Tweedmouth

BERWICK ADVERTISER, 2ND JULY 1925

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NORHAM BOAT RACES

Norham Boat Races were held on the Tweed on Saturday, fine weather favouring this popular annual event in the district. The cold wind was not felt on the riverside, where it was nice and mild, and though the sun only shone in blinks, it was very pleasant throughout the day, and the beautiful woods on the Ladykirk side of the river made a fine background for the racing events. There were, however, fewer people at the races than last year, and the gate unfortunately was down by some £5. This was no doubt owing to the many other events on in the district- Coldstream Sports and the Workers’ Gala at Wooler, etc. Sport was better than last year, and there were some very keen races. The river was divided into the two courses- English and Scotch, by means of floating buoys, and this plan worked well, there being practically no fouling owing to one competitor getting out of his course into his opponent’s. There was the old keen rivalry between Norham men and their neighbours from “Hurklie” and great was the rejoicing in Norham when it was a Norham man who carried off the Championship stakes, wresting the honour from its Horncliffe holder, the stalwart Tom Robertson.

Norham Castle on the River Tweed. Ref: BRO 515-178

Berwick Pipe Band, looking very smart in their fine uniforms, played selections down by the river side during the afternoon, to the great enjoyment of spectators of the races. One of the most interesting features of the races was the great keenness of the small boys who had come to watch. The youngsters not only helped by selling programmes, but took keen interest in the races, swarming round the good-humoured judge to ask time and again in anxious tones “Have they rowed for the cup yet?” The older ones kept their programmes marked up to date, and in between races discussed among themselves who was going to win the next event as well as debating whether to spend their last coppers on another bottle of lemonade or a pie. The tiny tots wee perhaps more interested in the gaily coloured balloons being sold on the river side, or the coloured canaries which fluttered in the breeze, worrying their mothers till they bought them either a balloon or canary to amuse them.

BERWICK PETTY SESSIONS

THURSDAY

Before A. J. Dodds, C. Forsyth, D. H. W. Askew, G. N. Broadbent, Esqs., Miss Henderson, and major A. Tower Robertson.

RIDING ON THE FOOTPATH

John Fleming, Norham, was charged with unlawfully riding a bicycle on a footpath set aside for pedestrians, on the Ord Road at 5.30 pm on 24th June.

P.C. Lindsay proved the case. Defendant said the road was rough. Witness thought the road in fair condition.

Defendant said his chain was liable to come off and the road was rough. He did not intend to do any harm.

The Bench reprimanded defendant but dismissed the case.

A DANGEROUS PARACTICE

Mr. Dodds said, before the press retired, he wished to remark on the dangerous practice of riding cycles at extreme speed when going round corners, particularly Bridge Street, and into Sandgate and round by the Garage.

Bridge Street, Berwick-upon-Tweed, dated 1959. Ref No: BRO 1250-147

Perhaps the Police would keep an eye on anything of the kind for at any moment a child crossing the road might be run over and killed.

1st K.O.S.B. BAND VISITS BERWICK

The Band of the 1st K.O.S. Borderers visited Berwick on Thursday, and by permission of Col. P. A. V. Stewart, C.B.E., D.S.O., and Officers of the Regiment, gave two performances in Berwick Corn Exchange. In the afternoon the attendance was very poor, owing no doubt to the many other attractions on in the town. In the evening there were a few more present, but the building was more than half empty. Among those present were Major C. F. Kennedy, Commanding Officer at the Depot, Berwick, and Mrs. Kennedy, Capt. B. C. Lake, Lieut. Watt, Lieut. J. B. Vans Agnew, Lieut. D. V. Kennedy. The band is well worth going to hear, and Berwick people missed a treat by not turning out in larger numbers. The items at the evening performance were greatly enjoyed and several were encored with great enthusiasm.

