Spittal

BERWICK JOURNAL, 1ST MAY 1924

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LONG SERVICE MEDAL FOR MR ROBT.BURGON

Mr Robt. Burgon, ex-Coxswain of Berwick Lifeboat, has been awarded the Long Service Medal of the Lifeboat Institution. This medal was to have been presented to him on Sunday at Lifeboat Concert but did not come to hand.

When the lifeboat station was changed from Spittal to Berwick, Mr Burgon formed one of the original crew, and was appointed second Coxswain under his cousin, the late Mr James Burgon, who, after holding the office for 4 ½ years retired and became lighthouse keeper. On the retiral of his cousin Mr Burgon was promoted to the post of Coxswain, and held that position 14 ½ years, during which time he won the appreciation of his superiors. Berwick Lifeboat House was recognised by the Lifeboat inspector as a model of how such a place should be kept. It is significant of Mr Burgon’s keen sense of duty that during the time the boat was at Berwick he had only once been absent when the boat went to sea, and that was April 1914, when he himself was one of the persons to whose assistance the boat was called out.

During those years he assisted in rescuing about 30 lives, and the largest rescue was performed in March 1913, when the crew of the Swedish barque Jacob Rauers was saved from a watery grave.

The special vote of thanks on vellum, presented by Royal National Lifeboat Institution to ex-Coxswain Burgon, in recognition of his valuable service to the Institution and humanity at large, was publicly handed to him in Feb., 1920, in the Queen’s Rooms by Lady Francis G. Osborne, Ord House, president of the Berwick Branch.

In making the presentation lady Osborne said- The certificate was a mark of the Institution’s appreciations of the excellent work ex-Coxswain Burgon had performed on their behalf and for mankind at large. Had the audience thought of it? Mr Burgon had served 20 years in the lifeboat, 5 years as 2nd Coxswain and 15 years as skipper of the boat. They who lived within sight and sound of the North Sea knew full well what that meant, and what it must mean to the crew of a doomed ship to see the lifeboat battling to their rescue. It had been the custom in late years that after any meritorious service the Coxswain had received a medal. That was as it should be, because very often it was largely due to his seamanship that the rescue was due. But it had been felt that every member of the crew should receive some recognition and ow, thanks to the energy of the Secretary of the Berwick Branch it was suggested, and she hoped it would soon come to pass that every member of the crew would receive a badge at the same time as the Coxswain received his medal. Mr Burgon wore 2 medals on his breast and the other by the Swedish Government. On the latter were the words “For bravery and valour at sea.” What splendid words they were; and how glad Berwick people ought to be that they had among them a man, who, by his conduct, had earned such a medal. In handling over the certificate to Mr Burgon she expressed the hope that for many years it would remind him not only of the many lives he had saved, but of the 20 years of splendid work which he had given to the Institution. She knew it could not but bring back memories of days and nights when he battled with the waves, but she hoped also that it would remind him of the peace which followed the storm.

Mr Burgon, in returning thanks, said he was the first man to volunteer to become a member of the crew when the lifeboat was moved from Spittal to Berwick. His cousin: the late Mr Wm. Burgon was appointed Coxswain, and he himself received the appointment of 2nd Coxswain. For 4 ½ years they worked hand in hand, and then his cousin was appointed keeper of Berwick lighthouse, and he was promoted Coxswain. During all his 20 years he had done his best both for the crew and the Institution. On many a stormy night he had gone about the fields when everybody else was in bed. He thought that would be the last time he would have a presentation made to him in public. The lifeboat was now to be manned by a crew from Spittal; and he thought in Mr Lough they had got a man to take charge who was as good as he was himself. He promised that if ever the boat was needed, he would assist it in every way.

