Berwick Workhouse

BERWICK NEWSPAPERS, 1923

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BERWICK JOURNAL 30TH AUGUST, 1923

PEOPLE’S HOME IN BERWICK

[BY “BERWICK JOURNAL” SPECIAL CORRESSPONDENT]

What was formerly unused portion of Berwick Workhouse has been leased to Mr Harry Campbell, South Shields, as Working People’s Home and Model Lodging House for Men and Women.

Considerable improvements, internally particularly, have been made. The place throughout has been fitted with electric light. There are separate entrances for either sexes. The House has been fitted up for 47 beds. Ample kitchen accommodation is provided, which includes up to date cooking stoves. Hot and cold water basins are plentifully in evidence. Attendant’s room and offices have been excellently prepared, and the entire furnishings for beds and mattresses, etc, for the Home have been purchased from Local Firms. Baths for Men and Women are installed, fitted conveniently for all hours of the day and night with hot and cold water. The plans for structural alterations have been subject to the opinion and final passing of Mr Paterson, the well-known Local Architect, and Mr Boyd, the experienced Local Inspector.

Entrance to Workhouse, REFERENCE: BRO 1541-01

Everything possible that could be done for the comfort of people using the Home has been carefully looked after and no expense spared y Mr Campbell to bring the Home up to the highest possible standard. We understand a formal opening of the Building will be made. The Berwick Home, when finally completed, will be one of the finest examples of what a Model residence should be, and will doubtless prove a great boon to those who seek its accommodation.

We heartily congratulate Mr Campbell on his enterprise, for although he makes no pretense as a philanthropist, but is running the plan as a business speculation, yet, withal, this is another way of helping, to a certain extent, towards the solution of social reforming for the betterment of people who have hitherto not had the advantages of an up-to-date place wherein to rest and feel that here is a Home.

FOOTBALL

1st football match of the season on Saturday, at Union Park, Tweedmouth, was noteworthy for change of position of goalposts, owing to encroachment on the field of new houses. Hitherto, the 2 winning areas were top and bottom of Union Park – or about west and east- and now they are across the pitch- or about north and south. In 1st half of the match, Berwick pressed hard, and give promise of a good team. In 2nd half, Coldstream showed pressing powers; and, on the whole, it was a hard, fair and square tussle, with the goal each as the record. Coldstream will be heard of this season if they keep up their display on this occasion.

LOCAL NEWS

Fair quantity of herrings was landed at Berwick last week, Thursday being the principal day, but, unfortunately, quality was not so good as would be desired and several shots were disposed of for manure. On Tuesday this week 4 boats landed 124 crans, and on Wednesday there were 2 arrivals with 25 crans between them. Prices from 8s to 26s per cran. The season’s catch now stands at 2141 crans as against 450 crans at corresponding date last year.

Splitting the herring, REFERENCE: BRO 426-0829

 We regret to record the death in London of Mr Daniel Heagerty, a well-known Chemist, son of late Dr Heagerty, Tweedmouth, (Medical Officer of Health for Berwick Borough.) Mr Heagerty, who was about 50, suffered serious illness for some time. He was educated at Berwick and served apprenticeship with Messrs W. G. Carr and Son, Chemists, Berwick. A brother of Mr Heagerty- Travers-is an able Actor in America, where he is doing well. He was original member of Berwick Amateur Dramatic Club.

WHITTINGHAM GAMES

SUCCESSFUL GATHERING

On Saturday, the 63rd annual Whittingham Games Meeting was held in that beautiful and picturesque “Vale of Whittingham,” surrounded by lovely, massive green trees and heather clad hills. The games were favoured by weather which although not ideal was nevertheless dry. During the morning it was none too promising but cleared up about mid-day. Widely known as the “Games of the North,” this popular and far-fames gymnastic festival was established in the year 1860. Unlike village associations, Whittingham Games have never been suspended owing to finance since inauguration but have on the other hand gone forward by leaps and bounds, with the exception of the suspension during the war period. By the untiring efforts of an able Committee and generosity of the public who subscribe to the Games, the financial side of the sports has always been well maintained. It was regretted that the Agricultural Section was not carried on this year, but it is hoped that it will be revived in 1924.

REFERENCE: BRO 2140/13/012

Supported by Lady Ravenswoth, Mrs Branfoct, Lady Grey, and Mrs Collingwood, Glanton Pike, the Poultry Section was tried for the first time, and proved very satisfactory.

