We have pleasure in announcing that the Military Cross has been awarded to Sec. Lieut. N.S. Craig, Royal Scots, son of Mr Nicol M. Craig, chemist, Berwick, and Mrs Craig, Castle Terrace, and we are sure all will join with us in congratulating this gallant young officer on the award which has come to him for gallant work in the field. Lieutenant Craig, who was a medical student at Edinburgh University, was attached to the Officers Training Corps there before joining up. He proceeded to Gailes for training, and was gazetted to the 2-10th Royal Scots in April, 1917, being later transferred to another battalion for service in France. He has our heartiest congratulations and good wishes for his future in the Country’s service.
LOCAL NEWS
Ex Corporal Graham, D.C.M., son of Mr Graham, baker, Castlegate, has been made the recipient of a handsome silver rose bowl from the Woodhorn Colliery Coy., in appreciation of the gallant act which earned the award for Distinguished Conduct in the field. Ex Corpl. Graham is now discharged, having lost his foot as a result of a bomb explosion, but is able to get about quite well on his artificial limb, and is now engaged in driving an electrically controlled engine at the Ashington Pits.
An interesting display in ambulance work, Morse signalling, and physical exercises, by the members of the Berwick Scout’s Evening Classes took place in the Drill Hall, Ravensdowne, on Thursday evening. The Mayor presided, and here were also present Mrs Plenderleith, Rev. R.C. Inglis, Mr G. H. Ballard, Mr T. M. Morrison, Mr Geo. Stewart, Mr Wm, J. Dixon and Mr James Stevenson. The programme, which was carried out under the direction of Scout Master E. W. Turnbull, consisted of a display given by three classes which have been taught during the winter under the auspices of the Education Committee.
(c) Graham Robson http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0/
The first part consisted of semaphore signalling taught by Leading Boatman Sparrow; this was followed by ambulance and stretcher drill, taught by Nurse Anthoney; and physical drill and other exercises, taught by Lance-Corporal John Mace Short and stimulating addresses were delivered by the mayor and Mr Dixon, and a presentation was made to Scout Alexander Stevenson, Ravensdowne, for best attendance and diligence. This consisted of two handsome volumes- one on Scottish Character, and the other the New Testament, these being kindly gifted by Mr G. Lindsay Hilson, Kenmore Bank, Jedburgh.
Twenty six lads of the Berwick Parish Church C.L.B. Corps (affiliated to the King’s Royal Rifle Corps) under the command of Lieut. R. Harvey, paraded on Easter Monday for a trip to Horncliffe. The lads, who looked quite smart in their new khaki uniforms, spent a most enjoyable day with manoeuvres and games.
This old establishment company of the Church Lads Brigade is now recognised by the War Office as a regular cadet company; and we are glad to note the increasing strength and efficiency of the company under the able command of Lieut. R. Harvey, assisted by Sergeant Instruct or Johnson, both of whom have been discharged from the army after severe wounds. It is proposed to have a Church Parade on Sunday at 10.45.
An interesting and enjoyable dance arranged by the warrant officers, staff sergeants and sergeants at the K.O.S.B. Depot, took place in the Gymnasium Hall at the Berwick Barracks on Friday evening. There were some sixty couples present. Dancing commenced a eight o’clock to excellent music supplied by the orchestra under the leadership of Mr Wilson; the duties of M.C. being efficiently discharged by Sergeant J. Wallace. Besides a representative attendance of the K.O.S.B. Depot there was also a considerable number of officers, warrant officers and sergeants present from other regiments in the vicinity. The W.A.A.C. attended, and lent material assistance in the purveying of the refreshments. The interior of the Gymnasium was very efficiently decorated under the supervision of Sergeant Kater, while the perfect state of the floor greatly contributed to the enjoyment of the dance which was kept up till 3 a.m. on Saturday morning.
Information was received by Mrs David Borthwick, Low Greens, on Saturday that her son Seaman James Borthwick R.N.R. was lying seriously ill in Haslar Hospital Gosport. Mr David Borthwick the father of the lad was absent at the time, being at a southern port, and Mrs Borthwick and Mr Henry Cowe at once proceeded to visit the lad.