Berwick Lighthouse, Ref: BRO 426-0414

Dr C. L. Fraser said as Secretary he had been in the exceptional position of coming into close contact with the Coxswain and member of the crew, and he would like to state that during his long service ex-Coxswain Burgon had always been found on his beat. In speaking of their ex-Coxswain, he wished also to remember his very active lieutenant, ex-2nd Coxswain Jas. Jamieson (who is also to receive Long Service medal), who had done splendid service. They must not also forget the men who had sailed with these gentlemen- rank and file of Berwick Lifeboat. The Institution had agreed that their services too would be recognised and on some other night he hoped the badges for them would be publicly presented. The attributes of a good Coxswain were very many. He must have a keen professional knowledge, the ability to form his judgments quickly; and alertness and carrying these into practice. Robt. Burgon had shown on more than one occasion that he possessed all these qualities. He was sorry to have to say good-bye to so old a comrade. They had had many experiences together. Mr Burgon had been a good and faithful servant to the town, and to the Institution. He had brought great honour to the town, to the lifeboat and to himself, and in bidding him good-bye they could say to him “Well done.”

Commander Carr, R. N., said the rescue for which Mr Burgon received his Swedish medal was one of the finest pieces of work performed on this coast. He showed on that occasion a seamanship which few men would have shown. The life-saving apparatus could do nothing to save the crew of the schooner Jacob Rauers; and the lifeboat could get into communication with them only after much difficulty and skilful handling. In another 10 minutes or so the crew of the schooner would have been drowned. There was no jealousy now between the lifeboat and the L.S.A.

Bred of a fishing family, Mr Burgon, although born in Berwick, first became acquainted with the sea at Hartlepool, whither his benefits, along with many other Greenses families, removed when he was 2 ½ years of age. He first went to sea at the age of 11 in a boat skippered by his uncle, the late Alex. Hall, who for many years acted as Treasurer to the Greenses Fishermen’s Benefit Society, and who for a long time prior to his death a few years ago, was well known to the frequenters of Spittal Ferry.

The Motor Ferry, Berwick, dated 1923. Ref: BRO 1636/6/6

Sandy decided to return to Berwick in the first year that “Bob,” as the subject of our sketch is familiarly known, was with him, and bringing his furniture with him in the boat he fished for a season at Berwick, after which Mr Burgon returned to Hartlepool. After a second season at Berwick, he settled in Hartlepool for a few years, and went to sea in a coble which his father, Mr James Burgon, had had built for the family. At the age of 19 Mr Burgon left his father and became skipper of a coble owned by his uncle. Fate dealt kindly with him for he left that crew and joined another uncle in the following year, and shortly afterwards the coble of which he had been skipper for a year was lost with all hands. 3 years later he came and settled in Berwick, but in the summer his father and other members of the family went to Hartlepool for the fishing there and in 9 weeks they shared £34. Afterwards he acted as skipper of the Berwick fishing vessel galatea and has acted as skipper of herring and line fishing boats ever since. He and one of his brothers fished together for 32 years and had 3 herrings boats in that time. Readers will remember the Brothers, belonging to his brother James, which foundered in the bay some years ago.

In a life spent at the mercy of the elements there have been many exciting incidents and numberless narrow escapes, but although his boat has been filled almost to the gunwales, and a coble belonging to some comrades had been sunk within a short distance of his own boat, which was also in great difficulties, he has come through it all, and in addition has had the satisfaction of rescuing others of his fraternity who were in distress.

BERWICK NEWSPAPERS, 1923

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BERWICK ADVERTISER, 14TH SEPTEMBER

SCREMERSTON FLOWER SHOW

Scremerston Horticultural Society held their tenth annual show in the Institute on Saturday and established a post-war record as regards entries. The numerous exhibits wee nicely laid out and were admired by the crowds of interested visitors present during the afternoon.

The show was opened by Mr J. A. Kilpatrick, Manager of the Scremerston Colliery, the Secretary and Committee greatly regretting that Mr John Black, Broomhouse, who was to have performed this duty, was unable to be present owing to illness. Capt. J. E. Carr presided, and others on the platform wee Capt. R. E. Carr, R.N., and Rev. J. Lightfoot, Mr John Black, Broomhouse, and Mr James Thomson, Secretary. Introducing Mr Kilpatrick, Capt.Carr expressed pleasure at seeing such a large number of people present.

BRO 0515-211 SCREMERSTON

Mr Kilpatrick said there were one or two little points he wished to emphasise. He understood that the number of entries was very high- between 500 and 600 – and that this was a post-war record. That was very gratifying indeed. The second point was that Mr Richard Thomson had won the shield for the third time in succession. (Applause). Mr J Wilson, the runner-up, had been runner-up for the past two years. (Applause). Speaking as a layman, as one who knew very little about flowers or vegetables, he thought that the show was rather extraordinary, especially when one took in to account the lateness of the season.

