BERWICK ADVERTISER, 9 JULY 1920

10/07/2020 by Northumberland Archives

VIOLENT THUNDERSTORM

GARDNER KILLED BY LIGHTNING AT ORD

A RELATIVE OF GRACE DARLING

A thunderstorm of a violent character prevailed round the Border district on Friday afternoon and evening doing considerable damage to crops and being responsible for the tragic death of Mr George Horsley, a jobbing gardener, aged 66, residing at East Ord.

I was between half-past five and six o’clock when Horsley left his house to go for milk to the farm of Ord Mains. It was thundering heavily, but as the storm appeared to be still some distance off, no danger was feared. Five minutes later, Mr Robert Aire Horsley, the brother of the deceased, was summoned by Mr Wm. Gilchrist, farmer, who said he had found the unfortunate man dead on the road.

HOW THE BODY WAS FOUND

The brother hurried to the scene and in the centre of the road leading to the farm they found the body lying face downwards. It was almost naked, but a few tattered portions of garments remained and were smouldering. The boots were torn from the feet, the uppers being thrown to either side of the road, and the soles being found nearly 100 yards away. The deceased’s watch which was found near the body looked as if it had been struck with a sledge hammer. The winding screw was torn off, the back of the case badly dented, the works fused, and the pointers and glass smashed. It appeared as if Horsley had been struck by the lightning on the crown of the head, for there was a circular burn and the face was badly marked and burned.

Death, to all appearances, had been instantaneous. The police were communicated with, and a subsequent medical examination went to prove that the unfortunate man would never have suffered.

A RELATION OF GRACE DARLING.

George Horsley, the victim of this sad occurrence is the eldest son of the late Mr George Horsley of Bamburgh, a full cousin of the heroine of the Longstone, Grace Darling. The sensational rescue performed by the gallant maid, when the paddle steamer Forfarshire was wrecked during the gale on the Goldstone Rock, is almost history. How she braved the dangers of the Island channels in the small cobble manned by herself and her father has found its place in song and story. Her early death from a lingering disease was regretted by the nation. The only surviving son of the family, Mr R. A. Horsley, has in his possession several relics and personal belongings of Grace Darling, including the flag of the “Forfarshire.”

The family record of the Horsley’s seems to be interwoven with tragedy. Many years ago, Richard Horsley, a brother, accidentally fell in front of a traction engine and was killed. The old mother died from shock when the body was brought home, and the two were buried on the same day. Grace Darling Horsley, the only daughter of the family died infancy.

© Copyright Graham Robson. (CC BY-SA 2.0).

We understand that Coroner Percy, having heard the report of P.C. Richardson, Ord, and considered the circumstances of the case at the inquest held without calling a jury, was satisfied that death resulted from Horsley being struck by lightning.

NOTES FROM SPITTAL

A most enjoyable outing was spent at the Chain Bridge on Thursday afternoon by the members of St Paul’s Church Choir, Spittal, and several friends. The party, which numbered about 40 went by motor boat. The trip was splendidly organised by Mr S Brown, organist of the Church.

Construction of the Union Bridge over the Tweed by Alexander Nasmyth (1758 – 1840).

Great praise is due to Miss M. N. Boston in the manner the catering was carried out, assisted by other ladies of the choir. Owing to the weather being wet, tea was served in the Shiel. Games and races were indulged in until time for leaving. On returning to the station the party was headed by a piper, and left Velvet Hall station for home after spending a very pleasant afternoon. The company arrived at Spittal about 9pm.

ROWING

BERWICK REGATTA

The prospectus has now been issued for the above event, which takes place on the afternoon of August Bank Holiday, 2nd August. The prospectus is on the same lines as 1914, when the Regatta was last held. The premier event is for the Ladies Plate, a four oared race four senior oarsmen in strake boats. There is another four oared event for maiden oarsmen, the pair oared race for the Marshall Meadows Plate, cutter races for senior and junior oarsmen, and the usual coble races for salmon fishermen. Good support has already been promised. The joint secretaries are Messrs R. D. Harvey and R. P. Campbell.

Berwick Amateur Rowing Club in 1951 REF: BRO 1944-1-54-010.

CREW FOR TYNE REGATTA

Berwick A.R.C. is to be represented by the following crew at Tyne Regatta on Saturday, 17th July: — J. Hutchison (bow), Norman Anderson, E. Soulshy, J. D. Buglass (stroke). It will compete in the race for maiden oarsmen.

