BERWICK ADVERTISER, 30TH SEPTEMBER 1921

01/10/2021 by Northumberland Archives

BERWICK LICENSE HOLDERS WANT AN

8 HOUR DAY

Mr P. M. Henderson appeared on behalf of the majority of the members of the Licensed Victualers’ Association and made proposals for the consideration of the Bench in regard to the fixing of what is known as “permitted hours” under the new Act of 1921. The Act fixed these hours temporarily until things were brought into working order. On 17^th August these orders were put in force in the Borough. Under the old Ac of 1910 the hours were from 8 o’clock in the morning to 10 o’clock at night. In many cases, of course, license holders did not take advantage of these hours. The new Act recommended the hours per week-day at 8½, but the license holders in the Borough proposed 8 hours day. The Act recommended that the sale of intoxicating liquor should take place between the hours of 11.30 and 3pm, and 5.30 and 10pm on week days and what the license holders proposed as reasonable hours from 10am to 2pm and 5pm to 9pm. This of course, only affected week days. The license holders did say that they found the hour of 9 o’clock in the evening was late enough to keep open, and it was not an unreasonable closing hour either for the public.

Now, in regard to Sunday, continued Mr Henderson, the hours now in force are from12.30 to 2.30 in the afternoon, and from 7 to 10 in the evening. The license holders ask that the opening hour be 12.30 to 2.30 as at present, but that instead of from 7 to 10pm the hours should be from 6 to 9. At a recent meeting of the Licensed Victualers’ Association these were the hours agreed to by 38 out of 42 who attended the meeting. A Committee had been appointed, members of which would be prepared to give their views to the Bench and to say that 9 o’clock closing did not only meet their own views, but the reasonable requirements of the public.

ANOTHER VIEW

Mr H. R. Peters appeared for Mr Jas. Grey, wine merchant and said with the hours proposed his client could not agree. He was quite agreeable that the week day hours should be eight, and the Sunday hours as suggested, but he felt that in saying what these hours should be, a large part of the public had never been taken into consideration. There were the workers and visitor to the town and those who came into the town with the forenoon trains to do their shopping.

Hide Hill, showing the King’s Arms Hotel, Berwick-upon-Tweed. Ref: BRO 0426-355

To start at 10 o’clock was an hour lost to the license holder, as large numbers of men were at work then and did not need refreshment; while the morning trains had not arrived. He suggested that the hours his client proposed were the best to meet the needs of everybody. The hours he proposed on week days were from 11 am to 4pm and from 6pm to 9pm. That he held gave reasonable time for refreshment, and in fixing the hours the Bench should consider the reasonable wants of the steady man, not he man whose idea of a reasonable amount of drink was a full skin (Laughter)

Mr Scott, proprietor of the King’s Arms, was of the opinion that the hours recommended by the Act should be adhered to. He also mentioned he was applying under Section 3 of the Act for all the privileges extended to caterers and hotel keepers, to sell drink with food with the evening meal. This meant that if the ten o’clock closing remained in force anyone arriving in the hotel could have a drink with their food between 10 and 11, but no drink unless they were having food.

Ultimately, Mr Scott agreed to fall in with the proposals of the License Victuallers’ Association, letting his application under Section 3 go forward separately.

High Street, Berwick-upon-Tweed showing the Salmon Hotel Ref: BRO 318

The bench retired and on their return the Mayor announced that they had decided to fix the hours from 11 to 3pm and from 5 to 9pm on week days, with Sunday as suggested, 12.30 to 2.30 and 6 to 9. The Bench agreed to grant the application of Mr Scott under Section 3, he also having appeared for Mr Evans, of the Salmon Hotel.

GYMKHANA AND SPORTS AT SCREMERSTON

On Monday, Berwick’s Autumn Holiday, a gymkhana, arranged by members of Berwick Motor Club, and cycling sports, arranged by members of Tweedside Cycling Club, took place at Scremerston Institute track. The proceeds were in aid of the track fund and the gate amounted to £25, and there might have been far more people present had the char-a-bancs been running as advertised. The weather was ideal.

Those who did attend had a capital afternoon’s sport and amusement. The Tweedside members provided the serious racing and put up some good finished, too, while the Motor Club provided the thrills and fun. It was a “day out” for the motor cyclists, who did anything , at times, up to 60 miles per hour, while the “limb of the law” appeared to enjoy the sport as much as anyone.

