Wooler Archives - Page 6 of 8 - Northumberland Archives

This Week in World War One, 3 November 1916

08/03/201804/11/2016 by Northumberland Archives

BERWICK ADVERTISER, 3 NOVEMBER 1916

BERWICK SCOUT HONOURED

In our issue of Friday, August 11^th, the following notice appeared regarding a brave action by a local Boy Scout:-

On Wednesday afternoon, while playing on the jetty at Berwick Quay, a little boy named Alex. Marshall stumbled and fell into the water. Fortunately, George Hawkins, younger son of Mr W. Hawkins, Hide Hill, who was close at hand, gallantly plunged in and succeeded in bringing the boy safely ashore.

In so few sentences was a gallant rescue made known to the public, but we are pleased now to report that Scott Hawkins’ gallant deed has found its reward. He has earned by his conduct the testimonial of the Royal Humane Society (in vellum), and in addition has been awarded the Medal of Merit and Certificate of the Scouts Association. Scout Hawkins on that memorable autumn day entered the water to the rescue of a boy, six years his junior, minus his blouse alone, and it was then that his knowledge of Life Saving stood him in good stead. A member of No. 3 troop (Scoutmaster E. W. Turnbull), the young hero received his instruction in life saving under Assistant Scoutmaster Edmond Smith. We heartily congratulate him upon his brave action, and the honours which have come to him, and trust his example may be followed by every one of his comrades who have qualified in life saving, and who find themselves in a similar position. We understand a public presentation will take place at a later date.

BERWICK PETTY SESSIONS

SATURDAY

Before D. H. W. Askew, Esq., and Thomas Wilson, Esq.

An Old Offender. – Robert Clarance Gilchrist, labourer, (43), Berwick, an old offender, was charged with being drunk and disorderly in Marygate on Friday night, and further with breaking a window, the property of Mr Burgon, fish and chip merchant, High Street. Mr Burgon gave evidence, and P.C. Crombie proved the case. Defendant on his own behalf said they had no idea what he had to stand. He was willing to join the Army – that was his own regiment, the Coldstream Guards – but he would prefer to wait until after Sunday, as there was a harvest festival on that day. (Laughter.) he was sentenced to two months imprisonment.

THURSDAY.

Before His Worship the Mayor, and Messrs T. M. Morrison, A/ Darling, C. Forsyth, Dr Fraser, V.D., Thomas Wilson, A.J. Dodds, T. Purves, R. Boston, and Walter Hogarth.

COMMUNICATION NAVAL INFORMATION.

Robert Dicknson, Wallace Green, Berwick, was charged with haying on 28^th September, contravened the Defence of the Realm Act by imparting certain naval information. The indictment bore that on that date he, without lawful authority, did communicate information with respect to the movements, number and description of certain of H.M. ships, and which was of such a nature as to be calculated to be directly or indirectly useful to the enemy.

Defendant – I admit the charge…………………….

Mr Dickinson then addressed the Bench, and said as the agent for the prosecution had stated the letter was written to no German emissary to injure his country. It was written to a younger brother, a chief engineer in marine service, and who now wore the medal and clasp for the South African campaign. During the present war his brother had sailed in ships conveying troops to and from different countries. At the present moment he was in H.M. service. Enclosed with the letter was one from an orphan niece, and he thoughtlessly added some rumours and gossip which he thought would be of interest to the service in which his brother was engaged. These rumours everyone had heard more or less since the war had started. Whether the news was true or not his brother could judge. The assurance was given that the British Navy was being maintained at high water mark, and likely to keep the ocean highway clear of the enemy. He asked them to think of his sailor brother engaged in the active defence of his country, who did not hear from the homeland for months of an interval at a time. Cut off as he was in this way, all news was welcome, and to be interesting and cheering were the only objects he had in forwarding the letter. The letter was addressed in no secret manner, but in the usual official way………….

The Bench afterwards retired, and on returning the Mayor said they were exceedingly sorry to see defendant in such an unfortunate position. It was a very serious offence, and the Regulations had been expressly framed for the protection of our country in these perilous days. The defendant had pleaded guilty to the charge, and although he had not been actuated with any malicious or unpatriotic motives in the eyes of the law it was a serious matter. The Bench were desirous to take a most lenient view, but the fine could not be less than one of £10 with £11 18s 10d of costs, the alternative being six weeks’ imprisonment.

BIRDGE GUARD’S MASCOT

We have pleasure in publishing this week a photo of Private William Marsdon, Royal Defence Corps, a native of Rothbury, along with a pet fox which is the mascot of the section stationed at Berwick. The fox was brought as a cub from Rothbury, and is now almost thoroughly domesticated. Private Marsdon, who has been with the Defence Corps since the outbreak of war, and prior to the present conflict took part in the South African War. His eldest son, Gunner John Marsdon is presently in France with the Royal Garrison Artillery.

