Chain Bridge

BERWICK ADVERTISER, 30 JUNE 1916

WOMEN FARM WORKERS

In many parts of the country there appears to exist a suspicion that, if women register their names for farm work, they may be subjected to some form of compulsory service.

The War Office and the Board of Agriculture and Fisheries desire to assure all women who

Women's Land Army. © Henry George Gawthorn (1879-1941), UK government, in the public domain. — © Henry George Gawthorn (1879-1941)

are engaged in work on the land, or who may be willing to undertake such work, that the registration of their names for that purpose will in no way be used to compel them to undertake either agricultural or any other form of work. Such work is entirely voluntary. In no case will they be expected to work on farms outside their own neighbourhood unless they are willing to do so. But it is necessary, in order that the most sufficient use may be made of their services, to have a list of the names and addresses of women who are prepared in the national emergency to undertake work in the place of the men who are fighting in the trenches. As there is a great need for the services of patriotic women who are willing to assist in the home production of food, it is hoped that all women who can see their way to offer their services, either whole or part time, will at once have their names registered at the Local Labour Exchange or by the village Registrar.

Board of Agriculture and Fisheries,

4, Whitehall Place, S.W.

23rd June, 1916

LOCAL NEWS

A Big Smash. – On Monday afternoon a number of army motor vans were going through Bridge Street, one of the tyres of a van skidded, precipitating the vehicle through the plate glass windows of Mr Thomson, baker. The large front glass window as well as the side window were smashed.

Accident. – On Tuesday afternoon a woman named Swinney, 176 Main Street, Tweedmouth, slipped while taking clothes off a rope in a back yard, fracturing her left ankle. Nurse Davidson was called, and the woman was removed to the Infirmary.

Midsummer Holiday. – Tuesday was observed in Berwick as the annual Midsummer holiday, when all places of business were closed. Like its predecessor of 1915, the war put a damper on the usual observances – no railway facilities in the way of cheap, excursions being offered. That being so, far distance travelling was out of the question to the vast majority.

Old photograph of salmon fishermen below Chain Bride, near Horncliffe, Berwick-upon-Tweed. © Berwick Record Office, BRO 426 1125.

Notwithstanding these drawbacks the general public made the best of the circumstances – some went boating, some went fishing, some went cycling, others went in either for bowling or golf, while a goodly number made the Chain Bridge their rendezvous – where the Berwick Boy Scouts were having a picnic. There was quite a number of parties squatting here and there on the green sward. With their attendant fires to boil the kettle for tea and notwithstanding the cheerlessness of the day seemed to be enjoying themselves. The weather throughout the day was dull and scarcely in keeping with the leafy month of June. All are looking forward with eager anticipation to next midsummer holiday, when it is hoped the war clouds will have rolled away and everything back to usual conditions.

HOW TO GET TO HOLY ISLAND

Now that summer has come, and readers of the “Advertiser” will be planning their outings on Thursday afternoons, as well as for longer periods, a word as to Holy Island will not come amiss. Comparatively few of the inhabitants of Berwick and neighbourhood have visited this most interesting place; in many cases because they do not know how to make their visit suit the tides, going and returning. A safe rule is to cross on an ebbing tide in preference to a flowing one. If going by train leaving for Beal after 1.10 p.m. (from July 1st onwards), and returning by last train Spring tides (high water at from 1 to 4 p.m.), should be avoided, and a day chosen when the tide is full about 10 to 12 o’clock.

Early 20th century photograph showing the crossing of the sands at Holy Island. © Berwick Record Office, BRO 426 1059.

If going by either of the morning trains, and returning by last train, high water any time between 11 a.m. and 4 p.m. will suit.

Holy Island conveyances meet the 7.40 a.m. or the 1.10 p.m. trains, from Berwick, single fare 1s each, or for four persons or upwards conveyances will be sent to meet any train at the same fare. Conveyances can be ordered from any of the following :- Mr R. Bell, Post Office, Holy Island; Mr James Brigham, Holy Island; Mr Geo. Wilson, Northumberland Arms, Holy Island; Mr Thomas Fender, Holy Island.

