Tweedmouth

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.

BERWICK ADVERTISER, 17 OCTOBER 1919

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WELCOME HOME AT FORD

LORD JOICEY PRESIDES AT MEMORABLE GATHERING

EX-SERVICE MEN RECEIVE HANDSOME MEMENTO

Over a hundred ex-service men were welcomed home by the parish officers of Ford on Friday evening, when in addition to an excellent supper, each man was presented with a handsome frame memento from Lord Joicey and family, and a high class concert given by Mr Jno. M. Dudgeon and his party from Berwick assisted by Mr. J. C. Collingwood in his famous “coster” numbers.

The old school, famous for its biblical paintings by Louisa, Marchioness of Waterford, was tastefully decorated with the Union Jack and Allied flags, while on the tables set round the room a supper was spread calculated to please the most fastidious.

Lord Joicey presided, and was accompanied by his son, Lieut-Col, the Hon. H. L. Jociey, D.S.O., and members of the Committee and friends. Willing hands of ladies ministered to the wants of the men, and there was abundance of everything, served up in a first class orders. Beer and mineral waters were served at the supper, while at the concert which followed there was the “tot” with which to honour the toasts and abundance of cigarettes.

FORD CASTLE REF: BRO 0017

Supper having been cleared away, and the loyal toast of the King having been proposed by Lord Joicey, the toast list was embarked upon the items being interspersed by musical numbers provided by Mr Dudgeon and party.

THE FORCES

Lord Joicey was accorded a great reception on rising to move the toast of the Imperial Forces. His Lordship having referred to the magnificent services rendered by all branches of the Service, said we owed a great debt of gratitude to the Navy, which had kept our trade routes open. They often heard the House of Lords referred to as a body effete, but he wished to tell them that if it had not been for the House of Lords the Declaration of London would have been agreed to, and we would not have had a Navy able to do half the work which our navy had done in the war. (Cheers). They could never express what they owed to the Army, to the five million men who had never faltered in taking their stand against the attacks of an army which had been preparing for the last thirty years. (Applause). The Army well deserved the encomeums heaped upon it, not only the regulars, but volunteers of all classes. It was the great capacity shown by these people in connection with the army that enabled us to find ourselves in the comfortable state we did today. (Loud cheers).

Col. Joicey, who replied, spoke of the enormous sacrifices of mothers, fathers, and wives at home. Many would remember when the Germans launched their dastardly gas attack in 1915. Then even the stoutest hearts “over there” were rather up against it. It was then that they found doctors and chemists of this country endeavouring to meet this unlooked for situation. It was then that thanks to the devoted women of England that gas masks were supplied in 36 hours. (Cheers). That was the spirit of those at home. (Cheers). It was grand (renewed cheers). Col. Joicey then referred to the excellent fighting qualities of the British soldier. He hoped that the noble spirit shown by all in the war would be carried right through in the days of peace. (Applause).

LOCAL NEWS

The enterprising firm of Ford’s Garage and Cycle Co., Ltd., of Berwick-on-Tweed and Alnwick, who recently took possession of the Red Lion Hotel, have now made it into one of the most up-to-date garages and repair shops in the North.

The Lion garage can just be seen on the far right of this early 20th century photograph taken of Marygate. It was the home to Ford’s Garage and Cycle Co., Ltd.  REF: BRO 1506-009

As will be seen from our advertising columns, they have been appointed authorised dealers in Ford cars and replacement parts for the Parliamentary Division of Berwick-on-Tweed, and with the splendidly equipped workshops and efficient staff of mechanics which they have at their disposal, they are in a position to undertake any repair.

TWEEDMOUTH

We have heard a very pertinent comment on the site favoured for the Tweedmouth War Memorial, viz., the railed-in plot at the Tweedmouth end of the Bridge. Is the Committee taking the new bridge into account? It would be a pity for the memorial to be hidden away under the new bridge, and when the new bridge is erected there will surely be a better site available.