This Week in World War One, 9 March 1917

08/03/201810/03/2017 by Northumberland Archives

BERWICK ADVERTISER, 9 MARCH 1917

LOCAL NEWS

Local Minister and the Food Problem. – In compliance with the recommendation of the Food Controller the Rev. John Macaskill, M.A., on Sunday in Wallace Green Church, Berwick, directed the attention of the congregation to the circular letter he had received regarding voluntary rationing. To the young people present he delivered a short but most interesting address based on the words, “Gathering up the fragments.” He showed how much food could be saved if each was to take care of the small pieces of bread that were over at meal times, and how great this waste amounted to in the aggregate. The same lesson applied to the diligent use of time. People often remarked how clever such and such a person was, but the explanation of this was to be found in the fact the individual alluded to made proper use of his odd moments in improving and storing his mind with useful knowledge. The reverend gentleman’s subsequent sermon was in a similar theme, and in concluding he pointed out that no doubt after the war habits of thrift of a bygone generation would be inculcated. Some might be inclined to think that we would lose the habits of hospitality for which our nation had been known. While restraints were good we must see that in the end it did not deprive us of our open handedness and our willingness to share the good things of life with others, cultivating and social fellowship which we remembered as one of life’s assets.

The “Tanks” at the Playhouse. – This week the film on exhibition is the “Fools of Fate,” The variety part is sustained by Miss B. Wright, contralto vocalist, in scena song and gipsy

“The Battle of the Somme” (1916 British film) – Source: Yorkshire Evening Post – Author: British government

encampment. There should be a great desire on the public’s part to witness the film on Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday, as it is one which attracts attention everywhere. “The Battle of the Ancre and the Advance of the Tanks” will prove the most in spiriting war picture the world has ever seen. It is a noble and wonderful record of the great autumn battle, and is even more interesting than the world-famous picture “The Battle of the Somme.” The pictures have been taken on the actual battlefield, and contain nothing whatever in the nature of faked or made-up scenes. The film is divided into four parts, and the boldness of the forward dash, and the manner in which the Tanks arrived to upset the German calculations are all shown in these wonderful pictures, which in the wealth of their subject excel anything the world has ever seen. On Thursday, Friday, and Saturday the film is to be “The Miracle of Youth.” It is a picture version of the famous novel by Bret Harte, with Hobart Bosworth in the title role. The characters portrayed are exceptionally fine, the settings and photography being magnificent. Carino, the boy violinist, should prove an excellent variety programme, as he is a master of this sweet instrument.

Speed of Military Motor Vehicles – an order by the Scottish Command states:- With reference to the W.O. Letter, 92/2508 (A.G.3), dated 4th February 1915 (Command Order No. 309, dated 9th February 1915), attention has been drawn to the increasing number of fatal street accidents caused by Government cars or privately-owned cars driven by officers and men in uniform, and it is desired to impress on all ranks that the local speed rates must be strictly observed when travelling on duty. Special arrangements have been made for authorising cars to proceed at a speed in excess of the legal limit in case of extreme military urgency by the issue of a special written authority, and it is solely under this condition that any deviation in excess of the normal speed rates is permissible. Should any omission to observe this order render an officer or man liable to prosecution by the police authorities, and subsequently conviction, they will themselves pay any fines which may be incurred. The attention of all A.S.C. M.T. drivers should be drawn to paragraphs 6 to 10, appendix 27, Army Service Corps Regimental Standing Orders.

BAMBURGH

German Claims Descent from Grace Darling – At Liverpool a charge of making a false statement was preferred against Weximilian Eugene Backhans (37), and alleged German who posed as a Belgian. A detective stated that prisoner married an English woman 14 years ago, and claimed that his wife was a descendant of Grace Darling. There were three children. Before the war the prisoner was known as a German, and had boasted of what Germany could do to England. Evidence was given by an hotel manager and a waiter, who had known and worked with accused, that he was undoubtedly a German. The latter witness added he knew accused to be German, and once gave him a thrashing, “Only as recently as January, “said witness. “I met him. I am in the Volunteers, and said to him: Haven’t the interned you yet? I’ll see that they do. I’m not going to do volunteering if your at large.” Accused contended that he was born at Ostend. The magistrate said accused must go to gaol for three months.

FOOD RESTRICTIONS IN WORKHOUSE

The Local Government Board recommended that selection of rations be made involving the consumption of smaller quantities of flour, meat, and sugar, and a list of alternative articles substituted could be revised with the assistance of the medical officer. No dietary tables which appeared in excess of the Food Controller’s recommendations was to remain in force after 31st March. The relief in kind to the outdoor poor was also to be revised, while allowances to officers were to be a matter of arrangement between them and the Guardians.

Shown in the top right of this recipe book, is the WW1 Barley Bread recipe.

Mr Banks, Workhouse master, said that in the matter of meat, sugar, and flour, they were already within the Controller’s standard. The Medical Officer had pointed out the difficulties in getting substitutes in some instances, but he agreed that barley should take the place of flour bread. He had communicated with the baker, and he had promised to send up samples of barley bread. It was stated by the baker that he could make 1 lb. loves of barley, and if this suggestion was carried out it would bring down the allowances of bread to 4 lb. 2 ozs, per week.

