BERWICK ADVERTISER, 22ND DECEMBER 1922

23/12/2022 by Northumberland Archives

BELFORD HALL ESTATE SOLD

It is stated the Belford estate has just been sold by Messrs Anderson and Garland, in conjunction with Messrs John Baty and Son, of Newcastle, to Mr Blasé, near Northallerton. A syndicate is mentioned which is already prepared to part with some of the property and it is stated that some farmers have already been asked if they want to buy.

The estate, belonging to the Atkinson Clark family, embraces the larger portion of Belford village which has a long history of exceptional interest. In olden times the houses were covered with heather and sods, and the place, Tomlinson tells us, being liable to be burned by the Scots, was very poor.

It was sacked by these northern raiders in the reign of Henry II., and in the reign of Charles I. (1639) was in a state of declension. The “Castrum de Beleford,” which existed as early as 1416, is now West Hall Farm-houses. The old moat may still be traced. Belford Hall, also included in the sale, has been for many years the seat of the Atkinson-Clark family. The large stone mansion was designed by Payne, and altered and enlarged by Dobson. The greater part of the furnishings were disposed of at a sale at the hall last year after the death of the late Mr G. D. Atkinson-Clark. The present Squire, Mr H. G. Atkinson-Clark, has not resided at the Hall save for an occasional visit.

LOCAL NEWS

The happiest day of the school year for teachers and scholars of Berwick C.E. School was on Wednesday, when a dancing display was given by the girls in the Parochial Hall before a large number of parents. As Miss Richardson, the headmistress, said at the close, the girls work all the better when they know their work is to be appreciated and that they are going to give pleasure to others. The hour was all too short, all enjoying watching the girls dance. Very pretty was the Morris Dance, in which the girls wore lavender or green pinafores and sun-bonnets, and “Briar Rose” – a singing game in which the tots took part. In the centre of a ring sat a tiny maiden on a rose-decked chair spinning her wheel. Round her danced the maidens, till by came a fairy and, touching all with her wand, sent them to sleep for 100 years. In due course also by came the fairy prince and, cutting through the thorns of the briar rose, rescued the maiden.

The shops throughout the town are making a fine display with Christmas ware, and with lighting effects now brought to a high state of perfection the window displays are very pleasing. The toy shops are cram full of every mechanical and other device calculated to catch the children’s fancy, while the clothiers, tobacconists, fancy goods merchants, boot makers and bakers and confectioners vie with each other as to who will make their premises the most attractive. Such is the show that it is difficult to pass any of the shops without making a “saxpense gae bang.” The only fly in the ointment at the present time is the tightness of money. Shopkeepers freely tell us that there is not much of this passing at present, but perhaps by Friday the purse strings of economical and thrifty residents will be opened as a result of that Christmassy feeling which makes the whole world kin.

BRO 1944-1-4939-44. Santa delivering parcels on Marygate, Berwick-upon-Tweed.

The magazine night of the Berwick Debating Society is always looked forward to with anticipation by members as one of the treats of the syllabus, and particularly so when the Christmas magazine comes round. The Editor, Mr L. F. Gleig, on Wednesday night read the papers with a true interpretation of their meaning which could hardly have been improved upon. The first paper entitled “The angelic choir boy” was well thought out, and the anti-climax brought considerable hilarity. There was also a poem on Armistice Day, and a humorous skit entitled “7a Church Street, “ which produced a great deal of merriment. “Easter Island” was another good paper which we publish in full in another good paper which we publish in full in another column. The second part of the programme was a lengthy and extremely well written paper entitled the “Veneer of Civilisation.” The writer reviewed the various civilisations which had come and gone in the past centuries and said there was only a slim covering between the civilised people and the barbarians. A lively discussion ensued on every paper.

BERWICK PETTY SESSIONS

A WALKERGATE BATTLE

Mary Ann Campbell, 57 Church Street, Berwick, was charged with assaulting Ellen Pearson on 14th December. Mrs Campbell cross summoned Ellen Pearson, 55 Walkergate, for assault.

Mrs Pearson said there was a dispute about a brush when Mrs Campbell jumped at her, pulled her hair and knocked her down behind the door. She remembered no more.

James Lyons corroborated and said Mrs Campbell thumped Mrs Pearson with a key.

This was denied by Mrs Campbell, who said she only struck in self defence as Mrs Pearson threw a jug at her.

The cross summons was then taken, when Mrs Campbell said a little boy was accused of stealing a brush, and she said they should look for it instead of blaming anyone. The elderly Pearson kept shouting at her and as she went down the passage threw an enamel jug at her Mrs Pearson then pulled her hair and to make her leave go witness hit her on the nose.

This was corroborated by Mrs Smith, aunt of the accused.

The Bench bound both parties over for six months and ordered them to pay their own expenses.

NO DEMAND ON PROPERTIES

FOUR LOTS SOLD OUT OF SIXTEEN OFFERED

In the Long Room of the Corn Exchange on Tuesday night Mr H M. Young, of Messrs Millers, F.A.I., offered for sale sixteen lots of property in Tweedmouth, Spittal, and Berwick. There was a large attendance at the sale, but actual business was practically nil, though the auctioneer, in his opening remarks, made it clear that the reserve prices fixed were very moderate.

