat in the fire of life will never rust;

Much honoured I, that I thy name may sign

Thy favoured lover true, as thou art mine.

 

This Week in World War One, 6 October 1916

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Berwick Advertiser title 1915

 

BERWICK ADVERTISER, 6 OCTOBER 1916

 

BERWICK PETTY SESSIONS

 

A Naval Offender – Edward Hay, leading seaman, H.M. motor launch, was charged with being drunk and disorderly in Church Street. He admitted that he was only drunk. P.C. Spiers said the offence took place at eleven o’clock. Prisoner said he had no ship and no home to go home to, and began to get abusive. – Sergeant Wilson corroborated. – Captain Norman said the whole world owed much to the noble service accused belonged to, and he hoped it would be a warning to him not to come there again.

Drunk and Disorderly – Catherine Lovelle, Berwick, was charged with being drunk and disorderly. She said she had been left a widow 18 months ago, had never applied to the Guardians for relief, and if she had made a mistake she had suffered for it. The Chief Constable said there were 15 previous convictions. These commenced in 1885, but she had not been before the Court since 8th January, 1913. Fined 5s or seven days, and a fortnight allowed to pay.

William Wood, temperance hotel keeper, High Street, was charged with having failed to obscure his window lights on the 26th Sept. He pleaded not guilty. Sergt. McRobb gave evidence as to the offence. The lights came from the back premises and witness was accompanied by P.C. Spiers. It was a white-washed yard, and the light shone very bright. When defendant’s attention was called to the matter he would not listen to the witness, remarking that he could prove different. The lights were reduced before defendant came out.

BRO 1250-93 WOOD'S HOTEL, 1959
BRO 1250-93 WOOD’S HOTEL, 1959

 

– Defendant repudiated this, saying he could prove differently. – P.C. Spiers corroborated, and said one window had no blind at all. – Defendant, addressing the Bench, said that the offence had been very much exaggerated. – The Chief Constable said that the defendant had been already admonished. He had no desire to be vindictive and he admitted Mr Wood might have a difficulty in superintending his lights in such a business as he was engaged. – Capt. Norman said defendant had no exercised the care he should have, and he would be fined 25s. Defendant explained that on one occasion the offence complained of was caused by a gentleman who was undressing and going to bed. The gentleman had opened the window, causing the blind to flutter. – The Chief Constable said in such a case the gentleman complained of would be summoned.

 

RAILWAY CARRIAGES

 

Mr Smith referred to how strictly we were watched at home and abroad in regard to lights shown a night while all the time at night the railway carriages came along showing quite a glare from the door window. It was absurd for the railway company to order blinds down while having the centre window without any blinds. If any passenger did not shut down the side blinds they were liable to a fine, and yet there were only two-thirds blinded and one third of the carriage a blaze, as that part was opposite the lamps. He thought it ridiculous that the public should be put under these regulations so well enforced on the streets and respecting their houses, and yet these express rains from Edinburgh a blaze of light passing their homes. The whole country was illuminated by the light from trains. It was a shame and disgrace that these rains should go up and down the country in these times so brilliant.

The Chairman – You cannot expect much consistency in Government regulations.

Mr Smith urged the sending of a petition against the bright lights on trains.

Mr Westgarth felt, as did also the Chairman that as good a purpose would be served by the matter being ventilated through the Press. The matter then dropped and his concluded the business.

CHESWICK

 

The children of the above school subscribe, four shillings and seven pence towards the

Jack-Cornwell-VC-aged-16-was-fatally-wounded-by-shrapnel-aboard-HMS-Chester
Jack-Cornwell-VC-aged-16-was-fatally-wounded-by-shrapnel-aboard-HMS-Chester

“Jack Cornwell Memorial” on Thursday, September 21st, 1916. I will be remembered the

boy, Jack Cornwell was in the Battle of Jutland, and though losing his life, his heroism will be long remembered. Collections have also been made by the scholars for the National Sailors’ Society, 34 Prince Street, Bristol, a society doing useful work for our sailors. The names of those who volunteered for collecting cards are as follows:- Robert Glahome, Cheswick Farm, 10s; James McLeod, Oxford, 16s 6d; Elizabeth Wedderburn, Goswick Station, 5s 3d; James R. Ferry, Sandbanks, 8s 8d; Robert Johnson, Sandbanks, 5s 3d; James Black, Berryburn, 11s 3d; Joseph White, New Haggerston Smithy, 6s; John Henderson, Cheswick Farm, 6s; Joan Grahamslaw, Windmill Hill Farm, 5; John Turner, Berryburn, 14s; Jane Jackson, Windmill Hill Farm, 5s 3d. The total amount collected, £4 13s 2d, has been duly forwarded to the Secretary.

 

LOCAL NEWS

 

The Playhouse. – The  great attraction at the Playhouse this weekend is the exhibition of the great official war film, “The Battle of the Somme,” which the Playhouse management somme-film-adhave secured at great cost. “The Battle of the Somme” is the greatest moving picture in the world, the greatest that has ever been produced. Where ever it is shown it should make an end in the minds of men to the pretentions of pompous princes who have long claimed the right as the “All Highest” to doom their fellow creatures to suffering and destruction for the gratification of their mad ambitions. It is impossible to believe that the world will ever forget this picture. Its impressions will never fade from the memory of this generation. Men who see it will never talk lightly of war again. In this picture the world will obtain some idea of what it costs in human suffering to put down the “Devil’s Domination.” The doors are being opened 15 minutes earlier to allow all seats to be secured previous to commencement. The final episode in the great Trans-Atlantic film, “Greed” will be shown in the earlier half of next week, and it will be accompanied by another powerful drama – “The Vindication.” On Thursday, Friday, and Saturday next week there will be shown “The Wandering Jew, “ a powerful adaptation of Eugene Sue’s world renowned novel and play. The variety entertainment will be supplied by Harry Drew, the famous Welsh Basso in his monologue and vocal – “Over Forty

 

This Week in World War One, 18 February 1916

by

Berwick Advertiser title 1915

 

BERWICK ADVERTISER, 18 FEBRUARY 1916

 

A BLESSING FOR BERWICK-UPON-TWEED

 

Mr Winston, The Eyesight Specialist, has been persuaded to remain another week until Saturday, 26th February.

