Local News

BERWICK ADVERTISER, 26 AUGUST 1920

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FORD WAR MEMORIAL

IMPRESSIVE DEDICATION SERVICE

The old grey stone church at Ford, with its appearance of serene antiquity, must, in past associations with the historic castle, have witnessed many a solemn scene through the long centuries, but surely none so solemn as that on Sunday evening last, when the magnificent war memorial to the sons of the parish who fell in the Great War was unveiled and dedicated.  Nineteen made the supreme sacrifice, a son of the Castle, as well as lads from the farms and villages, and on Sunday the relatives and friends of the men met to commemorate their loved ones, and in doing so to draw inspiration from their heroic example. 

Ford Church, where in August 1920, a dedication service took place for the “magnificent war memorial” dedicated to the sons from the Ford area who fell in WW1. © Mollie, Wikimedia Commons. 

It was a glorious summer evening, and in the brilliant sunshine from far and near, came motorists, cyclists, and those afoot, in such numbers that seating accommodation was quite insufficient, and many had to stand at the back of the church and in the entrance porch, throughout the service.  As the waiting crowd filed slowly into the church, there floated through the building the soft tones of the Largo Appassionata movement, with its solemn staccato accompaniment from Beethoven’s second Sonata, played on the fine organ by Mr. J. H. Binks.  Seats were reserved for the relatives, and the pews in the south aisle, neath the memorial were occupied most fittingly by the Comrades of the dead heroes who were fortunate enough to return from the war, and who paraded under Comrade T. Henry, Crookham.  The beautiful service, specially drafted for the occasion, was conducted by Bishop Neligan, Rector of Ford, printed copies having being distributed amongst those present.  The lessons were read by Lord Joicey, Ford Castle, and the sermon preached by Professor Albert A. Cock, University College, Southampton, who took the place of Bishop Welldon, Dean of Durham, who was unable to fulfil his promise to assist.    

LOCAL NEWS

Capt. Alfred Goodson, who is to marry Miss Joan Leyland, is a Yeomanry officer, and is the eldest son of Sir Alfred and Lady Goodson, of Waddeton Court, Brixham, as well as Kilham, Mindrum.  Sir Alfred Goodson, who was knighted in 1915, says the “Daily Mail,” a Manchester and London merchant and manufacturer, and a director of Goodsons, Ltd.  He was at one time with Messrs Hitchcock, Williams and Co., of St Paul’s churchyard, and afterwards started business in the mantle trade., building up a huge business.  A member of the Council of the National Pony Society, he is specially interested in horse breeding and agriculture, and has taken many prises with his hackneys, including the hackney championship.  He owns a great deal of property in the Knutsford district of Cheshire.  Captain Graham Leventhorpe, D.S.O., of the Royal Field Artillery, who is to marry Mrs Geoffrey Lambton, Mr and Mrs Leyland’s other daughter, is a fine cricketer.  Mrs Lambton was first married in June 1914, and her husband was killed at the front early in September of the same year.  Their daughter, Monica, was born after his death.

Visitors on the Magdalene Fields Golf Course on Monday evening were greatly interested in witnessing a match between two ex-soldiers who had both lost an arm in the war.  One was minus the right arm and the other had had his left arm taken off at the shoulder.  Both men drove and approached the greens much better than several of the most experienced players of the club could do, and they very seldom pulled a ball into the rough.  A Berwick golfer, asked for his opinion on the men’s play, remarked he would not like to be giving a small handicap to either of them.  The peculiarity of the play of the man who lost his right arm, was that he played right handed with his wrist in front of the club.  Though his stroke was more of the nature of a “pull” than a “drive,” he got marvellous results.

NEW BRIDGE AT BERWICK STATION

THE WORK COMMENCED

Operations have been started by the North British Railway in the preliminary work connected with the erection of a new bridge carrying the Great North Road over the railway at Berwick Station.  A large number of workmen are now engaged shifting the tracks of water and gas mains and preparing the foundation for supporting the piers. 

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

The new bridge which, it is understood, will be constructed of steal, will provide a sweeping approach to the North Road—an improvement which will be greatly appreciated by motorists.  It will be so constructed as to fit in with plans for the new station which the Company proposes to build when labour and material are more easily procured.

