BERWICK ADVERTISER, 23 JULY 1920

TWEEDMOUTH JOTTINGS

On Monday afternoon, while driving down the Main Road at High Gate, a horse belonging to Robert Norris, Tweedmouth, took fright to such an engine blowing its whistle, and bolted down Main Street.  A man named James Douglas, who was on the cart, fell off, and was cut and bruised about the head, and, continuing its career, the horse came in contact with a stationary motor car.  Norris, who had kept his head, managed to draw the frightened animal up. The mud-guard of the car was torn off. Douglas, who was stunned by his fall, was taken to Berwick Infirmary for treatment. He is doing as well as can be expected.

TRACTION ENGINE GOES ON ROUND A CORNER ON ONE WHEEL

THE DRIVER’S PLUCK

On the morning of Thursday last a serious accident was averted by the presence of mind of an engine driver named Jack Morrison.  He was bringing a traction engine and mill from Tweedmouth Station to Messrs Bain’s down the South Side of the High Gate when a gear pin on the engine became detached, and the engine commenced to free wheel at great speed down the hill. Knowing the danger of running down Main Street, where there are always children playing about, Morrison made up his mind to take the hairpin turn into Shielfield, the hill there being calculated to stop the engine’s career. 

Photograph of the Berwick Bridge.  The “Bridge Toll House” stood near to where the sundial is situated at the Berwick end of the bridge. © Copyright Chris Morgan, (CC BY-SA 2.0) https://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/3098053.

The traction engine took the turn at great speed, going round practically on one wheel, and then Morrison came face to face with another problem, several motor cars being on the road further up.  At great danger to himself, he took the only course open to him, and swung the engine dead into the wall at Turret Villa.  The engine knocked a clean hole in the wall and came to a stop.  Morrison being little worse of his adventure.  The foreman jumped off the engine before they reached the railway bridge.

SNIPPET FROM LETTER

Some time ago you had a report in your paper in reference to the “Bridge Toll House,” and the place stated was at the end of the bridge.  Now, this was not the case, for it was in one of the recesses at the top of the bank on the bridge — the one next to the Sundial.  I can remember seeing this, seeing I had to pass it so often when a young man.  I was told by father, and also my grandfather, the gates were just on the Bridge End. My grandfather, being one of the Coastguards, helped to pull them down. 

In the background is Holy Island Castle, occupied at one time by the Coastgaurd, and where Mr Scott’s grandfather was held after his misdeed. © Copyright Christine Matthews,(CC BY-SA 2.0) https://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/1239975.

There is another report in reference to Holy Island Castle, and I can endorse part of the history given by you about the Coastguards living in the Castle: for my mother’s father was banished from Spittal to the Castle because of my father’s grave misdeed in marrying his daughter.  This was the punishment meted out to him, and I can remember paying a visit there when a boy.  I mention this to show the difference then and now.  Even after 50 years’ absence except for annual visits, I have still a kindly feeling for the old town. — I remain, yours sincerely. James Scott, 30, Chatterton Street, Southwick, Sunderland.

LOCAL NEWS

On Sunday a most successful motor char-a-banc tour of the Borders was held by the clerical and locomotive staff of Berwick Station.  Leaving Berwick about nine o’clock in the morning, the journey was made through the beautiful pastoral scenery of the Merse, by way of Duns, Greenlaw, and Earlston, on to Melrose, where an alfresco lunch was very much enjoyed. 

Adam Logan’s charabanc pictured in Sandgate in the early 1900s, with a patry about to set off on a trip. Adam Logan himself is pictured standing on the left of the picture.  A similar vehicle transported the clerical and locomotive staff of Berwick station on their tour of the borders.  Image in the collection of Fred Kennington.

The company then proceeded on to Selkirk, where a most enjoyable tea was served in the Fleece Hotel.  A few hours were spent in song and sentiment, and Selkirk being left behind.  Kelso was reached by way of St Boswells, and a little time was spent looking round the pretty little town.  While here the trippers saw the competitors in the reliability run of Berwick Motor Club pass through. Berwick was reached about 9.30, the entire company being highly satisfied with the tour, upon which the sun had smiled all day

This Week in World War One, 11 August 1916

Berwick Advertiser title 1915

 

BERWICK ADVERTISER, 11 AUGUST 1916

 

LOCAL NEWS

 

Another Rescue at Spittal Beach – On Friday forenoon, while Miss Ballanine, belonging to Selkirk, was bathing at Spittal sands she got into difficulties, and was being carried out when her perilous condition was observed by John Little, telegraph clerk, Hawick, who at once swam to her assistance. He succeeded in bringing her ashore. The lady was considerably exhausted, and was conveyed home to her lodgings at Rosebank Cottage, where she gradually recovered.

