Sports

BERWICK NEWSPAPERS, 1923

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BERWICK JOURNAL, 12 APRIL 1923

ST. MARY’S CHILDREN’S CONCERT

St. Mary’s Church, Castlegate, 1980’s Ref: BRO 1497-101

On Easter Monday and Tuesday the children of St. Mary’s Berwick, gave a very excellent programme in the operetta “Zurika, the Gipsy Maid, or captive Pricess,” by Clementina Ward. Monday, to a packed house; Tuesday, to a good audience.

The programme each night opened with one verse of God Save the King, with Harry Manuel standing with the Union Jack and calling the audience to attention.

KING AND QUEEN HONOUR BERWICK LADY

The King and Queen have sent autographed portraits of themselves to rev. A. H. Kelk, Rector of Goldsborough, Yorks, and Mrs Kelk, as souvenirs of the christening of the infant son of Princess Mary and Viscount Lascelles. The latter have given Mr and Mrs Kelk a handsome silver inkstand, with facsimile inscription “From Mary and Lascelles.”

Mrs Kelk is a native of Berwick, and member of old Family of Berwick Freemen. She was Miss Bessie mark, daughter of the late Mr Kingston Mark, Church St., Berwick, who at one time held important Government position in Woolwich Dockyard, and was intimate friend of late Duke of Cambridge.

BEFORE BERWICK BENCH-CHILDREN’S COURT

At a Children’s Court on Wednesday, before R. Boston, Esq., Miss Henderson, T. Bolus, C. Forsyth and G.N. Broadbent, Esqs., a Berwick boy, remanded a fortnight ago on a charge of throwing stones from a catapult, and to be medically examined, was again before Court.- Mr Wallace, probation Officer, handed in a letter from Dr T. P. Caverhill, which stated that 7 years ago when in Haddington, he had attended the boy after an accident when he suffered from a fractured skull. This was the cause of his present condition, and he was practically not responsible for his actions. – Mr Wallace said the boy’s parents had no control over him, and were anxious to get him into a home.- The case was adjourned for another fortnight in order that Supt. Halliday might get into communication with the Committee in Newcastle, and to make further enquiries.

FORD FARM STUDENT FINED-DRUNK INCHARGE OF A MOTOR CAR

At Kelso Police Court yesterday, Provost Middlemas presiding, Alistair Paton, farming student, Ford Westfield, Cornhill, was fined 40s, or 20 days in prison, for being drunk while in charge of a motor car in Kelso Square on 6th March.

The case had been adjourned from a fortnight ago, owing to Mr Guthrie, the Burgh Prosecutor, desiring to withdraw the summons, because the accused had already tho?? his assize through being convicted for a similar offence committed on the same day at Galashiels.

The Provost held that the two cases were quite distinct, and imposed the penalty stated above.

LOCAL NEWS

“The Anchorage,” Woolmarket, Berwick, to be sold by public auction, is one of Berwick’s best-known houses, for it was the Home of Dr Johnston and his daughter, Mrs Barwell Carter,

The Anchorage, Woolmarket, 1959 Ref: BRO 1250/205

who for so many years welcomed Berwickshire Naturalists’ Club within its walls, on the Club’s annual visit to Berwick. Dr Johnston was Founder of the Club, and each year his daughter showed and explained many of the personal treasures of this gifted Citizen.

BERWICK TOWN COUNCIL

A meeting of Berwick Town Council was held on Tuesday evening. Present: The Mayor; Ald. Cowe, Wilson; Couns. Brewis, Morrison, Blench, Dickinson, Anderson, (Mrs) Edminson, Lockhart, Martin Bolus, Boston, Watt, Dudgeon, Redpath, Stuart; with the Clerk (Mr Twigg), the Land Steward (Mr Bolam), the Accountant (Mr Gibson).

Apologies were intimated from the Sheriff and Coun. Lyall. The Mayor expressed regret that Coun. Lyall was not able to be out yet but hoped he would soon be among them again. (Hear, hear).

CONDOLENCES

The Mayor made feeling reference to the bereavement suffered by Ald. Boston and Mr Adam Aird, both of whom had a long connection with the Council, and on his motion it was agreed to send a letter of condolence to Ald. Boston. The members showed their approval by rising to their feet.

