BERWICK ADVERTISER, 21ST JULY 1922

22/07/2022 by Northumberland Archives

MILITARY NEWS

PRESENTATION OF COLOURS

TO 4TH NORTHUMBERLAND FUSILIERS

There was a very large gathering of members, ex-members, and friends of the 4^th Northumberland Fusiliers for the presentation of colours at Newburn Football Ground, on Saturday, by Major-General Sir P. S. Wilkinson, K.C.M.G., C.B. At 4pm the Battalion marched on to the football pitch, formed line and gave the general salute to General Wilkinson. Hollow square having been formed, the colours were laid over the drums, and General Wilkinson, followed by Colonel Commandant E. P. A. Riddell, C.M.G., D.S.O., (G.S.O. 50^th Division), and the Rev. C. Milner, C.F., proceeded to the spot. After the singing of “Brightly gleams our banner” and the consecration, Sir Percy Wilkinson presented the King’s Colour to Lieut. R. Wood and the Regimental Colour to Lieut. W. M. Gibson, M.C., who received them on bended knee. After an address by Sir Percy Wilkinson and a reply by Lieut-Colonel C.O.P. Gibson, M.C., Commanding the Battalion, the colour party marched to its position in the centre of the Battalion to the strains of the National Anthem, played as a slow march. Thereafter the Battalion marched past the pavilion in column to the regimental march, General Wilkinson taking the salute, and the colours were thereafter lodged in the officers’ pavilion prior to their removal to Hexham, the headquarters of the Battalion.

INDUCTION OF THE NEW VICAR OF BELFORD

On Tuesday, July 11^th, the Lord Bishop of Newcastle came to Belford to introduce the new Vicar to his charge, and also to dedicate the Jarvie War Memorial Roll. It was not strictly speaking, and induction service, as the new Vicar, the Rev. J.E. Hull, was instituted to the living by the Bishop on June 17^th at Benwell Tower and has been resident in the parish ever since. The service was therefore somewhat private in character, the only neighbouring clergyman present being Dr Westgarth, of Lucker, who acted as the Bishop’s chaplain. There was, however, a large congregation of Belford people drawn from all sections of the community. The first part of the service was taken by Dr Westgarth, the new Vicar sitting in the front pew.

The High Street, Belford, in the early 1900s, BRO 0515/39

Dr Westgarth, representing the Archdeacon, presented him to the Bishop, handing him the letters testimonial signed by the Rural Dean of Hexham, the Vicar of Wall, and the Rector of Whitfield, Mr Bates, who for eight years was a curate in Belford under Canon Robertson. Preceded by the Churchwardens, the Bishop led the new incumbent first to the font, then to the lectern, next to the pulpit and altar and finally to the priests’ desk, where he installed him. After installation Mr Hull took his place in the chancel and continued the service as “the new Vicar.” The Bishop’s sermon was based on Ephesians IV., 7, 8 and 11-13 – “Unto every one of us is given grace according to the measure of the gift of Christ.” Dr Wild began with an appreciation of the work and character of Canon Robertson, and then went on to refer to Mr Hull’s gifts, both as a clergyman and as naturalist and scholar. The Bishop himself, we may add, is a classic and a bit of a naturalist.

AREOPLANE PASSENGER FLIGHTS AT WOOLER

Quite a sensation was caused on Monday afternoon in Wooler, when an aeroplane was seen flying over the town at a very low altitude as if trying to find a field to come down in, which it eventually succeeded in doing at Till bridge. Mr W. Atkinson, Glendale House, Wooler, who was a Lieutenant in the Air Service and apilot, went to render assistance, and learned that a De Haviland Aeroplane belonging to the Northern Aerial Transport Co. is staying in Wooler for a time and is taking passengers up.

Our representative spoke to the pilot, Mr Victor Yates, late R.A.F., and was informed that he never expected to be on duty so early, but quite a number of local enthusiasts were anxious to see their native town from an aeroplane. Many trips were arranged, and a large crowd visited the aerodrome to see it start and come down again as graceful as a bird. To encourage flying in the North, the flights are only half London prices, and one free passenger flight is given daily. Aerodrome flights are 10s, and flights round the town £1; special flight, 2s per mile. Aeroplane flights should be a great attraction at the Show on Saturday, and Mr Cabry has given the pilot consent to stay as long as business allows.

