January 24 2009 Written by berwick-advertiser.co.uk
Mystery of Autograph Book Found in House Clearance
An autograph book dating back almost 100 years and containing dozens of references to Berwick has been found during a house clearance.
It was found by William Moore in a house in Norwich and he is now keen to try and find out a bit more about some of the people it mentions.
The book's inside cover reveals it was given to 'Leonard' from his granny as a Christmas present in 1910. Its contents include poems, short notes, humorous anecdotes, drawings and photographs, along with a number of autographs.
A photograph of an officer, named as John Hamilton, taken at New Year 1913 is of particular interest.
"He was clearly a very decorated man and it is the only photograph in the book so I would like to find out more about him as well as the others mentioned," said William.
RFS Morrison, of Berwick Grammar School, on a page dated July 7, 1911, contributes: 'Tis education forms the common mind: just as the twig is bent the tree's inclined'.
There is also a verse from P Thompson of 4, Summerhill Terrace, who writes: 'He was a thief, and many a thing he stole. His bags of chink he chunk and many a wicked smile he smole and many a wink he wunk'.
John H Mason of 5, Quay Walls, in a note dated March 26, 1913, presents a 'cynic's account of a church dedicated to All Saints'.
Gwilyn Thomas of the Grammar School, contributes a poem dated March 31, 1911, while Victor Woodcock, also of the Grammar School, signed the book on October 26, 1912.
Poems are also written by E W Stiles, listed only as Berwick, on July 4, 1915; G H Balland, also of Berwick, on June 7, 1913 and Marjorie V Milne of Berwick, writing on July 30, 1917.
F Egerton Warren notes on October 22, 1912: "Play the game! You'll score'.
There is even a copy of an envelope, complete with one penny stamp, addressed to 'Monsieur Vignals, 31a la rue du chateau, Berwick, Angeleterre'.
Among the drawings is a pencil sketch of the Greenses harbour by F S Spaull on July 12, 1911 which clearly shows a section of the old men's swimming pond.