World War One

BERWICK ADVERTISER, 9 JANUARY 1920

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NORHAM

The Old Year’s Night was spent in a very happy fashion at the Primitive Methodist Church. At 7 o’clock the Rev. C. L. Stowe (accompanied by the Rev. J. Crawford, Presbyterian minister) took charge of a delightful programme of vocal and instrumental music; which had been arranged in the interests of Home and Foreign Missions. The programme was sustained by Mr M. Mason (Scremerston) organist, Misses Mason, Davidson, Nelson, and Mrs Pardoe, soloists; Mr R. Smart, elocutionist. The concert was followed by a supper daintily set out by the Norham lady-workers, and generously provided by the villagers. Missionary services were continued on Sunday, January 4th, when the Rev. R. Banham, Deputation form West Africa, preached at 2.30, while Mr Pringle, of Longdyke, occupied the pulpit in the evening. Miss Nelson was the soloist on Sunday. The total proceeds of the Missionary effort amounted to about £12.

The children attending the Church Sunday School were entertained to tea on New Year’s Day in the Old School, when a most sumptuous repast was enjoyed by the youngsters. The good things for the festive board were kindly provided by the Hon. Mrs Askew Robertson, Mrs Roberson, Mrs Herriot, Miss Embleton, and Mrs Ritson. Miss Head, formerly of Norham, and at one time a Sunday School teacher, sent two lovely iced Christmas cakes for the occasion. After tea, games were indulged in, and in this way a very pleasant evening was spent, the children’s smiling faces and loud shouts of laughter showing how thoroughly they were enjoying themselves. On the call of the Vicar, three hearty cheers were given for all those ladies who had so kindly provided the tea, and for those who kindly given their assistance to make the evening an enjoyable one.

BERWICK AND DISTRICT

BACHELOR’S BALL

After a lapse of five years due to war conditions, Berwick and District Bachelors’ annual ball was held in the Corn Exchange on Tuesday evening. This Ball has for many years been always regarded as one of the most notable of social functions in Berwick. Of the original list of bachelors responsible for getting up the first ball held on January 15th, 1879, very few now survive, those being Messers A. L. Miller, T. Thompson, D. K. Gregson, T. Darling, and Sir F. D. Blake. Of these Mr Thos. Thompson is the sole survivor of the Committee of five.

Image from the Berwick Advertiser 4 December 1858, opening of the newly erected Corn Exchange, Berwick-upon-Tweed.

Thanks to the artistic taste of Messrs John Crow and Son, decorators, the Corn Exchange, losing its everyday, business-like appearance, was transformed into a beautiful ball-room, the walls of which were panelled in pale blue and white. Special doorways leading to various ante-rooms were done in white and pink mouldings, with the Berwick coat of arms and the figures 1920 painted in pink.

Allan’s band was accommodated on a raised platform, tastefully decorated with pot plants, at the top end of the room. The whole effect of the ballroom was greatly enhanced by the electric light decorations, put up under the direction of Mr Barlow, Resident Engineer, Urban Electric Light Works. Intermingled with evergreens, strings of coloured lights were suspended from the roof girders, prettily coloured Chinese lanterns also appearing in the decorations round the room. A special staircase, draped in white and trails of ivy, was erected by Messrs J. Cockbburn and Son, from the floor of the ballroom to the gallery and thence to the supper room, which was tastefully laid out. The gallery, used as sitting out accommodation, was ornamented by fir trees. The two side-rooms downstairs were set out as refreshment rooms, the front entrance being transformed into a sitting-out rom, shade with soft crimson lights.

GLENDALE

COMRADES’ BALL

A very successful ball was held in the Drill Hall, Wooler, on Friday evening last, under the auspices of the Comrades of the Great War. Despite the numerous attractions in Wooler and District during the holiday season, over a hundred were present. The spacious hall was beautifully decorated for the occasion. High-class music was supplied by Allan’s Band, Berwick, and many encores were clamoured for. Comrades W. Dixon and T. Curle acted as M.C.’s. The supper was catered by Comrade J. Shilan, Temperance Hotel, Wooler, and as on previous occasions, to the satisfaction of all present. In addition to the supper oranges, apples and grapes were served out. Dancing was kept up with great vigour until 3.15 a.m., when reluctantly one and all wended their way homewards after a most pleasant evening.

