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This Week in World War One, 24 September 1915

Berwick Advertiser title 1915

 

BERWICK ADVERTISER, 24 SEPTEMBER 1915

 

HINTS FOR THE HOME

 

Here is a good recipe for potted meat. Stew 1lb of stewing beef until tender. Pass this through a mincing machine. Season with salt and pepper, and work in also about 2oz of butter. Press the mixture into potted meat jars, and cover with melted butter.

Above a WW1 advert for potted meat and fish paste, both are still popular today!
Above a WW1 advert for potted meat and fish paste, both are still popular today!

 

When putting on kid gloves, always begin by buttoning the second button, then, when buttoned to the top, you can easily fasten the first button without tearing the kid. Never remove the glove by pulling the fingers, but by drawing the part covering the wrist over the hand.

When the hands are very dirty, use potato instead of soap. This will remove the dirt more quickly, and soften the skin at the same time.

When cut bread and butter is left over from meals, place it with a serviette which has been dipped in cold water. Place the food in a cool place and it will keep quite fresh and moist.

To prevent the juice from boiling over in a fruit tart, sprinkle the fruit with cornflower.

Never throw away your candle ends. Place these in a bag, and you will find them useful for ironing day. If the iron is occasionally passed over the bag, it will give the article a beautiful gloss.

 

THE PLAYHOUSE

 

 Good programmes still continue to be submitted at the “Playhouse.” This week an excellent vaudeville turn is seen in “Stowe Brothers,” who present a novel acrobatic act. “Ashes” was the bioscopic feature during the first part of the week, while, commencing on Thursday, the feature will be “A Woman’s Triumph.” The latter is a fine film with a beautiful and impassioned story from the works of Sir Walter Scott. The feature films for next week’s programme are particularly good. At the beginning of the week the star film will be “The Link in the Chain,” a tense drama in three parts. The story is woven round the theft of a necklace. The charge is laid on an innocent man, who suffers imprisonment while his friends toil incessantly to prove his innocence, and they eventually do so to the undoing of the unscrupulous and the righting of the innocent. Commencing on Thursday next the feature will be “Temptation.” an intensely dramatic photo-play in three parts. The synopsis, which is a lengthy one, could not receive justice here owing to lack of space, but suffice it to say that it is a story of strong passions, full of sensations and thrills. Interest is held throughout because of its realism. “Harmon,” the dancing musician is the turn for next week. For further particulars see advertisement on front page.

 

RABBITS AS FOOD

 

Attention has been called to the value of the rabbit as an article of food during the present high prices of meat. Land owners and farmers, who have a sufficiency of hands left, should see to it and keep the adjacent towns as liberally supplied as possible, and meet the needs of the poorer inhabitants. The cutting of the harvest has tended to make the supply more liberal, but in Berwick on Saturday it was not equal to the demand, prices ranging from 1s 4d to 1s 10d per pair.

The above photograph is of Halliwells Butchers, Selkirk, Scotland, with a string of rabbits hanging outside, a rare sight these days! © William Stafford – Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 2.0 Generic License.
The above photograph is of Halliwells Butchers, Selkirk, Scotland, with a string of rabbits hanging outside, a rare sight these days! © William Stafford – Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 2.0 Generic License.

 

RECRUITING MEETING AT WOOLER

 

Northumberland Fusiliers Cap Badge WW1.
Northumberland Fusiliers Cap Badge WW1.

 

About a 100 of the 6th Northumberland Fusiliers including the Band arrived at Wooler on Monday afternoon on their recruiting tour. They were encamped on Turvelaws haugh for the night. In the evening a meeting was held in the Archbold Hall at which Mr Noel Villiers of Weetwood presided. Addresses were delivered by the Chairman, Sergt.-Major Walsh, Rev. Lothian Gray of Sprott, Dunbar, and colonel Napier. As a number of meetings have already been held here, both Wooler and district having responded well to the call, recruits were invited to come forward, but apparently without result. A dance took place after the meeting to music supplied by the band. An officer’s wife expressed her disgust at seeing so many young men in civilian clothes dancing saying she felt ashamed of them.

