Berwick-upon-Tweed

BERWICK ADVERTISER, 26 AUGUST 1920

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FORD WAR MEMORIAL

IMPRESSIVE DEDICATION SERVICE

The old grey stone church at Ford, with its appearance of serene antiquity, must, in past associations with the historic castle, have witnessed many a solemn scene through the long centuries, but surely none so solemn as that on Sunday evening last, when the magnificent war memorial to the sons of the parish who fell in the Great War was unveiled and dedicated.  Nineteen made the supreme sacrifice, a son of the Castle, as well as lads from the farms and villages, and on Sunday the relatives and friends of the men met to commemorate their loved ones, and in doing so to draw inspiration from their heroic example. 

Ford Church, where in August 1920, a dedication service took place for the “magnificent war memorial” dedicated to the sons from the Ford area who fell in WW1. © Mollie, Wikimedia Commons. 

It was a glorious summer evening, and in the brilliant sunshine from far and near, came motorists, cyclists, and those afoot, in such numbers that seating accommodation was quite insufficient, and many had to stand at the back of the church and in the entrance porch, throughout the service.  As the waiting crowd filed slowly into the church, there floated through the building the soft tones of the Largo Appassionata movement, with its solemn staccato accompaniment from Beethoven’s second Sonata, played on the fine organ by Mr. J. H. Binks.  Seats were reserved for the relatives, and the pews in the south aisle, neath the memorial were occupied most fittingly by the Comrades of the dead heroes who were fortunate enough to return from the war, and who paraded under Comrade T. Henry, Crookham.  The beautiful service, specially drafted for the occasion, was conducted by Bishop Neligan, Rector of Ford, printed copies having being distributed amongst those present.  The lessons were read by Lord Joicey, Ford Castle, and the sermon preached by Professor Albert A. Cock, University College, Southampton, who took the place of Bishop Welldon, Dean of Durham, who was unable to fulfil his promise to assist.    

LOCAL NEWS

Capt. Alfred Goodson, who is to marry Miss Joan Leyland, is a Yeomanry officer, and is the eldest son of Sir Alfred and Lady Goodson, of Waddeton Court, Brixham, as well as Kilham, Mindrum.  Sir Alfred Goodson, who was knighted in 1915, says the “Daily Mail,” a Manchester and London merchant and manufacturer, and a director of Goodsons, Ltd.  He was at one time with Messrs Hitchcock, Williams and Co., of St Paul’s churchyard, and afterwards started business in the mantle trade., building up a huge business.  A member of the Council of the National Pony Society, he is specially interested in horse breeding and agriculture, and has taken many prises with his hackneys, including the hackney championship.  He owns a great deal of property in the Knutsford district of Cheshire.  Captain Graham Leventhorpe, D.S.O., of the Royal Field Artillery, who is to marry Mrs Geoffrey Lambton, Mr and Mrs Leyland’s other daughter, is a fine cricketer.  Mrs Lambton was first married in June 1914, and her husband was killed at the front early in September of the same year.  Their daughter, Monica, was born after his death.

Visitors on the Magdalene Fields Golf Course on Monday evening were greatly interested in witnessing a match between two ex-soldiers who had both lost an arm in the war.  One was minus the right arm and the other had had his left arm taken off at the shoulder.  Both men drove and approached the greens much better than several of the most experienced players of the club could do, and they very seldom pulled a ball into the rough.  A Berwick golfer, asked for his opinion on the men’s play, remarked he would not like to be giving a small handicap to either of them.  The peculiarity of the play of the man who lost his right arm, was that he played right handed with his wrist in front of the club.  Though his stroke was more of the nature of a “pull” than a “drive,” he got marvellous results.

NEW BRIDGE AT BERWICK STATION

THE WORK COMMENCED

Operations have been started by the North British Railway in the preliminary work connected with the erection of a new bridge carrying the Great North Road over the railway at Berwick Station.  A large number of workmen are now engaged shifting the tracks of water and gas mains and preparing the foundation for supporting the piers. 

