This is a continuation of the Lowick and District’s Response to the Belgian Refugees 1914 – 1915 - part 11 and the final part.
Alternatively, see all the previous parts of the Lowick and District’s Response to the Belgian Refugees 1914 – 1915, together.
Narrator
Thank you. That demonstrates the practical difficulties faced by local officials and the never ending paper work.
References to Belgian refugees almost disappear from the local papers. A chance comment made by the Rev Smith, in his report of ‘Christmas in Lowick’, in the Berwick Advertiser of the 31st December 1915, reveals that they had left the area. It would seem that they went without any fanfare.
A list of parishioners, dated New Year 1919, kept by Father Corcoran of St Edwards Roman Catholic Church, Lowick, stated that all but one Belgian family, the Van Hoofs at Lowlynn cottages, had left the area for Newcastle, London and Poole. In November 1918, Theresa Julia Van Hoof, visited Lowlynn: she was working as a servant in Newcastle and was presumably a relative. Did the family remain in England?
By 1920, the overwhelming majority of Belgian refugees had returned home, actively encouraged to do so, by both Governments. Few signs remain of their presence, other than an occasional memorial tree planted by grateful refugees.
Thomas Boal’s knowledge of Flemish no doubt accounted for the accuracy of the details in the newspaper. We have been able to confirm that both of the South Berrington families returned safely to Mechelen, the Van der Meirens back to 53 Horse Cemetery Street. The Van Puyenbroeck family first went to Glasgow. Mauritius, aged 7 at the time, told his sons about the cold winters, being snowed in, and having to re-learn Dutch when he returned home. Maybe they sailed soon after. The Steffen and Van Horenbeck families also returned to Mechelen.
Despite the constant water supply problem; the many cottages declared unfit for occupation and the various demands on their purses, local people certainly did their bit.
Primary Sources
Newspapers - Berwick Advertiser, Berwick Journal, Newcastle Daily Journal, Yorkshire Evening Post.
Northumberland Constabulary Registration of Aliens File (held at Woodhorn)
School Log Books and Registers – Ancroft Log Book and Register; Beal Log Book; Cheswick Log Book and Register; Lowick Log Book and Register (all Berwick Archives)
Parish Registers – St John the Baptist, Lowick - Burial Register (transcript Berwick Archives)
St Edward’s Roman Catholic Church, Lowick – Baptism Register for Haggerston and Lowick; Register of Death (contains lists of communicants and parishioners) (held by Rev David Tanner, Glanton Roman Catholic Church)
Glendale Rural District Council Minutes ( Berwick Archives)
Belgian Refugee families – details confirming safe return of four families provided by Mechelen Archives; photos by descendants of two of the families.
Celebrating 900 years of Berwick's history and cultural heritage.
Showing posts with label Julie Gibbs. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Julie Gibbs. Show all posts
Saturday, 18 July 2015
Tuesday, 14 July 2015
Lowick and District’s Response to the Belgian Refugees 1914 – 1915 - part 11
This is a continuation of the Lowick and District’s Response to the Belgian Refugees 1914 – 1915 - part 10.
Alternatively, see all the previous parts of the Lowick and District’s Response to the Belgian Refugees 1914 – 1915, together.
Captain Fullarton James, Morpeth
I’ve received a letter from Rev Wishart as follows
The Lowick Constable has just brought me his enclosed letter which he sent to his inspector, with the reply written across it. I don’t quite understand why he did not apply direct to you for the permission, but he evidently wanted me to do it for him, so I told him I would write you and I think his letter explains the whole case. Yours sincerely.
Why has Rev Wishart become involved and why hasn’t the Superintendent sorted it?
I forwarded Rev Wishart’s letter to Superintendent Bolton who replied on the 9th July:
Sir,
I am in receipt of yours dated 8th inst (July), enclosing letter from Rev Wishart, Lowick, having referred to a Belgian Soldier, in France, who wishes to visit his brother at Lowick. I beg to inform you that PC Henderson handed in to the Inspector at Wooler the letter also enclosed when being paid on Tuesday 6th inst (July). I told him to inform Joannes Baptista De Roover, to apply to you for permission for his brother to visit Lowick and marked it on his letter for the Constables own information and gave it back, but did not expect he was going to give it to the Rev Wishart.’
The Rev Wishart does a good deal for the Belgians and the Constable not being able to make them understand what was wanted, took it to him in error.
I am, Sir,
Your Obedient Servant
I decided it would be best to write to Rev Wishart direct.
I am in receipt of your letter of the 6th inst, having reference to the above named person, I am assuming you are acting for his brother but he must on arrival produce his passport and register himself with Superintendent (Thomas) Bolton, Alnwick, to whom I am sending a copy of this letter.
On hearing of De Roover’s arrival, the Superintendent will arrange the time and place of registration. There is no procedure except whatever there may be at Port of Sailing and Port of Arrival, no doubt full instructions will be given at both sides.
I thought that was settled but on the 26th October, I received another letter from Rev Wishart asking for permission for De Roover to visit his brother in this restricted area.
My Clerk replied that I had no objection to the above named soldier visiting his relatives at Lowick provided he is able to produce documentary proof of his nationality and is vouched for, by the War Refugees Committee in London.
He must also report his arrival to Supt Bolton, Alnwick, from where he will receive instructions as to registration etc.
You will be pleased to know, Ladies and Gentlemen, that August De Roover visited his family in Lowick on the 18th November 1915 and left on the 22nd en-route for Belgium. He was 18 years old.
(PC Henderson and Chief Constable sit down)
Narrator
Thank you. That demonstrates the practical difficulties faced by local officials and the never ending paper work.
Alternatively, see all the previous parts of the Lowick and District’s Response to the Belgian Refugees 1914 – 1915, together.
Captain Fullarton James, Morpeth
I’ve received a letter from Rev Wishart as follows
The Lowick Constable has just brought me his enclosed letter which he sent to his inspector, with the reply written across it. I don’t quite understand why he did not apply direct to you for the permission, but he evidently wanted me to do it for him, so I told him I would write you and I think his letter explains the whole case. Yours sincerely.
Why has Rev Wishart become involved and why hasn’t the Superintendent sorted it?
I forwarded Rev Wishart’s letter to Superintendent Bolton who replied on the 9th July:
Sir,
I am in receipt of yours dated 8th inst (July), enclosing letter from Rev Wishart, Lowick, having referred to a Belgian Soldier, in France, who wishes to visit his brother at Lowick. I beg to inform you that PC Henderson handed in to the Inspector at Wooler the letter also enclosed when being paid on Tuesday 6th inst (July). I told him to inform Joannes Baptista De Roover, to apply to you for permission for his brother to visit Lowick and marked it on his letter for the Constables own information and gave it back, but did not expect he was going to give it to the Rev Wishart.’
The Rev Wishart does a good deal for the Belgians and the Constable not being able to make them understand what was wanted, took it to him in error.
I am, Sir,
Your Obedient Servant
I decided it would be best to write to Rev Wishart direct.
I am in receipt of your letter of the 6th inst, having reference to the above named person, I am assuming you are acting for his brother but he must on arrival produce his passport and register himself with Superintendent (Thomas) Bolton, Alnwick, to whom I am sending a copy of this letter.
On hearing of De Roover’s arrival, the Superintendent will arrange the time and place of registration. There is no procedure except whatever there may be at Port of Sailing and Port of Arrival, no doubt full instructions will be given at both sides.
I thought that was settled but on the 26th October, I received another letter from Rev Wishart asking for permission for De Roover to visit his brother in this restricted area.