In consequence of numerous applications from those whom he was unable to attend to during the last five days of his sojourn in Berwick, Mr Winston has decided to remain another week with us, and give those who have not yet had the opportunity of interviewing him the advantage of his free advice.

Retinoscopy at the School Travelling Ophthalmic Clinic, Australia. Dated 1st January, 1914. © State Records New South Wales, Creative Commons Attribution 2.0 Generic license.
Retinoscopy at the School Travelling Ophthalmic Clinic, Australia. Dated 1st January, 1914. © State Records New South Wales, Creative Commons Attribution 2.0 Generic license.

 

NOT AN OCULIST

It must be distinctly understood that Mr Winston does not pose as an oculist, that, is, according to the dictionary, “once skilled in diseases of the eyes,” but he claims to be, and is justified in doing so, the most expert specialist Optometrist or Optician in England. He has tested the eyesight of no fewer that a hundred thousand people in London alone during the past five years, and has fitted glasses to sixty thousand of them in his store, 72 Regent Street. The chemist is not an optician, neither is the doctor, nor the oculist even. Their education and experience have taught them the nature and use of drugs with regard to ailments, but for impaired vision the scientific optician is the man.

WOMEN WORKERS

Mr Winston has found during the past week that the strenuous work the war has thrown upon women has considerably affected their eyes – probably previously weak- and has produced in numerous cases those terrible headaches from which so many women suffer. He has in the majority of cases recommended a cheap pair of lenses to use when they are at work, but which they need not use and – as they think – disfigure themselves afterwards. Make the most of the opportunity of seeing Mr Winston, as he will not be able to stop in BERWICK ANY LONGER THAN FEB. 26th inclusive.

Mr Winston can now be seen by anyone from 10 to 1 or 2 to 7.30, at the CORN EXCHANGE, BERWICK-ON-TWEED, and they can obtain advice perfectly free of any charge. So do not neglect an opportunity which may never occur again. Special appointments can be arranged by post. N.B.- A written guarantee with all work for ten years.

 

BERWICK PETTY SESSIONS

 

USING THE ROOM OWING TO THE RATS

Elizabeth Gleig, Berwick, married, was charged with allowing the chimney of her house in East Street to be on fire on Thursday, 10th inst.

Police Constable Watt stated that the chimney was very dirty and clouds of smoke issued. He could see these from the top of Hide Hill. It burned for a quarter of an hour. On proceeding to the house he found it was the room chimney which had caught fire, and a young boy had been using an old tray to create a draught. The defendant told him that the chimney had not been swept for two years, and that the fire was not often kindled.

The defendant stated that since her husband joined the army she had using the room, as the kitchen was infested with rats. She had been two years in the house, and as she never used the room until recently the chimney had not been swept.

She was fined 2s 6d.

 

LOCAL NEWS

Local Fancier’s Important win – Showing at Crufts Great International Dog Show, held in the Royal Agricultural Hall, London, February 9th, 10th, and 11th, Mr David Black, Berwick, successfully brought out a smart home-bred bull dog puppy, and won second prize Dog Puppies (14 entries), third prize Junior Dogs, and v.h.c. Maiden Dogs (18 entries). Crufts is acknowledged to be the greatest dog show held throughout the year, and some idea may be gathered from the fact that the total entries reached the enormous number of 3,235. It is interesting to note that this show was honoured with double Royal patronage, both the King and Queen being first prize winners with their exhibits.

Irish Woolfhound 'Felixstowe Regan,' who was the winner of the Dog CC at Crufts,in 1916.
Irish Woolfhound ‘Felixstowe Regan,’ who was the winner of the Dog CC at Crufts,in 1916.

 

Engine Derailed on Border Bridge – On Wednesday morning a North British goods engine went off the rails as it was proceeding from Tweedmouth to Berwick. The engine had just entered on the second arch of the Royal Border Bridge when it became derailed, the result being that it blocked both lines. The 7.45 train from Edinburgh was delayed half an hour at Berwick ere [sic] one of the lines was cleared. The traffic had to be conducted on a single line all forenoon, and a break-down gang from Tweedmouth were busily engaged with a crane replacing the engine on the metals. The cause of the accident is unknown, and fortunately no one was injured.

Royal Border Bridge ealry 1990s. © Berwick Record Office - BRO 515 377
Royal Border Bridge early 1900s. © Berwick Record Office – BRO 515 377

 

THE PLAYHOUSE

 

Average houses have been present during the past week and have greatly appreciated the programme provided. For the coming week the management have arranged a bill of exceptional merit. “The Counterfeiter” a new and powerful Sexton Blake drama will be screened on Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday, and being full of exciting incidents and movements from start to finish, it should indeed prove a popular choice. The latter part of the week will provide a film of no mean order entitled “Every Woman Should Know.” The picture is a revelation of highly skilled acting, and being essentially a morality play, should these times, with all their disturbing element, create quite a sensation. In it, woman descends into the lowest depths, following the lure of vanity, flattery, vice and evil, only at the last moment to turn aside from the path of sin and embrace the spirit of God, which has ever followed her. This week’s vaudeville performance stars the “original Pimple,” formerly of “Tom White’s Arabs” fame. Patrons would be well advised to see this screaming turn.

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