Sport

BERWICK ADVERTISER, 4TH FEBRUARY 1921

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MILITARY NOTES

Competition for Lady Armstrong’s Cup

It has been found impossible, owing principally to the expense involved, to run a football competition for the above trophy, which was recently presented to the 7th Northumberland Fusiliers. Instead to save travelling it was decided to put the trophy for competition in connection with the miniature range competition at present being run. Competing platoon teams will thus fire on their own ranges and neutral referees have been chosen to see that the conditions are fulfilled to the letter. For this purpose Major Smail, Jobling, Booth, and Capt. And Quartermaster Price have been selected. The competition commences tonight (Friday) at the Drill Hall, Berwick, when 13 Platoon will shoot No. 14. 

The former Drill Hall in Ravensdowne, Berwick, which was used for the Lady Armstrong Cup in 1921.  © Copyright: Graham Robson, Creative Commons License (CC BY-SA 2.0).

CADETS’ DANCE 

To augment the funds of the Berwick Company, Northumberland Fusiliers’ Cadets, it has been decided to promote a dance, and the date fixed is Thursday, March 10th. C.S.M. Tilley and C.Q.M.S. Boal are undertaking the duties of Joint Secretaries, and the services of the following have been secured to act on the Committee, viz.:- Major H. R. Smail (chairman), Capts. F. B. Cowen, M.C., E. H. Crow, E. D. Mackay, A. J. Kennington, and D. Hebenton, Sergts. H. G. Patterson, Ridpeath,  M.M., and R. J. Swanston, D. C. M., and Messrs M. H. Blackett, A. C. A. Steven, and A. A. Crisp. 

DEPOT NOTES 

C.S.M. McClennan, M.C., D.C.M., formerly of the Depot, Berwick, and lately of Dumfries, who is under orders for India, has been made the recipient of a handsome silver spirit flask from the officers, N.C.O.’s, and men of the territorials there. Mrs McClennan, who is a Berwick lady, received at the same time a silver purse. We understand C.S.M. McClennan will be at Berwick Depot for a short period of duty before going aboard. 

A draft of 39 men are leaving the barracks on Thursday (today) to join the details of the battalion at Devonport. 

Gen. Sir Francis Davies, G.O.C. in C. of the Scottish Command, will visit the Depot, Berwick, on Tuesday next, and hold an inspection. 

On Friday next Major-General Robertson, the G.O.C. the Lowland Division, will also pay a visit of inspection to the Depot. 

BERWICK PETTY SESSIONS

His Father’s Maintenance

John Thompson, 75 Middle Street, Spittal, a stoker, was asked by Berwick Guardians to show reason that, he being of sufficient means, and being the son of Matthew Thompson, now an inmate of Berwick union, why he should not maintain his father. He did not appear. 

Mr Peters, appearing for the Guardians, said the man had been paying under a verbal agreement to the Guardians, and his payments had been very irregular. This was the reason the case had been brought. A return of his wages had been secured from his employers at the gas Works, and this, up to the 20th January, showed that he had been earning on an average £5 1s per week. He was a married man, with a wife and three of a family, the eldest of whom was 14 years of age. The cost of his father’s maintenance in the Workhouse was 15s 2d per week. The verbal agreement under which the man had previously paid, was based on a much smaller rate of earnings. He had then agreed voluntarily to pay 4s weekly, and he now asked that the Bench fix the amount which they thought he could reasonably be expected to pay. Ordered to pay 6s per week and court costs. 

