From this newspaper 150 years ago

Open-air entertainments. – Darlington and its vicinity, there can be no question, possess considerable advantages for the proper enjoyment of the al fresco element of recreation, which is an necessary as food to pentup dwellers in towns.

Darlington and Stockton Times:
On the hottest days the falls at Richmond have always proved popular for those seeking a cooling shower. Here, in August 1984, our photographer pictured these four youngsters enjoying the icy waters of the River Swale. There were, from left, Christopher Smith, 11, Kirstie Robinson, 10, Jacqueline Mason, 13, and Lee Robinson, 12. Where are those four youngsters now?

This being so apparent, the public ought – and doubtless will – appreciate the determination which the Darlington Philharmonic Band have arrived at to give a series of outdoor concerts during the summer months. As Darlington has not the luxury of an esplanade commanding scenery of the finest, and the Market-place, even with a good company of musicians in it, would not be deemed an attractive promenade, the members of the Philharmonic band hit upon the sensible idea of appealing to gentlemen of the district, possessing grounds which Nature and taste combine to adorn, for permission to now and then allow the outer world to intrude upon privacy, the object being to give the public genuine and healthy recreation.

That assistance from those with whom rests the power of permission or refusal would not be sought in vain for so laudable an object, no one would doubt, and therefore it is only for the promoters of the scheme to do all they can by good management to prove their appreciation of what the inhabitants will esteem as a privilege.

The first of the contemplated series of open air promenade concerts took place on Thursday evening in Polam grounds, which were kindly placed at the disposal of the committee by Messrs R and W Thompson. The weather was everything that could be desired for to render such a gathering really enjoyable. There was a much larger company that the committee had anticipated – about a thousand respectable townspeople having paid the nominal admission fee at the gates.

From this newspaper 100 years ago

A Gillamoor sensation. – The congregation of Gillamoor Church had an unusual experience on Sunday, being unable to gain entrance to the church, and as a consequence, the usual afternoon service had perforce to be held in the open-air. On the preceding Friday a party of motorists visited this pretty moorside village, lunched on top of the bank overlooking the extensive panorama of hillside, dale and woodland known as the “Surprise View,” borrowed the key of the church for the purpose of inspecting that sacred edifice, and forgot to return it to the caretaker.

When it became known that the church key had been taken away some people became alarmed, and it was even suggested that the visitors were Suffragettes, who had obtained the key with sinister designs. As far as could be seen through the windows all was in order inside the church, and it was hoped that the morrow’s post would bring the key. When, however, it did not arrive steps were immediately taken to find out who the visitors had been.

Darlington and Stockton Times:

Information supplied by some of the inhabitants who had spoken to the party established the identity of one of the ladies, and a wire to her brought the reply that the lady who should have returned the key had gone to Bath that morning. It afterwards transpired that the key had somehow got packed up with her belongings.

It is satisfactory to record that it was posted from Bath on Sunday evening, and reached Gillamoor on Monday morning, with profound apologies from the lady responsible for the inconvenience, and a handsome contribution towards the church expenses fund.

From this newspaper 50 years ago

Functions were held at Catterick Camp during the weekend to mark two occasions – the Queen’s birthday and the 50th anniversary of Catterick Camp. On Saturday, 1,500 troops from units at Catterick, Ripon and Barnard Castle paraded on the Gaza ground in honour of the Queen’s birthday, being the biggest parade seen at Catterick for many years.

After the march past there was a 21-gun Royal Salute, fired by 12 (Minden) Battery, Royal Artillery commanded by Major P J Gilbert.

Darlington and Stockton Times:

At the end of the parade there was a presentation by General Upjohn on behalf of all ranks in the Catterick garrison to the Richmond Rural Council and the Borough of Richmond to commemorate 50 years of close association with these authorities. The chairman of the Rural Council, Coun W F Mather, received a hand-carved oak chair, incorporating the arms of the Council and the Yorkshire Rose, and the Mayor of Richmond, Coun R W Waldie, received a gold cigarette box.

Making the presentation, General Upjohn said: “It seems significant to me that today, while we celebrate the birthday of our sovereign, we should at the same time launch the golden jubilee celebrations of this camp. For in 1914 orders were issued by the War Office for the construction of the original camp.