GLENDALE NOTES

WOOLER

Lighting. – Now that Mr Scott is busy putting in plant for supplying electricity for lighting purposes it may be interesting to note that gas was first introduced into Wooler so far back as 1846, and the street lamps were put up the following year.

Both the day schools in the town have been closed this week so that the elder boys and girls might assist in potato gathering. We don’t know how many have taken advantage of it, but the weather during the week-end was deplorable but a marked improvement took place on Tuesday, only the land must still be in a very saturated condition. There is a wonderful variation in the crops. Some have an excellent crop and wonderfully free from disease, while others are an absolute failure.

The Black Bull is the nearest white painted building on the left of the photograph. An old gas lamp can be seen on the right. © BRO 426-1228

Free Gift Sale. – At a meeting held in the Black Bull Hotel on Monday with Mr A. Riddell in the chair, arrangements were made for the proposed Free Gift Sale to be held at Wooler Mart. It was decided to hold it on Wednesday, 20^th December, in aid of the British Farmers’ Red Cross Fund and Agricultural Relief of the Allies Fund. It was arranged to have block test competitions on the day of sale. The committee are practically the same as last year with a few additions for Wooler.

This Week in World War One, 21 January 1916

08/03/201822/01/2016 by Northumberland Archives

BERWICK ADVERTISER, 21 JANUARY 1916

CONCERT BY BEAL SCHOOL CHILDREN

A very interesting musical exhibition was given by the pupils of the Beal School on Friday afternoon the whole performance testifying to the careful tuition imparted by the head teacher, Mr W. F. Blackham, and his assistant, Miss M. Reid. Since his appointment Mr Blackham has evinced much zeal and careful attention in the discharge of his responsible duties, and the result was that the short musical programme was most capably sustained on Friday, adding a pleasurable feeling in the minds of the distinguished ladies of the district, who graced the proceedings with their presence. Mrs Leyland, Haggerston Castle, presided, and there were also present, the Hon. Lady Lambton, Miss Joan Leyland, Mrs Patinson, Lowlyn, and Mr M. A. Coates, estate agent.

A recent photograph of the former Schoolhouse at Beal.

These gave several dainty and beautiful prizes of books, knitting cases, work baskets, etc., to the pupils who had gained distinction in their studies. Mr Blackham said he was sure that they were all very pleased to be present on that occasion to receive these prizes, and they meant more than their actual value to the successful pupils. Some might be disappointed, but he hoped those who had not been able to secure a prize would go away in the resolve and determination that they would obtain one next year. By doing so they would help themselves, and lead to better results in the school next year. (Applause.) He had received an apology from the Vicar, the Rev. W. C. Harris, who had kindly sent two prizes.

LOCAL NEWS

Concert – A Concert organised by Mr Ferguson was held in the Archbold Hall, Wooler, in aid of British prisoners in Germany. The hall was crowded, most of the leading families in the district being represented. The performers were Miss K. Vincent, Mrs C. E. Brown, Mr W, Adamson, and Captain Collingwood, also the Pom Pom Pierrots, consisting of Mrs Collingwod, Miss Collingwood, Miss Ivy Fenwick, Miss Walker, Capt. Collingwood, and Mr Ferguson. The accompanists were Miss Vincent, Mr Smith, and Mr Ferguson. The proceeds amounted to about £24, the event being a great success.

Archbold Hall, Wooler (c) Berwick Record Office Ref: BRO 0426-1225

Mr George Lumsden, who has completed 50 years as a member of Berwick Board of Guardians and Norham, and Islandshires Rural District Council, is in his 78^th year, and one of the oldest active cyclists on the Borders. For 34 years he farmed Shoreswood Farm, near Norham; and in his younger days was a keen hunting man. He can remember the last person – a woman – in Berwick stocks.

BERWICK AND LORD DERBY’S SCHEME

Arrangements for New Groups

Active arrangements are being made in Berwick for the accommodation of the new groups about to be called up under Lord Derby’s scheme. It is understood that the Royal Scots occupying the huts on the Parade will be transferred to various halls in the town, and that the new recruits will be accommodated in the vacated huts. The mobilisation of the new men should materially add to the number of soldiers in Berwick. Some 200 turned up at the Barracks on Thursday and were dispatched to their various regiments in the course of the day. A further number of recruits were expected to arrive for the K.O.S.B. by train on Thursday night.

Fuller's engraving of Berwick Barracks 1799. BRO 1637-04 (c) Berwick Record Office. — Fuller’s engraving of Berwick Barracks 1799. (c) Berwick Record Office. Ref: BRO 1637-04

BERWICK PETTY SESSIONS

At Berwick Petty Sessions on Friday, before Messrs A. L. Miller (presiding) and A. J. Dodds, Mark Rutherford, an ex Police Superintendent, was charged with unlawfully wounding his wife, Isabella Rutherford on the previous day at lodgings at 17 Dock Road, Tweedmouth.

The Chief Constable explained that it was a case of unlawfully wounding, and he would ask for a remand until Thursday.

