OUR ROADS – When a town like Berwick has so many motorists passing through the authorities should see to it that the roads are in a fair condition at least. A motorist frequently judges a town by its road and if Berwick is ever so judged, it must have an unenviable reputation. Despite what one or two tradesmen are fond of declaring, the visitors to Berwick are certainly a source of revenue to the inhabitants of the town, and a fairly considerable source, so that Berwick should take care to make the town attractive.
Early 1900s photograph of Berwick High Street, from the Scotsgate Arch. Ref No: BRO 1636-2-9
The remarks of some motorists who have had the painful experience of driving down Castlegate and Marygate, would make the ears of the Councillors burn. Castlegate as far Scotsgate is, I understand, practically a County road, but it can be repaired by the Berwick Council which has to pay part of the cost. Bridge Street, another shocking street, is so narrow that the authorities contend it cannot be repaired without stopping all the traffic, which could not be diverted along the quay without breaking the bank of the river. So, Bridge Street, at any rate, has to remain unrepaired until the new bridge is across the river. I suspect also that Castlegate will not be repaired until just before the new ay is opened up; meanwhile Berwick will be getting a bad name for itself.
METHUSELAH– Berwick is said to be behind the times in many ways. One of these ways came to my notice this week. A lady at present staying in the town wished to have a little more information about Berwick, and so, going to a shop that carries on business as a newsagent among other things, she askes for a guide to Berwick. She paid the sixpence asked and walked out. She became quite delighted with Berwick. According to the Guide, steamship trips were running from the old quay to Holy Island, the Farnes, Dunbar and other delightful parts. Another advertisement informed one of the interesting fact that pottery was made at Scremerston. Unfortunately, when the lady happened to glance at the date of the guide, she found it had been printed in 1907. I am not sure if they were right in supplying that guide at the shop, but it is another of those little things that give the town a name for being second class.
Photograph of the Berwick Quayside early 1900s Ref No: BRO 1636-5-6
CAFEITIS – This is a strange modern disease which has already got many of the city workers in its grip and which is slowly becoming prevalent in Berwick. Inmost cases the disease commences with unmistakable symptoms in the neighbourhood of 11 in the morning. Then, those workers in the happy position of be able to slip away from work for fifteen minutes glance furtively at the clock. At the stipulated time they unobtrusively don a hat and saunter out into the street and into one of the excellent cafes that have recently sprung up in Marygate. Here they sit and chat for 15 minutes, sipping coffee and smoking a cigarette. After this they return to work and despite the break get through all their business by the time the lunch hour arrives and do it better than before being smitten with this pleasant malady. There are those in Berwick who fancy this morning coffee habit is a sign of slackness or wasting time. I rather disagree; the short break has the same effect as playtime does on school children; it freshens one, sharpness one’s faculties and is such a change for routine workers that the daily round becomes imbued with more life. Berwickers have not developed the habit to a great extent, but from recent observations I am inclined to think that it is a habit that will become as popular here as it already is in the cities.
Early 1900s photograph of Marygate, Berwick-upon-Tweed. Berwick Record Office, BRO 1636-3-16
A MOTHERS’ MEETING – The meeting of the Guardians to discuss Porr Law Reform was little better than a mother’s meeting. After talking for a solid hour, one suggestion was adopted and absolutely nothing was done about the matter for which the Board really met. The meeting was the strongest argument. I have ever heard in favour of the abolition of Guardians; not one of those present properly understood the matter, one or two confessed their ignorance and others displayed it. Moreover, this is a matter that the Board should have considered and arrived at a decision upon months ago; most of the boards throughout the country considered the matter at the end of October or the beginning of November last. There was one Board which considered the matter earlier than any other Board and decided all Boards should be abolished- and then retracted at the next meeting and decided they should not. As it is, Berwick Board has now put off discussing the question until July 19. There seems a chance that some decision may be arrived at then although it seems to me that the Board cannot spend its time to any purpose because the Reform is coming, whichever way they decide, and all they can usefully do is to suggest means of operating the new machinery.
