St David’s Lodge

This Week in World War One, 26 January 1917

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BERWICK ADVERTISER, 26 JANUARY 1917

 

FEMALE’S UNPATRIOTIC CONDUCT

 

Delia Curry, Berwick, married, was charged with concealing two deserters- Private Martin Conroy and Private Curry, in her house on 23rd January.

The Chief Constable explained that Sergeant Wilson got information that there were two deserters in the defendant’s garret in Chapel Street on Tuesday. From snoring the Sergeant heard outside he came to the conclusion that there were several men in the room. He called later, but the defendant refused to open the door for a considerable time. By the aid of a pen-knife he enlarged a hole in the door and saw a man partly dressed in khaki. He also saw a uniform lying about, and on getting in he only saw one man. There was a cupboard which he at last forced and found a man concealed there. Conroy had been an absentee since 9th April, 1916, and Curry since the 11th December- both from Duddingston.

(c) BRO 1250/163 Chapel Street 1950’s

Sergt. Wilson gave evidence as to his visit to the house. The keyhole of the door was choked up. After getting hold of one of the soldiers defendant said that there was no one in the house though the other was concealed in the cupboard. Conroy was defendant’s husband, the other man her brother.

Sergt Harvie, the Barracks, proved that the men were both deserters.

Defendant denied the charge, and said that the soldier went into the cupboard to put on his trousers – it was not a cupboard, it was a small room.

The Chief Constable said that the defendant was one of those who travelled the country and had no permanent residence.

Sentence – one month’s hard labour.

 

LOCAL NEWS

 

Laying the foundation Stone of Berwick Pier. In connection with our short article

Masonic Lodge, Berwick-upon-Tweed. © James Denholm, Creative Commons Licence.

regarding the Masonic ceremony at the laying of the foundation stone of Berwick Pier, it is of interest to note that there are framed in St. David’s Lodge two masonic aprons worn on that occasion. The inscription on the first is as follows: – “Presented to St. David’s Lodge No. 393, by Bro. J. Crow, on behalf of Mrs Smith, Magdalene Fields House, August 1914. Worn by her uncle, Bro. John Fox, who was surveyor of Berwick Pier under Sir John Rennie, and was used by him in the procession at the laying of the foundation stone, “July 27th, 1810.” The second bears a similar inscription, and was worn by her grandfather, Bro. John Good. There is a small trowal attached to this which was carried on the volume of the sacred law, in the procession and used in the ceremony.

Present Day Conditions in Germany: Mr D Thomas Curtin, whose articles and lectures descriptive of conditions in present day Germany have attracted much attention here and abroad, is to lecture in the Queen’s Rooms, on Wednesday, 31st inst., at seven p.m. Mr Curtin spent ten months in Germany, and during that period he travelled from one end of the country to the other, carefully noting what was going forward and the methods adopted by the authorities to cope with the famine brought about by the blockade. He will give his hearers an admirable opportunity of learning how the Germans succeed in organising for war, and the ruthless manner in which regulations are enforced. The lecture should be heard by everyone, and as a large audience is expected those desirous of being present should secure tickets immediately.

Soldiers’ Recreation Rooms. – The popularity of this institution as a resort for our local soldiers is well maintained. Every night the premises are well filled, and while supper is served in one room, innumerable letters written in another, great advantage is also taken of the concert hall. Last week was a specially busy one in the latter department. Tuesday saw the first tie in a whist contest; on Wednesday there was a concert; while every Sunday an hour is spent singing hymns. And in all this activity it is noticeable that the soldiers play the main part. A whist league has been formed consisting of eight teams of eight men each. Great keenness was shown in the first match, and the feature has been enthusiastically taken up. The concert proved a most enjoyable one. It was opened  by the orchestra, consisting of six instrumentalists, with a spirited rendering of “Sandy Mac,” and in response to an encore, “Stop Shorty” followed. Next came a song, “Scotland Yet.” by Private Mason. This soldier has a pleasing tenor voice, and while the audience, being mostly Scotch, would have liked a little more vim, he sang very sweetly. By way of variety Mr W. B. Dickinson told a few racy stories about bulls – the Highland, not the Irish variety. Private Burnett, a youthful soldier, gave a step dance, which was much appreciated. But the lion of the evening was Private Cumming, a splendid baritone, who sang, “Sons of a Nation.” A very few bars only were necessary to convince all that this handsome soldier had submitted his voice as well as his body to discipline and training. He is far above the ordinary run of vocalists. Praise in such a case would savour of patronage, but we may remark that his effort was hugely enjoyed and in response to rapturous applause he returned and sang “The Old Soldier” to the genuine delight of all present. A cornet solo, “Afton Water.” By Bugler Russell so pleased the audience that they insisted upon another, when the Bugler gave “Killarney.” The deep voice of Lance-Corporal Staples was heard in “When the ebb tide flows.” This was followed by another piece “Melodyland,” by the orchestra, and the concert closed with “God Save the King!”