My Clerk replied that I had no objection to the above named soldier visiting his relatives at Lowick provided he is able to produce documentary proof of his nationality and is vouched for, by the War Refugees Committee in London.
He must also report his arrival to Supt Bolton, Alnwick, from where he will receive instructions as to registration etc.
You will be pleased to know, Ladies and Gentlemen, that August De Roover visited his family in Lowick on the 18th November 1915 and left on the 22nd en-route for Belgium. He was 18 years old.
(PC Henderson and Chief Constable sit down)
Narrator
Thank you. That demonstrates the practical difficulties faced by local officials and the never ending paper work.
Sunday, 12 July 2015
Lowick and District’s Response to the Belgian Refugees 1914 – 1915 - part 10
This is a continuation of the Lowick and District’s Response to the Belgian Refugees 1914 – 1915 - part 9.
Alternatively, see all the previous parts of the Lowick and District’s Response to the Belgian Refugees 1914 – 1915, together.
Official letters confirm the presence of the De Roover family in Lowick between July and November 1915. PC Henderson, the Lowick Constable, and the Chief Constable, who you have already met, will explain further.
PC Henderson and Chief Constable (one on either side of the stage)
John Henderson, Lowick Constable
I have a very difficult problem to solve. I have been asked by one of the refugee families in Lowick if a brother currently serving in France can visit them for a few days.
I wrote to my superior, Inspector Bell at Wooler Police Station, on the 6th July 1915, as follows
I beg to report that, a Belgian soldier somewhere in France, wishes to visit his brother, Joannes Baptista De Roover, at Lowick.
Mr De Roover wants to know the procedure to enable him to acquaint his brother in France.
I am sir,
your Obedient Servant
I handed the letter in, on Tuesday, when I went to get paid. Inspector Bell forwarded it to Thomas Bolton, Superintendent, Alnwick, who returned it to me, noted ‘Apply to Chief Constable of Morpeth for permission’.
This is all very well, but how do I explain this to the refugees ? I don’t speak Flemish and they don’t seem to understand me. It’s one thing trying to remove the unauthorised hawkers camping on the common, but communicating with the Flemish speakers is nigh impossible. I may not like what the hawkers say when asked for their names and addresses but at least I can understand them!
I’ve had a good idea, I’ll pass the letter to Rev Wishart; he’s very good with the refugees.
Unbeknown to me this decision set off a chain of letters.
Alternatively, see all the previous parts of the Lowick and District’s Response to the Belgian Refugees 1914 – 1915, together.
Official letters confirm the presence of the De Roover family in Lowick between July and November 1915. PC Henderson, the Lowick Constable, and the Chief Constable, who you have already met, will explain further.
PC Henderson and Chief Constable (one on either side of the stage)
John Henderson, Lowick Constable
I have a very difficult problem to solve. I have been asked by one of the refugee families in Lowick if a brother currently serving in France can visit them for a few days.
I wrote to my superior, Inspector Bell at Wooler Police Station, on the 6th July 1915, as follows
I beg to report that, a Belgian soldier somewhere in France, wishes to visit his brother, Joannes Baptista De Roover, at Lowick.
Mr De Roover wants to know the procedure to enable him to acquaint his brother in France.
I am sir,
your Obedient Servant
I handed the letter in, on Tuesday, when I went to get paid. Inspector Bell forwarded it to Thomas Bolton, Superintendent, Alnwick, who returned it to me, noted ‘Apply to Chief Constable of Morpeth for permission’.
This is all very well, but how do I explain this to the refugees ? I don’t speak Flemish and they don’t seem to understand me. It’s one thing trying to remove the unauthorised hawkers camping on the common, but communicating with the Flemish speakers is nigh impossible. I may not like what the hawkers say when asked for their names and addresses but at least I can understand them!
I’ve had a good idea, I’ll pass the letter to Rev Wishart; he’s very good with the refugees.
Unbeknown to me this decision set off a chain of letters.
Saturday, 11 July 2015
Lowick and District’s Response to the Belgian Refugees 1914 – 1915 - part 9
This is a continuation of the Lowick and District’s Response to the Belgian Refugees 1914 – 1915 - part 8.
Alternatively, see all the previous parts of the Lowick and District’s Response to the Belgian Refugees 1914 – 1915, together.
Narrator
What good organisers, the people of Lowick are or were!
The Steffen family, at Haggerston Cottages, had the sad task of burying two young children in Lowick churchyard; the ‘heretic cemetery at Lowick’ as recorded in the Roman Catholic Register of Deaths. Josephina aged 3, buried in November 1914 and Jan aged 4, in December, died from bronchitis and convulsions, as certified by Dr Elliott. Hendrik, their 13 year old brother, used English for the first time to ask for milk for his sick brother and sister.
A report, in the Advertiser, of a concert held in December, at the Catholic School, Lowick, stated that a grant had been received from the Berwick Belgian Relief Fund which together with the work of the local committee had put the provision for the families on a sound footing. All the able-bodied men were employed and earning wages, although some of the work was seasonal and casual.
The Van Puyenbroeck family joined in the singing with great enthusiasm.
During the first few months of 1915, fund raising for the Refugees continued in Lowick and elsewhere. On April 29th, a public meeting was held in the Lowick Subscription School by the Belgian Refugee Committee. As there was a balance in hand of £37 7s 11d (£37.40) (943.35 Belgian francs), it was decided to discontinue the monthly subscriptions, leaving it to the Committee to resume them as and when they thought necessary.
As 1915 wore on, appeals appeared in the national and local newspapers reminding the ‘Britishers’ what they owed the Belgians and asking for a greater show of liberality both in money and energy to aid local refugees and those in Belgium. In Northumberland, the refugees, now numbering about 900, were in a great need of summer and under-clothing. It was felt necessary to point out that as most were the better class people, they would not accept dirty clothing.
The Mayor of Berwick decided to ignore the June appeal for funds for Belgium, but was upset when Berwick was left off the list of Northumberland towns that were ‘doing their bit to keep alive the unfortunate millions’. He pointed out that shortly after the War started, £400 cash and £100 of valuable goods were sent to Belgium. While aware of the needs of the Belgian people, efforts still needed to be made for the French and Russian funds and he felt it unadvisable to make any further special effort.
Official letters confirm the presence of the De Roover family in Lowick between July and November 1915. PC Henderson, the Lowick Constable, and the Chief Constable, who you have already met, will explain further.
Alternatively, see all the previous parts of the Lowick and District’s Response to the Belgian Refugees 1914 – 1915, together.
Narrator
What good organisers, the people of Lowick are or were!
The Steffen family, at Haggerston Cottages, had the sad task of burying two young children in Lowick churchyard; the ‘heretic cemetery at Lowick’ as recorded in the Roman Catholic Register of Deaths. Josephina aged 3, buried in November 1914 and Jan aged 4, in December, died from bronchitis and convulsions, as certified by Dr Elliott. Hendrik, their 13 year old brother, used English for the first time to ask for milk for his sick brother and sister.
 |
| Edward Steffens and Elisabeth Neutjens (in later life) |
A report, in the Advertiser, of a concert held in December, at the Catholic School, Lowick, stated that a grant had been received from the Berwick Belgian Relief Fund which together with the work of the local committee had put the provision for the families on a sound footing. All the able-bodied men were employed and earning wages, although some of the work was seasonal and casual.
 |
| Van Puyenbroeck family in November 1918 |
During the first few months of 1915, fund raising for the Refugees continued in Lowick and elsewhere. On April 29th, a public meeting was held in the Lowick Subscription School by the Belgian Refugee Committee. As there was a balance in hand of £37 7s 11d (£37.40) (943.35 Belgian francs), it was decided to discontinue the monthly subscriptions, leaving it to the Committee to resume them as and when they thought necessary.
