Berwick

This Week in World War One, 12 November 1915

by

Berwick Advertiser title 1915

 BERWICK ADVERTISER, 12 NOVEMBER 1915

 

MORE LIGHT

 

Mr Elder – It is now absolutely necessary to take some action to have more light in the streets of the town at night. There is a medium, but I must say we in Berwick are even far beyond the limit. It is a danger to go out at night now and I think it is high time we had more light.

Main Street, Spittal showing an early lamp standard - © Berwick Record Office BRO 1887-8-1
Main Street, Spittal showing an early lamp standard – © Berwick Record Office BRO 1887-8-1

 

Mr Blench – Why should we in Berwick be darker than any other town? Not only need we more light on the streets but in the shop windows. In Newcastle, Edinburgh, and even Blyth, which is right on the sea, the shop windows are lighted. In Berwick the police have taken matters into their hands to put us into darkness, and I think they are going a little too far. On the suggestion of Mr Dixon the matter was referred to the Lighting Committee for consideration.

 

COURT-MARTIAL AT STOBS

 

A military court was held at Stobs on Wednesday at which there were tried the German prisoners of war Gustav Beblein and Alfred Joksch, who made their escape from Stobs Concentration Camp on 26th ult. The former was recaptured at Granton, and the latter at Leith Docks. The Court was composed of Major J.M/ Hunter, 2-4th Battalion Royal Scots Fusiliers, president; and Captain W.F. Cochrane, 2-4th Battalion K.O.S.B., and Captain A.P. Oliver, 2-4th K.O.S.B. The prosecutor was Lieutenant F.W. Hancock, and the interpreter Lieutenant H. W. Farrell. The decision of the Court will be given later.

Stobs military camp at Hawick (1903-1959) was used to train men for war. © Copyright Walter Baxter and licensed for reuse under this Creative Commons Licence.
Stobs military camp at Hawick (1903-1959) was used to train men for war. © Copyright Walter Baxter and licensed for reuse under this Creative Commons Licence.

 

DESTRUCTIVE FIRE AT TWEEDMOUTH

Pipe Manufactory Completely Gutted

 

About 2am on Wednesday morning fire broke out in the pipe manufactory of Mr R. T. Tait, at Tweedmouth, which caused the whole of the works to be completely gutted. The outbreak was first discovered by Miss Wood, a niece of Mr Tait’s who was wakened by the sparks blowing against her bedroom window. She immediately gave the alarm and the fire brigade was summoned. By this time the window frames and doors of Mr Tait’s dwelling house were ablaze, but with the assistance of his brother-in-law, Mr W. Trainer, they managed to prevent the flames from spreading in the house by the aid of chemical fire extinguishers. When the fire brigade arrived the flames had taken a good hold and the whole of the factory was blazing furiously.

Clay Pipes - © Author Simon Speed - Wikimedia Commons
Clay Pipes – © Author Simon Speed – Wikimedia Commons

Owing to the situation of the premises difficulty was first experienced in getting the engine into a suitable position to pour water on the burning buildings, and also owing to the fact that the horses refused to face the showers of sparks which were sweeping Main Street. With the strong gale fanning the flames it was impossible to quench the fire, and the main efforts were directed in preventing the conflagration spreading to the adjoining properties. This was the wisest course as the properties in this quarter are so congested that there was every possibility of the fire spreading to the properties in Kiln Hill and Main Street. On Tuesday the kiln had been working and it is thought that with the strong gale the fire had started from that part of the works. The factory comprises a warehouse, offices, finishing shop, packing shop, despatching room, moulding shop, clay house, drying house, engine house, with electrical plant and saw mill, all of which have burnt out, and only the walls remain, and even in some cases these have collapsed. So furious was the fire that even the sockets of the beams in the walls of the building were burnt clean away. As already stated, the office was amongst the rooms destroyed. This was a first storey room but the furniture and safe crashed through to the ground floor. The safe, which is fireproof, withstood the terrific heat well, but the papers within were quite brittle. The loss is put at £1,000 and is partly covered by insurance.

