Berwick

This Week in World War One, 11 August 1916

by

Berwick Advertiser title 1915

 

BERWICK ADVERTISER, 11 AUGUST 1916

 

LOCAL NEWS

 

Another Rescue at Spittal Beach – On Friday forenoon, while Miss Ballanine, belonging to Selkirk, was bathing at Spittal sands she got into difficulties, and was being carried out when her perilous condition was observed by John Little, telegraph clerk, Hawick, who at once swam to her assistance. He succeeded in bringing her ashore. The lady was considerably exhausted, and was conveyed home to her lodgings at Rosebank Cottage, where she gradually recovered.

Very early 20th century photograph of Spittal Promenade, a similar scene Miss Ballantine from Selkirk, would have encountered on the day of her rescue. © Berwick Record Office.
Very early 20th century photograph of Spittal Promenade, a similar scene Miss Ballantine from Selkirk, would have encountered on the day of her rescue. © Berwick Record Office.

 

Railwaymens’ Excursion – On Sunday last the N.E.R. Locomotive employees at Tweedmouth, together with a few friends, to the number of 28, journeyed to Rothbury by motor char-a-banc for their annual outing.The outward journey, leaving Tweedmouh a 9 o’clock, was through Belford, Alnwick, and across the country via Long Framlington, Rothbury being reached at 1 o’clock, after a pleasant journey through the rugged beauties of the heart of Northumberland. Dinner was waiting at the Turks Head Hotel, and everyones appetite being in superb order after the invigorating drive, ample justice was done to the good things laid before them, and every man rose from the table satisfied. After 3 hours go-as-you-please, through the beautiful inland town, the homeward journey was commenced shortly after 4 o’clock, the route home being via Whittingham, Glanton, Wooler, and Ancroft.

The scenery from Rothbury to Whittingham is simply enchanting, easily defying description, and Northumbrians have reason to be proud of their country, its equal in rugged beauty being hard to find, especially at this time of year. A short halt was made at Wooler, and the inner man refreshed, after which the last stage of the journey was commenced, Tweedmouth being reached shortly after 9 p.m. The excursion was a complete success from every point of view, the greatest harmony and cordiality prevailing throughout the day amongst the entire company, the arrangements for the comfort of all were perfect, and worked as successfully and smoothly as did the motor, he manipulation of which, on the circuitous switch back roads it had to travel with a full load, called forth the admiration of all.

Berwick's first bus owned by Adam Logan (1913/1914). A similar such vehicle would have transported the NER Locomotive employees on their journey to Rothbury. Indeed it may have been the bus! © Berwick Record Office. BRO 1887-37-005.
Berwick’s first bus owned by Adam Logan (1913/1914). A similar such vehicle would have transported the NER Locomotive employees on their journey to Rothbury. Indeed it may have been the bus! © Berwick Record Office. BRO 1887-37-005.

 

Ladies Good Work for the Wounded – A very interesting exhibition was held on Thursday afternoon in premises in Bridge Street, Berwick, of all kinds of nursing and other appliances for the comfort of our wounded soldiers. Lady Dalywell and a number of other prominent lady workers were in attendance, all busily engaged in their various departments in forwarding the humane work they have so much at heart. During the day the premises were visited by a number of the prominent citizens, who were much impressed with the multifarious articles which have been prepared by the dexterous and busy fingers of the ladies. The workers in their dainty white costumes as they industriously pursued their labours with the needle or flitted about the various rooms were a sweet and interesting spectacle, agreeably harmonising with the bright and luxuriant sun shine that is now prevailing at this midsummer period of the year.

Man Dies from Heat Stroke – An inquest touching the death of Robert Gibson, 51 Walkergate, was held by Coroner Wm. Weatherhead and a jury in the Town Hall, Berwick, on Monday. From evidence led it appeared that the deceased had been at Holy Island on Saturday, 5th August, and returned home about 5 p.m. He complained of the heat, and having sat down at the table to eat a meal, suddenly complained of a pain in his chest. After having rested he again sat down at the table, but almost immediately slipped from his chair, to the floor, when it was found that he had expired. After Dr C. L. Fraser had stated death to have been caused by heart failure following upon heat stroke, the jury returned a verdict in accordance with the medical evidence. The Coroner remarked that this was the first case of death from heat stroke, he had investigated in the Borough is his time, nor had he heard of his father before him having such a case.