As 1915 wore on, appeals appeared in the national and local newspapers reminding the ‘Britishers’ what they owed the Belgians and asking for a greater show of liberality both in money and energy to aid local refugees and those in Belgium. In Northumberland, the refugees, now numbering about 900, were in a great need of summer and under-clothing. It was felt necessary to point out that as most were the better class people, they would not accept dirty clothing.
The Mayor of Berwick decided to ignore the June appeal for funds for Belgium, but was upset when Berwick was left off the list of Northumberland towns that were ‘doing their bit to keep alive the unfortunate millions’. He pointed out that shortly after the War started, £400 cash and £100 of valuable goods were sent to Belgium. While aware of the needs of the Belgian people, efforts still needed to be made for the French and Russian funds and he felt it unadvisable to make any further special effort.
 |
| Extract from Lowick School Register |
Lowick and District’s Response to the Belgian Refugees 1914 – 1915 - part 8
This is a continuation of the Lowick and District’s Response to the Belgian Refugees 1914 – 1915 - part 7.
Alternatively, see all the previous parts of the Lowick and District’s Response to the Belgian Refugees 1914 – 1915, together.
Narrator
Meanwhile more families arrived as reported by the Lowick Correspondent for the Advertiser, 30th October.
Lowick Correspondent
Two more families have arrived. One is in the village and the other at Barmoor East Cottage, about half a mile from Lowick. Although the population in the district is not very large, it is gratifying to see how the people are rallying round and helping these unfortunate people in their adversity.
The new arrivals, like the first, are wholly dependent on our help, because they also came to Lowick with just what they were wearing, so it is to be sincerely hoped our duty toward them will not be forgotten. Bit by bit we are learning from them the terrible sufferings they have endured, before they eventually escaped from the “Berlin butchers”, as the Germans are rightly named. Their plight may have been ours but for the gallant stand they made between us and safety. The Lowick people, as a rule are very kind-hearted and it can be said with confidence they will never shirk the duty they have been asked to perform, and from those who live in districts where no refugees are and who would like to share the burden along with the Lowick people, gifts of clothing, furniture, food and money will be gratefully received. It is not a case of philanthropy but of justice. We are asked to thank the Wooler friends through the press, for the parcel of clothing sent.
If everyone gives a little there is no fear of failure.
One thing that has been evident, which will no doubt be remedied shortly, is that some of the families have had large quantities of perishable goods given to them – more than is really necessary – consequently some of these things may have been wasted and others may not have had sufficient. It was therefore decided to call a public meeting to see if a systematic distribution could be arranged. The meeting was held in the Public Subscription School on Wednesday evening, October 21st, and was one of the largest public meetings ever held in Lowick. As a rule when public meetings are held in Lowick they are very poorly attended, but on Wednesday it was certainly the exception, as every available seat was occupied and the enthusiasm throughout the meeting must have given those who were elected, confidence to carry out their work.
Dr Elliott, who is a keen worker for the welfare of the Belgians, took the chair. He said it was their bounden duty to see that the refugees did not want for anything, and as their stay would not only be weeks or months, but probably over a year, he hoped the public who had attended the meeting would give the matter their careful consideration before coming to any decision. The question was “How are we going to maintain them?” If a house to house collection was decided upon he hoped the people would arrange to give at the beginning what they would be able to keep up to the end, so that they would know what to expect from the collection each week. He read a letter from Mr Ronald Barber, Lowick Hall, saying he was sorry he could not be present at the meeting, but he would undertake to look after the family now living in his cottage. He intended giving the husband work during their stay in Lowick and he would also give work to the man who was living in Renwick’s cottage. This kind offer was heartily applauded by the audience. The meeting was afterwards open for discussion. It was decided to appoint nine ladies to carry out the work to see that each family obtained an equal supply of food, and to investigate into all matters. The nine ladies were unanimously chosen! A central fund has been opened in Newcastle and Mr Riddle, of Berrington, as a member of the Committee, and also representative for the Lowick district advised joining it. This was agreed to, but it was decided that no money was to be sent until a full report came from the committee. Another public meeting was arranged for Monday evening, October 26. Two adults were elected to visit each house to ascertain how much every house-hold would be prepared to give each week or month.
A letter was read from Mr E W Stiles, of Berwick, stating that if houses could be provided in Lowick, the Berwick people would undertake to furnish them.
At the second public meeting, the arrangements were completed for the house to house collection. Mr Riddell explained that he had seen Mrs Pattinson of Lowlynn, and that she was telling the householders in Bowsden, from whom she had already collected, that in future their contributions had better go to the Lowick Committee. Mr Riddell explained the position of the Northumberland, Newcastle and Tyneside Belgian Refugee Committee and proposed that all money raised by means of the house to house collection should be kept in the district for local purposes and that any outside subscriptions that might come in or any church collections should be forwarded to the Central Committee. It was decided to do this. Father Corcoran, who was unable to be present, sent a letter stating that 18s 1d (£0.90) had been raised by the Lowick Leek Club for the refugee fund. It was suggested that if it was possible to provide work, such as the making of toys, to the cabinet makers among the refugees, orders should be given through Rev D R Wishart, secretary of the Committee.
Alternatively, see all the previous parts of the Lowick and District’s Response to the Belgian Refugees 1914 – 1915, together.
Narrator
Meanwhile more families arrived as reported by the Lowick Correspondent for the Advertiser, 30th October.
Lowick Correspondent
Two more families have arrived. One is in the village and the other at Barmoor East Cottage, about half a mile from Lowick. Although the population in the district is not very large, it is gratifying to see how the people are rallying round and helping these unfortunate people in their adversity.
The new arrivals, like the first, are wholly dependent on our help, because they also came to Lowick with just what they were wearing, so it is to be sincerely hoped our duty toward them will not be forgotten. Bit by bit we are learning from them the terrible sufferings they have endured, before they eventually escaped from the “Berlin butchers”, as the Germans are rightly named. Their plight may have been ours but for the gallant stand they made between us and safety. The Lowick people, as a rule are very kind-hearted and it can be said with confidence they will never shirk the duty they have been asked to perform, and from those who live in districts where no refugees are and who would like to share the burden along with the Lowick people, gifts of clothing, furniture, food and money will be gratefully received. It is not a case of philanthropy but of justice. We are asked to thank the Wooler friends through the press, for the parcel of clothing sent.
If everyone gives a little there is no fear of failure.
 |
| Newcastle Daily Journal 22 October 1914 |
One thing that has been evident, which will no doubt be remedied shortly, is that some of the families have had large quantities of perishable goods given to them – more than is really necessary – consequently some of these things may have been wasted and others may not have had sufficient. It was therefore decided to call a public meeting to see if a systematic distribution could be arranged. The meeting was held in the Public Subscription School on Wednesday evening, October 21st, and was one of the largest public meetings ever held in Lowick. As a rule when public meetings are held in Lowick they are very poorly attended, but on Wednesday it was certainly the exception, as every available seat was occupied and the enthusiasm throughout the meeting must have given those who were elected, confidence to carry out their work.