The Tweedmouth War Memorial Fund now stands at over £420, among the latest contributions being £10 from Sir F. D. Blake, Bart., M. P. The architectural plans of the proposed monument and site are ready, and the scheme is being pressed well forward. Despite Berwick’s chilling reception to the proposal to hold a Flag Day in aid of the Memorials in the Borough, Tweedmouth has determined to stick to its plan, and arrangements for a Flag Day on Saturday, 25th October, are now well in hand.

W.A.A.C.’S DEMOBILISED

The members of the Q.M.A.A. Corps, some of whom have been in Berwick since the corps first came to town in 1917, have been demobilised, and are leaving today (Thursday) for their homes. Drawn from a wide district the girls who came from Edinburgh headquarters, will now be scattered all over the country, no two girls going to exactly the same place. They are very sorry to leave, and speak highly of the kindness they have received from the people of Berwick. During their stay, under the command of their officer, Miss Fiddes, they have led a most active life, and yet have found time to run several concerts in aid of various charities. They have spent a very happy time in the town, and will be greatly missed.

BERWICK ADVERTISER, 5 SEPTEMBER 1919

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TWEEDMOUTH GIVES A LEAD

DECISION TO ERECT A SEPARATE WAR MEMORIAL

A meeting was held in the Mitchell Memorial Hall, Kiln Hill, Tweedmouth, on Monday evening to discuss the advisability of having a War Memorial to the lads from the township who had given their lives for their country, and to hear the opinions of the relatives of the fallen as to the advisability of such a memorial.

Ald. T. B. Short presided and accompanying him on the platform were Councillors Brewis and Watt, Dr. Caverhill, the Rev. P. G. Peacocks, and Mr Thomas Grey, Tweedmouth.

Tweedmouth finally got its War Memorial (picutred above), it was unveiled on the 25th October, 1920.

There was a gathering of some seventy persons present when the chair was taken and judging from the discussion which followed all were evidently imbued with the desire to have a memorial for the township worthy of the men who are gone.

Alderman Short, in his opening remarks, spoke of the steps being taken in other places for the erection of war memorials to the heroes who had fallen in the war. As yet there was nothing to show that Berwick was taking any active steps in the matter and in Tweedmouth the feeling was abroad that the time had come when they should seriously consider the taking of steps to have a separate memorial, and which should not overlap with the Town memorial. A few had thought that the time had now arrived when in keeping with the many smaller places in the vicinity, they could take into consideration what was the general opinion of the community with respect to such a War Memorial. Councillor Brewis some months ago first put the question to him. Having to attend to National Work, his visits to Berwick had been somewhat intermittent and being afraid that there might be a possibility of the matter being held up, he had talked the matter over with some friends. They had entertained the idea that a memorial might be put up in Tweedmouth Church and one or two had intimated that they would be prepared to support this but no money had been collected. Some promises of assistance towards this had been given but it was for the meeting to decide what was wanted as they were not committed in any way. For full article please see the original.

LOCAL NEWS

The Comrades have had the offer of an acre of ground near the Private Bowling Green from the Duke of Northumberland at a nominal rent. They are trying to erect a hut for use as a clubhouse, and there is to be a Flag Day in the Borough on Saturday, September 13th, to help to raise funds for the Comrades Club Fund, the arrangements for which are being carried out by the Committee of the Women’s Section. A campaign is being started to raise £800. Refreshments are now being sold at the Club in Bridge Street – tea, coffee, cakes, etc., and later tobacco and cigarettes will be on sale.

GOLF

LADIES’ TOURNAMENT

On Thursday afternoon last, a Ladies’ Tournament run on similar lines to that held by the men a few weeks ago, was played over the Magdalene Fields Course under most unfavourable weather conditions. The competitors started in cold but fine weather, but before the end of the first round, rain began to fall, and the storm of wind and rain made good scoring impossible. There are 72 lady members of the Club, and only 17 entered for the tournament.

