BERWICK ADVERTISER, 3 OCTOBER 1919

04/10/2019 by Northumberland Archives

THE RAILWAY STRIKE

Another lightning strike has temporarily paralysed the transport of the country, and the Government are taking drastic measures to cope with the situation. At ten o’clock on Friday night the North-Eastern men of all grades except the officials of Goods and passenger departments and clerks ceased work and by midnight traffic was suspended on the North-British Railway in a like measure.

The strike has the full approval of the A.S.L.E. and F. and N. U. R. (and is, in fact, the first authorised strike since 1911), and we believe that prior to the stoppage of work the officials of the Union received instructions to inform all drivers and firemen that engines should be uncoupled and left in good order safely housed in the sheds.

TRAINS LEFT ANYWHERE

This was carried out to the letter so far as engines were concerned, but rolling stock was left in all conceivable positions on the line, on main lines and over bridges and culverts. A goods and empty carriage train was left on the bridge at Highgate, Tweedmouth, the driver and fireman uncoupling and proceeding back to the sheds to book off. We are informed that one driver brought his train back to Tweedmouth from Newcastle for the sole reason that he wanted home himself, while another for the same reason brought back herring workers who had got as far south as Chathill and were likely to be stranded.

North-British men at Berwick were cut to a man, some of the men in the lower grades who for years have never missed a day at work being as enthusiastic on the strike “stunt” as youngsters.

An early 20th century image of a locomotive at Tweedmouth Goods Yard, which could have possibly been housed there during the strike. REF: Bro 2349-35-002

STRANDED PASSENGERS

A detachment of troops from Archangel and a dauntless band of fisher lassies from Cockenzie proceeding south to the herring curing were amongst the stranded travellers at Berwick. The soldiers were taken charge of by the military authorities and on Monday morning they were kept fit by having a march out. The fisher girls took their troubles with the true philosophical spirt of the Scotch fisher folk and they were looked after by Mr D. M. Rosie, Fishery Officer, who received every assistance from the Mayor and Sheriff. Accompanying the girls were one or two male fish workers, who with the aid of a pair of Bagpipes and Berwick ale, got themselves into an amiable frame of mind.

The girls were housed in lodgings in the town and left on Wednesday morning for the south, their passage being guaranteed by the Railway Company on trains driven by Inspectors.

Many other people found themselves stranded, but happily they were all able to get houseroom in the Borough.

LOCAL NEWS

Large audiences have visited the Playhouse during the past week, and have been charmed with the programme provided. Sergt. Learmonte, K.O.S.B., has been enthusiastically received in his vocal numbers, but we have heard him in much better voice. For next week a fine programme is promised, and the management are endeavouring to have the films forward in time, though this is a matter of difficulty, owing to the strike. From Monday to Wednesday there will be screened the thrilling drama, “The House of Silence,” in which features Wallace Reid, a star of the film world. The story is full of interest, and depicts a wealthy clubman being called to a mystery house, where murder has been done, and who, assuming the role of detective, probes the mystery at the risk of his life. “Tainted Lives” is another powerful picture well worth seeing. From Thursday to the end of the week there will be screened “Only a Girl,” a sensational story of the Gold Country. A pleasing film is also shown, entitled “The Eye of Envy,” a film away from the ordinary. There will be the usual comedies, and the vocal interlude will be provided by Miss Willins, a pleasing soprano.

AUTUMN HOLIDAY

Whatever may have been the feeling of the inhabitants of Berwick, cut off from the beauty spots of the district, towards the strikes, there was no bloodshed, however, and the Autumn Holiday passed off without any outstanding incident.

In the forenoon, those who were abroad in the upperpart of the town, were greatly amused by the reception given to those running the trains from Edinburgh by the strikers. Ironic cheers were raised, and the non-strikers in the crowd were greatly tickled when the firemen responded to the ovation by dancing a jig on the footplate.

The “aero mail,” too, caused a sensation and the pilot was loudly cheered by the younger children as he circled low over the housetops.

The pleasure grounds at Norham and Velvet Hall were deserted in comparison with former years, and there being no other option left to holiday-makers than to stay at home, they made the best of the day there.

The river was busy, and beaches at Spittal and Berwick, too, had their quotas, though the chill wind kept many from spending an afternoon by the sea. On the golf course there was a field day players of various grades of proficiency being out, lustily driving the “gutta” round the course, or losing the ball in the rough.

Those who were imbued with the sporting instinct were amply catered for. There were football matches at Union Park, Pier Field, and on the Stanks, where spectators were treated to exhibitions of goal-scoring rather than science. At Pier Field also Berwick Hockey Club had a good turn-out for its first practice.

