Berwick War Memorial

BERWICK NEWSPAPERS,1923

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BERWICK ADVETRISER, 18TH SEPTEMBER

RURAL DISTRICT COUNCIL

The Rural District Council met in the Board Room of the Workhouse, Belford, on Wednesday afternoon, Dr Macaskie, Medical Officer and Mr T. Dodd, Surveyor and Sanitary Inspector, were present.

INCREASE OF CANCER

Dr. Macaskie reported that he had received a circular from the Ministry of health dealing with the question of cancer, in view of the great and increasing amount of suffering and death due to this disease. The circular was a long one but he submitted important points. During the last 20 years cancer has increased by 20 per cent and tuberculosis had declined by 38 per cent.

The High Street, Belford, in the early 1900s. Reference: BRO 0515/39

The disease may to a certain extent be prevented by the removal of rough stumps of teeth or bad fitting dental plates, a change of habit in pipe smoking and attention to the functions of the stomach and bowels. Cancer in the early stages may be quite painless. This is a danger and leads to delay in seeking medical advice being generally sought too late.

ANOTHER SERIOUS FARM FIRE AT LADYKIRK

STEADING GUTTED AND EIGHT STACKS DESTROYED

Within a week from the last outbreak of fire on a farm in the Ladykirk district, another configuration took place in the early hours of Saturday morning on the farm of West Ladykirk, occupied by Mr Fleming. The fire had got a good hold on the steading buildings when it was discovered shortly after two o’clock and the farmer immediately came off by motor to Berwick to summon the fire brigade.

The Berwick brigade left shortly after three o’clock and proceeded with the hand pumping engine to the scene of the outbreak, but on arrival there it was found that the Ladykirk House engine was already in attendance and there was not much water available for playing upon the fire. Farm workers and others in the district rendered every assistance to the brigades whose energies were devoted to pulling down the burning grain from the stacks and keeping the fire within bounds. Happily, the wind was favourable to the work of fighting the fire, otherwise the whole of the farm buildings hight have been wiped out. Some difficulty was experienced in getting the horses and stock from the stables and byres as the animals were scared and almost unmanageable. They were all got safely out, however, but the buildings were entirely gutted.

Eight stacks of new grain were entirely destroyed, and the damage done to buildings and machinery is considerable.

NORTHUMBERLAND COUNTY COUNCIL ADOPTS SCHEME FOR OFFICIAL’S SUPERANNUATION

FARMERS’ UNION OPPPOSES ADDITIONAL BURDEN ON RATES

A special meeting of the Northumberland County Council was held in the Moot Hall, Newcastle, on Thursday morning, under the chairmanship of Sir Francis D. Blake, Bart., for the purpose of considering the adoption of the Local Government and Other Officers’ Superannuation Act. 1922, particulars of which we have already published.

The Chairman moved the adoption of the report of the establishment Committee which recommended the adoption of the Act, to come into operation on March 31, 1924. He regretted that the attendance was small, as the matter was one of considerable importance. When they remembered that their staff, which was administering the pensions of police and teachers, had no pension themselves, it became an increasing obligation on the Council to make some provision such as was now proposed. So far as he knew, Somersetshire was the only County Council which had rejected the Act, but the decision had been reached by such a small majority that it was being re-considered. What was going to be the position of a county which rejected an Act, which, in his opinion, was a measure of justice? Would they have command of the best officials and servants if they were one of the only counties to reject the pension. He thought it was in their own interest, as well as in the interests of those who gave long, faithful and valuable service, that they should adopt the Act. The salaries of the staff at the present time compared but poorly with those in other parts of the country, and especially in their own immediate neighbourhood. The cost to the rates was less than a halfpenny in the £.

Mr R. Browell, while offering no objection to the scheme as a whole, asked if the Act made provision for workmen, and, if so, what would be the actuary’s report as to the cost, if workmen were included in the scheme.

The Chairman replied that the Act did provide for workmen, but if the Council wished to consider this inclusion it would have to be under a new scheme, based upon the actuarial report. He was under the impression that the great trade unions of the country had not welcomed the Act as being of much assistance to workmen.

Mr Browell said he did not know what attitude the trade unions had adopted, but he wanted to be assured that the County Council would look as favourably upon a scheme for the officials and staff.

