10 years ago

All aboard: For the first time in over 50 years, a a railway carriage arrived at Bellingham station. The first of two 1957 Mark 1 carriages was delivered to the village's Heritage Centre, and was placed on the tracks.

Sad day: Allendale's only bank was closing its doors for good. The Lloyds TSB branch was the last survivor in a village which previously had three banks.

25 years ago

Big circulation: Back in 1996, the Hexham Courant claimed to reach over 51,000 people ever week, during an era before online publishing and social media were at the heart of everyday life.

Duck devastation: Residents of Wark were furious after the death of one of the village’s most popular characters - Horace the goose. The much-loved bird, which had live on the River North Tyne in the village for a number of years, was gunned down by a wildfowler.

School anomaly: Over £87 million was being allocated to first, middle, high and special schools in Northumberland. But the allocation threw up some anomalies in some Tynedale schools where the amount given to spend per pupil ranged from around £1,200 up to a massive £8,000.

50 years ago

Damning verdict: A report was sent to the director of public prosecutions into allegations of dishonesty and criminality, after an investigation into the affairs of Prudhoe Urban Council. The report revealed “overpayments” and “weaknesses” in administrative arrangements, as well as ‘an unusually high number of mistakes’ in relation to accounts. The report could be purchased by Prudhoe electors for 50p a copy, it was claimed.

Lick that: The 22nd annual convention of the North of England Philatelic Association took place. To mark the day, unique Hexham Abbey covers and cancellations for stamp collections were introduced. Mr A. L. Soulsby, president of the Hexham society, said that 1,180 items of mail, addressed to all parts of the world, had received the special mark.

Forest fire: Firemen with seven appliances from five brigades, aided by 50 forestry workers, fought a huge fire in the Harwood Forest, near Kirkwhelpington.

75 years ago

Ever-present: The oldest member of Prudhoe Urban Council, 78-year-old Coun. John Cameron, was the only councillor never to miss a meeting throughout the year.

Welcome home: Hexham Inner Wheel Club paid out £5 to to each of 62 prisoners of war on their return to Hexham.

Goal-fest: In a remarkable Hexham Hospital Cup football semi-final replay, Hexham Hearts and Acomb Welfare were drawing 5-5 at full time, but Hexham went on to win 8-5 to earn the right to meet Mickley Athletic in the final.

100 years ago

Driving force: A new venture was started in Hexham by Mr. W. Hunter, auctioneer, in conducting a sale of motor cars, which took place on the Council Motor Stand, Priestpopple. One farmer out for the day became the possessor of a motor car in good running order, at the extravagant sum of £45.

New structure: The annual meeting of the Unionist Association of Hexham was held at the town’s Unionist Club. The annual report revealed that a women’s divisional council had been formed. It was reported that the women had decided to contribute towards the upkeep of the central organisation.

Church fund-raiser: A sale of work in connection with the Allendale Methodist Church was held in the Wesleyan School room in order to defray the cost of a recent renovation to the church. More than £50 was raised.

125 years ago

First class: The accommodation at Prudhoe’s post office was substantially improved when the adjoining cottage was fitted up in such a manner to give increased facilities to the public, and also to give the officials a chance to cope with the growing business of the district.

Brass aplenty: A meeting of the Haydon Bridge Flower Show committee was held in the Shaftoe Grammar School, where it was decided to hold a brass band contest in connection with the annual flower show. £42 10s would be given out in prizes.

150 years ago

Easter treat: Teachers of the Wesleyan Sabbath School at Wylam gave the children their annual treat on Good Friday. Over 100 were regaled with tea, buns and oranges, and an enjoyable evening was spend in a field adjoining the chapel. A public tea party followed, where children sang several melodies.