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

The new bridge which, it is understood, will be constructed of steal, will provide a sweeping approach to the North Road—an improvement which will be greatly appreciated by motorists.  It will be so constructed as to fit in with plans for the new station which the Company proposes to build when labour and material are more easily procured.

A portion of the parapet of the old stone bridge has been removed, and as work on the construction of the temporary bridge progresses other portions of walling will be taken down.  The work is attended with some difficulty as the continuous run of traffic north and south cannot be held up.  Workmen digging foundations and shifting the water mains are frequently stopped until the lines are clear.  Telephone and telegraph wires are also being reconnected to new poles. 

The present stone bridge, which is in a tumble down state, dates back to the time when the station was built.  Originally the road from the town led down by the bank to the coal and implement dock and up the sunken road between the present stone bridge and Tommy the Miller’s field.  The original stone of the retaining wall of this portion of the great north road is still visible from Tommy the Miller’s.

In those days the top of Castlegate was much different to what it is now.  The river side of Tweed Street and a part of the landward side were grassy banks known as the Windmill Hole.  It was no easy way of finding one’s way into the town in the dark and one such case occurred where a gentleman riding into the town on horseback fell over the banks at Windmill Hole and was seriously injured.

When the new Station at Berwick does come—it has been promised so long that some fear it will never materialise—considerable alteration will be made in the “lies” and ground near the old castle.  If excavations go on, antiquarians may find some interesting remains of olden days unearthed, as hereabouts the network of underground passages and chambers have never fully been traced.

NOTES FROM SPITTAL

The Admiralty Certificate of honourable mention in dispatches has been awarded to James Patterson, for having sighted an enemy submarine and assisted in its destruction while serving on one of H.M. mine sweepers.  The certificate was handed over by Lieut.-Commander James Toohey at the Customs House on Monday.

Once more the lifeboat has come back to Spittal, and now rests on the sands below Sandstell Road.  It is the intention of the lifeboatmen to erect a temporary shed over the boat and carriage to save it from the weather, and also from the attentions of the children, who in their curiosity have been climbing about it and doing minor damage. 

Image 8 – Lifeboat – RNLB Matthew Simpson – Left to Right – Not known, Not known, Not known, John Wood, Knot known, Jack Lough, George Lough, Bartholomew Lough, Thomas Martin (possible), Not known, Not Known, Alex Patterson Lough.

The permanent house for the new motor lifeboat has not yet been started, but we believe it will be erected near the east side of the ferry landing on the high ground.  A trolley line is proposed to be laid below the lifeboat house leading down to low water mark, and the motor boat will be lowered from the house by electrically driven winches and davits, with its carriage on to the trolley lines when launching.  Though the full particulars of the proposed lifeboat house are not available, it may be taken that it will be thoroughly up to date and fitted with the latest time and labour-saving devices.

An open race was to have been flown from Alnmouth on Saturday, but owing to the heavy rain the birds were returned by rail, the weather being so bad for liberation.  The race will be flown on Saturday first.  The club programme will be concluded on Saturday, when the Nottingham Y.B. race will be flown.  The birds will be liberated at 9.45 a.m., ringing today (Friday) 2 p.m.  The Vice-President (Mr Morton Boston) has kindly given the first prize.

BERWICK ADVERTISER, 8 AUGUST 1919

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MILITARY NOTES

TO RESERVE

In the K.O.S.B., Regular Forces, Captain R. Joynson resigns his commission and joins the General Reserve of Officers, getting its seniority as Captain as from September 28th, 1915.

VOLUNTEERS’ CERTIFICATES

The work done by volunteers during the war is to be commemorated by the War Office Certificates, bearing the signature of Mr Churchhill, are now being given to all ranks who joined the various units as a record of their service in the force.

K.O.S.B. AND MINDEN DAY

On Friday, August 1st, Minden Day, the officers, W.O.’s, N.C.O.’s, and men at the Barracks, Berwick, wore a red rose in their caps. The battle of Minden was fought during the Seven Years’ War on August 1st, 1759, when Prince Ferdinand with 40,000 British and Hanoverian troops defeated the French, who lost 8000 men, of whom 3000 were made prisoners. As a result of the seven years’ war British supremacy in India was secured, Canada became a British colony, and the British command of the sea was to a great extent secured.