This Week in World War One, 2nd July 1915

Berwick Advertiser title 1915

BERWICK ADVERTISER, 2ND JULY 1915

 

BERWICK BOY SCOUTS FIELD DAY

 

On Midsummer Holiday Berwick-upon-Tweed Boy Scouts had a combined outing to Chain Bridge. The patrols from Tweedmouth and Spittal joined Berwick boys at Headquarters, Palace Green, where arrangements were completed for the march. Headed by a patrol leader bearing the Troop

Berwick Advertiser 2 July 1915, Boy Scout
Berwick Advertiser 2 July 1915, Boy Scout

flag, the procession passed through the town and made quite a good show, the treck-cart party coming up close behind, and being followed by the Cyclist Scouts.

After a halt at Cantie’s the troop resumed their march and reached Chain Bridge in time to have bathing parade before dinner. The afternoon was pleasantly spent, and after tea, a football match, Berwick versus Tweedmouth and Spittal, was played off, resulting in a victory for the latter.

The weather was glorious up to this point, but the thunder-storm which broke as the boys were on their way to Velvet Hall Station literally put the damper on them. However, they were very happy, and quite enjoyed the day’s outing.

Altogether, 134 boys were present at the outing, the Scoutmasters in charge being Messrs Clements, Turnbull, Moore and Edward Smith. Mr T. Boal very kindly acted as Scoutmaster for the day, and to him and to Mr Bell, farmer, Bankhead, who kindly placed a field at the disposal of the Scouts, as well as to Mr T. C. Smith, Castle Terrace, who provided prizes, the thanks of the Scouts’ Association are heartily tendered.

 

Berwick Advertiser 2 July 1915, Playhouse Advert
Berwick Advertiser 2 July 1915,
Playhouse Advert

 

 

SUNDAY SCHOOL TRIP

 

On Tuesday afternoon the children attending the E.P. Church, Tweedmouth, had their annual trip to Greenlaw Farm, Foulden. The farmer, Mr James Renton, and family, seem to look forward to the coming of the children and their friends with pleasure, and to find special delight in making preparations for their entertainment. As the long procession of carts, kindly supplied by Messrs Peter Edgar, Camphill; David and James Renton, Spittal Hall; Mrs Marshall, Tweedmouth; Mr Cowe, Baldersbury; and Mrs Waite, Castlehill, passed along the youngsters broke away from the monotony and depression of the time-making all within reach of their voices forget for a little the worries and anxieties of the war. Once on the field there was a rush to the liberty to scamper and play and amuse themselves without restraint. After tea, served by the teachers, the games and races were resumed with vigour, and kept going till a few loud claps of thunder intimated that it was time to quit. Before leaving, to show how much they felt indebted to Mr and Mrs Renton and family for the invitation to their place, for the milk they supplied for the tea, and for their kindness and efforts to make the trip a success, three hearty cheers were given. The return journey, after a most enjoyable afternoon in the open, was completed without a mishap. The teachers beg to thank very sincerely Mr P. Edgar for his assistance on the field; Mr P. Boston for the use of the infuser; the ladies who gave the nuts and sweets; those who provided the carts, and all who contributed towards the children’s enjoyment.

 

LOCAL OFFICER WOUNDED

Lieut F.W Smail

 

Mr H.R. Smail, proprietor of the “Berwick Advertiser,” received word by telegram on Wednesday evening that his second son, Lieut. F.W. Smail had been wounded on Monday, but the nature of the wound is not stated.

Lieut. Smail was educated at Berwick Grammar School and Loretto School, Musselburgh, and afterwards was a student farmer. A year or two ago he entered the tenancy of Linton Burnfoot Farm, Kelso. A year before the outbreak of war he was a trooper in the Lothians and Border Horse, and from that regiment he transferred to the 7th N.F. as second lieutenant. He was keen and enthusiastic in the discharge of his duties, and before the 7th N.F. left for the front he was promoted 1st Lieutenant. His eldest brother, Captain H. R. Smail, is in the same regiment.