JUNIOR RED CROSS UNITS MEET AT

COUPLAND CASTLE

COUNTESS TANKERVILLE’S ADDRESS

To most of the older children in the Glendale district Saturday last was a red letter day, as they had been invited to Coupland castle-one of the most beautiful places in the district. Mr J. Cully, who has taken up his abode at the Castle after spending many years in America, has always shown great interest in the children and he also takes a great interest in Red Cross work, having been connected with the military department in America for four years during the late war. Efforts are being made with the idea of developing the spirit of service in the youth of Glendale, and how far that has been accomplished was witnessed by those who were present at the great gathering on Saturday. The arrangements had been made by Mr Cully, Lady Grey, and Mr Williams of the County Education Committee, and were carried out by Miss Harrison, who was ably supported by the managers, head masters, head mistresses and teachers of the individual schools which were represented. All the boys and girls over eleven years of age attending the schools from Wooler to Branxton had been asked to do something in aid of the Russian Relief Fund, and the results of their labours were beautifully arranged in ne of the Castle rooms, which presented a fine picture. Among the many articles were 78 Russian blouses, which should realise good prices. The girls did knitting and sewing, and the boys from each school were given a piece of land to cultivate potatoes on, and the garden on Saturday did the youngsters infinite credit, as good crops are anticipated. The produce, when taken up, like the garments made by the girls, will be sold for the benefit of the Russian Relief Fund.

AN AFTER SUPPER STROLL BY 84190

And it came to pass that, after we had partaken of supper, I, 84190, did take my merry men out for an evening ramble. We made for the old Factory corner at Spittal, and on looking out to the sea did we spy a fine looking yacht coming from a northerly direction and making towards Berwick. The tide was about half ebb and running strongly out to sea, and the wind, which was from the north, was blowing strongly, the result being a bit “naggle.” Someone suggested looking out for cork jackets and the lifeboat, but I replied “We cannot take the lifeboat- “Wullie’s not here.” However, on looking round, we espied a smart looking motor coble coming down the river manned by “Zamba” and Co.

Their voices were strong and loud (as a result of many were eagerly looking forward to getting a “fiver,” according to their “friendly shouts” at one another. Soon they were down the Pierside and out to sea, but the yacht came steadily on, and Zamba’s eyes began to water as he noticed the yacht’s crew lowering the sail, and as they passed they only wished to know the road in, as they had a motor as well as sails. Zamba got on board the yacht when they reached the Pierside and safely piloted her up to the Buoy, where she was made fast. A goodly number of villagers made their way to the New Quay to watch the landing of the “Jazz Dancer.” On his arrival at the New Quay his assistant missed the landing rope, and amid many protestations from old Zamba, they managed at last to make their boat fast. Someone proposed “three cheers for our gallant pilots,” and these were eagerly responded to. Some clapped their hands; others not wishing to be entirely left out of the welcome, collected and threw stones at them just to show their appreciation of such gallant and worthy locals. Finally I, 84190, did call my merry men away, and on turning round heard loud “praises” from Zamba’s crew, and we turned our backs on the New Quay and went into the night along the great Spittal road to look for further adventure.

BERWICK ADVERTISER, 31ST MARCH 1922

01/04/2022 by Northumberland Archives

TOWN DEVELOPMENT

The last of the series of debates on Town Development held under the auspices of Berwick Debating Society was held in the Parochial Hall on Wednesday night, when Ald. Thos. Wilson presided over a good attendance.

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

In introducing Mr D. Boyd, Borough Sanitary Inspector, who led the debate, Ald. Wilson said after hearing Mr Paterson’s address he considered himself a back number. He had always thought himself progressive but he found himself hopelessly left in the progressive views put forward. He knew Mr Boyd to be one of Berwick’s progressives, and he felt sure his address would be productive of an interesting and helpful discussion.

THE DISCUSSION

Mr Jos. Seals again drew a fanciful picture of Berwick in 1962, picturing villas, detached and semi-detached, out ny the North Road and Halidon Hill, with avenues between, named after local business men. Tommy the Miller’s field and the Shambles Braes he saw turned into the “askew Cliff Gardens” with bands playing and crowds walking on a new Road night and day. (Laughter) A palatial hotel he saw rise on the site of the Academy, built by an enterprising native of the town, to be known as the Hotel Coffteako. His remarks produced great hilarity and in conclusion he remarked that though his description was a purely imaginary one, there was no reason why the town should not have some of the attractions he had sketched. (Applause)

Berwick Rowing Club Boat House and the New Road BRO 0426-440

Mr Davis, West Street, spoke in favour of developing the town as a health resort. The picture drawn by Mr Seals was not too farfetched. The day might yet come when Mr Seals would be looked upon as the prophet of Berwick. (Laughter) He advocated that the town should be advertised, and boomed in centres with large populations.