NORHAM & ISLANDSHIRES RURAL DISTRICT COUNCIL

The District Roads The Best In the County

The Surveyor then submitted his report and estimated on the amount of road material required during the ensuing year. The report was as follows:- 

The season that is closing has not been a favorable one for road upkeep. The changing conditions and more exacting nature of the traffic on our highways makes it imperative to approach the maintenance problem in a different manner to that adopted years ago, when motoring and motor haulage was not so great the nature of this traffic is greatly increasing, and the roads occupy a place of great importance in the industrial life of the district. The quantities given in this estimate are the very minimum required, and I trust in the forth coming season there will be a better supply available than there has been for some time past. Regarding the method of application of material, I beg to suggest that the Council continue to make and use tarred chips upon the roads now being thus treated. This method gives us a very good wearing surface that suits all traffic. As instructed by you, I carried out some short stretches of tar painting as an experiment. From my observations of what was done, I find that as a preservative of the road surface it is certainly good. For motor car, motor haulage, and motor char-a-banc traffic it is of the utmost benefit. It is beneficial in the saving of the machine or car, and it is beneficial to the comfort of the users through the surface being fairly smooth. It is also a benefit to those having to keep up and pay the cost of maintaining a road, in the fact that the tar painting increases the life of a road. Of course, I would point out that a good road is smooth, and that it is an important matter in a district such as this. Tar painting makes a road smoother than before painting: It is becoming recognised generally as an economical method of road preservation, and I would not like the Council to altogether discard tar panting because of its chances of getting slippery a few days in the year. My opinion is the benefits outweigh the occasional inconveniences. I would suggest that I treat the matter in an experimental manner for another season. 

Ruston Proctor steam roller No. 38591.  A similar steam roller would have been used in the tar painting of the roads under the control of Norham & Ilandshires Rural District Council, in 1921.  © Copyright: Geni, Creative Commons License (CC BY-SA 4.0).

The total quantity of stones estimated to be required is 5550 cubic yards, and 750 tons ¾ in. chips and dust. 

In reply to Mr Wood, the Surveyor said these estimated quantities were 500 cubic yards up on those of last year, the extra material being for the Duddo, Grindon Bridge, Ord and Sandbanks (Scremerston) roads. It was agreed to forward the quantities required to Mr Hogg, Kyloe Quarry, and get his estimates. At present the chips are taken from Kyloe to the Norham depot to be treated with tar, and the suggestion was made by Miss Greet that a tar depot might be made at Kyloe to save the expense of carting the chips likely to be required for use on road in the Kyloe area to Norham and back. Mr Wood agreed it was ridiculous to take the chips to Norham for tar treatment and then bring them back to Kyloe, but he suggested, with the approval of the council, that they wait Mr Hogg’s reply before taking any step in the matter. 

Mr Collingwood thought that the roads treated with tar chips were excellent and far away in advance of the roads kept up by the County Council, whose roads were a disgrace to the County. 

Mr Wood – The roads in this district are the best in the County. 

SPORT

Badminton

BERWICK V. NEWCASTLE

The Officers’ 7th N.F. Club played their most important match so far this season on Saturday last, when they tried their strength against the Newcastle Club, and came successfully through the test, beating the visitors by 9 matches to 7, 19 sets to 18, and 469 games to 394. The Newcastle Club were handicapped by having a man short over the 4 couples. Their strongest couple were Professor Hounte and Mrs Davidson, who played with fine combination, and beat all the Berwick couples, though Miss Mackay and R. Bishop succeeding in taking them to 3 sets. The visitors adopted different tactics, standing more on a level in the courts than the home couples, whose combination was, on the whole, good, one player guarding the back line and the other playing well up. The Newcastle ladies placed their shots more skillfully than the Berwick ladies. Berwick’s strongest couples were Mrs J. E. Carr and the Rev. J. H. Cutherbertson, and Miss Mackay and R. Bishop, each couple winning 3 out of the 4 matches played, Mr Cuthbertson, playing well forward, specialised in tricky shots at the net, combining well with Mrs Carr, who was as steady as a rock on the back line. Miss Mackay and R. Bishop also played a well-combined game, the former hitting with vigour from the back line, and the latter getting in a record number of brilliant “smash” shots that were quite unreturnable. Miss Caverhill and J. A. Herriot played steadily, but Dr Caverhill was not up to his usual form, though his partner, Mrs Fedden, played a steady game at the net. Ther was quite a crowd of spectators in the gallery, and after the match friendly games were also played between the teams. 

