BERWICK ADVERTISER, 22ND DECEMBER 1922

23/12/2022 by Northumberland Archives

BELFORD HALL ESTATE SOLD

It is stated the Belford estate has just been sold by Messrs Anderson and Garland, in conjunction with Messrs John Baty and Son, of Newcastle, to Mr Blasé, near Northallerton. A syndicate is mentioned which is already prepared to part with some of the property and it is stated that some farmers have already been asked if they want to buy.

The estate, belonging to the Atkinson Clark family, embraces the larger portion of Belford village which has a long history of exceptional interest. In olden times the houses were covered with heather and sods, and the place, Tomlinson tells us, being liable to be burned by the Scots, was very poor.

It was sacked by these northern raiders in the reign of Henry II., and in the reign of Charles I. (1639) was in a state of declension. The “Castrum de Beleford,” which existed as early as 1416, is now West Hall Farm-houses. The old moat may still be traced. Belford Hall, also included in the sale, has been for many years the seat of the Atkinson-Clark family. The large stone mansion was designed by Payne, and altered and enlarged by Dobson. The greater part of the furnishings were disposed of at a sale at the hall last year after the death of the late Mr G. D. Atkinson-Clark. The present Squire, Mr H. G. Atkinson-Clark, has not resided at the Hall save for an occasional visit.

LOCAL NEWS

The happiest day of the school year for teachers and scholars of Berwick C.E. School was on Wednesday, when a dancing display was given by the girls in the Parochial Hall before a large number of parents. As Miss Richardson, the headmistress, said at the close, the girls work all the better when they know their work is to be appreciated and that they are going to give pleasure to others. The hour was all too short, all enjoying watching the girls dance. Very pretty was the Morris Dance, in which the girls wore lavender or green pinafores and sun-bonnets, and “Briar Rose” – a singing game in which the tots took part. In the centre of a ring sat a tiny maiden on a rose-decked chair spinning her wheel. Round her danced the maidens, till by came a fairy and, touching all with her wand, sent them to sleep for 100 years. In due course also by came the fairy prince and, cutting through the thorns of the briar rose, rescued the maiden.

The shops throughout the town are making a fine display with Christmas ware, and with lighting effects now brought to a high state of perfection the window displays are very pleasing. The toy shops are cram full of every mechanical and other device calculated to catch the children’s fancy, while the clothiers, tobacconists, fancy goods merchants, boot makers and bakers and confectioners vie with each other as to who will make their premises the most attractive. Such is the show that it is difficult to pass any of the shops without making a “saxpense gae bang.” The only fly in the ointment at the present time is the tightness of money. Shopkeepers freely tell us that there is not much of this passing at present, but perhaps by Friday the purse strings of economical and thrifty residents will be opened as a result of that Christmassy feeling which makes the whole world kin.

BRO 1944-1-4939-44. Santa delivering parcels on Marygate, Berwick-upon-Tweed.

The magazine night of the Berwick Debating Society is always looked forward to with anticipation by members as one of the treats of the syllabus, and particularly so when the Christmas magazine comes round. The Editor, Mr L. F. Gleig, on Wednesday night read the papers with a true interpretation of their meaning which could hardly have been improved upon. The first paper entitled “The angelic choir boy” was well thought out, and the anti-climax brought considerable hilarity. There was also a poem on Armistice Day, and a humorous skit entitled “7a Church Street, “ which produced a great deal of merriment. “Easter Island” was another good paper which we publish in full in another good paper which we publish in full in another column. The second part of the programme was a lengthy and extremely well written paper entitled the “Veneer of Civilisation.” The writer reviewed the various civilisations which had come and gone in the past centuries and said there was only a slim covering between the civilised people and the barbarians. A lively discussion ensued on every paper.

BERWICK PETTY SESSIONS

A WALKERGATE BATTLE

Mary Ann Campbell, 57 Church Street, Berwick, was charged with assaulting Ellen Pearson on 14th December. Mrs Campbell cross summoned Ellen Pearson, 55 Walkergate, for assault.

Mrs Pearson said there was a dispute about a brush when Mrs Campbell jumped at her, pulled her hair and knocked her down behind the door. She remembered no more.

James Lyons corroborated and said Mrs Campbell thumped Mrs Pearson with a key.

