Sergt. R. Treglown, Medallion and four labels;
Corpl. W.G. Bone medallion and three labels;
Pte. J. Liddle, medallion and four labels;
Pte. J. Elliott, medallion and three labels;
Pte. J. Dunphy, medallion and three labels;
Pte. G. Murray, Medallion and two labels;
Pte. J.W. Spurr, medallion;
Mr. P. Dillon – medallion for passing recent examinations;

Certificates were handed to:
Miss Eltringham;
Miss B. Harrison;
Miss J. Nichol;
Miss M. Bell;
Miss J.C.Bell;
Miss J. Hogarth;
Miss J. Crawford;
Miss Rolf;
Miss M. Quirk;
Miss J. Wallace, jnr.

Old Postcard: George Nairn

Old Postcard: George Nairn

Badge

This postcard shows him in the uniform of the City of London Corps of Citizens in 1915

The cap badge is pictured below.

Photo: Peter Graham

Photo: Peter Graham

Photo: Peter Graham

Photo: Peter Graham

This is a rather special Tribute Medal awarded from the Safely Home Fund of Low Westwood, Co. Durham, in 1919, to Sapper E. Harrison, Royal Engineers.

Low Westwood is a former mining village near to Hamsterley Colliery, part of the Durham Coalfield. A very small village which lost a lot of its sons in both the wars as can be seen from the War Memorial.

I was able to identify the recipient from the initials engraved on the front of the medal as Sapper E. Harrison, Royal Engineers (possibly Army no. 113706, this could be confirmed by further research). His safe return from the conflict was recognised by the award of this medal.

The medal is in 9ct gold. It is hallmarked for Birmingham 1919, measures 4cms, by 2.5cms and weighs 6.1g. Maker Fattorini & Co.

A fabulous reminder of the days when our men responded to the call to arms and, in this case returned safely to his family.

Two other men should also have had their medals presented at the same ceremony, but these did not arrive in time. The men were:

Driver Allinson was awarded the Meritorious Service Medal.
Gunner J. Grant had been awarded the Military Medal.

The Blaydon Courier 15/02/1919 reports the safe return of Pte. Robert Bramley, Yorks. Regt. of Bradley Cottages. He had been awarded the Military Medal and it was hoped that he would be presented with it shortly.

Photo: Dorothy Hall

Erected
to the memory of
Frederick Richard Hardinge,
Mate of H.M.S. "Encounter",
(in the China Seas)
who died from dysentery,
on board the
Royal Naval Hospital Ship, "Hercules"
on the 18th of December, 1856,
in the 24th year of his age.
He was the second son of
Frederick Hardinge, Esqre.
and Hannah Elizabeth, his wife,
of Coatham Hall,
Coatham Mandeville, County of Durham,
and nephew of Field Marshall
Vixcount Hardinge, C.C.B.
General Commanding in chief

Cruddace, A., Chief mechanic (Ferryhill)

Photo: D.G. Copland

Photo: D.G. Copland

Deaf Hill Lodge Welcome Home

The reverse of the medal reads:-

Presented to
R.W. Noddings
in appreciation
of services
rendered
in the
Great War

Ralph William Noddings was born at Seaton Carew in 1884. In 1911 he and his wife Eliza and son Joseph Norman (2) were living at 3 Fairfield Terrace Trimdon Colliery. He was working as a Bricklayers' labourer. During the war he served as M/349931 Private R W Noddings with the Army Service Corps. Ralph William Noddings of Coverham Dairy Middleham North Yorkshire died 6th June 1939.

"In Durham Town Hall, the Mayor of Durham, Councillor W.H. Wood, presented bronze medals to 349 special constables in recognition of their services during the war".

Photo: Jack Turton

A display board lists the men who are buried there with a photo of the man or the grave and gives a brief history of each man.

It also lists the memorials in the church.

Photo: D.G. Copland

Photo: D.G. Copland

Photo: D.G. Copland

Reverse of medal reads:-

East Hetton Lodge
Presented to
C. Shires
for services in the
Great War
1914-1919

There is no obvious candidate for this medal.

A second medal was given to Henry Allison

Beamish Collection 94011

Beamish Collection 94012

Great Britain celebrated the signing of the Peace Treaty on Saturday July 19th 1919. After this many places in the following weeks also had Victory celebrations.

The two photographs show groups outside the Cricket Pavilion at Kimblesworth.

