Entertainment

This Week in World War One, 16 June 1916

by

Berwick Advertiser title 1915

 

BERWICK ADVERTISER, 16 JUNE 1916

 

THE PLAYHOUSE

 

The film being shown at the Playhouse this weekend is “Whoso is without Sin.” It is founded upon the ideal prize story, and is a tale for saints and sinners – exhibiting some modern pharisees and a penitent woman. The variety programme is of exceptional interest being Pharos, the world famous Egyptian illusionist. He shows a programme of Oriental splendours, and is assisted by Ibhar. He presents in rapid succession the most startling and baffling series of magical problems ever presents to the public. From Monday to Wednesday of next week there will be a splendid comedy drama in three acts, entitled “The Pretenders.” It is an exclusive film from the well-known firm of Harma and Co., London. It is particularly noteworthy for magnificent scenery, and contains a thrilling story of two wealthy young people, each pretending to be of a humble station in life.

Berwick Playhouse 1958. Copyright Berwick Record Office BRO-1250-123.
Berwick Playhouse 1958. Copyright Berwick Record Office BRO-1250-123.

 

The girl gets locked out of her home and has to break in. The young man sees her, and concludes she is a thief. A burglar also breaks in, and after a furious struggle is overpowered by the young man. A detective comes on the scene and finishes by arresting all three! Subsequent explanations secure the release of the girl and the young man. A few weeks later they meet again, and in the privacy of the conservatory come to an understanding which leads to a happy ending. The third series of “Greed” will also be shown. It deals with the evils of cheap construction, a slight explosion causing a badly built subway to cave in, carrying with it a loaded tram and scores of people who were in the street above. On Thursday, Friday, and Saturday the film will be “White Star.” It is the finest sporting drama ever filmed – a story containing a magnificent blending of human pathos, laughter and thrills, combined with perfect photography. It is an all British romance of the turf and stage, and contains an exciting plot to poison a favourite race horse – White Star. The vaudeville entertainment is in the hands of Arthur Canworth, banjo expert, who introduces the one and only bass singing banjo in the world.

BERWICK TRIBUNALS

 

JAMES YOUNG

James Young, baker, Seahouses, appealed for his son, Richard Thomas (22), confectioner and general dealer. The local Tribunal disallowed the appeal as it was not a certified occupation; that an older man should be obtained, and that female labour could be utilised. As to supplying the needs of the fishers it was contended that fishing was diminishing, and it was not essential the Young should be retained for this purpose.

Herring girls with barrels in Northumberland. © Berwick Record Office BRO 426- SL 104.
Herring girls with barrels in Northumberland. © Berwick Record Office BRO 426- SL 104.

In his appeal Mr Young said he had contracts to supply the military with bread. The nearest baker was seven miles away, and he supplied a radius of seven square miles, embracing 5000 people, and a number of small shops. At the time of the herring fishing he supplied a large number of boats. If his son was taken he would be left with one man and an apprentice. His foreman was 42 years of age, and he had another lad (19), who was going to the army.

In answer to the Military Representative he said he had supplied as many as twenty boats. Each boat generally carried a crew of seven men.

The appeal was dismissed.

 

MRS P. MCLAUGHAN

Mrs P. McLaughan, widow, appeared in support of the appeal for her son, Hugh McLaughlan (23), 38 Bridge Street, a horse driver with Messers Elder, agricultural implement makers. She stated that she had one son in the navy, the claimant in the appeal, one son (16) incapacited through disease in the arm, and one daughter four years of age. The appellant’s weekly wage went to the whole support of herself. She also received an allowance of 15s weekly from the son in the navy.

By Mr Hogarth – The appellant was refused as medically unfit for the navy. If he had joined the navy she would probably have had an allowance the same as she has for the other boy.

The Tribunal decided that he should serve.

 

LOCAL NEWS

 

Farm-Workers War Wages – The recent agricultural hiring fairs in Scotland show that farm servants wages have about doubled in the past few years. In Roxburghshire, Berwickshire, and Dumfrieshire, wages are now very high, but not so high as in some counties further north, where the Farm Servants’ Union held meetings urging the men to stand out for a standard wage of £70 per year. The men acted largely on this advice, and one considerable farmer states that his single men now cost him £100 a year. In Berwickshire, besides some perquisites, 24s to 28s per week was given, whereas in 1906 the rates were 13s to 15s. other counties exhibit similar advances.

Early 1900s farming scene showing a horse drawn reaper. Author 'Whatsthatpicture,' Hanwell, London. © Creative Commons Attribution 2.0 Generic license.
Early 1900s farming scene showing a horse drawn reaper. Author ‘Whatsthatpicture,’ Hanwell, London. © Creative Commons Attribution 2.0 Generic license.

Foxhunters and Farmers – At a meeting of the Hunt Secretaries Association held at Messers Tattersall’s, the following resolution was unanimously passed: – “That the thanks of the Hunt Secretaries’ Association be recorded to all the farmers and poultry-keepers for their great help during the past season, enabling hunting to be carried on successfully under very difficult circumstances, and it is hoped, owing to the difficulties arising from the war, that they will do all in their power to continue their loyal support to the various hunts in the future.