We now learn that news has come that Seaman Borthwick is progressing favourably after an attack of inflammation and we are sure we express the hope of his many friends when we wish him to soon be well and fit again. It is only a month ago since Seaman Borthwick joined up on attaining the required years of age, and it is believed that the changed conditions of life have been responsible for his illness. He is a fine lad, and a great favourite with all, and we trust although his life in the sea Service has started under unfavourable circumstances that he will yet prove a credit to the service and an honour to the family to which he belongs.
NORHAM
A flag day was held on Saturday in aid of Irish Regiments and their prisoners of war. The arrangements were carried out by Miss Head and the sum of over £3 was collected. The young ladies taking up the duty of the sale of flags etc., were Misses Rose Cowe, E. Young, Jean Smith, M Reid, R Muckle and E Foreman.
Lambing is now in full swing in the Norham District, and given favourable weather, this year should prove a very much better one both for ewes and their lambs.
There has been a very good run of salmon on the reaches of the Tweed at Norham lately and several gentlemen visiting the district and local residents have had good sport with the rod and line. Trout are not in the best of condition, but are improving rapidly and in this department of the gentle art, some excellent sport should be available soon.
We are sorry to learn that up to the present no news has come to hand concerning the fate of Second-Lieut, F. Gartside-Tippinge, Royal Flying Corps, only son of Captain Tippinge and Mrs Tippinge of Morris Hall. Lieut Tippinge has been missing since October last, when certain units of a flight failed to return to the base in France after a raid over the enemy lines.
An early Royal Flying Corps recruitment poster.
Extensive enquiries have been made but without result, and the sympathy of all goes out to the parents in their anxious time. Lieut. Tippinge who was studying for the Army joined the R.F.A., in the first instance and was later transferred to the R.F.C., where he successfully passed his course. He was only a short time in France before being posted missing.
GOSWICK
Good progress is being made with the new loop line between Goswick and Beal and we understand when the work is finished the gangs engaged will be transferred to the Belford area, a loop line being contemplated between that station and Grag Mill.
A gentleman who had recently occasion to visit the district has remarked on the excellent possibilities of Goswick as a summer resort and watering place.
The beach has not its equal in Northumberland, while there is the splendid natural golf course to provide a draw. A small “Hydro” and some boarding houses are all that are required to complete the stock-in-trade of a summer resort, and it is urged that here is indeed room for someone with capital to boom Goswick after the war.
There was a large gathering of farmers and farm servants at Belford hirings on Wednesday but comparatively speaking; the amount of hiring done was not great, owing to the strong desire on the servants’ part to have very high wages and the desire on the farmers’ part to keep wages within what they considered reasonable bounds. Several engagements were effected at wages ranging from 35s per week to 38s, and in a few instances £2 weekly was received by really good men; lads were engaged at a few shillings per week less. In all cases the usual perquisites were received. Female farm workers were engaged at £1 and 25s weekly. There was a general scarcity of food supplies for the visitors. There was little or no meat, and the few pies the bakers had prepared were speedily sold out. One of the public houses had ample beer supplies, and did a large business.
LOCAL NEWS
Arrangements are now possible for the formation of Depots of German prisoners in different parts of the county who will be available for agricultural work, and enquiries are now being made as to the extent to which farmers will desire to take advantage of such labour if provided.
This photograph shows the role of women working in the fields at that time, flax pulling at Selby, Yorkshire: Scottish, English, Irish and Belgian girl farm workers, and a Japanese student at work in the fields. Wikimedia Commons.
In future an applicant for exemption will only have to appear before the Tribunal when the National Service Representative objects to his appeal. Otherwise he will get his exemption automatically. The concession is a little late in coming, but it will still save a good deal of time being wasted.
BERWICK PETTY SESSIONS
At Berwick Petty Sessions on Thursday 7th March, John Dudgeon, baker, Walkergate was convicted of having used over twenty five per cent of imported flour in making of loaves in contravention of the Food Controller’s Regulations. The defence was that bread was baked on the half sponge system which obtains in Scotland, and was also affected by the temperature of the particular day on which it was manufactured. The police on the other hand, produced local master bakers to disprove this; holding that if white bread of this nature could be made at Berwick it would be sold in other towns as it would command a ready sale. The Chief Constable stated that he had on several occasions warned Mr Dudgeon as to the risk he was running in continuing to ignore the regulations, and was latterly forced to adopt proceedings. The Bench found defendant guilty, and imposed a fine of £5.