Corn exchange, Berwick-upon-Tweed. Ref No: BRO 1636/4/11

The conductor is Band master M. T. Kingston Jarvis. The selections from Tannhauser were very fine and also the selections from Greig. Very amusing was the wedding ceremony introduced into the descriptive piece by Lotter, the parson being represented by the bassoon, while the responses of the bride and bridegroom were taken by the flute and trombone. The Musical Jig-Saw cleverly worked in some 52 melodies ending with that fine Selenelle “1812” Overture by Tchaikovsky. The evening programme was: Grand selection from “Tannhauser,” Wagner: xylophone solo, “Orchid Blossoms.” Underhill, soloist, Musician barber (encored0; first selection of gems from Gilbert and Sullivan Operas, arrd. Godfrey; descriptive, “A Southern Wedding,” Lotter (encored); excerpts from “Greig’s Works” selection, “A Musical Jig-Saw,” arrd. Aston; a Military Tattoo by Col. Mackenzie Rogan, late Director of Music, Coldstream Guards; regimental march, “Blue Bonnets o’er the Border.”

TWEEDMOUTH NOTES

The annual picnic of the Tweedmouth Scotch Church Sunday School took place to Hawick on Tuesday (Mid-summer Day), by char-a-bancs. Never before has a Sunday school trip made this journey by buses, so one can imagine how pleased the youngsters greeted the idea and how they looked for the day to come. At about 8.30 in the morning the children began to gather at the church, and at nine o’clock about a hundred were marched down to the “Alley” in the West End, where eight buses were lined up. Never before has any party had a better send off than the 200 adults and children who made the journey. The West End was like a Feast Monday.

The journey was made via Coldstream, Kelso, Denholm and the outskirts of Jedburgh. At halt was made just a mile out of Hawick for dinner, but owing to a misunderstanding other arrangement had to be made and dinner was served in St. John’s Church Hall, in Hawick about one o’clock. After this the company adjourned to the Public Park, where races were held for the children and adults. The tug-of-war caused much excitement, especially among the older members. During the afternoon many took advantage of other amusements in the Park, such as bowling and putting. After the races many took the opportunity of visiting the War memorial and the Wilton Museum. About 5pm all sat down to tea in St John’s Hall.

Shortly after six a start was made for home after everybody had spent a most enjoyable day. A short halt was made in Kelso, and home was reached shortly after nine.

BERWICK JOURNAL, 5TH FEBRUARY 1925

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BERWICK WAR MEMORIAL

“Berwick Journal” Fund Opens Today

5,000 SHILLINGS REQUIRED AT ONCE!

The Sacred Duty of the Town and ITs People.

IN FLANDERS FIELDS THE POPPIES BLOW

BETWEEN THE CROSSES, ROW ON ROW,

THAT MARK OUR PLACE, AND IN THE SKY

THE LARKS, STILL BRAVELY SINGING FLY.

SCARCE HEARD AMID THE GUNS BELOW.

WE LIVED, FELT DAWN, SAW SUNSET GLOW,

LOVED AND WERE LOVED; AND NOW WE LIE,

IN FLANDERS FIELDS.

………………………………………………………………

IF YE BREAK FAITH WITH US WHO DIE,

WE SHALL NOT SLEEP, THOUGH POPPIES GROW

IN FLANDERS FIELDS.

“Berwick Journal” in its leader Column in the issue of this Paper of Jan.29, 1925, said-

“As regards Berwick’s Unfinished War Memorial; if we could afford it we would give the money still required-willingly and cheerfully; we would consider it a privilege and an honour to be allowed for any further reward than the happy satisfaction of having been able to complete, in all humility, so sacred a duty, so long overdue on the part of this Town of ours.

We appeal again to the Memorial Executive and to the Citizens to at once take the final and resolute step to complete the undertaking so that the Memorial under the shadow of the Service Tree may fittingly and decently stand this Summer, and for all time, worthy of our gallant Comrades. We are prepared to open the columns of “Berwick Journal” to raise a Fund to accomplish the end in view; and we are prepared to give 100 Shillings to such a Fund.”

A CITIZEN ON-THE PRIVILEGES OF CITIZENSHIP

Parade, Berwick, 1st Feb., 1925

(The Editor, “Berwick Journal.”)

Dear Sir, -Your Leader in Thursday’s “Berwick Journal” struck the right chord, and I hope there will be a quick and generous response to your Appeal.

Like you and many others, I am profoundly disappointed that our War Memorial is still unfinished, and that the sum subscribed so far is not only in adequate for the purpose but is even insufficient to liquidate the amount already spent.

