Rescue

BERWICK ADVERTISER, 12TH MAY 1922

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ANGLER’S FIND IN WHITADDER.

GOLD MEDAL LOST FIVE YEARS AGO

DISCOVERED IN WADING SHOE

There was no one more annoyed than Mr James Linton, Berwick, five years ago, when he lost from his watch chain in the waters of the Whitadder the gold medal awarded to him in 1906, when he won the championship of Berwick and District Angling Club. On Monday the medal was restored to him, a little damaged no doubt after its long stay in the river bed, but still in fair condition, and the story of how it was recovered is not without interest.

To begin with it was in the summer of 1917 that Mr Linton lost his medal. He was having his holidays at the time and had been fishing on the Gainslaw side of the Whitadder above Canty’s Bridge. He believes the medal broke from his watch chain either as he was coming over the fence at the end of the Plantation or else while he was fishing down the flat opposite Mr Knox’s cottages. From that day to this week the medal was given up as lost by Mr Linton.

Reference: BRO 1550-031

Then came the finding of it which is very curious. An angler fishing up the Gainslaw bank on Saturday afternoon last stepped into the water at the muddy bottom opposite Canty’s Hole. After fishing for a few minutes he felt what he thought was a stone in his wading shoe. On coming to the bank later he was surprised to find inside his shoe a little medal, shaped like a cross, with thistle embellishment, which was tarnished and blackened by immersion in the mud. He polished it up and then discovered the inscription on the back: “Berwick and District Angling Club, won by James Linton, 1906.” Evidently the medal had lain in the mud for years, and when the angler’s shoe had sunk in the mud it had slipped in between the side of the shoe and the wader.

Mr Linton was very pleased to have the badge handed back to him and although it has been damaged, apparently through having been trodden on, he is having it re-mounted.

NASTY CYCLING ACCIDENT AT BERWICK.

TWO BOYS BADLY HURT

While cycling down the hill at Prior House, Berwick, on Thursday night May 3, a lad named Conlin, residing in Mount Road, Tweedmouth, came into violent collision with a little boy named darling, who resides at Murton, and who had run on to the road in front of the cycle.

Conlin was heavily thrown, sustaining a broken collar bone, and the boy darling, who got the full force of the impact, had his leg badly fractured and torn. Darling was conveyed to Berwick Infirmary by motor ambulance and detained, while Conlin, who was severely shaken but less seriously injured, was conveyed home.

LOCAL NEWS

The people of Berwick are beginning to find out the delights of the new pathway along the sea-banks running north from Dod’s Well. The “Primrose Banks” have always been popular, but the going was rather too rough to be frequented much as a regular walk. Now, thanks to the labours of men out of work during the rigours of winter the rough places have been made smooth and the way plain, and with glorious sunshine tempering the sea breezes, a stroll along this path is delightful. As the path winds in and out following the many indentations the sea has made, glimpses of the coast-line can be had from Holy Island and the Farnes up to the point south of Eyemouth. On Sunday the sea was of a glorious blue, with a fringe of dancing white as the waves beat on the rocky shore or dashed into the caves and caverns at the foot of the grassy banks. The coast is nearly all rocky northwards to the “needle Eye,” save for one stretch of sand, rather un-get-at-able because of the steep banks. There is only one objectionable feature to this new walk, and that is a heap here and there of old tins, broken bottles and china that had apparently been tipped over the banks before this new development was thought of.

NORHAM BOATHOUSE FARM

SELLS FOR £1600

On Saturday afternoon Mr W. J. Bolam, auctioneer, Berwick, offered for sale in the King’s Arms Assembly Rooms, Norham Boathouse farm, situated on Tweedside, and extending to 46.695 acres, the property of Sir F. D. Blake, Bart. The adjacent salmon fisheries were not included in the sale and the property was sold subject to all rights of ownership of such fisheries and to all rights of access thereto and to all usage’s enjoyed in connection therewith. Mr Bolam described the farm as one of the best little farms on Tweedside and has the advantages of a gravitation water supply. He also referred to the quarry which would be of some value as houses and cottages would have to be put up some day in the neighbourhood.