Dr Elliott, who is a keen worker for the welfare of the Belgians, took the chair. He said it was their bounden duty to see that the refugees did not want for anything, and as their stay would not only be weeks or months, but probably over a year, he hoped the public who had attended the meeting would give the matter their careful consideration before coming to any decision. The question was “How are we going to maintain them?” If a house to house collection was decided upon he hoped the people would arrange to give at the beginning what they would be able to keep up to the end, so that they would know what to expect from the collection each week. He read a letter from Mr Ronald Barber, Lowick Hall, saying he was sorry he could not be present at the meeting, but he would undertake to look after the family now living in his cottage. He intended giving the husband work during their stay in Lowick and he would also give work to the man who was living in Renwick’s cottage. This kind offer was heartily applauded by the audience. The meeting was afterwards open for discussion. It was decided to appoint nine ladies to carry out the work to see that each family obtained an equal supply of food, and to investigate into all matters. The nine ladies were unanimously chosen! A central fund has been opened in Newcastle and Mr Riddle, of Berrington, as a member of the Committee, and also representative for the Lowick district advised joining it. This was agreed to, but it was decided that no money was to be sent until a full report came from the committee. Another public meeting was arranged for Monday evening, October 26. Two adults were elected to visit each house to ascertain how much every house-hold would be prepared to give each week or month.
A letter was read from Mr E W Stiles, of Berwick, stating that if houses could be provided in Lowick, the Berwick people would undertake to furnish them.
At the second public meeting, the arrangements were completed for the house to house collection. Mr Riddell explained that he had seen Mrs Pattinson of Lowlynn, and that she was telling the householders in Bowsden, from whom she had already collected, that in future their contributions had better go to the Lowick Committee. Mr Riddell explained the position of the Northumberland, Newcastle and Tyneside Belgian Refugee Committee and proposed that all money raised by means of the house to house collection should be kept in the district for local purposes and that any outside subscriptions that might come in or any church collections should be forwarded to the Central Committee. It was decided to do this. Father Corcoran, who was unable to be present, sent a letter stating that 18s 1d (£0.90) had been raised by the Lowick Leek Club for the refugee fund. It was suggested that if it was possible to provide work, such as the making of toys, to the cabinet makers among the refugees, orders should be given through Rev D R Wishart, secretary of the Committee.
Friday, 10 July 2015
Lowick and District’s Response to the Belgian Refugees 1914 – 1915 - part 7
This is a continuation of the Lowick and District’s Response to the Belgian Refugees 1914 – 1915 - part 6.
Alternatively, see all the previous parts of the Lowick and District’s Response to the Belgian Refugees 1914 – 1915, together.
It was performed as a "radio play" in Berwick Guildhall on 25 April 2015 at Discover Berwick’s First World War Story. Researched and written by Julie Gibbs.
Narrator
We may never know the truth. Such cases must have been very common and time consuming.
You will be pleased to know that for the benefit of the Belgian Refugees in Lowick and Haggerston District, who now number over 60, the Berwick Journal on 22nd October 1914 included a short summary of the news from Belgium, in Flemish.
The day before, the Medical Officer of Health visited Lowick. He reported to the Glendale Rural District Council that the water supply was almost gone. Water could only be got at one pant (in Northumberland, a pant is a pump, water trough or fountain to supply drinking water for people or animals) or in the middle of the village and that he understood only occasionally. He felt it highly desirable for matters to be expedited, for with an influx of refugees and a possibility of wounded being brought to the village, the scarcity of water was liable to bring about a serious condition. (Lowick’s water supply had occupied the minds of the Parish Council and Glendale Rural District Council for years and continued to do so for years to come!)
Meanwhile more families arrived as reported by the Lowick Correspondent for the Advertiser, 30th October.
Alternatively, see all the previous parts of the Lowick and District’s Response to the Belgian Refugees 1914 – 1915, together.
It was performed as a "radio play" in Berwick Guildhall on 25 April 2015 at Discover Berwick’s First World War Story. Researched and written by Julie Gibbs.
Narrator
We may never know the truth. Such cases must have been very common and time consuming.
You will be pleased to know that for the benefit of the Belgian Refugees in Lowick and Haggerston District, who now number over 60, the Berwick Journal on 22nd October 1914 included a short summary of the news from Belgium, in Flemish.
The day before, the Medical Officer of Health visited Lowick. He reported to the Glendale Rural District Council that the water supply was almost gone. Water could only be got at one pant (in Northumberland, a pant is a pump, water trough or fountain to supply drinking water for people or animals) or in the middle of the village and that he understood only occasionally. He felt it highly desirable for matters to be expedited, for with an influx of refugees and a possibility of wounded being brought to the village, the scarcity of water was liable to bring about a serious condition. (Lowick’s water supply had occupied the minds of the Parish Council and Glendale Rural District Council for years and continued to do so for years to come!)
Meanwhile more families arrived as reported by the Lowick Correspondent for the Advertiser, 30th October.
Wednesday, 8 July 2015
Lowick and District’s Response to the Belgian Refugees 1914 – 1915 - part 6
This is a continuation of the Lowick and District’s Response to the Belgian Refugees 1914 – 1915 - part 5.
Alternatively, see all the previous parts of the Lowick and District’s Response to the Belgian Refugees 1914 – 1915, together.
It was performed as a "radio play" in Berwick Guildhall on 25 April 2015 at Discover Berwick’s First World War Story. Researched and written by Julie Gibbs.
Narrator
The family in Cheswick visited by Mr Boal, features in the following police correspondence.
Let me introduce Captain Fullarton James, Chief Constable, Morpeth, Northumberland, who will explain further.
Captain Fullarton James
Good afternoon.
I have received a letter from Arthur Cayley of the Mead, Beal, dated 19th October 1914, expressing his suspicions of one of the Belgian Refugees. This is what he wrote,’
Lodewijk van Horenbeck, a joiner by trade seems not to wish to get employment, is receiving letters, is visited by other men at dark, wanders on the high roads – pretends not to understand French or German tho’ he did on arrival. I have approached the Postmaster at Berwick, to report to headquarters with a view to examination of correspondence. The man is married & has three children, and is about 30 to 35 years of age. Miss Leyland is looking after this family along with others and her suspicions have been aroused some time ago.
Believe me,
yours faithfully
Arthur Cayley’
(The 4th name says Van Horenbeich, Barbara - parent's first name: Lodewijk)
Of course I immediately contacted Thomas Bolton, the Superintendent at Alnwick. He wrote
I beg to inform you that I cannot find or ascertain that anything is out of place with this man. It seems that he often visits a family named Thompson at Scremerston, who has a daughter at present at home, married to a Belgian named Black ( a very suspicious sounding name for a Belgian!), and the Thompson’s very often visit Horenbeck at Cheswick. Horenbeck is 36 years of age and working in the gardens at Cheswick, he is married, with a wife aged 33 and their children are 14, 9 and 2½.
Sergeant Elliot has had this man under observation, and has still, but has been unable to see anything out of place; it seems that Miss Leyland was at the Sergeant about this man. I will see that every attention is given.
I don’t think the man cares much about garden work; he is a joiner by trade.
I am Sir,
Your Obedient Servant,
Thomas Bolton, Superintendent.
On the 9th November I received a letter from E Holt Wilson, Captain, M.O.5 (g), War Office, Whitehall.
He had been informed by Thomas Snowball, the Postmaster of Berwick, that A Cayley, Esq of Haggerston Castle, Beal, has called upon him and reported suspicious movements of a Belgian Refugee.
His name is Lodewijk Van Horenbeck and his wife’s maiden name Van Perek. They reside in a cottage provided by local resident near Cheswick House, Beal.
I have been asked to examine the parties as to their name, business, origin etc sending the War Office full particulars of their passports and references in Belgium and England.
I have to ask the Belgians to write in Flemish, to the Belgian Consul giving the history of their present position under which they claim to be without means and desire to be considered Refugees.
