When temperance made its move

In the picture above, from 1987, a volunteer working party gets to grips with the then derelict leech house in Bedale. The Gothic building is thought to have been used for the storage of medical leeches. It was fully restored and reopened by Leon Brittan, then a European Commissioner in 1990.

Were you a member of the working party? Let us know of your memories at dst@nne.co.uk.

Adverts

The adverts featured below appeared in the Darlington and Stockton Times in 1963.

From this newspaper 150 years ago

Our readers will probably remember that a few months ago, we announced that the erection of a new temperance hall was contemplated, and that already a building committee had been appointed, at a meeting of the Stockton Temperance Society, to make the necessary enquiries as to a suitable site.

As will be seen, on reference to a prospectus in our advertising columns, the object is set forth in a more official aspect. A site has been offered in the gardens between West Row and Williamstreet.

The cost of the proposed erection is estimated roughly at £1,000, towards which sum £266 has already been contributed.

It is part of the plan submitted to provide a lecture hall capable of holding from 400 to 500 persons, and committee rooms of such as size as will be available for club rooms for working men. This, the committee imagine, will supply a want, long felt by the various clubs and friendly societies in the town, most of whom are obliged to meet at public houses. Should the projected scheme obtain the liberal support of the public, so as to be eventually carried out, such an institution would not only give an impetus to the cause of temperance, but afford facilities to other societies, and contribute to the general welfare of the town.

From this newspaper 100 years ago

The Richmond Borough Medical Officer (Dr Williams) reported that for the quarter ended March 31st there had been 27 births registered, equal to 27.45 per 1,000 of the population, as compared with 20.33 for the corresponding period last year. The deaths numbered 22, equal to 22.36 per 1,000, or, excluding a non-resident, 21.35 against 18.30 last year. Ten of the deaths, or 45 per cent, were upwards of 65 years of age.

The infantile mortality, measured by the proportion of deaths under one year of age, was equal to 111 per 1,000. Seven cases of scarlet fever were reported during the quarter, and in five instances the source of infection was traced to Morton-on-Swale, whilst in the other two they could not be satisfactorily traced. All cases were removed to the Hospital.

Eleven cases of diphtheria were notified, ten being removed to the hospital and one isolated at home. The last case occurred nearly two months ago, for a month, so that he thought there was every reason to hope the epidemic had come to an end. At present they had a clean sheet. The Mayor, in moving that the report be entered on the minutes, observed that the latter part of it was very satisfactory. It was with a great feeling of relief that they heard from a doctor that they were free from infectious disease in the borough.

Ald Robinson seconded, and remarked that the death-rate seemed high, but nearly 50 per cent of the deaths were over 65 years of age, which put rather a different complexion on the matter. Mr Walton said he thought their present satisfactory position in regard to freedom from infectious disease was largely due to their medical officers and to the work of the Mayor.

From this newspaper 50 years ago

If the Government continued to deal with the re-purchase of Scorton aerodrome in the way it was attempting to do, great injustice would be done to his constituents who were attempting to buy back their land, said Mr T P G Kitson, speaking on the question on the adjournment of the House of Commons last week. Mr Kitson recalled that land was bought by compulsory purchase from eight farmers, and said all eight wished to buy it back.

Five were having their land returned at the agricultural price, which was about double what they received in 1938. The other three, who received just over £50 an acre at the beginning of the war, were no being asked to pay between £380 and £400 an acre because of the gravel under the land. This gravel, he pointed out, was no new discovery.

It was used in the 19th Century, and one of the three farmers, Mr Bell, had been selling it before the war. During the negotiations for purchase by the Air Ministry, Mr Bell and Mr Barker, another of the three, consistently pointed out to the Air Ministry that it should take into account the mineral deposits.

The Ministry repeatedly stated that it was a time of emergency, and that the gravel had no value, and so they sold at the agricultural price of just over £4 an acre. “Mr Bell, who received £3,500 in 1939 for this land, is now being asked to pay £18,000, and Mr Barker, who received £4,800, is now asked to pay £29,500, but they were being asked to pay these prices on the gamble that planning permission would be given for the development of this gravel.”