Holy Island

This Week in World War One, 1 December 1916

08/03/201801/12/2016 by Northumberland Archives

BERWICK ADVERTISER, 1 DECEMBER 1916

TRAPPED BY THE TIDE

BUTCHER’S FATAL RISK ON HOLY ISLAND

The finding of a butcher’s van in which was yoked the dead body of a horse, on Holy Island sands on Sunday, brought to light the tragic end of Thomas Foreman, a well-known butcher.

The unfortunate man who belongs to Lowick, Northumberland, regularly crossed these dangerous sands to the island and was familiar with the perils attending a crossing with the flood tide.

bro-0515-127-blog — BRO 0515-127 (c) Berwick Record Office

It appears that having served his customers he left the island at 5 o’clock on Saturday night and although little enough time was left to cross in safety, no fears were entertained as to his regaining the other side.

The high tides, however, had not been taken account of and it is feared Foreman met his end while at least half-way across. Up to the time of writing no trace of the body has been found.

LOCAL NEWS

Feeding Stuffs and Milk Prices. – Although the price of milk is to be restricted there is no restriction upon the price of feeding stuffs for the cows. Some farmers, assert that unless some limit is imposed upon the price of the feeding stuffs it will be impossible for them, except at a loss, to continue supplying milk. It is stated that in some parts of the country farmers are disposing of their cows. To avoid any possibility of a shortage in the supply of milk from this cause, it has been suggested to Mr Runciman that he should summon a conference of farmers and manufacturers and importers of feeding stuffs to discuss the situation with a view to arriving at a voluntary agreement for the limitation of prices. The president of the Board of Trade, who is considering the suggestion, will be asked on Thursday, 30^th November, to indicate whether he is prepared to adopt it.

Steamer Refloated. – The large steamship Tredegar Hall, 3,764 tons gross register, which stranded on the sands at Monkhouse, Bamburgh, two months ago, has been successfully refloated. As the steamer stranded during spring tides fears were entertained that some time might lapse before she was salved, but the exceptionally high ide experienced at the week-end, allowed a large salvage tug to successfully tow the ship into deep water. It is understood the vessel is little the worse.

WOOLER

Christmas. – we are reminded that Christmas is again approaching, and the annual prize show and sale at the Wooler Mart is announced for Monday week. We are assured that an excellent display may be looked for. The quality of the stock presented by the Wooler Mart, Co., at their Christmas show is always equal to any, and that it will be up to the usual standard goes without saying.

Gifts for Soldiers. – A subscription list has been opened by the Vicar to provide the sailors and soldiers who have left the parish with a suitable Christmas parcel. Over £21 has already been subscribed and is expected to be still further increased. A chocolate service is to be held in the Parish Church on Sunday afternoon, when gifts of chocolate, etc., will be welcomed. The collection will also be for the soldiers and sailors gifts. The total number reaches over a hundred. The Presbyterian churches are also sending parcels to members connected with their places of worship.

SCREMERSTON

Concert for Soldiers’ Chritsmas Gifts. – A very successful concert, organised in connection with Scremerston Church with the object of sending a Christmas token of remembrance to all Scremerston men on active service abroad, was given in the large hall of the local Workmen’s Institute on Monday evening last. The concert had aroused a very general interest in the parish and neighbourhood, and the highest anticipations of the Vicar and those associated with him in the venture were more than fulfilled. The entertainment itself was of a very interesting and varied character. Through the good offices of Mr J. M. Dudgeon, a number of the Royal Scots now billeted in Berwick promised their assistance. During their stay here they have proved themselves most able and successful entertainers in various ways, and they repeated their triumphs on this occasion. Corpl. Dells, humourist, Private Cummings and Corpl. Howitt, vocalists, and Private Burnett, impersonator and soft shoe dancer, all justified the reputation they have gained. Mr Dudgeon’s ability is too well known to require description further than to say that he proved himself as popular as ever.

© Copyright Raymond Chisholm, and licensed for reuse under Creative Commons, Attribution-ShareAlike 2.0 Generic (CC BY-SA 2.0).

A cymbal dance by Miss Dormer and a tambourine dance by Miss Douglas were gracefully given and heartily received. A beautiful stage picture representing Britannia and the nine Allied Nations, devised and arranged by Mrs Lightfoot, was represented by Miss E. M. Lightfoot as Britannia and by members of the Church Girls’ Guild. The supplemental act saluting the British flag by the separate nations individually give the audience the opportunity of greeting each ally with welcoming applause. Part songs by Scremerston Church Choir as a body, and songs by individual members further associated the Church with this pleasing effort to send tokens of remembrance to the local men now serving in France, Egypt, Salonica, and on the high seas. The seating of the large gathering was looked after by Mr R. Thomson, ably assisted by his sons. Much of the success of the undertaking was due to the untiring interest and assistance given by Mr and Mrs W. J. Blackett, Scremerston Post Office, who also bore the cost of conveying the Berwick and Spittal vocalists to and from the concert. A goodly sum was realised by the venture, and the parcels thus secured will be despatched to the men at the Western front without delay; parcels have already been sent to those in Egypt and Salonika.

