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.)

BERWICK ADVERTISER, 1ST JULY 1921

02/07/2021 by Northumberland Archives

PRIVILEGE TICKET ABUSE

BERWICK REFRESHMENT ROOM

MANAGERESS AND HER SISTER

The abuse of privilege tickets granted to servants of the North British railway led to charges at the Newcastle Police Court, on Friday, against two sisters, Catherine and Jennie Chisholme, the latter being charged with having aided and abetted, and Catherine with having travelled between Newcastle and Berwick on May 12^th with a privilege ticket.

The front of Berwick Railway Station — An early 20th Century postcard of the front of Berwick Railway Station

Superintendent Rodgers of the N.E.R. Police, stated that Jennie Chisholme was manageress of the North British Railway Company’s refreshment rooms at Berwick station and that, as a servant of the company, she was entitled to privilege ticket orders. On May 2^nd she was granted an order for herself for a return ticket from Berwick to Newcastle, and on her own initiative she applied for an order for a Miss Phimister, who was a barmaid in the refreshment room. On May 12^th she presented two orders at the booking office, but the clerk refused to issue a ticket for one as it was not signed. She went away and returned with it purporting to have been signed by Miss Phimister, and she was allowed tickets at 4s 11d, whereas the ordinary return far to Newcastle was 17s 2½d. Both sisters travelled to Newcastle and back. When Catherine Chisholme was seen at Berwick on May 27^th she said that she knew she had done wrong.

Defendants, who were not present but were represented, entered a plea of guilty, and Jennie was fined 40s, and Catherine 20s and costs.

LOCAL NEWS

The ceremony at which the conferring of the Honorary Freedom of the Borough on ex-Service men who have served overseas, at sea, or in the air during the war, will take place on Monday. As the proceedings are likely to be protracted, there will be no time devoted to speeches, the Mayor simply welcoming the men in the name of the Borough in a short address. The gallery of the Corn Exchange is being reserved for ladies. A lady’s ticket is being issued to each recipient of the Freedom who is attending, and also to members of the Corporation, justices and ministers on the platform. Music will be discoursed by an orchestra during the afternoon.

A meeting of the Freemen’s Guild was held in the Town Hall on Saturday last, the object being to get Freemen who are ex-Service men and who had not made application for admission to the roll of Honorary Freemen, to make application before the ceremony on Monday first.

Berwick Town Hall early 1900’s Ref: BRO 426-294

There was a poor representation of ex-Service men, but a few forms of application were issued to those desirous of enrolling. We understand that the impression has got abroad amongst Freemen that they were not supposed to apply for admission to the Honorary Roll. That, of course, is a misapprehension.

The Sunday School scholars attending St. Aiden’s Church, Berwick, accompanied by their parents and friends to the number of 370, proceeded on their annual picnic in nineteen gaily decorated farm carts to Paxton on Mid-Summer day. A field there was kindly lent by Mr Thorburn, and there the company settled down to a day’s enjoyment. Bright sunshine prevailed, and many of the company made for the Whitadder, where there was a cool breeze blowing. Lunch was served shortly after the company arrived at Paxton, and thereafter a short programme of sports, including a boys’ and girls’ Marathon, was gone through. A rather unfortunate accident took place during the afternoon, a little boy spraining his hand, but attention by Dr Fraser, who was present, soon had the young chap all right and able to continue enjoying himself. Great credit is due to Mr and Mrs Wardhaugh, Mrs Taylor and Mr T. Evans for the splendid manner in which the whole day’s enjoyment was organised. The company returned to Berwick about 8.30, thoroughly satisfied with the day’s outing.

FARM WORKERS’ GALA DAY

The annual Gala of the Workers’ Union took place on the Football Field, Wooler, on Saturday under ideal weather conditions. From early morn the sun shone brightly and though the heat was a little uncomfortable, especially for those who had to cycle from a distance, a cooling breeze at intervals crept down from amongst the hills, and tempered what would otherwise have been sweltering conditions.

The restricted railway service, owing to the coal crisis cut off this means of transit to the gala to some extent but ways and means of getting to Wooler were found by the workers, by bringing into use farm carts, cycles, and other means of wheel conveyance. In the early forenoon there was little evidence in Wooler that any event out of the ordinary was about to take place but by mid-day the streets began to be busy and hourly the throng was augmented. Visitors who are packed like sardines in the many pretty little villa residences clustering on the hillside were greatly interested in the event of the day, which has come to be looked upon as a red letter day in the life of Wooler.

Mr Geo. Blyth, the energetic joint secretary, was busy from early morning laying out the running tracks and wrestling wrings. He was ably assisted by a small committee who deserve to be congratulated on the huge step taken forward this year in organising the sports. A large wired ring was provided for the wrestling bouts, a great improvement on the crowd condition of affairs which prevailed in previous years, and everyone could watch the bouts with an uninterrupted view. The course for the flat racing was lined off and the marks clearly indicated, everything being provided to ensure the smooth working of the events. Another good feature this year was the means taken to ensure that there would be no congestion at the gates trough people requiring change. A “change box” was provided on the other side of the road to the entrance of the field where change was given to anyone requiring it, and the gate keepers were therefore not bothered. Increased prize money for the sports was another good draw, and with the staging of a few side shows and shooting galleries near the entrance the setting of the field was a credit to the ability of Mr Blyth as an organiser.