“The members of the Rechabites held a welcome home in the Wesleyan Chapel on Saturday to all the members who enlisted during the war. There were 128 members in the Tent when war broke out, and out of this number 45 enlisted, and everyone has returned and were at the Welcome Home. A concert was given . . . .

After the concert Mr. Engleby, of Washington, who substituted Mr. H.J.S. Newton, the district secretary, presented each soldier with a medal. He congratulated each one on his safe return and remarked that the Tent has a record that very few could show.”

Medal front

Medal back

Rag Time Band

The medals were of silver, having blue enamelled fronts, bearing the Durham County coat of arms with Quarrington Hill Rag Time Band round the edge. The name of the recipient on the back with the words "Presented for services rendered in the Great War 1914-1919".

Only 100 were presented at the event reported as they were waiting for others to be made.

The photos of the medal and of the Quarrington Ragtime Band were sent in by Brian Collins. Whether these are the actual people isn't known but it's a lovely photograph!

After Remembrance Day, the poppies from the memorial indoors are taken and put on this cross, purely as somewhere to put them. There is no connection with war memorials at all.

Durham Times 17/10/2014.

Photo: D.G. Copland

Photo: D.G. Copland

Sherburn Hill
Co-op Society
War Medal
1914-1920

There is no inscription on the reverse.

Ticket printed by Paxton of Willington

Admission was 2 shillings - no half price for Children.

The concerts were to raise funds for West Rainton and Leamside War Aids Fund.

Paxton Collection

Chair will be taken by Mrs Wade of Stanley.

Admission 9d children 6d.

August 4th 2014

"Tea and Presentations.

Oakenshaw Colliery Ladies' Working party issued 450 invitations to discharged soldiers and sailors, and relatives of those who lost their lives, to a tea and social on Saturday. Mrs. J. Armstrong, secretary of the Ladies' Working Party, presented a tobacco pouch and cigarettes to each soldier and sailor. On behalf of the party, Mr. Lonsdale presented a Queen Anne tea service and an extra sugar basin to Mrs. R.A. Howe, and a silver match box to Capt. R.A. Howe, the gifts of Oakenshaw ex-service men, in recognition of their excellent service.

Col. Palmer, of the St. John Ambulance Association, who was supported by Mr. and Mrs. R.L. Weeks, presented the Mons Star to members of the Ambulance association who served in the war:

C. Marr, M.M.;
R.H. Durbin, M.M.;
J.H. Armstrong;
H. Brown;
A. Rosethorne;
Wm. Castle;
C. Webb;
J. Fleming;
T. Roberts.
Mrs. John Straker sent a donation of £5 towards the tea."

Paxton Collection

Donation of 6d entitles Donor to a free ticket in the scheme.

Photo: C. Sanders

The Monumental Brasses of County Durham William Lack, H. Martin Stuchfield and Philip Whittemore 2002 ISBN 095 4327101

It was donated anonymously, and carried a plate which read:

"A thank offering from one who has returned safely from active service 1919".

Our readers would see in the “Illustrated Chronicle” of Monday, January 11th, the picture of the football competition held among the different battalions of the Naval brigade, now interned at Groningen, Holland, as prisoners of war. The captain of the team which won the medals, was a scholar of St. John’s Boys’ School, Peter McNulty being his name.

The present boys of the school have formed a fund, for the purpose of sending cigarettes to the hapless chaps in Holland, and a fair supply has already been sent.

Mr. Curry, the headmaster, would be delighted to receive the name of any of the old boys, whose names have been omitted.

Photo: David Copland

Photo: David Copland

Newcastle Journal 11/09/1916 reports:-

Ryton Welcome Home Association—A procession organised Saturday afternoon by the Ryton Welcome Home Association proved one of the most interesting which has taken place in the district, were allocated as follow:—Neatest boy, Willie Jude; neatest girl, Annie Thompson; neatest costume, J. M. Turnbull; most grotesque costume, J. Charlton; person creating most fun in procession, J. Laidler. Upwards of £11 was collected en rout. Sports were afterwards provided in a field granted by Mr J. Charlton. Music was rendered by the Emma Colliery Band. Fifty wounded soldiers were entertained from Armstrong College. A ball was held in the Parish Hall in the evening-.