BRO 0426-355 Hide Hill, showing the King’s Arms Hotel, Berwick-upon-Tweed

Referring to the reduction in the rate of income tax, Mr Bolam explained that farmers would not feel the benefit of that reduction this year, as the instalment payable in July, 1922, was really in respect of the income for the year ending 4th April, 1922. The basis of taxation of agricultural holdings would in future be on one year’s rental instead of two, or on profits, at the option of the tenant- a privilege enjoyed by no other section of the community. The financial year for tax purposes commenced on April 5th, and tax was payable in two instalments, on January 1st and July 1st, so that the tax actually due in respect of the year commencing 5th April, 1922, was not payable until January 1st, 1923, and July 1st 1923. He mentioned this as there seemed to be some uncertainty in the minds of agricultural tenants on the subject. As to rating relief, nothing definite had so far been promised, but Mr Bolam gave it as his opinion that the authorities would not be able to withstand the pressure of opinion so freely and strongly expressed at all recent meetings of agricultural societies, and he thought it certain that at no distant date some measure of relief must be given to occupiers of agricultural land. These two items had a very important bearing on the question of valuation of land, and he thought intending purchasers should bear them in mind.

Bidding started at £1000 and rose fairly rapidly to £1600, when the farm was knocked down to Capt. Davidson, Charlton Hall, Chathill, Norham, some time ago.

SALMON COBLE IN DANGER OFF BERWICK

THREE MEN RESCUED BY LIFEBOAT

Berwick lifeboat was summoned by the Coast Guards on Thursday night to assist three salmon fishers who had gone to the line fishing in the bay in a salmon coble, which was in danger of being swamped by the choppy sea set up by a westerly gale which was blowing.

NU 00583 52641 from NU 00567 52677

The plight of the men was also seen by a schooner, which was lying in the bay, and that vessel bore down to windward and protected the frail craft from the force of the wind squalls. The lifeboat was launched very smartly, and under sail soon reached the coble, taking the men aboard and the boat in tow. The men, who are employed at Blakewell fishing bat, were Henry Wilson, John Wilson and Thomas Wood, and they were little the worse of their experience when landed.

The rescue was watched by large crowds in the fields and on the Walls and Pier.

BERWICK ADVERTISER, 9 JULY 1920

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VIOLENT THUNDERSTORM

GARDNER KILLED BY LIGHTNING AT ORD

A RELATIVE OF GRACE DARLING

A thunderstorm of a violent character prevailed round the Border district on Friday afternoon and evening doing considerable damage to crops and being responsible for the tragic death of Mr George Horsley, a jobbing gardener, aged 66, residing at East Ord.

I was between half-past five and six o’clock when Horsley left his house to go for milk to the farm of Ord Mains.  It was thundering heavily, but as the storm appeared to be still some distance off, no danger was feared.  Five minutes later, Mr Robert Aire Horsley, the brother of the deceased, was summoned by Mr Wm. Gilchrist, farmer, who said he had found the unfortunate man dead on the road.

HOW THE BODY WAS FOUND

The brother hurried to the scene and in the centre of the road leading to the farm they found the body lying face downwards.  It was almost naked, but a few tattered portions of garments remained and were smouldering.  The boots were torn from the feet, the uppers being thrown to either side of the road, and the soles being found nearly 100 yards away.  The deceased’s watch which was found near the body looked as if it had been struck with a sledge hammer.  The winding screw was torn off, the back of the case badly dented, the works fused, and the pointers and glass smashed.  It appeared as if Horsley had been struck by the lightning on the crown of the head, for there was a circular burn and the face was badly marked and burned.

Death, to all appearances, had been instantaneous.  The police were communicated with, and a subsequent medical examination went to prove that the unfortunate man would never have suffered.

A RELATION OF GRACE DARLING.

George Horsley, the victim of this sad occurrence is the eldest son of the late Mr George Horsley of Bamburgh, a full cousin of the heroine of the Longstone, Grace Darling.  The sensational rescue performed by the gallant maid, when the paddle steamer Forfarshire was wrecked during the gale on the Goldstone Rock, is almost history.  How she braved the dangers of the Island channels in the small cobble manned by herself and her father has found its place in song and story.  Her early death from a lingering disease was regretted by the nation.  The only surviving son of the family, Mr R. A. Horsley, has in his possession several relics and personal belongings of Grace Darling, including the flag of the “Forfarshire.”

The family record of the Horsley’s seems to be interwoven with tragedy.  Many years ago, Richard Horsley, a brother, accidentally fell in front of a traction engine and was killed.  The old mother died from shock when the body was brought home, and the two were buried on the same day.  Grace Darling Horsley, the only daughter of the family died infancy.

© Copyright Graham Robson. (CC BY-SA 2.0).