 

BERWICK NATIVE’S EXPERIENCES IN MUNITION FACTORY EXPLOSION

 

A Berwick native, Mr William Purves, who resides in London, near the seat of the recent Munition factory explosion, writes as follows:-

The situation of the house is in close proximity to the centre of the explosion, and the remarkable part is that although all the other houses round about us were damaged in one way and another, such as a windows out, doors smashed, ceilings down, furniture upset, etc, we escaped with a broken lock, not even a window cracked. My wife and self are both natives of Berwick, she being the daughter of the late captain H. J. Rutherford, 61 Ravensdowne, and just a few hours before the explosion took place had received intimation of her mother’s death.

BRO 2103-4-2-71 Castlegate looking North mid 1900’s

 

That, coupled with the fact that she was thrown right across the room with the force of the explosion, causing a wound to her hand, completely unnerved her, but I am pleased to say she is progressing favourably. I am a Freeman of Berwick, serving my apprenticeship with Messrs J. Cockburn and Son, Castlegate. At present I am shop foreman of joiners in a munition works. My mother, who is still alive, and also a native of Berwick, resides at Cheviot View, Lowick.

 

 

This Week in World War One, 29 December 1916

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BERWICK ADVERTISER, 29 DECEMBER 1916

 

A CELEBRATED BERWICK CHRISTMAS PUDDING

 

Our Christmas pudding is a mere culinary parvenu that about two centuries ago supplanted the original plum porridge, but the Christmas pie, which must not be confused with the mince pie, is of immemorial antiquity. It was a “Christmas pie” that Pharisaic Little Jack Horner was eating when he “sat in a corner,” according to the historians. These pies were sometimes of colossal dimensions. Perhaps the largest on record was sent from Berwick to London at Christmas 1770 for Sir Henry Grey, an ancestor of Earl Grey.

Traditional Christmas pudding

 

It contained 2 bushels of flour, 20lb. of butter, 4 geese, 2 turkeys, 2 rabbits, 4 wild ducks, 2 woodcocks, 6 snipe, 4 partridges, 2 ox tongues, 2 curlews, 7 blackbirds, and 6 pigeons. It was 9ft. in circumference, weighed 168 lb., and was fitted with four wheels for the convenience of Sir Henry’s guests.

 

CHRISTMAS

BERWICK

 

CHRISTMAS, which on three successive occasions has now witnessed the prosecution of the great war, was quietly observed in Berwick and district. The restrictions put upon railway travelling had the natural effect of keeping many people from visiting friends at a distance. The closing day of the week, however, witnessed the arrival of many of the gallant lads in khaki who are serving their country, and the welcome they received from parents and relatives was hearty and spontaneous. Throughout Saturday afternoon and evening the streets presented a very busy and animated appearance. Despite the severe times we are passing through most of people seemed desirous of purchasing some kind of seasonable article to recognise the great Festival of the year. To accommodate customers the shops remained open a little later than usual, and more especially in view of the fact that Monday and Tuesday were both to be closed days. The weather on the whole was pleasant though somewhat damp. On Sunday special services were held in all the Churches, and references was made to the advent of Christmas both in the sermon and the praise part of the worship. On Christmas day the streets presented a somewhat deserted appearance those soldiers on leave remaining indoors to spend a quiet time with their friends. The various church services were well attended. In the afternoon a musical service was held in St. Andrew’s Church by Col. Peterkin’s Male Voice Choir of the Royal Scots.

St Andrew’s Church of Scotland, Berwick-upon-Tweed. © Bill Henderson, Creative Commons Licence.

 

Infirmary Patients Entertained

The patients in our hospitals are always remembered as the great festival of the year comes round, and Berwick Infirmary maintains the good rule. Through the kindness of Dr C. G. Maclagan, Chairman of the House Committee, the patients were entertained to a Christmas dinner, while in the evening the children enjoyed gifts from a Christams tree. Among those present were Lady Dalyell and Miss Dalyell, His Worship and Mayor and the Mayoress, Dr and Mrs Maclagan, Mrs Fraser, Ravensdowne; and Mrs Mackay, and Mr D. H. W. Askew.

