This Week in World War One, 4 June 1915

Berwick Advertiser title 1915

 

 

BERWICK ADVERTISER, 4TH JUNE 1915

 

HONOURING THE BRAVE HEROES

 

At a meeting of the Berwick Town Council on Tuesday evening, the Mayor stated that he had received intimation from the Rev. Robt. Leggatt, Bankhill Church, that there was to be a memorial service held on Sunday evening first for those brave local soldiers who had fallen in France. Two or three of these were members of Mr Leggatt’s Church, and he asked if the Mayor and Town Council might perhaps countenance the service. There would be no procession from the Town Hall. He (the Mayor) hoped that as many of the Council as possible would see their way to accompany him in the Church. By doing so they would be paying the last rites to the brave young men belonging to the town who had fought their battles. The service began at six o’clock pm.

The Zion Presbyterian Chapel (Bankhill Church), Berwick-upon-Tweed, Northumberland. Ref: BRO 1613-44
The Zion Presbyterian Chapel (Bankhill Church), Berwick-upon-Tweed, Northumberland. Ref: BRO 1613-44

 

 BERWICK FAIR

Berwick Fair was observed on Friday and was opened in the time honoured fashion by the Mayor, Sheriff, and Corporation marching in procession round the grounds, and formally declaring it open. There was a large influx of country visitors, and during the day the streets presented a busy and animated appearance. The customary stalls were erected in the High Street, and the majority of these vended china and dishes, while there were also a few hardware booths.

Berwick-upon-Tweed May Fair, 1968. Ref No. BRO 2103-1-624
Berwick-upon-Tweed May Fair, 1968.
Ref No. BRO 2103-1-624

The town bells at intervals rung out merry peals and, with the hoisting of the flags, the streets had a holiday aspect. The fair was duly opened at mid-day, when the Mayor, Sheriff, and officials, headed by the Chief Constable, members of the Burgh Police, and the Sergeants-at-Mace, marched through the fair grounds and formally declared proceedings open. The progress of the civic pageant was a subject of much interest to the assembled crowds. On returning to the Town Hall refreshments were served, the toast of “The King” being honoured.

At The Parade a number of merry-go-rounds and fair booths were erected, and these did a good trade throughout the day and evening. Notwithstanding the large influx of visitors the proceedings connected with it, the Fair fortunately passed off with out any untoward incident or serious crime. The stalls in the High Street remained open till Wednesday evening and continued to do good business.

On Saturday there was again a large influx of visitors into the town, although not so large as on previous Fair Saturdays, consequent upon the abandonment of the Horse Procession this year. Rain fell heavily in the morning, but as the day advanced it cleared up. A cold north wind however, prevailed the whole of the day and towards evening had quite a mid-winter feeling rather than the genial warmth of mid-summer.

Berwick Advertiser 4 June 1915 Hall's Wine
Berwick Advertiser 4 June 1915 Hall’s Wine

 

Advert for T. H. Lawsons. Berwick Advertiser 4 June 1915

 

HORSE PROCESSION ABANDONED

ONE CLASS FOR SANDERSON SHEILD

 

Owing to the war, it was this year decided not to hold the annual fair Horse Procession, but the annual competition for the Sanderson Challenge Shield for the best kept horse during the year was held. This year there were three competitors. The judging took place in Sandgate and was undertaken by Mr P. Edgar, Camphill, assisted by the Secretary, Mr Ralph, Bradford, Tweedmouth. Mr J. Bryson, Tweedmouth, who has won the Shield on two previous occasions, won it this year again, and it now becomes his property. Hugh Fisackerly took second prize and R. Swinney third. In presenting the shield to the winner, Mrs Wilsden congratulated him on the beautiful condition of his horse and for the care and attention he had bestowed upon it.