 

LOCAL NEWS

Harvest Thanksgiving at Norman Hall

 

On Sunday evening the Gospel temperance meeting at Norman Hall, Tweedmouth, took the form, of a choral harvest festival. The hall was artistically decorated for the occasion with a wealth of autumn bloom and the fruits of the soil and made a very effective picture. Mr John Anderson of “Tweedside” Lodge of Good Templars presided over the gathering, with Miss Stokoe at the piano. Succeeding the brief preliminary address from the chair appropriate to the occasion, the service was entirely musical, and comprised some choral numbers by an augmented choir and solos by Mrs Johnston, Miss Macdonald, Miss Davidson (Scremerston), Mr R. Elliot, Sergt. Clark and Sergt. Davidson of the Royal Scots, a duet by the Misses Davidson lending variety to a finely sustained programme. The Chairman, in the name of the Lodge, thanked all who had sent gifts of flowers, fruit and vegetables which the decorators had displayed to such excellent advantage and the contributors to the musical service. The festival concluded with “God Save the King.”

If you have any information regarding the whereabouts of Norman Hall, Tweedmouth please contact Berwick Record Office email: berwickarchives@woodhorn.org.uk

 

This Week in World War One, 22 October 1915

by

Berwick Advertiser title 1915

 

BERWICK ADVERTISER, 22 OCTOBER 1915

 

LITTLE GIRL DROWNED AT BERWICK

A Sad Story at the New Road

 

Borough Coroner Wm. Weatherhead and a jury held an enquiry in the Town Hall, Berwick on Wednesday afternoon into the circumstances attending the death of Lilian Thomson, three years of age, daughter of William Thomson, licensed victualler, Anglers’ Arms, Castlegate who was found drowned in the Tweed on Tuesday.

William Thomson, father of deceased, deponed that the child was in the habit of going out by itself. She was generally accompanied by a little dog- a terrier. He never heard of her wandering down to the New Road before the body was brought home about 12.30 on Tuesday afternoon.

Joseph Payne, 47 West Street, message boy with Mr Shiel Dods, butcher, deponed that he knew the deceased girl. He saw her above Scotsgate about ten minutes to eleven in the forenoon on Tuesday near the drinking fountain. She had a little black and white dog with her. She held out her hand to him, and he gave her a piece of apple to give to the dog. Witness told her to go home. He could not make out what she said, but she came down the street and turned into the road leading to Bankhill, the dog being with her.

The New Road (a popular walk beside the River Tweed), Berwick-upon-Tweed. © Berwick Record Office - BRO 0426-119
The New Road (a popular walk beside the River Tweed), Berwick-upon-Tweed. © Berwick Record Office – BRO 0426-119

 

James Handeyside, retired engine driver, deponed he was walking on the New Road with Mr David Leggat on Tuesday forenoon. They were walking very slowly, and when near the Conqueror’s Well he noticed, near the steps leading to the shore what he thought to be a bladder floating in the water. He stopped and remarked the circumstances to his companion, Mr Leggat. He went forward to the edge of the water, and thought he saw a leg of a child, but he could not see the head. The tide was about full. He too off his topcoat and hat, went down the steps, and waded into the water fetching the body out. A woman assisted him to take the body up the steps as he was afraid of slipping. The body when he first saw it was about fourteen feet past the steps, near to the boathouse. When going down the steps he observed the child’s shoes and stockings.

By the father – he took the body out in two minutes from the time of first observing it.

Witness further stated that he saw the little white dog afterwards.

Mr Leggat corroborated, and said he proceeded to Dr Taylor’s house immediately for medical assistance.

Dr John Taylor said he was called upon about ten minutes to twelve, and went to the New

Berwick Rowing Club Boat House where the body was discovered. BRO 0426-440
Berwick Rowing Club Boat House where the body was discovered. BRO 0426-440

Road. He saw the body at the steps already mentioned. It was lying on the grass at the side of the roadway. He examined it. There did not appear to be any bruises. The mouth and nose were full of froth, and life was quite extinct. He saw the little dog, which was wet up to the shoulders.

In answer to the father he said no amount of rubbing would have restored life as the child was dead, and was so before he arrived.

In answer to the jury, Mr Handeyside said he made efforts to restore animation, and did what he could to expel the water from the lungs. He had in early life received lessons in first-aid.