At the Workhouse

The inmates of the Workhouse enjoyed their usual Christmas treat, when the wants of the poor people were attended to by a number of ladies and gentlemen who take a keen interes in their welfare. Mr John A. Stewart, chairman of the House Committee was unable to be present owing to indisposition, but among others who assisted were Mrs J. G. Willits, Miss A. E. Henderson, Mr Thomas Thompson, ironmonger, Mr Alex. D. Watt. The inmates were entertained to dinner consisting of roast beef plum pudding, following by fruit the men also receiving supplies of tobacco. Mr Samuel Stirling, Tweedmouth, as on previous occasions, sent a liberal supply of beer, and this was much appreciated by the poor people. Mr T. Thompson presented each of the inmates with a threepenny piece at the close of the proceedings.

LOCAL NEWS

 

Berwick Councillor’s Silver Wedding. – The many friends of Mr Joseph McDonald, fruiterer, High Street, Berwick-on-Tweed will be interested to learn that he and his good lady celebrated the twenty-fifth anniversary of their marriage on Christmas Day, having been married in 1891 at the Mapel Street Primitive Methodist, Church, Newcastle-on-Tyne, by the Rev. J. Hopkins. Mr McDonald has a family of two sons, both of whom are on active service, and one daughter. As is well known Mr McDonald is a prominent Methodist, and one of that body’s local preachers. He is also a member of the Town Council and Education Committee, and acts as secretary to the Shepherd’s Friendly Society. The happy couple have received numerous congratulations on attaining the 25th anniversary of their nuptials.

Masonic Installation.- The festival of St. John was celebrated by St. David’s Lodge, No. 393, in the Lodge Room a Berwick, on Wednesday evening, when there was a large attendance of the brethren. The recommendation from the Finance and General Purpose Committee to subscribe five guineas to the Freemasons’ War Hospital and Nursing Home was approved of, as was also a motion by Bro. Alex. Darling, P.M., that the sum of ten guineas be voted for the relief of aged and deserving poor at Christmas, and that the distribution be entrusted to the same gentleman as last year.

Masonic Lodge, Berwick-upon-Tweed. © James Denholm, Creative Commons Licence.

 

Thereafter Brother James T. Robson, Past S. W., was duly installed as the Worshipful Master by W.M. Brother John Cockburn. The brethren afterwards sat down to an excellent supper in the Club Room purveyed by Bro. P. Cowe, at which several toasts were honoured, and a very pleasant hour was passed. It was mentioned that the following officers of the Lodge were on active service:- Brother W.H. Trainer, S.W.; Brother R. W. Seaton, J.W.; Brother W. E. E. Rutherford,  S.D. ; Brother H. R. Peters, J.D.; Brother G. M. How, I. G.; Brother J.T, Shiel S.S.; Brother John Blench. J. S.; Brother Robt. Gray, 1st Assistant S.; Brother S. E. Dixon, 2nd Assistant S. the following Brethren are meantime respectively discharging the duties of the above officers; Brothers O’Connell, Cowe, Howe, Shiel, Lyall, Dixon, Oakley, Black, and Hall.

Soldiers Entertained. – In the sailors and Soldiers’ Recreation Rooms, Hide Hill, Berwick, on Wednesday evening there was a free night, every service man in the Borough being entertained and welcomed. The Mayor and Mayoress graced the proceedings with their presence, and the Committee were in attendance to see to the comfort of the soldiers. In the refreshment room excellent music was provided, while a go as you please programme was carried out in the concert hall. Among those taking part in his were Petty Officer J. Martin, W. B. Dickinson, ex-Corporal Renwick, N.F., Private Howat, Private Donaldson, L. C. Smellie, Mr Wm. Foster (violin), Private Macdougall, Mr Hetherington, Private Adams, Second Air Mechanic Hughes, Second Air Mechanic Pont, Private Mason, Private Dick, Private Dunbar, and Pte. J. N. Bell. The latter two aced as accompanists very efficiently. The entertainment was one which said much for the public of Berwick and the soldiers were prolific in their admiration.