The most interesting events were the lemon-slicing, especially when speed was introduced, the variety race, in which the passenger on the carrier had to dismount and pick up an apple in his teeth, and the “T.T.” race. This latter was a burlesque of the famous motor cycle trials in the Isle of Man. There were four competitors and the prize at stake was the handsome Cooper Eye Cup, a massive “carbon” trophy on which “diamonds” from Scremerston’s famous seam glittered. The first holder was W. Rowley, the Club’s Vice-Captain, who, on a small push-bike with miniature gear got up no end of a pace. In what appeared to be a deliberate attempt to knock him off, T. Lilburn, on his giant prehistoric cycle, had a spill himself, causing no end of laughter. He, however, pluckly remounted and at the finish forged ahead of the “lady” competitor (Mr A. Fish, jun.) and took second place. We understand some of the Scremerston fair sex condemned the “lady” as “a brazen huzzy” for smoking on the field!

There was only one spill in the cycling events, and this was not due to the condition of the track, Purves accidently touching Coulthard’s pedal and bringing both to ground, Purves being much bruised and shaken, and Coulthard’s front wheel beyond repair.

At the close, Capt Carr presented the Cooper Eye Cup to Mr Rowley and, on behalf of Scremerston, thanked the members of the Motor and Tweedside Clubs for the excellent afternoon’s entertainment they provided.

Scremertson Band, which had played selections all afternoon, then played “God Save the King.”

BERWICK ADVERTISER, 2ND SEPTEMBER 1921

05/09/2021 by Northumberland Archives

BRIDGE TO BRIDGE SWIMMING RACE AT BERWICK

T. ORMISTON WINS “VISCOUNT GREY” TROPHY

A crowd of some three thousand people watched the Bridge to bridge race held in the Tweed on Thursday night last under the auspices of Berwick Amateur Swimming Club and they were privileged to see one of the best races ever held for the trophy presented by Viscount Grey. The only regrettable feature in the proceedings was the poor collection taken, this only being a little over £3, or practically a contribution of £1 per 1000 of those who witnessed the race. As the Swimming Club depends largely on public support for the providing of prizes and running these races, it is hoped greater financial help will be I future extended by the public, otherwise the Club will have to cut out the Bridge to Bridge race and School Gala from their annual programme.

Nine competitors entered for the race. L. B. Dickinson, T. Ormiston, A. P. Hall, A. Erskine ( Kelso), E. J. Denholm, G. Adamson, W. Brotherton, W. Graham and Joe Renton, and when the lot got off their mark in a bunch it was soon evident that the race was going to be keen one. Ormiston and Dickinson swam neck to neck until about thirty yards from the Boathouse when Ormiston drew ahead by about two lengths and Erskine came level with Dickinson, Hall being close up. Up to thirty yards from the Royal Border Bridge Ormiston kept adding to his lead and then Dickinson made a wonderful spurt. He came up hand over hand on Ormiston who only crossed the line a yard and half ahead. The time for the race was 12mins, 12 secs., and a great cheer went up as the men finished.

WOOLER AS A HEALTH RESORT

NEW DEVELOPMENTS

A RUN OVER THE CARTER BAR

The advent of the motor car and char-a-banc have been the means of opening up the country surrounding Wooler, and it is ow possible to do a hundred-mile journey in the district comfortably in one day. It was my privilege to take a trip over the carter Bar a week or two ago in an easy-riding char-a-banc at a very reasonable cost.

Other trips are run during the season to Bamburgh (half-day), Scotland, Edinburgh, etc. These have been largely taken advantage of by visitors, and have added quite a fresh interest to Wooler. Our company, when I went, numbered some twenty-six souls, composed mostly of visitors, with a sprinkling of natives, and a most agreeable company we were. Leaving the Market Place just after 10 a.m. in dull, but fine, weather, we were soon rattling along the road at a steady pace, admiring the scenery as we went. The Haugh Head was soon reached. The old building was for long occupied by the late Kitty Jobson as a beer-house, and before the battle of Flodden (1513) was the head-quarters of Lord Surrey, leader of the English troops, which were camped on Wooler Haugh. The next place that engages attention is Lilburn Tower, the seat of Mr A. B. Collingwood, and its prettily wooded grounds. The dainty lodge at the West entrance looked very pretty with its floral decorations. Hedgeley, with its pretty little cottages, and Crawley Dene are soon left behind, and we are next brought into touch with the ravages of the late war, as Roughley Wood was denuded of its timber and now presents a dreary aspect. A brighter scene awaited us, for Runside Moor was a blaze of purple heather, there being hundreds of acres of it without a break. Our first stopping place was Rothbury, and by the time we had reached there the mist had lifted and the sun began to make its appearance.

