BERWICK ADVERTISER, 14TH OCTOBER 1921

HORNCLIFFE MEMORIAL HALL

OPENING CEREMONY

What may be termed as Horncliffe’s completion of her memorial schemes to her fallen sons was the opening of the Memorial Hall on Thursday. Favoured by delightful weather, there was a crowded attendance within the building when Mr Alec. Ritson, Thornton, declared it open in fitting terms.

There still remained a debt of £200 to be cleared off, however, and immediately after a sale of work, for which preparations have been going on for many months, followed. Business was very brisk during the afternoon, which augured well for the effort being successful.

Horncliffe War Memorial © Eric Musgrave (WMR-33471)

THE OPENING CEREMONY

Capt. F. C. H. Allenby, R. N., presided, and in calling upon Mr Thornton to declare the hut open, made fitting reference to those who had returned after enduring hardships for the sake of those at home. He mentioned that they had collected the sum of £583 to date for the Memorial and the Hut, and he hoped that at the end of the day they would be able to raise the greater part of the £200 to clear off the debt still standing on the building. They could not, he proceeded, have selected one more fitting than Mr Ritson to declare the Hall open. He was always willing to help and serve the community. He much regretted that he suffered from ill-health, but he had served his country to the best of his ability in the War. He knew he felt deeply he was unable to serve in the trenches. He remembered a service friend of his telling him that he wished all men would only do their duty in the sphere they were told off for, and Mr Ritson had always done his duty in his own sphere, rather than call on other people to do it. (Applause).

VISCOUNT GREY AT BERWICK

A LONG AND THOUGHTFUL SPEECH

For some weeks Berwick has been a centre of political interest, on account of Viscount Grey’s return to active politics in support of Mr Walter Runciman in his candidature for the Berwick-upon-Tweed Division, and on Monday night the Corn Exchange was filled with an audience drawn from all classes of opinion in the constituency. The daily and Sunday newspapers have been prophesying that Viscount Grey was to assume the leadership of the Independent Liberals, and again that he was to announce an alliance with Lord Robert Cecil. Neither of these things came off. The meeting was arranged in support of Mr Runciman, and the main thing that came out of Viscount Grey’s speech was that he was in entire sympathy with the Independent Liberals and Mr Runciman. Whether he will be able to remain in the background time will show. There was a large gathering on the platform, and the list we give of those present will also be interesting for its omission of some who have been prominent Liberals in the past, but who are not at the moment “Independents.” In addition to the two prominent speakers there were: – Mr. R. C. Bosanquet, president of the Berwick-upon-Tweed Liberal Association ( in the chair) and Mrs Bosanquet; Mrs Runciman; Sir Walter and Lady Runciman; Mr G. W. Hindmarsh, chairman of the Executive; Ald. T. Wilson. J. P.; Messrs Gerald France, M.P.; Wm. Macdonald, Rock; Rutherford, Seahouses; A. Mitchie, Alnwick; J. Clark, Belford; the Rev. C. L. Stowe, Berwick; D. Elliot, Belford; Mrs Richardson, Berwick; Messrs R. Boston, Spittal; J. Boston, Spittal; Ald. P. Boston, Spittal; W. Nelson, Lowick; J. H. Culley, Kirknewton; T. L. McAndrews, Amble; Miss Boston, Spittal; Messrs F. R. Padley, Wooler; J. Seals, Berwick; A. Younger, Allerdean; Councillor Dudgeon, Berwick; T. Elder, Berwick; Ald. J. Elder, Berwick; Miss Hume, Alnwick; Messrs H. Dowsett, Northern Liberal Federation; D. Elliot, Alnwick; C. Hindmarsh, Alnwick; H. W. Willits, Berwick; J. Cleghorn, Wooler; F. Hindmarsh, Alnwick; J. B. Beveridge, Tweedmouth; T. Morrison, Berwick; J. J. Simmen, Berwick; lady Robson; Miss Gregson, secretary Women’s Liberal Association; Mr W. A. Edwards, secretary Berwick Divisional Liberal Association, and Mrs Edwards; Mr J. Macnab, Beal.