Berwick’s War Memorial Ref: BRO 426/445

Many of us have already subscribed- (some of us as much as we can afford, some of us much less than we can afford)- but whether we have subscribed well or poorly the need to complete worthily the Memorial is obtrusively insistent.

Hitherto, I had regarded it as a privilege on the part of the Town to establish Memorial to our Heroes, but it looks as if the Town now requires its sense of Duty stirred- a distinction not to our credit.

But from whatever point of view the matter is regarded, I hope your effort will be crowned with success, and as an earnest of that wish I enclose 100 Shillings to your Fund. Yours truly John Brough.

MAYOR’S MESSAGE

The Worship the Mayor of Berwick-upon-Tweed (Ald. Thos. Wilson, J.P.), writes us-

Dear Sir, – With reference to the note in your issue of Thursday last that you are prepared to open the columns of the “Journal” to raise a Fund to complete the Berwick War memorial, I have pleasure in accepting your offer. The War Memorial Committee are extremely anxious that our Memorial should be completed as soon as possible. Tenders have been received for the necessary work, and it is hoped that instructions will be given within the next few days for the work to be out in hand forthwith.

I trust that the inhabitants of the Borough will respond to the Appeal, and that through the Fund you propose to open the money required to complete the Memorial will be raised without delay. Yours faithfully Thomas Wilson, Mayor.

SHERIFF’S SUPPORT-Berwick, Feb.2, 1925

Dear Mr Editor, – Your announcement in “Berwick Journal” last week, – re Completion of Berwick War Memorial-about opening a Shilling Fund through the medium of your Paper, is a noble proposal, and should get the same generous support as you had in your War-Time Efforts for Soldiers’ and Sailors’ Funds.

I have pleasure in subscribing 200 Shillings. Yours truly Henry Stuart, Sheriff.

POSITION OF AFFAIRS

We are informed that about £250 is wanted- that is 5,000 Shillings; and it works out at only about 4d or 5d per head of the population of the Borough! Surely Berwick-upon-Tweed is not going to allow this our overdue Duty to remain any longer overdue. Let us show at once that such is not our intention; and that we mean to have the Memorial complete and in decent, proper and perfect order this Summer.

FIRST LIST

We shall give in next issue of “Berwick Journal” the First List of Subscribers to this Fund, which we have opened, and we trust it will be such a 1st list as will at once make it manifest and clear that the money required is going to be fully forthcoming, and that speedily. We hope with the Mayor that “the money required to complete the Memorial will be raised without delay.”

One thing is certain that if the same sort of generous support as was given to the War-Time efforts made by us, (as referred to by the Sheriff in his letter above), is given to this Appeal, Berwick will soon be in a position to complete what must be very close to the heart of every good citizen.

SACRED DUTY

“Many of us have already subscribed,” as Mr John Brough points out in his letter to us, but that is not preventing patriotic citizens like Mr Brough from expressing themselves as ready and willing to do all they can. That’s the spirit we like. “He who gives quickly gives twice” is an old proverb; and it never had more force than in this Appeal which we make to the Public today. If there be any who may not have yet subscribed, the opportunity now presents itself; and if there be those who having subscribed will join others now in doing more we shall be grateful, and theirs will be the happy satisfaction in helping to the final accomplishment of a sacred Duty which rests on our Town- rests on evry man, woman, and child.

Berwick’s War Memorial with railings

THE CHILDREN’S CHANCE

This is an opportunity for the children-our future men and women-to share in the completion of the Memorial; and thus, to have for all time the proud and fragrant memory that they, too, helped to rear the Town’s Monument to the gallant lads who saved and made secure, for the youngsters, the Homeland. We invite the practical co-operation of parents and guardians and teachers in this direction.

ALL THAT IS WANTED.

Collecting cards may be had on application at “Berwick Journal” Office, 25 High St. Berwick. Every penny given goes to the Fund; all expenses are borne by the Promoters, so that all that is required is for the People to do their share-the early realisation of the money required.

It is up to Berwick-upon-Tweed to see that before Summer arrives, the War Memorial standing at the top of Castlegate, under the shadow of the Service Tree, is fitting and perfectly completed, so that it may stand for all time worthy of our gallant Comrades to whose memory it is reared.