Mr Young, at the outset, intimated that the parcel of copyhold land known as the “Quarry” on Tweedmouth Cemetery road had been sold privately before the auction. In his opening remarks, he covered most of the ground as he had done in the afternoon, and pointed out that it was very probable after June next year that the Rents Restriction Act would be considerably modified. He urged the necessity of tenants becoming owners of their own houses wherever possible.

Corn Exchange, Berwick-upon-Tweed. NT9990052696 from NT9990452736

The conditions of sale for the various lots were read by Mr Parker, Mr P. M. Henderson, Mr J. E. T. Smith, and Mr Jas. Gray, but biding all through was of a most depressing character. The only lots to find a market were the freehold tenements 19, 14 and 16 Well Square, the dwelling house at 11 Kiln Hill, the self-contained house and garden at 50 West Street, Spittal, and the property at 13, 15, 17 and 19 Walkergate. In every other case the lots were withdrawn as the reserve price had not been reached.

The property at 9, 14 and 16 Well Square is now in the occupation of Messrs Veitch, Taylor and others at the gross annual rental of £17 16s. For this lot bidding started at £70 and rose by £10 bids to £100, when Mr R. Sidey, plasterer, became the owner.

The dwelling house at 11 Kiln Hill is now let in tenements at the gross annual rental of £24 per annum. Bidding for it started at £100 and rose slowly to £150, when Mrs Skelly, Tweedmouth, was declared the purchaser.

No.50 West Street, Spittal, with 60 square yards of garden ground, is now in the occupation of Mrs Laidlaw at the rental of £13 per annum. It started at £20 and went slowly up by small amounts until £39 was reached, when Mr Spowart got the fall of the hammer.

The shop and dwelling house of three apartments, yard, etc, known as 13 and 15 Walkergate, in the occupation of Mr Cook, and the dwelling house Nos 17 and 19 Walkergate, in the occupation of Messrs Windram and Davidson at the gross rental of £44 was the only other lot to sell. There is a right of way from the Scotch Church in Greenside Avenue to Walkergate through the yard of this property. Bidding for it started at £200, and with several bidders out for it the most spirited moment of the evening was seen. At £400 it became the property of Mrs Forsyth.

LOTS WITHDRAWN

The following lots were withdrawn:- 3 Brewery Bank, withdrawn at £110; Elm House, Kiln Hill, tenements and garden, withdrawn at £150; Nos 1 and 3 Well Road, withdrawn at £150; Nos 5 and 7 Well Road, withdrawn at £120; freehold property 11 and 13 Coxon’s Lane, withdrawn at 3120; block of property, Nos 14,16,16a and 18 Kiln Hill, 17 Yard Heads, two self-contained dwelling-houses, warehouses and yards occupying an area of 690 square yards and occupied by the executors of the late A. D. Watt, withdrawn at £400; tenement property in Blakewell Lane withdrawn at £70; tenement dwelling-houses, 71,73 and 75 West End, no offers; dwelling-house 15 Church Road withdrawn, £110; block of property, 26 to 32 Middle Street and 23 to 25 West Street, Spittal, withdrawn at £60; tenement property, 29 and 31 East Street, withdrawn at £345, and tenement property, 46 to 48 West End, Tweedmouth, withdrawn at £110.

PROFESSIONALISM IN FOOTBALL

LORD JOICEY ALARMED

The menace which professionalism constitutes to football as a sport was commented on by Lord Joicey at the Station Hotel, Newcastle, on Tuesday afternoon, when he presented a beautiful silver shield, mounted on oak, to last season’s winners of the North-Eastern Railway Cottage Homes football competition, the Newcastle Accountants’ department team, who are the first holders.

In the course of his remarks Lord Joicey said that he was an old football player himself, and when at school he was captain of the football team and knew the value of games. Games were really an education in themselves, and football developed determination, character, and a high honour, and the amateur teams had a very good influence. “I confess I took with some degree of alarm,” he went on, “at the way that football has been given over to professionals. Professionals are all very well and good of the sport is where every footballer player for the benefit of the game itself. I regret that very large sums are paid to gentlemen who are engaged as professional football players. Three, four, and even five thousand pounds is sometimes paid to get a good player. That all leads to betting, and I am afraid that ultimately it will have a very bad effect upon the game itself. I hope your club will continue as an amateur club, because it will be beneficial to everybody connected with the railway company and to yourselves.

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.

BERWICK ADVERTISER, 9TH DECEMBER 1921

10/12/2021 by Northumberland Archives

GLENDALE NOTES

WOOLER

The annual Christmas prize show and sale of fat stock will be held at the Wooler Mart on Monday first, when a good display of both cattle and sheep are expected.

The Committee of the tennis Club are on the lookout for a suitable piece of ground on which to lay hard courts.

Before this is in print the collectors will have been round asking for contributions to the free gift sale to be held at the Wooler Mart in aid of the Newcastle Royal Infirmary. This noble institution is sadly in need of funds, and this is a good opportunity for anyone to help forward a good cause.