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

When the party filed onto the platform, amid cheers, there was a pause for a flashlight photograph, and then Mr Bosanquet welcomed Viscount Grey on his return to the constituency from which he had been taken during the war, assuring him that their love and pride and confidence in him were unabated. A rapturous welcome greeted Viscount Grey when he rose. There was a marked improvement in his appearance since he last spoke in Berwick at the War Memorial Meeting. He was more vigorous in his gestures, and had much less difficulty in referring to his notes, which were brief. At one point he was speaking with uplifted arm, and there was another disturbing flash from the camera, which should never have been allowed. We give below a full report of the speech. There was no lack of ability in the Government, he said, but great ability was combined with extreme instability of policy, which had shaken the confidence of people both at home and abroad. We saw it in their treatment of Russia, Mesopotamia, the French Government and the Labour Party, with whom they had played fast and loose over Nationalisation. His most important remarks were on Ireland, and it is a pity that they were not made months ago. We should clear our minds, he said, of sentiment and gush and face the facts of the situation, instead of pretending to be generous after our policy of reprisals had failed. His only reservation to admitting Ireland as a full partner to Dominion partnership was that the naval defence of both islands should be under one naval authority. His last topic was unemployment, and the only permanent remedy in his opinion was good trade. Nationalisation was not the remedy but labour should have its share in the management of industry- an important admission. The speech was well received. There was silence while Lord Grey spoke of nationalisation, loud applause when he said that time had shown the South Africans that in negotiating with them we had been speaking in good faith and that what we had promised had come true. References to Mr Gladstone and Sir Henry Campbell-Bannerman were also cheered. Indeed one felt that at the back of Viscount’s Grey’s mind was the thought of what a difference it would have made if Home Rule had been accepted, as it was first offered by the great leaders he had a served under.

TWEEDMOUTH RATEPAYERS’ MEETING

In the absence of Alderman Elder, Councillor Brewis presided over a large and orderly meeting of Tweedmouth ratepayers in the Mitchell memorial Hall on Wednesday night. Supporting him were Councillor Watt, Mr T. Douglas, Mr D. Watson, Mr Eales, and Mr Bradford. Apologies were sent by Councillor Lockhart and Mr Trainer.

Councillor Brewis, in his opening address, touched on various topics. With regards to the Glasgow Steel Company he thought the non-Freemen were wrong in commencing their activities when the negotiations with the Council were at a critical stage. He thought it was only when the Company saw that the Freemen and non-Freemen could not agree among themselves that they decided to go elsewhere. He could assure any industrial company that wanted to establish themselves in their neighbourhood that Tweedmouth could supply them with a site and equal railway facilities.

The opening of the housing scheme on Monday was a great event for Tweedmouth. The cost to Tweedmouth was a penny in the pound, and the income taxpayers in the country found the rest. They welcomed the new residents. Unfortunately they would not see the whole scheme carried out; in fact, full consent had not yet been obtained for the present addition of twenty-four.

BERWICK ADVERTISER, 29TH JULY 1921

TWEEDMOUTH FEAST FESTIVITIES

Splendid Racing on Land and Water

Rain Spoils Cycle Races on Monday

The time honoured festival of Tweedmouth Feast was celebrated this year on a much more ambitious scale than has been the rules for some years past. There were amusements for all, from the round-abouts and side shows in the West End for the youngsters and the frivolous, to professional and amateur races on the flat, cycle races, and a salmon coble regatta.

Tweedmouth Feast, 1966. Ref: BRO 1944-1-4597

The crowd in the town over the weekend was well up to previous standards, and from the Tyneside area large number of old Twampies and Berwickers came back to observe the old ceremony. At the Sports, perhaps the crowd was slightly smaller than in previous years, but the running made it well worth the while of those who patronised the event. Tweedside Cyclists had a great night on Tuesday, and seldom has finer racing been seen.

