A HAPPY report 150 years ago came from “the pleasant and picturesque village of Preston-under-Scar” where the Middleham Circuit Total Abstinence Society held its annual gala.

The society was inspired by the Seven Men of Preston, on the other side of the Pennines, in Lancashire, who formed the first Total Abstinence Society in 1832, and swore to give up alcohol totally and forever.

One of those seven men was Richard “Dicky” Turner who, it is said, had an unfortunate stammer. He stood on a stage and signed his pledge of abstinence, saying it would be f-f-forever and t-t-total, and so he gave the English language the word “teetotal”.

In the dales, there were many teetotallers. “From an early hour, vehicles of every description continued to arrive and deposit their living freight from every part of Wensleydale, Swaledale, Coverdale and from other more distant places,” said the D&S. “The scene on Preston Scar soon became very animated as groups of well and gaily dressed people of both sexes assembled and were eagerly viewing the beautiful landscape spread out like a map before them…

“The view is almost unrivalled, combining the splendour and beauty of natural scenery (including Redmire Force and the windings of the River Yore), with the old baronial castles of Bolton and Middleham, several churches, and a chain of mountains, including those celebrated hills, Penhill, Whernside and Addleborough.”

In a large marquee loaned by the Richmond Temperance Society, 920 abstainers sat down to tea which was served by 20 young women and 20 young men from Preston. Brass bands played, children took part in games and the Rev Mr Lambert, of Hawes, gave a “pithy and energetic speech on the evils of the liquor traffic”.

The D&S concluded: “The gala was a great success in every point of view.”