A portion of the parapet of the old stone bridge has been removed, and as work on the construction of the temporary bridge progresses other portions of walling will be taken down.  The work is attended with some difficulty as the continuous run of traffic north and south cannot be held up.  Workmen digging foundations and shifting the water mains are frequently stopped until the lines are clear.  Telephone and telegraph wires are also being reconnected to new poles. 

The present stone bridge, which is in a tumble down state, dates back to the time when the station was built.  Originally the road from the town led down by the bank to the coal and implement dock and up the sunken road between the present stone bridge and Tommy the Miller’s field.  The original stone of the retaining wall of this portion of the great north road is still visible from Tommy the Miller’s.

In those days the top of Castlegate was much different to what it is now.  The river side of Tweed Street and a part of the landward side were grassy banks known as the Windmill Hole.  It was no easy way of finding one’s way into the town in the dark and one such case occurred where a gentleman riding into the town on horseback fell over the banks at Windmill Hole and was seriously injured.

When the new Station at Berwick does come—it has been promised so long that some fear it will never materialise—considerable alteration will be made in the “lies” and ground near the old castle.  If excavations go on, antiquarians may find some interesting remains of olden days unearthed, as hereabouts the network of underground passages and chambers have never fully been traced.

NOTES FROM SPITTAL

The Admiralty Certificate of honourable mention in dispatches has been awarded to James Patterson, for having sighted an enemy submarine and assisted in its destruction while serving on one of H.M. mine sweepers.  The certificate was handed over by Lieut.-Commander James Toohey at the Customs House on Monday.

Once more the lifeboat has come back to Spittal, and now rests on the sands below Sandstell Road.  It is the intention of the lifeboatmen to erect a temporary shed over the boat and carriage to save it from the weather, and also from the attentions of the children, who in their curiosity have been climbing about it and doing minor damage. 

Image 8 – Lifeboat – RNLB Matthew Simpson – Left to Right – Not known, Not known, Not known, John Wood, Knot known, Jack Lough, George Lough, Bartholomew Lough, Thomas Martin (possible), Not known, Not Known, Alex Patterson Lough.

The permanent house for the new motor lifeboat has not yet been started, but we believe it will be erected near the east side of the ferry landing on the high ground.  A trolley line is proposed to be laid below the lifeboat house leading down to low water mark, and the motor boat will be lowered from the house by electrically driven winches and davits, with its carriage on to the trolley lines when launching.  Though the full particulars of the proposed lifeboat house are not available, it may be taken that it will be thoroughly up to date and fitted with the latest time and labour-saving devices.

An open race was to have been flown from Alnmouth on Saturday, but owing to the heavy rain the birds were returned by rail, the weather being so bad for liberation.  The race will be flown on Saturday first.  The club programme will be concluded on Saturday, when the Nottingham Y.B. race will be flown.  The birds will be liberated at 9.45 a.m., ringing today (Friday) 2 p.m.  The Vice-President (Mr Morton Boston) has kindly given the first prize.

BERWICK ADVERTISER, 20 AUGUST 1920

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4th K.O.S.B UNDER CANVAS

In Magdalene Fields, Berwick.

Young “TERRIERS” Looking Fit

Camped on a sheltered spot of the Magdalene Fields near Magdalene Fields House, the 4th Battalion King’s Own Scottish Borderers are able to go to sleep at nights under canvas, with the call of the sea in their ears and fresh sea breeze in their nostrils.

Berwick has not been favoured by visits of Scotch regiments in Peace times in the past, but it is only fitting that the re-constituted 4th Battalion of the K.O.S.B. Borderers, which is so closely associated with Berwickshire county, should favour a seaside town practically on their own seaboard. The men seem highly pleased with their surroundings and already some of the younger lads who only recently joined are looking smart and fit, while the sea air is giving them a hardy bronzed look.

THE ARRIVAL

Early last week preparations to fix camp were made on the site and by Friday evening there was compact little canvas settlement tucked away under the hill. The main body of men arrived on Saturday evening and marched into camp to the music of the pipes. The pipers in the Battalion band, by the way, were greatly admired by the townspeople as they swung through the streets in their smart Buceleuch tartan kilts and plaids.

