Spittal

BERWICK ADVERTISER, 25 JULY 1919

by

MORE BAD HOUSES IN NORHAM AND ISLANDSHIRE

A WRETCHED HOUSE FOR A DEMOBILISED SOLDIER

At a meeting of the Rural District Council on Tuesday afternoon, Dr McWhir submitted a further report on defective housing. Since the last meeting of the Council there had been three deaths, representing a death rate of 7.0 per 1000.

Mr J. R. Wood – That testifies to the wonderful good health of the people in the district.

Giving special cases of defective housing conditions in the district, Dr McWhir strongly criticised in his report the unhealthy condition of cottages on various farms. The farm cottages selected by the Medical Officer this month were those at Cheswick Buildings, Ancroft Town Farm, Newburn, Cornhill Farm, and Cheswick Farm, the conditions here being described by him as appalling. Most of the houses were damp and imperfectly lighted with hinged windows. At the conclusion of his report he mentioned that a soldier recently demobilised was living in one of these wretched houses.

The state of housing in the area in the early part of the 20th century is exemplified in this picture of Golden Square, Berwick, similar problems being experienced in the Norham and Islandshire District.

During the stress and strain of war there had been a lot of claptrap about improving the housing conditions of the men on their return, and he wondered if, by allowing such conditions to remain, the country were showing its indebtedness in the proper way to the men who had fought in the war.

There was an interesting discussion on the report, the Council as a body being evidently determined to make themselves thoroughly acquainted with the facts with a view to having the evils remedies. There are great difficulties in the way of reform, one of the chief of these being – as pointed out by the Chairman, that of finding suitable accommodation for the families in the event of their present houses being condemned

COTTAGES AT CHESWICK BUILDINGS

In describing the cottages at Cheswick Buildings, Dr McWhir said that while not being ideal when contrasted with others, they were above the average.

PEACE CELEBRATIONS

HORNCLIFFE

Horncliffe Peace Celebrations took the form of a tea to the children and old people of the village. The Committee responsible could not get a field in the village, but one at the riverside was kindly given by Mr Dixon, farmer, at Velvet Hall. Owing to the distance of the field from the village many old people were unable to participate in the afternoon’s enjoyment. The school children assembled at Horncliffe School, and afterwards marched to the Post Office, where their parents and friends were waiting to hear the Royal Proclamation read. The Proclamation was read by Mr Geo. Turner, and the children, led by Mr Cunningham and Miss Guy, afterwards sang the National Anthem and splendidly they sang it. The children then marched round the village singing and waving their flags, and afterwards proceeded to the field, accompanied by parents and friends. A good tea was provided, which all enjoyed, and afterwards the children and grown-ups ran races and played games until about 7 p.m.

The children looked so happy in their holiday attire, and with their gay flags that one felt it was a privilege to contribute to their enjoyment. It was intended to present each child with a medal, but these did not come forward in time, so the children will get them later on.

In the evening a dance was held in the Schoolroom and afterwards a bonfire was lit on the Bank Head.

The sports were held under the supervision of the Head Master, Mr T. F. Cunningham, and Miss Guy, assistant, together with Mr G. Turner, the correspondent of the school, who was responsible for most of the arrangements for the tea. The worthy village blacksmith, Mr A. Simpson, also rendered valuable service in the fitting up the various erections for the sports. The actual serving of the tea was under the experienced and kindly care of Mrs Redpath of Horncliffe, who was ably assisted by several very willing young ladies. Milk for the tea was kindly sent by Mrs Embleton, Mrs J. Brown, and Mrs Jeffrey.

NOTES FROM SPITTAL

NORWEGIAN REWARD TO FISHERMEN

Mr Bart Lough, Spittal, and his gallant crew have been presented with £21 from the King of Norway for having rescued the sole survivor of the Norwegian steamship “Venus,” which was blown up at sea off Berwick on April 14th, 1917.

