Berwick Town Council

BERWICK NEWSPAPERS

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BERWICK JOURNAL, 31ST JANUARY 1924

BERWICK TOWN COUNCIL

On Tuesday evening, after the Town Council meeting, Mr Ralph Skelly, aged 86, the oldest Freeman of the Borough, was presented privately with the gold-headed staff of office by the Mayor, in the presence of the Sheriff.

Mr Robertson, the esteemed and highly respected Sub-Postmaster at Horncliffe, is resigning after holding the post for a number of years. Mr Robertson is one of the oldest and best-known regular visitors to Berwick Market every Saturday.

Inquirer- The match between Celtic and Newcastle United was played in Berwick Cricket Field on March 13, 1902. The event was to celebrate the coming of age of the Rangers’ Club. Celtic won by 4 goals to 2.

Owing to scarcity of fish Holy Island fishermen have had to put in their creels and start crab and lobster fishing.

Holy Island, The Castle and the Ouse
Holy Island Castle and the Ouse

Messrs Jas. McDougle and Sons, Bamburgh, are appointed Berwick to Alnmouth Distributing Agents for Alladin Lamps.

Belford Hall is to be sold in March by Belford and District Farmers’ Auction Mart, Ltd., instructed by T. Place, Esq.

BERWICK CASTLE EXCAVATIONS

Following upon excavations at Water Tower, at river-side end of Western Flanking Wall of Berwick Castle, work has been proceeding at and near the Tower higher up, also on westside, which adjoins Western Wall before it begins to descend to Tweed. This Tower is the Buttress Tower, which was of great strength built probably about 1280, in Reign of Edward I., when Berwick Castle was made impregnable.

REF: BRO 426/37

Excavations at Water Tower have laid bare solid foundations, the facing stones, of which the upper part of the Tower is destitute, being of fine quality. A fair amount of work has been done on the Buttress Tower, a narrow trench some 2 feet deep having been dug round the wall. Nothing, however, has as yet been disclosed except the important fact that the original facing stones are still intact below the surface of the ground. Work is proceeding and some more men may be detailed to Berwick from Norham.

TWEEDMOUTH NOTES

In conversation with a railwayman, a few days ago, I was told of one particular instance of how motor cars are nibbling at traffic over which the railway held a complete monopoly since the Wooler Branch opened up. Traffic in rabbits, eggs, and other farm produce, was collected at all stations, large 5-ton vans being on the passenger trains for the purpose of conveying these food stuffs to southern markets. Those days are gone. A fleet of large motors visit the farms daily and collect what formerly had to be carted to the sometimes far-off stations and placed in the vans provided. The cars take full loads to Newcastle, and return with empty hampers, etc., much time and unnecessary labour being saved by the motor service now firmly established. The railway company in consequence has lost a fruitful source of revenue by the innovation, for where they used to carry hundreds of hampers weekly at one time, they scarcely carry dozens now.

Tweedmouth Burns’ Club Supper was held in the headquarters, Union Hotel, on Thursday night, 24th Jan.,  a day before the actual anniversary, this being to accommodate some who had a wish to attend other Club suppers, which were to be held on the 25th. There was an attendance of 60 members and friends, the spacious upstairs room being comfortably seated. The hour for starting was 6pm and by that time the room was showing signs of animation, while the savoury aroma floating upstairs told that the host and hostess, together with their staff of assistants, were doing their share. It may be safely stated that Tweedmouth Burns Club is keeping up its fine reputation, and maintaining its high standard of intellectual efficiency, whereby the annual gatherings are made a success.

THE NEW BRIDGE: A PETITION

The Mayor announced that he had just received a petition regarding the proposed new bridge, and he was of the opinion that the Council should send it to the Bridge Committee for consideration.

Coun. Dickinson seconded the Mayor’s motion that the matter be sent to the Bridge Committee and this was agreed upon.

The petition read as follows:

To His Worship the Mayor and the Members of the Town Council of Berwick -upon-Tweed.

The owners of property in and adjacent to the main throughfares leading from the Old Bridge through Bridge Street and Hide Hill and those conducting business in that district have become greatly concerned regarding the position involved by the construction of a new bridge, and recent reports of the County and Local Authorities have not dispelled the uncertainty prevailing in their minds.