We understand that Coroner Percy, having heard the report of P.C. Richardson, Ord, and considered the circumstances of the case at the inquest held without calling a jury, was satisfied that death resulted from Horsley being struck by lightning.

NOTES FROM SPITTAL

A most enjoyable outing was spent at the Chain Bridge on Thursday afternoon by the members of St Paul’s Church Choir, Spittal, and several friends.  The party, which numbered about 40 went by motor boat.  The trip was splendidly organised by Mr S Brown, organist of the Church. 

Construction of the Union Bridge over the Tweed by Alexander Nasmyth (1758 – 1840).

Great praise is due to Miss M. N. Boston in the manner the catering was carried out, assisted by other ladies of the choir.  Owing to the weather being wet, tea was served in the Shiel.  Games and races were indulged in until time for leaving.  On returning to the station the party was headed by a piper, and left Velvet Hall station for home after spending a very pleasant afternoon.  The company arrived at Spittal about 9pm.

ROWING

BERWICK REGATTA

The prospectus has now been issued for the above event, which takes place on the afternoon of August Bank Holiday, 2nd August.  The prospectus is on the same lines as 1914, when the Regatta was last held.  The premier event is for the Ladies Plate, a four oared race four senior oarsmen in strake boats.  There is another four oared event for maiden oarsmen, the pair oared race for the Marshall Meadows Plate, cutter races for senior and junior oarsmen, and the usual coble races for salmon fishermen.  Good support has already been promised.  The joint secretaries are Messrs R. D. Harvey and R. P. Campbell.

Berwick Amateur Rowing Club in 1951 REF: BRO 1944-1-54-010.

CREW FOR TYNE REGATTA

Berwick A.R.C. is to be represented by the following crew at Tyne Regatta on Saturday, 17th July: — J. Hutchison (bow), Norman Anderson, E. Soulshy, J. D. Buglass (stroke).  It will compete in the race for maiden oarsmen.

BERWICK ADVERTISER, 11 JUNE 1920

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BERWICK OFFICER’S NARROW ESCAPE

TWO B.A.R.C. MEMBERS IN THE RIVER

Canoe Upsets Opposite Boathouse

GALLANT RESCUE BY BERWICK MEN

A sensational affair took place on the Tweed about 9.30 p.m. on Wednesday night, when Capt. F. B. Cowen, M.C., Berwick, and Mr Thos. Smart, Tweedmouth, nearly met their death by drowning as the result of a sailing canoe upsetting near the Tweedmouth side of the river, opposite the Boathouse.

Capt. Cowen and his friend have been frequently out on the river lately, sailing this canoe, and on the night of the accident they were sailing up the “gut” between the fishing bat and the Tweedmouth side when a squall of wind struck the sail and the frail craft overturned.

Tom Smart was lucky enough to fall clear of the boat but Capt. Cowen getting entangled in the sail was held under the water beneath the overturned boat and was being slowly drowned.

THE RESCUE

The accident was observed by many friends at the Boathouse, people on the Tweedmouth side, and a large number of pedestrians on the Old Bridge and New Road. Rescue work was immediately begun. A boat was manned at the Boathouse and pulled with all speed to the scene, while Mr R. J. Moor, a member of the B.A.R.C., who happened to be in his house at West End, was quickly sent for and entered the water and swam out to the boat which was only about 12 yards from the Tweedmouth shore. Mr Thomas, who is at present at the Queen’s Theatre with his Welsh Choir, also took the water and swam out, but being an elderly man was soon exhausted and had to himself seek safety.

The water at the point was about seven feet deep and when the boats arrived on the scene Smart had gone down for the second time and was making rather feeble efforts to keep afloat. Capt. Cowen had been under water all the time and Mr A. A. Crisp dived from a boat fully dressed to assist Mr Moor in the work of rescue. Happily their united efforts were successful. Moor released Capt. Cowen, who was too far gone to struggle and at the same time Smart was pulled aboard and the rescue boat with the aid of an oar where he collapsed.

Moor having raised Capt. Cowen from the bottom handed him to Mr Crisp who bore him to the wherry and safety. The rescuers were in a very exhausted condition and were violently sick owing to having swallowed so much river water.

Medical aid was waiting on the shore when the unfortunate men were landed.  Dr T. P. Caverhill and his assistant applying artificial respiration while Dr Badenoch and Dr C. G. Maclagan attended to Smart and assisted on keeping a clear air space. Capt. Cowen was in a bad state and for a time his life was despaired of, but he gradually responded to treatment much to the relief of all present.