Mr Cayley is certainly persistent. On the 12th November, he wrote to me again stating that he had reported to the Postmaster at Berwick some weeks ago that Van Horenbeck and his movements were causing suspicion and that he had also heard that he was receiving a quantity of letters.
He asked the Postmaster to report this to his HQ, thinking that this correspondence if examined might lead to justification for suspicion.
He suggested a Belgian lad at Haggerston who can talk Flemish and French, could be trusted to help should his services be required.
The lad cannot speak English. Mr Cayley offers his own assistance.
How long will this case go on for? I do have other work to do.
(Sits down. )
Alternatively, see all the previous parts of the Lowick and District’s Response to the Belgian Refugees 1914 – 1915, together.
It was performed as a "radio play" in Berwick Guildhall on 25 April 2015 at Discover Berwick’s First World War Story. Researched and written by Julie Gibbs.
Narrator
The family in Cheswick visited by Mr Boal, features in the following police correspondence.
Let me introduce Captain Fullarton James, Chief Constable, Morpeth, Northumberland, who will explain further.
Captain Fullarton James
Good afternoon.
I have received a letter from Arthur Cayley of the Mead, Beal, dated 19th October 1914, expressing his suspicions of one of the Belgian Refugees. This is what he wrote,’
Lodewijk van Horenbeck, a joiner by trade seems not to wish to get employment, is receiving letters, is visited by other men at dark, wanders on the high roads – pretends not to understand French or German tho’ he did on arrival. I have approached the Postmaster at Berwick, to report to headquarters with a view to examination of correspondence. The man is married & has three children, and is about 30 to 35 years of age. Miss Leyland is looking after this family along with others and her suspicions have been aroused some time ago.
Believe me,
yours faithfully
Arthur Cayley’
 | |
| Partial Transcript of Belgian children admitted to Cheswick School, 9 November 1914 |
Of course I immediately contacted Thomas Bolton, the Superintendent at Alnwick. He wrote
I beg to inform you that I cannot find or ascertain that anything is out of place with this man. It seems that he often visits a family named Thompson at Scremerston, who has a daughter at present at home, married to a Belgian named Black ( a very suspicious sounding name for a Belgian!), and the Thompson’s very often visit Horenbeck at Cheswick. Horenbeck is 36 years of age and working in the gardens at Cheswick, he is married, with a wife aged 33 and their children are 14, 9 and 2½.
Sergeant Elliot has had this man under observation, and has still, but has been unable to see anything out of place; it seems that Miss Leyland was at the Sergeant about this man. I will see that every attention is given.
I don’t think the man cares much about garden work; he is a joiner by trade.
I am Sir,
Your Obedient Servant,
Thomas Bolton, Superintendent.
On the 9th November I received a letter from E Holt Wilson, Captain, M.O.5 (g), War Office, Whitehall.
He had been informed by Thomas Snowball, the Postmaster of Berwick, that A Cayley, Esq of Haggerston Castle, Beal, has called upon him and reported suspicious movements of a Belgian Refugee.
His name is Lodewijk Van Horenbeck and his wife’s maiden name Van Perek. They reside in a cottage provided by local resident near Cheswick House, Beal.
I have been asked to examine the parties as to their name, business, origin etc sending the War Office full particulars of their passports and references in Belgium and England.
I have to ask the Belgians to write in Flemish, to the Belgian Consul giving the history of their present position under which they claim to be without means and desire to be considered Refugees.
Mr Cayley is certainly persistent. On the 12th November, he wrote to me again stating that he had reported to the Postmaster at Berwick some weeks ago that Van Horenbeck and his movements were causing suspicion and that he had also heard that he was receiving a quantity of letters.
He asked the Postmaster to report this to his HQ, thinking that this correspondence if examined might lead to justification for suspicion.
He suggested a Belgian lad at Haggerston who can talk Flemish and French, could be trusted to help should his services be required.
The lad cannot speak English. Mr Cayley offers his own assistance.
How long will this case go on for? I do have other work to do.
(Sits down. )
Tuesday, 7 July 2015
Lowick and District’s Response to the Belgian Refugees 1914 – 1915 - part 5
This is a continuation of the Lowick and District’s Response to the Belgian Refugees 1914 – 1915 - part 4.
Alternatively, see all the previous parts of the Lowick and District’s Response to the Belgian Refugees 1914 – 1915, together.
It was performed as a "radio play" in Berwick Guildhall on 25 April 2015 at Discover Berwick’s First World War Story. Researched and written by Julie Gibbs.
Mr Boal
I am now going on to Cheswick to visit a family there, under Mrs Crossman’s charge. I won’t be long.
(........)
Mr Boal
I am back and I am pleased to report that they were very cheerful considering all they had gone through, and one could not fail to be impressed by the brightness of the three young children.
The youngest – a little boy of 2½ was playing with a box of bricks on the floor. Their father told us, that they had twice left Mechelen (Malines, Belgium) and gone back. The last time they went back was a fortnight after the first occupation, and they expected the Germans had gone for good. They had got nicely settled down in their house, which was undamaged, and a day or two later had just got dinner ready when some Belgian soldiers rode down the street, and running out, he learned that the Germans were close upon them. Leaving their dinner uneaten, and without time to gather up any of their belongings, they rushed straight off, and were continually on the march for six hours.
What that meant to the mothers and the young children, you can imagine.
A neighbour got out his horse and trap, loaded it with such of his goods as it would carry, and was just leaving with his wife and family when a German shell struck their trap, and all perished.
I’ll take my leave now.
Narrator
Thank you Mr Boal. That was most helpful.
Alternatively, see all the previous parts of the Lowick and District’s Response to the Belgian Refugees 1914 – 1915, together.
It was performed as a "radio play" in Berwick Guildhall on 25 April 2015 at Discover Berwick’s First World War Story. Researched and written by Julie Gibbs.
Mr Boal
I am now going on to Cheswick to visit a family there, under Mrs Crossman’s charge. I won’t be long.
(........)
 |
| Partial Transcript of Belgian children admitted to Cheswick School, 9 November 1914 |
Mr Boal
I am back and I am pleased to report that they were very cheerful considering all they had gone through, and one could not fail to be impressed by the brightness of the three young children.
The youngest – a little boy of 2½ was playing with a box of bricks on the floor. Their father told us, that they had twice left Mechelen (Malines, Belgium) and gone back. The last time they went back was a fortnight after the first occupation, and they expected the Germans had gone for good. They had got nicely settled down in their house, which was undamaged, and a day or two later had just got dinner ready when some Belgian soldiers rode down the street, and running out, he learned that the Germans were close upon them. Leaving their dinner uneaten, and without time to gather up any of their belongings, they rushed straight off, and were continually on the march for six hours.
What that meant to the mothers and the young children, you can imagine.
A neighbour got out his horse and trap, loaded it with such of his goods as it would carry, and was just leaving with his wife and family when a German shell struck their trap, and all perished.
I’ll take my leave now.
Narrator
Thank you Mr Boal. That was most helpful.
Sunday, 5 July 2015
Lowick and District’s Response to the Belgian Refugees 1914 – 1915 - part 4
This is a continuation of the Lowick and District’s Response to the Belgian Refugees 1914 – 1915 - part 3.
Alternatively, see all the previous parts of the Lowick and District’s Response to the Belgian Refugees 1914 – 1915, together.
It was performed as a "radio play" in Berwick Guildhall on 25 April 2015 at Discover Berwick’s First World War Story. Researched and written by Julie Gibbs.