Newcastle Journal 21/08/1917 reports:-

West Ryton Soldiers' and Sailors’ Welcome Home Association. —A concert arranged for the above association was held the Wesleyan Schoolroom, West Ryton. The ladies and gentlemen who contributed to delightful programme were Madam Winn, Miss Gill, and Messrs Raisbeck, Hardisty, and Hawkins. Mr Milton Simpson, presided. interesting item was the presentation of a D.C. Medal to Sergt. Major J. E. Philipson. N.F., "for devotion to duty bringing forward a. gun in advance after having been wounded in four places.” The medal was handed over by Robert Middleton, vice-chairman Ryton Urban District Council. A case cutlery was handed over by Mr Middleton on behalf of the Welcome Home Committee Sergt. Philipson, who suitably responded and expressed his thanks for the warm welcome given by his many friends while home for a few days.

Newcastle Daily Chronicle 24/06/1919

"South Garesfield Soldiers Honoured.
The workmen and officials of South Garesfield Colliery entertained the soldiers and sailors (who left that colliery), together with their wives and children at tea. After refreshments they went to a field placed at their disposal by Mr. E. Borlace, and took part in a variety of sports. The Marley Hill Prize Band rendered a good programme of music. An interesting ceremony took place when Mr. Richard Abbot presented to Gunner T. Scott and Pte. T. McGarry gold watches (subscribed by the workmen and officials), in recognition of their distinguished service in the war. These make, in all, nine gold watches which have been presented to men who have gained honours. The balance of the fund was disbursed amongst the soldiers and widows of those who had fallen. The chairman, secretary and treasurer, Messrs. William Cant, Thomas Carradice and Joseph Hansell, were each presented with a walking stick in recognition of services rendered to the fund.”

Beamish Collection 80564

Dorothy Rand Collection

Dorothy Rand Collection

Great Britain celebrated the signing of the Peace Treaty on Saturday July 19th 1919. After this many places in the following weeks also had Victory celebrations.

The first two photographs show Victory Tea celebrations outside the houses at Alma Place, Grange Villa.

The third photograph show children at Front Street Grange Villa's tea Party.

Photos: Dorothy Hall

The handwritten note alongside reads:

This book of Statutes
was picked up by me out of the debris
of smoking Ruins the day after the House of
Commons was destroyed by
German Bombers which attacked at
full moonlight 7th May 1941
J. Lawson, M.P.

This picture appeared in Illustrated Chronicle 08/04/1919

Prisoners in the North - The Forgotten Deaths at Harperley Camp written by John Ruttley, ISBN 0-9543366-1-5 published 2003 gives the names and dates of death of the prisoners as:-

Balzke Alfred Paul Alwin 13 11 1918
Beck Karl Edmund 17 11 1918
Bedorf Anton 16 11 1918
Bertholdt Fritz 11 11 1918
Blankefort Franz Bernard 14 11 1918
Braunigen Kurt 17 11 1918
Fink Karl Edward Wilhelm 17 11 1918
Fischer Otto 12 11 1918
Garling Ernst Klaus Friedrich 11 11 1918
Grassoff Arthur 15 11 1918
Hadla Edward 11 11 1918
Horwege Willy Klaus. August 15 11 1918
Kaussmann Hensonn Gustav 17 11 1918
Kempe Ernst 14 11 1918
Krinn Heinrich Max 18 11 1918
Lange Alfred Karl John 11 11 1918
Lehmann Richard 12 11 1918
Meier Rudolf Max Heinrich. 23 11 1918
Merkle Ernst Heins 13 11 1918
Rosnick Otto Karl 11 11 1918
Rudloff Alfred Paul 13 11 1918
Schink Albert 08 11 1918
Schneider Kurt Gustav 15 11 1918
Schwendler Willy 12 11 1918
Sternberg Paul Ernst Friedrich 07 11 1918
Walkowiak Anton 17 11 1918
Wloczyk Felix 08 11 1918

John Ruttley suggests that the memorial was removed when the bodies were transferred to Cannock Chase in 1963

Photo: J. Brown.

The names of the Beaufighter crew were:
F.Lt. J.E. Wilson
F.Off. D.C. Bunch

Photo of gravemarker: C. Sanders

Statue in Mowbray Park: J. Brown

Statue in Mowbray Park: J. Brown

Holy Trinity Plaque

The
grave
of
Jack Crawford
The hero of
Camperdown

The sailor who heroically nailed
Admiral Duncan's flag
to the main-top-gallant-mast of
H.M.S. Venerable
after it had been shot away
in the glorious action off Camperdown,
October 11th 1797.
Jack Crawford was born in the
Pottery-Bank Sunderland 1775
and died in his native town 1831, aged 56 years.

