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This Week in World War One, 18 February 1916

08/03/201819/02/2016 by Northumberland Archives

BERWICK ADVERTISER, 18 FEBRUARY 1916

A BLESSING FOR BERWICK-UPON-TWEED

Mr Winston, The Eyesight Specialist, has been persuaded to remain another week until Saturday, 26^th February.

In consequence of numerous applications from those whom he was unable to attend to during the last five days of his sojourn in Berwick, Mr Winston has decided to remain another week with us, and give those who have not yet had the opportunity of interviewing him the advantage of his free advice.

Retinoscopy at the School Travelling Ophthalmic Clinic, Australia. Dated 1st January, 1914. © State Records New South Wales, Creative Commons Attribution 2.0 Generic license.

NOT AN OCULIST

It must be distinctly understood that Mr Winston does not pose as an oculist, that, is, according to the dictionary, “once skilled in diseases of the eyes,” but he claims to be, and is justified in doing so, the most expert specialist Optometrist or Optician in England. He has tested the eyesight of no fewer that a hundred thousand people in London alone during the past five years, and has fitted glasses to sixty thousand of them in his store, 72 Regent Street. The chemist is not an optician, neither is the doctor, nor the oculist even. Their education and experience have taught them the nature and use of drugs with regard to ailments, but for impaired vision the scientific optician is the man.

WOMEN WORKERS

Mr Winston has found during the past week that the strenuous work the war has thrown upon women has considerably affected their eyes – probably previously weak- and has produced in numerous cases those terrible headaches from which so many women suffer. He has in the majority of cases recommended a cheap pair of lenses to use when they are at work, but which they need not use and – as they think – disfigure themselves afterwards. Make the most of the opportunity of seeing Mr Winston, as he will not be able to stop in BERWICK ANY LONGER THAN FEB. 26^th inclusive.

Mr Winston can now be seen by anyone from 10 to 1 or 2 to 7.30, at the CORN EXCHANGE, BERWICK-ON-TWEED, and they can obtain advice perfectly free of any charge. So do not neglect an opportunity which may never occur again. Special appointments can be arranged by post. N.B.- A written guarantee with all work for ten years.

BERWICK PETTY SESSIONS

USING THE ROOM OWING TO THE RATS

Elizabeth Gleig, Berwick, married, was charged with allowing the chimney of her house in East Street to be on fire on Thursday, 10^th inst.

Police Constable Watt stated that the chimney was very dirty and clouds of smoke issued. He could see these from the top of Hide Hill. It burned for a quarter of an hour. On proceeding to the house he found it was the room chimney which had caught fire, and a young boy had been using an old tray to create a draught. The defendant told him that the chimney had not been swept for two years, and that the fire was not often kindled.

The defendant stated that since her husband joined the army she had using the room, as the kitchen was infested with rats. She had been two years in the house, and as she never used the room until recently the chimney had not been swept.

She was fined 2s 6d.

LOCAL NEWS

Local Fancier’s Important win – Showing at Crufts Great International Dog Show, held in the Royal Agricultural Hall, London, February 9th, 10th, and 11th, Mr David Black, Berwick, successfully brought out a smart home-bred bull dog puppy, and won second prize Dog Puppies (14 entries), third prize Junior Dogs, and v.h.c. Maiden Dogs (18 entries). Crufts is acknowledged to be the greatest dog show held throughout the year, and some idea may be gathered from the fact that the total entries reached the enormous number of 3,235. It is interesting to note that this show was honoured with double Royal patronage, both the King and Queen being first prize winners with their exhibits.

Irish Woolfhound 'Felixstowe Regan,' who was the winner of the Dog CC at Crufts,in 1916. — Irish Woolfhound ‘Felixstowe Regan,’ who was the winner of the Dog CC at Crufts,in 1916.

Engine Derailed on Border Bridge – On Wednesday morning a North British goods engine went off the rails as it was proceeding from Tweedmouth to Berwick. The engine had just entered on the second arch of the Royal Border Bridge when it became derailed, the result being that it blocked both lines. The 7.45 train from Edinburgh was delayed half an hour at Berwick ere [sic] one of the lines was cleared. The traffic had to be conducted on a single line all forenoon, and a break-down gang from Tweedmouth were busily engaged with a crane replacing the engine on the metals. The cause of the accident is unknown, and fortunately no one was injured.

Royal Border Bridge ealry 1990s. © Berwick Record Office - BRO 515 377 — Royal Border Bridge early 1900s. © Berwick Record Office – BRO 515 377

THE PLAYHOUSE

Average houses have been present during the past week and have greatly appreciated the programme provided. For the coming week the management have arranged a bill of exceptional merit. “The Counterfeiter” a new and powerful Sexton Blake drama will be screened on Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday, and being full of exciting incidents and movements from start to finish, it should indeed prove a popular choice. The latter part of the week will provide a film of no mean order entitled “Every Woman Should Know.” The picture is a revelation of highly skilled acting, and being essentially a morality play, should these times, with all their disturbing element, create quite a sensation. In it, woman descends into the lowest depths, following the lure of vanity, flattery, vice and evil, only at the last moment to turn aside from the path of sin and embrace the spirit of God, which has ever followed her. This week’s vaudeville performance stars the “original Pimple,” formerly of “Tom White’s Arabs” fame. Patrons would be well advised to see this screaming turn.