TWEED IRON WORKS-STOKOE FAMILY

During the past weekend, what may be correctly termed that last link in a family connection with a well-known local firm, recently dissolved, was broken when Mr Jos. Stokoe, of Foundry House, Tweedmouth, completed his last duties for the firm-Messrs Robertson and Coy., Tweed Iron Works, better known as the West End Foundry- after 46 ½ years faithful service. The name of Stokoe has been associated with Tweedmouth, and the above-mentioned firm for well over half a century, and no family was more respected, or held in higher esteem. The father Mr Jas. Stokoe, who retired 12 years ago and died at Hexham a few years later was with the firm for 45 ½ years, in the important position of manager. Mr Thos. Stokoe, son, completed 41 years with the firm, and also had an official position for the greater part of his long period of service. Mr Jos. Stokoe, the last to sever the long, honourable family connection at the past weekend, was also in charge of certain departments of the works and was looked upon as a trustworthy servant by his employers. We often hear and read of long service records with business firms, but for a family record with one firm the Stokoe’s will take some beating. The have seen the works in all its stages. In the height of prosperity, when large numbers of men were employed, and young men looked upon it as an honour and the first step to a successful career in life, to serve their apprenticeship in any section of the industry at one time carried on. Their productions have gone all over the world and made a name for the firm and its workmen second to none in British industry. But keen competition brought the dreaded and long looked for depression on the whole place, and for the last few years the usual activities began to languish and die until the firm was reluctantly compelled to cease their operations all round and close the doors. Many have served the firm for long periods, but for a family record, the name of Stokoe stands well out in the foreground.

BERWICK NEWSPAPERS, 1923

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BERWICK ADVERTISER, 14TH SEPTEMBER

SCREMERSTON FLOWER SHOW

Scremerston Horticultural Society held their tenth annual show in the Institute on Saturday and established a post-war record as regards entries. The numerous exhibits wee nicely laid out and were admired by the crowds of interested visitors present during the afternoon.

The show was opened by Mr J. A. Kilpatrick, Manager of the Scremerston Colliery, the Secretary and Committee greatly regretting that Mr John Black, Broomhouse, who was to have performed this duty, was unable to be present owing to illness. Capt. J. E. Carr presided, and others on the platform wee Capt. R. E. Carr, R.N., and Rev. J. Lightfoot, Mr John Black, Broomhouse, and Mr James Thomson, Secretary. Introducing Mr Kilpatrick, Capt.Carr expressed pleasure at seeing such a large number of people present.

BRO 0515-211 SCREMERSTON

Mr Kilpatrick said there were one or two little points he wished to emphasise. He understood that the number of entries was very high- between 500 and 600 – and that this was a post-war record. That was very gratifying indeed. The second point was that Mr Richard Thomson had won the shield for the third time in succession. (Applause). Mr J Wilson, the runner-up, had been runner-up for the past two years. (Applause). Speaking as a layman, as one who knew very little about flowers or vegetables, he thought that the show was rather extraordinary, especially when one took in to account the lateness of the season.

Mr Kilpatrick then handed the shield to Mr Thomson amid applause, reading the names of previous winners out as he did so.

WASTE PAPER IN THE STREET

The Watch Committee report of July 30 stated:- With reference to the question of the deposit of waste paper in the streets the Town Clerk submitted a letter from the Under Secretary of State stating that the following bye-law has been allowed in Birmingham, viz.: No person shall throw down or deposit and leave in any street any newspaper or any paper bag, wrapping or sheet such as is likely to create a litter in or to affect or tend to affect injuriously the amenities of the street. Before allowing a similar bye-law to Berwick-on-Tweed the letter further stated that the Secretary of State would require to be informed of the circumstances which are thought to render the bye-law necessary and would also require an undertaking that liberal provision of receptacles would be made in the streets into which the public could deposit their waste paper and also that the Council would do everything in their power to upload the bye-law and prevent it becoming a dead letter. It was agreed to recommend that the Town Clerk submit evidence of the necessity for such a bye-law, and that an undertaking be given as required by the Secretary of State with a view to the bye-law being made.

