What made news in Hexham, Tynedale up to 150 years ago

10 years ago

ACTIVE ROLE: An agreement was in place to transfer Ponteland Leisure Centre into the hands of the newly formed leisure trust Active Northumberland. Morpeth's Riverside Leisure Centre was also to be transferred over, meaning all leisure facilities in the county, including the Wentworth Leisure Centre at Hexham and Waterworld at Prudhoe, were under Active Northumberland's control.

HOTEL DEAL: Slaley Hall Hotel was to pass into American ownership as part of a £160m takeover deal. The hotel was one of six golf resorts being offloaded by De Vere Hotels and was to come under the management of Leeds-based QHotels.

CYCLING TOUR: Cycling enthusiasts were gearing up for the return of the Tour of Britain, the UK's largest professional cycling event. It was to be held in some parts of Tynedale for the first time since 2009.

25 years ago

BURMESE PRISON: Supporters of an ex-Hexham high school student jailed for 17 years in Burma for pro-democracy protests called on people of the town to help campaign for his release. James Mawdsley was imprisoned after he was caught in possession of 500 pro-democracy leaflets, having previously been deported for political activities. 

Alan Curry cycled from Malta to Haydon Bridge to fundraise for kidney dialysis equipment for St Luke's Hospital in Malta in 1999 (Image: Newsquest)

DOWNGRADED: A bid to severely restrict the use of the Military Road between Chollerford and Greenhead was being viewed with alarm by Tynedale councillors. A group of high-powered consultants called for the well-used road to be reduced from its B-class to the unclassified C-class status - and to be completely closed at certain times of the year. 

CASUALTY SERVICES: The future of Hexham Hospital's life-saving accident and emergency unit was hanging in the balance as health chiefs put the service under a major review. 

50 years ago

LUXURY ESTATE: Leech the builders unveiled plans for a £5m luxury estate and country club at New Ridley Farm, Stocksfield.

NEW SCHOOLS: Under the reorganisation of secondary education in Hexham, it was announced that the town was to get three middle schools - Beaumont, Fellside and St Joseph's.

GLOVES OFF: The General Election campaign was hotting up, with sitting Tory MP Geoffrey Rippon facing the challenge of Labour's Dr Eric Wade, and the Liberal Roy Cairncross. 

75 years ago

IN THE BAG: Stocksfield centre forward Walker scored his fourth hat-trick in four consecutive games against Haltwhistle Town, taking his personal bag to 18 in five games. 

GONE WEST: Only 69 of 128 houses examined by Bellingham Council sanitary inspectors at West Woodburn were found to be fit for human habitation and 12 had to be demolished.

GRIM TASK: Inquests were opened on three people who were left dead after an attempted bank robbery at Alston - a taxi driver, the bank manager and the gunman. 

100 years ago

COUNCIL COMPLAINS: Haltwhistle Council lodged a formal complaint with the railway company about the nuisance and danger being caused on auction mart days by stock being left standing on the highway awaiting collection. 

MAN RESCUED: A cart man who was loading his cart with gravel from Harbottle Island in the Tyne at Hexham became marooned when a wall of water caused by heavy rain swept down the river. He was eventually rescued but had to leave his horse on the island overnight. 

OVINGHAM WIN: The newly formed Ovingham football club opened its programme in the Stamfordham and District League with a 3-1 win over Netherwitton before a large and enthusiastic band of supporters. 

125 years ago

NEW GROUND: Tynedale Rugby Club's new Dene Park ground was formally opened in Hexham, with North Durham as the visitors. 

CENTRE OPENS: The St Wilfrid's Abbey Institute was opened in Hexham's Gilesgate. It is now Hexham Community Centre. 

150 years ago

CHAPEL CHEER: The Congregational Chapel in Hexham celebrated its fifth anniversary in Hencotes Street.

MILL TROUBLE: There was a fire at Dilston Mill which was discovered by Mr John Little. The fire was caught in time and there was no serious damage.

'DALE RECORD: The 28th Allendale Show had a record number of visitors which proved that it was still as popular as the first show.