View of Royal Border Bridge and The Old Bridge

So far us can be ascertained from the two routes which are now engaging the attention of the Town Council, both of which emerge directly into High Street, no provision is made for direct access to Bridge Street or its vicinity. Unless, therefore, the Old Bridge continues to be an inlet and outlet of traffic, the immediate effect of carrying out such a proposal would be the isolation of a large and important part of the town frm a great volume of traffic, and, in the opinion of the parties concerned, have the following results:-

  1. A loss of business now on the main route in that area.
  2. The depreciation of the value of the property therein.
  3. An increase in the cost of haulage and transit.

In view of such opinions those who are commercially and financially interested or otherwise connected with the question of the new bridge, so far as the south eastern area of the town in concerned, are desirous that these matters shall receive adequate considerate.

Informal, but representative meetings have been held to consider the position, but, at the suggestion of his Worship the Mayor, the parties who thus met, readily acquiesced in the view that the immediate moment is perhaps inauspicious for laying the whole of the facts before the public at large.

At such a meeting held on the 18th January, 1924 the situation was reviewed and it was unanimously resolved as follows: –

“That urgent representation be immediately made to the Town Council when considering the route of the new bridge to give earnest consideration to the special and peculiar position of the southeastern area of the Town of Berwick, and to preserve, as far as possible its present trade facilities so as to mitigate any hardship which might be inflicted upon those connected with this area.” (signed,) J.W. Blench, Chairman. H.M. Young, Secretary.

BERWICK NEWSPAPERS, 1924

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BERWICK ADVERTISER, 3RD JANUARY 1924

MILITARY NOTES-DEPOT NOTES

Lt. J. Watt, M.C., has taken over the duties of Adjutant at the Depot in succession to Capt. B. C. Lake, who has been appointed Officer in Charge of training at the Depot. Capt. E.W.T. Agar, M. C., has also arrived and takes over the position vacated by Capt. Campbell, who has gone to the War Office. Capt. Agar is from the 1st Battalion, and the new Adjutant from the 2nd.

Sergt. Abbot has returned to the Depot after his course at Hythe and he appeared once more in the orchestra at the Hogmanay dance given by the Sergeants in the Gymnasium. The hall was tastefully decorated, and everything went through without a hitch. Excellent music was provided at the dance by Mr N.P. Allan’s orchestra and there was abundance in the way of light refreshment. The New Year, as is customary, was “piped” in and the company sang “A Guid New Year” and “Auld Lang Syne.” The dance was voted a great success by all who took part in it.

On New Year’s night, the Sergeants and honorary members of the Mess had their new Year dinner and social evening. There was a full attendance, and the evening was pleasantly spent with song, reminiscence, and toasts.

Colour Sergt. McKellar has been promoted C.S.M. and has been posted to the 1st Battalion. He will be leaving the Depot shortly and his going is regretted by all.

LOCAL NEWS

Christmas has come and gone, but it has left happy memories with some 400 poor children in the town, who on Friday, 28th December, were entertained in Wallace Green Hall. The ladies who promoted the treat wee Mrs Fulton, Miss McConville and Misses McAdam, and they had the assistance of a large band of willing workers, male and female. The tea tables were heavily laden with good things, and it was found necessary to have two sittings for tea as many more children turned up than were at first expected. Tea over, a lengthy programme of music, song and dancing was gone through to the delight of all present.

Still standing, St Andrew’s church (Church of Scotland), Wallace Green, Berwick-upon-Tweed. © Author: mattbuck, Wikimedia Commons, Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 2.0 Generic license.

When father Christmas appeared in the Hall to dismantle a large Christmas tree, heavily laden with gifts and illuminated with coloured lights, the scenes of enthusiasm were such as to make the heart glad. Every child received a present and, judging from the happy faces, every child was perfectly satisfied. After the tree had been dismantled Mr Seals called for three cheers for the ladies who had given the treat, these were given with great gusto. The following contributed to the programme during the evening: – Dancers; Misses Black, Elder, Isaac, Crow, McLaren, Whittle, King and Casey. Pipe selections were given by Mr Heckles, and comic songs were sung by Mr Dudgeon. Miss Todd and Miss Wilson played the accompaniments, and Mrs Thompson led the children in singing all the latest songs. As the children retired each received an apple, orange, toffee, and cake. The promoters thank all who helped in gifts and in service, and thanks  are also due to Messrs Knox, Bridge Street, who did the lighting arrangements, and the trustees of Wallace Green Church for the use of the hall.