A letter we have received as we go to press states that Lieut. Smail was caught by a sniper while in the trenches at night. The bullet struck him on the back of the head, and he was carried from the trench unconscious. The wound is described as serious.

Lieut F.W Smail Dies From His Wounds

 

Berwick Cemetery, North Road, Berwick-upon-Tweed, where 1st Lieutenant Frank Weddell Smail is buried
Berwick Cemetery, North Road, Berwick-upon-Tweed, where 1st Lieutenant Frank Weddell Smail is buried

 

SMAIL, Lt. Frank Weddell. “D” Coy. 1st/7th Bn. Northumberland Fusiliers. Died 1st Dec., 1915 of wounds received near Wulverghem on 27th June. Age 23. Son of Henry Richardson Smail, of Berwick-on-Tweed. A.C. 412. Acknowledgement – Grave Registration Documents-Registers – CWGC

 

This Week in World War One, 18 June 1915

Berwick Advertiser title 1915

 

BERWICK ADVERTISER, 18 JUNE 1915

NORTHUMBERLAND FUSILIERS PRISONERS

 

Lady Allendale has received numerous postcards and letters from prisoners interned in Germany, acknowledging parcels sent to them, for which they are most grateful.

One prisoner, writing from Munster, Westphalia, asks for cocoa, sugar, milk, Golden Syrup, Hovis bread, Woodbines, and soap. He says he is only allowed to write two letters a month, so, if this regulation applies to other prisoners, this will account for parcels not being acknowledged regularly.

Lady Allendale understands that at some of the prisons luxuries are not allowed. Therefore, it is advisable only to send such articles of food as bread (brown is best), biscuits, butter, dripping, cocoa, and milk. Anything in the way of luxuries, such as sweets, chocolate, and cakes, are liable to be confiscated.

 

Poster National Egg Collection for the wounded
Poster National Egg Collection for the wounded

 

 WOOLER

 

FOR WOUNDED SOLDIERS: On Sunday afternoon last a united missionary and egg service was held in the Archbold Hall at which there was a good attendance. The Rev. H. Proctor gave an interesting address on mission work in West Africa where he had laboured for some years. All were invited to bring fresh eggs to be sent to the British Red Cross Society for our wounded soldiers and sailors. A collection was also taken in aid of missionary work. The Rev. N. Reid was chairman. At the united service on Sunday in the Archbold Hall, nearly 500 eggs were collected for the wounded soldiers and sailors, and over £3 was taken for the Missionary cause.

BERWICK PUBLIC BOWLING GREEN OPENED

A Splendid Acquisition to the Town

 

The outcome of the enterprise and labour of a number of the working men in Berwick was witnessed at the Old Bowling Green, Ravesdowne, on Monday evening, when the Mayor (Mr Thomas Wilson) opened the Berwick Public Bowling Green. The mayor was accompanied by the Sheriff (Mr E. W. Stiles), Mr D.H.W. Askew, Castle Hills, Mr H. G. McCreath, Mr J. Elder, Dr C. L. Fraser, Rev. R. C. Inglis and the Secretary of the Club, Mr A. Carstairs. There was a large attendance to witness the opening ceremony.