Refreshments for Soldiers and Sailors – The scheme originated by Lady Clementine Waring, Mrs Milne Home, and Mrs Fraser Bate, and worked by the Committee of Berwick Army and Navy Recreation Rooms, – whereby Soldiers and Sailors arriving at Berwick and requiring to break the journey, are provided with refreshments free of charge, continues to be a great boon to our gallant defenders. The month of July has again passed all previous records, no less than 250 men having been provided for. When it was sated that since its inauguration at the beginning of December this scheme has provided for some 1400 men there can be no doubt that it has fully justified its existence.

Lady Clementine Waring was the wife of Major Walter Waring, Liberal MP for Banff, who fought in the war. She converted their home (pictured), Lennel House, Coldstream, Berwickshire into a convalescent home for officers and did a great deal to support the needs of the soldiers. © Unknown.

Lady Clementine Waring was the wife of Major Walter Waring, Liberal MP for Banff, who fought in the war. She converted their home (pictured), Lennel House, Coldstream, Berwickshire into a convalescent home for officers and did a great deal to support the needs of the soldiers.

This Week in World War One, 30 June 1916

by

Berwick Advertiser title 1915

 

BERWICK ADVERTISER, 30 JUNE 1916

 

WOMEN FARM WORKERS

 

In many parts of the country there appears to exist a suspicion that, if women register their names for farm work, they may be subjected to some form of compulsory service.

The War Office and the Board of Agriculture and Fisheries desire to assure all women who

Women's Land Army. © Henry George Gawthorn (1879-1941), UK government, in the public domain.
© Henry George Gawthorn (1879-1941)

are engaged in work on the land, or who may be willing to undertake such work, that the registration of their names for that purpose will in no way be used to compel them to undertake either agricultural or any other form of work. Such work is entirely voluntary. In no case will they be expected to work on farms outside their own neighbourhood unless they are willing to do so. But it is necessary, in order that the most sufficient use may be made of their services, to have a list of the names and addresses of women who are prepared in the national emergency to undertake work in the place of the men who are fighting in the trenches. As there is a great need for the services of patriotic women who are willing to assist in the home production of food, it is hoped that all women who can see their way to offer their services, either whole or part time, will at once have their names registered at the Local Labour Exchange or by the village Registrar.

Board of Agriculture and Fisheries,

4, Whitehall Place, S.W.

23rd June, 1916

LOCAL NEWS

 

 A Big Smash. – On Monday afternoon a number of army motor vans were going through Bridge Street, one of the tyres of a van skidded, precipitating the vehicle through the plate glass windows of Mr Thomson, baker. The large front glass window as well as the side window were smashed.

Accident. – On Tuesday afternoon a woman named Swinney, 176 Main Street, Tweedmouth, slipped while taking clothes off a rope in a back yard, fracturing her left ankle. Nurse Davidson was called, and the woman was removed to the Infirmary.

Midsummer Holiday. – Tuesday was observed in Berwick as the annual Midsummer holiday, when all places of business were closed. Like its predecessor of 1915, the war put a damper on the usual observances – no railway facilities in the way of cheap, excursions being offered. That being so, far distance travelling was out of the question to the vast majority.

Old photograph of salmon fishermen below Chain Bride, near Horncliffe, Berwick-upon-Tweed. © Berwick Record Office, BRO 426 1125.
Old photograph of salmon fishermen below Chain Bride, near Horncliffe, Berwick-upon-Tweed. © Berwick Record Office, BRO 426 1125.

Notwithstanding these drawbacks the general public made the best of the circumstances – some went boating, some went fishing, some went cycling, others went in either for bowling or golf, while a goodly number made the Chain Bridge their rendezvous – where the Berwick Boy Scouts were having a picnic. There was quite a number of parties squatting here and there on the green sward. With their attendant fires to boil the kettle for tea and notwithstanding the cheerlessness of the day seemed to be enjoying themselves. The weather throughout the day was dull and scarcely in keeping with the leafy month of June. All are looking forward with eager anticipation to next midsummer holiday, when it is hoped the war clouds will have rolled away and everything back to usual conditions.

