BERWICK ADVERTISER, 5 SEPTEMBER 1919

06/09/2019 by Northumberland Archives

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.

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.

BERWICK ADVERTISER, 8 AUGUST 1919

09/08/2019 by Northumberland Archives

MILITARY NOTES

TO RESERVE

In the K.O.S.B., Regular Forces, Captain R. Joynson resigns his commission and joins the General Reserve of Officers, getting its seniority as Captain as from September 28th, 1915.

VOLUNTEERS’ CERTIFICATES

The work done by volunteers during the war is to be commemorated by the War Office Certificates, bearing the signature of Mr Churchhill, are now being given to all ranks who joined the various units as a record of their service in the force.

K.O.S.B. AND MINDEN DAY

On Friday, August 1st, Minden Day, the officers, W.O.’s, N.C.O.’s, and men at the Barracks, Berwick, wore a red rose in their caps. The battle of Minden was fought during the Seven Years’ War on August 1st, 1759, when Prince Ferdinand with 40,000 British and Hanoverian troops defeated the French, who lost 8000 men, of whom 3000 were made prisoners. As a result of the seven years’ war British supremacy in India was secured, Canada became a British colony, and the British command of the sea was to a great extent secured.

SPORTS AT THE GREENS

IN CELEBRATION OF ANNIVERSARY OF MOBILISATION

Residents in the upper part of the town and in the Greens in particular spent a pleasant hour on Monday evening, when in celebration of the anniversary of mobilisation, a small sports meeting was arranged and gone through on the Main Street in front of the Pilot Inn.

A crowd of several hundreds turned up to witness the events, and great hilarity prevailed, especially in the treacle bun competitions for youths resident in the Greens. Mick Noon, who is reputed to hold all the worlds records for treacle bun contests, was present as an interested spectator, but took no part in the bun worry, preferring to leave the honours to those of more youthful years.

The sports were in charge of Messrs Richard and Alic Murphy, who were assisted by a willing band of stewards, who took entries in the crowd, and greatly helped to run the events through smoothly.

An early 20th century image of the Low Greens, Berwick-upon-Tweed. Ref: BRO 515-398

The boot race for youths provided some good running, the competitors getting off their marks smartly, only to find trouble in store for them at the lower part of the Greens, where “Tucker” saw it that the boots were well mixed. Manuel was an easy winner, walking home as he liked. Several who followed were disqualified for not having their boots properly laced.

The potato picking race brought out several of the old-time athlete. Amongst the entrants were such peds. As “Tucker” and “Dodger,” and great laughter was occasioned when the latter prepared to strip off and indulge in a preliminary canter. The pace was fast from the start, and “Tay” Burgon was a popular winner. Robert Burgon was awarded second place, and “Tucker” Jameison third.

The crowd surging around, rather spoiled the first treacle bun event, but screams of laughter could be heard as the young competitors made franctic drives at the elusive buns, only to be smeared with treacle all over the face. The prize-money was divided between Gillie, Manuel and Jamieson.

A similar event for younger boys was equally amusing, and Matthews got through his bun at least a minute before anyone else, Borthwick being second, and Patterson and Dixon tying for third place.

Children’s races were then run off, and the sports were brought to a close with a women’s race. This created great amusement, several dames of mature years turning out. Mrs Wakenshaw ran well, and was at the tape a good three yards ahead of the others. Mrs Gillie was second, and Mrs Young third.

In the race for young men, Manuel got home first, with Gillie and Burgon a good second and third.

During the evening a collection was taken up for St. Dunstan’s Hostel, and the creditable sum of £2 6s 4d was raised, for which the promoters thank the public who subscribed.

The fun was kept up to a late hour, dancing to the music of an accordion taking place. “Auld Lang Syne” brought to a close a most enjoyable night.

ORD

The presentation of Peace Mugs, which could not take place on the day appointed for local Peace Celebrations, was carried out in ideal weather on Friday afternoon, August 1st, at the close of school for summer holidays. The scholars assembled at the Village Green, and were joined by others from outlying parts of the parish. After singing several songs, the arrival of Lord and Lady Francis Osborne was the signal for the ceremony to begin. After a short and appropriate speech from Mr Armstrong, chairman of the Parish Council, the children marched past and received their mugs.

Lady Osborne complimented the children on their appearance, and conduct, wished them a happy holiday, and hoped they would treasure the mugs as a souvenir of the great occasion. On the motion of Councillor Armstrong, Lady Osborne was cordially thanked for her services. The singing of the National Anthem marked the close of quite a pleasing function. In addition to scholars and teachers, the company present included:- Lord and lady Francis Osborne, Ord House; Mr and Mrs Armstrong, Murton White House, Mr and Mrs Lake, Tweed View, East Ord; Mr Harry Lake and Miss Lake, Bourne, Lincolnshire; Mrs McBain, Ord Cottage, Mrs Hornby, East Ord Schoolhouse, and Mr and Mrs Chrystal, East Ord.

GLENDALE AGRICULTURAL SHOW

POPULAR FUNCTION REVIVED

The war having curtailed the energies of the Glendale Agricultural Society, the public looked forward to the time when the show would be revived, and they were not disappointed in the splendid meeting which was arranged for on Thursday last. Old institutions die hard, but there is a yet no sign that the Glendale Society has reached the period of the sere and yellow leaf. Under the capable direction of Mr R. Noble, Shipley, Alnwick, little is left out of account which would be material to the success of the meeting.

Sheep Farmers, Glendale Show 1957. Ref: BRO 1760-1

Under the restrictions and curtailment of railway service, this year’s revival falls short of pre-war days, but notwithstanding this, the Show as presented gave satisfaction to all, and was a happy augury for the future. The jumping of hunters, which was at one time a feature of the show, had this year to be cut out, owing to the great difficulties which are being experienced by agriculturists in getting stock removed from place to place. Part of the large field too where the event was held formerly is now let for grazing, and the cattle, sheep, and industrial sections had to be held in the Wooler Mart premises, kindly placed at the disposal of the Committee.