The village was quite alive, as our friend, Mr R. Donkin, was holding one of his periodical sales of lambs at the spacious mart buildings. After a short stay our journey was resumed through a well-wooded district by way of Thropton, Hepple Old Town, etc. Numerous pretty cottages were passed with happy and smiling inhabitants, who invariably greeted us with a wave of the hand. The scenery begins to change as we ascend the somewhat steep banks. The surrounding hills, bathed in the now bright sunlight, were looking splendid, their sides being here and there covered with heather in full bloom. Our next break was at the old-time village of Elsdon, which nestles in a pretty valley a few miles from Otterburn. The village green is of considerable dimensions, and there is no suspicion of over-crowding. Like all Border villages, Elsdon has a history dating back hundreds of years, when the feuds between the English and Scotch were common. The old church contains some old tablets, fine old windows, and other interesting features, which we had not time to thoroughly examine. Our friend, Mr Brannen, of the Hotel, saluted us as we passed his comfortable hostelry. Otterburn was soon reached, where the famous mills are situated and the noted wraps made. Some time was spent in this pretty, old-time village, and a number of us had lunch at the old-fashioned inn. The church and the pretty chancel was surveyed, while others took a stroll up the burn-side which, although only a tiny stream, rose on one memorable occasion, flooding the hotel and other buildings to the depth of several feet. Between here and Catcleugh the scenery becomes wilder and more romantic. The County Council are making an effort to improve the road over the Carter Bar, but, judging by the few hands employed, it will take some time to complete the job. With so much unemployment here is a chance for putting a few extra hands in useful work. At Catcleugh is the large lake constructed by the Newcastle Water Company. The fine stretch of water with scarcely a ripple on its surface formed a fine setting to the surrounding hills with their craggy peaks or rounded tops. The road leading to the Carter Bar, which is the deciding line between England and Scotland, is in places very steep and the surface not of the best, but much improved on what it was a year ago. On reaching the bar a halt was called to admire the wide and magnificent view. Hill and valley, woodland scenes and heather-clad hills make up a panorama of surpassing grandeur. Several snapshots were here taken, which ought to be interesting mementos in days to come. After a short stay, we resumed our journey. The ride was through a nicely wooded district into Jedburgh, which town also has a history.

BRO 1796-1-10 High Street, Kirk Yeholm early 20th century

The ruins of the old Abbey proved a great source of attraction, and also the old Castle on the hill, from the top of which a charming view of Jedburgh and neighbourhood is obtained. After a refreshing cup of tea, the homeward journey was resumed, passing through the villages of Morebattle and Yetholm as the sun was setting in the West, Kirknewton, nestling snugly at the foot of the College Burn and surrounded by hills looked most peaceful. Wooler was reached soon after 9 p.m., the party all having spent a memorable and enjoyable day’s outing.

EX-SOLDIER WISHES TO JUMP BERWICK BRIDGE

An unusual case came before Mr A. J. Dodds and Mr Walter Hogarth at Berwick Police Court on Tuesday. P. C. Lindsay gave evidence that at about 9 p.m. on the night before (Monday) he received a complaint off the disorderly behaviour of James Ohlsen, a painter, of Leith, who had been working I the town, and cautioned him. Ohlsen then went over the bridge towards Berwick. He took some money out of his pockets and attempted to climb up over the bridge. P.C. Lindsay then apprehended him and locked him up, and he was brought before the Bench charged with being drunk and disorderly. Ohlsen pleaded guilty. He regretted having caused trouble, which was due to his having had some drink, and stated that while serving in France he had been buried and ever since had been subjected to fits. He was fined 5s or 7 days.

BERWICK ADVERTISER, 29TH JULY 1921

30/07/2021 by Northumberland Archives

TWEEDMOUTH FEAST FESTIVITIES

Splendid Racing on Land and Water

Rain Spoils Cycle Races on Monday

The time honoured festival of Tweedmouth Feast was celebrated this year on a much more ambitious scale than has been the rules for some years past. There were amusements for all, from the round-abouts and side shows in the West End for the youngsters and the frivolous, to professional and amateur races on the flat, cycle races, and a salmon coble regatta.