Many, we learn, spent the day in their gardens and allotments, spending their holiday in the most profitable way they knew. Motors were busy during the day, but not for joy-riding, and heavy motor lorries throbbed through the streets going north and south.

MILITARY NOTES

BERWICK TERRIER’S MEDAL

Congratulations to Lance-Corporal George Weatherburn, late of the 7th N.F., who has been awarded the Territorial Efficiency Medal for over 12 years’ service with the Territorial Force. A keen territorial in pre-war days, he volunteered for service in 1914, and went overseas with the 7th N. F., with whom he had a good spell of active service. A railwayman in civil life he transferred to the L.E. (Railway Ordnance Depot), and till the end of the campaign was soldering on board an engine, Lance-Corpl. Weatherburn was asked by the Record Office whether he would have his medal sent by post or presented by a parade of troops, and he modestly chose the former course.

HONOURED BY FRENCH PRESIDENT

Lieut-Colonel A. J. Foster, C.M.G., C.B.E., a former Northumberland Militia officer, has been appointed an Officer of the Legion of Honour by the French President. Colonel Foster commanded the 4th battalion Northumberland Fusiliers when they proceeded to France and until he was invalided home, being mentioned in despatches three times. He is now Assistant Controller in the Ministry of Munitions.

MACHINE GUNNERS RE-UNION

It is intended to have a Reunion Supper and concert in connection with the machine gunners from Berwick and Belford districts, who originally went overseas with the 7th Northumberland Fusiliers (T. F.) and who eventually were transferred to the machine Gun Corps. Major F. B. Cowen, M.C., has the arrangements in hand, and is being assisted by Sergt. T. H. Grey and Pte. C. Bradford. The anniversary of the armistice – a Tuesday – has been selected as the evening for the event.

BERWICK ADVERTISER, 22 AUGUST 1919

23/08/2019 by Northumberland Archives

FASHIONABLE WEDDING AT NORHAM

MORLEY-CROSSMAN — GARTSIDE-TIPPINGE

The wedding was solemnised today (Thursday) in St. Cuthbert’s Church, Norham, between Major F. L. Morley Crossman, D.S.O., and of the late L. M. Morley-Crossman and of Mrs Morley-Crossman, Cheswick House, and Miss Ruth Gartside-Tippings, daughter of Capt. V. Gartside-Tippings, and of Mrs Gartside-Tippings, Morris Hall, Norham.

Major Crossman is 31 years of age, and received his education at Wellington College, and the Royal Military Academy, Woolwich. In 1907 he was gazetted to the Royal Horse and R.F.A. He served during the war, was awarded the M.C. in 1915, and the D.S.O. in June this year, and has been mentioned several times in despatches. He received his present rank of Major in 1917.

Canon Roberson, vicar of Norham officiated, Mr Walker organist of the Church, presiding at the organ. Before the service, while the guests were assembling, the strains of soft music floated through the beautiful old Norham Church, which dates from the 12th century. The music, specially chosen by the bride was as follows:- “Song of Thanksgiving,” Josiah Booth; “Andante,” Wely; Impressions Du Soir,”H. Stiehl; “Andante,” Myles B. Forster; “Melody,” S. Coleridge-Taylor. During the service Psalm 67, and the hymns “Love Divine” and “O perfect Love” were sung, and at the conclusion of the ceremony the bridal party left the church to the strains of Mendelssehn’s Wedding March.

St Cuthbert’s Parish Church, Norham © Copyright Andrew Curtis – Creative Commons Licence.

The Bride, who was given away by her father, Capt. V. Gartside-Tippinge, looked very beautiful in a robe of simple white satin, trimmed with lace, with train, falling from the shoulders, of chiffon draped with Carrickmacross lace (the gift of the bride’s Godmother, lady Francis G. Osborne, Ord House). She wore a tulle veil, held in place by a bandeau of pearls (the gift of Mrs Houstoun) and carried a bouquet of lilies and white heather.

She was attended by four bridesmaids, Miss Hunter, Miss Hycinth Hunter, Miss Cicely Gough (cousin of the bride), and Miss Sybil Younger, who wore dresses of yellow crepe-de-chine, draped with georgette of the same colour, shoes of silver, and hats of silver lace, and carried sprays of copper beech. Each wore a diamond initial letter mounted on a black moire wrislet, the gift of the bridegroom.

The bride’s train was borne by two pages, Master Hugh Houstoun and Peter Marrow, who were attired in white satin knee breeches, white silk shirts, yellow sashes, and white buckleshoes, each wearing a gold safety pin, the gift of the bride.

Major Ackerman, D.S.O., M.C., R.A., acted as groomsman, the duties of ushers being discharged by Major Sinclair Wemyes, Wedderburn; Capt. Blake, Tillmouth; and Mr J. Allenby.

