FROM OUR ARCHIVE: This picture of villagers gathered around the market cross in Osmotherley was taken in 1953 – although the occasion is not clear. Could it have been the Coronation. Many of the older folk pictured will have passed on but the younger subjects may recognise themselves. Were you one of them? Let From Our Archive know at dst@nne.co.uk

From this newspaper 150 years ago. – The Railway Workmen’s Institute. – In accordance with their usual custom, the workmen employed at the Station and various shops and works of the Stockton and Darlington Railway Company at Darlington, had their annual tea in the large Lecture-room of the above institute, yesterday (Friday) evening. They were accompanied by their wives and sweethearts, and in all, numbered over 300. The provision made was ample, and of a first-class description, and reflected great credit on Mrs Cooper, confectioner, who occupies the refreshment rooms in connection with the Institute. After tea the table removed, and some of the members of the philharmonic band, who had been engaged for the occasion, commenced playing, and to their harmonious strains many couples were “tripping to and fro” until an early hour this morning. Refreshments were served during the evening. Several very amusing songs were sung, which received spirited applauses. Mr Dickson, manager of the carriage department, delivered a brief address. Mr Thos. MacNay, the company’s secretary, and Mr Geo. Stephenson, the manager, always ready to contribute to the enjoyment of their employees, were present on the occasion.

From this newspaper 100 years ago. – South Bank’s New Square. King George’s Square, South Bank. was formally opened by the President of the Local Government Board (Mr Herbert Samuel MP), on Saturday afternoon, and a most acceptable addition was thus added to the amenities of this busy district. The old Town Hall formerly stood upon the site, and the land has now been effectively laid out with trees and shrubs. Seats will be added, and when the scheme is completed the cost will have been about £880. In addition to the general public there was a large attendance of Boy Scouts, Girl Guides, members of the Church Lads’ Brigade, and school children. The opening ceremony was performed by Mr Samuel severing a silken ribbon which stretched across the main entrance to the Square, and in a brief speech he said that open spaces were very essential for the well-being of the community. Human beings were like tress – if planted too closely together they would not flourish. They must have space in which the human body and soul could expand, and therefore it was necessary that they should not build their houses too thickly upon the land. They should also endeavour to beautify their towns, for most industrial towns, including many along Teesside, were not really worthy of the nation in that respect. At the close of the proceedings the guests were entertained to tea by Mr T Bosher (Chairman of the Urban Council) and Mrs Bosher.

From this newspaper 50 years ago. – Northallerton Rural Council, providing services for a population of nearly 9,000 people, has largely accomplished its programme for housing the elderly people of the area. When ten new old people’s bungalows are completed in Osmotherley shortly, the Council will have provided a total of 100 aged people’s bungalows in the district from the first pilot scheme started just over four years ago, at the Peppergarth, Romanby. This means that one-fifth of its council dwellings now provide for its senior citizens, and the verdict of the occupants – “these bungalows are very comfortable indeed.” Up to four years ago the Council had only two old people’s housing units, which had been provided to complete the Close Estate at Romanby. Then Council members backed up whole-heartedly a scheme for bungalows and the Peppergarth homes at Romanby became the pilot scheme. There are eight very attractive homes there looked after by a part-time warden Mrs W Lumley, a retired SRN, who makes a daily call. Mrs Lumley is connected by a bell system whereby any occupants can call her. “They all seem very happy and apart from a daily call, I may call again through the day to have a chat if anyone is unwell or feeling lonely,” she says. Then came further bungalows in some of the more rural villages and seven homes at Borrowby, five at Meadowfield Terrace, and 11 at Smithy Green, Appleton Wiske. Further bungalow development at the Link, Romanby, was followed by an extension in St James Road, adjoining the Link and in this estate there are now 31 bungalows, looked after by a part-time warden, Mrs Evelyn White, an experienced nursing attendant, who lives in the adjoining house specially built for the warden service. There is to be installed in the bungalows an Intercom system whereby any occupant will be able to talk to the warden, or make emergency contact, but this installation is still awaited.