GOSWICK

On Christmas Eve upwards of seventy children and adults from Goswick Station, Goswick Farm, Windmill Hill, Cheswick, Cheswick farm, and Broomhouse, were entertained to a tea and Christmas tree in the E.P. Church, Goswick. After an enjoyable repast each child was handed a present from the Christmas tree. Mr Stinton, Wireless Station, acting as Santa Claus in a most appropriate way. Thereafter games were indulged in and songs and recitations by the following ladies and gentlemen added to the enjoyment of the evening: – Messrs Beattie, Wilson, Stinton, and Moffatt, Mrs Wye, and Miss Beattie. Miss Wedderburn contributed a violin solo. A doll given by Mrs Ash was raffled and won by Miss Olive Grahamslaw. Mrs Chirnside presided at the organ. Those responsible for the organisation of the affair were: – Mrs Whye, Mr and Mrs Chirnside, Mrs J. Grahamslaw, Mr and Mrs Beattie and others.

BERWICK TOWN COUNCIL

A special meeting of Berwick Town Council took place in the Council Chamber of the Town Hall, on Friday evening, when the Mayor (Ald. Wilson) presided, and there were also in attendance Aldermen Boston, Maclagan, and Cowe, Councillors Redpath, Stuart, Morrison, Dudgeon, Campbell, Dickinson, Davis, and Anderson; along with the Town Clerk (Mr J. W. Porter) and the Borough Accountant (Mr Jas. Gibson).

The Mayor announced that the only business which had brought them together was to consider and if necessary pass a resolution, “That an emergency having arisen through an outbreak of small pox the Council make a temporary order that for a period of three months the Infectious Diseases (Notification) Act 1889, shall apply to cases of chickenpox within the borough of Berwick, and that the order shall come into operation at the expiration of one week from the publication of the advertisement viz., on the 5th day of January, 1924.

Berwick Town Hall early 1900’s. BRO 426-294

Alderman Maclagan – As chairman of the Public Health Committee I beg to move the adoption of this resolution. You will know that there have been five cases of smallpox at Morpeth area, and that is rather near to us. Norham and Islandshires made chickenpox notifiable some time ago and now they have made it notifiable for twelve months. If I had been consulted before the motion was framed, I would have been in favour of making it notifiable here for six months, but I am afraid it is too late now for moving that. I have discussed it with the Medical Officer, and he agreed with me six months would be much better than three, but it was thought best by reason of expense to limit it to three months. This period proposed would end in April, and it was usually April and May when outbreaks of infectious disease occurred, but in the end of March if it was necessary notice could be given to extend the period for another three months. The idea of making chickenpox notifiable was that mild cases of smallpox resemble chickenpox closely, and if notified and seen by a medical man he was able at once to distinguish between the two and so stamp out smallpox as soon as it appeared.

Alderman Boston seconded, and the resolution was agreed to without discussion. The whole proceedings only occupied four minutes-surely a record for Council business.

FORMER BERWICK TRAVELLER

SENT TO PRISON FOR EMBEZZLEMENT

Sheriff Crole passed sentenced of eight months’ imprisonment at Edinburgh Sheriff Court on Monday on a well-dressed young man, Percy Wainwright, in custody, previously residing at 8 Kirkhill Road, Penicuik, who admitted that between April 24th and August 5th, while acting as agent and collector for the Humber Fishing and Fish Manure Company (Limited), Hull, he embezzled sums amounting to £366 6s 6d.

An agent on wainwright’s behalf stated that accused was employed by the Company from June, 1919, and part of his work was to collect accounts. One matter which might have some bearing on the case was that Wainwright seemed to have spent more money on entertaining his customers than he ought to have done.

The procurator-Fiscal said that Wainwright appeared to have been doing quite well for his firm, but had become financially embarrassed. He had certainly made the most of it, for at the time of his arrest he had only 3d left. Except for his disposal of his wearing apparel, he had nothing to live upon.