SPORTS AT THE GREENS

IN CELEBRATION OF ANNIVERSARY OF MOBILISATION

Residents in the upper part of the town and in the Greens in particular spent a pleasant hour on Monday evening, when in celebration of the anniversary of mobilisation, a small sports meeting was arranged and gone through on the Main Street in front of the Pilot Inn.

A crowd of several hundreds turned up to witness the events, and great hilarity prevailed, especially in the treacle bun competitions for youths resident in the Greens. Mick Noon, who is reputed to hold all the worlds records for treacle bun contests, was present as an interested spectator, but took no part in the bun worry, preferring to leave the honours to those of more youthful years.

The sports were in charge of Messrs Richard and Alic Murphy, who were assisted by a willing band of stewards, who took entries in the crowd, and greatly helped to run the events through smoothly.

An early 20th century image of the Low Greens, Berwick-upon-Tweed. Ref: BRO 515-398

The boot race for youths provided some good running, the competitors getting off their marks smartly, only to find trouble in store for them at the lower part of the Greens, where “Tucker” saw it that the boots were well mixed. Manuel was an easy winner, walking home as he liked. Several who followed were disqualified for not having their boots properly laced.

The potato picking race brought out several of the old-time athlete. Amongst the entrants were such peds. As “Tucker” and “Dodger,” and great laughter was occasioned when the latter prepared to strip off and indulge in a preliminary canter. The pace was fast from the start, and “Tay” Burgon was a popular winner. Robert Burgon was awarded second place, and “Tucker” Jameison third.

The crowd surging around, rather spoiled the first treacle bun event, but screams of laughter could be heard as the young competitors made franctic drives at the elusive buns, only to be smeared with treacle all over the face. The prize-money was divided between Gillie, Manuel and Jamieson.

A similar event for younger boys was equally amusing, and Matthews got through his bun at least a minute before anyone else, Borthwick being second, and Patterson and Dixon tying for third place.

Children’s races were then run off, and the sports were brought to a close with a women’s race. This created great amusement, several dames of mature years turning out. Mrs Wakenshaw ran well, and was at the tape a good three yards ahead of the others. Mrs Gillie was second, and Mrs Young third.

In the race for young men, Manuel got home first, with Gillie and Burgon a good second and third.

During the evening a collection was taken up for St. Dunstan’s Hostel, and the creditable sum of £2 6s 4d was raised, for which the promoters thank the public who subscribed.

The fun was kept up to a late hour, dancing to the music of an accordion taking place. “Auld Lang Syne” brought to a close a most enjoyable night.

ORD

The presentation of Peace Mugs, which could not take place on the day appointed for local Peace Celebrations, was carried out in ideal weather on Friday afternoon, August 1st, at the close of school for summer holidays. The scholars assembled at the Village Green, and were joined by others from outlying parts of the parish. After singing several songs, the arrival of Lord and Lady Francis Osborne was the signal for the ceremony to begin. After a short and appropriate speech from Mr Armstrong, chairman of the Parish Council, the children marched past and received their mugs.

Village Green at Ord in 1915

Lady Osborne complimented the children on their appearance, and conduct, wished them a happy holiday, and hoped they would treasure the mugs as a souvenir of the great occasion. On the motion of Councillor Armstrong, Lady Osborne was cordially thanked for her services. The singing of the National Anthem marked the close of quite a pleasing function. In addition to scholars and teachers, the company present included:- Lord and lady Francis Osborne, Ord House; Mr and Mrs Armstrong, Murton White House, Mr and Mrs Lake, Tweed View, East Ord; Mr Harry Lake and Miss Lake, Bourne, Lincolnshire; Mrs McBain, Ord Cottage, Mrs Hornby, East Ord Schoolhouse, and Mr and Mrs Chrystal, East Ord.