This was denied by Mrs Campbell, who said she only struck in self defence as Mrs Pearson threw a jug at her.

The cross summons was then taken, when Mrs Campbell said a little boy was accused of stealing a brush, and she said they should look for it instead of blaming anyone. The elderly Pearson kept shouting at her and as she went down the passage threw an enamel jug at her Mrs Pearson then pulled her hair and to make her leave go witness hit her on the nose.

This was corroborated by Mrs Smith, aunt of the accused.

The Bench bound both parties over for six months and ordered them to pay their own expenses.

NO DEMAND ON PROPERTIES

FOUR LOTS SOLD OUT OF SIXTEEN OFFERED

In the Long Room of the Corn Exchange on Tuesday night Mr H M. Young, of Messrs Millers, F.A.I., offered for sale sixteen lots of property in Tweedmouth, Spittal, and Berwick. There was a large attendance at the sale, but actual business was practically nil, though the auctioneer, in his opening remarks, made it clear that the reserve prices fixed were very moderate.

Mr Young, at the outset, intimated that the parcel of copyhold land known as the “Quarry” on Tweedmouth Cemetery road had been sold privately before the auction. In his opening remarks, he covered most of the ground as he had done in the afternoon, and pointed out that it was very probable after June next year that the Rents Restriction Act would be considerably modified. He urged the necessity of tenants becoming owners of their own houses wherever possible.

Corn Exchange, Berwick-upon-Tweed. NT9990052696 from NT9990452736

The conditions of sale for the various lots were read by Mr Parker, Mr P. M. Henderson, Mr J. E. T. Smith, and Mr Jas. Gray, but biding all through was of a most depressing character. The only lots to find a market were the freehold tenements 19, 14 and 16 Well Square, the dwelling house at 11 Kiln Hill, the self-contained house and garden at 50 West Street, Spittal, and the property at 13, 15, 17 and 19 Walkergate. In every other case the lots were withdrawn as the reserve price had not been reached.

The property at 9, 14 and 16 Well Square is now in the occupation of Messrs Veitch, Taylor and others at the gross annual rental of £17 16s. For this lot bidding started at £70 and rose by £10 bids to £100, when Mr R. Sidey, plasterer, became the owner.

The dwelling house at 11 Kiln Hill is now let in tenements at the gross annual rental of £24 per annum. Bidding for it started at £100 and rose slowly to £150, when Mrs Skelly, Tweedmouth, was declared the purchaser.

No.50 West Street, Spittal, with 60 square yards of garden ground, is now in the occupation of Mrs Laidlaw at the rental of £13 per annum. It started at £20 and went slowly up by small amounts until £39 was reached, when Mr Spowart got the fall of the hammer.

The shop and dwelling house of three apartments, yard, etc, known as 13 and 15 Walkergate, in the occupation of Mr Cook, and the dwelling house Nos 17 and 19 Walkergate, in the occupation of Messrs Windram and Davidson at the gross rental of £44 was the only other lot to sell. There is a right of way from the Scotch Church in Greenside Avenue to Walkergate through the yard of this property. Bidding for it started at £200, and with several bidders out for it the most spirited moment of the evening was seen. At £400 it became the property of Mrs Forsyth.

LOTS WITHDRAWN

The following lots were withdrawn:- 3 Brewery Bank, withdrawn at £110; Elm House, Kiln Hill, tenements and garden, withdrawn at £150; Nos 1 and 3 Well Road, withdrawn at £150; Nos 5 and 7 Well Road, withdrawn at £120; freehold property 11 and 13 Coxon’s Lane, withdrawn at 3120; block of property, Nos 14,16,16a and 18 Kiln Hill, 17 Yard Heads, two self-contained dwelling-houses, warehouses and yards occupying an area of 690 square yards and occupied by the executors of the late A. D. Watt, withdrawn at £400; tenement property in Blakewell Lane withdrawn at £70; tenement dwelling-houses, 71,73 and 75 West End, no offers; dwelling-house 15 Church Road withdrawn, £110; block of property, 26 to 32 Middle Street and 23 to 25 West Street, Spittal, withdrawn at £60; tenement property, 29 and 31 East Street, withdrawn at £345, and tenement property, 46 to 48 West End, Tweedmouth, withdrawn at £110.