The Coroner said it was manifest that the child had been a considerable time in the water before it was observed, as it had floated down the stream a bit. It was a very sad case. It was conjectural that the child had taken of  its boots to wash the dog.

The jury returned a verdict in accordance with the evidence.

 

BILLIARDS MATCH AT FORD

 

A team of six chosen from the soldiers at Etal Manor Red Cross Hospital “fought an engagement” with a team from the members of the Ford Reading Room on the afternoon of Saturday, 16th October. The Ford men having the advantage of “ground” carried off the honours of the day by 120 points. The victors then proceeded to treat their opponents to most generous hospitality. For an invitation had been given to all the soldiers (26) at Manor to be the guests at tea, of the following members Messrs W. Gray, W.P. Calder, J. H. Binks, W. Glass, Russell, Smith, Steel, Waters. During the afternoon whist was indulged in by the non-players The Hon. Secretary announced before the close of play that in the future all the soldiers at the Manor were to consider themselves hon. members of the Ford Reading Room. For this privilege our thanks are due to Lord Joicey, Bishop Neligan, and all the members of the Reading Room. Due to the kindness of the Committee a match was played a short time ago at Ford, between the soldiers and a team from Wooler. On that occasion the Right Rev. Bishop Neligan kindly provided tea for all the soldiers.

                                           Etal                                         Ford

 Pte. Glossop            49                     W. Glass                    100

Pte. Swinbourne      47                    W. P. Calder              100

Sgt. Sly                   100                   Mr Russell                  73

Pte. Squires            100                   H. Sanderson             87

Pte. Ramsley           59                    J. Waters                   100

Pte. Carlton             85                    J.H. Binks                  100

HARVEST THANKSGIVING

 

On Thursday evening a harvest thanks-giving service was held in the Kiln Hill Mitchell Memorial Hall, Tweedmouth. The hall was crowded, the platform being tastefully decorated with fruit and flowers. Addresses were given by Messrs McBain and Caldwell. Solos were sung by the Sisters of the Faith Mission, and by the choir, under the leadership of Mr Anderson. Mr Mark Anderson presided at the organ.

 

SUGGESTION FOR SOLDIERS ARRIVING AT BERWICK STATION

 

Sir, – I have seen a letter from the front, written by one of our Territorials in which the following passage occurs – “You might keep me going now in shirts and socks – thick warm ones of both. We do a lot of night work now, and it’s very cold o’ nights here, and besides we often get wet feet. “

The writer of that letter will now have received his first shirts and socks from home, but – here is one of the reasons of your being troubled with this letter – there must be many of our lads at the front who need them as much, but who cannot get them. Can nothing be done to supply their urgent needs by those at home who are comfortable and safe throught the sacrifices of these lads?

Berwick Railway Station early 1900s. © Berwick Record Office - BRO 1636-10-013
Berwick Railway Station early 1900s. © Berwick Record Office – BRO 1636-10-013

 

Another matter occurs to me as requiring attention. I am told that nearly every morning soldiers arrive at Berwick Station by the 4.30 train. Is it the wish of the people of Berwick that these men, who have come forward to fight for US, should hang about Berwick Station for a few hours on these cold, bleak mornings without a cup of tea or coffee and a bite to eat? I don’t think so Mr Editor. I am inclined to think better of Berwick people than that, and some way of managing it can surely be found if we are willing to pay for it.

Hoping something may be done and that right soon,

I am, yours, etc.,

BERWICUS

 

This Week in World War One, 15 October 1915

by

Berwick Advertiser title 1915

 

BERWICK ADVERTISER, 15 OCTOBER 1915

 

BAMBURGH

 

Wedding of Miss Weatherston and Gunner E. Littlefair – On Saturday last a very pretty wedding took place at St. Aidan’s Church, Bamburgh. The contracting parties were Eleanor, eldest daughter of Mr H. Weatherston of Bamburgh, and Gunner E. Littlefair, eldest son of Mr and Mrs Littlefair of Bamburgh. A choral service, officiated by the vicar (the Rev. E. Williams), assisted by the Rev. F. Long of Lucker, was held. The bride was dressed in white shantung silk, veil, and wreath of orange blossom. Miss S. Weatherston, sister of the bride, and Miss Littlefair, sister of the bridegroom, acted as bridesmaids, and the Misses Campbell, Newcastle, as attendants. The bridesmaids wore dresses of blue silk poplin and fawn felt hats and the attendants wore dresses of white net lace and little mob caps. The bride carried a bouquet of white heather, and the attendants each carried a basket of sweet peas. Sapper P. Littlefair, brother of the bridegroom, acted as best man.