At two o’clock Kelso Pipe Band swung into the field playing the “Blue Bonnets” and with them came a seemingly never ending stream of people in holiday attire. Some 2500 had passed through the gates by another hour and the field presented an animated appearance. Lemonade and ice-cream vendors did a roaring trade, being sold out of large stocks very quickly. The heat at times was almost unbearable and it was no wonder that Mr A. D. Morton’s cool tea tent should prove one of the busiest centres on the field.

BERWICK ADVERTISER, 6TH MAY 1921

07/05/2021 by Northumberland Archives

ORD WAR MEMORIAL

As will be seen from our advertising columns, Ord War Memorial will be unveiled on Sunday, 8^th May, at 2.30 by Vice Admiral Sir Dudley R. S. de Chair, K.C.B., M.V.O. The memorial has been erected in the centre of the village green and is 18 feet in height. It is on a concrete base with steps all round, and is of local rock-faced freestone coursers built in block with teethed plinth. A marble tablet with the names of the fallen is set into a framing of Northumberland whinstone. From the whinstone arises an octagonal column finished with a white marble cross. The work has been carried out by Messrs M. Gray & Sons, builders, and W. Wilson & Sons, sculptors, from plans prepared by Mr Lake, Surveyor, East Ord.

In addition to the contractors’ work a large amount of gratuitous service and labour has been given, and the War Memorial Committee feel deeply indebted to all these who so generously assisted in the carrying out of the work. Sir Dudley de Chair was born in 1854 and was educated on H.M.S., Britannia and entered the Navy in 1878. He served in the Egyptian War and was appointed Naval Attache to U.S. America in 1902. He commanded H.M.S. Bacchante, Cochrane and Colossus from 1905 to 1912 and was appointed Assistant Controller of the Navy in 1910, and Naval Secretary to the First Lord of Admiralty in 1912. In 1914 he was appointed Admiral of the Training Services, being also made a C.B. that year. He commanded the 10^th Cruiser Squadron and 3^rd Battle Squadron during the war from 1914 to 1916 and went with Mr. A J. Balfour’s Mission to U.S.A. in 1917.

LOCAL NEWS

For several hours on Wednesday morning snow fell heavily in the hill districts of Berwickshire, where in some quarters it lay as deep as half an inch, much to the concern of the flockmasters, with whom the lambing season is not yet over. Fruit trees were severely blighted by the severity of the weather.

They say it is very bad luck to turn back. A man who had started out with his wife to the pictures suddenly remembered that he had left his coal shed unlocked. He risked his luck, went back, turned the key in the door, and put it in his pocket. On returning three hours later he found a neighbour in a state of great indignation. “What’s the matter?” he asked innocently. “What’s the matter!” was the retort. “Do you know that you have locked my wife up in your coal shed!”

BERWICK PETTY SESSIONS

CORPORATION FOREMAN USES VIOLENCE

William Gardiner, Wallace Green, Berwick, was charged with unlawfully assaulting Gordon McLean on the 30th April 1921. Mr Peters prosecuted, and Mr Gregory defended. Gardiner pleaded that he was guilty of gripping McLean, but not with striking him.

Gordon Mclean said he lived as 6 Hatter’s Lane. On last Saturday night he was standing at the end of Walkergate with other men when two dogs started to fight and came against his legs. He put out his foot to keep the dogs back. He never kicked the dogs, and never knew anything more until Gardiner seized him by the throat from behind and bent him backwards nearly to the ground. Witness was exhausted when Gardiner was called off by the police.

REF: LB.9.6.24 Hatter’s Lane, Berwick-upon-Tweed

Peter Robson, rabbit-catcher, corroborated, and said McLean, after holding the dogs off with his foot, stepped back. He never kicked the dogs and gave Gardiner no provocation.

John Flannigan, Hatter’s Lane, gave similar evidence, and this was borne out by William Wilson.

William Gardiner, on his own behalf, said he was coming up the street with his brother-in-law, who had his terrier with him. Witness’ dog was playing with the terrier, when there was a blue dog ran at them. They chased it, when he saw McLean lift his foot and make a swinging kick at it. He caught McLean as he spun round, but he did not bend him back.

By Mr Peters-witness admitted that there was a little fight with the three dogs. He was not in a temper when he gripped McLean, only a little excited. The police came on the scene and Sergt. Wilson said “William, go home!”

The bench found the case proved and imposed the fine of £1 with witnesses and fees, 28s 5d, or 13 days’ imprisonment.

NATURE NOTE

The first swift arrived in Berwick this year on April 30th. It was first seen at 9 p.m. Fifteen minutes later it joined by another over the town. In 1920 the first swift was also seen on April 30th “hawking” over Church Street. In 1919 the first swift was not seen in Berwick until May 8th; in 1918 the first arrived on May 9th. The first martins were seen on April 21st, 1921 at Canties Bridge. On the 24th the sand martin was seen behind the Pier. On the 24th terns were seen passing over the Pier bound to their more northern nesting grounds. A few remained on Sunday, and there are now several in the river. Several migrants such as the willow-wren and the chiff-chaff have been heard, also on April 24th. A month earlier, the earliest of all migrants, the wheatear was seen on Scremerston banks. Several solan geese have been observed flying quarter of a mile off the end of the Pier, and a few beautiful eider ducks are frequent visitors off the Pier end. They will shortly move to their breeding quarters on the Farne islands. The buds are setting on the hawthorn, promising to burst by the middle of May, which is very early for Northumberland.

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