The Committee this year offered £230 in prizes for the various events and shows, and were well rewarded for their enterprise, as from mid-day onwards large crowds of people poured into the village, by trains, motor cars, char-a-bancs, and push bikes. In fact, every conceivable way of transport was used. An excursion was run from Newcastle, and many took advantage of the cheap fares from Berwick and Wooler districts.

The tents were kindly given and erected by Major Browne, who was always a liberal subscriber to the games, while Messrs Hindmarsh Bros. again kindly granted the use of the same field as is always used. The catering was in the hands of Miss Anderson, Rothbury.

During the afternoon the Ashington Harmonic Band rendered popular selection of music.

BORDER SCHOOLMASTER UNDUE SEVERITY

Robt. John Brown, Schoolmaster of Makerstoun, Kelso, appeared at Roxburghshire Sheriff Court on Thursday on a charge of assaulting a 6-year-old pupil, This. Ballantyne, with his hand and beating him with a pair of taws on the hips and thighs on July 11. Brown pleaded not guilty.

Ballantyne said he had been reported as having bitten another pupil, and after dismissal of the class he was taken from the playground by the Headmaster, put across a chair, and thrashed. He fell from the chair, and Brown picked him up and thrashed him again. Other pupils corroborated.

Brown said the boy Ballantyne had been reported on 2 occasions as having bitten other children. On this occasion he took Ballantyne into a classroom and thrashed him. The thrashing, he admitted, was severe, but he contended it should be so in the interest of discipline.

Medical evidence was given that there were 13 weals on the child.

Sheriff Chisholm said the punishment was unduly severe. He imposed a fine of £10- or 15-days’ imprisonment.

Before leaving Court, Brown said he would go to prison.

BERWICK ADVERTISER, 10TH NOVEMBER 1922

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BERWICK BOARD OF GUARDIANS

The monthly meeting of the Berwick Board of Guardians was held in the Board Room of the Workhouse on Monday afternoon. Miss C. H. Greet presided, others present being Miss J. E. B. Miller, Messrs J. H. Armstrong, bell, T. Bolus, T. Aird, E. Waugh, J. R. Wood, R. Rea, P. G. Peacocke, J. R. Mountjoy, and T. A. Summerfield. Mr H R. Peters, Clerk, Messers Short and Kennedy, Relieving Officers, and Mr A. H. Banks, Workhouse master, were also present.

The receipt of fruit and vegetables was intimated from Miss Greet and Mrs Sitwell, and from St. Mary’s Church, books and periodicals from the King’s Arms Hotel, Mrs Purves, and Mrs Aitken, fruit from Scremerston Parish Church, and magazines from Mrs R. R. Riddell. The thanks of the Board were directed to be conveyed to these donors.

DECREASE IN NUMBER OF INMATES AND TRAMPS

The inmates for the four weeks ending 21st October were as follows:- In the sick ward 12 men, 9 women, 1 child, and 2 infants, and in other parts of the House 11 men, 4 women, a total of 23 men as against 24 for the corresponding month last year, 13 women as against 19, 1 child as against 1, and 2 infants as against 1, a total of inmates of all classes of 39 as against 45 last year, a decrease of 6. The casuals numbered 13 as against 19 last year, also a decrease of 6.

Mr Wood commented on the decrease in the number of inmates. In view of the extra ordinary amount of unemployment and depression all round, the decrease was extra ordinary. The number of tramps was also reduced.

FIREWOOD TO BE CHEAPER

On recommendation of the Workhouse Committee, it was agreed to reduce the price of firewood sold at the Workhouse from 4s 6d per cwt. to 4s as from 1st November. Mr Bolus, in moving the adoption of this, stated that they had made a reasonable profit by the sale of firewood in the last 12 months, but the Master reported the sales were going down on account of competition. They thought it wise to reduce the price, which would also give them a good reasonable profit if the sales continued.

BA-U10-2 SHEET , 1852 cropped. Pictured above the layout of the Berwick Workhouse,
Board Room (centre of image).

WATER FOR BULL CLOSE HOUSES

The Committee also reported on having been obliged to connect a water supply to the Board’s property in Bull Close at a cost of £14. Mr Bolus explained that there had not been water laid on to the property, the tenants getting their water from a pipe in a yard near St. Mary’s Church. There had been a leakage which had flooded the stokehole of the heating apparatus at St. Mary’s Church and when this insisted on them putting in their own water supply. They had got an estimate from Mr Lamb, plumber, to connect the water outside on the roadway with the property and this had been completed. The Committee took expert advice on the question before accepting the estimates.

Mr J. R. Wood supported the action of the Committee. He was surprised to hear that water had not been connected up with property when it was purchased. If it had been done at the time the cost would have come as a capital charge on the premises and they would have heard no more about it. They must just pay the money and look pleasant.