The Chairman replied that he could not pledge the County Council.

(Full article can be read in Berwick Advertiser, 28th September 1923)

MILITARY NOTES

The Depot are holding a “Cinderella” dance in the Barracks Gymnasium commencing at 7.30 pm on Friday 28th, in aid of the Borderers’ Club, Edinburgh. The main feature of the dance will be the music, as a band of seven players has been engaged for the evening.

Honorary members of the Sergeants’ Mess, Depot King’s Own Scottish Borderers, are requested to return their membership cards for revision as soon as possible to enable fresh roll to be completed.

BERWICK WAR MEMORIAL UNVEILING

The Berwick Detachment, 7th Battalion Northumberland Fusiliers, will provide a guard to honour at the unveiling of the Berwick War Memorial on 11th November, and ranks who wish to parade that day are being asked to notify Sergt. Loder immediately as drills will have to be held during next month to practice parades. Earl Haig will inspect the guard of honour after the memorial is unveiled. The Depot K.O.S.B. are finding the guard of honour for Earl Haig.

War Memorial, Castlegate, Berwick-upon-Tweed. © Copyright J Thomas – (cropped image) Creative Commons Licence 2.0 Generic (CC BY-SA 2.0).

The near relatives of the fallen who have not yet applied for reserved seats at the unveiling should do so without delay to Lieut-Col. W. B. Mackay, 23 Castlegate. The accommodation is very limited and after the 30th September, it will be strictly allotted according to applications received and the requirements of other quests. The committee most earnestly desire that no relative entitled to a seat should be excluded, but seats cannot be reserved unless application is made before the end of this month.

WAR MEDALS

It is officially stated by the War Office that 13,158,964 medals for services in the Great War hane now been distributed. This total is made up as follows:-

1914 Stars                           363,825

1914-15 Stars                    2,057,913

British War Medals          5,465,442

Victory Medals                  5,050,367

Distinguished Conduct Medals   33,070

Meritorious Service Medals         29,223

Military Medals                                129,828

Territorial War Medals                  29,296

But one great difficulty that still faces the War Office in the matter of distribution is the fact that so many men entitled to awards have not kept their Record Offices informed of their correct addresses. As a matter of fact hundreds of medals are still being returned through the Post Office to the War Office or Record Offices because those entitled cannot be found. All men who have not received their medals are due should communicate with the Officer-in-Charge of Records of the particular regiment in which they last served, giving full name and regimental number.

BERWICK LABOUR PARTY

MR GIBBON REVIEWS THE ELECTION CAMPAIGN

At a general Committee meeting of Berwick Labour Party, held on Friday, 21st Sept., Mr Gibbon, District Organiser, who was present, reviewed the recent election campaign.

At the commencement of his address he reported on the financial position of the election funds, which was very satisfactory, a small balance being left in hand after all expenses had been paid. In course of his speech Mr Gibbon said a large number of people had been disappointed with the measure of support Labour had received in the recent election. In his opinion Labour did exceedingly well seeing this was the first time this Division had been contested. A few years ago when contesting a constituency for the first time they considered they had done well f they secured one in five of the votes cast at the first time of asking. They would have done even better if they had had cars to convey their supporters to the poll.

In some cases voters had seven miles to walk to the polling stations, a distance which meant that only the ablest of people had the opportunity to record their vote. Every endeavour should be kade to have this state of affairs altered and an adequate number of polling stations provided.

Labour workers, Mr Gibbon said, had every reason to congratulate themselves on the fight they had been able to put so early in their life as a political party in this division.

BERWICK ADVERTISER, 5 AUGUST 1920

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BERWICK TOWN COUNCIL

The members then sat as a Town Council, Mr W. J. Bolam, Land Steward, being also present.

THE WAR MEMORIAL

The Clerk submitted the resolution regarding the War Memorial for Berwick, forwarded from the public meeting last week, in the name of the Mayor as Chairman, and delegating the question of a Memorial to the Town Council.