During the forenoon, the weather was fair, with a high wind prevailing, and most of the judging was carried through expeditiously. Unfortunately, however, in the afternoon a rainstorm was experienced, and the velocity of the wind increased, which must have had an adverse effect upon the attendance.

Compared with 1914, when the last show was held, the entries showed a total decrease of 80. As a whole, the display of stock was quite creditable, the sheep and horses being particularly good.

TWEEDMOUTH JOTTINGS

ACCIDENT

What might have proved a very nasty if not fatal accident, occurred on Monday forenoon. While Edward Simpson, Border Inn, and a worker in Scremerston pit, was cycling down Sunnyside, in endeavouring to pass a flock of lambs being driven to Berwick Mart, two or three lambs ran across the track of his cycle, throwing him heavily. Fortunately, he fell on to the top of sheep, but his shoulder was pretty badly bruised.

BERWICK ADVERTISER, 11 APRIL 1919

12/04/2019 by Northumberland Archives

BERWICK PETTY SESSIONS

Before the Mayor (Ald. Plenderleith), A. L. Miller, and A. J. Dodds, Esqs

CHILDRENS’ COURT

A Berwick message boy and three school children, one of whom was a girl, appeared on a charge of having discharged missiles on the New Road, Berwick, to the danger of passengers, on the 3rd April, 1919. They pleaded not guilty.

The Chief Constable said this was one of the cases they were obliged to bring before the Bench, in consequence of the enormous amount of complaints which had been coming in. People using the road near the Old Castle were frequently annoyed by boys throwing stones and bottles down on to the road. He wishes it to be known that if this case was found proven that in future he would ask for a heavy penalty. He was sorry to have to bring these cases forward, but it was necessary for the safety of the public.

Complaints had also been received of damage done to the Old Castle, and no less than 25 boys had to be cautioned last week. The four children charged were on the night in question on the embankment near the Railway Bridge, where they had been in the habit on gathering pieces of coal thrown over by the railwaymen. They were raking amongst the stones for the coal, and dropping stones, which rolled down the bank on to the New Road. The fact was they had no business to be there at all, for it was a case of trespass, and they had no business to dislodge the coal or stone.

P.C. Spiers said he saw the four children kicking at the rubble in their search for coal and stones were falling down the embankment and bouncing on the footpath. If anyone had been passing they would certainly have been hit. As he was taking the names of the children a lady and gentleman came up and said it was a disgrace that such thing were going on.

Mr Miller – Is this the first case brought here?

The Chief Constable – Yes. I don’t think the children went deliberately to throw stones, but they had no right to be there at all.

P.C. Cruikshanks generally corroborated the previous witness.

All the children adhered to a statement that another boy had been there sliding down the bank on a carpet, and dislodging the stones, but he had bolted when the police came.

The mayor said the ends of justice would be made by the payment of half costs – 2s 6d in each case- but if the defendants should come back again they would not get off so easily.

SPITTAL NOTES

Whippet racing appears to be coming to the front in the village, as we hear it rumoured that another handicap is shortly to take place in the Side Cutting. On this occasion it is expected that dogs will be forward from the mining villages of South Northumberland. Some good straight-out racing may therefore be expected.

TWEEDMOUTH JOTTINGS

Welcome home to Church Road, Tweedmouth, Trooper Tom Brown, son of the late Mr Alex. Brown, passenger guard, who was killed accidentally at Berwick Station a few years ago. Trooper Brown, who joined the army in 1910, has almost nine years’ service to his credit, seven years of which he has spent in India. Tom took part in some very strenuous fighting in Mesopotamia, and was present at the capture of Bagdad. He was also in the heavy fighting around the neighbourhood of the rivers Tigris and Euphrates. He returns to his regiment, (14th King’s Hussars) on the expiration of his furlough, and as he is on the Reserve for another four years, we trust that he may enjoy the best of good luck, in whatever part of the world he is destined to travel.

LOCAL NEWS

Having once decided to re-open the course the committee of the Magdalene Fields Golf Club are not losing any time in getting started. As will be seen from an advertisement in our columns, play will commence on Good Friday, April 18th, with a stroke competition for gentlemen in the morning, followed by a Mixed Foursome in the afternoon, when tea will be served in the clubhouse. With the exception of the first hole, the course to be played over is practically the same as the “old nine” before its extension to 18 holes in 1915. Meanwhile, of an evening, a good many of the old enthusiasts are to be seen on the course trying to recover their former skill. It is wonderful how easily it all comes back, though judging from the amount of turf removed already the shots have not all been “clean hits.” The Course which was originally opened in June 1903 when the Mayor, Mr A. J. Dodds drove the first ball, was successfully carried on until 1917 when owing to wartime conditions it was thought advisable to close down.

LOWICK

The Parish Council at its meeting on Friday last agreed to reply to a communication from Glendale Rural District Council, that in their opinion more houses for the working classes were required in the village.

We are pleased to see home discharged Cpl. J. Ord, Isley Hill Cottages, Beal, and Pte. J. Black, Berryburn Mill, Ancroft.

The weather has been good of late and garden work is now in full swing.

The “flue” [sic] seems to be abating in our village, and we hope there will be no more cases.

One of the largest aeroplanes which has been seen in the neighbourhood came down at the New Haggerston Aerodrome, owing to some engine trouble. This being repaired, the machine continued her journey southward on Thursday, April 3rd. Her weight, it is said, was something like 13 tons. Rumour has it that this was one of the aeroplanes to be used in the forthcoming attempt to cross the Atlantic.

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