NRO 2409-020 BAMBURGH-(c) Northumberland Record Office
NRO 2409-020 BAMBURGH- © Northumberland Record Office

 

The bride was given away by her father. A guard of honour was formed by men from the Northern Cyclist Battalion and Sea Scouts. After the ceremony a reception was held at the Lord Crewe Arms Hotel where an excellent tea was provided by the Misses Morpeth, and there were many friends of the bride and bridegroom present. The Vicar made a very interesting speech, as did also the schoolmaster (Mr T.W.Little) and various toasts were given, to which the bride and bridegroom suitably responded. Later in the day the happy couple left for Edinburgh where the honeymoon was spent. The bride’s travelling costume was blue with black velvet hat. The presents were numerous and useful, and included some valuable articles. The bride’s gift to the bridegroom was a signet ring, and that of the bridegroom to the bride was a dressing case and furs. The bridegroom presented the bridesmaids with pendants.

 

BERWICK PETTY SESSIONS

 

 A DISORDERLY HOUSE

Mary Jefferson, married woman, West Street, Berwick, was charged with allowing her premises to be used as a brothel on the 5th Oct. Defendant did not appear.

The Chief Constable said there had been considerable complaints about this woman.

P.C. Welsh said with P.C. Spiers he went to defendant’s house and found indecent behaviour going on in the house.

P.C. Spiers corroborated.

Defendant was sentenced to two months’ hard labour without the option of a fine.

 

DRUNK WHILE DRIVING CATTLE

George Scott Davis, plasterer, Berwick, was charged with being drunk and incapable while in charge of two bullocks belonging to Mr Foreman, butcher, Norham. Defendant pleaded not guilty.

P.C. Spiers said about 1.20 p.m. the previous day he saw defendant in Main Street, Tweedmouth, in charge of two bullocks. Defendant was very drunk. Witness got the bullocks penned and brought  defendant to the Police Station.

P.C. Smith said defendant was very drunk when brought to the Police Station. Defendant was hardly able to look after himself without having charge of cattle.

Fined 5s or seven days.

 

Berwick Advertiser Advert E.Dickinson & Son
Berwick Advertiser Advert R. Dickinson & Son

 

 

HOW GERMAN CHEMISTS RUIN THE HAIR

 

Specialist’s Startling Exposure

 

Gaudy labels and fancy bottles cannot beautify the hair and make it grow; yet, according to one of our greatest authorities on the care of the hair and scalp, there is very little else to recommend the German made hair tonics which are still being offered for sale in this country. Crude methylated spirit, dyes, colouring matter and perfume form the principal

Edwardian girls hairstyles - Image from unknown periodical.
Edwardian girls hairstyles – Image from unknown periodical.

ingredients of most of these hair tonics, and the men and women who use them because they are cheap wonder why their hair turns grey, becomes dry and brittle and finally falls out. The reason is not hard to find. Surely, even if it costs just a trifle more it is  better to obtain a British-made hair tonic. British chemists stake their reputation upon the quality of their products. As an instance there is Lavona Hair Tonic – a preparation which can be obtained locally from John Brown, 5 High Street, Berwick; F.R. Padley, Market Place, Wooler; and most other high class chemists everywhere. There is no need for secrecy regarding the composition of this excellent hair and scalp tonic. It is prepared from 3 ozs. Bay Rum, 1oz. Lavona de Compossee, ¼ drachm Menthol Chrystals, and a little perfume, and readers can, if they wish, obtain the necessary ingredients and make the tonic themselves. But the majority will prefer to obtain the complete Lavona Hair Tonic from the chemist, firstly because it is put up in special sprinkler topped bottles which economise the tonic, and secondly because with each bottle the chemist gives a signed guarantee that he will refund your money unless Lavona Hair Tonic actually makes your hair grow longer and more beautiful and eradicates scurf and dandruff from your scalp.

 

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