Tweedmouth

BERWICK ADVERTISER, 29 OCTOBER 1920

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TWEEDMOUTH HONOURS HER FALLEN SONS

IMPRESSIVE SERVICE AT WAR MEMORIAL UNVEILING CEREMONY

CAPT. THE HON. W. WATSON ARMSTRONG REMEMBERS HIS TWEEDMOUTH COMRADES

“COUNTRY NEEDS REMONDER OF THEIR DEVOTION TO DUTY.” SAYS COL.WRIGHT

Tweedmouth War memorial. 

Never perhaps in the history of Tweedmouth, stretching as it does away back into the dim past when it was a hamlet placed under the See [sic] of Durham, has such a gathering been seen as that which assembled round the memorial erected at the Bridge End to the 111 sons of Tweedside who risked their lives and counted not the cost in giving their all for humanity in the Great World War, 1914-18.

The day was bitterly cold, with a damp grey mist hanging over the river, through which the bastioned heights of Berwick loomed ghostly. Nevertheless, a gathering numbering several thousands assembled from all parts of the Borough and preserved a reverent silence prior to the opening of the proceedings. The arrangements made by the Committee were admirable. A large platform was erected on the side of the enclosure nearest the bridge to accommodate those taking part in the unveiling ceremony – the Mayor, Sheriff, and Corporation, the Committeemen, members of the Clergy, and other friends. Relatives of the fallen were lined up inside of the enclosure, while a guard of honour provided by the 7th Battalion Northumberland Fusiliers paraded under the command of Capt. E. H. Crow and Lieut. J. H. Huffam was also on parade. The guard was lined up along the pavement, and their smartness when they came to the “present” was commented upon.

TWEEDMOUTH WAR MEMORIAL

[Dedicated to the Men whose Names appear.]

We cannot bring you home again,

Brave sons of fair Tweedside;

Nor can we see each battle plain,

Or view the ocean’s tide,

Wherein you lie wrapped in the shroud

Of clay, or waters deep,

Heroes of whom Tweedside is proud,

Proud, though at times we weep.

We cannot see each lonely grave,

Scattered inlands afar,

Some where the stately palm fronds wave,

Under the Eastern star,

Some where the Grecian vintage grows,

Under the deep blue sky,

Some where the frozen Alpine snows

Glisten on mountains high.

Some on the lonesome Russian plains,

Some where the Frenchmen died,

Some where the Belgians’ first campaigns

Held back the German tide,

Some where the oceans toss and roll,

Deep in their hidden gloom;

Over the Globe from Pole to Pole,

You’ll find the Tweedsider’s tomb.

We’ve carved your names on granite pile,

Sons of the Tweedside race,

Where the river dips in its last lone mile

Along to the sea’s embrace.

Your spirits live in the silent stone,

Graced by the sculptor’s art,

Nor can Time’s ruthless hand dethrone

Your names from one Tweedside heart.

THOMAS Grey, Tweedmouth

LOCAL NEWS

There is no truth in the rumour that the baths have been cut out of the Council houses which are to be put up at Tweedmouth, but the Treasury is in a very cheeseparing mood, and is doing all it can to bring down the cost of the houses by cutting out small extras. Those interested in the houses should therefore get the Councillors in their wards to keep a very close watch to see that the houses are not spoilt for the sake of a ha’porth of tar. Sir Francis Blake is pledged up to the hilt in the matter of housing, and his influence can be counted upon for the redressal of grievances.

CARTRIDGE CAUSES EXPLOSION IN BERWICK HOUSE

About mid-day on Saturday an explosion took place in the fireplace of a house in East Street, Berwick, occupied by Mr Wise, a gas worker, but this was happily not attended with serious consequences, though a little material damage was done.

Mr Wise and his little boy were in the room at the time, when without warning something exploded in the fireplace, causing the flames to fly out into the room and scattering fragments of burning coal and a cloud of soot into the room.

The little boy, who was near the fire, had his cheek slightly scorched by the heat. A table was also scorched, and burning fragments coming in contact with clothes hanging before the fire and also the window curtains, were set smoldering. Mr Wise was nearly overcome by the fumes when he got into the street after smothering out the minor fires.