Tweedmouth Feast, 1966. Ref: BRO 1944-1-4597

The crowd in the town over the weekend was well up to previous standards, and from the Tyneside area large number of old Twampies and Berwickers came back to observe the old ceremony. At the Sports, perhaps the crowd was slightly smaller than in previous years, but the running made it well worth the while of those who patronised the event. Tweedside Cyclists had a great night on Tuesday, and seldom has finer racing been seen.

The Feats of 1921 will be remembered as one crowded weekend of first class sport.

TWEEDMOUTH SHOW,

BERWICK HORSE PROCESSION INCLUDED,

A SUCCESSFUL START TO A NEW VENTURE

When the question of reviving the old time Berwick Horse Procession came up this year, the Committee with a knowledge of past difficulties, decided that to be a financial success, the procession could never be revived on quite the same lines as in pre-war days. The idea of a show to include the horses and other agricultural classes was mooted and taken up enthusiastically by a go-a-head committee with Capt. J. E. Carr as chairman and Mr Ralph Bradford and Mr J. B. Beveridge, Tweedmouth, as secretaries. Last year an attractive programme of sports was arranged for Tweedmouth Feast Saturday, and the Committee, knowing that no better day could be chosen for launching a new venture in Tweedmouth, decided to incorporate the procession and the Show with these sports. During the past few months , a great deal of work has been put into arrangements for Tweedmouth’s first Show – as the inhabitants on that side of the water proudly term it, and the Committee saw the reward of their labours in the successful gathering on Saturday last in Union Park, Tweedmouth. Weather conditions were favourable and a large number of people from the Borough and district assembled off the field to inspect the stock in their pens or see them parade in the ring.

BERWICK AMATEUR ATHLETIC SOCIETY

Rain Blasts Spoil Annual Sports Festival

A Flat Racer’s Day and Cyclist’s Wash-Out

The annual athletic festival held by Berwick Athletic Society was this year spoiled to some extent by the gale which prevailed and the drenching showers of rain which swept over the field at intervals. As might reasonably be expected there was a falling off in the “gate” receipts, and officials tell us that this year the enclosure was dvoid of many of its usual patrons, while country people, too, did not attend in such large numbers as usual.

The heavy rain of the previous night had rather improved the track than otherwise, and all would have been well for competitors had only the weather remained on its best behaviour. Rain, however, fell at intervals, and although it did not interfere with foot racing to any great extent, still the greasy state of the grass rendered cycling extremely hazardous. Many a good cycle race was spoiled by the back markers side-slipping when making their winning-spurts at the bend leading to the home straight, and after the second heavy shower, men who were giving away big starts took no risks. No one could blame them, as several nasty smashes had taken place previously. Fortunately there were no serious results.

The organisation was again this year well-nigh perfect, and the marksmen and officials deserve every credit for the expeditious manner in which the events were run off. Particularly we would give them credit for the way they got through the numerous heats in the boys’ and girls’ races. It was essentially a youngsters’ day. Their races had an entry which promises well for future sports, and heats were all the more interesting because everyone was a tryer.

FETE IN FORD CASTLE GROUNDS

A Fete in aid of the Ford, Etal, Pallinsburn and Milfield Nursing Association was held in the grounds of Ford castle on Thursday last in fine weather. A large gathering of people was present from the district, char-a-bancs running at intervals from Alnwick, Wooler and Berwick. The Fete was opened at 2 p.m. by Lady Francis G. Osborne, Ord House, who was introduced by Mrs Charles Mitchell, of Pallinsburn, Vice-President of the Nursing Association.

Lady Francis, who was accompanied by Lord Francis G. Osborne, was received with cheers. Her remarks were as follows: – Ladies and gentlemen, – If we read the newspapers of today we see there is a great movement on foot to improve the general health of the community – better housing, Infant Welfare Centres, School clinics, all are part of the same scheme. But the district nurses were at work long before such things were thought of. When we look back over their years of work we see how good it has been, and how useful, for it has enabled those people who could not otherwise afford it, to have the benefit of trained nursing in their homes in time of sickness. The expenses of running the Association are increasing and the subscriptions do not cover them, that is why this fete is being held in these beautiful grounds of this historic castle, kindly lent by Lord Joicey. I appeal to you, ladies and gentlemen to open your hearts, your hands, and your purses and make it a huge financial success for the benefit of your friends and neighbours in their time of sickness. I know declare it opened. (Applause.)

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