EDUCATION COMMITTEE

EVENING CLASSES FOR SOLDIERS

The Clerk read the recommendation of the General Purposes Committee, which, after having been in communication with the Scottish Command, the Registrar of Evening Classes, and the County Director, agreed to recommend that evening class instruction in Woodworking, etc., be given to soldiers, the cost of which would be defrayed by the Military, and that the classes be arranged for with the teachers

The Chairman moved the adoption of the report, saying this was going to be no expense for the Committee. Anything required would just be intended for. Agreed to.

The Clerk reported that, including arrears, the amount to be distributed to teachers under the County Scheme of Augmentation of Salaries was £1325 15s 5d, and this augmentation would be paid out with the December salaries.

LOCAL NEWS

In the past history of Berwick as a shipping centre one of the most outstanding names was that of Gowan, at whose ship-building yard on the Quay below the eight-gun battery, numerous vessels were constructed. Ship-building is carried out no longer in Berwick, and there are now no representatives of the Gowan family in the town. Some members of the family are, however, still connected with the ship-building trade elsewhere. Mr Arthur Byam Gown, as is well-known, is Managing Director of Palmer’s famous works on the Tyne.

BRO 1636-5-22. Berwick Quay and Docks early 19th Century

Others, we learn, are doing well in the colonies, where Mr John Miller Gowan runs a station in the River Nia, Australia. He married his cousin Estelle, a daughter of the late John Gown, of Melbourne, and has five sons and one daughter. The eldest son went to the front with the 17th Battalion and was in the Great Push in France – arriving just in time. The next boy is in the Bank of Australia in Henty, the younger ones being still at school. Another member of the family, also in Australia, is Mr Henry Flockhart, who follows the profession of a journalist, and whose mother was Miss S.L. Gown. He never can forget, he says, the happy days he spent in Berwick and Spittal, with fly-fishing up the Whitadder and kettles up the Tweed.

During the week some of the local coal dealers have experienced difficulty in getting enough coal to meet the demands of their customers. Many householders have been without coal, a state of affairs, which at this time of the year, is far from pleasant. Every effort to adjust supplies has been made by Mr Turnbull, the local Fuel Overseer, who has made a point of at once supplying the needs of households where there was sickness.

An early 20th century image of the former Scremerston Pit. BRO 0515-209

The shortage, which is not regarded as serious, is attributed to the recent three days holidays at the pits at Scremerston, when supplies were allowed to get behind. It is poor comfort to say that other districts are, and have been, much worse off, but with a pit two miles away, there is little fear of a serious shortage in Berwick and district. To help out supplies in the meantime, recourse has been had in some instances to wood as fuel, and the Overseer has also exercised his rights and commandeered two waggons of coal off the railway.

BERWICK ADVERTISER, 14 NOVEMBER 1919

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ARMISTICE DAY

TWO MINUTES OF SILENCE

Following on the wishes of the King that all work should cease for two minutes and that at the hour of eleven all pedestrians should pause as a remembrance of the Signing of the Armistice, the wish was carried out to the letter in Berwick.

In the stroke of eleven a signal rocket fired from the Coast Guard Station brought everyone to a halt. Machinery ceased to run in the workshops, carters stood at attention beside their horses in the streets and all residents with certain exceptions noticeable in their disregard of the recommendation, paused in the ordinary routine of work.

These exceptions amongst whom were Lord Joicey, who drove through the street during the “silence” and a young conscientious objector, may have carried on as usual more out of forgetfulness than anything else. We hope such was the case.

High Street, usually busy about this time of day, was a quiet as at midnight and at the sound of the second rocket, two minutes later life seemed again to start.

Services were held in the Parish Church this being two minutes silent prayer, the singing of two hymns, prayer and the National Anthem. At St. Mary’s Church the bell was tolled.

At the Barracks the men of the Depot, K.O.S.B., were paraded and inspected by the Commanding Officer, Major McAlester, D. S. O., at the sound of the first rocket they smartly came to attention. “Last Post” and “the Reveille” were sounded when the second rocket announced the two minutes to be up.

HONORARY FREEDOM OF BERWICK

CONFERRED ON MAYOR AND SHERIFF

There was a small company present in the old Guild Hall, Berwick, on Thursday afternoon, when occasion was taken to present the Honorary Freedom of the Borough to the Mayor (Alderman J. W. Plenderleith) and the Sheriff (Councillor Thos. Wilson) in recognition of their services they have rendered to the Borough during the war.

