Wilsden Family

This Week in World War One, 9 July 1915

08/03/201810/07/2015 by Northumberland Archives

BERWICK ADVERTISER, 9th JULY 1915

DISTINGUISHED SERVICE MEDAL FOR BERWICK LAD

Trumpeter William. J. Brett, 72nd Battery of the Royal Field Artillery

Congratulations to Trumpeter Wm. J. Brett, 72^nd Battery of the Royal Field Artillery, who has, through his bravery, been recommended for the Distinguished Service Medal. Trumpeter Brett is the youngest son of Barrack Warden P. Brett, K.O.S.B. Berwick, and Mrs Brett, Wellington Cottage, Quay Walls. Trumpeter Brett, who is only 18 years of age, joined the Royal Field Artillery, about three years ago. He has been at the front since the beginning of the war, and last Friday arrived home on four days leave. On the way home he was informed by his officer that he had been recommended for the D.S.M. for the following brave action:- Trumpeter Brett was out on field telephone service and from his point of observation he saw three companies of Germans a little over a mile away quickly advancing towards his battery. Very pluckily Trumpeter Brett remained at his post until he got word through to his officer that the Germans were approaching. A gun was quickly mounted at a level crossing and the German companies were practically wiped out. Had it not been for his promptitude and pluck in remaining to send the message in all likelihood his battery would have been taken by surprise, the consequences of which can be imagined. Mr and Mrs Brett have good reason to be proud of the achievement of their youngest son. Their eldest son, Gunner P.J.G. Brett, is stationed at Jahasi, India, with the 79^th Battery of the R.F.A. It is interesting to note that Trumpeter Brett’s paternal grandfather, who was in an Irish regiment, held the Crimean Medal; while his maternal grandfather, who served for 37 years in the East Surreys and Border Regiment, held the Maori Medal. Trumpeter Brett left for the Front on Monday at midnight, and we wish him good luck and a safe return.

CAMPS LIBRARY

Mr Toohey, Customs Office, Berwick, has received the following letter from the Hon. Mrs Eva Armstrong, secretary of the Camps Library:- “Thank you so very much for your kind letter. We are most grateful to you for all the books you are sending us, and for the great help you give us by receiving and dispatching these. I think you will probably get a good many books from Lady Clementine Waring, so if you will forward them to us we shall be much obliged. I think it is an excellent idea to have advised the local scouts that you are receiving books for us through the medium of the Press, and I am sure they will be glad to send you any they collect.” Mr Toohey begs to thank the following for gifts of books:- Lady Clementine Waring, Lennel; Mrs F.W. Wilsden, The Elms, Berwick; Mr R.A. Donaldson, 25 East Street, Berwick; and Mrs Matheson, 3 Devon Terrace, Berwick. Further gifts of books will be gratefully received at the Customs Office, Berwick.

Berwick Advertiser James Dunlop & Son Advert — Berwick Advertiser 9 July 1915, James Dunlop & Son Advert

WHAT WOMEN CAN MAKE AT HOME

Pretty Dress that Looks Well and Costs Little

Everybody is talking about saving and investing, chiefly in connection with the new and evidently popular War Loan, but many, thrifty housewives and sensible girls are investing 6½d each week in our deservedly popular paper patterns which not only enable them to make pretty and serviceable garments at home, but to save money on the cost of buying ready-to-wear things which so far as cut

Berwick Advertiser 9 July 1915. — Berwick Advertiser 9 July 1915, Summer Frock

and style go, are not to be compared with the same articles built on the lines of our patterns at home.

A pretty idea for a summer frock will be found in sketch No.1587. Quite a number of pretty dresses this season are made of deep embroidery flouncing of voile, muslin, or lace, and the effect is always dainty and charming. No doubt the full skirts have defeated the demand for flouncing and the consequent charm or our new frocks. But a little change has been evolved in the design here presented, by placing the flouncing, with prettily gathered heading, on a well shaped upper skirt part. This is a good idea for it takes away the bulk of material which to the full length flounce skirt, and which is not becoming to all figures.

The material for the bodice and upper skirt should correspond in texture with the flouncing of the lower skirt. Plain voiles and crepes can be obtained which will “go” with flouncing of these materials, also plain lawns and muslins for embroidery cotton goods. The quantities for the realisation of our pretty design are as follows:- Of 18 to 20 inch flouncing, 3 yards; of plain double width material, 3 yards-this being apportioned in this way, 1½ yards for the bodice, and 1½ yards for the upper skirt.

This Week in World War One, 4 June 1915

08/03/201805/06/2015 by Northumberland Archives

BERWICK ADVERTISER, 4TH JUNE 1915

HONOURING THE BRAVE HEROES

At a meeting of the Berwick Town Council on Tuesday evening, the Mayor stated that he had received intimation from the Rev. Robt. Leggatt, Bankhill Church, that there was to be a memorial service held on Sunday evening first for those brave local soldiers who had fallen in France. Two or three of these were members of Mr Leggatt’s Church, and he asked if the Mayor and Town Council might perhaps countenance the service. There would be no procession from the Town Hall. He (the Mayor) hoped that as many of the Council as possible would see their way to accompany him in the Church. By doing so they would be paying the last rites to the brave young men belonging to the town who had fought their battles. The service began at six o’clock pm.