The Mayor said he was very grieved and very sorry at the termination of the War Memorial Committee. After the meeting last week he had determined not to let one hour pass till the matter was taken up again. It was up to those of us who had been kept in safety to erect a worthy Memorial to the men who had fallen. He moved that the Berwick Aldermen and Councillors be formed into a Committee with powers to add to their numbers, and take the work in hand. Councillor Darling seconded.

Mr Brewis, who thought at first that the Mayor’s motion was that the Town Council should take up the work of the War Memorial Committee and set up a Committee of its own for the purpose, said that it was no part of the duties of the Town Council to take over the management and disposal of voluntary subscriptions to a War Memorial. Last week’s meeting was held for subscribers only, and only 32 out of 1100 attended. No wonder Dr Mackay was bitterly disappointed. So would be every Berwick man who fought in the war. Berwick had failed where Tweedmouth and Spittal had succeeded. The Berwick War Memorial Committee should have had an alternative scheme ready, because they could not  know that the ratepayers would agree to the removal of the Scotsgate. The ratepayers so far as he had been able to ascertain were against its removal, and against the rates being used for Memorial purposes. He knew of no other Town Council that had been requested to take over the work of a War Memorial Committee, and as he had stated, they were under no legal obligation to do so, and certainly under no moral obligation. The work of the Council was quite onerous enough already. At the meeting of subscribers on Wednesday last of the 32 who attended, 11 voted for the Town Council to take the Memorial in hand, and 9 against, leaving 12 who did not vote at all. Could the Mayor tell him if those 12 subscribers wished the Scotsgate removed or not, because one of the principal speakers at the meeting had asked him (Mr Brewis) months ago to strongly oppose its removal?

The Mayor – I am not in a position at the present time to answer that question.

Councillor Campbell – What was the spirit in which the motion was sent?

The Mayor – I am not answerable for the motives of other people.

Councillor Campbell maintained that the contentious spirit shown at the War Memorial meeting was not right. Col. Mackay had shown a different spirit.The handing over of the Memorial question to the Council was an endeavour to exploit the Council, who did not carry the Committee’s scheme to take down the Scotsgate. They were throwing the onus on the Town Council. He considered this was a matter for the subscribers. The Council had enough in hand already. As regards his own position, as his term of office expired shortly, he did not consider he was justified in becoming a member of the proposed new Committee. The decision of the War Memorial meeting of  a majority of 2 on a vote of 20, was unfortunate.

Ald. Short stated there had been immense difficulties in the question of a Memorial for Berwick. Feeling had reached a rather high point. He considered the Mayor had had no alternative but to make the suggestion he did. The motion met with his (Alderman Short’s approval, but he suggested they ought to go further and take in the whole Town Council. They were all equally sorry for the loss of the men, and would all subscribe. If by becoming a subscriber they were qualified to be on the Committee he for one would certainly qualify. There had been 40 men on the Tweedmouth Committee, and everything had been very harmonious. He hoped they would all go heart and soul into the matter, and work as hard as they could to erect some worthy Memorial to the men who gave their lives.

Councillor Brewis stated there was no question of wishing to have the best Memorial. We were all at one about that (Hear, Hear).

Councillor Blench suggested that the Council join the other Committee, and work along with them, not to take the responsibility on their own shoulders.

Councillor Brewis – There is no other Committee.

Councillor Blench thought that if the suggestion was put before the old Committee they would agree. They were all anxious to complete the Memorial. If it had not been for the men who gave their lives, there would have been no Scotsgate, no Berwick standing today.

The Mayor drew attention to the fact that his motion did not confine the matter to the Council.

Councillor Dixon suggested that the Mayor had made his motion to get out of a difficulty. He thought the old Committee might be called together by invitation.

Councillor Darling stated in seconding the Mayor’s motion, his idea had been that the Council would form a nucleus to make a fresh start.

Councillor Brewis – That is not the application made.

The Mayor – We are not here to discuss the application but to find out the best way to erect the Memorial.

Councillor Wilson stated that there was no question that the mover of the motion at the Memorial meeting and his supporters meant the Town Council to take over the whole matter of the War Memorial. Personally he quite approved of the Mayor’s motion. But that was not the intention of the meeting. The Mayor had taken a wise path. This question of a Memorial should be above squabble. (Hear, hear.) It was far too delicate and solemn a matter. He suggested that the men and women be asked to help in this matter. He regretted the lack of tone at the Memorial meeting. (The Mayor- We all felt that). He thought the Council should not put their responsibility to one side, but shoulder it and make the Memorial a success.