Mr Kilpatrick then handed the shield to Mr Thomson amid applause, reading the names of previous winners out as he did so.

WASTE PAPER IN THE STREET

The Watch Committee report of July 30 stated:- With reference to the question of the deposit of waste paper in the streets the Town Clerk submitted a letter from the Under Secretary of State stating that the following bye-law has been allowed in Birmingham, viz.: No person shall throw down or deposit and leave in any street any newspaper or any paper bag, wrapping or sheet such as is likely to create a litter in or to affect or tend to affect injuriously the amenities of the street. Before allowing a similar bye-law to Berwick-on-Tweed the letter further stated that the Secretary of State would require to be informed of the circumstances which are thought to render the bye-law necessary and would also require an undertaking that liberal provision of receptacles would be made in the streets into which the public could deposit their waste paper and also that the Council would do everything in their power to upload the bye-law and prevent it becoming a dead letter. It was agreed to recommend that the Town Clerk submit evidence of the necessity for such a bye-law, and that an undertaking be given as required by the Secretary of State with a view to the bye-law being made.

Early 1900s photograph of the High Street, from the Scotsgate Arch. BRO 1636-2-9

Councillor Bolus moved the adoption of the report, saying – I think this is absolutely necessary. You can go down High Street, Church Street, or up in Castlegate and you will find paper flying about over the houses and shops. I think this regulation is very necessary so that every person will understand that they must not make the streets in such a disgraceful state.

Councillor Campbell, who seconded, said that this summer the condition of the streets through the quantities of waste paper flying about was really so bad that not only residents, but people visiting their native town on holiday had spoken about it. These people when they come back were struck, after living in other areas, with the litter we had in our streets. It was no fault of the Sanitary Authority officials for it could happen even half an hour after the carts had been round. He was convinced they could make out a case to amply satisfy the Secretary of State of the necessity for such a bye-law.

TWEEDMOUTH

The Norman Hall at the West End has had the electric light installed and the hall has been thoroughly cleaned and decorated for the winter session.

We hear that Mr Thos. Wright, son of Mr and Mrs George Wright, Dock view, Tweedmouth, who went to the United States recently has been successful in obtaining employment with the Canadian Pacific Railway Company at Chicago. Mr Wright, who is well-known in the town, started life as a clerk with Messrs Carter and Son, and was later with Messrs Simpson in Alnwick.

On the occasion of her marriage and departure from Tweedmouth Co-operative Society, Mrs Ford (nee Miss Maggie Howie) has been made the recipient of a very nice 40 piece set of china. The gift was subscribed for by the whole staff of the Society, amongst whom Mrs Ford has been very popular. She was in the clerical department at thee Store for many years.

BODY ON SPITTAL BEACH

About 6.30 p.m. on Sunday evening, when Thomas Johnston, a Spittal labourer, was walking on the beach at Hallowstell Fishery, near Spittal Point, he noticed a parcel lying on the beach about four yards from where high-water mark was showing. The parcel had evidently been left by the tide, which was receding at the time.

Johnston cut the string and opened the parcel and was shocked to find wrapped in the clothes the body of a healthy-looking male child. From the size and condition of the body the child had evidently lived, and it had not been in the water any length of time.

The police wee informed, and Sergt. Barclay, Spittal, took charge of the body and conveyed it to the mortuary. In view of certain facts which have come to light it was considered advisable that full enquiry should be made into the case, and on Tuesday, after the Coroner (Mr H. R. Peters) had heard only evidence regarding the finding of the body, he adjourned the inquest until the 3rd October, stating that he would then call a jury.

It is probable that sensational evidence may be given at the adjourned inquest, which may lead to a serious charge against some person or persons at present unknown.

DEATH OF MR AND.MARTIN

The death took place in Berwick Infirmary on Sunday of Mr Andrew Martin, farmer, Town Farm, Tweedmouth, a leader in the Baptist de nomination at Berwick and one well-known to farmers on both sides of the Border. Mr Martin, who was a native of the district, was born at Marshall Meadows. He came to Berwick to work as a traveller with Mr Anderson, seedsman, and later he left there and started business in partnership with Mr Wm. Scott as seedsman in bridge Street, Berwick.