TO FREE FREEMEN’S ESTATE

In accordance with notice given a month ago, Coun. Edminson was to have moved :- That in view of the necessity of the provision of a site for Housing in connection with the recent gift of Mr W. H. Askew, the Town Council as Trustees of the Freemen’s Estate instruct the Farm and Works Committee to consult with the Freemen of the Borough in order that steps may be taken either by the promotion of a Bill or otherwise to free the lands included in the First Three Schedules of the Settlement Act from the restrictions against the sale of such lands.

The Mayor suggested that in view of the recommendation from the Farm and Works Committee, to the meeting, she should defer her motion until then. This she agreed to do.

The farm and Works Committee reported: – In connection with the question of Road Works, etc., for the purpose of developing lands in Schedule 3 of the Corporation Act, 1843, for building purposes, the Town Clerk reported receipt of a letter from the Charity Commissioners expressing the opinion that they see no reason to dissent from Counsel’s opinion on the subject, taken in 1906. The opinion in question was that such an expenditure is lawful. The Committee agreed that a meeting be held with the Freemen’s Committee in order to discuss whether action cannot now be taken to obtain the removal of the restrictions upon the transfer of lands included in the first three schedules to the Act.

The mayor moved the adoption of the report and explained that the matter came up on the letter from the Charity Commissioners. Coun. Bolus seconded.

Mrs Edminson withdrew her motion.- Agreed.

SPORTS AND PASTIMES

With opening in Berwick Town of 1923 Golfing Season has come the usual wandering about the Course by people – (especially children)- who have no right to be there, but who are, apparently and unfortunately, allowed to go about wherever they like on the Course, and to do very much as they please. Such a state of things makes for trouble. Indeed, a serious accident has already occurred, whereby a youngster was struck on the face by a golf ball. The child has no right to be where it was at the time and was unseen by the players until the accident occurred.

Magdalene Fields Golf Course, 20th Century Aerial photograph, Berwick-upon-Tweed

No blame can be attributed to the golfers. But the management of the Course must take reasonable steps to stop the continuous trespass, which has become not only a nuisance but a danger. In case of accidents, the Law will not protect them unless they are able to show that reasonable steps have been taken to warn the Public. Indeed, in the matter of trespass the Law will hold that there is no trespass until the trespasser has been personally warned off the place.

Among latest improvements as Goswick Golf Club House is the erection of a smoke-room, which will help to lessen congestion in the luncheon and tea-room, where, hitherto, people have sat on after meals, and kept others waiting unduly for their food.

A Border lady, whose people belonged to Duns says her father played golf at the age of 93. Lord Joicey, who often motors over from Ford Castle to play on Goswick Course, is 77, and thus has a long way to go yet. We hope to see him enjoying Golf at 93.

Congratulations to Wooler Golf Club on getting into 2nd Round of Northumberland County Contest for “Newcastle Chronicle” Cup. Wooler (Geo. Tully and R. Redpath) beat Tynedale (W. Raisbeck and J. Turner) by 4 up and 3 to play- very creditable victory. Prompter hopes they’ll do well next round.

BERWICK ADVERTISER, 26TH SEPTEMBER 1922

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ANCIENT HOTEL IN THE MARKET

KING’S ARMS TO BE SOLD

For nearly two centuries the King’s Arms has been an institution in the town, and in view of the fact that the death of the owner (Mr Robert Evans) causes it to be again offered for sale we give a few notes on its past.

That it was a flourishing concern in the 18th Century is recorded by Dr Fuller in his History of Berwick (17990. He says of it: “The King’s Arms Inn is situated about the middle of Hide Hill. The buildings are of hewn stone and very strong. The Inn is commodious, and from its being built on the top of the bank encourages the free circulation of air. The mail coach has always stopped here, and it is kept in readiness. The house is also connected with the High Flyer coach, and chaises are kept at this inn.”

In those days the proprietor was one named Mr George Dixon, and about the same time the Red Lion (in High Street), the Black Bull, and the Hen and Chickens (Sandgate) also did a lot of posting. Like its contemporary, the Red Lion (now the Ford Garage), the King’s Arms had large Assembly Rooms, and these in past years were the scene of many memorable gatherings.

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

In the early days of last century Berwick’s Theatre was held there, and on the 6th May, 1824, and succeeding days the public were invited to witness a reproduction of Cumberland’s “Wheel of Fortune.” There was no such thing as entertainment tax then, and the charges were:- Boxes, 3s; pit, 2s; and gallery, 1s. After the performance a certain Mr Johnston and others gave comic songs, the whole performance finishing up with a farce entitled “Love-a-la-Mode.” At that period the Mayor of Berwick was Mr David Logan, to whose family the hotel belonged for generations.