Very early 20th century photograph of Spittal Promenade, a similar scene Miss Ballantine from Selkirk, would have encountered on the day of her rescue. © Berwick Record Office.
Very early 20th century photograph of Spittal Promenade, a similar scene Miss Ballantine from Selkirk, would have encountered on the day of her rescue. © Berwick Record Office.

 

Railwaymens’ Excursion – On Sunday last the N.E.R. Locomotive employees at Tweedmouth, together with a few friends, to the number of 28, journeyed to Rothbury by motor char-a-banc for their annual outing.The outward journey, leaving Tweedmouh a 9 o’clock, was through Belford, Alnwick, and across the country via Long Framlington, Rothbury being reached at 1 o’clock, after a pleasant journey through the rugged beauties of the heart of Northumberland. Dinner was waiting at the Turks Head Hotel, and everyones appetite being in superb order after the invigorating drive, ample justice was done to the good things laid before them, and every man rose from the table satisfied. After 3 hours go-as-you-please, through the beautiful inland town, the homeward journey was commenced shortly after 4 o’clock, the route home being via Whittingham, Glanton, Wooler, and Ancroft.

The scenery from Rothbury to Whittingham is simply enchanting, easily defying description, and Northumbrians have reason to be proud of their country, its equal in rugged beauty being hard to find, especially at this time of year. A short halt was made at Wooler, and the inner man refreshed, after which the last stage of the journey was commenced, Tweedmouth being reached shortly after 9 p.m. The excursion was a complete success from every point of view, the greatest harmony and cordiality prevailing throughout the day amongst the entire company, the arrangements for the comfort of all were perfect, and worked as successfully and smoothly as did the motor, he manipulation of which, on the circuitous switch back roads it had to travel with a full load, called forth the admiration of all.

Berwick's first bus owned by Adam Logan (1913/1914). A similar such vehicle would have transported the NER Locomotive employees on their journey to Rothbury. Indeed it may have been the bus! © Berwick Record Office. BRO 1887-37-005.
Berwick’s first bus owned by Adam Logan (1913/1914). A similar such vehicle would have transported the NER Locomotive employees on their journey to Rothbury. Indeed it may have been the bus! © Berwick Record Office. BRO 1887-37-005.

 

Ladies Good Work for the Wounded – A very interesting exhibition was held on Thursday afternoon in premises in Bridge Street, Berwick, of all kinds of nursing and other appliances for the comfort of our wounded soldiers. Lady Dalywell and a number of other prominent lady workers were in attendance, all busily engaged in their various departments in forwarding the humane work they have so much at heart. During the day the premises were visited by a number of the prominent citizens, who were much impressed with the multifarious articles which have been prepared by the dexterous and busy fingers of the ladies. The workers in their dainty white costumes as they industriously pursued their labours with the needle or flitted about the various rooms were a sweet and interesting spectacle, agreeably harmonising with the bright and luxuriant sun shine that is now prevailing at this midsummer period of the year.

Man Dies from Heat Stroke – An inquest touching the death of Robert Gibson, 51 Walkergate, was held by Coroner Wm. Weatherhead and a jury in the Town Hall, Berwick, on Monday. From evidence led it appeared that the deceased had been at Holy Island on Saturday, 5th August, and returned home about 5 p.m. He complained of the heat, and having sat down at the table to eat a meal, suddenly complained of a pain in his chest. After having rested he again sat down at the table, but almost immediately slipped from his chair, to the floor, when it was found that he had expired. After Dr C. L. Fraser had stated death to have been caused by heart failure following upon heat stroke, the jury returned a verdict in accordance with the medical evidence. The Coroner remarked that this was the first case of death from heat stroke, he had investigated in the Borough is his time, nor had he heard of his father before him having such a case.

Refreshments for Soldiers and Sailors – The scheme originated by Lady Clementine Waring, Mrs Milne Home, and Mrs Fraser Bate, and worked by the Committee of Berwick Army and Navy Recreation Rooms, – whereby Soldiers and Sailors arriving at Berwick and requiring to break the journey, are provided with refreshments free of charge, continues to be a great boon to our gallant defenders. The month of July has again passed all previous records, no less than 250 men having been provided for. When it was sated that since its inauguration at the beginning of December this scheme has provided for some 1400 men there can be no doubt that it has fully justified its existence.

Lady Clementine Waring was the wife of Major Walter Waring, Liberal MP for Banff, who fought in the war. She converted their home (pictured), Lennel House, Coldstream, Berwickshire into a convalescent home for officers and did a great deal to support the needs of the soldiers. © Unknown.

Lady Clementine Waring was the wife of Major Walter Waring, Liberal MP for Banff, who fought in the war. She converted their home (pictured), Lennel House, Coldstream, Berwickshire into a convalescent home for officers and did a great deal to support the needs of the soldiers.