Capt. J. E. Carr thought the idea of cooperating with other centres on the Borders was a good one. Berwick was the natural outlet and the harbour only required a little development, a little deepening, to make it the place where the produce of other centres could be out on ship. Since the railway companies had been grouped Berwick had its opportunity. It was a sort of key place which offered the outlet for the Border district and cause railway competition. (Applause)

Councillor Dickinson spoke in support of the points raised by Mr Boyd, and at the close of his remarks said the town could never extend while confined with its walls. Yet when the initial step was taken to make an outlet through the ramparts at Wallace Green a petition was got up and actually furthered by one of the local newspapers, from which, he said, “I believe it actually eminated.” The other paper remained neutral. (Laughter)

Councillor Edminson suggested that much could be done to further the housing schemes of the Borough if everyone who could afford it subscribed say £50 with the object with the object of forming a building society. So far as she saw, the fault in, Berwick was that everything had been taken out, of it in past years and nothing put in. She was against the spoiling of the Walls by breaking clean through. The Wall’s were the town’s greatest asset. Thousands of visitors came to Berwick and if they spent at least £1 per head, it meant some £25,000 into the tills of the tradesmen of Berwick, as fully 25,000 people came in the summer season. She thought nothing should be done to destroy something which certainly attracted visitors.

Mr Robert Carr supported the paper so far, but in regard to the making Berwick a centre for sheep slaughter and its allied trades, he did not think this would ever develop to any extent.

Councillor Campbell and Mr R, K. Gaul spoke in favour of keeping alive the enthusiasm which had been shown at the development meetings held, and the latter moved that a message be sent from the meeting to the Council to the effect, the “the meeting unanimously approved of the adoption of a scheme of housing and town planning as advocated by Mr Patterson and pledging themselves to support the Council in putting it into effect.”

Mr Jos. Seals seconded, and it became the finding of the meeting.

Ald. Wilson wound up the debate and in the course of a few remarks said duty of the inhabitants did not end when they paid their rates. There was a duty incumbent on every man and woman to do something to try and make the Borough a better place to live in. He hoped as a result of these meetings an organisation would spring up which would cooperate with and help the Town Council in forwarding the development of the Borough.

WORKERS’ UNION AT WOOLER

IS THE SATURDAY HALF-HOLIDAY TO REMAIN

At the monthly meeting on Saturday night this branch affiliated with the Berwick-on-Tweed Division Labour Party and appointed Mr R. Handerson as its representative, Mr Borrell announced that the General Secretary (Mr Chas. Duncan) would speak at the Wooler Gala on June 26th, and that Mr Neil Maclean, M. P., member of the Workers’ Union Executive for Division 6, which includes North Northumberland, would pay a visit shortly and address a public meeting, probably in Berwick. With regard to the attack on the Saturday half-holiday, they must understand that it was the employers themselves who proposed that they should work the longer hours to November 11th and again from February 11th to compensate for the shortest days in the middle of winter, and to give an average 48-hour week for the four winter months. The as the best arrangement they could make to get the 48-hour week under daylight conditions, and they should stand to their agreement.

The trouble over the hours arose from a misunderstanding about working up the breakfast and tea intervals allowed in the field. These intervals were quite a recent innovation, and there was a strong feeling among the workers that these breaks should not be worked up as the worker never left his duties. When the Union agreed to work up the tea time many members strongly objected, and the tea time was dropped on many farms and had not been revived. Possibly the breakfast time would go the same way. In any case each farm had better settle its own domestic arrangements as long as they kept to the agreed hours, but if they agreed to any increase they would be keeping some of their members out of employment.

BERWICK ADVERTISER, 9TH DECEMBER 1921

10/12/2021 by Northumberland Archives

GLENDALE NOTES

WOOLER

The annual Christmas prize show and sale of fat stock will be held at the Wooler Mart on Monday first, when a good display of both cattle and sheep are expected.

The Committee of the tennis Club are on the lookout for a suitable piece of ground on which to lay hard courts.

Before this is in print the collectors will have been round asking for contributions to the free gift sale to be held at the Wooler Mart in aid of the Newcastle Royal Infirmary. This noble institution is sadly in need of funds, and this is a good opportunity for anyone to help forward a good cause.

The Cross Country Electric Oedema Ltd., will screen “Her Penalty” and “Teasing the Soil” (comic) in the Archbold Hall, Wooler, on Thursday, December 15^th, at 7.30pm. (Advt.)

On Friday night (tonight) Mr Hiton Philipson, prospective Coalition Liberla Candidate for this Division, is to make his first appearance before a Wooler audience in the Archibold Hall. County – Alderman G. G. Rea, C.B.E., is to be in the chair.