PROFESSIONALISM IN FOOTBALL

LORD JOICEY ALARMED

The menace which professionalism constitutes to football as a sport was commented on by Lord Joicey at the Station Hotel, Newcastle, on Tuesday afternoon, when he presented a beautiful silver shield, mounted on oak, to last season’s winners of the North-Eastern Railway Cottage Homes football competition, the Newcastle Accountants’ department team, who are the first holders.

In the course of his remarks Lord Joicey said that he was an old football player himself, and when at school he was captain of the football team and knew the value of games. Games were really an education in themselves, and football developed determination, character, and a high honour, and the amateur teams had a very good influence. “I confess I took with some degree of alarm,” he went on, “at the way that football has been given over to professionals. Professionals are all very well and good of the sport is where every footballer player for the benefit of the game itself. I regret that very large sums are paid to gentlemen who are engaged as professional football players. Three, four, and even five thousand pounds is sometimes paid to get a good player. That all leads to betting, and I am afraid that ultimately it will have a very bad effect upon the game itself. I hope your club will continue as an amateur club, because it will be beneficial to everybody connected with the railway company and to yourselves.

BERWICK ADVERTISER, 4TH AUGUST 1922

05/08/2022 by Northumberland Archives

BERWICK PETTY SESSIONS

CIGARETTE DEAL AT THE BARRACKS

Frank Cook (30), of 17 Walkergate, Berwick was charged with unlawfully assaulting and beating Pte. George Brown, K.O.S.B., Berwick, on July 26^th. Cook pleaded not guilty.

Brown explained that he was owing Cook some £7 for cigarettes, and Cook took him into the rifle room by himself and assaulted him when he refused to pay him the money.

Mr H. R. Peters, appearing for Cook, cross examined Brown, asked brown if there had not been repeated attempts by Brown to get the money, which Cook did not deny.

Dr Fraser gave evidence that when he was called to see him he found Brown bleeding from the nose, lips, and left ear. The most serious matter was a serious contusion over the bone that leads to the brain. He sent him to the Infirmary and kept him there for a week. He was that day just fir to appear.

Corpl. Johnson, from the Barracks, said he found Brown lying on the floor. He had been locked up in the rifle room and was in an unconscious state. He stayed with him till the civil policeman came. He only saw Cook leaving the rifle room.

Sergt. Midlemiss gave evidence of finding Brown on the floor of the rifle room as described.

Frank Cook said Brown was in the habit of coming to his shop for cigarettes. He was responsible for paying for them. They were sold to him at the full price. He got fairly large quantities. At first he paid regularly, but gradually the amount owing grew, until it reached £6 18s 8d,and he was still sending for cigarettes. Brown then did his best to avoid him, and ceased to come to the shop. Eventually Cook heard that he was about to go on draft leave, so he went to the barracks, and he charged him with avoiding him. A week before the assault he got an I.O.U. from him, as he said various men were owing him money. On the 26^th he got permission from Capt. Lake to see Private Brown, who was there on parade with the draft, and was fetched. They went I to the rifle room. There was a Yale lock on the door and the door closed “quite unconscious to him.” Brown had £6 13s on him and he asked him to pay £5, but he flatly refused. Both, said Cook, got angry. Brown made a wild endeavour to reach a rifle and a bayonet and the fight started. After a time Brown told Cook that he was the better man, and he would pay him £5.

Mr Peters, for the defence, said what had happened was only what men of the world would expect in such a case. Brown had been playing an old soldier’s game, and as he had got the worst of it, he was now trying to get back on Cook through the law.

The magistrates retired and on coming in the Mayor announced that they had considered the case and they found him guilty of assault and battery. They had nothing to do with what led up to the quarrel, but he had taken the wrong way to settle it. He would be fined £2 or one month’s imprisonment.

LOCAL NEWS

On July 21^st, Mr R. H. Dodds had a call from a visitor to the town, Mr James Tinto, who was accompanied by a fisherman. Mr Tinto had been along at Dodd’s well with some friends and had seen something splashing about in a pool, which they found to be a young seal the ebbing tide had left stranded. When they got up to it the seal was trying to make its way back to the sea over the rocks, but they killed it with their walking sticks. With the help of the fisherman, they had taken it down to the salmon house, and now had called for their reward. As Mr Dodds gives 5s for a cormorant they no doubt thought that there was a fortune in a young seal, almost 4 feet long. However, an arrangement, satisfactory to both sides, was come to.