The bride’s mother was dressed in black georgette over satin, with deep fringe and sash lined with petunia and embroidered in petunia and gold. She wore a black georgette hat with ostrich feather trimming.

There was a large and fashionable assembly of guest in Church, which was also crowded with spectators from the village and neighbourhood.

After the ceremony a reception was held at Morris Hall, the beautiful home of the bride, within sight of Norham’s historic Castle.

LOCAL NEWS

The following war trophies have been received by the Mayor, and will remain in store in the Town Hall until such time as a portion of the Museum can be arranged to form a War Trophies Section :- Anti-tank rifle, helmet, German wire cutter, Austrian entrenching tool, German water bottle, 18 German rifles, carbine, body armour, bayonet, Turkish bayonet.

Mrs Bell, Chapel Street, Berwick, has received word that her nephew, Air Mechanic Ballantyne, who stowed away on R.34 on the Atlantic trip, has now arrived back at the aerodrome, East Fortune. Up to the present the Air Force Authorities have inflicted no disciplinary punishment. Air Mechanic Ballantyne hopes soon to visit Berwick, which has always been a spot favoured by him when on leave.

WAR MEDALS

The British War Medal which had been granted to His Majesty’s Forces is to be granted also to the British, Dominion, Colonial and Indian Mercantile Marine.

The Medal, in Silver, will be given to those who have served at sea for not less than six months between the 4th August, 1914, and 11th November, 1918, inclusive. A mercantile Marine War Medal is also to be granted to fishermen who can supply evidence of having served at sea on at least one voyage through a danger zone. The medal will be in bronze, and the riband will be in green and red arranged vertically, with a narrow white line between them. Applications for medals should be made to Mr Toohey, Customs Office, Berwick, for all those residing within the Port of Berwick.

CROOKHAM

We are sorry to hear of a very nasty accident which has befallen Mr Conquer, of Palinsburn Cottage, whilst working in Flodden Quarry, on Wednesday, 13th August. The injured man was at work along with his son John and another man on the top of the rock, when a small portion of the soil gave way and caught him in the breast, knocking him down and breaking his leg between the knee and thigh.

Flodden Quarry © Copyright Andrew Curtis – Creative Commons Licence.

He also received nasty injuries to the back, but happily no bones are broken there. Dr Badcock was soon on the spot and he was removed to his home. This is the first accident of any kind at the quarry, and it reflects great credit on the part of Mr Conquer, who has worked it for 18 years. He is now 68 years of age, and it will be some time before he is able to get about. However, we wish him a speedy recovery.

BERWICK ADVERTISER, 8 AUGUST 1919

09/08/2019 by Northumberland Archives

MILITARY NOTES

TO RESERVE

In the K.O.S.B., Regular Forces, Captain R. Joynson resigns his commission and joins the General Reserve of Officers, getting its seniority as Captain as from September 28th, 1915.

VOLUNTEERS’ CERTIFICATES

The work done by volunteers during the war is to be commemorated by the War Office Certificates, bearing the signature of Mr Churchhill, are now being given to all ranks who joined the various units as a record of their service in the force.

K.O.S.B. AND MINDEN DAY

On Friday, August 1st, Minden Day, the officers, W.O.’s, N.C.O.’s, and men at the Barracks, Berwick, wore a red rose in their caps. The battle of Minden was fought during the Seven Years’ War on August 1st, 1759, when Prince Ferdinand with 40,000 British and Hanoverian troops defeated the French, who lost 8000 men, of whom 3000 were made prisoners. As a result of the seven years’ war British supremacy in India was secured, Canada became a British colony, and the British command of the sea was to a great extent secured.

SPORTS AT THE GREENS

IN CELEBRATION OF ANNIVERSARY OF MOBILISATION

Residents in the upper part of the town and in the Greens in particular spent a pleasant hour on Monday evening, when in celebration of the anniversary of mobilisation, a small sports meeting was arranged and gone through on the Main Street in front of the Pilot Inn.

A crowd of several hundreds turned up to witness the events, and great hilarity prevailed, especially in the treacle bun competitions for youths resident in the Greens. Mick Noon, who is reputed to hold all the worlds records for treacle bun contests, was present as an interested spectator, but took no part in the bun worry, preferring to leave the honours to those of more youthful years.

The sports were in charge of Messrs Richard and Alic Murphy, who were assisted by a willing band of stewards, who took entries in the crowd, and greatly helped to run the events through smoothly.

An early 20th century image of the Low Greens, Berwick-upon-Tweed. Ref: BRO 515-398

The boot race for youths provided some good running, the competitors getting off their marks smartly, only to find trouble in store for them at the lower part of the Greens, where “Tucker” saw it that the boots were well mixed. Manuel was an easy winner, walking home as he liked. Several who followed were disqualified for not having their boots properly laced.