BERWICK ADVERTISER, 21ST JANUARY 1921

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HUNT BALL AT HAGGERSTON

The North Northumberland Hunt Ball at Haggerston Castle on Thursday evening last passed off very successfully. Over 300 were present, and the many coloured dresses of the ladies mingled with the huntsmen’s “pink” made a gay scene. Everyone was loud in praise of the excellent music of Archibald Joyce’s band, and the supper arrangements were generally voted splendid. This year the supper accommodation was increased by the provision of tables in the corridor near the dining-room. After dancing was over, the grounds, lit up with electricity, presented a busy scene, well over 100 motor cars waiting to convey the guests home. 

There were some very beautiful dresses worn. Mrs Leyland was a stately figure in black velvet. Heavily draped in the skirt, the material was caught at the back to form the train, and the edges of the V-shaped bodice were jet-trimmed. The right shoulder was fastened with an ostrich pom-pom of shaded magenta, and a similar adornment clung to the left hip. A floating piece of black tulle hung from each shoulder, and the sleeves were of tulle, while diamond ornaments gave distinction to this beautiful toilette. 

GLENDALE NOTES

WOOLER

There is every prospect of the Comrades’ ball again being a success. It will be held in the Archbold Hall tonight (Friday), Allan’s Band from Berwick will provide the music. 

Invitations have been sent out for a whist drive and dance, the proceeds of which are to go towards providing a treat for the members of the Parish Church choir in the summer. 

The weather keeps as changeable as ever. The week commenced mild and wet, but on Tuesday and Wednesday the wind was mainly from the N and NW which caused it to be much colder, but the return of sunshine was welcome. 

SUCCESS OF A WOOLER DOG FANCIER 

At the National Dog Show held in London on Wednesday, in the Border terrier Class, Mr John Strother’s bitch was awarded a first, a second and a championship. Mr Strother is to be congratulated on his success. 

WOOLER WAR MEMORIAL 

In order to assist the funds for the Wooler and District War Memorial the Belford Cinema Company are giving the entire proceeds of an exhibition of pictures to be held in the Archbold Hall on Wednesday next, 26th inst. Tickets may be had at the usual shops. 

Wooler War Memorial © Copyright –  Barbara Carr.  Creative Commons Attribution Share-alike license 2.0. 

DR BARNARDO’S HOME 

On Sunday last the Rev. T. L. Gomersall took the services in the Parish Church when he appealed on behalf of Dr Barnardo’s Homes, of which he is northern secretary. On Monday night a public meeting was held in the Archbold Hall at which the Rev. D. Mayes presided, there being a fair attendance. 

The photograph above is the memorial to Dr Barnardo’s Children, in Tower Hamlets Cemetery, London.   In 1921, the Rev. T. L. Gomersall, took the service in Wooler Parish Church, when he appealed on behalf of Dr. Barnardo’s Homes.  ©  Copyright – Irid Escent. Creative Commons Attribution Share-alike license 2.0. 

Mr Gomersall was present and delivered an interesting address on the work carried on by the Barnardo Homes. The lecture was illustrated with lantern views. The lecturer expressed his gratitude for all that people in Wooler had done for the homes as they had always responded splendidly to their appeals. Owing to the extra cost of food, etc., they needed funds more than ever if they were to maintain the ever-open door. A collection was made on behalf of the Homes. The following sums were received on behalf of the above in connection with Mr. Gomersall’s visit to Wooler. Collections in Parish Church, £2 10s; collecting box, 14s; collection at meeting in the Hall, £3 10s. Total, £6 14s. 

CHILDRENS COURT

WEDNESDAY

Before the Mayor, Chas. Forsyth, Alex. Darling, Thos. Wilson, Esqs., and Miss A. Henderson. 