“Berwick Journal” in its leader Column in the issue of this Paper of Jan.29, 1925, said-
“As regards Berwick’s Unfinished War Memorial; if we could afford it we would give the money still required-willingly and cheerfully; we would consider it a privilege and an honour to be allowed for any further reward than the happy satisfaction of having been able to complete, in all humility, so sacred a duty, so long overdue on the part of this Town of ours.
We appeal again to the Memorial Executive and to the Citizens to at once take the final and resolute step to complete the undertaking so that the Memorial under the shadow of the Service Tree may fittingly and decently stand this Summer, and for all time, worthy of our gallant Comrades. We are prepared to open the columns of “Berwick Journal” to raise a Fund to accomplish the end in view; and we are prepared to give 100 Shillings to such a Fund.”
A CITIZEN ON-THE PRIVILEGES OF CITIZENSHIP
Parade, Berwick, 1st Feb., 1925
(The Editor, “Berwick Journal.”)
Dear Sir, -Your Leader in Thursday’s “Berwick Journal” struck the right chord, and I hope there will be a quick and generous response to your Appeal.
Like you and many others, I am profoundly disappointed that our War Memorial is still unfinished, and that the sum subscribed so far is not only in adequate for the purpose but is even insufficient to liquidate the amount already spent.
Berwick’s War Memorial Ref: BRO 426/445
Many of us have already subscribed- (some of us as much as we can afford, some of us much less than we can afford)- but whether we have subscribed well or poorly the need to complete worthily the Memorial is obtrusively insistent.
Hitherto, I had regarded it as a privilege on the part of the Town to establish Memorial to our Heroes, but it looks as if the Town now requires its sense of Duty stirred- a distinction not to our credit.
But from whatever point of view the matter is regarded, I hope your effort will be crowned with success, and as an earnest of that wish I enclose 100 Shillings to your Fund. Yours truly John Brough.
MAYOR’S MESSAGE
The Worship the Mayor of Berwick-upon-Tweed (Ald. Thos. Wilson, J.P.), writes us-
Dear Sir, – With reference to the note in your issue of Thursday last that you are prepared to open the columns of the “Journal” to raise a Fund to complete the Berwick War memorial, I have pleasure in accepting your offer. The War Memorial Committee are extremely anxious that our Memorial should be completed as soon as possible. Tenders have been received for the necessary work, and it is hoped that instructions will be given within the next few days for the work to be out in hand forthwith.
I trust that the inhabitants of the Borough will respond to the Appeal, and that through the Fund you propose to open the money required to complete the Memorial will be raised without delay. Yours faithfully Thomas Wilson, Mayor.
SHERIFF’S SUPPORT-Berwick, Feb.2, 1925
Dear Mr Editor, – Your announcement in “Berwick Journal” last week, – re Completion of Berwick War Memorial-about opening a Shilling Fund through the medium of your Paper, is a noble proposal, and should get the same generous support as you had in your War-Time Efforts for Soldiers’ and Sailors’ Funds.
I have pleasure in subscribing 200 Shillings. Yours truly Henry Stuart, Sheriff.
POSITION OF AFFAIRS
We are informed that about £250 is wanted- that is 5,000 Shillings; and it works out at only about 4d or 5d per head of the population of the Borough! Surely Berwick-upon-Tweed is not going to allow this our overdue Duty to remain any longer overdue. Let us show at once that such is not our intention; and that we mean to have the Memorial complete and in decent, proper and perfect order this Summer.
FIRST LIST
We shall give in next issue of “Berwick Journal” the First List of Subscribers to this Fund, which we have opened, and we trust it will be such a 1st list as will at once make it manifest and clear that the money required is going to be fully forthcoming, and that speedily. We hope with the Mayor that “the money required to complete the Memorial will be raised without delay.”
One thing is certain that if the same sort of generous support as was given to the War-Time efforts made by us, (as referred to by the Sheriff in his letter above), is given to this Appeal, Berwick will soon be in a position to complete what must be very close to the heart of every good citizen.
