BERWICK ADVERTISER, 23RD DECEMBER 1921

24/12/2021 by Northumberland Archives

ATTRACTIVE WINDOW DISPLAY

FOR CHRISTMASTIME AT BERWICK

To take the family for a walk round the shops of Berwick at this time of year means almost financial ruin, for after the tempting window displays of our leading shopping centres even the close-fisted ad narrow-minded trait of character which we all possess more or less is apt to be swept away in the Christmassy sprit engendered.

In all the leading shop windows special electric lighting installations show off the goods displayed to great effect, and in this work Mr Williams, electrician, High Street, who himself has a fine display of electric appliances, cam claim a large amount of credit.

Messrs Ralph Dodds and Son makes a special feature of crackers and all that goes to make the Christmas party a success. Mr Fish, bootmaker, with a fine imitation snow fall, brightens this part of the High Street, the large window being filled with high-class footwear. Ford’s Garage Coy. And Tom Lilburn give a lead in mechanical and Meccano toys; while Mr Howe has again his attractive display of all that gladdens the youthful heart. Messrs Stoddard, by the way, have a display of something calculate to gladden the hearts of those of more mature years. Mr Cairns’s baker and confectioner, shop is most tastefully done off in Jap style, and the confectionary and pastry most tastefully arranged.

PAXTON AND PURVES LTD, dated 1959. Ref: BRO 1250/19

In the drapery and fancy good lines, Messrs Paxton and Purves and Dunlop’s have a fine window dressing, as also have Messrs Redpath and Sons. Other shops nicely done off are Mr Oliphant’s Mr R K Gaul’s; Mr R Robertson, Hide Hill; Mr Miller, Hide Hill; Mr Joures, Miss Gray, and Mr Martin. In the bakery and fruiterer line, the outstanding window dressings may be seen at Mr Simmen’s, Mr Dudgeon’s, Mr Mason’s and Mrs Thompson’s; Mr F. Rea, Hide Hill; Mr J. McDonald’s Mr J. Waite and Mr Outterson.

While we have given the leading displays we know the list is by no means complete. Every shop, in fact, is doing its best this Christmas season to attract, and if we may judge by the interest shown by the public, they have succeeded in attracting. All round, the Christmas windows this year are the best since 1913.

SCOUT CONCERT

1ST BERWICKS

“It’s going to be heaps better this year said a Boy Scout selling tickets –“its” being the annual concert of the 1^st Berwick Troop. And those who bought the tickets and went last Thursday evening to swell the crowd at the Parochial hall now agree that the Scout was right – “It” was heaps better. There was a variety about the programme that never palled. Everything was gone into with that refreshing enthusiasm that seems to pervade the whole Scout movement in Berwick at the present time from the County Commissioner downwards. “It” was the “show” of the 1^st Berwicks, and in all the arrangements, that went without a hitch, could be traced the ability of Scoutmaster Parkes. He was well backed up by Scoutmaster L.F. Gleig, A.S.M, J. Steven, Scoutmaster O. Peacock, and C.W. Davies, and the various patrol leaders and members of the Troop, amongst whom are boys with plenty of promise.

The opening sketch – “A Christmas Exam.,” was exactly the sort of piece to interest the boys taking part. The scene was a schoolroom, where the three Professors are putting the boys through an “exam.” Father Christmas enters and, with his characteristic good humour, changes the scene to one of mirth and amusement, the professors and pupils finishing up with a “jing-a-ring” round the table, singing a parody of “John Peel.” The burlesque, “A Theatrical Agency,” was most amusing. To test the theatrical qualifications of the various applicants, the “Agent” asks each in turn to sing a little ditty entitled “London’s burning.” He shows them how to do it. Tragedy, drama comedy ( with a stutter) and the “Knut Bertie” all have a try at the song, and then the unsatisfied Agent again starts to show them how he wants it done. This time his dramatic cries of “Fire!” are doused by a liberal application of a soda-water syphon and numerous tumblers of water poured over him by the would-be actors.