This Week in World War One, 21 October 1916

08/03/201821/10/2016 by Northumberland Archives

BERWICK ADVERTISER, 21 OCTOBER 1916

HOLY ISLAND

Friends familiar with Holy Island are often struck with the fact of the longivity of the natives, but it is rare even in this parish to meet with a couple who can celebrate their “diamond wedding.” Such, however, is the case of John Stevenson, who married Alice Watson on October 11^th, 1856. A conversation with this old couple reveals many interesting incidents of local history. Born at Holy Island on June 27^th, 1830, John Stevenson has lived during the reigns of four sovereigns and five vicars; he can recall a visit to Wooler Fair at the age of 8 years, where he saw the stage coach change horses for Edinburgh; whilst some years afterwards he helped in the transformation of modern life by preparing the railway line to Berwick, the wages being 9s per week.

At this time the line was laid as far as Belford. Though a great part of his life was spent fishing he had a varied career, including a month spent on a man-of-war during the Russian War. For 39 years he acted as Church verger and gravedigger, but gave up this work in 1909 owing to advancing age. Mrs Stevenson was born at Felkington in May, 1834, so that there will probably be very few indeed who can remember her as Alice Watson. It is said that this interesting couple was the last but one to be married at Lamberton Toll. Both Mr and Mrs Stevenson are enjoying remarkably good health considering their advanced ages, and all who knew them will rejoice to know they are spending their declining years on Lindisfarne – the “Isle of Rest.”

THE TERRITORAL FORCE ASSOCIATION

COL. SIR R. WALDIE GRIFFITH has sent the following for communication to the Press: – The Territorial Force Associations of Roxburgh, Berwick, and Selkirkshires have been again approached as to the possibility of raising a Volunteer Corps in their Area, and it is considered advisable to explain the conditions and duties to be undertaken on enrolment.

The Volunteer Battalion will be formed under the same conditions of service as the former Battalions of the above mentioned Counties, but there will be no allowance for uniform. Drill etc., will be carried on as was done by the Volunteers of the Border Counties in civilian clothes, but, as Field Marshal Lord French foreshadowed in a speech the other day, arms and equipment may be supplied free but, as this will cost a great deal, it could only be given to men who would give some guarantee of continuing their services till the end of the War. Men, however, who do not feel they can give this guarantee, should enrol for such service as they can render. 200 sets of equipment are already promised to approved Corps by Royal Letter.

Men Suitable for Enrolment.

The men suitable for enrolment are:-

Men over 17 years of age.
Men declared medically unfit for Military service, but fit for ordinary work.
National Reservists fit for Home Service.
Men exempted by the Tribunals from service in the Army.

Duties of Enrolled Volunteers.

The duty of enrolled Volunteers will be to perfect themselves as far as possible in Drill, Rifle Shooting, and other Military duties during the Winter months in Public Halls, etc., Miniature Rifle Shooting, Squad Drill, Rifle Exercises, etc. lectures will also be given on Drill, Discipline, Trench Fighting, and all Military subjects.

LOCAL NEWS

A Runaway Horse. – About 8.30 on Wednesday morning, while Gordon McLean, hawker, was driving a pony and float down Sandgate to the quay the animal got restive and bolted. McLean was unable to pull up. A man named Moses Davidson, who jumped from the vehicle was slightly injured. McLean also leaped off and received some injuries. The front of the trap was knocked clean out by the horse rearing and kicking. The animal was fortunately stopped before it reached the edge of the quay.

Two Germans Escape from Scottish Camp. – Two German prisoners escaped on Wednesday forenoon from a camp in Peeblesshire. One is about 30 years of age, and the other slightly older. Both are men of about five feet six inches. One is clean shaven, and the other has a short beard. They were dressed alike in grey corduroy suits, with blue patches on the back and similar patches on the trousers; may have grey overcoats, or may be in naval uniform. Both men speak a little English with a German accent.

Motor Transport Collides. – On Thursday morning, while Norris Townend, residing at 12 South Moor, Halifax, was driving a motor transport in Bridge Street, Berwick, the wheel side slipped while taking the corner of Hide Hill. The vehicle came into violent contact with the door of Mr Prentice, seed merchant’s office, doing considerable damage to the stone work. The waggon was a heavy vehicle belonging to Messrs Alder and Mackay, Edinburgh, and it was also slightly damaged.

BRO 0426-355 Hide Hill, Berwick-upon-Tweed

Tweedmouth Young Mens’ Bible Class. – A memorial service for fallen comrades was held in the Kiln Hill Hall on Sunday last. There were present – Rev. M. Thompson, Rev. R. Leggat, Major McGill, Mr John peacock, Mr A. Martin, Mr and Mrs Anderson, Mr Robert Sidey, and a large gathering of members and friends. The Sheriff presided. After the opening hymn and scripture lesson, and whilst the congregation stood, the Secretary read the roll of members who have answered the call of King and Country and are still serving, numbering 112; also the roll of comrades who have fallen in battle numbering 21. Major McGill gave a most appropriate address to the lads, and Mr Peacock most feelingly addressed those who are mourning the loss of loved ones, while Mr John Moor of the Y.M.C.A. Huts, rendered that beautiful solo “Shadows.” The singing of the Glory Song brought a most solemn and yet inspiring meeting to a close.