In the early “fifties” Charles Dickens, the famous novelist visited Berwick and gave a recital in the King’s Arms Assembly Rooms, we believe, entitled “Greta Expectations, “ which work, however, was not completed until 1857. Later, in the early “seventies,” Penny Readings” were held in the rooms very frequently, and were a most popular form of entertainment, the Assembly Rooms being filled to overflowing. The Landlord was then Mr John Carr (some of whose monogrammed silver plate is still in use in the hotel). His predecessors were Mr Davidson and Mr George Montgomery. Following the Carr family in the hotel came Mr Corrie. Mr Hugo Reneicke, and in June, 1919, the hotel came into the market. It was purchased by the landlord, Mr W. J. Dover, who, in September of the same year, sold the hotel to Mr Robert Evans, of Whitley Bay, a well-known north-country sportsman and hotel owner. Mr Evan’s died rather suddenly during the summer, and as a result the hotel is again being sold.

A number of people in the town are under the impression that Jenny Lind, the famous singer, once stayed at the King’s Arms while passing through the town, but, on authority of an old and worthy resident who died some years ago, we were informed that “the nightingale” put up at the Red Lion some 90 years or more ago, either about the March Hirings or Berwick Fair periods. The Duke of Albany, we understand, did out up for a night at the King’s Arms when passing through at the head of a regiment of horse to Edinburgh about 60 years ago.

Many famous public dinners have been held in the Assembly Rooms, which have been used for a variety of purposes. In the middle of last century the majority of the leading townspeople learned to dance there, when dancing classes and balls were frequently held. Before the Queen’s Rooms were built Mr W. Purves, auctioneer held his sales there also, and since then many estates have changed hands within the same place under the hammer of Mr Bolam, amongst these being in the outlying portions of the Corporation Estate.

The Assembly Rooms, which had fallen into a rather dilapidated state prior to Mr Evans taking over, have been re-decorated and made most comfortable and thoroughly up-to-date. The hotel, too, has been renovated and re-decorated, and in the last few years, under the management of Mr Scott, it had begun to regain some of its old-time glory.

CHILDREN’S COURT

Before T. M. Morrison, R. Boston, T. Purves, W. Hogarth, P.P. Boston, Theo. Bolus, Esqs. and Miss Henderson

DAMAGE BY CHILDREN

Two Tweedmouth boys aged seven and nine were charged with wilful damage to growing turnips, the property of Andrew Martin, farmer to the amount of 3s each. They pleaded guilty.

P.C. Lindsay said he saw the boys come through the “one tunnel” at the embankment. They entered Mr Martin’s field and each pulled a turnip which they stripped of the shaws. One boy ate his turnip and the other put his in his pocket.

Mark Anderson said within the last month damage amounting to £20 or £30 had been done by youngsters pulling up turnips and leaving them lying.

The bench retired to consider the case, and on their return the Chairman said they would be bound over in the sum of £5 for six months, the parents to pay costs 4s 3d. The Chairman said there was a lot of destruction going on and parents were really responsible for not exercising proper control. In future cases parents would be held responsible and the sentence would be a heavy one.

Another little Tweedmouth boy was charged with a similar offence. He pleaded guilty, and similar evidence having been led, the boy was bound over, his father being ordered to pay costs 4s 3d.

WILFUL DAMAGE TO SPITTAL SHELTER

A Spittal boy aged thirteen was charged with wilful damage to a wooden shelter at Spittal, the property of the Sanitary Authority, to the amount of £2 5s. He pleaded guilty.

The Promenade and Sands at Spittal

Ellen Jamieson and Mary Sykes gave evidence that three boys were there. One of the boys took another boy’s foot and cracked a wooden panel, and defendant then took his foot and put it through the panel.

Mr Burn, joiner, said he estimated the damage at £2 5s. It certainly would take that to put the woodwork right.

The Bench retired, and on their return the Chairman said he wished it to be known that the Bench intended to put these cases of wilful damage down. He was ordered to pay the damage £2 5s, fined 5s, and costs 4s.