Councillor Brewis pointed out that the whole of the members had come there that night with the same interpretation of the action of the Memorial meeting.

The Mayor – We are here to take steps to carry on the Memorial, not to do as someone else tells us.

The motion was unanimously agreed to.

LOCAL NEWS

On Thursday morning last an accident occurred on the Old Bridge about 10.15 a.m. Two large motor wagons belonging to Messrs Johnson and Darling, and to Messrs Spring, fish curers, Berwick and Hull, colliding. There was very little damage done, but traffic was delayed for a short while.

A recent photogrpah of the Berwick Bridge (Old Bridge), where in August 1920 a number of incidents were recorded on the roadway.  Copyright: Bill Harrison – (CC-BY-SA-2.0) –  https://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/5593766

On the afternoon of the same day, while a woman was wheeling a perambulator across the Bridge, a pony and trap passing knocked the perambulator over, upsetting the two children in it. Fortunately the children were little the worse. The most regrettable part of the incident was that the party driving the trap did not consider it worth while to stop and enquire what damage had been done. On Friday two motor lorries again collided on the Bridge one of them having been in the smash the previous day.

BERWICK SANITARY AUTHORITY

Ald. Richardson drew attention to the absence of a urinal and a water closet at the Carr Rock. In those days when men came from all parts with herring boats, he thought it was the duty of the Authority to put this matter right at once.

The Mayor pointed out that the proper course for Ald. Richardson to have followed regarding this matter, was to have sent a complaint to the Town Clerk. The question could then have been put on the agenda. Otherwise time was put off, and members did not know what was coming before them. The matter was referred to the Works Committee with powers.

A early 1900s photogrpah of the Carr Rock, where in August 1920, there were complaints brought up at the Town Council meeting as to the state of the urinals. Ref: BRO 426 SL 83

Ald. Short asked how it was that for days there had been no water in the urinals and  closets in Tweedmouth. People had come into his office complaining that the closets were dry.

The Surveyor stated that was the first he had heard of it. A man was paid to look after these things, and he had heard nothing from the man.

Councillor Edminson – Why do not the officials go themselves and see about it? There are a great many abuses that are not attended to? With all the officials Berwick should have been a little Paradise by now.

Ald. Short – The Surveyor is seldom in Tweedmouth to my knowledge. It is a very hazy recollection I have of seeing him the last time.

This Week in World War One, 6 August 1915

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Berwick Advertiser title 1915

 

 BERWICK ADVERTISER, 6 AUGUST 1915

 

 ANNIVERSARY OF THE WAR

 

It is a year this week since Berwick was all in an excitement and hub-bub caused by the declaration of war against Germany. Well do we remember the stirring street scenes at the assembly of our brave Territorials and Naval Reserve men. Who, too, does not at the same time vividly recall the financial panic, followed by the Government extending the August Bank holiday, and closing the banks throughout the land for three days. Those opening incidents are now alas mere insignificant details in the subsequent titanic struggle that has since been waged night and day in the trenches. They loomed no doubt largely in our eyes at the moment giving a hazy portent of the upheaval, but without in any way affording a reasonable idea of the duration of the conflict.

Berwick’s Response to the Anniversary

In common with almost every town and village in the kingdom, an open-air public meeting to mark the anniversary of the war took place in front of the Town Hall, Berwick, on Wednesday evening. His Worship the Mayor (Mr Thomas Wilson) assisted by the other speakers taking part in the proceedings, admirably voiced the feelings of the assembled multitude who heartily responded to the loyal and patriotic sentiments which were uttered. There is no doubt that the inflexible determination of every one after such a year of tremendous struggle and sacrifice is to see an end once and for all to the military aggression which has threatened Europe and the world for years past. The accomplishment will call for many more acts of heroism and self-denial, but the same dauntless courage which brought us through the hard campaigns of the Indian Mutiny and the Crimean War still lives in the hearts of Britain today. The end may not be in sight, but each day that that passes brings the certainty of victory nearer and the downfall of a hideous and brutal military despotism the more certain. The more recruits who come forward to take the places of those who have to go to the actual scene of hostilities with the greater celerity will the day of deliverance come; and, of course, all classes can assist the Government by practising economy and placing every spare penny into the War Loan.

bAdvertiser 6 Aug 1915 Don't Swear Dunlop Advert resized
Berwick Advertiser 6 August 1915, Don’t Swear Dunlop Advert.