BOILER UNSATISFACTORY

A report as to the condition of the boiler at the Workhouse was submitted from the Insurance Inspector, who drew attention to a bulge on the side of the boiler and also pointed out that they were only insured up to a pressure of 10lbs. with a blowout at 25lbs. and had been working the boiler up to 25lbs. He suggested that the repairs should be carried out within 12 months and that the safety valves should be readjusted.

Mr Bolus pointed out that a certain amount of responsibility rested with the board in view of the Inspector’s report as to the boiler. They had only a premium up to 10 lbs. and had been working the boiler from 15 to 25 lbs. This was important as the disinfector would not work under a pressure of 15 lbs., and in addition the heating apparatus and the laundry had to be worked, which would require not less than a 20 lbs. pressure, and if they were only allowed a pressure of 9 or 10 lbs., the boiler was no use for the work it was wanted to do in the Workhouse. He moved that the matter go to the Workhouse Committee for them to deal with it. He wondered as to why a boiler had been put in that did not to the work required to carry on the work of the Institution.

The Workhouse master thought the Inspector’s report was misleading, as it inferred that the boiler had been worked regularly to 25 lbs. that was not so. It was worked to anything between 10 and 25 lbs. and only occasionally up to 25. He thought it was peculiar that they were only allowed a pressure up to 10 lbs. but a blow out up to 25 lbs. The disinfector was not efficient till a 15 lbs. pressure. They might be able to carry on as at present but in a very unsatisfactory way. On account of the low pressure of the boiler the disinfector was not sufficient to kill vermin, and he had to rig up a cupboard in the tramps’ ward to fumigate the tramps’ clothing when necessary.

After further discussion the motion was agreed to the Committee being empowered to get expert advice on the matter, but to report to the Board before going further.

TWEED ROW, HORNCLIFFE

Dr McWhir reported as follows: Three cases of scarlet fever have been notified- one at Horncliffe, a second at South Ord, and a third at Shoreswood. Removal to hospital of the patients at Horncliffe and Shoreswood was deemed advisable. A case of scarlet fever in one of the cottages at Tweed Row, Horncliffe, had a fatal termination. The house, which has only one apartment with a capacity of 1798 cubic feet, accommodated five inmates- the father, the mother, and three young children. The floor is badly broken and the window is a fixture. The walls, roof and chimney of the dwelling all call for repairs, and the soil which is heaped up behind it ought to be removed.

The state of housing in the area in the early part of the 20th century is exemplified in this picture of Golden Square, Berwick, similar problems being experienced in the Norham and Islandshire District.

There is no privy for the household. Opportunity was taken to visit other cottages in the same row. One, also consisting of a single apartment with capacity of 1848 cubic feet, is tenanted by a family of five- the father, two daughters both over 20, a son aged 25, and a child of 4 years. The window of the apartment is a fixture, and there is no privy accommodation. The masonry is in much need of repair, and soil ought to be removed from the back. A third single-apartment house furnishes a home for five inmates- a mother, two girls aged 14 and 9 respectively, and two boys of 12 and 10 respectively. Here, again, there is no privy accommodation. A fourth house boasts two apartments with capacities of 1550 and 1300 cubic feet respectively, and shelters three inmates. The kitchen floor, framed of broken paving flags and concrete, is in need of repair. Both apartments are insufficiently lit. A down-spout is unprovided with a trap; there is no sink, and the chimney has a twist, which, to the mind of our Surveyor, rivals that of the leaning tower of Pisa. The wood of the back door, which is only 5ft. in height, is defective.

BERWICK ADVERTISER, 7TH APRIL 1921

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JUBILEE OF THE BORDER UNION LODGE OF GOOD TEMPLARS

Although drastic changes in licensing are more likely today than have been at any time during the last fifty years, the Good Templars are not nearly so enthusiastic as they were in the eighties and nineties. Partly this is due to the fact that the Temperance movement has made good, and the general public is much more abstentions than in the early Blue ribbon days. The old stalwarts, it is complained, are dying out, and the young ones are not coming on. Still it was only a small gathering that met to celebrate the jubilee of the Border Union Lodge in the Good Templars’ Hall Berwick, on Thursday night. The Mayor was in the chair, and supporting him were the Mayoress, Mr R Taylor (District Chief Templar), Alderman Boston (Spittal), Mr G Piercy, and the Rev. Moffat Gillon, Edinburgh, Grand Chaplain of the Order.