 

This Week in World War One, 2 June 1916

by

Berwick Advertiser title 1915

 

BERWICK ADVERTISER, 2 JUNE 1916

 

BERWICK FAIR

 

Berwick Fair, which was opened at noon on Friday in the quaint and recognised fashion obtaining for so many years, was, by general consent, regarded as one of the most attenuated in street stall representation that has been witnessed. Nevertheless the Fair was a centre of great attraction, and on Saturday the streets of the town were thronged by large numbers of country visitors. Ideal summer weather prevailed on Friday and Saturday, materially contributing to the comfort of the strangers and the general success of the Fair.

Early 1900s photograph shows people selling their wares on the High Street. © Berwick Record Office - BRO 0017
Early 1900s photograph shows people selling their wares on the High Street. © Berwick Record Office – BRO 0017

 

The east side of High Street was, as usual, set apart for the stalls. There was the customary strong representation of china merchants, who had a large and varied collection of all kinds of ware. There were a few hardware stalls some flower stalls, and one dealer in cheap jewellery. The latter by his artful and enticing manners did quite a big business. The Parade was occupied, as usual, by a number of travelling shows, the principal item being the electric roundabouts and cake walk. The showmen, with an eye to business, doubled the penny charge on the Saturday afternoon for these amusements. Despite the big advance a large trade was experienced, and this was increased in the evening when the prices returned to the normal charge. Accompanying these amusements were a number of side booths having an allurement for those who wished to have a venture in making money. The odds were always against them, however, the keepers of the booths coming out on top to the discomfiture of their numerous patrons. The streets of the borough were packed by crowds till a late hour in the evening.

 

HEIR TO WED. LIEUT C.D. LEYLAND – MISS SYLVIA COTTERELL

 

BAdvertiser 2 June 1916 Heir to Wed Lieut C D leyland
Berwick Advertiser 2 June 1916 Heir to Wed Lieut C D leyland

 

An interesting engagement is that just announced between Christopher Leyland, 1st Life Guards, and Miss Sylvia Cotterell. Mr Leyland comes of the Northumbrian family of Haggerston, of which the Naylor Leyland are an offshoot, and is heir to Haggerston Castle. The Bride to be is Miss Cotterell, who is not yet 20, is eldest of the three daughters of Sir John Cotterell, 4th Bart., of Garnons. He married in 1896 Lady Evelyn Gordon Lennon, daughter of the Duke of Richmond.

 

LOCAL NEWS

 

Although racing machines are not built for general road use it is remarkable evidence to the strength of the Raleigh that Mr David Murtrie, of Woodend, South Mt. Vernon, Glasgow, is able to write that he has ridden his Raleigh racer 12,000 miles on track and road in two years, and he has never had to adjust a bearing or spend anything on renewals, except tyres, and the machine is “running sweeter than ever.”

 

Council’s Good Wishes to Young Recruit – A well-known young gentleman in the person of Mr Wm. Blakey, acting Sergeant-at- Mace, has enlisted in the Seaforth Highlanders, and left to join the regiment at Fort George on Thursday.

 

View of the barracks at Fort George. © Cp111 - Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 3.0 Unported license.
View of the barracks at Fort George. © Cp111 – Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 3.0 Unported license.

 

At a meeting of the Town Council on Wednesday afternoon the Mayor made a pleasant and happy reference to the step Mr Blakey was taking, and wished him the best of good health and success in the profession of arms which he was able to enter upon. He also alluded to the service which his father had rendered as Sergeant-at-Mace to the Council as well as previously in the same historic Highland regiment that his son was joining. Since his father had been recalled to the colours the son had continued to discharge the duties faithfully and well, and he had always been most willing and obliging (Applause). In the Council’s name he wished young Mr Blakey all success, resting assured whether he was called to the front or not he would worthily maintain the traditions of the old Border town, and remember his connection with the Council. They sent him off with the best of good wishes (Applause).  Mr Blakely, in a word, replied thanking the Council for their kind greetings.

 

The document signed by Queen Anne and Sir Robert Walpole concerning the pay of the 25th Foot (now the King’s Own Scottish Borderers), from April to June, 1708, which was given to the Church Army in aid of its war work, is being bought by a Scottish brigadier-general for presentation to his old regiment, the headquarters of which are at Berwick.

 

This Week in World War One, 18 February 1916

by

Berwick Advertiser title 1915

 

BERWICK ADVERTISER, 18 FEBRUARY 1916

 

A BLESSING FOR BERWICK-UPON-TWEED

 

Mr Winston, The Eyesight Specialist, has been persuaded to remain another week until Saturday, 26th February.

In consequence of numerous applications from those whom he was unable to attend to during the last five days of his sojourn in Berwick, Mr Winston has decided to remain another week with us, and give those who have not yet had the opportunity of interviewing him the advantage of his free advice.