An inquest was held at Mr Peter’s office, Ravensdown, at 12 o’clock on Tuesday, concerning the sudden death of Iris Burgon, of 37 Church Street, aged two months and three weeks. On Monday morning at 5 o’clock the mother got up and gave the child which was sleeping separately in a crib, a bottle of milk. To all appearance the child was in her usual health. At 7 o’clock, the father, as was his custom, went to take the little thing out of the crib and put it beside its mother, and before lifting it he found it apparently dead. He at once informed the police and went for the doctor. A post-mortem was held by Dr on Monday. Pneumonia of the right lung was found to have been the cause of death. The child was well nourished. The Coroner’s verdict was in accordance with the medical evidence.

NORHAM HORSESHOW AND GAMES

SPLENDID ANIMALS SHOWN

CUPS GO TO NESBIT HILL AND GALAGATE

In these days of ever increasing motor traffic, when horses seem to be going off the roads, the splendid turnout of Clydesdales at Norham’s annual horse show on Saturday last proved that our countryside still breeds horses and takes a pride in breeding only of the best. There was not a bad horse on the ground. Many of them have already proved their qualities by successful competition in wider fields and will do so again without a doubt. With Alnwick and Dumfries winners in the entries competition was naturally keen and standard high.

BRO 515-179 Norham Castle, harvest time.

The only bad feature about the show was the weather, whose vagaries reduced the spectators to about half last year’s numbers. To begin with, in the early morning there was a good hour’s heavy rain when many exhibitors from a distance were making a start to get to the show yard by 10.30 a.m. for the judging. Then the sun shone, and with every appearance of a fine day preparations were pushed forward. The judges got busy and were getting well through with their task, when about noon rain fell in torrents, a regular thunder plump. For a short while the judges carried on, but were forced to seek the shelter of a hedge, and the decorated horses had to be taken from their stands in search of shelter under trees. The officials began to shake their heads and predict a “wash-out” for Norham Horse Show and to talk gloomily of debt. Gradually, however the rain lightened, the judges got agoing again, and bye-and-bye the sun came out to cheer the officials and with the winds help to dry up the soaking wet grass. And a good crowd turned up after all and generally proclaimed the show one of the best, and the Committee hope to pay their way.

FOOTBALL

BERWICK RANGERS’ PLAYER-MANAGER

Berwick Rangers’ Committee have appointed Peter Nellies, late of the Heart of Midlothian and Scotland, as player-manager of the club. The salary is not disclosed, but we understand this noted player has been secured on very favourable terms to the club. Peter was chosen out of a short leet of four, and it is interesting to note that amongst other applicants were several who have had a prominent connection with First League football.

The new player-manager will start his work practically at once. He is meeting the players this week and will arrange for taking their training in hand and having a practice game when he can spot likely talent. Nellies has been employed as a chauffeur recently, and he will follow that occupation in Berwick.

Originally a full back, Nellies blossomed forth as a half-back while with his only senior team, the heart of Midlothian. He has played for Scotland on various occasions, but his head could always fit his cap. A very modest and genuine player is “Peter.” Last year he was playing in second League football for King’s Park.

GLENDALE PETTY SESSIONS

SEPARATION ORDER GRANTED

Alexander Shiel, Glanton, labourer, was charged with unlawfully and wilfully neglecting to provide reasonable maintenance for his wife and children, and by such neglect causing her on the 8^th of July to leave him and live apart from him.

Mr M. Wade, Alnwick who appeared on behalf of Mrs Shiel, explained that his client was married on February 13^th, 1909 and had three children of the marriage, but they had never been happy owing to her husband’s relations with other women. She was a very tidy woman, and was now in the Workhouse at Wooler.