COMRADES FETE AT ORD

A TOTAL OF £216 REALISED

The Garden fete organised by the members of the Women’s Section of the Comrades of the Great War, was held on Thursday last at Ord House, the use of the grounds having been kindly lent by Lady F. G. Osborne, President. Although there was little actual sunshine, the weather was good, and the beautiful grounds were looking their best. A large crowd of people, some 800 or more, were present and spent an enjoyable afternoon and evening. There were plenty of attractions to pass the time, and as the primary object of this as of all such functions was to raise money, once past the gate, those present found that wherever they went, there were traps well baited to hold their attention and tempt their purses. The numerous side-shows were kept busy all the time, and the various stalls did a brisk trade. The ices and tea were largely patronised. There was Clock Golf and Bowling on the tennis lawns, a Shooting Range, Aunt Sallies, Hoop-la, Fish Ponds etc., ranged round the front lawns. In the park beyond were the tea tents, and here also many indulged in the fascinating “Bumble Puppy”,” and in the evening a programme of sports was carried out. Tired of  wandering round ample seating accommodation was to be had on the lawn, and a pleasant time spent in listening to the delightful music of Allan’s Band, who kindly gave their services at a merely nominal charge. Another attraction was the series of concerts arranged by Lady Osborne, and held in the Garden Room in the grounds during the afternoon. The following artists took part:- Miss Fyson, Mr Maxwell, the Rev. A. E. Warr, Coldstream; Mrs Marrow, Mrs Walter Scott, and Mr J. C. Collingwood. A very amusing dialogue entitled “The Milkmaid” was also acted by Lady Osborne and Miss Joan Leyland, Haggerston Castle. A long queue was always to be found waiting near the fortune telling tent, and also at the Greenhouse, where “Professor Sarbolinky” held forth on Phrenology and Graphology. Considerable amusement was also caused by Capt. Allenby’s successful attempts to dispose of the surplus cakes from the tea stall.

In the evening after sports were over dancing was begun on the tennis lawns, and kept up with vigour to music supplied by Allan’s Band till after 9 p.m. It was then that the refreshments stall under a sweeping old lime tree on the lawn got busy, and the assistants under Lady Osborne had a great run on the excellent lemonade and the variety of cakes.

LOCAL NEWS

Hardly a day goes past without a block occurring on the Old Bridge, occasioned by large motor wagons and char-a-bancs attempting to pass.

BRO 426-084 Berwick Old Bridge

It is one policeman’s job to regulate the traffic, and this is by no means easy, as often when a car coming from the English side is let away over the bridge, another appears over the rise at the Berwick end, coming in the opposite direction, and wordy arguments ensue as to who has the right of way. Sergt. McRobb has to act as peacemaker and arbiter in many disputes, and it often happens that he has to make one of the two cars retreat to allow the other to get safely across.

Tweedmouth Feast Sports Committee, who recently ran such a successful foot handicap on Union Park held a meeting in the Thatch House, under the presidency of Mr David Watson, on Tuesday evening. There was a large attendance, and Mr Makins, treasurer, presented the financial statement. This showed the total income of the sports to be £85 3s 4½d, expenditure £71 8s 0½d, leaving a balance of £13 15s 4d to the good. It was unanimously agreed to carry this sum to reserve for next year’s meeting, and the Treasurer was instructed to have it banked in the joint names of Mr Watson, Mr Elvish, and himself. A short discussion took place as to whether the sports next year should be held in the afternoon or evening, and the general feeling was that next time the sports should take place in the afternoon. The officials were re-elected, and agreed to carry on until the Committee were re-constituted in April next. Votes of thanks were accorded to Mr Robertson, Mill Farm, who gave the use of Union Park free, and to the members of the Committee who had stood guarantors for the money to carry out the sports. It was intimated that Mr Roberson had kindly offered the field to the Committee to run a five-a side football competition, for which a local sporting gentleman is offering medals. The proceeds from the competition will go to the sports fund.

THE AUTUMN RAIN STORM

CROPS LAID, CAMPS WRECKED, AND FIELDS FLOODED

Cold stormy weather, savouring more of the middle of November than of August, was experienced on Tuesday night, when a rain storm of great severity broke over the district. From seven o’clock onwards the rain fell without a stop, and half a gale from the sea springing up, as rough a night as has been known for some time was experienced.

Herring boats at sea experienced the full force of the weather as they rode the storm out at their nets, and on shore matters were little better. As reported elsewhere, the camp of the 4th Battalion, K.O.S.B., in the Magdalene Fields, suffered severely. Five marquees were laid flat, and during the night the lot of the men under canvas was not an enviable one.