The Feats of 1921 will be remembered as one crowded weekend of first class sport.

TWEEDMOUTH SHOW,

BERWICK HORSE PROCESSION INCLUDED,

A SUCCESSFUL START TO A NEW VENTURE

When the question of reviving the old time Berwick Horse Procession came up this year, the Committee with a knowledge of past difficulties, decided that to be a financial success, the procession could never be revived on quite the same lines as in pre-war days. The idea of a show to include the horses and other agricultural classes was mooted and taken up enthusiastically by a go-a-head committee with Capt. J. E. Carr as chairman and Mr Ralph Bradford and Mr J. B. Beveridge, Tweedmouth, as secretaries. Last year an attractive programme of sports was arranged for Tweedmouth Feast Saturday, and the Committee, knowing that no better day could be chosen for launching a new venture in Tweedmouth, decided to incorporate the procession and the Show with these sports. During the past few months , a great deal of work has been put into arrangements for Tweedmouth’s first Show – as the inhabitants on that side of the water proudly term it, and the Committee saw the reward of their labours in the successful gathering on Saturday last in Union Park, Tweedmouth. Weather conditions were favourable and a large number of people from the Borough and district assembled off the field to inspect the stock in their pens or see them parade in the ring.

BERWICK AMATEUR ATHLETIC SOCIETY

Rain Blasts Spoil Annual Sports Festival

A Flat Racer’s Day and Cyclist’s Wash-Out

The annual athletic festival held by Berwick Athletic Society was this year spoiled to some extent by the gale which prevailed and the drenching showers of rain which swept over the field at intervals. As might reasonably be expected there was a falling off in the “gate” receipts, and officials tell us that this year the enclosure was dvoid of many of its usual patrons, while country people, too, did not attend in such large numbers as usual.

The heavy rain of the previous night had rather improved the track than otherwise, and all would have been well for competitors had only the weather remained on its best behaviour. Rain, however, fell at intervals, and although it did not interfere with foot racing to any great extent, still the greasy state of the grass rendered cycling extremely hazardous. Many a good cycle race was spoiled by the back markers side-slipping when making their winning-spurts at the bend leading to the home straight, and after the second heavy shower, men who were giving away big starts took no risks. No one could blame them, as several nasty smashes had taken place previously. Fortunately there were no serious results.

The organisation was again this year well-nigh perfect, and the marksmen and officials deserve every credit for the expeditious manner in which the events were run off. Particularly we would give them credit for the way they got through the numerous heats in the boys’ and girls’ races. It was essentially a youngsters’ day. Their races had an entry which promises well for future sports, and heats were all the more interesting because everyone was a tryer.

FETE IN FORD CASTLE GROUNDS

A Fete in aid of the Ford, Etal, Pallinsburn and Milfield Nursing Association was held in the grounds of Ford castle on Thursday last in fine weather. A large gathering of people was present from the district, char-a-bancs running at intervals from Alnwick, Wooler and Berwick. The Fete was opened at 2 p.m. by Lady Francis G. Osborne, Ord House, who was introduced by Mrs Charles Mitchell, of Pallinsburn, Vice-President of the Nursing Association.

Ford Castle Ref: BRO 515-89

Lady Francis, who was accompanied by Lord Francis G. Osborne, was received with cheers. Her remarks were as follows: – Ladies and gentlemen, – If we read the newspapers of today we see there is a great movement on foot to improve the general health of the community – better housing, Infant Welfare Centres, School clinics, all are part of the same scheme. But the district nurses were at work long before such things were thought of. When we look back over their years of work we see how good it has been, and how useful, for it has enabled those people who could not otherwise afford it, to have the benefit of trained nursing in their homes in time of sickness. The expenses of running the Association are increasing and the subscriptions do not cover them, that is why this fete is being held in these beautiful grounds of this historic castle, kindly lent by Lord Joicey. I appeal to you, ladies and gentlemen to open your hearts, your hands, and your purses and make it a huge financial success for the benefit of your friends and neighbours in their time of sickness. I know declare it opened.  (Applause.)