GOLF

A start has already been made with preparations for the Northumberland Agricultural Society’s Show to be held on the Magadalene Fields on 15th July. The judging ring is nearly complete, and the grandstand is in process of erection. The two holes affected so far are the “Moat” and the “Cricket Field,” but in a week or so the South end of the course will practically be out of play till after the Show.

Players on the first hole at the Magdalene Fields golf course, shortly after its reopening after the lockdown in 2020. © Kevin Graham, Berwick-upon-Tweed.

On Saturday the Goswick Club ladies meet the Magdalene Fields Club ladies on the town course in a six-a-side match. The home team will be Miss H. F. M. Caverhill, Miss H. Gray, Miss H. Crossman, Miss McKelvie, Miss Gray, Miss Marshall. Goswick – Mrs P. C. Swan, Mrs Marrow, Mrs W. R. McCreath., Mrs T. P. Caverhill, Mrs Collingwood, Miss C. Gough.

The ladies’  June Monthly Medal was played over Goswick Course on Saturday last and was won by Miss Henderson, Coldstream, with 111-26- 85.

After considering the state of the course, the Green Committee have decided to restrict play to 7 holes on and after Monday 14th June. A temporary tee will be made adjacent to No.3 green for play to No. 6 green. The full course must, however, be played in competitions, and members engaged in competitions take precedence at No.7 tee. For the guidance of members the Committee have also decided that a ball lying within 10 yards of any Show structure may, with the consent of opponent or marker, be lifted and dropped no nearer the hole without penalty. If the ball is lying in a hazard, within 10 yards of any Show structure, the ball may be lifted at the option of the player under a penalty of one stroke.

The Green Committee have placed the hollow at the Greens Haven, where the newly erected refreshment hut is situated, out of bounds. Golfers driving into the hollow will require to drive a second ball from the ninth tee.

“NO GAS” THREAT

WORKERS DECIDE TO STRIKE.

SPITTAL MEN AFFECTED

Unless a national settlement of the matters in dispute between the Gasworkers in the United Kingdom and the Gas Companies and Corporations, comes before the night of June 26th, over 1000,000 men employed in the industry will come out on strike at the end of the strike notices.

The demands made by the men are for a 10s per week increase in wages, a 44-hour working week, and double pay for Sundays and holidays.

A ballot was taken recently as to whether members of the Union concerned were in favour of strike action, when 96 per cent of the workers voted in favour of a strike. The position is being laid before the Ministry of Labour.

The gasworkers employed by the Berwick and Tweedmouth Gas Company are affected by the threatened strike. A demand for increased wages was made by them some time ago, but this was withdrawn when a national demand was made by the unions. The seventeen men employed at the Gas Works, Spittal, balloted on the strike proposal recently and unless a settlement comes, they will come out with the rest of the gasworkers in the country on the night of June 26th.

On Wednesday the Ministry of Labour officially invited both sides of the Joint Industrial Council for the industry to meet and try to come to a settlement.

CHEAP FISH

WHY NOT BERWICK?

We learn that the Comrades of the Great War at Alnwick have set about in a business-like way, the provision of cheap fish for the people. The method is to have a list of parties to be supplied regularly and to meet these demands fish are purchased wholesale and given to the customers at a price which is almost 100 per cent. below shop prices. Cod and haddock can be sold by the Comrades at 6d per lb., while  the prices charged by fish dealers in Berwick is 1s per lb, for cod and 9d per lb. for haddock.

Why not start this method in Berwick as a means of bringing down prices. Last week on Berwick Quay fishermen got from 8s to 10s per stone for haddocks, and these haddocks were retained in the shops at 9d per lb., an all round rate.

Photograph of the Berwick Quayside early 1900s Ref: BRO 1636-5-6

The percentage of profit here is reasonable, but a much larger profit iis taken from cod which is retailed at 1s per lb., after having been purchased on the Quay at from 25s to 38s per box for small, and at about 8d per lb. for large fish. Halibut sells on the Quay at 15s and 16s a stone, and is retailed at 1s 6d per lb. upwards. Crabs can be bought from fishermen at 6s and 7s per kit, yet in a shop a purchaser is charged from 6d to 1s according to size. A kit holds some 30 crabs when well packed.

Of course, it will be said that the fish merchant must have his profit, on account of the work he has to do in handling and gutting the larger fish, but surely if men who have no experience in the fish trade can buy and sell at a profit and let the public have fish at 6d per lb., the fishmonger should go one better.

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