CHRISTMAS

Shopkeepers are now busily engaged in making preparations for the Christmas season trade. There will be plenty of choice this year, as grocers drapers, etc., will be able to make a good display. The smoking public will also be in a position to purchase their favourite blends without rationing. Fancy goods and confectionery are also offered in great variety.

LOCAL NEWS

Two interesting finds have been made recently by Mrs Hogg, of Castle Vale, in the grounds of her residence just under the ruins of the old Postern gate tower of Berwick castle. While digging in the garden she unearthed a broken silver coin which on the reverse side has a cross and mallet within each cross and words which appear to be “Ville Berwiei.” On the observe side is a crowned head with peculiar side hair dressing. As the coin is not complete the full wording cannot be made out, but the coin is without a doubt a silver groat, struck in the time of James I., and we believe minted in Berwick by one named Gilbert Fish. The other coin dug up is about the size of a farthing and is in an excellent state of preservation. On the reverse side there are several crowns, and on the observe side an orb and cross. It will be interesting to know if this too is a coin struck in Berwick Mint. We understand Mrs Hogg is sending the coins up to the British Museum for identification.

BERWICK WORKHOUSE

CHRISTMAS FARE

It was agreed that special Christmas fare be given to the inmates of the Workhouse on Christmas Day, and that the indoor officers be allowed an extra 3s for the extra work entailed. The dinner for New Year would be provided at the members’ own expense.

Mr Collingwood – Will the Christmas fare include a glass of beer for the inmates? In the past a member of the board has kindly supplied the beer. Has this offer been received asyet?

The Clerk – I have received no offer.

Mr Richardson – Is it necessary to give any liquor at all?

Mr Collingwood – At one time the Board very generously gave this glass of beer to the old inmates.

Mr Morrison – And several offers to provide beer have been refused.

Mr Wood – There is no offer before the board. I propose we leave the matter in the hands of the Committee with powers to act. Agreed.

EXTRA OUT-RELIEF FOR CHRISTMAS

On the motion of Miss Greet, the Board agreed that additional relief be ordered to non-resident poor in Christmas and New Year weeks at the same rates as given in the Unions where they reside, and to grant additional relief to the out-door poor at the rate of 2s 6d for each adult and 1s 3d for each child. Those who receive their relief wholly in kind will have this supplemented by an addition of like value, the same applying to those receiving relief under article xi of the Relief Regulation Order.

BERWICK BOWLING CLUB

ANNUAL MEETING

The annual meeting of Berwick Bowling Club was held in the Brown Bear Hotel on Wednesday evening, Mr W. Scott, president for the season, presiding over a very large turnout of members.

Mr Robert Brown, Secretary and Treasurer, submitted the Committee’s 27^th annual report and balance sheet, which were adopted. In the first place he had to report that the “Trustees” took the opportunity of purchasing the fee simple of the Club ground from His Grace the Duke of Northumberland, and the members might congratulate themselves that they were now the owners of such a lovely spot. The Committee also heartily thanked those members who so willingly subscribed the cash.

The membership is at present 115. During the season the club sustained the loss by death of two members and the Committee extended their sympathy to the bereaved in their loss.

The season was opened on Thursday, 28^th April, with a match between teams representing the President and the Vice-president. Fourteen matches were arranged with the clubs of Portland, Alnwick, Kelso, Coldstream, Duns, Spittal, and Dunbar. Twelve of these matches were played, 6 of which were won and 6 lost, with 32 shots in the club’s favour. The club were represented in the competitions of the Border Bowling Tournament at Galashiels, the Scottish Bowling Association rink and single handed ties, and also the “Oubridge Cup,” at Belgrave, all without success.

The usual club competitions were held during the season, which closed on Thursday 6^th October, in beautiful weather. The Committee cordially thanked the President and Vice-President and all those who gave prizes for the season.

SUCCESSFUL PIGEON SHOW AT SPITTAL

The first show of racing pigeons that has ever been held in Spittal took place in the Old National School on Saturday last under the auspices of Spittal Homing Society, when over 200 birds were exhibited. The large classroom was kindly lent by the Parish Church trustees and made an excellent showroom. The show was fairly well patronised during the day and judging by the large number of local competitors and the enthusiasm shown it bids fair to become an annual event.

Second edition 25″ordnance Survey map of Spittal (1898) showing the position of the Old National School next to St. John’s Church

Mr R. L. Donaldson, Dunbar, was the judge, and the expeditious and unhesitating manner in which he gave his awards was praise worthy. Quality and condition only scored with him. He rather favoured a fairly long-casted bird with good feather. He admitted that most of the birds were not in tip-top condition, but were a very fine collection.

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