Eight Berwick boys were charged with playing football in Coxon’s Lane on Sunday, 9th Jany. All pleaded guilty. P.C. Latto said about four in the afternoon he saw the boys playing football in the street near Rampart House. He later visited the parents and told them their boys would be reported. The Superintendent said there were numerous complaints about boys playing football in the streets and several windows had been broken. There was no excuse for this conduct, as there were plenty of open spaces for the purpose of football round about the town. The mothers of several of the boys attended, and in reply to questions by the mayor, they said they boys had left home to go to – Nurse Evans’ Bible Class and they never heard anything about them until the police called and said they had been kicking a ball about. The Mayor delivered an admonition and lectured the offenders on Sunday observance. They were all dismissed on paying of costs – 4s each. 

GUARD FALLS OUT OF A VAN

A rather peculiar accident occurred on the main line near Cockburnspath on Friday morning whereby James Burrell, a North British Railway goods guard, sustained injuries and suffered greatly from exposure. 

It appears Burrell was looking out of his van when the “hill pilot” was giving the goods train of which he was guard, a “shove up” the hill near the distant signal at Cockburnspath. Whether the door of the van flew open or a rough shunt caused Burrell to lose his balance is not clear, but the fact remains that he was shot out of his van without anyone having observed the accident and the train proceeded to Berwick. 

© Copyright – Ben Brooksbank. Creative Commons Attribution Share-alike license 2.0. 

It was only when the train checked through Berwick that Burrell was missed and immediately a light engine and van was sent north and various stations asked to send out search parties. Three hours after the accident Burrell was found lying on the lineside near Cockburnspath in an injured and exhausted condition. Medical aid was summoned from Dunbar and he was then brought on with all speed to Berwick, where he was admitted to the Infirmary. On examination it was found that he suffered from fractured ribs and minor injuries, but he was very much exhausted owing to the long period he had been exposed. 

SPORT

TWEEDSIDE LEAGUE

Grindon United (h), 7; Horncliffe, 0. 

A very exciting game was played before a small attendance of spectators at the Home Park, Grindon, when the United secured a glorious victory over Horncliffe. The visitors won the toss and decided to play with the sun in their favour. The homesters opened strongly, scoring two goals in the first five minutes. For a short time some mid-field play was witnessed. Graham once more proved himself an able leader and led some strong attacks against the visitors’ goal. At times the visitors attempted to raid the home goal, but their attacks were feeble, compared with those of the United, and seldom got past Brown, who gave a fine display. At half-time the score was: – Grindon, 4: Horncliffe,0. 

On resuming Grindon pressed hard. Bell made some fine saves, but the ground being greasy caused bad shooting. The homesters kept pressing to the finish, and when the final whistle blew Horncliffe had to retire from the field beaten as above. The scorers were: – Graham (4), Waters, Wedderburn, Dalgliesh. The game was refereed by Mr J. Hume. 

BERWICK ADVERTISER, 24 DECEMBER 1920

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LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

CUSTOMS PECULIAR TO BERWICK

(LET’S US HOPE!)

Dear Sir, – This old town, in many things, seems to be “a law unto itself.” To an incomer there are, now and again, what might be termed “different ways of doing things”; but, really, the other evening there came “a startler.” Thus am I compelled to write, in order to convey to these “Christmas Waits” (?) how such extraordinary conduct appears to a stranger.

To be informed that there were men waiting at the door, begging a Christmas Box, for doing work they are PAID to do – making a house-to-house visitation – came as a surprise. Ugh! I refer to the scavengers of the town. Their work, no doubt, is lowly – but mighty useful all the same. Still, surely when night comes on, ‘tis a pity to go around doing still more lowly work. Can they not trust to the generosity of the inhabitants, who surely would remember those to whom we owe so much, in the same way as the postman, milk boy, baker’s boy, et., or any other dependent, whose faithful services throughout the year are never forgotten?

Or is it that the salaries of the scavenger are so meagre and inadequate that they resort to begging? There must be something wrong somewhere. Surely real Scotch pride might be expected to be found amongst workers in the Borderland – I am, Sir,

“ASTONISHED RESIDENTER.”

LOCAL NEWS

In response to an urgent appeal for the Russian Relief and Reconstruction Fund, to relieve the distress in Russia, the pupils of the Girls’ National School on Monday last took a collection at their school concert, amounting to £1 1s 6d.