The Cross Country Electric Oedema Ltd., will screen “Her Penalty” and “Teasing the Soil” (comic) in the Archbold Hall, Wooler, on Thursday, December 15^th, at 7.30pm. (Advt.)

On Friday night (tonight) Mr Hiton Philipson, prospective Coalition Liberla Candidate for this Division, is to make his first appearance before a Wooler audience in the Archibold Hall. County – Alderman G. G. Rea, C.B.E., is to be in the chair.

CHRISTMAS

Shopkeepers are now busily engaged in making preparations for the Christmas season trade. There will be plenty of choice this year, as grocers drapers, etc., will be able to make a good display. The smoking public will also be in a position to purchase their favourite blends without rationing. Fancy goods and confectionery are also offered in great variety.

LOCAL NEWS

Two interesting finds have been made recently by Mrs Hogg, of Castle Vale, in the grounds of her residence just under the ruins of the old Postern gate tower of Berwick castle. While digging in the garden she unearthed a broken silver coin which on the reverse side has a cross and mallet within each cross and words which appear to be “Ville Berwiei.” On the observe side is a crowned head with peculiar side hair dressing. As the coin is not complete the full wording cannot be made out, but the coin is without a doubt a silver groat, struck in the time of James I., and we believe minted in Berwick by one named Gilbert Fish. The other coin dug up is about the size of a farthing and is in an excellent state of preservation. On the reverse side there are several crowns, and on the observe side an orb and cross. It will be interesting to know if this too is a coin struck in Berwick Mint. We understand Mrs Hogg is sending the coins up to the British Museum for identification.

BERWICK WORKHOUSE

CHRISTMAS FARE

It was agreed that special Christmas fare be given to the inmates of the Workhouse on Christmas Day, and that the indoor officers be allowed an extra 3s for the extra work entailed. The dinner for New Year would be provided at the members’ own expense.

Mr Collingwood – Will the Christmas fare include a glass of beer for the inmates? In the past a member of the board has kindly supplied the beer. Has this offer been received asyet?

The Clerk – I have received no offer.

Mr Richardson – Is it necessary to give any liquor at all?

Mr Collingwood – At one time the Board very generously gave this glass of beer to the old inmates.

Mr Morrison – And several offers to provide beer have been refused.

Mr Wood – There is no offer before the board. I propose we leave the matter in the hands of the Committee with powers to act. Agreed.

EXTRA OUT-RELIEF FOR CHRISTMAS

On the motion of Miss Greet, the Board agreed that additional relief be ordered to non-resident poor in Christmas and New Year weeks at the same rates as given in the Unions where they reside, and to grant additional relief to the out-door poor at the rate of 2s 6d for each adult and 1s 3d for each child. Those who receive their relief wholly in kind will have this supplemented by an addition of like value, the same applying to those receiving relief under article xi of the Relief Regulation Order.

BERWICK BOWLING CLUB

ANNUAL MEETING

The annual meeting of Berwick Bowling Club was held in the Brown Bear Hotel on Wednesday evening, Mr W. Scott, president for the season, presiding over a very large turnout of members.

Mr Robert Brown, Secretary and Treasurer, submitted the Committee’s 27^th annual report and balance sheet, which were adopted. In the first place he had to report that the “Trustees” took the opportunity of purchasing the fee simple of the Club ground from His Grace the Duke of Northumberland, and the members might congratulate themselves that they were now the owners of such a lovely spot. The Committee also heartily thanked those members who so willingly subscribed the cash.

The membership is at present 115. During the season the club sustained the loss by death of two members and the Committee extended their sympathy to the bereaved in their loss.

The season was opened on Thursday, 28^th April, with a match between teams representing the President and the Vice-president. Fourteen matches were arranged with the clubs of Portland, Alnwick, Kelso, Coldstream, Duns, Spittal, and Dunbar. Twelve of these matches were played, 6 of which were won and 6 lost, with 32 shots in the club’s favour. The club were represented in the competitions of the Border Bowling Tournament at Galashiels, the Scottish Bowling Association rink and single handed ties, and also the “Oubridge Cup,” at Belgrave, all without success.

The usual club competitions were held during the season, which closed on Thursday 6^th October, in beautiful weather. The Committee cordially thanked the President and Vice-President and all those who gave prizes for the season.

SUCCESSFUL PIGEON SHOW AT SPITTAL

The first show of racing pigeons that has ever been held in Spittal took place in the Old National School on Saturday last under the auspices of Spittal Homing Society, when over 200 birds were exhibited. The large classroom was kindly lent by the Parish Church trustees and made an excellent showroom. The show was fairly well patronised during the day and judging by the large number of local competitors and the enthusiasm shown it bids fair to become an annual event.

Second edition 25″ordnance Survey map of Spittal (1898) showing the position of the Old National School next to St. John’s Church

Mr R. L. Donaldson, Dunbar, was the judge, and the expeditious and unhesitating manner in which he gave his awards was praise worthy. Quality and condition only scored with him. He rather favoured a fairly long-casted bird with good feather. He admitted that most of the birds were not in tip-top condition, but were a very fine collection.

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