Retinoscopy at the School Travelling Ophthalmic Clinic, Australia. Dated 1st January, 1914. © State Records New South Wales, Creative Commons Attribution 2.0 Generic license.
Retinoscopy at the School Travelling Ophthalmic Clinic, Australia. Dated 1st January, 1914. © State Records New South Wales, Creative Commons Attribution 2.0 Generic license.

 

NOT AN OCULIST

It must be distinctly understood that Mr Winston does not pose as an oculist, that, is, according to the dictionary, “once skilled in diseases of the eyes,” but he claims to be, and is justified in doing so, the most expert specialist Optometrist or Optician in England. He has tested the eyesight of no fewer that a hundred thousand people in London alone during the past five years, and has fitted glasses to sixty thousand of them in his store, 72 Regent Street. The chemist is not an optician, neither is the doctor, nor the oculist even. Their education and experience have taught them the nature and use of drugs with regard to ailments, but for impaired vision the scientific optician is the man.

WOMEN WORKERS

Mr Winston has found during the past week that the strenuous work the war has thrown upon women has considerably affected their eyes – probably previously weak- and has produced in numerous cases those terrible headaches from which so many women suffer. He has in the majority of cases recommended a cheap pair of lenses to use when they are at work, but which they need not use and – as they think – disfigure themselves afterwards. Make the most of the opportunity of seeing Mr Winston, as he will not be able to stop in BERWICK ANY LONGER THAN FEB. 26th inclusive.

Mr Winston can now be seen by anyone from 10 to 1 or 2 to 7.30, at the CORN EXCHANGE, BERWICK-ON-TWEED, and they can obtain advice perfectly free of any charge. So do not neglect an opportunity which may never occur again. Special appointments can be arranged by post. N.B.- A written guarantee with all work for ten years.

 

BERWICK PETTY SESSIONS

 

USING THE ROOM OWING TO THE RATS

Elizabeth Gleig, Berwick, married, was charged with allowing the chimney of her house in East Street to be on fire on Thursday, 10th inst.

Police Constable Watt stated that the chimney was very dirty and clouds of smoke issued. He could see these from the top of Hide Hill. It burned for a quarter of an hour. On proceeding to the house he found it was the room chimney which had caught fire, and a young boy had been using an old tray to create a draught. The defendant told him that the chimney had not been swept for two years, and that the fire was not often kindled.

The defendant stated that since her husband joined the army she had using the room, as the kitchen was infested with rats. She had been two years in the house, and as she never used the room until recently the chimney had not been swept.

She was fined 2s 6d.

 

LOCAL NEWS

Local Fancier’s Important win – Showing at Crufts Great International Dog Show, held in the Royal Agricultural Hall, London, February 9th, 10th, and 11th, Mr David Black, Berwick, successfully brought out a smart home-bred bull dog puppy, and won second prize Dog Puppies (14 entries), third prize Junior Dogs, and v.h.c. Maiden Dogs (18 entries). Crufts is acknowledged to be the greatest dog show held throughout the year, and some idea may be gathered from the fact that the total entries reached the enormous number of 3,235. It is interesting to note that this show was honoured with double Royal patronage, both the King and Queen being first prize winners with their exhibits.

Irish Woolfhound 'Felixstowe Regan,' who was the winner of the Dog CC at Crufts,in 1916.
Irish Woolfhound ‘Felixstowe Regan,’ who was the winner of the Dog CC at Crufts,in 1916.

 

Engine Derailed on Border Bridge – On Wednesday morning a North British goods engine went off the rails as it was proceeding from Tweedmouth to Berwick. The engine had just entered on the second arch of the Royal Border Bridge when it became derailed, the result being that it blocked both lines. The 7.45 train from Edinburgh was delayed half an hour at Berwick ere [sic] one of the lines was cleared. The traffic had to be conducted on a single line all forenoon, and a break-down gang from Tweedmouth were busily engaged with a crane replacing the engine on the metals. The cause of the accident is unknown, and fortunately no one was injured.

Royal Border Bridge ealry 1990s. © Berwick Record Office - BRO 515 377
Royal Border Bridge early 1900s. © Berwick Record Office – BRO 515 377

 

THE PLAYHOUSE

 

Average houses have been present during the past week and have greatly appreciated the programme provided. For the coming week the management have arranged a bill of exceptional merit. “The Counterfeiter” a new and powerful Sexton Blake drama will be screened on Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday, and being full of exciting incidents and movements from start to finish, it should indeed prove a popular choice. The latter part of the week will provide a film of no mean order entitled “Every Woman Should Know.” The picture is a revelation of highly skilled acting, and being essentially a morality play, should these times, with all their disturbing element, create quite a sensation. In it, woman descends into the lowest depths, following the lure of vanity, flattery, vice and evil, only at the last moment to turn aside from the path of sin and embrace the spirit of God, which has ever followed her. This week’s vaudeville performance stars the “original Pimple,” formerly of “Tom White’s Arabs” fame. Patrons would be well advised to see this screaming turn.

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