Erected by public subscription
1888

A statue of Jack Crawford can be seen in Mowbray Park which reads:

Jack Crawford
the
Hero
of
Camperdown.

The sailor who so heroically nailed Admiral Duncan’s
flag to the main-top-gallant-mast of H.M.S. Venerable in the
glorious action off Camperdown, on October 11th, 1797.
Jack Crawford was born at the Pottery Bank Sunderland 1775,
and died in his native town 1831, aged 56 years.
Erected by Public Subscription.

There is a brass plaque 18 inches high 24 inches wide, in the porch of Holy Trinity Church, Sunderland, which reads:

The Birthplace of Jack Crawford
The Hero of Camperdown, born 1775, died 1841

The sailor who heroically nailed Admiral Duncan’s flag
to the main top gallant mast of H.M.S. “Venerable”
after it had been shot away in the glorious action off
Camperdown, October 11th, 1797.

This brass was erected on Queen’s Day June 22nd 1897
by Councillor Ralph Brown Annison, J.P. Honorary Secretary
“Jack Crawford” Committee which placed a tombstone
over Jack’s grave & erected the statue in Sunderland Park.

Another plaque 2½ inches high 24 inches wide, underneath states:
The above Tablet was removed from the house where Jack Crawford was
born, owing to the demolition of the property and presented at this Church
by Mrs. Annison, widow of Alderman Ralph Brown Annison, J.P.

Sunderland City Library have issued a Local Studies Centre Fact Sheet Number 4 which tells the story of Jack Crawford.

Historic England Listing of Mowbray Park statue

HYLTON
Accommodation of Troops: Hutment, Hylton Castle; House at Hylton Castle.
Accommodation of Horses: Hylton Castle Farm (Stabling)
Aerodromes: Flight Station
Training Ground: Hylton Castle Drill Ground

EASINGTON
Aerodromes: Landing Ground (Night)

Crosses in Blackhall St Andrew

Cross of Pte. Haswell

Cross of Pte. Fairhurst

The first cross says simply

They have been moved October 2017 to the Methodist Church, Hesleden, on permanent display on the left of the wall facing the congregation.

Stranton All Saints

Stranton All Saints

Dedication1

Dedication 2

Dedication 3

Hartlepool Northern Daily Mail 03/06/1897 and 21/06/1897 gives details above. (Available on The British Newspaper Archive)

From Gas Masks, Shelters and Bombs to Parties and Chocolate Powder: Children’s Stories of World War II and Flooded Shelters, Steel Helmets and Firewatching: Young People and Adults in World War II.

“Tea was provided in the Wesleyan Hall at 5 p.m. by the 'Rescue of Throckley' Lodge. It was reported that about £106 had been already promised towards the endowment of a cot in the G.T. Orphanage at Sunbury in memory of Northumberland soldiers fallen during the war”.

When it re-opened in November 1924 it contained married quarters, reading room, and a hall for use for worship and concerts.

Illustrated Chronicle 13/11/1924 reports re-opening with photos.

At the re-opening, on 13th November 1924, Lieut. Gen. Sir Charles Harington, GOC., Northern Command also unveiled a brass plaque which read:

In memory of
the devoted life and unselfish cheerful work of
Thomas Hudson Bainbridge,
to whom the founding of this house is largely due,
and of his son
Lieut. Wilfrid Hudson Bainbridge
6th Northd. Fus.
Treasurer of this home,
who died of wounds in France March 1916.

The CWGC entry for Lieutenant Bainbridge

There were apologies for absence due to the railway strike.

The framed and illuminated rolls were handed to each. There was a silence as the father of David Robertson, the only man killed, received his son's certificate.

Prayers were offered by Rev. R. Stewart whose own son was killed in 1917. See F31.32

The Munitionettes. A history of Women's Football in North East England during the Great War. Patrick Brennan. Donmouth Publishing. 2007. ISBN 978 0 9555063.

Football in the Great War

N.E.R. Railway Magazine November 1914 page 291

First Battle of Ypres 1914. Polygon Wood

"I daresay some of your readers would like to read a few lines from a fellow N.E.R. clerk at the front.

I am a trooper in the Northumberland Yeomanry, and our regiment was the first territorial unit to actually in the firing line. At the moment of writing, we are halted in a wood* just behind the firing line awaiting orders. It is very big contrast-sitting at a desk with a starched collar on, and here in a Belgian Wood with the German Shells busting around.

We have not had a wash for a few days. We have had some severe tussels with the Germans and have had some experiences which we shall never forget; some very pleasant, and some very terrible, for we have looked on heartrending scenes since we arrived here.