 

HOW TO GET TO HOLY ISLAND

 

Now that summer has come, and readers of the “Advertiser” will be planning their outings on Thursday afternoons, as well as for longer periods, a word as to Holy Island will not come amiss. Comparatively few of the inhabitants of Berwick and neighbourhood have visited this most interesting place; in many cases because they do not know how to make their visit suit the tides, going and returning. A safe rule is to cross on an ebbing tide in preference to a flowing one. If going by train leaving for Beal after 1.10 p.m. (from July 1st onwards), and returning by last train Spring tides (high water at from 1 to 4 p.m.), should be avoided, and a day chosen when the tide is full about 10 to 12 o’clock.

Early 20th century photograph showing the crossing of the sands at Holy Island. © Berwick Record Office, BRO 426 1059.
Early 20th century photograph showing the crossing of the sands at Holy Island. © Berwick Record Office, BRO 426 1059.

 

If going by either of the morning trains, and returning by last train, high water any time between 11 a.m. and 4 p.m. will suit.

Holy Island conveyances meet the 7.40 a.m. or the 1.10 p.m. trains, from Berwick, single fare 1s each, or for four persons or upwards conveyances will be sent to meet any train at the same fare. Conveyances can be ordered from any of the following :- Mr R. Bell, Post Office, Holy Island; Mr James Brigham, Holy Island; Mr Geo. Wilson, Northumberland Arms, Holy Island; Mr Thomas Fender, Holy Island.

This Week in World War One, 5 May 1916

by

Berwick Advertiser title 1915

 

BERWICK ADVERTISER, 5 MAY 1916

 

BERWICK BOUNDS RIDING

Quiet Ceremony

 

For the 308th time the customary riding of Berwick Bounds took place on Monday. Few gentlemen made the round of the marches by conveyance, but there was again a fair proportion of equestrians, the number only being one short from that of last year. At twelve o’clock the procession led off from the parade, where a large concourse of spectators had assembled to witness the gathering, by way of Cowport Gate to the Magdalene Field and Jingling Bridge, when they struck the main road. The conveyances followed the usual route by way of Church Street, High Street, Castlegate, and North Road. Arriving at Whitadder Bridge the company were provided with a liberal refreshment, and the usual ceremonies were gone through. The company arrived back during the afternoon, and a halt being called in front of the Town Hall, the mayor briefly returned his thanks to all who had completed the circuit.

The Berwick Riding of the Bounds, the riders crossing the Jingling Bridge - © Berwick Record Office, BRO 1944-1-7215-20-018.
The Berwick Riding of the Bounds, the riders crossing the Jingling Bridge – © Berwick Record Office, BRO 1944-1-7215-20-018.

 

The horsemen were as follows:- Mr John Cameron, Vetinary Surgeon, Berwick; Mr R. Buchannan, Berwick; Master Moffat, West Edge; Capt. J. C. Collingwood and Miss Collingwood.

There also rode in the conveyances – His Worship the Mayor (Ald. J. W. Plenderleith), Sheriff Matthew Ross, Councillor Thos. Wilson, Mr Jas. Gibson, Acting Town Clerk; and Mr Johnston, Sergeant-at-Mace- first carriage. Ald. Maclagan, Mr H. W. Willits, Councillor Brewis, Councillor W. J. Dixon, Chief Constable Nicholson, Councillor F. Richardson, Councillor W. Richardson, Ald. H. Greenwood, and Mr Blaikie, jun., acting Sergeant-at-Mace – second carriage. Mr Robert Jeffrey and Private Albert Richardson – third carriage. Five cyclists also started out upon the round.

This year it was agreed that owing to the exceptional period of national stress through which we are passing, the no Bounds Dinner be held. It need not, however, be inferred that the absence of the customary spread had anything at all to do with the small attendance present.

 

OFFICER AND PRIVATE

BADLY INJURED BY GRENADE AT BELFORD

 

A most unfortunate and serious accident took place at Belford in the early hours of Tuesday evening in which a Lieutenant and a Private of the Northern Cyclists quartered in the district were involved. It appears that the officer was in charge of a small section a little way out of the village and was instructing the men in the art of grenade throwing. In the meantime, it is inadvisable to record how the unfortunate event occurred, but we may state that for some accidental reason a grenade exploded near to the Private and the Lieutenant, both of whom sustained wounds of an extensive and serious character. They were removed with all speed to Alnwick Infirmary, where, up to the time of writing, the lie in a rather critical condition. The sad occurrence cast quite a gloom over the village, where both the unfortunate men were well known. The hope is freely expressed on all hands that science may be able to alleviate their sever suffering.