The Zion Presbyterian Chapel (Bankhill Church), Berwick-upon-Tweed, Northumberland. Ref: BRO 1613-44

BERWICK FAIR

Berwick Fair was observed on Friday and was opened in the time honoured fashion by the Mayor, Sheriff, and Corporation marching in procession round the grounds, and formally declaring it open. There was a large influx of country visitors, and during the day the streets presented a busy and animated appearance. The customary stalls were erected in the High Street, and the majority of these vended china and dishes, while there were also a few hardware booths.

Berwick-upon-Tweed May Fair, 1968. Ref No. BRO 2103-1-624 — Berwick-upon-Tweed May Fair, 1968.
Ref No. BRO 2103-1-624

The town bells at intervals rung out merry peals and, with the hoisting of the flags, the streets had a holiday aspect. The fair was duly opened at mid-day, when the Mayor, Sheriff, and officials, headed by the Chief Constable, members of the Burgh Police, and the Sergeants-at-Mace, marched through the fair grounds and formally declared proceedings open. The progress of the civic pageant was a subject of much interest to the assembled crowds. On returning to the Town Hall refreshments were served, the toast of “The King” being honoured.

At The Parade a number of merry-go-rounds and fair booths were erected, and these did a good trade throughout the day and evening. Notwithstanding the large influx of visitors the proceedings connected with it, the Fair fortunately passed off with out any untoward incident or serious crime. The stalls in the High Street remained open till Wednesday evening and continued to do good business.

On Saturday there was again a large influx of visitors into the town, although not so large as on previous Fair Saturdays, consequent upon the abandonment of the Horse Procession this year. Rain fell heavily in the morning, but as the day advanced it cleared up. A cold north wind however, prevailed the whole of the day and towards evening had quite a mid-winter feeling rather than the genial warmth of mid-summer.

Berwick Advertiser 4 June 1915 Hall's Wine — Berwick Advertiser 4 June 1915 Hall’s Wine

HORSE PROCESSION ABANDONED

ONE CLASS FOR SANDERSON SHEILD

Owing to the war, it was this year decided not to hold the annual fair Horse Procession, but the annual competition for the Sanderson Challenge Shield for the best kept horse during the year was held. This year there were three competitors. The judging took place in Sandgate and was undertaken by Mr P. Edgar, Camphill, assisted by the Secretary, Mr Ralph, Bradford, Tweedmouth. Mr J. Bryson, Tweedmouth, who has won the Shield on two previous occasions, won it this year again, and it now becomes his property. Hugh Fisackerly took second prize and R. Swinney third. In presenting the shield to the winner, Mrs Wilsden congratulated him on the beautiful condition of his horse and for the care and attention he had bestowed upon it.

This Week in World War One, 21 May 1915

08/03/201822/05/2015 by Northumberland Archives

BERWICK ADVERTISER, 21st MAY 1915

A CHEERFUL SOLDIER IN THE TRENCHES

BERWICK LADY THANKED

Mrs Wilsden, The Elms, Berwick, has received the following letter from a trooper who had the good fortune to receive some cigarettes which Mrs Wilsden sent to the front through a lady friend. It is as follows:-

From Trooper F.Bark (72008)

“J” Battery,

Royal Horse Artillery,

B.E.F.

Dear Madam, – Thank you very much for sending the cigarettes which were greatly appreciated by myself and comrades. we have been resting almost the whole of the winter, and we are just starting business again now. You may guess that we all feel fit for almost anything that comes our way. we are having glorious weather out here now but not so stifling as at the beginning of the campaign. Hope all our friends in England hold the same opinion on the war as we do out here which is decidedly cheerful. This life far exceeds all my ideas of active service-war, to my idea, was a series of long marches with little and ragged clothing, but here we are, plenty food, well clothed and tended for and living almost as well as at home. I think this is about all I can say at present, so will close by again thanking you and wishing you the best of health.

I remain, yours respectfully,

F.Bark

BAdvertiser 21 May 1915 Presents For The Front-advert — Advert published in the Berwick Advertiser on the 21st May 1915 placed by Ralph Dodds & Son Ltd

FOR A RELIEF FUND

Mr A.A. Crisp, tobacconist, High Street, Berwick, is displaying in his window a pretty silk cushion presented by the B.D.V. Cigarette Company. The cushion is to be sold to the highest offerer, and the proceeds are to be given to a local relief find. The highest bid so far is £1.

GUILD OF AID FOR SICK AND WOUNDED

127, High Street, Berwick.

19th May, 1915

(To the Editor, “Berwick Advertiser.”)

Dear Sir, – I should be obliged if you would allow me to make an appeal, through your valuable paper, for funds for the above society. Since the beginning of the war the Guild of Aid has been doing a great work for our soldiers and sailors.

Over 2,500 articles have been collected and distributed to the Red Cross Society, Her Majesty the

WW1 Propaganda poster shows Red Cross Nurse holding a wounded soldier as she signals for help.

Queen’s Collection, the 7th Northumberland Fusiliers, the K.O.S. Borderers, Lady French’s Collection, and the Ladies Territorial Association. I know that there are many demands made upon the inhabitants of the Borough and the outlying country districts at this time, yet I think that an appeal for this work cannot fall on deaf ears.

The duty of those at home is to see that our brave soldiers and sailors lack for no comfort that we can provide, and anyone who contributes to these funds can be assured that their gifts will be used to the best advantage.

Miss Miller, Longstone View, will be glad to receive donations of money towards this good object, and comforts can be left, addressed “For Guild of Aid, ” at the Townhall; and also at Mrs A. T. Robertson’s, Tweedmouth House.

Yours faithfully,

T.Wilson, Mayor.