 HERRING FISHING AT BERWICK AND THE COAST

 Berwick, 4th August

Before giving the results of the herring fishing for the past week, it may be as well to state briefly what was done in the early part of the season. In April the order was issued that drift net fishing was only allowed within the three mile limit by boats under 40 feet overall. As fishing with the first class boats either by net or great line – it being a first necessity to catch herrings for prosecuting the latter fishing – was now out of the question, the outlook for the fishermen in the district was far from promising. However, within a few days of the above order, arrangements were made by which seventeen of the Eyemouth steam drifters with their crews were engaged for Admiralty work. Those who remained at home began to turn their attention to small line fishing, so that by the middle of May there were forty-seven crews working from the stations of St. Abbs, Eyemouth, and Burnmouth. Mussel bait was obtained from Clyde district, and the scene on the Eyemouth quay at the distribution of the mussels was reminiscent of about twenty years ago when haddock fishing was the principal industry in the locality. Shortly after this trails were made at the herring fishing, first one boat and next week twelve boats, each week adding to the number until by the end of June there were over sixty boats fishing from Eyemouth. The local men hired boats of a suitable size from Cockenzie and other Leith ports, others who could not procure boats remained at the lines. Of the above number there were thirty-six local crews, and others from Firth of Forth ports.

 

BRO 426/669 Fishing Fleet, Berwick Harbour early 1900s
BRO 426/669 Fishing Fleet,
Berwick Harbour early 1900s

 

But the proverb about giving an inch and taking an ell (sic) was exemplified in the case of the fishermen. They soon began to go beyond the three mile limit, until at last the authorities had to interfere and put a stop to it, and consequently few herrings were landed at Eyemouth during the first three weeks of July. The catch for June was about 1700 crans, representing a value of over £5000, the prices ranging from 45s to 130s per cran. Indivdual crews earned from £50 to about £500 for the month. During the past week a few local crews have been fishing along the coast from the Farne islands to North Shileds. The number of boats fishing was twenty motor and five sail. The landings were – Eyemouth, 137 crans; Berwick, 15; North Sunderland, 77; and North Shields, 207 crans. There were also 165 crans of trawled herrings landed at the last named port, maing the total for the week 601 crans of the value of £2400. Prices were from 50s in 132s per cran. The highest shot was 35 crans by a motor boat at Eyemouth.

 

LOCAL NEWS

War Memorial, Castlegate, Berwick-upon-Tweed. © Copyright J Thomas - (cropped image) Creative Commons Licence 2.0 Generic (CC BY-SA 2.0).
War Memorial, Castlegate,
Berwick-upon-Tweed.
© J Thomas – (cropped image) Creative Commons Licence 2.0 Generic (CC BY-SA 2.0).

MILITARY FUNERAL– On Friday afternoon the funeral of Private  *Wm. H. Stevenson, of the 7th N.F., second son of Mrs Margaret and the late Mr Wm. H. Stevenson, late of Church Street, took place to the Berwick Cemetery. The coffin arrived with the afternoon train from the south, and this was witnessed by a very large crowd of sympathetic spectators who lined the approaches and route. A detachment of the local Territorials with pipe band acted as a military escort, bestowing full military honours to the departed soldier. The coffin was covered by the Union Jack, and a number of very pretty wreathes were sent by friends. A short religious service took place in the chapel at the cemetery, and the committal service was read over the grave. The firing of three volleys and the sounding of the Last Post marked the close of a singularly touching funeral.

* The above report should read Private Robert Richmond Stephenson and not as Private Wm. H. Stevenson. The correct information appears on the Commonwealth War Graves Commission website: Robert Richmond Stephenson, Private, service no; 2177, date of death 27th July aged 26 years.

Pictured above the war memorial in Berwick, on which the name of Northumberland Fusilier, Robert Richmond Stephenson appears.