BERWICK ADVERTISER, 26 AUGUST 1920

28/08/2020 by Northumberland Archives

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.

This Week in World War One, 22 February 1918

08/03/201823/02/2018 by Northumberland Archives

BERWICK ADVERTISER, 22 FEBRUARY 1918

HOME ON LEAVE

We are pleased to see home on leave from France, Gunner G. P. Pringle, Tank Corps, a Murton lad. He has had some trying times, but looks fit and well. Gunner Pringle was one of the crew of a disabled Tank, but luckily he escaped with only a few scratches, while his comrades fell at his side. We wish him every good wish and best luck until he finally returns. When on leave he had the pleasure of meeting his brother Richard, whom he had not seen for some eighteen months. Driver Richard Pringle enlisted at the time when his parents received the news of another brother’s death in July 1916. Mr and Mrs Pringle have every reason to be proud of their family’s record. All three lads were born at Berwick-on-Tweed.

Looking the picture of health, we are pleased to see Dispatch Rider John Logan, son of Mr. Adam Logan Lloyds Agent, Berwick, home on a leave from France. He joined up in the

early stages of the war and there being great need at the time for dispatch riders he was almost immediately drafted into France. He took part in the trying engagements at the beginning of the campaign and was attached to the Indian Cavalry. Cyclist Logan is one of the local men who are qualified for the 1914 Bronze Star and he proudly wears the ribbon which signifies his connection with the “Old Contemptables.” We understand he has been recalled for duty and there is a possibility of his being sent East. We are sure his many friends in the borough will wish him every success and the best of good luck in the future.

LOCAL NEWS

A little amusement was occasioned in the early part of the week by a joke perpetrated by some local humourist. People passing the old stocks at the Town Hall were surprised to find a recumbent figure assuming every air of penitence pilloried in the orthodox fashion. Closer examination proved that the figure was not of the flesh and a message was sent to the military authorities who removed it to its proper quarter. To save any misapprehensions we may state that it was one of the stuffed dummies used for bayonet practice by the troops in training at the Barracks.

The Royal National Life-Boat Institution has just sent a new and powerful Motor Life-Boat to the Tynemouth Station, to replace the Motor Life-Boat which has been stationed there since 1911 and has saved 68 lives since then. The new life-boat was built by Messrs. S. E. Saunders Ltd., of Cowes, Isle of Wight, and is of the self-righting type, 40ft long by 10ft. 6ins beam with a 40 B. H. P. Tylor Motor and Gardner. Reverse Gear installed. The boat bears the name “Henry Frederick Swan” in accordance with the wishes expressed by Mrs. Lowes of Bath, who has presented the boat to the Institution.

While senior footballers are playing a sterner game on foreign fields, local juniors are doing their best to keep fit for the world struggle likely to come after hostilities end.

Almost weekly teams of juveniles are meeting and if the results do resemble a cricket score it shows at least that they are playing the game strenuously. Last week two games were played. Messrs W. Elder & Sons’ lads received a beating on Saturday to the tune of five goals to nil at the hands of Spittal Hearts, while Mr Peacocks’ school boys on Thursday waltzed home over the British School team by 8 goals to nil.

WRECK ON THE HOLY ISLE

Not much happens on the Holy Isle to disturb the even tenor of its life. When, however, the gun from the lifeboat calling its crew to immediate services, suddenly strikes the air, life is electrified into action. Last Monday, just before noon, the Island had, once again, that experience. All that could be gathered from the Coastguard was, that a small sailing ketch was on the Castle-head rocks which skirt the northern beach. One drew comfort from the consideration that, although the sea was rough, it was by no means wild.

In a very short time a large crowd were gathered round the lifeboat; nine-tenths of whom were the active womenfolk belonging to the fishing homes. That they had not come as curious spectators was soon apparent by the orderly manner in which they, seizing the towing ropes, and headed by the Vicar, hauled the boat down the beach and into the water; daunted no way by the waves, and never desisting till they knew she was properly afloat. There could not have been a finer snapshot than that launching of the “Lizzie Porter,” a most worthy subject for the pencil of any artist. The Vicar remarked, when the service rendered by the women was referred to, so many men were away to the mine-sweeping, that if it were not for the women of the Island, no lifeboat could be launched.

An early photograph of a Holy Island lifeboat (c) BRO 2333-007

The motor boat being afloat in the harbour, and the sea not being insurmountable, proceeded to the wreck, in front of the lifeboat, and managed with care to take off the crew of three men, and to land them safely ashore. As nothing else could be done; the ship, being water logged and solid, was left to its fate. She was found to be a small sailing ketch; her name, the “Thomas Henry,” and was carrying a cargo of about 120 tons of coal from the Firth of Forth. This craft had been in difficulties off Burnmouth, and had only left that harbour on Saturday.

It may be mentioned that the wreck was first discovered by George Douglas, sea scout, and his uncle, Thomas Douglas, home on leave, both of whom were walking in that direction.

Seaman Henderson, belonging to the lifeboat crew, and Private John Grey, both home on leave, took an active part in the work of the day.