Investigations conducted later showed the explosions to have been caused by a Mark V1 rifle cartridge (old pattern) which had somehow got mixed with the coal. The empty case was found in the grate.

BERWICK RANGERS FOR FINAL

Berwick Rangers intend to make a bid in the final of the East of Scotland Qualifying Cup, when they meet the Vale of Leithen on the Rovers’ ground at Peebles. Some dissatisfaction has been expressed in Berwick that the Association has seen fit to make the venue so far away from Berwick, necessitating the team to spend the greater part of the day travelling. When football is not in a flourishing condition exacting in the south of the Borders, it was also felt that a fitting scene for the final would have been at Coldstream or Duns, this being calculated to stimulate enthusiasm in the game there. The Rangers’ team, however, are making the journey in good heart, and are confident that they will make the Vale go all the way. The team is very much the same as that which has represented the club all season in important matches, with the exception that Fenby, the Spittal outside-right comes in once more in that position. A numbers of supporters will travel to Peebles by char-a-banc to give their team vocal backing. The rangers’ team is:-Edney; Buglass and Purves; R. D. Richardson, Walkenshaw, and Mealmaker; Fenby, Richardson, Falconer, A. Johnston, and Gilchrist. The team will travel by taxi to Peebles, leaving early in the day.

CONTRACT FOR NEW HOUSES PRACTICALLY ACCEPTED

The report of the Housing and Town Planning Council of the 16th October, with reference to the Tweedmouth Housing Scheme, was read as follows: — It was reported Messrs Stephen Easton, Ltd., had submitted the following prices on no.3 contract for 68 houses; — A type of house, £969; B type, £1,091 per house. The price being exclusive of nominal profit if constructed of brick, but if constructed on the Weardale Hoop Iron construction system, the price to include profit. The profit under the contract, if the houses are of brick, to be £40 per house, but if the work comes out at more than this cost, the contractor to be cut down until he may only receive a maximum profit of £20 per house. If, however, the work comes out at less than the estimated cost, the contractor to receive the £40 nominal profit plus 50 per cent of the saving. It was agreed to accept the tender, subject to the consent of the Ministry of Health and subject to the mayor and architect being satisfied with the houses. The houses to be of concrete, and consist of 42 A type and 26 B type.

Pictured are prefabs similar to those which once stood in Valley View, Tweedmouth, Berwick-uopn-Tweed.  Prefabs were seen as a solution in the first half of the 20th century to ease the housing shortage.  Copyright: Barry Shimmon – (CC BY-SA 2.0). 

The Mayor, in moving the adoption of the report, said the architect and himself had gone through and examined the construction of these houses. They say the system of construction, and as far as his own judgment and the judgment of the architect were concerned, they felt quite sure that houses constructed of reinforced concrete were more durable than brick, and a great advantage also to be gained was the saving in time of erection. The matter at the present time was before the Ministry of Finance, and the Housing Commissioner at Newcastle had expressed confidence that the contract would be passed. If it was passed they might expect to see the business of erection commenced within a few weeks, as the contractors undertook to erect the 68 houses within the 12 months. Councillor Dixon seconded, and the report was agreed to.

The Authority, on the motion of the mayor, seconded by Councillor Blench, agreed to seal two bonds for £50 and £250 respectively in connection with the Tweedmouth Housing Scheme.

BERWICK ADVERTISER, 23 JULY 1920

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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

BERWICK ADVERTISER, 7 FEBRUARY 1920

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TWEEDMOUTH JOTTINGS

The two sons and son-in-law of Mr and Mrs James Gilchrist, Howick Terrace, Tweedmouth have been demobilised, and will resume their pre-war occupations at an early date. These lads have done their bit in the Royal navy. Robert, the elder of the two was originally in the 7th N.F., Territorials, but later joined the R.N., and has done much work in that branch of the service. Harry the younger, has also had a good spell, having joined when 19 years of age, and has been on H.M.S., Ophir for three years. Since his last ten months ago he has travelled many thousand miles in that ship, having been in Japan, China, Chile, Valparaiso, and other distant places.