Frau Van der Meiren
We lived not far from the church in Malines, and our house was right in the line of firing when bombardment commenced. Our address was 53 Horses-Cemetery- Street. I feel very sad telling you this, because we left behind two of our sons, and of their fate I am uncertain. Louis (23½) is in the Army, but Alphonse (22) – Ah, I know “nichts”. I have a faint hope that he might have been taken for the Army too, though ordinarily as he was one of four sons he would not have been called on for military service. Ah it is hard, hard, when you get them up to 20 and then lose them!
My neighbour, Mijnheer Van Puyenbroeck, was a sawyer. One of the few things he saved from his house was a silver and enamel Medal which the week before War broke- out, he received from the King. It was a medal not for military service, but for 25 years faithful service with one employer. The ribbon is in the Belgian colours.
His wife can tell terrible stories of the German atrocities and the terrible damage wrought in our Church. From Mechelen, they went to a place near Termonde where her brother had a piece of land, but there they could not stay long for the Germans used this land for trenches. At Termonde, we Belgians blew up a bridge; a large portion of it still remained on the far side and she saw a score of Germans perish there.
Another story she told, illustrated how we suffered from spies. In Mechelen, was a painter who was employed in work on the public buildings. Suspicions were aroused regarding him, and it was found he was a spy in German pay. He tried to escape but was caught, and a roll of German paper-money was found down his stocking-legs. Further investigations in his house revealed the fact that both of his sons had incriminating documents in their possession. All three were promptly taken out and shot!
His daughter is away at Lowick nursing a fellow country-woman there, who was at death’s door with pneumonia, but has now happily got the turn. She was employed in one of the famous Mechelen lace factories. She is a clever needlewoman, and it is hoped that some home- work in the way of embroidery and the like, may be found for her.
Mr Boal
(to audience) Are you listening Border women?
(To Frau Van Der Meiren) I know that you are all very eager for news of the War in Belgium; I can tell you little that is cheering, but Britain is but a small country itself, and all its great Colonies are sending help. It may be one month or two months, one year or two years, but the Germans have got to go down!
Dank uvel! Vaarwel! (Goodbye)Frau Van Der Meiren.
Alternatively, see all the previous parts of the Lowick and District’s Response to the Belgian Refugees 1914 – 1915, together.
It was performed as a "radio play" in Berwick Guildhall on 25 April 2015 at Discover Berwick’s First World War Story. Researched and written by Julie Gibbs.
 |
| Van der Meiren Family Tree |
We lived not far from the church in Malines, and our house was right in the line of firing when bombardment commenced. Our address was 53 Horses-Cemetery- Street. I feel very sad telling you this, because we left behind two of our sons, and of their fate I am uncertain. Louis (23½) is in the Army, but Alphonse (22) – Ah, I know “nichts”. I have a faint hope that he might have been taken for the Army too, though ordinarily as he was one of four sons he would not have been called on for military service. Ah it is hard, hard, when you get them up to 20 and then lose them!
 |
| The Van Puyenbroeck family in November 1918 |
My neighbour, Mijnheer Van Puyenbroeck, was a sawyer. One of the few things he saved from his house was a silver and enamel Medal which the week before War broke- out, he received from the King. It was a medal not for military service, but for 25 years faithful service with one employer. The ribbon is in the Belgian colours.
His wife can tell terrible stories of the German atrocities and the terrible damage wrought in our Church. From Mechelen, they went to a place near Termonde where her brother had a piece of land, but there they could not stay long for the Germans used this land for trenches. At Termonde, we Belgians blew up a bridge; a large portion of it still remained on the far side and she saw a score of Germans perish there.
Another story she told, illustrated how we suffered from spies. In Mechelen, was a painter who was employed in work on the public buildings. Suspicions were aroused regarding him, and it was found he was a spy in German pay. He tried to escape but was caught, and a roll of German paper-money was found down his stocking-legs. Further investigations in his house revealed the fact that both of his sons had incriminating documents in their possession. All three were promptly taken out and shot!
His daughter is away at Lowick nursing a fellow country-woman there, who was at death’s door with pneumonia, but has now happily got the turn. She was employed in one of the famous Mechelen lace factories. She is a clever needlewoman, and it is hoped that some home- work in the way of embroidery and the like, may be found for her.
Mr Boal
(to audience) Are you listening Border women?
(To Frau Van Der Meiren) I know that you are all very eager for news of the War in Belgium; I can tell you little that is cheering, but Britain is but a small country itself, and all its great Colonies are sending help. It may be one month or two months, one year or two years, but the Germans have got to go down!
Dank uvel! Vaarwel! (Goodbye)Frau Van Der Meiren.
Wednesday, 1 July 2015
Lowick and District’s Response to the Belgian Refugees 1914 – 1915 - part 3
This is a continuation of the Lowick and District’s Response to the Belgian Refugees 1914 – 1915 - part 2.
Alternatively, see all the previous parts of the Lowick and District’s Response to the Belgian Refugees 1914 – 1915, together.
It was performed as a "radio play" in Berwick Guildhall on 25 April 2015 at Discover Berwick’s First World War Story. Researched and written by Julie Gibbs.
Narrator
Thank you Border Woman. Now ladies, you have no excuse, there are plenty of ways to help.
You have heard that most of the refugees speak only Flemish. To get a true understanding of their ordeal we need a Flemish speaker to visit them and update us. Who better, than Mr Thomas William Wilson Boal, a gentleman of Berwick and a Flemish speaker to boot.
Mr Thomas William Wilson Boal
Good afternoon. Even if you do not know me, you will be familiar with the Leeds Clothing Store in West Street, of which my father has been proprietor for over 20 years. I assist him of course when I have the time, but I am also a well-known sportsman. I have been prominently identified with the Berwick Cycle Club for the last 23 years and was the First Honourable Secretary of the Northern Cyclists August Meet. Aside from my sporting interests, I am the secretary of the Berwick Young Liberals.
However the reason I am here now, is to make use of my Flemish, which I learnt while at school in Antwerp. I met two young men from the Belgian party, shortly after their arrival. They are staying with other members of their family, Van der Meiren by name, at South Berrington, in a cottage granted by Mr Middlemas. They are cabinetmakers by trade and being anxious to find work, Mr Middlemas and an Interpreter took them to Berwick. Like all the other refugees excepting one, who has a smattering of French, they can only speak Flemish. While talking to them I was accompanied by my niece Miss Sinclair and her family, who came back from Antwerp when the War broke out. Miss Sinclair also speaks Flemish. She had a conversation with the two young men – aged 17 and 16 respectively – who appeared to be delighted in meeting at such a place someone with whom they could converse.
They come from Malines or Mechelen, which is situated in the north of Belgium between Antwerp and Brussels. Before the war, it was a thriving city of about 60,000 inhabitants, many of whom worked in the railway industry or in the artisan furniture business. There was also an important market gardening activity in and around the area.
The young men were thirsting for news. They had left Malines, they said, when the shells began to burst around the town. The Germans were then about 2 hours (7 miles) away. All distances in Belgium are measured by time. They were anxious to know if the Germans had got into Malines. They had been unable to get information. On leaving they had gone to Antwerp where they remained for a month, and then tried to get back to their home, but were unsuccessful. Finally they had been compelled to come to England. They are now as comfortable as can be at South Berrington.
I am intending to visit the Van der Meiren family. Here I am, just outside their cottage. Above which and their neighbours, hang the Union Jack and the Belgian Flag with staffs crossed – typifying British national hospitality for the brave people on whom the first brunt of German invasion fell. Hopefully you will understand enough of our conversation.
Goeie avond (Good evening) Frau Van der Meiren. I am Mr Boal. I have already spoken to your sons, but what can you tell us about your family and your escape from Belgium?