SACRED DUTY
“Many of us have already subscribed,” as Mr John Brough points out in his letter to us, but that is not preventing patriotic citizens like Mr Brough from expressing themselves as ready and willing to do all they can. That’s the spirit we like. “He who gives quickly gives twice” is an old proverb; and it never had more force than in this Appeal which we make to the Public today. If there be any who may not have yet subscribed, the opportunity now presents itself; and if there be those who having subscribed will join others now in doing more we shall be grateful, and theirs will be the happy satisfaction in helping to the final accomplishment of a sacred Duty which rests on our Town- rests on evry man, woman, and child.
Berwick’s War Memorial with railings
THE CHILDREN’S CHANCE
This is an opportunity for the children-our future men and women-to share in the completion of the Memorial; and thus, to have for all time the proud and fragrant memory that they, too, helped to rear the Town’s Monument to the gallant lads who saved and made secure, for the youngsters, the Homeland. We invite the practical co-operation of parents and guardians and teachers in this direction.
ALL THAT IS WANTED.
Collecting cards may be had on application at “Berwick Journal” Office, 25 High St. Berwick. Every penny given goes to the Fund; all expenses are borne by the Promoters, so that all that is required is for the People to do their share-the early realisation of the money required.
It is up to Berwick-upon-Tweed to see that before Summer arrives, the War Memorial standing at the top of Castlegate, under the shadow of the Service Tree, is fitting and perfectly completed, so that it may stand for all time worthy of our gallant Comrades to whose memory it is reared.
TWEED IRON WORKS-STOKOE FAMILY
During the past weekend, what may be correctly termed that last link in a family connection with a well-known local firm, recently dissolved, was broken when Mr Jos. Stokoe, of Foundry House, Tweedmouth, completed his last duties for the firm-Messrs Robertson and Coy., Tweed Iron Works, better known as the West End Foundry- after 46 ½ years faithful service. The name of Stokoe has been associated with Tweedmouth, and the above-mentioned firm for well over half a century, and no family was more respected, or held in higher esteem. The father Mr Jas. Stokoe, who retired 12 years ago and died at Hexham a few years later was with the firm for 45 ½ years, in the important position of manager. Mr Thos. Stokoe, son, completed 41 years with the firm, and also had an official position for the greater part of his long period of service. Mr Jos. Stokoe, the last to sever the long, honourable family connection at the past weekend, was also in charge of certain departments of the works and was looked upon as a trustworthy servant by his employers. We often hear and read of long service records with business firms, but for a family record with one firm the Stokoe’s will take some beating. The have seen the works in all its stages. In the height of prosperity, when large numbers of men were employed, and young men looked upon it as an honour and the first step to a successful career in life, to serve their apprenticeship in any section of the industry at one time carried on. Their productions have gone all over the world and made a name for the firm and its workmen second to none in British industry. But keen competition brought the dreaded and long looked for depression on the whole place, and for the last few years the usual activities began to languish and die until the firm was reluctantly compelled to cease their operations all round and close the doors. Many have served the firm for long periods, but for a family record, the name of Stokoe stands well out in the foreground.
Coun. Alex. Robertson is a native of Edinburgh and was educated at George Watson’s College and Milton Public School, where his father, who dies a few years ago, was Headmaster. When he left school, he went to well – known seed merchants in Leith to serve his apprenticeship. Having completed his apprenticeship and acquired a good knowledge of the seed trade, at the age of 19 he received an appointment with Messrs Thos. Carter and Sons, Seed merchants, Berwick. For many years he was a faithful servant of this local firm. Some years ago, he served his connection with this firm and launched out on his own as a seed merchant, being appointed agent for Garton, the famous world seed growers. His business had brought him into contact with a large number of farmers on the Borders, and he is a familiar figure at Berwick Corn Market.
Coun. Robertson is a member of Wallace Green Church, and is a Unionist, being a member of the local Unionist Club. He has been a prominent member of Berwick Town Golf Club. He is a member and has been President of Berwick St. Andrew’s Club, and also the Burn’s Club. He is a member of Wallace Green Literary Society, and has delivered a paper to this Society, and also St. Aidan’s Society.
On several occasions Coun. Robertson has been approached to stand for the Council, but until this occasion he has been unable to see his way to accept. Although he has taken up till now on active part in public affairs, he has always been interested in the welfare and development of Berwick, and he foresees the possibilities of making Berwick a prosperous town again.