This Week in World War One, 7 April 1916

08/03/201808/04/2016 by Northumberland Archives

BERWICK ADVERTISER, 7 APRIL 1916

BERWICK LIFEBOAT- MEN IN LONDON

Feted and honoured by the R.N.L.B.I.

It was no small honour that was shown to Berwick in London on March 29^th. At Caxton Hall, Westminster the annual meeting of the Royal National Lifeboat Institution was held, and a very large and distinguished company met to hear the yearly report of work done by the Lifeboats, and also to grant awards to Coxswains who had specially done meritorious service.

On the platform were the Right Hon. The Earl of Plymouth, P.C., C.B.,- Chairman; the Right hon. The Earl Waldergrave, P.C. the Right Hon. the Lord Sydenham, G.C.S.I., G.C.M.G., G.C.I.E.,; the Rev. Hugh B. Chapman, chaplain to the Savoy, and Lt. Col. Fraser, V.D., R.A.M.C. (T.)

After the report had been read and adopted, Coxwain James Jamieson of the Berwick Lifeboat, and Lt. Col. Fraser were asked to stand while the record of their service was read to the meeting. This was done and great applause followed, which was renewed when Jamieson faced the meeting wearing his medals. He thanked the Chairman and those present in a few well-chosen words. Lieut. Col. Fraser also received an ovation when he appeared before the chairman, and was most cordially congratulated.

BAD CASE OF CRUELTY TO A HORSE

Berwick Petty Sessions

Joseph L. Ayton, Berwick, grocer, was charged with allowing a horse to be wrought on the 18^th March, while suffering from sores on the back, Robert Lyons, Berwick, carter, a boy, was also charged with cruelly working the horse at Tweedmouth. Inspector Robinson of the S.P.C.A. prosecuted.

J Ayton grocer's shop in Walkergate Lane, Berwick-upon-Tweed. Courtesy of Berwick Record Office. BRO 1944-1-1408-2. — J Ayton grocer’s shop in Walkergate Lane, Berwick-upon-Tweed. Courtesy of Berwick Record Office. BRO 1944-1-1408-2.

Sergt. McRobb said on the Saturday mentioned he was on duty with Sergeant Wilson. He saw that there was something wrong with the horse, and on examining its back he found a very bad wound which went into the back bone. The saddle was resting on the wound. It was the worst case he had ever seen. He asked the driver if he saw the wound, when he yoked the horse, and he replied that the employer (Joseph L. Ayton) put on the harness. No one could have yoked the horse without seeing the wound.

Sergt. Wilson said that it was a very bad case. There were two wounds, one of them as large as a 5s piece, which went to the bone.

Inspector Robinson said that he examined the animal. It was a black gelding. There were two very bad wounds, one on each side of the back. They were deep wounds and full of matter, inflamed and tender to the touch, and the animal must have suffered great pain. Ayton, the employer, admitted it had two sores, and that he was looking out for a place to send it to.

Joseph L. Ayton, owner of the horse, said he knew there were two sores on the animal’s back and that he was looking for a place to send it to. The horse had been treated by a vet., who gave some ointment to put on the sores, and said it would soon be all right.

Cross-examined – The horse went round the district. He knew that the animal had a bad back, and that it was not in the best condition.

The Bench bound over Lyons to be of good behaviour for the next six months. Ayton was fined £3.

BERWICK TRIBUNALS

BAKER’S CLAIM

John M. Dudgeon, baker, appeared on the ground that he was a partner of a firm of contractors to the army and navy, and that he was under obligation to work every day in the week to execute these.

The British Army on the Home Front, 1914 - 1918. A baker in a field bakery. Author Nicholls, Horace (Photographer) — The British Army on the Home Front, 1914 – 1918. A baker in a field bakery. Author Nicholls, Horace (Photographer)

In answer to Mr Hogarth, the appellant said if his firm had no Government contracts he would be quite prepared to go. He was not only in a certified occupation, but he was personally responsible for turning out 400 loaves daily to the army alone.

It was agreed to grant exemption so long as the appellant remained in his present employment.

MOTOR DRIVERS CASE

Andrew Hogg (27), 18 Ness Street, was claimed by the British Petroleum Company on the ground that his services were indispensable to the Company.

In answer to questions it appeared that the Company supplied contracts to the army, and that a condition was that the oil must be delivered to them. Although badges and other stars had been issued to certain workmen doing this kind of work the Company’s men had somehow been always missed out. The appellant was required for the working of the three depots of the company at Berwick, Burnmouth, and Eyemouth.

It was agreed that the appellant should be asked to serve.

A CONVENIENT CALLING

John Purves (39), Mordington, foreman market gardner, was claimed by his employer, Andrew Ironside, on the ground that his services were indispensable.

In answer to Mr Hogarth it was stated by Mr Ironside that Purves had been in his employment some five weeks.

Mr Hogarth – It is suggested that this man has come to you for shelter, by getting into reversed occupation.

Mr Ironside – I don’t think that is the case. I would not have taken him if I could have got another, and I applied to the Labour Exchange both for men and women

The Chairman said that the decision of the Tribunal was that they saw no reason why the appellant should not be called upon to serve.