Pictured with the lifeboat at Spittal are members of the lifeboat crew, some of whom who were on the rescue that day.

The rescued man lay for a considerable time in Berwick Infirmary before finally recovering.  The presentation was made by Mr Toohey, and we understand the award has been apportioned as follows:- £5 to Mr Lough; and £2 each to P. Emery, W. Patterson, P. Patterson, John Patterson, Thomas Johnston, J. Laidlaw, R. Elliott, and Thomas White.

LOCAL NEWS

A rather peculiar incident took place in the Baptist Church, Berwick, on Sunday. Major McGill was to have conducted the service morning and evening, but was unable to be forward owing to the railway strike, and the Rev. J. R. Bentley being in the congregation he was asked to take the service. This he kindly consented to do, but as he entered the pulpit a few of the congregation rose from their seats and left the building. A fine example of present-day Christianity?

On Thursday, this week, the 1st Berwick Company of Girl Guides go into camp for a week at Gainslaw. The company has been in existence for about a year, and the girls look very smart in their navy blue uniforms, several of them having already qualified for badges. While in camp, Miss Gordon Smith, their leader will be in charge, and the time will be spent in “tracking” and further qualifying for badges. Through the kindness of Mr Rand, the barn at Gainslaw farm will be available in case of wet weather.

During the progress of the athletic sports the grass on the crown of the ramparts over Flagstaff Park caught fire, evidently having been ignited by a match thrown down by some careless smoker, and burned fiercely all afternoon. Fanned by a westerly wind the fire spread all along to the covering flankers and it was rather a sell to those who believe in having their amusement free by standing on the walls, to have their view of the Cricket Field blotted out with smoke. The grass was still smouldering on Tuesday.

A meeting of the Northumberland Insurance Committee was held in Newcastle last week Mr Gerald A. France, M.P., was re-elected chairman, and Mr G. G. Rea vice-chairman. Mr D. H. W. Askew was one of the County Council nominations to the Committee, and Mrs Plenderleith, of Berwick, was one of the two women appointed. The list of applications for sanatorium benefit was much longer than usual, and the Chairman impressed upon the Committee the necessity for increased accommodation as soon as possible.

BERWICK ADVERTISER, 11 JULY 1919

by

PEACE PROCLAIMED AT BERWICK

On Saturday morning, at the Town hall, at about 11.20, before the Mayor and Mayoress, the Sheriff, and a few other ladies and gentlemen, on the steps, and a large crowd at the foot, Mayor’s Sergeant Blakey read the King’s Proclamation of Peace, and after that the proclamation of Special peace services in the churches on Sunday. The reading of the proclamations was preceded by a Royal salute blown by two K.O.S.B. buglers in khaki (Corpl. Watson and Drummer Hart). After the Mayor had intimated that a united service would be held in the Playhouse, “God Save the King” was sung with great gusto, and then Sergeant Blakey accompanied by the Deputy Town Clerk (Mr A. Aird), and the two buglers, set out in a motor (Master Bellringer Payne riding in front) to proclaim peace at the following places. The peace services in church were only proclaimed at the Town Hall.

Dr. Maclagan’s Monument

Corner of Tweed Street and Castlegate

Castle Terrace and Castlegate

Foot of High Greens

Foot of Low Greens

Foot of Lower Ravensdowne

Sandgate (before Corn Exchange)

An early 20th century photograph of the Tweedmouth end of the old bridge where one of the peace proclamations was made. BRO 2103/4/2/21b

Tweedmouth Bridge End

Harrow Inn, Tweedmouth

Blenheim Hotel, Spittal

Spittal Forge

This must be the first time a motor car has been used in Berwick for a proclamation of peace. The announcement at so many points quite close together is a relic of days when the dissemination of news was not nearly so easy as it has been this last hundred years.