BERWICK SCOUTS CAMP, 1910. Ref: BRO 1500/2

The tableaux of Scout life in camp were most interesting. The descriptive story was given by Scoutmaster Parkes, and the change of tableau was done very noiselessly and quickly. The lighting effects by Mr Williams were a great help to the stage setting for the tableaux. To the strains of the bugle sounding “Reveille” the audience saw their first picture of Scout life – a newly-awakened Scout stretching himself. The cooks busy preparing food and washing dishes was the second picture: while No.3 showed the healthy discipline of camp life, representing “The boy who wouldn’t wash, “stripped to the waist and being forced to submit to the ordeal of having buckets of cold water poured over him. In the next picture all branches of the Scout movement were shown- Rovers, Sea Scouts, Land Scouts, Girl Guides and Wolf Cubs – “Brownies” being aloe unrepresented. Then the closing scene showed the Scouts o “night watch” by the glowing fire-light.

The “Camp Fire Sing-Song” was the concluding item of the programme, and was in itself a series of items. In the centre of the platform was a most realistic log fire, and seated round are the troop of Scouts. Their war-cry attracts two neighbouring farmers, who join the group and the sing-song, contributing “Widdecombe Fair” as a duet. A solo by Second N. Campbell and troop songs that wet with a splendid swing were also sung, and Scoutmaster Gleig, with his fine deep bass, gave a good rendering of “Wrap we up in my Tarpauline Jacket” as well as a monologue.

For the benefit of those who wonder what the Troop war-cry is we give it as under. It is the Danish war-cry adapted and was originally American :-

“Yehikkalika Yehikkalika

Tehow Tehow Tehow

Boomerlaka Boomerlaka

Bow Bow Bow.

Chikerlika Boomerlaka Bish Boom Ba.

The Bears are out. Ra Ra Ra.”

Other good items on the programme were a humorous recitation by Bain Dickinson, with bonnet, veil, mantle and skirt complete, and the violin solo by George Martin. The dancing display by Pipe-major Mackie’s party of four dainty girls was another popular item, and the sections of Spittal Amateur Orchestra under the leadership of Mr T. Jackson were enjoyed by all.

This Week in World War One, 28 December 1917

08/03/201829/12/2017 by Northumberland Archives

BERWICK ADVERTISER, 28 DECEMBER 1917

NOTES FROM SPITTAL

HOME ON LEAVE

Sergeant Frank Swinney, N.F., is home for a 14 days’ leave from the Front. He is looking well in spite of the hardships he has endured. He went out with his regiment in April, 1915, as private, has been wounded twice, and has earned his promotion in the field.

We notice cadets Tom Burn and R. C. Clements also home; the former well known as one of our foremost footballers, and the other our late Boy Scouts’ Leader and Schoolmaster in Spittal Council School.

Lance-Corporal Borthwick is also here from the front. In his avocation as a postman he is well-known. He is married to a daughter of Mr R. Gladstone of West Street, Spittal.

Private J. Boston, son of Mr R. Boston of Forge Cottages is home for Christmas, also Seaman Jas. Johnston, one of the crew of the (will we call it the Spittal ship) the Macedonia.

BELFORD AND DISTRICT

ON LEAVE FROM FRANCE

We are pleased to see an old friend in the person of Private Thomas Ryan, West Street, Belford, enjoying his leave at present. Tom has been 13 months in France and has had some rough experiences, being wounded in the right arm and right leg on one occasion. His photo and brief sketch of movements appeared in these columns in November last. He has our very best wishes for the future.

Corporal E. Fenwick, M.M., eldest son of Mr and Mrs Fenwick, Middleton, Belford, is a present enjoying his 14 days’ leave from France. Our young friend is looking exceedingly well to have spent 14 months in the firing line. A brief sketch of his career and photo appeared in these columns in June last. We wish him a continuance of his past good luck.

It is quite a pleasure to see Private Edmund Henry, 4th son of Mr and Mrs Henry, Plantation Farm, Belford, enjoying a few days leave prior to going overseas with his regiment, East Yorks. Edmund enlisted shortly after attaining his 18th birthday, and has been in training since. Our young friend is looking well and appears to have increased in height and width since joining up. He has our best wishes for his future welfare.

LOCAL NEWS

An entertainment was given in the Playhouse on Monday afternoon to 1000 school children, whose fathers or brothers are serving, or have served, in the Army or navy during the present war.

The idea originated with County Alderman Thomas Darling, who collected the necessary funds from his friends. A series of pictures was shown, and a conjurer gave a display. Needless to say, the young folks were delighted. After the singing of the National Anthem, Mr Willits moved a vote of thanks to Mr Darling and the other donors, and expressed the pleasure that the treat would give, not only to the children, but to the brave men who are fighting for us.