A most popular candidate in Mr James Thorburn, Barrack Warden, was returned at the top of the poll for the North Ward. A man of most engaging manner, Mr Thorburn has taken a keen interest in the life of Berwick since he has come amongst us, and that he is an acquisition to the municipality is undoubted.
Mr Thorburn is a native of Melrose, and there he had his early training. He began life’s battle by serving his apprenticeship to the grocery trade in his native town. Imbued with martial spirit, he enlisted into the 18th Hussars, at Berwick-upon-Tweed. He was afterwards transferred to the 20th Hussars and proceeded to India with that regiment. For 6½ years he served in Central India, and was afterwards transferred to Egypt, where he served for 18 months. He returned to the regiment at Cantebury and served on various home stations. In 1906, at Shorncliffe, he was promoted Sergeant; and on 1st January 1914, he received an appointment as Quarter-Master-Sergeant and was transferred to the Northern Cavalry Depot at Scarborough.
There his ability as an accountant and clerk was put to the fullest test. The Great War was declared in August of that year. When we look back with a true perspective to those days, we can now appreciate more fairly the noble work that was done behind the lines. Mr Thorburn would have dearly loved to have gone on active service for his King and Country, but his services were required at home. There was a mobilization of great forces then, unprecedented in the annals of this country. Between 3rd August 1914 to January, 1915, Mr Thorburn put through to the front no less than 12,000 men, in addition to 1600 reservists called up on the outbreak of war. During the war, at Scarborough he had to feed from the Depot no less than four regiments of Hussars overseas with horses, stores and men; but afterwards he was transferred as Quarter-Master-Sgt. to 5th Reserve Cavalry Regiment at Tidworth, where 4 Hussars and 5 Yeomanry Regiments, about 4,000 strong, were catered for. Mr Thorburn had a staff of 20 clerks under his direction, but he spared not himself night nor day. His services were appreciated at their true value in Higher circles, and he was strongly recommended for commissioned rank. Nature, however, imposes her limitations upon poor mortals. The strain of this great work of organization told its tale. Mr Thorburn was literally carried from his work into hospital, where he had to undergo a severe operation. He is now, one might say, a memorial to a surgeon’s skill. It is a marvel that he is here today, and able to take such a prominent part everyday life. He has the indomitable spirit. Mr Thorburn was declared medically unfit for service overseas, and his ambition to bear His Majesty’s warrant was shattered.
After 24 years’ active service, he resigned from the Army. He received an appointment as Barrack warden at Strensall Camp. After serving about 3 years there, he received a transfer to permanent appointment as Barrack Warden at Berwick-upon-Tweed in July 1921. It seems a coincidence that Mr Thorburn’s military life should begin and end at Berwick-on-Tweed.
Mr Thorburn has been an active member of the Berwick Branch of the British Legion, and he is also a member of the Northern Area of the British Legion at Newcastle. He also assists Mr Elder in the Coxon’s Lane Mission Sunday School and is also an enthusiastic member of Wallace Green Literary Society, at which he has frequently taken part in the debates. Mr Thorburn confesses to a keen passion for the game of bowls but ranks his ability at the summer game very modestly. Members of Berwick Bowling Club hold a higher opinion of him. He is regarded as a coming man in the game.
BERWICK LADY IN AFRICA
We are glad to hear from a well-known and talented Berwick lady in South Africa-Miss Helen Wallace, East London, daughter of the late Mr Jas. Wallace, Master of Berwick Art School and noted Border Artist of his day. Miss Wallace holds high place as Art Mistress and Artist in South Africa, and her work is notable in the Colonies as well as in the Homeland. Miss Wallace, who belongs to a talented Border Family, tells us she always looks forward with great pleasure to the arrival of her copy of “Berwick Journal.” We reciprocate all the good wishes she sends us.
BERWICK BIGAMY CASE
A charge of bigamy remitted by the Berwick Magistrates to the Northumberland Assigns, for trial by jury, had a curious termination when it came before Mr Justice Talbot, at the Moot Hall, Newcastle, on Wednesday. The defendants were held not to have committed the offences alleged against them, and the facts disclosed left the presumption that the marriage which formed the subject of the charge was strictly and legally constituted.