GLENDALE AGRICULTURAL SHOW

POPULAR FUNCTION REVIVED

The war having curtailed the energies of the Glendale Agricultural Society, the public looked forward to the time when the show would be revived, and they were not disappointed in the splendid meeting which was arranged for on Thursday last. Old institutions die hard, but there is a yet no sign that the Glendale Society has reached the period of the sere and yellow leaf. Under the capable direction of Mr R. Noble, Shipley, Alnwick, little is left out of account which would be material to the success of the meeting.

Sheep Farmers, Glendale Show 1957. Ref: BRO 1760-1

Under the restrictions and curtailment of railway service, this year’s revival falls short of pre-war days, but notwithstanding this, the Show as presented gave satisfaction to all, and was a happy augury for the future. The jumping of hunters, which was at one time a feature of the show, had this year to be cut out, owing to the great difficulties which are being experienced by agriculturists in getting stock removed from place to place. Part of the large field too where the event was held formerly is now let for grazing, and the cattle, sheep, and industrial sections had to be held in the Wooler Mart premises, kindly placed at the disposal of the Committee.

During the forenoon, the weather was fair, with a high wind prevailing, and most of the judging was carried through expeditiously. Unfortunately, however, in the afternoon a rainstorm was experienced, and the velocity of the wind increased, which must have had an adverse effect upon the attendance.

Compared with 1914, when the last show was held, the entries showed a total decrease of 80. As a whole, the display of stock was quite creditable, the sheep and horses being particularly good.

TWEEDMOUTH JOTTINGS

ACCIDENT

What might have proved a very nasty if not fatal accident, occurred on Monday forenoon. While Edward Simpson, Border Inn, and a worker in Scremerston pit, was cycling down Sunnyside, in endeavouring to pass a flock of lambs being driven to Berwick Mart, two or three lambs ran across the track of his cycle, throwing him heavily. Fortunately, he fell on to the top of sheep, but his shoulder was pretty badly bruised.

BERWICK ADVERTISER, 9 MAY 1919

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37 YEARS’ SERVICE IN POST OFFICE

MR CLEM. BINGHAM RECEIVES THE IMPERIAL SERVICE DECORATION

Thirty-seven years represent a big slice of a man’s life, but these spent in good fellowship, may not take so much out of one as might be expected. For this period Mr Clem. Bingham has acted as a postman in the Borough, and in all weathers, residents have heard his cheerie call as he delivered his rounds.

Clem is one of the old school, and it is with feelings of sadness that those still in the Post Office Service who served along with him in the time of Postmasters Wilkinson, Jones and Franklin, see him going into retirement through illness. For some time prior to retiring he had not been in the “pink,” and only managed to go on his rounds with difficulty. The only course left open to him was to sever his long connection with the Post office Service, a work which to him had become part of life. A son of the late Mr Bingham, Low Greens, Berwick, “Clem,” since entering the Post Office has had an unblemished career. He speaks of the happy days spent in the old office, then situated on the site of the A. and B. Garage, and amongst his most pleasant memories are the days he spent in the comradeship of old “Joe” Ferrah, Dick Cockburn, and Jimmie Byrne. He had also, some humorous stories to tell of his old postmasters, one especially being about one of his masters who tried pig keeping, with so little success that his “grumphies” were one day mistaken for whippets.

The Imperial Service medal which comes to all “posties” who serve honourably and well, at length has come Mr Bingham’s way, and on Friday evening, surrounded by his fellow postmen and lady and gentleman clerks from the instrument room and counter, he received the decoration from the hands of Mr Snowball, Postmaster.

BELFORD DISTRICT

ON LEAVE

We were very pleased to see Privates Thomas and John Hunter, both of the D. L. I., home on leave from Germany quite recently. These two gallant boys are the sons of Mr and Mrs Hunter, North Lyham. Prior to May 1918 Mr Hunter and his boys were employed by Mr Blenkinsopp, Ross Farm, and might perhaps have been so yet had the manly spirit of the boys not been so persistent.


North Lyham area of Northumberland 
© Graham Robson – Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 2.0 Generic (CC BY-SA 2.0). 