BERWICK ADVERTISER, 2ND JULY 1915

BERWICK BOY SCOUTS FIELD DAY

On Midsummer Holiday Berwick-upon-Tweed Boy Scouts had a combined outing to Chain Bridge. The patrols from Tweedmouth and Spittal joined Berwick boys at Headquarters, Palace Green, where arrangements were completed for the march. Headed by a patrol leader bearing the Troop

Berwick Advertiser 2 July 1915, Boy Scout

flag, the procession passed through the town and made quite a good show, the treck-cart party coming up close behind, and being followed by the Cyclist Scouts.

After a halt at Cantie’s the troop resumed their march and reached Chain Bridge in time to have bathing parade before dinner. The afternoon was pleasantly spent, and after tea, a football match, Berwick versus Tweedmouth and Spittal, was played off, resulting in a victory for the latter.

The weather was glorious up to this point, but the thunder-storm which broke as the boys were on their way to Velvet Hall Station literally put the damper on them. However, they were very happy, and quite enjoyed the day’s outing.

Altogether, 134 boys were present at the outing, the Scoutmasters in charge being Messrs Clements, Turnbull, Moore and Edward Smith. Mr T. Boal very kindly acted as Scoutmaster for the day, and to him and to Mr Bell, farmer, Bankhead, who kindly placed a field at the disposal of the Scouts, as well as to Mr T. C. Smith, Castle Terrace, who provided prizes, the thanks of the Scouts’ Association are heartily tendered.

Berwick Advertiser 2 July 1915, Playhouse Advert — Berwick Advertiser 2 July 1915,
Playhouse Advert

SUNDAY SCHOOL TRIP

On Tuesday afternoon the children attending the E.P. Church, Tweedmouth, had their annual trip to Greenlaw Farm, Foulden. The farmer, Mr James Renton, and family, seem to look forward to the coming of the children and their friends with pleasure, and to find special delight in making preparations for their entertainment. As the long procession of carts, kindly supplied by Messrs Peter Edgar, Camphill; David and James Renton, Spittal Hall; Mrs Marshall, Tweedmouth; Mr Cowe, Baldersbury; and Mrs Waite, Castlehill, passed along the youngsters broke away from the monotony and depression of the time-making all within reach of their voices forget for a little the worries and anxieties of the war. Once on the field there was a rush to the liberty to scamper and play and amuse themselves without restraint. After tea, served by the teachers, the games and races were resumed with vigour, and kept going till a few loud claps of thunder intimated that it was time to quit. Before leaving, to show how much they felt indebted to Mr and Mrs Renton and family for the invitation to their place, for the milk they supplied for the tea, and for their kindness and efforts to make the trip a success, three hearty cheers were given. The return journey, after a most enjoyable afternoon in the open, was completed without a mishap. The teachers beg to thank very sincerely Mr P. Edgar for his assistance on the field; Mr P. Boston for the use of the infuser; the ladies who gave the nuts and sweets; those who provided the carts, and all who contributed towards the children’s enjoyment.

LOCAL OFFICER WOUNDED

Lieut F.W Smail

Mr H.R. Smail, proprietor of the “Berwick Advertiser,” received word by telegram on Wednesday evening that his second son, Lieut. F.W. Smail had been wounded on Monday, but the nature of the wound is not stated.

Lieut. Smail was educated at Berwick Grammar School and Loretto School, Musselburgh, and afterwards was a student farmer. A year or two ago he entered the tenancy of Linton Burnfoot Farm, Kelso. A year before the outbreak of war he was a trooper in the Lothians and Border Horse, and from that regiment he transferred to the 7^th N.F. as second lieutenant. He was keen and enthusiastic in the discharge of his duties, and before the 7^th N.F. left for the front he was promoted 1^st Lieutenant. His eldest brother, Captain H. R. Smail, is in the same regiment.

A letter we have received as we go to press states that Lieut. Smail was caught by a sniper while in the trenches at night. The bullet struck him on the back of the head, and he was carried from the trench unconscious. The wound is described as serious.

Lieut F.W Smail Dies From His Wounds

Berwick Cemetery, North Road, Berwick-upon-Tweed, where 1st Lieutenant Frank Weddell Smail is buried

SMAIL, Lt. Frank Weddell. “D” Coy. 1st/7th Bn. Northumberland Fusiliers. Died 1st Dec., 1915 of wounds received near Wulverghem on 27th June. Age 23. Son of Henry Richardson Smail, of Berwick-on-Tweed. A.C. 412. Acknowledgement – Grave Registration Documents-Registers – CWGC

This Week in World War One, 30 June 1916