 

LOCAL NEWS

 

Accident to a Well Known Butcher – The many friends of Mr Shiel Dods butcher, Berwick, will learn with regret that he met with a nasty accident on Monday morning at his slaughter house, Tweedmouth. He had been dispatching and weighing sheep for the London market, when in turning to leave his foot slipped, and he was brought to the ground with a nasty jerk. It was thought at first that he had broken his leg, but on being examined by Dr C. L. Fraser, it was discovered that the sinew of his right leg had been snapped. He was removed home to his residence in High Street. It is understood while the injury to Mr Dods is not of a serious character, it has been decided to remove him to the Infirmary, where a slight operation will be performed. A specialist may be called in to assist.

A recent photograph showing Berwick Infirmary. © Rod Allday, Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 2.0 license.
A recent photograph showing Berwick Infirmary. © Rod Allday, Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 2.0 license.

 

Ambulance Aid in time Emergency – Our readers will probably be interested and gratified to learn that arrangements have been made for coping with any circumstances which require ambulance assistance in times of emergency during the war. In consequence of a recent meeting held between representatives of the Infirmary, the Chief Constable, and officials of the two local ambulance organisations, and subsequently with the Chief Scout Master, the following arrangements have been made. By courtesy of the parties interested three stations will be available: (1) for Berwick, “The Infirmary, “ (2) for Tweedmouth, “The Mitchell Memorial Hall” in Kiln Hill and (3) for Spittal. “The Police Station” at Spittal. As soon as occasion arises, and if sufficient warning be given, a staff of ambulance workers will immediately proceed to each of these stations, and boy scouts will, also, be detailed to each station to act as messengers and orderlies. Steps have been taken to furnish each station with the necessary appliances, and it is hoped by these means that, in the unhappy event of first aid being required, ample assistance will be forthcoming.

 

WEDDING BELLS IN WAR TIME

Pretty Ceremony at Ford

 

On Tuesday, May 2nd, at Ford Parish Church, Northumberland, the marriage took place of the Rev. T. J. Parry, temporary chaplain at the Front, second son of Mr James Parry of Halesworth, Suffolk, and Miss Betty Neligan, eldest daughter of the Right Rev. Bishop Neligan, D.D., and Mrs Neligan of Ford Rectory, Northumberland.

The ceremony was performed by Bishop Neligan, the father of the bride, and was choral. The Church was most tastefully decorated with flowers, kindly given by Lord Joicey, from the gardens of Ford Castle.

The bride who walked up the aisle on the arm of her brother, Cadet M. D. M. Neligan, R.N., was given away by her mother, who wore a pale grey dress of liberty silk and chiffon and a black hat.

The bride was charmingly dressed in a white liberty crepe de chine gown with a simple train and tulle veil, and carried a beautiful bouquet of white flowers. She was attended by two bridesmaids, Miss Helen Neligan (sister) and Miss Joan Ackland (cousin), whose pretty dresses were shell pink liberty crepe de chine with black picture hats and wreaths of forget-me-nots. They carried lovely bouquets of pink carnations and silver chain bags, the gift of the bridegroom.

The best man was Captain Parry, D.S.O., 4th Suffolk Regiment, brother of the bridegroom. Both he and his brother were in service khaki uniforms.

The charming bouquets were made by Mr Jackson, head gardener of Ford Castle.

Ford Castle and Parish Church, part of the Ford and Etal estate. © N T Stobbs - Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 2.0 license.
Ford Castle and Parish Church, part of the Ford and Etal Estate. © N T Stobbs – Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 2.0 license.

 

The Church was filled with friends and parishioners, including Lord Joicey, the Hon. Marguerite Joicey, and Mrs Macray, grandmother of the bride. All the friends assembled at the Rectory afterwards, when a presentation was made by Lord Joicey and Mr Gray, on behalf of the parishioners of Ford Parish of a very handsome pair of tall silver candlesticks. The presents included many handsome cheques.

The happy couple left later in a motor for St. Mary’s Loch, where the short honeymoon will be spent before the bridegroom returns to the Front. The bride’s going away dress was a dark blue gabardine coat and skirt with pale chiffon blouse and black straw hat with pale blue flowers.

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