In March 1915 Privates Hunter informed their father that they were going to the Army in the following May, the younger boy having then attained military age, and no obstacles being put in their way, they went and got their training in, and out to France and over the top a few times before the Armistice was signed. Both boys have greatly improved in appearance since joining up having become quite manly-like and from their conversation one might almost believe they had never experienced a single hardship. Mr and Mrs Hunter ought to be proud of their brave young sons. May the best of good luck be theirs.

LOCAL NEWS

This year the Berwick Rowing Club celebrates its Jubilee. This Club started with a membership of thirty at a meeting held on Monday, 18th January, 1869, in the King’s Arms Hotel, and presided over by the late Mr William Miller. The rules of the London Rowing Club were adopted. Later Mr .T. Carter was appointed Secretary and Treasurer, and the late Mr W. Young was elected Captain, and Mr E. Willoby a member of committee. The season was started in June, when the newly purchased Foy Fours arrived from Newcastle. A Regatta was held on 7th September when a silver cup for a race with Foy Fours and a pair of silver sculls for a race with two skiffs, presented by Mr Watson Askew, were competed for. It will be interesting to note also that the present President (Mr Alex Darling) was a coxswain that year. The Club starts operations for this year on Wednesday first. At a Committee meeting on Wednesday three new active members were elected. The pre-war Committee continues in office, with Mr H. R. Smail as Captain, and Mr J. Cairns as Hon. Secretary. Great credit is due to the latter, the President and Mr W. J. Dixon for having “carried on” during the war in the absence of over 90 per cent of the members on active service.

The first cargo of deals and battens to be discharged at Tweed Dock, Berwick, arrived with the Swedish steamship Munkfors this week, and although the cargo is small in comparison to those landed in pre-war days, still it is a sign that normal conditions are coming again. The wood has been shipped from Skoghall, Gothenburg, and is for Messrs Allan Brothers, Tweed Saw Mills.

The British nurse has helped to win the war, and there is scarcely a home in Great Britain that does not owe a tribute to her care of the wounded. The nursing profession tests the endurance of its members very severely, and during the war many nurses have contracted serious maladies, such as loss of sight, injury to limbs, nervous breakdown, etc.



World War One nurses and midwives recruitment poster. © Imperial War Museum (Art.IWM PST 14581). 

An effort is now being made to raise sufficient money to enable the College of Nursing to make provision for the nurses who have suffered through the war. The Nation’s Tribute for Nurses takes the form of a Thank-offering fund with Viscountess Cowdray as Hon. Treasurer, and Miss C. May Beeman as Hon. Organiser. A large sum is aimed at, and all over the country money is being raised. Berwick V.A.D.s not to be behind hand held a most enjoyable dance on Thursday, 1st May to raise funds. The Artillery Hall, Ravensdowne, was kingly granted free by Major Graham, Officer Commanding 4th V.B.N.F., who also sent a donation of £5. Among those responsible for the arrangements were: Miss Anthoney, Commandant: Mrs Scarlett, Mrs Copperthwaite, the Misses Caisley and Kennedy. Music was supplied by Miss Jobson, Miss White and Mr Davidson, violin. The duties of M.C. were capably discharged by Messrs Scobie and Renwick, and Mr J, Wilson also rendered great assistance. A sum of £25 will, it is hoped, be handed over. The members of the V.A.D. are endeavouring to make Berwick’s contribution up to £50 by means of “Wheel of Gratitude” collecting cards.

BLASTING ACCIDENT AT TWEEDMOUTH

A CHARGE WHICH HUNG FIRE

On Friday morning, 2nd May, a blasting accident which might easily have been attended with more serious consequences, took place in the Quarry owned by Mr A. D, Watt, Tweedmouth, resulting in rather server injuries to a miner named Robert Drysdale, whose home is in Blakewell Road.

It appears that Drysdale, who is employed making “shots” at the Quarry had made a charge which for some reason hung fire. Drysdale thinking the squib had failed walked forward to fix another when the charge suddenly exploded, knocking him down and inflicting severe wounds on the hands and head.

He was removed to Berwick Infirmary, where five of his fingers were found to be so seriously hurt that amputation was necessary. He is going on as well as can be expected.

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