Wainwright is well known in Berwick. During the latter period of the war and until two years ago, when he left for Loanhead, he worked the Berwick and north Northumberland districts. He resided at the Castle Hotel and attended all the stock and grain markets and as side lines he held agencies for several companies. He was a keen golfer and was often seen on the Magdalene Fields Course. Since removing to Penicuik, he has frequently come back to attend Berwick market and it is only a few weeks ago since he was in the town.

FOOTBALL

EAST OF SCOTLAND LEAGUE

Berwick Rangers (h)….3 Gala Fairydean….1

Jack Frost held sway at Union Park on Saturday. Despite the fact that two tons of sand had been used, the field was in a dangerous condition, melted snow, frozen hard, making the foothold treacherous and even where the sand had been liberally used in the goalmouths the going was none too good. Under the circumstances the teams are to be congratulated on the display given. The game never lacked interest up to the last kick and it was fortunate that no one was hurt, there being no heavy charging indulged in. Brown was accidently kicked on the head by Purves in the second half but after attention and some of the hot drink which the Rangers had at the interval, he was able to resume amid applause.

BERWICK NEWSPAPERS, 1923

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BERWICK JOURNAL, 12 APRIL 1923

ST. MARY’S CHILDREN’S CONCERT

St. Mary’s Church, Castlegate, 1980’s Ref: BRO 1497-101

On Easter Monday and Tuesday the children of St. Mary’s Berwick, gave a very excellent programme in the operetta “Zurika, the Gipsy Maid, or captive Pricess,” by Clementina Ward. Monday, to a packed house; Tuesday, to a good audience.

The programme each night opened with one verse of God Save the King, with Harry Manuel standing with the Union Jack and calling the audience to attention.

KING AND QUEEN HONOUR BERWICK LADY

The King and Queen have sent autographed portraits of themselves to rev. A. H. Kelk, Rector of Goldsborough, Yorks, and Mrs Kelk, as souvenirs of the christening of the infant son of Princess Mary and Viscount Lascelles. The latter have given Mr and Mrs Kelk a handsome silver inkstand, with facsimile inscription “From Mary and Lascelles.”

Mrs Kelk is a native of Berwick, and member of old Family of Berwick Freemen. She was Miss Bessie mark, daughter of the late Mr Kingston Mark, Church St., Berwick, who at one time held important Government position in Woolwich Dockyard, and was intimate friend of late Duke of Cambridge.

BEFORE BERWICK BENCH-CHILDREN’S COURT

At a Children’s Court on Wednesday, before R. Boston, Esq., Miss Henderson, T. Bolus, C. Forsyth and G.N. Broadbent, Esqs., a Berwick boy, remanded a fortnight ago on a charge of throwing stones from a catapult, and to be medically examined, was again before Court.- Mr Wallace, probation Officer, handed in a letter from Dr T. P. Caverhill, which stated that 7 years ago when in Haddington, he had attended the boy after an accident when he suffered from a fractured skull. This was the cause of his present condition, and he was practically not responsible for his actions. – Mr Wallace said the boy’s parents had no control over him, and were anxious to get him into a home.- The case was adjourned for another fortnight in order that Supt. Halliday might get into communication with the Committee in Newcastle, and to make further enquiries.

FORD FARM STUDENT FINED-DRUNK INCHARGE OF A MOTOR CAR

At Kelso Police Court yesterday, Provost Middlemas presiding, Alistair Paton, farming student, Ford Westfield, Cornhill, was fined 40s, or 20 days in prison, for being drunk while in charge of a motor car in Kelso Square on 6th March.

The case had been adjourned from a fortnight ago, owing to Mr Guthrie, the Burgh Prosecutor, desiring to withdraw the summons, because the accused had already tho?? his assize through being convicted for a similar offence committed on the same day at Galashiels.

The Provost held that the two cases were quite distinct, and imposed the penalty stated above.

LOCAL NEWS

“The Anchorage,” Woolmarket, Berwick, to be sold by public auction, is one of Berwick’s best-known houses, for it was the Home of Dr Johnston and his daughter, Mrs Barwell Carter,

The Anchorage, Woolmarket, 1959 Ref: BRO 1250/205

who for so many years welcomed Berwickshire Naturalists’ Club within its walls, on the Club’s annual visit to Berwick. Dr Johnston was Founder of the Club, and each year his daughter showed and explained many of the personal treasures of this gifted Citizen.