Saturday was an awful day, and Regulars who had been at Mons declare that the fighting was even worse than that which took place there.

"I am keeping up my shorthand by writing a diary of our experiences. I cannot hear the rattle of the typewriter, but the rattle of the Maxims and rifles resembles it very closely. There has been a big battle, and when it is finished we hope the Germans will start to retreat and let us get the war finished for, although we are in good spirits, we would welcome the news of a crushing German defeat and the prospect of a speedy return to merry England. I wonder if the N.E.R. classes are being held this winter. I think last year at this time I would be attending these classes up at 'Canny Newcastle'. Strange to say, the result of the exam, reached me when I was on active service.

"How has the N.E.R. Battalion Fared? I hope that it has received some support from the clerks- as many as could be spared. I hope its services will not be required across here, and I am inclined to think they will not for wea are looking forward to a general retreat of the enemy.

The Germans afford an admirable target when they advance for they come in close order. Sometimes they rise up like a crowd at a football match.

"The best part of the German army-at least, in our opinion-is their artillery. The gunners are not long I getting on the right spot.

"The last paragraph was written after we had cleared out of the way of a German gun which had made the place a little too hot for us.

"Well, if I am spared to come back, my diary may be rather interesting to your readers. Meanwhile, I must say 'good-bye' - or 'au revoir,' as they say here. My schoolboy French has come in very handy indeed across here, specially when we passed through the towns. It is very amusing trying to understand the Frenchmen, but thy help us all they can."

* The wood he mentions in his letter probably was Polygon Wood, as at this time they were located here as indicated by the attached Map and their war Diary.

The writer is a Trooper Henry Mattison, who was still in his teens when he joined the N.E.R. He was originally located at Alnwick, before being transferred to Longhoughton as a Goods Clerk. He was a member of the Clayport Presbyterian Church.

He survived the War and returned to the N.E.R.

Source : N.E.R. Magazine page 291 November 1914.

He is remembered on A11.03 and A11.27.

Page 50
Bertram, George, Bilton, Lesbury
Bennett, Pte. James, Branch End, Lesbury
Fallow, Pte. George, Station Cottages, Lesbury

Page 60
Hewitt, William, Bilton, Lesbury
Riddell, Brig-Gen. J.F., Lesbury House, Lesbury
Rutherford, Pte. William, The Old Inn, Lesbury
Weightman, Pte. Henry, High Buston, Lesbury

Page 53 CHATTON
Common, Pte. Joseph, N.F., Chatton
Davison, Pte. George, D.L.I., West Lyham
Rutherford, Pte. Robert, K.O.Y.L.I., Chatton
Renton, Pte. John Wm., R.I.R., Hazelrigg Mill
Redhead, Pte. Robert, E.Y., Hetton House

Page 58
LUCKER
Cairns, Pte. Robert, Hoppen Cottages
Cassidy, Pte. John, Lucker Cottage

Page 59
Cummings, Pte. Robert, Bellshill
Fife, Corpl. John, Twizell Mill
Grey, Pte. Robert, Newham Barns
Harvey, Pte. John, Lucker Station
Jobson, Pte. John S., Bellshill
Ord, Pte. Frederick, Newham Station
Redpath, Pte. Albert, Newham
Thompson, Pte. Jas., Lucker
Thompson, Pte. George, Hoppen Cottages
Taylor, Pte. John, Lucker
Wilson, Pte. Robert, Golden Hill
Younger, Lce-Cpl. Robert E., South Side, Lucker

Durham, Pte. Adam, Seahouses, North Sunderland;
Ross, Pte. Chas., Seahouses, North Sunderland;
Stephenson, Lce-Corpl. Alex., N.F., Springhill, North Sunderland;
Stephenson, Lce-Corpl. James, N.F., Springhill, North Sunderland;
Wilson, Pte. James, E.Y., North Sunderland
See A11.56

Some had already been presented with gold watches, including Able Seaman John Waldock, M.M. Others had been given money gifts.

On this occasion, gold watches and alberts were given to:
Lance Corporal William Simpson, D.C.M.;
Lance Corporal J.W. Scott, M.S.M.;
Signaller Joseph Easton, M.M.;
Lance Corporal James Black, M.M.

From West Sleekburn, 288 enlisted, of whom 49 died. Six were taken prisoner but had returned safely.