NORHAM AND ISLANDSHIRES RURAL DISTRICT
MEAT RATIONING
MEAT CARDS are being posted this week to all Persons who were resident in the above District on 5th October last, and registered under the Sugar Scheme.
Persons who have removed into this District since that date must make application to me for a Card by TUESDAY, the 12th instant, stating names and ages of the Household.
W.T. KENNEDY
Executive Officer
Norham-on-Tweed,
March 7th, 1918
RURAL DISTRICT OF GLENDALE
FOOD DISTRIBUTION SCHEME
RATIONING OF MEAT, TEA, BUTTER AND MARGARINE, BACON AND CHEESE
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the above Scheme will come into force in the Glendale Rural District on the 25th March 1918, after which date supplies of MEAT, TEA, BUTER and MARGERINE, BACON, and CHEESE, will only be procurable on production of a Food Card and from a retailer with whom the holder of the card is registered.
Cards will be issued to all Individuals, and any who have not received cards by 15th March should make immediate application to the Food Office.
ALL RETAILERS of the above mentioned Foodstuffs and all owners of Hotels, etc., will required to be registered, and must apply for Application Forms for Registration by March 11th.
WILLIAM BONE
Executive officer
Registry Office
WOOLER, 5th March 1918.
MEETING OF FRIENDS IN FRANCE
We are pleased to learn that letters have come to hand from Lieut. Wm. Gregson, R.F.C., son of the late Mr John Gregson, formerly editor of the “Berwick Advertiser,” and Mrs Gregson, High St. Berwick, stating that he has undergone an operation and has luckily retained his foot which was badly wounded, and that he was soon hopes to be well enough to be sent across to “Blightly”.
Lieut. Gregson says he had just arrived at the rail head at a Casualty Clearing station, when he looked up and saw Private A. E. Constable of Berwick. Both recognised each other instantly and at the Clearing Station a good talk about Berwick and old times took place. Private Constable is serving on the Red Cross Ambulance Train.
Private Constable writing home says, “I was assisting to carry a Flying Officer, when I found I was carrying that old friend Wm. Gregson of Berwick. He recognised me at once and quoted a line of Juvenal. He had a pretty painful wound, but is one of our most cheery patients and is very anxious to talk about Berwick. Private Constable also writes that not long ago he came across the 7th N.F., and saw Lieut. Stiles, Lieut. Herriott and Major A. H. M. Weddell.
SCREMERSTON
A farm servant employed at Heatherytops, when following his occupation, fell from a cart and broke some of his ribs. We understand he is making progress towards recovery.
We understand the annual Egg service will be held in the Parish Church on Easter Sunday and in view of the need for eggs in our hospitals gifts of these will be most thankfully received.
We learn that a ballot of men employed at Scremerston Colliery, under provisions of the Man Power Bill, took place on Wednesday.
Little progress appears to be made with the Volunteer movement in the village, and there are only a few men taking part in the drills held at the Old Institute. One cannot help thinking it would be better for men who have the time to join the Volunteers before the next comb out takes place.
The Hope of Coldstream members (17) visited the Scremerston Lodge on Monday night. The Hope of Coldstream is a Lodge recently re-started, and they owe the re-start to the Hope of Scremerston, which was incidental in sending their present Chief Templar, Bro. W. Logan, who went to Coldstream a few months ago. Along with Sister Black he managed to get a few members together, and they have at the present 54. The Coldstream members filled the offices, and supplied the programme, which was very much enjoyed. The Scremerston Lodge provided them with a light refreshment before they proceeded on their way home.
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N.S. Craig, Royal Scots, son of Mr Nicol M. Craig, chemist, Berwick, and Mrs Craig, Castle Terrace, and we are sure all will join with us in congratulating this gallant young officer on the award which has come to him for gallant work in the field. Lieutenant Craig, who was a medical student at Edinburgh University, was attached to the Officers Training Corps there before joining up. He proceeded to Gailes for training, and was gazetted to the 2-10th Royal Scots in April, 1917, being later transferred to another battalion for service in France. He has our heartiest congratulations and good wishes for his future in the Country’s service.