THE BOROUGH’S FREEDOM FOR WAR SERVICES

Councillor Anderson’s motion that the Freedom of the Borough should be conferred on the Mayor, the Sheriff, Lt,-Col. Scott Jackson, and Lt.-Col Liddell, and all who have served overseas, at sea, and in the air, will be welcomed throughout the Borough. It is no more than their due. Many have done their best or their country within the island, but none will grudge that this particular honour which is being conferred on Berwick’s soldiers and sailors is confined to those who have risked everything to defend their country overseas. We hope that as many of them as possible will join in the dinners at the end of next week, and if they fail to do justice to them, we are confident that it will not be for lack of good things.

LOCAL NEWS

RELICS OF WAR AT THE BARRACKS – On Wednesday a Trench Mortar captured from the Germans by the 1st Battalion, K.O.S.B., arrived in the town and was handed over to the “Stores” at Berwick Depot, where it will await until the battalion claims it. At present there is quite a “menagerie” at the Depot, including several kinds of Hun machine guns, six of which belong to the 1st Battalion, six to the 2nd Battalion, and two to the 6th Battalion. Up to the present there is no immediate danger of any of the Battalions applying for them.

NOTES FROM SPITTAL

CHURCH PARADE

On Sunday morning last the local branch of the Comrades of the Great War responded to the Rev. J. H. Cuthbertson’s invitation and held a Church parade to St. John’s, Spittal. The Parade was in charge of Commandant Pattison, who was assisted by the Secretary, Mr R. St. G. Tait. Scremerston Band, under Bandmaster Whitfield, also attended, and took part in the musical portion of the service.

The Scremerston Brass Band which took part in the musical portion of a special peace service in St John’s Church, Spittal.  Berwick Record Office – BRO 1753-2a.

About 100 Comrades turned out and there were also on parade a section of the Northumberland Fusilier cadets. Capt. C. L. Fraser, O.C. 4th V.B.N.F., and Lieuts. McCreath and Tweedie were also present.

Special Peace Sermons and prayers being ordered in all Churches, Mr Cuthbertson devoted himself almost entirely to giving thanks to God for the great blessing of peace which they fervently hoped would be an enduring one. He also brought out in the course of his remarks the spirit of brotherhood which should be the symbol of the Comrades and said he hoped that organisations such as theirs would prove a strengthening force in the years which lay before them.

Suitable hymns were sung, in which the men heartily joined while at the conclusion of the service, the band led in the National Anthem.

The Parade was reformed outside the Church and headed by the band, marched to the Ferry Landing where the men were dismissed.

BERWICK AND FOULDEN DIVORCE CASE

In the Court of Sessions on Thursday, before Lord Anderson, Robert Hunter Lees, provision manager, 76, Meigle Street, Galashiels, and an employee of Messrs R. Dodds & Sons, grocers, Berwick, was granted a divorce against Grace M’Cormack or Lees, Foulden, Burnbank, Berwickshire, on the grounds of infidelity.

“I do not love you now,” wrote Mrs Lees to her husband, while he was in France with his regiment. Parties were married in July, 1917, and in August he left for France. Mrs Lees had given birth to an illegitimate child in January 1919.

BERWICK ADVERTISER, 11 APRIL 1919

by

BERWICK PETTY SESSIONS

Before the Mayor (Ald. Plenderleith), A. L. Miller, and A. J. Dodds, Esqs

CHILDRENS’ COURT

A Berwick message boy and three school children, one of whom was a girl, appeared on a charge of having discharged missiles on the New Road, Berwick, to the danger of passengers, on the 3rd April, 1919. They pleaded not guilty.

The Chief Constable said this was one of the cases they were obliged to bring before the Bench, in consequence of the enormous amount of complaints which had been coming in. People using the road near the Old Castle were frequently annoyed by boys throwing stones and bottles down on to the road. He wishes it to be known that if this case was found proven that in future he would ask for a heavy penalty. He was sorry to have to bring these cases forward, but it was necessary for the safety of the public.