BERWICK ADVERTISER, 29 OCTOBER 1920

TWEEDMOUTH HONOURS HER FALLEN SONS

IMPRESSIVE SERVICE AT WAR MEMORIAL UNVEILING CEREMONY

CAPT. THE HON. W. WATSON ARMSTRONG REMEMBERS HIS TWEEDMOUTH COMRADES

“COUNTRY NEEDS REMONDER OF THEIR DEVOTION TO DUTY.” SAYS COL.WRIGHT

Tweedmouth War memorial. 

Never perhaps in the history of Tweedmouth, stretching as it does away back into the dim past when it was a hamlet placed under the See [sic] of Durham, has such a gathering been seen as that which assembled round the memorial erected at the Bridge End to the 111 sons of Tweedside who risked their lives and counted not the cost in giving their all for humanity in the Great World War, 1914-18.

The day was bitterly cold, with a damp grey mist hanging over the river, through which the bastioned heights of Berwick loomed ghostly. Nevertheless, a gathering numbering several thousands assembled from all parts of the Borough and preserved a reverent silence prior to the opening of the proceedings. The arrangements made by the Committee were admirable. A large platform was erected on the side of the enclosure nearest the bridge to accommodate those taking part in the unveiling ceremony – the Mayor, Sheriff, and Corporation, the Committeemen, members of the Clergy, and other friends. Relatives of the fallen were lined up inside of the enclosure, while a guard of honour provided by the 7th Battalion Northumberland Fusiliers paraded under the command of Capt. E. H. Crow and Lieut. J. H. Huffam was also on parade. The guard was lined up along the pavement, and their smartness when they came to the “present” was commented upon.

TWEEDMOUTH WAR MEMORIAL

[Dedicated to the Men whose Names appear.]

We cannot bring you home again,

Brave sons of fair Tweedside;

Nor can we see each battle plain,

Or view the ocean’s tide,

Wherein you lie wrapped in the shroud

Of clay, or waters deep,

Heroes of whom Tweedside is proud,

Proud, though at times we weep.

We cannot see each lonely grave,

Scattered inlands afar,

Some where the stately palm fronds wave,

Under the Eastern star,

Some where the Grecian vintage grows,

Under the deep blue sky,

Some where the frozen Alpine snows

Glisten on mountains high.

Some on the lonesome Russian plains,

Some where the Frenchmen died,

Some where the Belgians’ first campaigns

Held back the German tide,

Some where the oceans toss and roll,

Deep in their hidden gloom;

Over the Globe from Pole to Pole,

You’ll find the Tweedsider’s tomb.

We’ve carved your names on granite pile,

Sons of the Tweedside race,

Where the river dips in its last lone mile

Along to the sea’s embrace.

Your spirits live in the silent stone,

Graced by the sculptor’s art,

Nor can Time’s ruthless hand dethrone

Your names from one Tweedside heart.

THOMAS Grey, Tweedmouth

LOCAL NEWS

There is no truth in the rumour that the baths have been cut out of the Council houses which are to be put up at Tweedmouth, but the Treasury is in a very cheeseparing mood, and is doing all it can to bring down the cost of the houses by cutting out small extras. Those interested in the houses should therefore get the Councillors in their wards to keep a very close watch to see that the houses are not spoilt for the sake of a ha’porth of tar. Sir Francis Blake is pledged up to the hilt in the matter of housing, and his influence can be counted upon for the redressal of grievances.

CARTRIDGE CAUSES EXPLOSION IN BERWICK HOUSE

About mid-day on Saturday an explosion took place in the fireplace of a house in East Street, Berwick, occupied by Mr Wise, a gas worker, but this was happily not attended with serious consequences, though a little material damage was done.