This Week in World War One, 4 February 1916

08/03/201805/02/2016 by Northumberland Archives

BERWICK ADVERTISER, 4 FEBRUARY 1916

SEAHOUSES

WW1 Weldon's Garments — WW1 Weldon’s Garments

Soldiers’ Comforts – A meeting of the Committee will be held in the Seahouses Reading Room on Friday evening at 8 p.m. to receive Treasurer’s balance sheet and make arrangements for disposal of remainder of woollen comforts. Since last report the Treasurer begs to acknowledge receipt of 4 pairs of mittens from Miss Martha Scott and socks from Mrs John Tully, Wooler. Total receipts to the fund in money has amounted to £26 and tenpence; expenditure amounts to £25 11s 1d, leaving a balance in hand of 9s 9d only, which will be expended in postages on the woollen comforts left. One hundred and four parcels have been despatched and there are on hand 13 pairs of socks, 6 mufflers, and 7 pairs of mittens. Unless the Treasurer receives further donations apparently the good work carried on by the Committee must cease.

Parochial Tea – The annual Parochial tea and concert in connection with St. Paul’s Church was held in the Church Institute. Owing to the war the gathering was not held last year. On this occasion the building was literally packed. Cakes, etc., were provided by the ladies of the parish, and the tables were laden with good things. Following the tea an excellent concert was given at which the Vicar presided. Mr Wilton, scoutmaster, Bamburgh, caused endless merriment with his conjuring and ventriloquism and Mr Wm, Sordy of Warkworth (Jolly Sun) in his comic songs received quite an ovation. The programme was completed by local talent, assisted by members of the Cyclist Battalion stationed at Seahouses, and all were exceedingly well received. Proceeds for Church work amounted to over £16 nett.

LOCAL NEWS

Berwick Town Hall, Steeple © Nifanion, Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 3.0 Unported license.

Suspension of the Five o’clock Bell – The Borough police have been advised by the War Office and Admiralty that during war time, and until further notice, there is to be a stop put to the ringing of certain bells in the town between sunset and sunrise. In this connection it is interesting to recall the fact that as far back as August last the attention of the Admiralty was directed to the risk and danger run in ringing an early morning bell for a full quarter of an hour, as well as from a similar thing taking place in the evening. A brief acknowledgment was received from the Admiralty, and on the 30th August the following further communication was sent: – Sir, I am commanded by my Lords Commissioners of the Admiralty to thank you for your letter of the 23rd instant, relative to the noise caused by the bells of Berwick-on-Tweed, and to acquaint you that it is not considered that the ringing of these bells exposes the town to any appreciated extra risk of aircraft attack. I am, sir, your obedient servant, W. Graham Greene.

Local Will – Mr William Tenant, of Brow of the Hill, Berwick-upon-Tweed, formerly of Bankhead, Horncliffe, near Berwick-upon-Tweed, left estate valued at £12,933 17s 4d, with net personalty £7,140 16s 2d. Mrs Catherine Tenant, his widow, Miss Elizabeth Christina Tenant, his daughter, Mr William Cowe Richardson, of Langlea, Berwick, and Mr James Cowe Richardson, of 11, High Street, Berwick, grocer, are the executors. Testator leaves £20 to James Cowe Richardson, and the rest of his property in trust for his wife, for life, and then in specific bequests for his children and grandchildren.

ETAL

Whist Drive and Social – On Monday even the convalescent soldiers resident at Etal Manor were entertained to a whist drive and supper in the Etal Schoolroom by several ladies of the village. The arrangements were in the hands of Mrs Hall, Mrs Wallace, and Miss H. Armstrong, and thanks to their untiring efforts and hospitality the gathering was an unqualified success. The company included the Commandant at Etal Manor, Miss M. L. Gray, the Rev. R. C. Hall, the Nursing staff, and a large number of lady friends.

The following were the prize winners:- Ladies-1st, Nurse Gray; 2nd, Nurse Paterson, 3rd, Nurse Tait – Gent’s – 1st, private Morgan; 2nd, Sergeant B. H. Flood; 3rd, Private Wales. The prizes were gracefully presented to the recipients by the little daughter of the Rev. and Mrs Hall. A substantial repast was partaken of, and the rest of the evening was spent in a social manner. A hearty vote of thanks was accorded on the motion of the senior N.C.O. to all who had contributed to the evening’s enjoyment. The singing of the national Anthem brought a most successful and enjoyable evening to a close. Mrs Chamberlain ably officiated at the piano, kindly lent by Mrs Fordyce.