The complainer gave evidence to effect that the defendant struck her on the left hand side of the head with a walking stick. He had been drinking for some time past, and they had quarrelled. There was a large knob on the head of the stick, and a doctor had to be called to dress the wounds.

Police Sergeants Wilson and Moore also gave evidence as to apprehending the accused on the charge, the defendant being conveyed to the Police Station in a cart.

Mrs Colthard gave evidence to the fact that the defendant and his wife had been lodging in her house at 17 Dock Road and that she heard them quarrelling on the day mentioned.

The accused was remanded till Thursday morning.

This Week in World War One, 7 January 1916

08/03/201808/01/2016 by Northumberland Archives

BERWICK ADVERTISER, 7 JANUARY 1916

THE NEW YEAR

BERWICK

The celebration of the New Year in the streets of the ancient borough of Berwick appeared to maintained in much the customary fashion despite the effects of the war. The weather was dull and wet, but the streets bore an animated appearance, the khaki uniform predominating among the pedestrians. The lighting restrictions, combined with the weather exercised a damping effect on the majority of grown-ups, but the young idea moved about exchanging the compliments of the season in a hearty and hilarious fashion, while lively and popular songs added zest and variety to the proceedings.

The only place of public entertainment in the Borough, the Playhouse, drew large crowds, and the performances were very much appreciated. The shops drew large numbers in the making of seasonable purchases, and in laying in additional supplies to tide the householder over till Monday. As the evening advanced the thoroughfares assumed a more livelier air, the hum of voices and merry shout emphasising the fact that the old year was slowly vanishing, and that the majority were out for the night to witness the actual death. As usual a number seemed to give way to over indulgence, but as a reasonable latitude was for once allowed the police were not called upon to interfere, the result being that there was a clean bill on the first morning of 1916. Towards midnight large numbers assembled at the foot of the Town Hall to hear the knell of the old year and the peel that welcomed the new born year. The usual good wishes were exchanged and thereafter friendly visits were paid to the houses of acquaintances. For a considerable time after twelve o’clock the thoroughfares resounded to the shouts of the merry makers. Saturday was a general holiday. The weather continued dull and wet, and few people were to be seen in the streets. The special performances at the Playhouse were again well patronised. On the whole the New Year was quietly celebrated, all circumstances tending to have this effect.

EXHIBITION OF CAPTURED GERMAN GUN AT BERWICK

The Mayor of Berwick (Ald J. W. Plenderleith), has just been notified by the authorities in charge of the Scottish Command in Edinburgh that a captured German gun is being sent to Berwick for exhibition purposes. In making the notification it was enquired which would be the most convenient site to have the gun placed, and His Worship in reply suggested the Parade between the military huts and Wallace Green Church.

Army huts with the Berwick Barracks in background. Copyright Berwick Record Office. BRO-1944-1-149-1

The military authorities have expressed themselves pleased with the proposed site, and the gun will be exhibited in presence of a military guard. It is understood that the captured gun will be on exhibition for three days from nine a.m. till four p.m. and that it will be removed to the Barracks each evening. No definite date has yet been fixed for the arrival of the gun.

A PRETTY WEDDING

On December 27th, at Trinity Presbyterian Church, Sunderland, the marriage was solemnised of Mr E. Norman Chapman, York, to Miss Sadie Waters, daughter of Mr Thomas Waters, Wooler. The bride was given away by her father, and the bridesmaid was Miss M. H. Brand, cousin of the bride. Miss Allison James and master Reggie Waters, niece and nephew of the bride, acted as attendants. The best man was Mr E. Settle of York. Rev. R. L. Wiseman officiated. The bride was charmingly attired in a costume of saxe blue galardine, trimmed fur, with hat to match. She carried a lovely shower bouquet, and wore a brooch of rubies and diamonds, the gifts of the bridegroom. The bridesmaid wore a costume of navy blue and large white hat, and a gold bangle, the gift of the bridegroom. The bridegroom’s gift to Miss Allison James, who looked very pretty in a dress of pale grey, was a gold chain pendant, and to Master R. Waters a silver watch and chain. A reception was held at the house of the bride’s brother, Hunter Terrace, and later the new-married couple left for their future home in York. They were the recipients of a large number of useful and beautiful presents.

LOCAL NEWS

Bankhill Church Intercessory Services – The Rev. R. Leggat at the morning intercessory service on Sunday read the roll of honour of the young men attached to the congregation. He mentioned that 27 were on active service, while all the men of military age, with the exception of three who were exempts, had enrolled under the Derby Scheme. New Pipe Band – The first appearance of the Berwick Boy Scouts Pipe Band under Piper Major Lawrie, of the Royal Scots, took place at the Pier Field, on Saturday, the occasion on being a football match between the Boy Scouts and the Sea Scouts, in which the former won by four goals to one. The band made a very creditable appearance, and the selections were much enjoyed.

+ More