Among those present we observed Mr A. Tower Robertson, Councillors Darling, Dixon, Bolus, Morrison, W. C. Richardson, Cowe, Ald. Turnbull, Ald. Richardson, Mrs T. C. Smith, the Mayoress, Mrs Wilson, Mrs Riddell, Mrs Maclagan, Mr and Mrs James Gibson, Mrs Hamilton, Mr Jos. Macdonald, Mr J. W. Blench, Mr H. Stuart, Mr G. N. Broadbent, Mr J. B. Beveridge and Mrs Beveridge, Mr Willits, Rev. C. L. Stowe, Mrs Redburn, Miss Purves, Mrs Gregson, Mrs Bolus, etc., etc.

The Mayor and Sheriff were accompanied on the Bench by Ald. Maclagan, Mr P. M. Henderson, Mr T. C. Smith, and other officials.

Ald. Maclagan called upon the Treasurer to read the minute of the Council conferring the Honorary Freedom. The minute had been beautifully engrossed and illuminated ready for framing, and was the work of Mr Clements.

THE PRESENTATION

Ald. Maclagan, who presided, said this was probably an unprecedented occasion. He had never known of any case in which the Mayor and Sheriff while holding office had been made Honorary Freemen of the Borough, but he was sure all present would agree that the honour was equally deserved by these gentlemen as by any other. (Applause). He knew of no one who had taken a greater interest in the work than the present Mayor. (Applause). During the war the duties of the office were heavy, and it, was somewhat of a trial to be Mayor in times of distress. He felt sure the town had reason to congratulate itself that they had such a Mayor as Ald. James Weatherhead Plenderleith. (Applause).

Continuing, Ald. Maclagan said Ald. Plenderleith had been well seconded in the arduous work by the Sheriff, Councillor Thos. Wilson. (Applause). He considered the town had done a wise thing in conferring the Freedom of the Borough on these two gentlemen.

Alderman Maclagan then formally presented the parchments to the recipients, and asked then to sign the Freemen’s Roll, which they did.

THE MAYOR’S THANKS

The Mayor, on rising, was heartily applauded, and in a few sentences retuned his thanks for the high honour conferred upon him on the eve of his leaving the town. He felt that he could now for all time consider himself a citizen of the town.

LOCAL NEWS

The County Council and the Borough of Berwick-upon-Tweed have to contribute 20 per cent between them towards the cost of the new bridge, which it is proposed to build over the Tweed at Berwick.

This photograph shows the building of the Royal Tweed Bridge in the 1920s, known locally as the New Bridge (opened 1928).  Construction of one of the concrete arches can clearly be seen from this photograph. REF: BRO 354-58-24

As the result of the recent conference at Berwick between Sir Eric Geddes, Mr Killick, chief engineer to the Joint Road Committee, and Mr J. A. Bean, county Surveyor, a new design in ferro-concrete and masonry is being prepared, and as soon as the new plan is ready it will be placed in the hands of the Road Transport Board for their consideration. It is eight years ago since M. T. B. Short formally drew attention of the County Council to the need for a new bridge at Berwick, the war being responsible for a good deal of the delay, and at the meeting  of the Berwick Sanitary Authority on Monday Alderman Short told the members of the attitude he had taken up on behalf of the town in Newcastle.

SEVERE STORM AT BERWICK

HAIL, SNOW, GALE and HEAVY SEA.

The storm which has raged over the district in the beginning of the week has caused fishing operations to be suspended, and heavy seas have thundered on the coast, hacked up with a gale from the E.N.E.

The Pier has been swept by heavy breakers, and a wooden seat has been torn from its fastenings. So violent was the “rush” coming into the river mouth that the Pier Road was often awash and spray from the waves breaking against the cement wall was flying against the houses.

The Pier Road in calmer times. In the storm of 1919 it was often awash with the spray from waves breaking against cement wall that protects the road.

The Greens’ Haven, usually shelted by the bulwark of yards out, was like a seething caldron, and fishermen had to be on the alert to see that the riding ropes of cobles were strong enough to hold.

The doors of the Ladies’ bathing House were burst in by the rude force of the waves, and there have also been several falls of cliff stone by the violence of the weather.

In the town, conditions were miserable, snow followed hail, and the wind beat both with violence in the faces of pedestrians. Roads were in a deplorable state, and did not at all make good going for those using motors.

The sea moderated somewhat by Tuesday, but here was still too much broken water about to allow the fishermen resuming their occupation.

There was a heavy snowstorm on Thursday, and the district was covered to a depth of several inches by a white mantle. Snow was falling heavily at mid-day.

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.

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