From this newspaper 100 years ago. - There is at Brompton an octogenarian who has been 78 years in the employ of one firm.

Mr William Smith (aged about 84) started work when he was about six years of age for the linen manufacturing firm, now owned by Mr J Pattinson Yeoman, Brompton, and he is still engaged there, but of course in consideration of advanced age, his work is made light.

From this newspaper 50 years ago. - The Dean of Ripon (The Very Rev. F. L. Hughes), preaching at the harvest thanksgiving service at Richmond Parish Church on Thursday, said that there was no denying that the bad harvest was an act of God through nature, but one must trust in God in foul weather as in fair, and gave thanks for all His blessings. The offertory totalling over £10 was for Ripon Cathedral Repair Fund. After the service there were refreshments in the Grammar School Hall, followed by musical entertainment.

From this newspaper 25 years ago. - So many children are staying on at school for sixth form studied in North Yorkshire that the Education Committee has had to provide more teaching staff. On Monday the County Finance Sub-committee, under the chairmanship of Coun David Ashton, approved a supplementary estimate of £95,000 to provide the equivalent of 20 more teachers, many of whom will be called on for part-time work, who were not allowed for in the original budget estimates because of falling school roles. Northallerton and Richmond schools are particularly affected with sixth form numbers up 57 and 46 more than anticipated originally. Education Committee leaders explained that while the total number of teachers was falling, particularly in the primary sector, because of the job situation many seniors were staying on for further education, taking sixth form courses and other studies to better their chance of a job later.

From this newspaper 10 years ago. - Opposition was growing this week to proposals to close 11 register offices in North Yorkshire. The measures, affecting almost half of the offices in the county, are being suggested by the Trading Standards Unit, which assumed responsibility for the registration service in April. Local offices suggested for closure are those serving sub-districts at Bedale, Thirsk and Ingleton, near Settle, and outstations at Kirkbymoorside, Stokesley, Hawes, Castleton, Hinderwell, Tadcaster, Filey and Bentham. Mr Gordon Gresty, Head of Trading Standards, said the review by his officers was aimed at improving access and accommodation for staff and public, especially the disabled; overhauling the management structure; ironing out anomalies in conditions of service, payments and expenses; and filling the desperate need for computer technology.