Moot Hall, Newcastle.
There were two defendants, both of whom had been on bail. Mary Ann Riley, aged 26 years, was charged with having committed bigamy with William Mavin, at Berwick, on Oct.1, and William Mavin, described as a labourer, 24 years of age, was charged with having aided and abetted the woman Riley in committing bigamy.
Both defendants entered a plea of not guilty.
Mr Muir, counsel for the prosecution, addressing his Lordship, said:- neither of these prisoners was represented in the police court proceedings, my Lord, and in the course of those proceedings the female prisoner, Riley, made a statement that the man Riley, whose name she bore and who purported to be her husband, was already married to a woman named Maggie Lee, of Gateshead, when he went through the form of marriage with her.
His Lordship – That cuts at the root of the offence of bigamy.
Mr Muir – Yes, my Lord. In law she was a single woman at the time she was “married” a second time. In those circumstances, I propose to offer no evidence.
His Lordship, addressing the jury, said that before the offence of bigamy could be committed the person involved had to be already lawfully married. It turned out that this woman accused of having committed bigamy was, in point of fact, not lawfully married to the man whom she thought was her husband. Under those circumstances, when she went through the second ceremony, she was a single woman, and therefore the offence of bigamy had not been committed. Very rightly, no evidence was to be offered by the Crown, so the jury would find the prisoners not guilty.
The jury thereupon returned a formal verdict of not guilty, and the defendants were immediately discharged.
MARSHALL MEADOWS ESTATE IN THE MARKET
Marshall Meadows Estate was offered for sale by public auction in the King’s Arms Hotel, Berwick, on Saturday, by Messrs Thos. H. Sanderson, Son, and Townsend, auctioneers, Newcastle, on behalf of the Trustees of the late Mr Swanston.
King’s Arms Hotel, Berwick. Ref: BRO 426/359
The Estate is situated 3 miles north from Berwick on the Great North Road. The estate, which has a long frontage to the seacoast, has a charming private bay, which is connected to the headland by a subterranean passage.
Postcard showing the cliffs and subterranean passage to Marshall Meadows. Ref: BRO 1636/9/58
A special feature of the estate is the walled garden with its fruit trees and bushes which are in excellent condition; and there is also a large vegetable garden.
There is a fishing shiel on the estate for the persons engaged on the salmon sea fishing. There is a large bed of rich red standstone underlying the estate.
The mansion house is substantially built of stone. On the ground floor are dining room, drawing rooms, library, and smoke room, and domestic quarters while on the first floor is the billard-room, 9 bedrooms, 2 dressing rooms, 3 bathrooms with bath, housemaid’s pantry, etc. On the second floor are 3 bedrooms, attic, boxroom, and servants’ bathroom.
The salmon fishing is let at an annual rental of £80, and 20 for the shiel.
The home farm comprises an area of about 166.359 acres. It is let on a 12 years’ lease at £400 per annum, which expires on Nov. 11 next. This is excellent land, and the farm is in a high state of cultivation.
Total receipts, which include estimated rental of mansion house and grounds, £200, amount to £700, and outgoings total £89 17s 1d.
There was a fairly good attendance at the sale. The auctioneer, Mr Townsend, said the Trustees were most anxious to sell. They had taken the unusual step of publishing the upset price, which was £9000, and if the received an offer of £9000 and no more were forthcoming, be would sell. The estate night be divided into 3 classes. There was the farm, which was one of the best in the neighbourhood. If any of them had seen the stackyard recently they could form some idea of its productive quality. Then there was the fishing which at the present time was let at £100. It was a good little fishing. And lastly there was the mansion house. The farm and fishing were being offered at a very low figure. He was of opinion that a house similar to the mansion house could not be built for less than £10,000 today, and if they put the farm down at 32,000, and the fishing at £1,000 they were getting the house for £6000.
There was no offer, and the estate was withdrawn. Solicitors for the vendors were Mr C H Bernard Aylwin, Esq., 32 Finsbury Square, London, E.C.2, and Jas. T. S. Doughty, Esq., Writer, Ayton.
