April 2, 1966

A PUBLIC inquiry was held at Darlington into North Yorkshire County Council’s refusal to allow Raymond Whitfield, of Hurworth, to build three-storey, 24-hour transport motel in Barton quarry beside the new A1. It would have room for 60 people to sleep in.

Mr Whitfield had “refreshment houses” in Croft and Darlington, and he said that "the existing cafes and hotels (on the new motorway) fail to satisfy lorry drivers’ needs" as the drivers didn't want to stay in hotels.

“However, Mr R Lawson of Orchard Cafe, near Burneston, Bedale, pointed out that there were 12 cafes between Leeming Bar and Barton quarry and these were sufficient to meet drivers’ needs.”

The inspector said he would make a decision in due course. Today, there is a lorry park inside the quarry, but there can be no more than three roadside refreshment houses between Bedale and Barton.

April 1, 1916

THE headline in the D&S Times of 100 years ago said: “A voice from the grave”.

News had circulated in Northallerton that Pte EA Osborne, of the Yorkshire Regiment, had been killed in northern France, but next day, his family received a letter from him saying that he had been successfully dug out.

"I am thankful I am alive,” hew wrote. “It must have been a shock to you, but it was only be God’s mercy I was spared on the 15th as for a short time in a certain place it was almost certain death.”

Pte Osborne was a photographer in the Scouting Aerial Force, taking reconnaissance pictures over enemy lines.

"After the narrow escapes I have had I think I shall come through safely,” he said, optimistically. “Now, I am thankful to say, my nerves are all right. It does not affect me the same as some of the poor fellows – I mean the shells, don't.”

He had been offered to leave to aid his recovery, but he wrote: "I would rather stop and see it through until we have settled once and for all the cruel, murderous Huns. After the desolation and fearful crimes committed by these brutes we will fight to the last drop of blood we have left.”

The Commonwealth War Graves Commission’s website says that a Lance Corporal EA Osborne of the 1st Yorkshire Regiment was killed on the Somme on September 17, 1916.

March 31, 1866

THE “accomplished pianist” Madame Castaglioni was to appear at Darlington’s Central Hall, offering all pianoforte students “a rare opportunity of obtaining valuable lessons”.

She would be accompanied by other performers, said the notice in the D&S Times. “One of the artistes, a boy, Le Petit Louis napoleon, is really wonderful, as he sings with all the correctness of a practised artist,” said the paper. “The celebrated mimic and Irish comic, Mr McCarthy, throws around every part and he sustains a strong dramatic illusion, and in many of his songs he awakens the wonder of his audience and give them hearty enjoyment.”