Photo: Dorothy Handcock

1916 Routledge J. Military Medal.
1917 Henderson A. Croix de Guerre.

Photo: Elfie Waren

The Hunstanworth
Welcome Home.

We, your Fellow Villagers, offer our
hearty congratulations on your
return, after serving in His
Majesty's Forces in the Great War, which,
by your help, has been brought to a Victorious
Conclusion.

This Memento is presented to you,
Private Joshua Jameson
as a mark of our appreciation, with our very
best wishes for a long and happy future.
Peace Day 1919

Beamish Collection 24434

Beamish Collection 24435

Beamish Collection 24436

Great Britain celebrated the signing of the Peace Treaty on Saturday July 19th 1919. After this many places in the following weeks also had Victory celebrations.

These photographs show a Victory parade in the Haltwhistle area.

The Cross of the Four Elevens has been sited near Pack Horse Bridge on the Lewisburn at Kielder.

The "Four Elevens" stand for the "Eleventh hour of the Eleventh day of the Eleventh month, in the year 2011" which was when it was erected.
The cross was carried to Kielder from Hexham in a rucksack, on foot, on a bike and on a bus.
It was sited on a moss-girt rock just off the track. It was sited with dignity, and then unveiled. A few words were said over it. Then a few tear-like drops of water from the "Spring of the Weeping Shepherdess" were dripped over it.

Nick also wrote a poem which reads:

"Remembered.
On a moss-girt rock by a lonely burn,
Where peat-stained waters fell and churn,
A cross now stands that marks the way
Where the shepherd laddie marched away.

Off to war he marched right proud,
And as he went he sang aloud,
Leaving behind collie dog and crook.
To join the colours was the way he took.

Across the sea they moved quite steady,
On to the front as they were ready,
To fight the fight to end all war,
And live in peace for evermore.

Alas he was never to return
To herd the sheep by that lonely burn.
He lies with others in a foreign land
In a grave far away from Northumberland.

The photo shown here was taken at Hexham before the stone was taken to the Pack Horse Bridge.

It also reports evacuees coming in from Walker.

There was a prisoner of war camp on Dukesfield Road. Prisoners helped to build local roads.

Bebside (Listed under Blyth)
Accommodation of troops: High Horton Farm (Hutments)

Football in the Great War

Cllr. E. Simmons (Chairman to Weetslade Council) handed to Corpl. Johnson the Card of Honour and to Pte. Robson the Military Medal for bravery on the field.

On behalf of the Welcome Home Fund Committee he presented each with a silver watch and a gold ring. He alluded to their deeds of bravery and the honour they had brought to themselves and the village to which they belonged."
Morpeth Herald 14/02/1919

FOREST HALL
Accommodation of troops Assembly Rooms; Forest Road (building and land adjoining); Glebe Farm (Hutments); 2 Granville Avenue; 3 Granville Avenue; 6 Granville Avenue; 7 Granville Avenue; 9 Granville Avenue; Hutment; Lynton West Lane (Officers’ Quarters); 3 Northumberland Avenue (Officers’ Quarters); Presbyterian Church Hall; Sedgemoor, Leyburn, Dene Road; Social Club; Villa Rosine (Officers’ Quarters); Westmoor and Forest Hall Brotherhood.
Various Wesleyan Chapel, Palmersville (Workshop)

CLOUSDEN HILL Accommodation of troops: Hutment

Accommodation of Troops: Hutments; Wesleyan Chapel

"Belsay Welcome Home.
The returned soldiers, sailors and nurses in the Belsay and Bolam District, along with their relatives and friends, were entertained to a knife and fork tea in Belsay School. There were about 240 people present, and a very enjoyable evening was spent. After tea Mrs. Middleton, of Belsay Castle, presided over the gathering, and Mrs. Buddle Atkinson presented silver photo frames, suitably inscribed, to the officers and relatives of the fallen. The nurses and members of the Q.M.A.A.C. were next presented by Miss Middleton with purses containing notes and the men received leather pocket wallets, also containing notes, from Mrs. Middleton. The Meritorious Medal was afterwards presented to Sergt. F.V. Snowball. Mrs. Middleton then presented, on behalf of the committee, a silver mounted inkstand to Mr. C. Snowball, the hon. secretary.”

A competition was held to find a name for the house, and the winning entry was “Merci Beaucoup” (“thank you very much”). The winner was given a prize of £1.

The name was incised in the lintel

Historic England Listing

Photo: David Sloan

Photo: David Sloan

Acknowledgments: David Sloan

Was this replaced by the Memorial Hall in 1925?