GOLDEN WEDDING AT LOWICK

Mr George Atchison of Barmoor Mill and his wife, who is the fourth daughter of the late Mr James Smith, East Allerdean, have just celebrated their golden wedding. The happy event was made the occasion of much rejoicing at Lavrock Law on Wednesday, 19th January. Six of the remaining children of the marriage were present along with their nine children, as well as a number of friends, and a very pleasant and enjoyable evening was spent. It is pleasing to know that both the old couple enjoy good health, being as young in spirit and as much in love with each other as they were in 1866. The children of the union are as follows: – Robert (deceased), James, George, Mary, Isabella, Sarah (deceased), Margaret, and Jane.

This Week in World War One, 7 January 1916

08/03/201808/01/2016 by Northumberland Archives

BERWICK ADVERTISER, 7 JANUARY 1916

THE NEW YEAR

BERWICK

The celebration of the New Year in the streets of the ancient borough of Berwick appeared to maintained in much the customary fashion despite the effects of the war. The weather was dull and wet, but the streets bore an animated appearance, the khaki uniform predominating among the pedestrians. The lighting restrictions, combined with the weather exercised a damping effect on the majority of grown-ups, but the young idea moved about exchanging the compliments of the season in a hearty and hilarious fashion, while lively and popular songs added zest and variety to the proceedings.

The only place of public entertainment in the Borough, the Playhouse, drew large crowds, and the performances were very much appreciated. The shops drew large numbers in the making of seasonable purchases, and in laying in additional supplies to tide the householder over till Monday. As the evening advanced the thoroughfares assumed a more livelier air, the hum of voices and merry shout emphasising the fact that the old year was slowly vanishing, and that the majority were out for the night to witness the actual death. As usual a number seemed to give way to over indulgence, but as a reasonable latitude was for once allowed the police were not called upon to interfere, the result being that there was a clean bill on the first morning of 1916. Towards midnight large numbers assembled at the foot of the Town Hall to hear the knell of the old year and the peel that welcomed the new born year. The usual good wishes were exchanged and thereafter friendly visits were paid to the houses of acquaintances. For a considerable time after twelve o’clock the thoroughfares resounded to the shouts of the merry makers. Saturday was a general holiday. The weather continued dull and wet, and few people were to be seen in the streets. The special performances at the Playhouse were again well patronised. On the whole the New Year was quietly celebrated, all circumstances tending to have this effect.

EXHIBITION OF CAPTURED GERMAN GUN AT BERWICK

The Mayor of Berwick (Ald J. W. Plenderleith), has just been notified by the authorities in charge of the Scottish Command in Edinburgh that a captured German gun is being sent to Berwick for exhibition purposes. In making the notification it was enquired which would be the most convenient site to have the gun placed, and His Worship in reply suggested the Parade between the military huts and Wallace Green Church.

Army huts with the Berwick Barracks in background. Copyright Berwick Record Office. BRO-1944-1-149-1

The military authorities have expressed themselves pleased with the proposed site, and the gun will be exhibited in presence of a military guard. It is understood that the captured gun will be on exhibition for three days from nine a.m. till four p.m. and that it will be removed to the Barracks each evening. No definite date has yet been fixed for the arrival of the gun.

A PRETTY WEDDING

On December 27th, at Trinity Presbyterian Church, Sunderland, the marriage was solemnised of Mr E. Norman Chapman, York, to Miss Sadie Waters, daughter of Mr Thomas Waters, Wooler. The bride was given away by her father, and the bridesmaid was Miss M. H. Brand, cousin of the bride. Miss Allison James and master Reggie Waters, niece and nephew of the bride, acted as attendants. The best man was Mr E. Settle of York. Rev. R. L. Wiseman officiated. The bride was charmingly attired in a costume of saxe blue galardine, trimmed fur, with hat to match. She carried a lovely shower bouquet, and wore a brooch of rubies and diamonds, the gifts of the bridegroom. The bridesmaid wore a costume of navy blue and large white hat, and a gold bangle, the gift of the bridegroom. The bridegroom’s gift to Miss Allison James, who looked very pretty in a dress of pale grey, was a gold chain pendant, and to Master R. Waters a silver watch and chain. A reception was held at the house of the bride’s brother, Hunter Terrace, and later the new-married couple left for their future home in York. They were the recipients of a large number of useful and beautiful presents.

LOCAL NEWS

Bankhill Church Intercessory Services – The Rev. R. Leggat at the morning intercessory service on Sunday read the roll of honour of the young men attached to the congregation. He mentioned that 27 were on active service, while all the men of military age, with the exception of three who were exempts, had enrolled under the Derby Scheme. New Pipe Band – The first appearance of the Berwick Boy Scouts Pipe Band under Piper Major Lawrie, of the Royal Scots, took place at the Pier Field, on Saturday, the occasion on being a football match between the Boy Scouts and the Sea Scouts, in which the former won by four goals to one. The band made a very creditable appearance, and the selections were much enjoyed.

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