 

1916

 

Year of never ending sorrow,

Drawing now towards a close,

Casting shadows on the morrow,

Which a new year’s dawn disclose

Year of untolds desolation,

Passing o the hidden rest,

Scarce a hope or consolation,

Honouring its last bequest.

Year of Death, the ghastly token,

Of man’s avaricious soul:

Showing solemn pledges broken,

To possess some cherished goal.

Year whose memories shall darken,

Ages yet in Time’s dark womb,

When our children’s children hearken,

To those voices from the tomb.

Year to all a hideous spectre,

Of men’s failure to up hold,

All the glories of that sceptre,

With which nations are controlled.

Year of destinies deep written,

That some future day shall show,

When earth’s depots shall be smitten,

By Democracy’s fell blow.

Year whose tragedy is lasting,

Unforgotten, unforgiven,

Whilst the flames of Hell are blasting,

‘Gainst the sacred rights of Heaven.

Pass then, o’er the ridge eternal,

With your wretchedness and sin, –

From the unknown land supernal,

Let the new year enter in.

THOMAS GREY, Tweedmouth.

 

This Week in World War One, 10 November 1915

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Berwick Advertiser title 1915

 

BERWICK ADVERTISER, 19 NOVEMBER 1915

 

BERWICK’S OLDEST DOCTOR DIES

The Late Dr Daniel Heagerty

 

BAdvertiser 19 Nov 1915 Berwick's Oldest Doctor Dies Photo RESIZED

 

We regret to record the death, after a short illness, which occurred on Sunday, of Dr Daniel Heagerty, M.D., Medical Officer of Health for the Borough of Berwick-on-Tweed. The deceased was a native of Passage West, County Cork, Ireland, and was 76 years of age. The late Doctor was registered as a medical practitioner on May 30th, 1867, and was a Licentiate of the Royal College of Physicians (Edinburgh, 1867), and also a Licentiate of the Royal College of Surgeons (Edinburgh, 1867). For some time deceased practised in Prudhoe, and also in Bellingham. He came to Berwick 35 years ago when he purchased the practice and house of the late Dr Davidson at Tweedmouth, and five years later he succeeded the late Dr Fluker as medical officer to the Borough and also to Berwick Board of Guardians. Dr Heagerty in politics was a Unionist, and was one of the original Directors of Berwick Unionist Club. He was also an old official of Berwick Bowling Club, and a member of St. David’s Lodge of Freemasons, Berwick.

The late Doctor was married twice, and of the first marriage there were two sons and a daughter, Maude, who is married. The eldest son served his apprenticeship with Mr W. Carr, chemist in the shop now occupied by Mr N.M. Craig in High Street. *The other son was apprenticed to Mr Jas. Stevenson, architect, Berwick, but afterwards went on to the stage. Of the second marriage there is one son, who is at present serving with the Northern Cyclist.

The Doctor was known to a wide circle of friends and his sudden removal has come with surprise and regret. We are sure the sympathy of our many readers will be extended to the relatives in their sad bereavement.

*The other son mentioned in the article above, was Travers John Heagerty, born in Prudhoe, Northumberland, on the 5th of March, 1874.  Travers took the stage name Henry Travers, and went on to become a highly successful actor, making his Broadway debut in 1901.  He died in Hollywood, California, on the 18th October, 1965, aged 91.

 

BILLIARDS

 Match at Etal

 

An interesting billiard match was played at Etal on November 6th, when the wounded Tommies quartered at the Manor there played a returned match with Milfield. As will be seen from the appended list of scores, the soldiers showed that they could play billiards as well as fight. The game opened by a very closely contested trial of strength between Private Evans and Mr Wilkinson, in which the latter proved victorious only by 6. The next game resulted in a win by Private Squires over Mr Stothart by 30 points, but the Milfieldonians were far from being disheartened, seeing that their champion, P.C. Hurst, on whom their hopes they fixed, had yet his turn to come. He played next, having as opponent Private Neal. The latter proved much his superior, and the gallant policeman was only able to add a paltry 32 points as against a 100 to the soldiers’ scores. After this the Tommies had not much fear as to the result, for Private Swinburn met Mr Steel in the next game ended in another victory for the Tommies by 44 points. Then came Corporal Walker, who easily beat Mr Waugh by a majority of 54, and the last of all was played by Private Haldane and Mr Brown, in which the victors’ man proved a little successful and won by 14 points. The final scores were:-

Soldiers, 580; Milfieldonians, 404

After the game the visitors were entertained to tae by their victors, thanks to the kindness at the Manor Hospital of the Commandant, Miss Grey.

