PICTURE: As work proceeds on the upgrading of the A1 between Leeming Bar and Scotch Corner to motorway standard, here's a picture from the last time this stretch of the Great North Road was upgraded. It is June 1964 and the northbound dual carriageway is under construction near Catterick Village. Do you have memories of the 1960s upgrading? Share them with us at dst@nne.co.uk

From this newspaper 150 years ago

Inspection of the Fire Brigade and fire engines: On Thursday the periodical examination and inspection of the Darlington fire brigade men and the fire engines took place in the Horse Market in the presence of a large number of persons the proceedings being also observed by the members of the Local Board of Health from the windows of the room in which they were assembled to hold their ordinary monthly meeting. The new fire engine, which was, we believe, on this occasion brought into use for the first time, worked very well, but owing, probably, to the newness of its machinery and gear, some of its movements were not executed with that freedom and rapidity, which in cases of emergencies when useful appliances are most needed, are indispensable. It is to be hoped, however, that these little defects will soon be rectified. The members of the brigade, under the direction of their superintendent, Mr Mowbray, were for the first time in their new uniform. They made a very creditable display.

From this newspaper 100 years ago

Hawes New Cattle Market: At a public meeting held last year it was decided, in order to meet the requirements of the Board of Agriculture, to purchase what is known as the Penny Garth, which adjoins the Market-place, for a new cattle market, and to level and lay with cement such a port of it as was considered necessary to meet the immediate needs of the market. About £200 has been raised by public subscription towards the cost of purchase and equipment, but more funds are needed to cover the entire expense. The new market, which is now complete and ready for use, has a concrete floor measuring 100 feet by 80 feet, with a gradient which will render it comparatively dry for cattle even in wet weather. Farmers are now assured of having a central and dry ground in which to show their stock. This should mean a great increase in the number of cattle shown on market days, and incidentally an additional benefit to the trade of the town.

North Riding of Yorkshire. – Lady Zetland appeals to the ladies in the North Riding for socks and belts to help the Queen's appeal for 300,000 pairs of socks and 300,000 belts, large sizes. All socks and belts to be sent addressed to Lady Zetland, Aske, Richmond, Yorkshire, not later than the 30th of October.

Lady Londonderry's Appeal. – Comforts for the Troops. The Marchioness of Londonderry's appeal for shirts, socks, handkerchiefs, pipes, tobacco, cigarettes etc., for the officers and men, numbering about 1,100 of the 2nd Battalion Durham Light Infantry now at the front, has met with an excellent response; 320 shirts, 300 pairs of socks, 200 pocket handkerchiefs, 100 pipes, cigarettes, tobacco, belts, braces etc., have up till now been received. These comforts are being sent off immediately, but many more are required.

From this newspaper 50 years ago

Speaking in Swaledale on Thursday where he made five speeches, one of them at Reeth to a gathering of 65 people, Mr Keith Schellenberg prospective Liberal candidate for Richmond, criticised the apathy and inaction of the Government in failing to give practical help to rural communities over the last 13 years. During the last ten years there had been a drift away from the land of ten per cent. The Government's agricultural policy was quite inadequate despite their assurances to the farming community. At present the farm worker was poorer off than any other section of the community and he did not have any alternative to farm work. The small and medium-sized farmer had a poor profit potential for any money he had invested in his farm would give a better yield if put in Government securities or ordinary industrial shares. The whole issue as far as agriculture was concerned was the fact that large combines supplying the farm with feeding stuffs and fertilisers, and the big commodity buying organisations, siphoned off the profit that was really due to the farmer. The consequence was that the profits of these organisations were something in the region of four times that of the ordinary farmer. If the farmers themselves adopted a more business like attitude to the purchase of land they could help themselves a great deal. Land was being bought by farmers at twice the price that could normally be justified by any commercial undertaking, said Mr Schellenberg. The Government had made no effort to attract light industry to the market towns which were an essential supplement and alternative to agriculture. They had also made no effort to solve the problem of providing adequate public transport for rural areas. They were quite content to allow people in rural communities with no strong voice, to fight against the sort of situation where water rates were something like six to seven times as high as in other parts of the country.