Early 1900s photograph of the High Street, from the Scotsgate Arch. BRO 1636-2-9

Councillor Bolus moved the adoption of the report, saying – I think this is absolutely necessary. You can go down High Street, Church Street, or up in Castlegate and you will find paper flying about over the houses and shops. I think this regulation is very necessary so that every person will understand that they must not make the streets in such a disgraceful state.

Councillor Campbell, who seconded, said that this summer the condition of the streets through the quantities of waste paper flying about was really so bad that not only residents, but people visiting their native town on holiday had spoken about it. These people when they come back were struck, after living in other areas, with the litter we had in our streets. It was no fault of the Sanitary Authority officials for it could happen even half an hour after the carts had been round. He was convinced they could make out a case to amply satisfy the Secretary of State of the necessity for such a bye-law.

TWEEDMOUTH

The Norman Hall at the West End has had the electric light installed and the hall has been thoroughly cleaned and decorated for the winter session.

We hear that Mr Thos. Wright, son of Mr and Mrs George Wright, Dock view, Tweedmouth, who went to the United States recently has been successful in obtaining employment with the Canadian Pacific Railway Company at Chicago. Mr Wright, who is well-known in the town, started life as a clerk with Messrs Carter and Son, and was later with Messrs Simpson in Alnwick.

On the occasion of her marriage and departure from Tweedmouth Co-operative Society, Mrs Ford (nee Miss Maggie Howie) has been made the recipient of a very nice 40 piece set of china. The gift was subscribed for by the whole staff of the Society, amongst whom Mrs Ford has been very popular. She was in the clerical department at thee Store for many years.

BODY ON SPITTAL BEACH

About 6.30 p.m. on Sunday evening, when Thomas Johnston, a Spittal labourer, was walking on the beach at Hallowstell Fishery, near Spittal Point, he noticed a parcel lying on the beach about four yards from where high-water mark was showing. The parcel had evidently been left by the tide, which was receding at the time.

Johnston cut the string and opened the parcel and was shocked to find wrapped in the clothes the body of a healthy-looking male child. From the size and condition of the body the child had evidently lived, and it had not been in the water any length of time.

The police wee informed, and Sergt. Barclay, Spittal, took charge of the body and conveyed it to the mortuary. In view of certain facts which have come to light it was considered advisable that full enquiry should be made into the case, and on Tuesday, after the Coroner (Mr H. R. Peters) had heard only evidence regarding the finding of the body, he adjourned the inquest until the 3rd October, stating that he would then call a jury.

It is probable that sensational evidence may be given at the adjourned inquest, which may lead to a serious charge against some person or persons at present unknown.

DEATH OF MR AND.MARTIN

The death took place in Berwick Infirmary on Sunday of Mr Andrew Martin, farmer, Town Farm, Tweedmouth, a leader in the Baptist de nomination at Berwick and one well-known to farmers on both sides of the Border. Mr Martin, who was a native of the district, was born at Marshall Meadows. He came to Berwick to work as a traveller with Mr Anderson, seedsman, and later he left there and started business in partnership with Mr Wm. Scott as seedsman in bridge Street, Berwick.

It is some fifteen years ago since Mr Martin took Tweedmouth Town Farm, and he certainly has done much to improve this 300 acre arable holding. At the farm he had thoroughly up-to-date threshing and grinding plant installed and in fact the farm has recently been self-contained, a blacksmiths and joiner’s shop having been fitted up on the premises. It will be remembered that during the war, when the Government was calling for supplies of barley, Mr martin, by putting on several tractors on his holding, cut a big crop of barley and marketed it within fourteen days of the time cutting was commenced.

Mr Martin certainly knew how to farm, and he was a very good judge of horse flesh. He kept fine types of animals on his farm, and believed that only the best results could be got by working with the best of stuff either in horseflesh or other things.

In politics Mr Martin was a staunch Liberal and in him Castlegate Baptist Church has lost a staunch supporter. He took a great interest in all that pertained to the welfare of the congregation, and in the Deacon’s Court he was a prominent figure.

The funeral took lace to Tweedmouth Cemetery on Wednesday afternoon, when there was a large following of townsmen and farmers.

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