Considerable damage, it is feared, has been done to crops, and to exposed gardens and allotments. Grain crops on the farms and meadows round about, which were well advanced, are badly laid by the rain and wind, and hay which was still out in the cole, has not been improved by the downpour.

The Tweed, as was to be expected, came down in heavy flood on Wednesday morning, and all the forenoon the flood continued to wax. Low lying fields and grass parks on the river banks in the upper waters were flooded in several places, and the surface of the muddy torrent which swept to the sea was dotted over with gates, pailing stobs, trees, and old wood.

Herring boats lying at the Quay had to put out double head ropes to keep them from being swept away, and in fact one boat at the upper berth, near the old bridge,

Herring boats© Berwick Record Office. BRO 1887-25-4.

was torn from its moorings and cast on to the “grid” of the bridge, where she remained fast for a time, straining badly in the current. She ultimately got off, and proceeded to the dock jetty, out of the swirl of the tide.

So strong was the current in the river on Wednesday that no boats were allowed off from the boathouses. The motor service between Berwick and Spittal was also suspended. A coble which evidently had broken its moorings further up the river was swept to sea during the forenoon. The carcases of several lambs were also noticed being taken down with the flood.

BERWICK ADVERTISER, 5 AUGUST 1920

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BERWICK TOWN COUNCIL

The members then sat as a Town Council, Mr W. J. Bolam, Land Steward, being also present.

THE WAR MEMORIAL

The Clerk submitted the resolution regarding the War Memorial for Berwick, forwarded from the public meeting last week, in the name of the Mayor as Chairman, and delegating the question of a Memorial to the Town Council.

The Mayor said he was very grieved and very sorry at the termination of the War Memorial Committee. After the meeting last week he had determined not to let one hour pass till the matter was taken up again. It was up to those of us who had been kept in safety to erect a worthy Memorial to the men who had fallen. He moved that the Berwick Aldermen and Councillors be formed into a Committee with powers to add to their numbers, and take the work in hand. Councillor Darling seconded.

Mr Brewis, who thought at first that the Mayor’s motion was that the Town Council should take up the work of the War Memorial Committee and set up a Committee of its own for the purpose, said that it was no part of the duties of the Town Council to take over the management and disposal of voluntary subscriptions to a War Memorial. Last week’s meeting was held for subscribers only, and only 32 out of 1100 attended. No wonder Dr Mackay was bitterly disappointed. So would be every Berwick man who fought in the war. Berwick had failed where Tweedmouth and Spittal had succeeded. The Berwick War Memorial Committee should have had an alternative scheme ready, because they could not  know that the ratepayers would agree to the removal of the Scotsgate. The ratepayers so far as he had been able to ascertain were against its removal, and against the rates being used for Memorial purposes. He knew of no other Town Council that had been requested to take over the work of a War Memorial Committee, and as he had stated, they were under no legal obligation to do so, and certainly under no moral obligation. The work of the Council was quite onerous enough already. At the meeting of subscribers on Wednesday last of the 32 who attended, 11 voted for the Town Council to take the Memorial in hand, and 9 against, leaving 12 who did not vote at all. Could the Mayor tell him if those 12 subscribers wished the Scotsgate removed or not, because one of the principal speakers at the meeting had asked him (Mr Brewis) months ago to strongly oppose its removal?

The Mayor – I am not in a position at the present time to answer that question.

Councillor Campbell – What was the spirit in which the motion was sent?

The Mayor – I am not answerable for the motives of other people.

Councillor Campbell maintained that the contentious spirit shown at the War Memorial meeting was not right. Col. Mackay had shown a different spirit.The handing over of the Memorial question to the Council was an endeavour to exploit the Council, who did not carry the Committee’s scheme to take down the Scotsgate. They were throwing the onus on the Town Council. He considered this was a matter for the subscribers. The Council had enough in hand already. As regards his own position, as his term of office expired shortly, he did not consider he was justified in becoming a member of the proposed new Committee. The decision of the War Memorial meeting of  a majority of 2 on a vote of 20, was unfortunate.