Canadian souvenir photo of Ophir in 1902, with inset portraits of the Duke and Duchess of York.  The Ophir was requisitioned by the Admiralty in 1915, becoming an armed merchant cruiser. Photo is available under Public domain license. Credit:Winfred J. Erb and Lewis B. Foote.

When his ship was lying at Valparaiso the ship’s band went ashore and the inhabitants gave them a great ovation. It was estimated that 70,000 people turned out to listen to the band. They even strewed flowers in the street in front of them. Harry arrived at Glasgow on Tuesday of last week and from there proceeded home. Their son-in-law John Davidson, has also a fine record of service, and in the early part of the last year Mrs Davidson received official; information that her husband was drowned, his boat having been torpedoed. Happily this turned out to be a mistake, as she received a letter from himself later on. He has lately been on a drifter named “Queen Victoria.” We extend our best wishes to these three who have so faithfully and fearlessly served their country in the time of need.

We are pleased to see home on leave to Knowe Head, Tweedmouth, private William Hettle, M.T., A.S.C. He joined up in November, 1915, and went to France in December of the same year. He has been most of the time on the western front, attached to an ambulance convoy, chiefly used to convey wounded from places such as Armentieres, Neuve Chapelle, Bailleul to Merville, which was the clearing station. Being driven from the last named place by continual German shelling during the March offensive, a place called Doulien became their headquarters. After getting nicely settled there, the offensive drove them still further back, which meant longer runs and longer spells of duty. As the offensive died down they gradually worked their way up into Belgium, and were at Reiny siding when our offensive started. They went straight forward into German territory, going from Reiny to Ypres School House to Gulleghen and Harlebeke, where they were when the armistice was signed. Since then he has been engaged in bringing prisoners back from behind the German lines to Courtra in Belgium, and following up the troops of occupation, picking up the sick and those that fall out on the way. His headquarters have been at Mulheim, where he was comfortably lodged in a magnificent hotel. He left cologne at 3.55 p.m. on Saturday, getting to Calais at midnight on Monday, being 58 hours in a German corridor train. In this country a similar distance is usually done in about 8 hours. Although in all probability he will have to go back to Germany, we hope to see him demobilized at an early date.

On Friday night of last week, about 9 o’clock, an accident took place at Berwick station, two N.E.R. engines having collided with each other. It appears that a light engine from Tweedmouth had arrived at Berwick, and through some misreading or misunderstanding of the signals, which were or should have been at danger, the driver overran these signals, which are situated at the Berwick end of the Royal Border Bridge, at the entrance to the Goods Yard from the south. At the same time an engine and van was leaving the goods yard to proceed to Tweedmouth with the signals clear, they ran into each other, with the result that both engines were considerably damaged, and the tender of one of them partly off the rails.

A mid-twentieth century photograph of the interior of the now demolished former Berwick Railway Station signal box.

The break-down vans were quickly in attendance, and were occupied all through the night, their work being rendered most difficult owing to the twisting and distortion of the engines. There was little delay to traffic, as trains were run through the station. The drivers and firemen of the both engines, and also the guard, who was in his van, received slight bruises and a heavy shaking. The fact that both engines were tender first at the time may have had something to do with the drivers not seeing each other in time to avert a collision.

A very successful social and dance was held in the E.P. Church Hall. Tweedmouth, on Wednesday night of last week, by workers of the National Saw Mills, Tweedmouth. There was a large attendance, 45 couples being present. Dancing commenced at 6.45, and was interspersed with games until 8.30 p.m., when a  splendid supper was provided, which was nicely served out by the girls who are employed there. Before partaking of the supper, Mr Peter Richardson in a few well chosen remarks on behalf of the employees, presented Mr and Mrs  hardy with a handsome silver fruit basket as a token of the respect and esteem in which they are held by all employees. Mr Hardy, in replying thanked all the workers for their great kindness in presenting him with this nice present. He said it would always serve to  remind him of the kindly feeling that existed  between himself as manager and themselves as employees.

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