Mr Wise and his little boy were in the room at the time, when without warning something exploded in the fireplace, causing the flames to fly out into the room and scattering fragments of burning coal and a cloud of soot into the room.

The little boy, who was near the fire, had his cheek slightly scorched by the heat. A table was also scorched, and burning fragments coming in contact with clothes hanging before the fire and also the window curtains, were set smoldering. Mr Wise was nearly overcome by the fumes when he got into the street after smothering out the minor fires.

Investigations conducted later showed the explosions to have been caused by a Mark V1 rifle cartridge (old pattern) which had somehow got mixed with the coal. The empty case was found in the grate.

BERWICK RANGERS FOR FINAL

Berwick Rangers intend to make a bid in the final of the East of Scotland Qualifying Cup, when they meet the Vale of Leithen on the Rovers’ ground at Peebles. Some dissatisfaction has been expressed in Berwick that the Association has seen fit to make the venue so far away from Berwick, necessitating the team to spend the greater part of the day travelling. When football is not in a flourishing condition exacting in the south of the Borders, it was also felt that a fitting scene for the final would have been at Coldstream or Duns, this being calculated to stimulate enthusiasm in the game there. The Rangers’ team, however, are making the journey in good heart, and are confident that they will make the Vale go all the way. The team is very much the same as that which has represented the club all season in important matches, with the exception that Fenby, the Spittal outside-right comes in once more in that position. A numbers of supporters will travel to Peebles by char-a-banc to give their team vocal backing. The rangers’ team is:-Edney; Buglass and Purves; R. D. Richardson, Walkenshaw, and Mealmaker; Fenby, Richardson, Falconer, A. Johnston, and Gilchrist. The team will travel by taxi to Peebles, leaving early in the day.

CONTRACT FOR NEW HOUSES PRACTICALLY ACCEPTED

The report of the Housing and Town Planning Council of the 16th October, with reference to the Tweedmouth Housing Scheme, was read as follows: — It was reported Messrs Stephen Easton, Ltd., had submitted the following prices on no.3 contract for 68 houses; — A type of house, £969; B type, £1,091 per house. The price being exclusive of nominal profit if constructed of brick, but if constructed on the Weardale Hoop Iron construction system, the price to include profit. The profit under the contract, if the houses are of brick, to be £40 per house, but if the work comes out at more than this cost, the contractor to be cut down until he may only receive a maximum profit of £20 per house. If, however, the work comes out at less than the estimated cost, the contractor to receive the £40 nominal profit plus 50 per cent of the saving. It was agreed to accept the tender, subject to the consent of the Ministry of Health and subject to the mayor and architect being satisfied with the houses. The houses to be of concrete, and consist of 42 A type and 26 B type.

Pictured are prefabs similar to those which once stood in Valley View, Tweedmouth, Berwick-uopn-Tweed.  Prefabs were seen as a solution in the first half of the 20th century to ease the housing shortage.  Copyright: Barry Shimmon – (CC BY-SA 2.0). 

The Mayor, in moving the adoption of the report, said the architect and himself had gone through and examined the construction of these houses. They say the system of construction, and as far as his own judgment and the judgment of the architect were concerned, they felt quite sure that houses constructed of reinforced concrete were more durable than brick, and a great advantage also to be gained was the saving in time of erection. The matter at the present time was before the Ministry of Finance, and the Housing Commissioner at Newcastle had expressed confidence that the contract would be passed. If it was passed they might expect to see the business of erection commenced within a few weeks, as the contractors undertook to erect the 68 houses within the 12 months. Councillor Dixon seconded, and the report was agreed to.

The Authority, on the motion of the mayor, seconded by Councillor Blench, agreed to seal two bonds for £50 and £250 respectively in connection with the Tweedmouth Housing Scheme.