Ald. Short stated there had been immense difficulties in the question of a Memorial for Berwick. Feeling had reached a rather high point. He considered the Mayor had had no alternative but to make the suggestion he did. The motion met with his (Alderman Short’s approval, but he suggested they ought to go further and take in the whole Town Council. They were all equally sorry for the loss of the men, and would all subscribe. If by becoming a subscriber they were qualified to be on the Committee he for one would certainly qualify. There had been 40 men on the Tweedmouth Committee, and everything had been very harmonious. He hoped they would all go heart and soul into the matter, and work as hard as they could to erect some worthy Memorial to the men who gave their lives.

Councillor Brewis stated there was no question of wishing to have the best Memorial. We were all at one about that (Hear, Hear).

Councillor Blench suggested that the Council join the other Committee, and work along with them, not to take the responsibility on their own shoulders.

Councillor Brewis – There is no other Committee.

Councillor Blench thought that if the suggestion was put before the old Committee they would agree. They were all anxious to complete the Memorial. If it had not been for the men who gave their lives, there would have been no Scotsgate, no Berwick standing today.

The Mayor drew attention to the fact that his motion did not confine the matter to the Council.

Councillor Dixon suggested that the Mayor had made his motion to get out of a difficulty. He thought the old Committee might be called together by invitation.

Councillor Darling stated in seconding the Mayor’s motion, his idea had been that the Council would form a nucleus to make a fresh start.

Councillor Brewis – That is not the application made.

The Mayor – We are not here to discuss the application but to find out the best way to erect the Memorial.

Councillor Wilson stated that there was no question that the mover of the motion at the Memorial meeting and his supporters meant the Town Council to take over the whole matter of the War Memorial. Personally he quite approved of the Mayor’s motion. But that was not the intention of the meeting. The Mayor had taken a wise path. This question of a Memorial should be above squabble. (Hear, hear.) It was far too delicate and solemn a matter. He suggested that the men and women be asked to help in this matter. He regretted the lack of tone at the Memorial meeting. (The Mayor- We all felt that). He thought the Council should not put their responsibility to one side, but shoulder it and make the Memorial a success.

Councillor Brewis pointed out that the whole of the members had come there that night with the same interpretation of the action of the Memorial meeting.

The Mayor – We are here to take steps to carry on the Memorial, not to do as someone else tells us.

The motion was unanimously agreed to.

LOCAL NEWS

On Thursday morning last an accident occurred on the Old Bridge about 10.15 a.m. Two large motor wagons belonging to Messrs Johnson and Darling, and to Messrs Spring, fish curers, Berwick and Hull, colliding. There was very little damage done, but traffic was delayed for a short while.

A recent photogrpah of the Berwick Bridge (Old Bridge), where in August 1920 a number of incidents were recorded on the roadway.  Copyright: Bill Harrison – (CC-BY-SA-2.0) –  https://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/5593766

On the afternoon of the same day, while a woman was wheeling a perambulator across the Bridge, a pony and trap passing knocked the perambulator over, upsetting the two children in it. Fortunately the children were little the worse. The most regrettable part of the incident was that the party driving the trap did not consider it worth while to stop and enquire what damage had been done. On Friday two motor lorries again collided on the Bridge one of them having been in the smash the previous day.

BERWICK SANITARY AUTHORITY

Ald. Richardson drew attention to the absence of a urinal and a water closet at the Carr Rock. In those days when men came from all parts with herring boats, he thought it was the duty of the Authority to put this matter right at once.

The Mayor pointed out that the proper course for Ald. Richardson to have followed regarding this matter, was to have sent a complaint to the Town Clerk. The question could then have been put on the agenda. Otherwise time was put off, and members did not know what was coming before them. The matter was referred to the Works Committee with powers.

A early 1900s photogrpah of the Carr Rock, where in August 1920, there were complaints brought up at the Town Council meeting as to the state of the urinals. Ref: BRO 426 SL 83

Ald. Short asked how it was that for days there had been no water in the urinals and  closets in Tweedmouth. People had come into his office complaining that the closets were dry.

The Surveyor stated that was the first he had heard of it. A man was paid to look after these things, and he had heard nothing from the man.

Councillor Edminson – Why do not the officials go themselves and see about it? There are a great many abuses that are not attended to? With all the officials Berwick should have been a little Paradise by now.

Ald. Short – The Surveyor is seldom in Tweedmouth to my knowledge. It is a very hazy recollection I have of seeing him the last time.

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