The remains of the entrance to the former Good Templar Hall (1874), in Coxons Lane, Berwick-upon-Tweed.  ©  Billy Wilson – Sault Ste. Marie, Canada.  Creative Commons – https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/2.0/

The company sat down to tea at 6.30, and after had been disposed of, “Rescue the Perishing” was sung, and then the Mayor rose to speak. He congratulated the Lodge on attaining its jubilee, on the good work it had during its existence in spite of ups and downs. They were ment that night to carry on the good work which had begun in the town fifty years ago. He was glad to know that the Board of Education was helping them by making provision for temperance education. The Board was making known the act that drinking of beer, wine, and spirits tended to weaken the muscles of the heart, and had a weakening effect on the body generally. It was a step in the right direction to show that alcohol was not normally necessary for the upbringing and health of human beings. Last year they spent £479,000,000 on strong drink- over a million pounds a day. Could any country be expected to prosper while it did that? The number of days’ work in the year that was lost through drink, said Sir G. B. Hunter, was appalling, and it tended to cripple all trades. Drink was answerable for three-quarters of the crime of the country. It was answerable for one half of the pauperism of the country, and drink was answerable for one-fourth part of lunacy in the country. This sum of £479,000,000 was spent to produce crime, pauperism, and lunacy. The profits of the drink trade were not sufficient to pay for the upkeep of the prisons, the workhouses, and the asylums, which the trade made necessary.

The entrance to the Berwick Workhouse just off Castlegate, where some of those suffering from the effects of too much alcohol ended up. Ref: BRO 1541-01.

It was their duty to do their utmost to bring about prohibition. It was 51 years since the Order was introduced into England, and they were glad to have with them that night one jubilee member- Alderman Boston, of Spittal-the oldest member of the Good Templar Order in Berwick today. They hoped he would be long spared to carry on the good work, with which he had been so long associated.

FIRE AT LAMBERTON THRESHING BIG QUANTITY OF GRAIN DESTROYED

On Wednesday afternoon a rather serious fire took place during threshing operations at Pit Houses, Lamberton, on a portion of the estate recently split up by the Board of Agriculture for Scotland for small holdings for ex Service men. The crops on the whole of the Lamberton estate were harvested and stacked by the Board of agriculture, and it was a portion of this harvest which was destroyed.

The fire was discovered at the dinner hour, one of the men employed at the threshing, observing a cloud of smoke rising from behind a stack of straw. He gave the alarm and the conflagration was at once tackled, but the straw being dry and a stiff breeze fanning the flames, the blaze had too good a hold to be put out. Hampered by the scarcity of water, practically nothing could be done to save the threshing. The mill caught fire and was practically reduced to scrap, but happily it was possible to save the engine, which was backed away from the blaze. On the field there was stacked the produce of 124 acres, and as far as can be gathered 101 bags of newly threshed grain were entirely destroyed. Several other bags were severely scorched, and about 59 bags of barley were saved.

How the fire originated has not been definitely established, but it is believed that a spark from the engine may have set up smouldering in the stack, which ultimately burst into flame. The damage, which has not yet been fully assessed, it considerable, but is covered by insurance.

The threshing mill belonged to Messrs Howey, of Reston, and it is fortunate for the owners that one of the men helping with the threshing was able to save the engine. Mr Howey’s men were at dinner at Lamberton farm when the fire broke out, but the engine had been backed clear of the fire before they reached the scene. The blaze fortunately did not reach the stack of roofing timber lying near or else this would have gone too. The timber was alone worth over £600. The fire was still smouldering on Saturday, but the burning heaps were isolated.

GOLDEN WEDDING

On Friday last Mr & Mrs Robert Ogilvie, Tower Road, Tweedmouth, celebrated their golden wedding. Both natives of the Fenham district, Mr Ogilvie was born at Greenside Mill, and his wife, Miss Elizabeth Ann Patrick, was born at Fenwick Granary. Married in 1871, they first lived at Mount Hooley, coming to Tweedmouth two years later. They have resided in Tweedmouth for 33 years in their present house. Mr Ogilvie, though having reached the advanced age of 76 years, still possess excellent health, and his wife, 71 years old, is also hale and hearty. The worthy couple have one son and four daughters. Mr Ogilvie is at present employed as a drainer with Mr Pearson, at West Sunnyside, and formerly worked on the N.E.R., finishing last year owing to having reached the age limit. He has been an active, energetic man all his life, and in his early years used to walk as far as five and six miles to his job, and later a heavy day’s work tramped home again. He has always been a keen football enthusiast, attending matches regularly in latter years as a spectator.

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