BERWICK TOWN COUNCIL

A meeting of Berwick Town Council was held on Tuesday evening. Present: The Mayor; Ald. Cowe, Wilson; Couns. Brewis, Morrison, Blench, Dickinson, Anderson, (Mrs) Edminson, Lockhart, Martin Bolus, Boston, Watt, Dudgeon, Redpath, Stuart; with the Clerk (Mr Twigg), the Land Steward (Mr Bolam), the Accountant (Mr Gibson).

Apologies were intimated from the Sheriff and Coun. Lyall. The Mayor expressed regret that Coun. Lyall was not able to be out yet but hoped he would soon be among them again. (Hear, hear).

CONDOLENCES

The Mayor made feeling reference to the bereavement suffered by Ald. Boston and Mr Adam Aird, both of whom had a long connection with the Council, and on his motion it was agreed to send a letter of condolence to Ald. Boston. The members showed their approval by rising to their feet.

TO FREE FREEMEN’S ESTATE

In accordance with notice given a month ago, Coun. Edminson was to have moved :- That in view of the necessity of the provision of a site for Housing in connection with the recent gift of Mr W. H. Askew, the Town Council as Trustees of the Freemen’s Estate instruct the Farm and Works Committee to consult with the Freemen of the Borough in order that steps may be taken either by the promotion of a Bill or otherwise to free the lands included in the First Three Schedules of the Settlement Act from the restrictions against the sale of such lands.

The Mayor suggested that in view of the recommendation from the Farm and Works Committee, to the meeting, she should defer her motion until then. This she agreed to do.

The farm and Works Committee reported: – In connection with the question of Road Works, etc., for the purpose of developing lands in Schedule 3 of the Corporation Act, 1843, for building purposes, the Town Clerk reported receipt of a letter from the Charity Commissioners expressing the opinion that they see no reason to dissent from Counsel’s opinion on the subject, taken in 1906. The opinion in question was that such an expenditure is lawful. The Committee agreed that a meeting be held with the Freemen’s Committee in order to discuss whether action cannot now be taken to obtain the removal of the restrictions upon the transfer of lands included in the first three schedules to the Act.

The mayor moved the adoption of the report and explained that the matter came up on the letter from the Charity Commissioners. Coun. Bolus seconded.

Mrs Edminson withdrew her motion.- Agreed.

SPORTS AND PASTIMES

With opening in Berwick Town of 1923 Golfing Season has come the usual wandering about the Course by people – (especially children)- who have no right to be there, but who are, apparently and unfortunately, allowed to go about wherever they like on the Course, and to do very much as they please. Such a state of things makes for trouble. Indeed, a serious accident has already occurred, whereby a youngster was struck on the face by a golf ball. The child has no right to be where it was at the time and was unseen by the players until the accident occurred.

Magdalene Fields Golf Course, 20th Century Aerial photograph, Berwick-upon-Tweed

No blame can be attributed to the golfers. But the management of the Course must take reasonable steps to stop the continuous trespass, which has become not only a nuisance but a danger. In case of accidents, the Law will not protect them unless they are able to show that reasonable steps have been taken to warn the Public. Indeed, in the matter of trespass the Law will hold that there is no trespass until the trespasser has been personally warned off the place.

Among latest improvements as Goswick Golf Club House is the erection of a smoke-room, which will help to lessen congestion in the luncheon and tea-room, where, hitherto, people have sat on after meals, and kept others waiting unduly for their food.

A Border lady, whose people belonged to Duns says her father played golf at the age of 93. Lord Joicey, who often motors over from Ford Castle to play on Goswick Course, is 77, and thus has a long way to go yet. We hope to see him enjoying Golf at 93.

Congratulations to Wooler Golf Club on getting into 2nd Round of Northumberland County Contest for “Newcastle Chronicle” Cup. Wooler (Geo. Tully and R. Redpath) beat Tynedale (W. Raisbeck and J. Turner) by 4 up and 3 to play- very creditable victory. Prompter hopes they’ll do well next round.

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