© Author: Unknown.  Source: International Committee of the Red Cross.  Wikimedia Commons.

In Russia the conditions of the people are terrible, says the appeal, owing to the shortage of food, the scarcity of clothes and the expensive fuel. Typhus ravages the people, and the death rate has averaged 30,000 per month. The shortage of fuel is more especially felt just now when often the thermometer registers 25 to 27 degrees below zero.

The leasing of the Mariner’s Cottage on the North Road, Berwick, to Mr Lyal Irvine, Tweedmouth, calls to mind how these two cottages got their name. Many years ago, in the time of the Lamberton Toll marriages, an old sailor, named Capt. Sharpe, becoming tired of a life on the ocean wave, came to live at the cottage, and being a bit of a sea lawyer he took up the duty of “Lamberton Priest.” On the end of his cottage facing the road he put up a board, which announced that he was prepared to tie the happy knot, and each day he attended at Berwick station to ascertain if any couples had arrived wishful of being tied up at Lamberton Toll.

Pictured is Lamberton Toll, REF: BRO 515-296.

When given notice, he was prepared to hire the carriages to convey the contracting parties to “Gretna.” Sharpe was known to the people of Berwick as the “Ancient Mariner,” and the cottage soon became known by the name it now bears.

Next week, commencing on Monday, the Northern Entertainments Coy. will present in the Queen’s Rooms their smart revue musical comedy “Lizzie.” A treat is certainly in store for patrons of the “Queen’s” as this talented Company have performed to large houses recently. A special matinee will be held on Monday first, when, owing to the limited accommodation in the gallery, intending patrons should make sure of a seat by booking early.

NOTES FROM SPITTAL

In the November number of the “Lifeboat,” the journal of the R.N.L.I., there is a very interesting article on a new device used for launching lifeboats, known as the “Platform Lift Launching Method,” which, we understand, is to be adopted at Spittal when the new motor lifeboat comes to the river. The platform system has been adopted at Sunderland, and it is specially suited to rivers where the difference between high water level and low water at spring tides is over twelve feet. Shortly the system is this. The boathouse is built on piles above the river with a well channel between the side piles in which the boat will float at any state of tide. The lifeboat is placed on a platform inside the house, which can be raise or lowered from or to the “well” by wire ropes and winches manipulated by man power or by petrol engine power. When the boat has to be launched the crew enter the craft in the boathouse, and at a given signal the winding gear is released, and she sinks down into the well between the piles. The boat is still moored to her platform carriage, but when a slip chain is released and the landward end of the platform tilted up by the winches, she glides into deep water down between guide rails. The motor can be started as soon as the vessel leaves the platform. When the boat returns she is backed in on to her platform, and once secured with the slip chain can be raised to the boathouse above by the winches. When man power is used to lower and raise the boat, two men at the crank handles can lower her safely, but it needs eight men to raise her. When funds permit, however, the Institution intend to put in petrol engines at the boathouse, where this system prevails, and this will save a great amount of manual work.

SPORTS, AMUSEMENTS, & C.

FOOTBALL

BERWICK RANGERS’ MATCH ON CHRISTMAS DAY

The Rangers hope to be well patronised on Saturday, as they have gone to considerable expense in securing a visit from the Edinburgh Civil Service Strollers – one of the best amateur teams in Scotland. The kick-off will be at 2.15. The Rangers will put a good team into the field, the majority of them cup players, but names cannot be given yet, as the Committee are waiting to see what players are at home in the town for the holidays. The Rangers are holding a whist drive and dance in the Corn Exchange on the 27th, and are looking for a bumper house.

ISLANDSHIRE FOR LOWICK

Lowick Rovers engage Holy Island at Lowick on Christmas afternoon. A good game is sure to be the outcome. Rovers: – E. Henderson; Carr and Foreman; Swan,Weddell, and Waters; Dalgleish, Henderson, Robertson, Harmiston, and Murray. Kick-off 2.30 p.m.

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