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

The majority of the members are beginners, and doubtless somewhat shy of competitions, but competition play is one of the best ways of learning the rules of the game, though the prizes fall to the lucky few. As to those who did enter last Thursday, nothing too loud can be said in praise of their keenness, and the splendid way in which they “stuck it” out to the end, despite the deluge of rain. An excellent tea was served in the Club House at the close of the game, and the prizes very kindly given by the gentlemen members of the Club, were presented to the successful competitors by Mrs D. Redpath, the Lady Captain. No competitor was allowed to carry off more than one prize. The prize-winners were:

Best Scratch Score of 18 holes – Mrs W. R. McCreath, 95 less 4-91, brass gong.

Best Handicap Score 18 holes for those of handicap of 12 and under – Miss Robertson (Darra), 114 less 11-103, ebony brush and comb.

Best handicap Score 18 holes for those with handicap of 13 and over – Miss J. Stirling, 109 less 18-91, golf bag.

Best Handicap Score, 9 holes – Miss Brough, 56 less 7½ – 48½, attache case.

Best Handicap Eclectic Score – Miss Gray, 47 less 3 – 44, bottle of perfume.

Womens Golfers, 1920

The Ladies’ Match Play Competition for the “Officers Cup” in connection with the, Magdelene Fields Golf Course, has been won this season by Miss J. Stirling (18), Bridge Street, who beat Mrs D. Redpath by 4 up and 3 to play. This cup has not been played for in recent years owing to the course being closed. Miss Stirling, who is a promising player, has played well throughout the competition, and thoroughly deserves her success.

BERWICK PETTY SESSIONS

CRUELTY TO CHILDREN AND NEGLECT

Mary Sykes, widow, Spittal, was charged with cruelty to her two children, George, aged 13, and Mary, 11 years, at Spittal on August 30th,and during the previous fourteen days. She pleaded not guilty, and was in tears most of the hearing.

The Chief Constable said she was a war widow. She had got it into her head that she could go out at any time, and could do what she liked to the children. Left to herself, she had not been keeping straight.

She had been going out at nights, and the children have been left to look after themselves, sometimes being locked out. This was so on August 30th, and Sergt. McRobb had taken the two children to their father’s mother at about ten o’clock. He went back and back to the house again until 12.15 without finding the mother at home. If he had not taken charge of them they would have been roaming the streets. Next morning at ten o’clock he went to the grandmother’s to take the children home. When they were told they had to go home the children burst out crying. The children told their grandmother what their mother had done to them, and she stripped them, and there were marks on one child’s body.

Sergt McRobb corroborated the Chief Constable’s statement. He had searched all over Tweedmouth for the mother. After twelve that night he found her boy of 16 sitting outside on the window-sill. Mary Sykes (the defendant) had told him that she was in the house all the time, and heard them rapping at the window. She thought it was the two eldest children, and she was not going to get up to let them in. Whether that was so or not, the young children were locked out. Sergt. McRobb told the Bench that when the children were stripped at their grandmother’s one of them had a bruise on her thigh about the size of a five-shilling piece, and another on her fore-arm. She said, “Mother kicked me last week-end.” The eldest daughter had a cut across her eye. She said her mother had struck her across the face with a shovel at five o’clock that night.

P.C. Lindsay also gave evidence, and said that the daughter had told the Sergeant and him that her mother was drunk.

The evidence of Mrs Sykes, the grandmother, was in line with the Constables’ though she thought the bruise was not so big as had been said and explained the cut on the eldest daughter’s face by saying that the cold had made her eye bleed.

The Mayor said it was a very bad case. It was a first offence or the Magistrates would have sent Sykes to prison. Fining would do no good, as the money would just be paid. She would be bound over in £5 for twelve months, and out under the care of the Probation Officer for that period. Costs,10s.

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