NORHAM

Local lady’s Fine Work in France. – On account of her splendid work amongst our men at the front, both at the base and up the lines, Miss Katherine Vincent, the eminent Newcastle singer, wife of Dr Paxton, of Norham, presently a surgeon with the fleet has been asked to prolong her stay in France for the duration of the war. In eleven weeks Miss Vincent has organised the given, with her two lady friends, Miss Marguerite Godfry, of Stroud, and Miss Mollie Eadie, of Glasgow, more than 100 concerts acting in the capacity of singer, violinist, and pianist.

This Week in World War One, 30 June 1916

08/03/201801/07/2016 by Northumberland Archives

BERWICK ADVERTISER, 30 JUNE 1916

WOMEN FARM WORKERS

In many parts of the country there appears to exist a suspicion that, if women register their names for farm work, they may be subjected to some form of compulsory service.

The War Office and the Board of Agriculture and Fisheries desire to assure all women who

Women's Land Army. © Henry George Gawthorn (1879-1941), UK government, in the public domain. — © Henry George Gawthorn (1879-1941)

are engaged in work on the land, or who may be willing to undertake such work, that the registration of their names for that purpose will in no way be used to compel them to undertake either agricultural or any other form of work. Such work is entirely voluntary. In no case will they be expected to work on farms outside their own neighbourhood unless they are willing to do so. But it is necessary, in order that the most sufficient use may be made of their services, to have a list of the names and addresses of women who are prepared in the national emergency to undertake work in the place of the men who are fighting in the trenches. As there is a great need for the services of patriotic women who are willing to assist in the home production of food, it is hoped that all women who can see their way to offer their services, either whole or part time, will at once have their names registered at the Local Labour Exchange or by the village Registrar.

Board of Agriculture and Fisheries,

4, Whitehall Place, S.W.

23rd June, 1916

LOCAL NEWS

A Big Smash. – On Monday afternoon a number of army motor vans were going through Bridge Street, one of the tyres of a van skidded, precipitating the vehicle through the plate glass windows of Mr Thomson, baker. The large front glass window as well as the side window were smashed.

Accident. – On Tuesday afternoon a woman named Swinney, 176 Main Street, Tweedmouth, slipped while taking clothes off a rope in a back yard, fracturing her left ankle. Nurse Davidson was called, and the woman was removed to the Infirmary.

Midsummer Holiday. – Tuesday was observed in Berwick as the annual Midsummer holiday, when all places of business were closed. Like its predecessor of 1915, the war put a damper on the usual observances – no railway facilities in the way of cheap, excursions being offered. That being so, far distance travelling was out of the question to the vast majority.

Old photograph of salmon fishermen below Chain Bride, near Horncliffe, Berwick-upon-Tweed. © Berwick Record Office, BRO 426 1125.

Notwithstanding these drawbacks the general public made the best of the circumstances – some went boating, some went fishing, some went cycling, others went in either for bowling or golf, while a goodly number made the Chain Bridge their rendezvous – where the Berwick Boy Scouts were having a picnic. There was quite a number of parties squatting here and there on the green sward. With their attendant fires to boil the kettle for tea and notwithstanding the cheerlessness of the day seemed to be enjoying themselves. The weather throughout the day was dull and scarcely in keeping with the leafy month of June. All are looking forward with eager anticipation to next midsummer holiday, when it is hoped the war clouds will have rolled away and everything back to usual conditions.

HOW TO GET TO HOLY ISLAND

Now that summer has come, and readers of the “Advertiser” will be planning their outings on Thursday afternoons, as well as for longer periods, a word as to Holy Island will not come amiss. Comparatively few of the inhabitants of Berwick and neighbourhood have visited this most interesting place; in many cases because they do not know how to make their visit suit the tides, going and returning. A safe rule is to cross on an ebbing tide in preference to a flowing one. If going by train leaving for Beal after 1.10 p.m. (from July 1st onwards), and returning by last train Spring tides (high water at from 1 to 4 p.m.), should be avoided, and a day chosen when the tide is full about 10 to 12 o’clock.

Early 20th century photograph showing the crossing of the sands at Holy Island. © Berwick Record Office, BRO 426 1059.

If going by either of the morning trains, and returning by last train, high water any time between 11 a.m. and 4 p.m. will suit.

Holy Island conveyances meet the 7.40 a.m. or the 1.10 p.m. trains, from Berwick, single fare 1s each, or for four persons or upwards conveyances will be sent to meet any train at the same fare. Conveyances can be ordered from any of the following :- Mr R. Bell, Post Office, Holy Island; Mr James Brigham, Holy Island; Mr Geo. Wilson, Northumberland Arms, Holy Island; Mr Thomas Fender, Holy Island.

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