Area marked as Former Tennis Court, Ravensdowne, Berwick-upon-Tweed. 1900's
Area marked as Former Tennis Court, Ravensdowne, Berwick-upon-Tweed. 1900’s

The proposal to have a public Bowling Green in Berwick has been afoot for some time and to expedite the matter a public meeting was called in the Town Hall where it was decided to canvas the town for subscriptions. A good sum of money was obtained but not of a sufficient amount to enable a green to be laid out, for the outbreak of war in a great measure stopped the flow of subscriptions. A splendid opportunity was afforded the Committee when the old bowling green behind the barracks was advertised to be let, and the Committee have entered into a five years lease. This green was where the Berwick Bowling Club first started and it was vacant for some time after that club laid out their green at the Stanks. Later it was occupied for bowls by the officers of the King’s Own Scottish Borderers, but latterly the ground has been utilised for playing of tennis. The turf is in a good state of preservation, and with a little care and attention the surface will soon be made quite suitable for playing. Its condition on Monday evening was excellent considering the short time spent in improving it.

THE ORIGIN OF THE MOVEMENT

Mr Jos. Seals, in calling upon the Mayor to declare the green open, said: – The origin of this movement took place some few months ago. Berwick Town Council was approached with a view to providing as they do in other towns, a public bowling green to be within the financial reach of the working classes. Owing to their having so much in hand they found it impossible to carry out what was required. The Mayor kindly suggested that a public meeting be called, and from that meeting we have this green. We commenced to canvas the town for subscriptions to assist financially and as far as we went the town responded right nobly, but owing to the war we had necessity to cease asking for subscriptions owing to the very large number of necessities that had arisen from the war. The matter then lay for some time until it was seen in the papers that the green was to be let. A committee meeting was called and without hesitation it was decoded to take the green and bring the matter to a successful issue to the best of our ability. We still have a need for more financial support but we have sufficient confidence in the public spirit of the Borough to know that that need will be supplied. We propose in some way to make arrangements for allowing the different bodies of soldiers in the town to play on the green. We should like to let them play free but as that would be killing the goose which lays the golden egg, we will meet them in the best way we can.  I have great pleasure in calling upon the Mayor to open this green, and I may add that we have had assistance from the beginning and our success in a very large measure is due to him. (Applause)

THE GREEN OPENED

The Mayor said: let me congratulate this Committee of Berwick Public Green for having done such a great work as this. I have much pleasure in declaring the green open and I hope it will be taken advantage of by the working class. (Loud applause)

The Mayor, thereafter played the first bowl and was followed by the Sheriff, Mr Askew, and  Mr. McCreath.

Play was free to visitors for the evening and a most enjoyable game was played.

 

FUNDS FOR THE QUEEN’S NURSES

SOLDIERS AND CIVILIANS HELP

 

Royal Scots…………………..1                                  Berwick Rovers…………………..0

Without doubt a larger crowd has never gathered at the Stanks, Berwick, than that which viewed the match on Thursday evening between the 2/10th Royal Scots, and Berwick Rovers, at which a collection was taken in aid of the funds of the Berwick Queen’s Nurses. By kind permission of Colonel Peterkin, the Royal Scots Piper Band paraded the principal street before the match, and drew large

The Stanks, Berwick-upon-Tweed, Northumberland.  Grazing sheep, 1900s. Ref: BRO 2103-6-32
The Stanks, Berwick-upon-Tweed, Northumberland. Grazing sheep, 1900s Ref: BRO 2103-6-32

crowds to the venue of play. Collectors were busy amongst the crowd during the match, and the excellent sum of £8 10s was realised. The arrangements for the match were in the hands of Mr. A. A. Crisp, High Street, Berwick. The teams chosen were: Royal Scots-Corpl. Hill ( Queensferry St Andrew’s); Lance Corpl. Hay (Wemyss Athletic) and Pte.Trupe ( Juvenile); Corpl. Anderson ( Juvenile), Pte.Valentine ( Bathgate Primrose), and Pte.Preston ( Bathgate), Sergt. Brown (Armadale Rangers), Corpl. Jameison (Vale of Grange), Pte. McIver (Juvenile), and Pte. Middleton (Linlithgow Rose.) Berwick Rovers- W. Ferguson; R.T. Tait and E.N.Fenby; D.Redfearn, H. Burgon, J.Paul; J. Weatherburn, C. Barth, A. Weatherburn, G. Mofatt, and J. Scobie.