Sarah Shiel was sworn, and examined by Mr Wade, said she was married on February 13^th,1909. She had three children by the marriage, Bryda 13 years, Esther 11 years, and Alexander James 9 years. She made application for a separation order on the 9^th December, 1920, at the Glendale Court, for persistent cruelty and the case was dismissed. From then up to the 12^th April her husband had never lived with her, and he had never given her any money for food and clothing during that period. She made application to the Guardians for relief, and received 25s a week, which was paid up to 12^th April. Her husband returned then. He was not working but he was receiving 23s from the dole, and she got 10s a week from the Guardians. He never tried to get work. He said he would not work when he was getting dole. He gave her all the money he was receiving then. In June last the dole was stopped and she applied again to the Guardians and was allowed 25s a week for the children and herself. Her husband again said there was no need to work when the Guardians were paying. On the 24^th June the Guardians discontinued outdoor relief. Her husband then got work for a fortnight. I that time she received £2 5s, which was to pay a bill standing at Mr Hill’s shop, Bowsden, for groceries received when he was staying with her.

By Mr Middlemiss- he told her to pay the bill with the money. He had never given her any money besides that.

By Mr Wade- He was working at Whittingham as far as she knew. On the 8^th July there was no food or money in the house, and she was that day admitted in to the Wooler Workhouse, and had been there ever since.

Mr T. A. Robson, Relieving Officer of Glendale, said that Mrs Shiel had applied for temporary relief. He investigated the case and relief was granted, and a total of £102 4s 4d had been paid.

By Mr Middlemas- There had been no interval in which they had not paid something. When Shiel was on the dole they did not pay so much. He had never received any money from the husband. He only saw Shiel once in the house, and he said that he was not working.

Shiel, on being asked if he had any questions to put, said he wished the case to be adjourned for a month, as Mr H. Percy, Alnwick, who had taken it up, was not able to attend that day.

Mr Middlemas – Why did you not ask this before?

Mr Wade- He has heard all my evidence now.

Shiel – I was never listening to the evidence.

The bench retired, and on returning notified that as notice had not been given they had decided not to adjourn the case.

Accused refused to be sworn, and Mr Middlemas informed him he could say what he liked. Shiel then said the house was kept open for them all the time.

By Mr wade- he was working for the County Council at Moor House, and his wages were £1 18s a week.

The Bench again retired, and after a lengthy absence, the Chairman said that they had decided to grant a separation order, and Shiel would have to pay 15s a week, the wife to have the custody of the children. He would also have to pay the cost.

BERWICK ADVERTISER, 7TH JULY 1922

08/07/2022 by Northumberland Archives

PRIZE DAY AT ST. MARY’S

SCHOLARS GIVE DISPLAY IN PLAYGROUND

The annual prize distribution to pupils attending St. Mary’s Church of England School took place in the playground on Thursday afternoon, when there was a large attendance of parents and friends present. Happily, apart from two showers in the afternoon weather conditions were good and the youngsters assembled, garbed in summer frocks, appeared to thoroughly enjoy the programme of singing, dancing, recitation, and drill which was gone through. The applause which followed each item was in every case well deserved and showed the appreciation of the audience.

Present at the ceremony were Mr G. N. Broadbent and Mrs Broadbent, Mr Chas. Forsyth and Mrs Forsyth, Mr Robt. Carr, Mr W. B. Dickinson, the Rev. S. E. R. Fenning (who presided), etc. The programme submitted by the children was very good indeed, the quaint old folk dances being exceedingly well executed. We feel convinced that the girls’ team which danced “If all the world were paper,” could have easily won at Wooler last week, where that dance was made the test piece at the dancing competition at the Workers’ Union Gala. “Gathering Peascods” was another dance smartly done. The singing was very nice, though the boys were just a little strong for good harmony. The most pleasing item was “O wert thou in the cauld blast,” which though rather a difficult song for youngsters to harmonise in, was done very well indeed. Misses I. Elliot and M. Richardson performed creditably as the piano in the duet “The Merry Skaters.” Though little Janet Renton suffered from stage fright at first in her recitation “Hiawatha’s Childhood, “she did remarkably well at the second attempt and deserved all the applause she got. Mary McRobb also recited “The Pied Piper” clearly and with wonderful expression.

SEAHOUSES

The usual tranquillity of the village of Seahouses was upset in Wednesday afternoon, June 28^th, when it became known that one of its well-known inhabitants had been found dead. The person in question, Mrs Elizabeth Langley, widow, was found by her daughter hanging from a hook, in the basement of the house in which they live in harbour View.