Frau Van der Meiren
Goeie avond Mijnheer Boal. As well as my two sons, Julius and Frans, I have a little daughter, Maria Jozefina, aged 2½.
In the next cottage is Mijnheer and Frau Van Puyenbroeck and their three children, the youngest a sturdy little fellow of about six. We rejoiced greatly when we discovered one another as neighbours here, after the flight from Mechelen, for we had known one another in the ruined town which was once our home. My husband was a baker’s vanman, and daily delivered bread at the house of the Van Puyenbroeck’s, who were employed at a Mechelen meuble-mackers.
(The Van Puyenbroeck family stayed in South Berrington cottages before moving to Glasgow in 1915. The photo was taken in November 1918 in Bournemouth.)
Mr Boal
That is ‘cabinet makers.’
Alternatively, see all the previous parts of the Lowick and District’s Response to the Belgian Refugees 1914 – 1915, together.
It was performed as a "radio play" in Berwick Guildhall on 25 April 2015 at Discover Berwick’s First World War Story. Researched and written by Julie Gibbs.
 |
| Thomas William Wilson Boal, extracted from Berwick Advertiser 17 June 1915 |
Thank you Border Woman. Now ladies, you have no excuse, there are plenty of ways to help.
You have heard that most of the refugees speak only Flemish. To get a true understanding of their ordeal we need a Flemish speaker to visit them and update us. Who better, than Mr Thomas William Wilson Boal, a gentleman of Berwick and a Flemish speaker to boot.
Mr Thomas William Wilson Boal
Good afternoon. Even if you do not know me, you will be familiar with the Leeds Clothing Store in West Street, of which my father has been proprietor for over 20 years. I assist him of course when I have the time, but I am also a well-known sportsman. I have been prominently identified with the Berwick Cycle Club for the last 23 years and was the First Honourable Secretary of the Northern Cyclists August Meet. Aside from my sporting interests, I am the secretary of the Berwick Young Liberals.
However the reason I am here now, is to make use of my Flemish, which I learnt while at school in Antwerp. I met two young men from the Belgian party, shortly after their arrival. They are staying with other members of their family, Van der Meiren by name, at South Berrington, in a cottage granted by Mr Middlemas. They are cabinetmakers by trade and being anxious to find work, Mr Middlemas and an Interpreter took them to Berwick. Like all the other refugees excepting one, who has a smattering of French, they can only speak Flemish. While talking to them I was accompanied by my niece Miss Sinclair and her family, who came back from Antwerp when the War broke out. Miss Sinclair also speaks Flemish. She had a conversation with the two young men – aged 17 and 16 respectively – who appeared to be delighted in meeting at such a place someone with whom they could converse.
They come from Malines or Mechelen, which is situated in the north of Belgium between Antwerp and Brussels. Before the war, it was a thriving city of about 60,000 inhabitants, many of whom worked in the railway industry or in the artisan furniture business. There was also an important market gardening activity in and around the area.
The young men were thirsting for news. They had left Malines, they said, when the shells began to burst around the town. The Germans were then about 2 hours (7 miles) away. All distances in Belgium are measured by time. They were anxious to know if the Germans had got into Malines. They had been unable to get information. On leaving they had gone to Antwerp where they remained for a month, and then tried to get back to their home, but were unsuccessful. Finally they had been compelled to come to England. They are now as comfortable as can be at South Berrington.
I am intending to visit the Van der Meiren family. Here I am, just outside their cottage. Above which and their neighbours, hang the Union Jack and the Belgian Flag with staffs crossed – typifying British national hospitality for the brave people on whom the first brunt of German invasion fell. Hopefully you will understand enough of our conversation.
Goeie avond (Good evening) Frau Van der Meiren. I am Mr Boal. I have already spoken to your sons, but what can you tell us about your family and your escape from Belgium?
Frau Van der Meiren
Goeie avond Mijnheer Boal. As well as my two sons, Julius and Frans, I have a little daughter, Maria Jozefina, aged 2½.
 |
| The Van Puyenbroeck family |
(The Van Puyenbroeck family stayed in South Berrington cottages before moving to Glasgow in 1915. The photo was taken in November 1918 in Bournemouth.)
Mr Boal
That is ‘cabinet makers.’
Monday, 29 June 2015
Lowick and District’s Response to the Belgian Refugees 1914 – 1915 - part 2
This is a continuation of Lowick and District’s Response to the Belgian Refugees 1914 – 1915 - part 1.
It was performed as a "radio play" in Berwick Guildhall on 25 April 2015 at Discover Berwick’s First World War Story. Researched and written by Julie Gibbs.
Narrator
Now ladies, if by late October, you are still unclear as to how you can help, ‘Border Woman’ will put you straight. You no doubt read her regular ‘Women’s Work and Interest’ column in the (Berwick) Journal.
Border Woman (22 October 1914)
Good Afternoon,
‘Women of Berwickshire', let us put our shoulders to the wheel and see what we can do, now, immediately, to help our friends and allies, the Belgians. Just imagine how it must feel to leave everything behind and then be plunged into a country in which you cannot make yourself understood by your neighbours – in which it is extremely difficult to glean news even of what has happened in your own land since you left it.
I implore you not to say, “There is so little that I can do. I have had so many calls on my purse lately” – every one of us can do something, and every one of us must do all that lies in her power; and please, when you are asked to help, do not say “Yes, yes, but they’ll have to find some work to do.” Find some work to do! You cannot imagine how anxious they are to find work, nor how difficult it is to find it. Those who have a home in a farm cottage will probably be given odd day’s work by the farmer, but as winter comes on, and the odd day’s work is more and more difficult to find, we must help and help and help again.
To begin with, all who have “summer cottages,” or unoccupied furnished homes, can offer to lend them free of rent and taxes. The War Refugee Committee promises to put only responsible people of the educated classes into such houses - people who will understand how to take care of them. While few of us possess such a house, all however, can help with the Belgians of the working class, by finding every suitable empty cottage in the country, and buying, begging or borrowing furniture and then asking all one’s friends to guarantee a regular weekly contribution towards helping that family through the winter – 3d (1p) to 2s 6d (12½p) a week – whatever they are able to promise regularly in money or kind.
If you cannot help in this way, there are already 59 Belgians in the Ancroft, Lowick, Haggerston, and Cheswick districts. In the two former, the organisation is under Mr Riddell and Mr Middlemass, South Berrington; Mrs Crossman, of Cheswick House, and Mrs Leyland, of Haggerston Castle, are responsible for between 20 and 30. The Belgians who have come are extremely thrifty, industrious, and intelligent- indeed it is wonderful how well they have been able to make themselves understood, although three weeks ago they did not know a word of English. The families are in need of furniture, clothing, boots, food, and money. And if your children have toys or picture books that they could put into the parcels for all the poor mites, I think it would be very nice.
Let it be quite clear that no portion of the Belgian Relief Fund has yet been used for this work; all that has been expended so far, has been sent to Belgium. The cottage people themselves are helping up to the limit of their capacity, but help from outside is really much needed.
(Border Woman sits down.)
It was performed as a "radio play" in Berwick Guildhall on 25 April 2015 at Discover Berwick’s First World War Story. Researched and written by Julie Gibbs.
Narrator
Now ladies, if by late October, you are still unclear as to how you can help, ‘Border Woman’ will put you straight. You no doubt read her regular ‘Women’s Work and Interest’ column in the (Berwick) Journal.
Border Woman (22 October 1914)
Good Afternoon,
‘Women of Berwickshire', let us put our shoulders to the wheel and see what we can do, now, immediately, to help our friends and allies, the Belgians. Just imagine how it must feel to leave everything behind and then be plunged into a country in which you cannot make yourself understood by your neighbours – in which it is extremely difficult to glean news even of what has happened in your own land since you left it.