It is some fifteen years ago since Mr Martin took Tweedmouth Town Farm, and he certainly has done much to improve this 300 acre arable holding. At the farm he had thoroughly up-to-date threshing and grinding plant installed and in fact the farm has recently been self-contained, a blacksmiths and joiner’s shop having been fitted up on the premises. It will be remembered that during the war, when the Government was calling for supplies of barley, Mr martin, by putting on several tractors on his holding, cut a big crop of barley and marketed it within fourteen days of the time cutting was commenced.

Mr Martin certainly knew how to farm, and he was a very good judge of horse flesh. He kept fine types of animals on his farm, and believed that only the best results could be got by working with the best of stuff either in horseflesh or other things.

In politics Mr Martin was a staunch Liberal and in him Castlegate Baptist Church has lost a staunch supporter. He took a great interest in all that pertained to the welfare of the congregation, and in the Deacon’s Court he was a prominent figure.

The funeral took lace to Tweedmouth Cemetery on Wednesday afternoon, when there was a large following of townsmen and farmers.

BERWICK NEWSPAPERS, 1923

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BERWICK JOURNAL, 16TH AUGUST, 1923

Saturday, July 21, 1923 – (Tweedmouth Feast Eve) – was “Red Letter Day” for Natives of Berwick-upon-Tweed and District, who reside in Toronto and surrounding neighbourhood of this great Canadian City. It was First Celebration of the “Feast” ever held in British Colonies, and, indeed, in British Isles, except in City of Leeds, where, some years ago, on the initiative of a well known and noted Native of Berwick (Mr J. W. Miller, Chief Overseer of “Yorkshire Post”) Borderers in Yorkshire celebrated the Feast by a successful dinner.

Right well did Borderers in Canada celebrate the feast, on the initiative of Mr Wm Hogg, loyal native of Berwick, and an Ex Capt. of Berwick Cycling Club. Permission having granted from the Civic Authorities of Toronto to hold Tweedmouth feast Picnic at High Park, arrangements were at once made to communicate with local Borderers. Many copies of “Berwick Journal” crossed the Atlantic with a certain letter heavily marked. It was not long before the active and energetic organisers were getting calls on the telephone for all particulars. Mr W. Hogg, er., Mr R. Swan, and Mr Thos. Hogg (late of Ness Street, Berwick), formed themselves into a Committee and things started to hum.

The weather was delightful in Toronto on Tweedmouth Feast Eve, and as it went past a certain section of High Park a huge banner, with Berwick Coat-of-Arms attracted considerable attention. Underneath Berwick Coat-of-Arms was a 2nd banner, on which were wonderful words- “Berwick-on-Tweed District First Annual Picnic; Feast sat., July 21.” (Full article available on request at Berwick Record Office).

BERWICK VISITORS

On visit to Berwick, his Native Town, is Mr Somerville Steven, Schoolmaster, London, son of Mr Wm. Steven, cabinetmaker, Berwick, Mr Steven, who at one time was a Teacher in Berwick Boys’ National School, has been many years in the South, and has done fine work as a Schoolmaster.

We welcome Major Stammas, R. A., Woolwich, on a visit to his Native Town of Berwick. With Mrs Stammas the gallant Officer is staying at Roxburghe Hotel, Spittal. He is son of a distinguished Crimean and Mutiny Veteran, the late Sergt. Major Stammas, R. A., who was so long one of permanent Staff of Berwick Militia in Col. Reed’s day. Major Stammas, who began his soldiering in Berwick Militia, afterwards transferring to R.H.A., has very fine Army record, of which any man may be proud. We wish Major and Mrs Stammas happy time on the Homeland.

Pleased to see on a visit to Berwick this week Mr J. Ganson and his son John. Mr Ganson was Volunteer Instructor at Chirnside from 1905 until Dec. 1908. On leaving Chirnside he was posted to recruiting staff in England. On outbreak of War in 1914 he joined up and served at Berwick Depot from 1914 until 1919, holding the rank of Quarter-Master-sergeant. From Berwick he proceeded to Edinburgh with Major Parkinson on recruiting work, and when Major Parkinson returned to Berwick, he was transferred to Perth, where he now is. His son John attended Berwick Grammar School while his father was stationed at Berwick Depot.