Towards midnight on Christmas Eve, the crew of Berwick Lifeboat were summoned for the purpose of placing on board their boats in the bay, four members of the crew who had come ashore in small boats and were unable to reach their crafts owing to the heavy sea which had suddenly arisen.

Image 8 – Lifeboat – RNLB Matthew Simpson – Left to Right – Not known, Not known, Not known, John Wood, Knot known, Jack Lough, George Lough, Bartholomew Lough, Thomas Martin (possible), Not known, Not Known, Alex Patterson Lough.

The lifeboat went to the mouth of the river, and found that the craft had disappeared, but they were just in time to rescue two members of the crew who had been left in charge of their own boat, which had broken adrift, and would in a minute or two more have been swamped by the tremendous sea. Unfortunately, the lifeboat was a good deal damaged by the sinking boat being hurled against its side with great force. The men left by rail to rejoin their boat in the Firth of Forth.

Last week we reported a police case where boys in the K.O.S.B. Band raided Mr Crisp’s tobacconist shop. It came out that one of the boys, Laubauch, a lad of under sixteen, had already had no less than ten charges of theft against him. We believe that the theft of the motor car was nothing more than the boy going off in the car for a joy ride, and stepping out into the owner’s arms when he returned. He was sentenced to six months imprisonment in all. It is worth considering if the boy has been benefited by his previous punishment, because, if not, there should be some better way found of turning him into an honest citizen. We don’t profess to be able to say what that method should be but the present method of punishing the boy at any rate does not seem very successful.

THE K.O.S.B. BARRACKS

At the Barracks the Corporals and men of the K.O.S.B. were entertained to a Christmas dinner and in the absence of Lieut. Colonel Maclaren, Major Robertson Glasgow, delivered a short address, being accompanied by Major F. Villiers, Adjutant, and Lieut. Hart. Mr Robertson, Glasgow expressed the hope that the great conflict would be ended before they again met for Christmas. He was pleased to meet so many non coms and men some of whom had gained from one to five badges, and had lent a hand in holding back the initial effort of the German avalanche. At the close, hearty cheers were given for all the officers and a most pleasant time was spent.

COL. PETERKIN AND THE WAR LOAN

The Royal Scots were entertained to dinner in the Dining Hut on the Parade, according to regimental custom. The men were waited upon by the warrant officers and sergeants of the Battalion. The fare reflected great credit upon the Quarter-Master Staff, the Sergeant Cook and his assistants. The Royal Scots orchestra was present, and discoursed popular airs while dinner was in progress. Col. Peterkin with his officers paid a visit to the Dining Hut, and in a few brief remarks spoke of the exemplary record the Battalion had maintained since mobilisation.

The huts on the Parade at Berwick. In one of these (The Dining Hut), the Royal Scots were entertained. © Berwick Record Office, BRO 1944-1-149-1.

Each new year had shown a clean sheet, and he trusted this would be maintained on the present occasion. He was proud to tell them that in connection with the War Loan they had beaten the Brigade hollow in regard to the amount subscribed. The figures showed the 2-10th Royal Scots with £155 7s 6d to their credit, or over £70 more than the next highest in the Battalion. (Applause).They had all done well, but he had no doubt that the well could have been made better. He was sure that money was sometimes spent carelessly by the men that could have been put to a better purpose in the War Loan. (Applause). He concluded by wishing them all a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. (Applause).The men gave cheers for Col. Peterkin and the other officers, singing “For he’s a jolly good fellow.” The officers paid a similar visit to the Sergeant’s Mess.

Scouting at Stannington

25/01/2017 by Northumberland Archives

Three Scouts practising map reading on a hospital veranda (ref: NRO 10510/2/2)

Children were kept occupied in several ways during their long stays at Stannington, perhaps one of the more unexpected was by being able to join the hospital’s own Scout and Guide groups.

A patient’s stay at the Sanatorium (later Children’s Hospital) normally lasted for several months and often extended into years. Keeping children occupied during this time was an important consideration for the institution’s staff. Outside of attending the on-site school which all children did as soon as their recovery from illness allowed there were several ways the hospital staff kept children busy and entertained during their stays.