I implore you not to say, “There is so little that I can do. I have had so many calls on my purse lately” – every one of us can do something, and every one of us must do all that lies in her power; and please, when you are asked to help, do not say “Yes, yes, but they’ll have to find some work to do.” Find some work to do! You cannot imagine how anxious they are to find work, nor how difficult it is to find it. Those who have a home in a farm cottage will probably be given odd day’s work by the farmer, but as winter comes on, and the odd day’s work is more and more difficult to find, we must help and help and help again.
To begin with, all who have “summer cottages,” or unoccupied furnished homes, can offer to lend them free of rent and taxes. The War Refugee Committee promises to put only responsible people of the educated classes into such houses - people who will understand how to take care of them. While few of us possess such a house, all however, can help with the Belgians of the working class, by finding every suitable empty cottage in the country, and buying, begging or borrowing furniture and then asking all one’s friends to guarantee a regular weekly contribution towards helping that family through the winter – 3d (1p) to 2s 6d (12½p) a week – whatever they are able to promise regularly in money or kind.
Let it be quite clear that no portion of the Belgian Relief Fund has yet been used for this work; all that has been expended so far, has been sent to Belgium. The cottage people themselves are helping up to the limit of their capacity, but help from outside is really much needed.
(Border Woman sits down.)
Lowick and District’s Response to the Belgian Refugees 1914 – 1915 - part 1
Researched and written by Julie Gibbs.
[This production, performed as a "radio play" in Berwick Guildhall on 25 April 2015 at Discover Berwick’s First World War Story and is a shorter version of that presented by the Lowick Heritage Group in December 2014, with a cast of five: Richard Black, Sarah Burn, John Daniels, Rev Victor Dickinson, Amanda Worlock.]
Berwick
and the surrounding villages were quick to offer assistance. In September, the Mayor
started a Borough Subscription List for the Relief Fund for the Belgian Nation;
while the Sheriff asked for offers of hospitality in Berwick-upon-Tweed and
its neighbourhood.
[This production, performed as a "radio play" in Berwick Guildhall on 25 April 2015 at Discover Berwick’s First World War Story and is a shorter version of that presented by the Lowick Heritage Group in December 2014, with a cast of five: Richard Black, Sarah Burn, John Daniels, Rev Victor Dickinson, Amanda Worlock.]
Narrator
During
this performance you will hear from some of the local characters who chivvied,
reported and helped in both personal and official capacities and from a refugee
herself.
The German invasion of Belgium on 4th
August 1914 resulted in approximately 250,000 Belgian Refugees seeking refuge
in Britain.
With little time to prepare, central and
local government agencies worked alongside the voluntary War Refugees’
Committee and the several thousand local committees, to provide food, shelter,
clothing, employment, education and medical care.
Newspapers played a vital role in emphasizing
the fate of ‘poor little Belgium’; the needs of the brave Belgian refugees and
our duty to help. From August onwards, appeals
appeared on behalf of the Belgian Relief Fund, set up to help those still in
Belgium; and for hospitality in Britain, for those forced to leave their homes.
The thousands that came from Ostend and Flushing, through the ports
of Folkestone and Tilbury were received by the Government in London and provided
with accommodation until they could be allocated places in the country.
The Aliens Restriction Act, 1914, prohibited aliens from living in an area
running inland for a distance of 10 miles and upwards, for almost a continuous
chain on the east coast of England and Scotland, to prevent German spies from
impersonating Belgian refugees. Northumberland to comply, established ‘colonies’
in Allendale and Hexham and other nearby towns. Any aliens already living in a
restricted area could remain but had to register with the local Police. The Northumberland,
Newcastle and Tyneside Belgian Refugees’ Committee complained in December, that
they had many more offers of hospitality than refugees. They expected five
hundred to be in the county by the end of that month but could accommodate
more.
Mrs McCreath, of Ord Villa, collected a
large amount of clothing for the refugees, which she forwarded in two wooden
boxes, to London, for which she received grateful thanks.
The Berwick Journal dated 24th
September 1914, offered the following advice-
Where it is not possible to offer
hospitality to a mother and children, one lady might pay the rent for two or
three empty cottages in a Berwickshire village. Others could then provide furniture
or a regular supply of food, such as bread, milk, and eggs; while others again
could make or buy clothing for the refugees. With a little organisation a
scheme of this sort, might be started in every village in the county, and I am
quite sure many willing helpers would at once come forward. All that is needed
is one energetic lady in each village to get the scheme started.
Collections were taken at every
gathering, religious or social. The Berwick
Cycling Club held a Smoking Concert in September, to raise money for the
Belgian Relief Fund. It was attended by Mr Jacques Jobe, a mining student at
Liege University, who happened to be staying in Berwick with his uncle, Mr
Simmen, Confectioner Maker and Caterer. Mr Simmen from Switzerland and his wife
from Belgium had both become naturalised citizens in 1902. Mr Jobe, who played
the Belgian National Anthem at the concert, will feature later. Over £5 was
raised.
A correspondent writing for the Berwick Advertiser
9th October 1914 will take up the tale.
Correspondent
Good afternoon ladies and gentlemen
Within
the past week, forty Belgian refugees have arrived at Haggerston Castle from
Beal Station. They have been quartered on the estate, at Lowick, and the farm
of South Berrington, occupied by Mr Middlemas. Among those on the estate is a
woman with a family of six children, three little girls and three little boys.
There is also a boy of fifteen from Malines working with the gardeners on the
estate. He seemed to be quite happy and pleased to be working with two
Englishmen. Asked why he had left Belgium he merely replied he had to fly
because the Germans were coming. The boy could speak French fluently, but the
majority of the refugees in the district mainly spoke Flemish. Mr Jobe paid a
visit to the estate and conversed to the best of his ability with the mother of
the six children. They are staying in a cottage and before the door, the
Belgian flag was flying. She said her husband was working at the Central
Station Antwerp. While Mr Jobe was cycling down the drive, his handkerchief,
which has the colours of the Belgian flag on it, was fluttering from his pocket,
and five little boys – belonging to another family – who were sitting on the
grass at the roadside stood up and raised their hats. Mr Jobe asked them where
they had come from but as they spoke Flemish he could not get a direct answer,
but they managed to explain that they had come from a house in the country,
probably a farm. At South Berrington there is one family consisting of a
husband and wife and two boys aged 15 and 17.
Mr Demant, a Technical Translator, brought them from Newcastle and
interpreted between them and the farmer. The husband and the two sons were
cabinetmakers. Mr Middlemas was in Belgium recently, but left when war was
declared.
Great excitement prevailed in the
village of Lowick last Thursday evening, when the Belgian family of refugees,
comprising husband and wife, husband’s mother, and five children arrived. Their
presence in this quiet little village has made the effects of this Great War clearer
than ever before. Deepest sympathy is extended to them in their sad plight,
because evidently they had to leave their home that would be very dear to them,
with just what they were wearing. They came from close to Antwerp, and if
anyone had an interview with them who could speak Flemish, they would probably
have a story of the great sufferings they endured before arriving at a haven of
safety.
It is to be hoped that their sojourn in
Lowick (be it long or short) will be happy and pleasant, because without a
doubt our safety in a great measure is due to the Belgians staying the initial
advance of the Germans at a great loss of life. They kept the door shut so to
speak until the Allies were better prepared. So let that sacrifice be repaid by
one and all of us giving what we can to help them in their time of need.
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