BRO 426-145

Complaints had also been received of damage done to the Old Castle, and no less than 25 boys had to be cautioned last week. The four children charged were on the night in question on the embankment near the Railway Bridge, where they had been in the habit on gathering pieces of coal thrown over by the railwaymen. They were raking amongst the stones for the coal, and dropping stones, which rolled down the bank on to the New Road. The fact was they had no business to be there at all, for it was a case of trespass, and they had no business to dislodge the coal or stone.

P.C. Spiers said he saw the four children kicking at the rubble in their search for coal and stones were falling down the embankment and bouncing on the footpath. If anyone had been passing they would certainly have been hit. As he was taking the names of the children a lady and gentleman came up and said it was a disgrace that such thing were going on.

Mr Miller – Is this the first case brought here?

The Chief Constable – Yes. I don’t think the children went deliberately to throw stones, but they had no right to be there at all.

P.C. Cruikshanks generally corroborated the previous witness.

All the children adhered to a statement that another boy had been there sliding down the bank on a carpet, and dislodging the stones, but he had bolted when the police came.

The mayor said the ends of justice would be made by the payment of half costs – 2s 6d in each case- but if the defendants should come back again they would not get off so easily.

SPITTAL NOTES

Whippet racing appears to be coming to the front in the village, as we hear it rumoured that another handicap is shortly to take place in the Side Cutting. On this occasion it is expected that dogs will be forward from the mining villages of South Northumberland. Some good straight-out racing may therefore be expected.

TWEEDMOUTH JOTTINGS

Welcome home to Church Road, Tweedmouth, Trooper Tom Brown, son of the late Mr Alex. Brown, passenger guard, who was killed accidentally at Berwick Station a few years ago. Trooper Brown, who joined the army in 1910, has almost nine years’ service to his credit, seven years of which he has spent in India. Tom took part in some very strenuous fighting in Mesopotamia, and was present at the capture of Bagdad. He was also in the heavy fighting around the neighbourhood of the rivers Tigris and Euphrates. He returns to his regiment, (14th King’s Hussars) on the expiration of his furlough, and as he is on the Reserve for another four years, we trust that he may enjoy the best of good luck, in whatever part of the world he is destined to travel.

LOCAL NEWS

Having once decided to re-open the course the committee of the Magdalene Fields Golf Club are not losing any time in getting started. As will be seen from an advertisement in our columns, play will commence on Good Friday, April 18th, with a stroke competition for gentlemen in the morning, followed by a Mixed Foursome in the afternoon, when tea will be served in the clubhouse. With the exception of the first hole, the course to be played over is practically the same as the “old nine” before its extension to 18 holes in 1915. Meanwhile, of an evening, a good many of the old enthusiasts are to be seen on the course trying to recover their former skill. It is wonderful how easily it all comes back, though judging from the amount of turf removed already the shots have not all been “clean hits.” The Course which was originally opened in June 1903 when the Mayor, Mr A. J. Dodds drove the first ball, was successfully carried on until 1917 when owing to wartime conditions it was thought advisable to close down.

LOWICK

The Parish Council at its meeting on Friday last agreed to reply to a communication from Glendale Rural District Council, that in their opinion more houses for the working classes were required in the village.

We are pleased to see home discharged Cpl. J. Ord, Isley Hill Cottages, Beal, and Pte. J. Black, Berryburn Mill, Ancroft.

BRO 515-163 LOWICK VILLAGE c.1920

The weather has been good of late and garden work is now in full swing.

The “flue” [sic] seems to be abating in our village, and we hope there will be no more cases.

One of the largest aeroplanes which has been seen in the neighbourhood came down at the New Haggerston Aerodrome, owing to some engine trouble. This being repaired, the machine continued her journey southward on Thursday, April 3rd. Her weight, it is said, was something like 13 tons. Rumour has it that this was one of the aeroplanes to be used in the forthcoming attempt to cross the Atlantic.

+ More