FEAR OF POVERTY

FARMERS AND FARM WORKERS’ APPEAL

The National farmers’ Union have addressed an important letter to employers’ representatives on Agricultural Conciliation Committees whose agreements are due to expire at an early date. It states that a conference had taken place between representatives of the Union and those of the National Union of Agricultural Workers, and the Workers’ Union and all present appreciated that “The position of agriculture is disastrous, alike to the farmer and the farm worker, and it was realised that unless some alleviation can be found, poverty and misery face many whose livelihood has in the past been drawn from the land.

“It was agreed that a committee consisting of representatives of the Union and the two unions representing the workers should meet forthwith to consider the position generally and endeavour to formulate proposals to place before the Government for the relief of the industry.

FUTURE WAGE RATES

“It was further agreed that the Conciliation Committees should be asked to adjourn the consideration of the fixing of future wage rates and to recommend the payment of existing rates until September 30th in order that the joint committee of the organisations may have time to explore the serious problems which they will have to consider.”

It was pointed out that the letter had been shown to the representatives of the National Union of Agricultural Workers and the Workers’ Union, and the hope is expressed that the employers’ representatives on the Conciliation Committee will fall in with the suggestion, and that everything will be done to influence a united policy between the three unions.

SPORTS, AMUSEMENT, &C. SWIMMING

SCHOOL SQUADRON CHAMPIONSHIPS

The annual School’s Swimming Gala had to be postponed last Thursday afternoon on account of the bad weather. On Saturday afternoon the School’s squadron championships were decided, and weather conditions were much more favourable, and the water not too cold. There was a great muster of headmasters, teachers, scholars and others interested, and the encouraging cheers of the youngsters lining the banks or squatting on the roof of the bathing hut made the rocks ring with their heartiness. There were six teams entered for the boys “Askew Challenge Shield,” which St. Mary’s School held, but only three for the girls’ “Sergt. Major Hamilton Challenge Shield, “also held by St. Mary’s. Berwick Grammar School won easily in their heat and also in the final, when they beat St. Mary’s “A” team by fully two yards. The winning team included R. B. Richardson, who went up to the Grammar School this year and who swam in St. Mary’s winning team last year. The final was an excellent race, though the British School were handicapped by only having two representatives, one of the boys having to swim the pond twice. St. Mary’s made a fine effort to retain the shield, but Richardson was a little too much for Borthwick in the last lap.

Berwick Grammar School, Golden Square, Berwick-upon-Tweed, 1927

The girls were very excited, and were off the mark before the signal was given, and owing to the cheers of their supporters were almost halfway across the pond before they heard the starter calling them back again. When they got going again it looked as if the National School “A” team were likely winners till the last journey across the pond when, amid great excitement. Peggy Richardson overhauled the National School girl only just in time to retain the shield for St. Mary’s for another year, winning by about a yard. She is a sister of the boy who swam for the Grammar School.

Mr Brotherton acted as honorary secretary in place of Mr T. Oliver, who was unable to be present, and also acted as starter. The Rev. S. E. R. Fenning and Capt. D. Hebenton acted as judges. At the close of the races the shields and prizes were presented by Mr Fenning, who was thanked for his services by Mr. A. Leach, headmaster of St. Mary’s School.

BERWICK ADVERTISER, 30TH SEPTEMBER 1921

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BERWICK LICENSE HOLDERS WANT AN

8 HOUR DAY

Mr P. M. Henderson appeared on behalf of the majority of the members of the Licensed Victualers’ Association and made proposals for the consideration of the Bench in regard to the fixing of what is known as “permitted hours” under the new Act of 1921. The Act fixed these hours temporarily until things were brought into working order. On 17th August these orders were put in force in the Borough. Under the old Ac of 1910 the hours were from 8 o’clock in the morning to 10 o’clock at night. In many cases, of course, license holders did not take advantage of these hours. The new Act recommended the hours per week-day at 8½, but the license holders in the Borough proposed 8 hours day. The Act recommended that the sale of intoxicating liquor should take place between the hours of 11.30 and 3pm, and 5.30 and 10pm on week days and what the license holders proposed as reasonable hours from 10am to 2pm and 5pm to 9pm. This of course, only affected week days. The license holders did say that they found the hour of 9 o’clock in the evening was late enough to keep open, and it was not an unreasonable closing hour either for the public.