 

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

The Heroic Lifeboat Rescue at Berwick

 

Sir – I wish through the medium of your columns to make public the deep sense of gratitude the crew of the Lifeboat feel towards their comrades of Spittal who so gallantly came to their assistance last Wednesday morning. Four or five times had the Lifeboat tried to make the harbour, both under sails and oars, and each time was she washed out by the spate on to the Bar. The men were spent with fatigue, cold and wet to the skin, and had little strength left. When the ferry boat was seen to leave Spittal, a last effort was made, this time under double banked oars, to get closer to the pier.

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.
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 Spittal men laid their plans with skill and acted with daring that one could only admire and inwardly applaud. They were determined to get a line to the Lifeboat at the risk of their lives, and they did it. All honour to them! I have reported their brave conduct to the proper quarters, and do not doubt they will be suitably rewarded. The names of the men who were in the ferry boat are as follows: – Prideaux Emery, John Patterson, Barty Lough, Robert Laidlaw, John Wilks (“Laffan”), and Thomas Johnston. On the Pier, Johnston Crombie and William Emery,- Believe me, yours truly,

C.L. FRASER, Hon. Sec.

DANGERS OF BERWICK’S UNFENCED WALLS

A Fatal Fall at Cattle Market

 

Borough Coroner Wm. Weatherhead and a jury held an inquest on Friday afternoon in the Board Room of the Workhouse, Berwick, concerning the circumstances attending the death of Gordon Kenward, District Valuer of the Inland Revenue, Berwick.

BA-U10-2 SHEET , 1852 cropped. Pictured above the layout of the Berwick Workhouse, where the inquest on Gordon Kenward was held in the Board Room (centre of image). © Berwick Record Office.
BA-U10-2 SHEET , 1852 cropped. Pictured above the layout of the Berwick Workhouse, where the inquest on Gordon Kenward was held in the Board Room (centre of image). © Berwick Record Office.

 

Nelson Kenward of Waldron, Sussex, farmer, whose deposition was taken at the deceased’s house identified the body as that of his son, aged 30 years.

Leonard Purdoe, of Berwick-on-Tweed, surveyor, said he knew deceased well, and left his house with him on Sunday, 31st October, about 8.30pm. They went down the street, and he left him nearly opposite the Red Lion Hotel about 8.40.

James Alexander Miller, insurance inspector, said he saw deceased in the Red Lion on the Sunday night mentioned. They both left the hotel about 9.25pm. Deceased said good night to witness in the High Street and proceeded homewards. That was in the archway of the Red Lion. Deceased then went up the High Street. There was no mud on his clothes then.

Robert Renton, N.B. Railway goods checker, deponed that he was proceeding home about ten o’clock on the Sunday night mentioned. As he was passing the Cattle Market his eye caught something lying inside the market grounds about twenty feet from the gate and below the Ramparts. He went for the Police and P.C. Crombie returned with him to the spot. Crombie climbed over the railing, and it was discovered it was a man that was on the ground. The ambulance was summoned by a man named Marshall, and witness proceeded to get the key of the gate, Crombie remaining beside the body.

Police Constable Walter Crombie said the last witness came for him about 10.15pm at the top of West Street. From what he told him he (witness) went to the Cattle Market, climbed over the railing, and found Kenward about 18 feet from the gate. He was lying on his right hand side about four or five feet from the wall. He was bleeding from a wound above the left eye, and one on the right side of the head. The deceased got up on his feet and walked with his assistance to a sand bin. Before that witness had sent for the ambulance and the key for the gate of the Market. The ambulance removed the deceased home. Deceased’s clothes were covered with mud. When witness returned to the Market he found near to where deceased was discovered two handfuls of grass and moss.

By the Jury – Deceased asked witness where he was. Witness told him asking how he got there,. Deceased replied “I don’t know.” He wanted to walk home but could not do so.

Dr Taylor, Berwick, deponed that he saw the deceased between 1 and 2 on the morning of 1st November. He found a wound below the left jaw, another on the left eyelid, and a large excariation on the left cheek. There was a small wound on the right side of the scalp. He was partially conscious, and next day lapsed into complete unconsciousness, never regaining consciousness. Death occurred on Thursday, 11th inst., in the afternoon. The cause of death was, in witness’ opinion, severe concussion of the brain, arising from the injuries sustained through the fall.

A verdict in accordance with the medical testimony was returned.