MISS FELICITY ASKEW’S EXHIBITION AT BERWICK

The Exhibition of Drawings and Paintings by Miss Felicity Askew, now on view in Side Room, Corn Exchange, Berwick, is full of interest to lovers of Art. Although the display is small there is enough to show the all-round ability of the Artist. The first impression is that all the drawings are the work of one who is a lover of animals – especially of horses; and if the maxim holds good that we do best that which  we love most, then we see the secret of Miss Askew’s success. Most of the subjects depict horses: some are portraits – many are clever drawings of them in motion – some are introduced into her landscapes with much ability and nice feeling. One is rather impressed by her compositions showing race and other horses in motion – particularly such drawings as “The last Furlong, “Across the Flat,” “Ploughing on the Borders,” and Ceaserwitch, 1921,” which are excellent. The Artist shows in all her work a goof knowledge of anatomy, a fine sense of proportion, and workmanlike style in execution of each picture.

Image of Corn Exchange, Berwick-upon-Tweed.

We believe Miss Askew’s Art Education was obtained in one or 2 of the Chief Art Centres on the continent, and this is evident in the greater part of the work exhibited. We notice several portrait studies of hunters and other horses. One or two of these are very good, particularly the drawing of “Bute,” the cart horse, executed in direct and easy style; and I is excellent.

Miss Askew is also represented in “Modelling, such as a good bas-relief of a mare’s head; also 2 statutes in bronze of horses, which show the same knowledge and workmanlike style in execution.

There are also some very good studies of dogs, effectively drawn and strong in character, particularly those depicting bull dogs.

The weak part of the display is the lack of colour. Most of the work is etched by the pen, and in some cases slightly tinted, and where backgrounds are washed in show a lack of softness in blending the colours. There are clever etchings of Scotsgate, Berwick, and Berwick Old Bridge, but one perspective drawing of Royal Border Bridge is far astray in proportion. There is a nice pleasing figure study of a lady seated on the elbow of a chair.

Berwick upon Tweed, Old Bridge

The Exhibition is well worth a visit, and we congratulate Miss Askew on her display. It gives us great pleasure to look forward to any further success this talented young lady may attain to in the future.

“Berwickshire News” of this week says-

Exhibition and Sale of Drawings, Paintings and Models, ( work of Miss felicity Askew, niece of County-Ald. David Askew, J.P., of Castle-hills, Berwick), is one in Side-room, Berwick Corn Exchange, and is being visited by many people. There is much to admire in this young lady’s artistic efforts. Castle hills farm prize horse at Berwick Fair Show and procession takes the eye, as does also Binns Mansion, the Home of Sir Jas. and Lady Wilkie Dalyell, formerly of Foulden, Berwick, uncle and aunt of Miss Askew, and whose daughter ( Miss Dalywell) assisted her cousin at the Exhibition. Then there are notable local “bits.” Quite a novel and original study is that of 2 or 3 arches of Royal Border Bridge, at Berwick end: this is a piece of excellent work which provides subject for development.

The sixth annual North Northumberland Tennis Tournament, held under the auspices of Berwick Lawn Tennis Club, opened at Berwick in fine weather and before a good attendance of spectators. Notwithstanding the heavy rain overnight, the courts were in good condition. Though the individual entries are half a dozen short compared with last year, the total number of matches is 593, and increase of 33. There are eleven grass courts available.

MARRIED IN CENTRE OF TWEED

We reproduce certificate of marriage of Jan. 3 1820, which is in possession of Mrs Hartley, 5 West End, Tweedmouth.

(Copy Certificate)

Married January the 3rd, one thousand and eight hundred and twenty.

Married in the centre of the River Tweed opposite Paxton House in a boat fronting the Borders.

This is to certify that John Allan of Tweedmouth, in the Parish of Tweedmouth, in the County of Durham, and Mary Turner of Horncliffe, in the Parish of Norham, in the County of Durham, were this day lawfully married together by me John Forster, before these witnesses as below. Witness John Forster. Witness John Allan. I the aforesaid John Allan and Mary Turner have allowed the above marriage at the aforesaid place the River Tweed opposite Paxton House. Given under my hand. John Allan. Mary Turner.

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