Now, in regard to Sunday, continued Mr Henderson, the hours now in force are from12.30 to 2.30 in the afternoon, and from 7 to 10 in the evening. The license holders ask that the opening hour be 12.30 to 2.30 as at present, but that instead of from 7 to 10pm the hours should be from 6 to 9. At a recent meeting of the Licensed Victualers’ Association these were the hours agreed to by 38 out of 42 who attended the meeting. A Committee had been appointed, members of which would be prepared to give their views to the Bench and to say that 9 o’clock closing did not only meet their own views, but the reasonable requirements of the public.

ANOTHER VIEW

Mr H. R. Peters appeared for Mr Jas. Grey, wine merchant and said with the hours proposed his client could not agree. He was quite agreeable that the week day hours should be eight, and the Sunday hours as suggested, but he felt that in saying what these hours should be, a large part of the public had never been taken into consideration. There were the workers and visitor to the town and those who came into the town with the forenoon trains to do their shopping.

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

To start at 10 o’clock was an hour lost to the license holder, as large numbers of men were at work then and did not need refreshment; while the morning trains had not arrived. He suggested that the hours his client proposed were the best to meet the needs of everybody. The hours he proposed on week days were from 11 am to 4pm and from 6pm to 9pm. That he held gave reasonable time for refreshment, and in fixing the hours the Bench should consider the reasonable wants of the steady man, not he man whose idea of a reasonable amount of drink was a full skin (Laughter)

Mr Scott, proprietor of the King’s Arms, was of the opinion that the hours recommended by the Act should be adhered to. He also mentioned he was applying under Section 3 of the Act for all the privileges extended to caterers and hotel keepers, to sell drink with food with the evening meal. This meant that if the ten o’clock closing remained in force anyone arriving in the hotel could have a drink with their food between 10 and 11, but no drink unless they were having food.

Ultimately, Mr Scott agreed to fall in with the proposals of the License Victuallers’ Association, letting his application under Section 3 go forward separately.

High Street, Berwick-upon-Tweed showing the Salmon Hotel Ref: BRO 318

The bench retired and on their return the Mayor announced that they had decided to fix the hours from 11 to 3pm and from 5 to 9pm on week days, with Sunday as suggested, 12.30 to 2.30 and 6 to 9. The Bench agreed to grant the application of Mr Scott under Section 3, he also having appeared for Mr Evans, of the Salmon Hotel.

GYMKHANA AND SPORTS AT SCREMERSTON

On Monday, Berwick’s Autumn Holiday, a gymkhana, arranged by members of Berwick Motor Club, and cycling sports, arranged by members of Tweedside Cycling Club, took place at Scremerston Institute track. The proceeds were in aid of the track fund and the gate amounted to £25, and there might have been far more people present had the char-a-bancs been running as advertised. The weather was ideal.

Those who did attend had a capital afternoon’s sport and amusement. The Tweedside members provided the serious racing and put up some good finished, too, while the Motor Club provided the thrills and fun. It was a “day out” for the motor cyclists, who did anything , at times, up to 60 miles per hour, while the “limb of the law” appeared to enjoy the sport as much as anyone.

The most interesting events were the lemon-slicing, especially when speed was introduced, the variety race, in which the passenger on the carrier had to dismount and pick up an apple in his teeth, and the “T.T.” race. This latter was a burlesque of the famous motor cycle trials in the Isle of Man. There were four competitors and the prize at stake was the handsome Cooper Eye Cup, a massive “carbon” trophy on which “diamonds” from Scremerston’s famous seam glittered. The first holder was W. Rowley, the Club’s Vice-Captain, who, on a small push-bike with miniature gear got up no end of a pace. In what appeared to be a deliberate attempt to knock him off, T. Lilburn, on his giant prehistoric cycle, had a spill himself, causing no end of laughter. He, however, pluckly remounted and at the finish forged ahead of the “lady” competitor (Mr A. Fish, jun.) and took second place. We understand some of the Scremerston fair sex condemned the “lady” as “a brazen huzzy” for smoking on the field!

There was only one spill in the cycling events, and this was not due to the condition of the track, Purves accidently touching Coulthard’s pedal and bringing both to ground, Purves being much bruised and shaken, and Coulthard’s front wheel beyond repair.

At the close, Capt Carr presented the Cooper Eye Cup to Mr Rowley and, on behalf of Scremerston, thanked the members of the Motor and Tweedside Clubs for the excellent afternoon’s entertainment they provided.

Scremertson Band, which had played selections all afternoon, then played “God Save the King.”

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