The potato picking race brought out several of the old-time athlete. Amongst the entrants were such peds. As “Tucker” and “Dodger,” and great laughter was occasioned when the latter prepared to strip off and indulge in a preliminary canter. The pace was fast from the start, and “Tay” Burgon was a popular winner. Robert Burgon was awarded second place, and “Tucker” Jameison third.

The crowd surging around, rather spoiled the first treacle bun event, but screams of laughter could be heard as the young competitors made franctic drives at the elusive buns, only to be smeared with treacle all over the face. The prize-money was divided between Gillie, Manuel and Jamieson.

A similar event for younger boys was equally amusing, and Matthews got through his bun at least a minute before anyone else, Borthwick being second, and Patterson and Dixon tying for third place.

Children’s races were then run off, and the sports were brought to a close with a women’s race. This created great amusement, several dames of mature years turning out. Mrs Wakenshaw ran well, and was at the tape a good three yards ahead of the others. Mrs Gillie was second, and Mrs Young third.

In the race for young men, Manuel got home first, with Gillie and Burgon a good second and third.

During the evening a collection was taken up for St. Dunstan’s Hostel, and the creditable sum of £2 6s 4d was raised, for which the promoters thank the public who subscribed.

The fun was kept up to a late hour, dancing to the music of an accordion taking place. “Auld Lang Syne” brought to a close a most enjoyable night.

ORD

The presentation of Peace Mugs, which could not take place on the day appointed for local Peace Celebrations, was carried out in ideal weather on Friday afternoon, August 1st, at the close of school for summer holidays. The scholars assembled at the Village Green, and were joined by others from outlying parts of the parish. After singing several songs, the arrival of Lord and Lady Francis Osborne was the signal for the ceremony to begin. After a short and appropriate speech from Mr Armstrong, chairman of the Parish Council, the children marched past and received their mugs.

Lady Osborne complimented the children on their appearance, and conduct, wished them a happy holiday, and hoped they would treasure the mugs as a souvenir of the great occasion. On the motion of Councillor Armstrong, Lady Osborne was cordially thanked for her services. The singing of the National Anthem marked the close of quite a pleasing function. In addition to scholars and teachers, the company present included:- Lord and lady Francis Osborne, Ord House; Mr and Mrs Armstrong, Murton White House, Mr and Mrs Lake, Tweed View, East Ord; Mr Harry Lake and Miss Lake, Bourne, Lincolnshire; Mrs McBain, Ord Cottage, Mrs Hornby, East Ord Schoolhouse, and Mr and Mrs Chrystal, East Ord.

GLENDALE AGRICULTURAL SHOW

POPULAR FUNCTION REVIVED

The war having curtailed the energies of the Glendale Agricultural Society, the public looked forward to the time when the show would be revived, and they were not disappointed in the splendid meeting which was arranged for on Thursday last. Old institutions die hard, but there is a yet no sign that the Glendale Society has reached the period of the sere and yellow leaf. Under the capable direction of Mr R. Noble, Shipley, Alnwick, little is left out of account which would be material to the success of the meeting.

Sheep Farmers, Glendale Show 1957. Ref: BRO 1760-1

Under the restrictions and curtailment of railway service, this year’s revival falls short of pre-war days, but notwithstanding this, the Show as presented gave satisfaction to all, and was a happy augury for the future. The jumping of hunters, which was at one time a feature of the show, had this year to be cut out, owing to the great difficulties which are being experienced by agriculturists in getting stock removed from place to place. Part of the large field too where the event was held formerly is now let for grazing, and the cattle, sheep, and industrial sections had to be held in the Wooler Mart premises, kindly placed at the disposal of the Committee.

During the forenoon, the weather was fair, with a high wind prevailing, and most of the judging was carried through expeditiously. Unfortunately, however, in the afternoon a rainstorm was experienced, and the velocity of the wind increased, which must have had an adverse effect upon the attendance.

Compared with 1914, when the last show was held, the entries showed a total decrease of 80. As a whole, the display of stock was quite creditable, the sheep and horses being particularly good.

TWEEDMOUTH JOTTINGS

ACCIDENT

What might have proved a very nasty if not fatal accident, occurred on Monday forenoon. While Edward Simpson, Border Inn, and a worker in Scremerston pit, was cycling down Sunnyside, in endeavouring to pass a flock of lambs being driven to Berwick Mart, two or three lambs ran across the track of his cycle, throwing him heavily. Fortunately, he fell on to the top of sheep, but his shoulder was pretty badly bruised.

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