To provide children’s evening and weekend activities the sanatorium staff included a Welfare and Recreation Officer. At the start of the 1950s this role was held by Mr Holmes and it was his responsibility to organise and manage activities for the children. In this role he was a member of the Hospital House Committee which met to discuss and oversee the day to day running of the hospital. For each meeting he submitted a report of the various activities he’s arranged in the previous month. In his monthly report for the meeting of August 1950 he noted that:

“I have attended two meetings in conjunction with forming a Scout and Cub section at the Sanatorium. I think this is a helpful scheme for the boys, as some of them are already members of the Boy Scout Movement and if we form a group at the Sanatorium patients leaving would be transferred to Scout Clubs in their own district. …

…I also propose to form a Girl Guide Section.” (HOSP/STAN/1/2/5)

Report on Ralph Readers visit to Stannington in the Morpeth Herald, 29th January 1952 — Report on Ralph Reader’s visit to Stannington in the Morpeth Herald, 29th January 1952

By the end of September 1950 four sections had been established; Scouts, Cubs, Guides and Brownies. In January 1952 Ralph Reader, actor, theatre producer and originator of the Scout Gang Show visited to hand the Scouts and cubs their first colours. On this occasion the membership, which totalled 40, including 22 Scouts, assembled on the veranda to receive the colours. Several troop members confined to bed were wheeled out onto the veranda to also be involved in proceedings.

Soon after this a Scout and Guide Group Committee was formed to oversee all 4 sections. At their meeting held on the 30^th April 1952 Mr Holmes and Mrs Driver, the Scout and Guide leaders, reported on activities which had taken place:

“Two lessons on woodcraft and tracking and 2 scouts were to take their 2^nd class badge. Mrs Driver reported that she now had 22 guides… … an expatient had been presented with the Badge of Fortitude at the Sanderson Orthopaedic Hospital and it was agreed that the Secretary write a letter of congratulations.”

“Arrangements were being made to hold the competition for the Mitford Cup at the sanatorium and it was suggested that the committee might act as host.” (HOSP-STAN 1/2/14)

The Scout Troops posing for a photograph on the steps of a hospital veranda (NRO 10510/3/15)

When it was held the Hospital Scout troop went on to win the Mitford Cup for their skill in knot making, knowledge of scouting law and oral relay skills. The range of activities undertaken by the Scouts carried on and even expanded to include Scout camps held in the grounds of the hospital as long as “Mr Holmes was present the whole time and returned the children to the ward each morning” (HOSP/STAN/1/2/14 9th July 1952).

Later that year Mr Holmes resigned as Welfare and Recreation Officer. In time he was replaced in this role by Mr Pullen and Douglas Johnstone took over as Scout Master. Douglas Johnstone, after his time with the Scouts, would go on to become to the General Secretary of the PCHA, later Children North East, the organisation which half a century earlier had originally built the sanatorium.

Activities carried on including a salvage drive, where used paper, bottles and jars were collected to sell and raise money, but it was decided not to collect bones due to the possibility of encouraging rats! This happened in conjunction with the normal activities of learning skills and gaining badges. In 1952 some scouts were noted in the Welfare and Recreation Officers report as being ready to sit tests for Semaphore and First Aid Badges and one guide had recently taken her Music Lover’s badge and was ready to take her Needlewoman’s Badge test.

Later the Scouts were allowed away from the hospital on troop outings. These included trips to places such as Northumberland National Park and the beaches of Craster, Alnmouth and Boulmer. Pictured below are 6 of the scouts whilst on an outing to Alnmouth in 1961.

nro-10510-3_04_blog — Six members of the hospital Scout Troop on a trip to the coast near Alnmouth. (ref: NRO 10510/3/4)

The groups also carried out fundraising activities in addition to their salvage drive, hosting dances and other events. With the money they raised they contributed £40 to the purchase of 5 TVs by the committee which was set up to celebrate the queen’s coronation in 1953. The Girl Guides also contributed to the fundraising efforts which included having a stall at the 1952 sanatorium garden party and raising £22 towards the installation of radio throughout the hospital.

The short history of the Scout Troop at Stannington ended in the autumn of 1962 when Douglas Johnstone, the Scout Master, disbanded the troop. However we know the Guide and Brownie sections continued after this as in the spring of 1964 the hospital recreation hall was refurbished and a timetable drawn up for its use; this included a slot for the Girl Guides on a Monday night between 5pm and 7pm and a slot for the Brownies at the same time on Tuesday nights. Though the scouts only had a relatively short history the troop was just one of many ways we’ve came across in the patient files and other records in which children were kept occupied and entertained during their stays. You can read more about this in an earlier blog post here.

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