Assistance was promptly procured from the fish stand, where the fish and crates were being sold, and which is only a few yards from the house, but this alas was too late. Mrs Langley for many years kept a pop shop facing the harbour, and was well-known and respected. She has been in poor health for some time. – Mr Hugh J. Percy, deputy coroner, held an inquest on the body of deceased on Thursday at the Police Station, North Sunderland. Evidence of identification was given by Robert Langley, son of the deceased, and by William Norris, who stated that he went into the cellar below the house with Mrs Langley’s daughter (who was unable to attend the inquest) and removed deceased’s body, which was hanging by a cord. Life was quite extinct. – A verdict was returned that deceased committed suicide by hanging herself whilst temporarily insane.

LOCAL NEWS

During the week the large double decker motor bus which was running between Spittal and Berwick has been withdrawn. We hear that the drivers have found great trouble in passing horses, which being unused to meeting such a high affair, either showed a desire to sit down or shie on to the pavements. Messrs Thompson Bros., we see, have started a new covered in bus, which in bad weather should be a great advantage to people travelling between Berwick and Spittal.

Spittal Promenade, 1900s Ref: BRO 426/24-3

Mr R. W. Michael, the tenant of Kerchesters, on Tuesday last week treated all the people on his farm- men, women and children, to the number of sixty- to a motor drive to the coast. Starting at nine o’clock, the first stage was by Ford and Lowick to Bamburgh-a fine long run, which, in delightful weather, was greatly enjoyed. A few hours, all too brief, were spent on the fine beach, and in viewing the great castle and the surrounding beauties- besides other generous entertainment in the form of luncheon, provided by Mrs Michael. The second stage was taken in the afternoon, from Bamburgh to Spittal-an enjoyable drive along the coast. At the latter place the party had tea and a couple of hours were agreeably spent; the third stage was started- from Spittal to Kerchesters via Cornhill- the homeward journey being completed at about nine o’clock.

ALNWICK CASTLE TO BE CLOSED

It is reported on good authority that the Duke of Northumberland is immediately to close Alnwick Castle on account of high taxation.

As a matter of fact, the shootings and fishings were let some time since, and the household at the castle, which formerly numbered little short of 100, has been considerably reduced of late.

It has customary to keep a few rooms open for the Duke and Duchess, and their family, when in the North; but they are not usually in residence at this season of the year.

Lion Bridge and Alnwick Castle, Ref: NRO 2709/8

The Duke is at present in France.

Alnwick Castle was commenced by Ovo de Vescy in 1096, and rebuilt by the Percies in the 14^th century. It has been their principal residence ever since.

The Duke only recently let Syon House and sold his lands in the London district.

PIGEON FLYING

BERWICK CLUB

Berwick and District H.S. flew their fifth old bird race from Bournemouth, 349 miles, on Saturday, July 1^st. Mr Maidment liberated 41 birds at 5.45 a.m., wind S.W. The winners were :- R. Jeffrey, 1463, and R. Sutherland, 1452. The race is a record from Bournmouth to Berwick, the birds flying close on 50 miles per hour.

TWEEDMOUTH CLUB

Owing to the birds beating the officials to the winning post the Tweedmouth Homing Society’s race from Bournemouth on Saturday came to a rather unsatisfactory ending. The birds were liberated from Bournmouth on Saturday morning and none of the officials at Tweedmouth expected them to arrive home within seven and a half hours least. Conditions for flying, however, were favourable and five birds landed in a bunch without anybody being ready to receive them 6 hours and 40 minutes after having been let off. They averaged a speed of 1512 yards per minute over the journey of 348 miles. A meeting of the Society was therefore held on Monday night when it was decided that the fairest way out of the difficulty was to share the prize money equally amongst the owners of the five birds first home. Those sharing the prize money were Messrs Hay and Nelson, Mount Road; Gilchrist Brothers, Howick Terrace; P. Matthewson, Mount Road, and Speedy Brothers, Mill Strand ( 2 shares). The Bournemouth race having completed the races for old birds, the cup formerly belonging to the old Homing Club of Tweedmouth for the best average over all the long distance races was awarded to Messrs Hay and Nelson. The pools in the Bournemouth race were shred in the same way as the prize money. The young birds races will commence in August.

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