In answer to Mr Peacocke the Master said that the children got fed according to individual requirements.

It was agreed to leave the matter in the hands of the Master and the Medical Officer.

This Week in World War One, 26 November 1915

08/03/201827/11/2015 by Northumberland Archives

BERWICK ADVERTISER, 26 NOVEMBER 1915

SEAHOUSES

Coble in Peril

What might have proved a serious accident occurred to a coble named The Jeannies, owned by Mr George Fawcus, Seahouses, and others. While returning from the fishing ground under sail at about five miles per hour, the coble suddenly struck some submerged wreckage. The wreckage went through two planks, causing the coble to fill in about five minutes. The coble had about 50 stones of fish on board, and but for the fact that it was “air-boxed,” the occupants would probably have been drowned. The accident was witnessed by the coble Briton’s Pride, owned by William Rutter, who at once proceeded to give assistance. Fawcus’ crew of four were taken on board the Briton’s Pride, and they and the damaged coble were safely brought to North Sunderland Harbour. The two crews managed between them to save 20 stones of fish.

Entrance to North Sunderland Harbour, Seahouses. Phil Champion, Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 3.0 Unported license.

“NORTHUMBRIANS’ OWN DAY.”

LOCAL SOLDIERS AND SAILORS TO BENEFIT

Alan Ian Percy, 8th Duke of Northumberland (1880-1930), in a Grenadier Guards uniform, photographed by Alexander Bassano before 1913 (Date of Bassano’s death). Licensed under Wikimedia Commons, National Portrait gallery – PD-US (over 100 years old).

“Northumbrians’ Own Day,” is to be celebrated on Saturday throughout the county of

Northumberland, and only the generosity of the public is needed to make the undertaking a complete success. The emblem on this occasion will be an artistic medallion, on which is figured in relief one of the Fusiliers advancing with a fixed bayonet, and bearing the inscription, “Strike hard, Northumbrians.” and the date “1915.” The medallion, neatly cased in plush, is to be presented as a souvenir to the helpers who assist with the sale of these mementoes. “Northumbrians’ Own Day” is under the patronage of His Grace the Duke of Northumberland, K.G., Earl Grey, Viscount Allendale, Viscount Ridley, Lord Armstrong, and Lord Joicey, and a host of other notable and distinguished gentlemen of the North Country. The committee earnestly appeal for subscriptions, however small, knowing that this special Christmas effort on behalf of our soldiers and sailors can only be the great success hoped for through the generosity of all. A number of subscriptions have been received, including a cheque for £200, from His Grace the Duke of Northumberland. Cheques and postal orders should be crossed “Northumbrians’ Own Day” Barclay’s Bank, Collingwood Street, Newcastle. Mr Leonard Dalrymple is the chief organiser, Mr Fred Sutcliffe the hon. Treasurer, and Mr George Harcourt the hon. secretary, the central headquarters being at the Westgate Picture House, Newcastle.

HOLY ISLAND AND THE WAR

Holy Island is doing its share of work during the present time of anxiety and stress. Although the population is small, nearly all the eligible men are engaged in working for the country, either as mine sweepers or in the Army. Amongst others who have left is the schoolmaster, Lieut. Hollingsworth. He departed from the island with the best wishes of all for his welfare, accompanied by a rousing cheer from the Scouts and school children assembling to wish him good luck and a safe return after the war is over.

GRACE DARLING’S CENTENARY

There seems to be some conflict of evidence regarding the birth of Grace Horsley Darling, if one is to depend upon the veracity of the official guide to Holy Island. It is there stated that she was born on December 17th, 1815, and that she was one of a family of seven.

Darling Family Grave, St Aidan's Churchyard — Darling Family Grave, St Aidan’s Churchyard.

The grave is the resting place of Grace and several of her family members. The headstone is a copy of the original which has been preserved and is on display in the nearby Grace Darling museum.

On the other hand it would appear from more authoritative sources that the birth of the heroine is recorded as 24th November, 1815, and it would be interesting to learn how this discrepancy has occurred. It is unnecessary to enter into any lengthened story regarding the devotion and heroism of the famous daughter of the lighthouse keeper of the Longstone. It is familiar to all from their childhood days, and more particularly so in this part of Northumberland. Suffice it say that the recue from the S.S. Forfarshire which left Hull for Dundee on 5th September, 1838, took place on the morning of the 7th of that month. With the assistance of her father, Grace Darling in a frail coble, succeeded in rescuing five of the crew and four passengers. As is well known the heroine is buried at Bamburgh, where a handsome monument surmounts the grave.