In continuation of the anniversary services of Middleton-in-Teesdale Free Church Council, there was an exchange of preachers from all non conformist churches on Sunday. In the afternoon, a meeting for men only was held in the Wesleyan Church.

The Rev J Charter gave an address on "How men are made", The Rev J C Colwell spoke on "What the free churches have done for the working man" and the Rev F Watson descanted on "Ideal manhood."

Several pieces were rendered by a specially-augmented male voice choir.

From this newspaper 50 years ago. - Three girl speakers win Darlington and Stockton Times trophy.

The interests and activities of the North Riding farming community were reflected by representatives of the Young Farmers' Club during a public speaking competition at Northallerton.

Nine competing clubs dealt with subjects as topical as the production of beef and mutton on hill farms, and as diverse as spiders and tea.

Misses Bessy Matcalfe, (speaker), K McArtney (chairman) and Patricia Pearson (proposer of the vote of thanks) won the silver trophy for Northallerton in the senior event.

Miss A Pinch, Mr J Chapman and Mr K Glasper won the junior trophy for Lower Wensleydale. Clubs from Stokesley and Loftus were runners-up.

Miss Pinch, aged 16, a pupil of Yoredale Grammar School, spoke with enthusiasm and real affection about spiders , quoting the proverb: "If you wish to live and thrive, let the spider run alive."

The Editor of the Darlington & Stockton Times, Mr Andrew Stainsby, presented the prizes.

From this newspaper 25 years ago. - This week's 67th Wensleydale Tournament of Song was also the 25th and last under the control of secretary Mary Palmer. Tournament president Richard Adamson paid tribute to her during an interval on Wednesday.

"This is an important point in the programme when we normally make a few announcements. There has never been a more important announcement than this one.

"We all know that there is someone else celebrating a silver jubilee besides Her Majesty the Queen. This the is the 25th tournament in which Mrs Palmer has serves as secretary. During her time, the tournament has grown from three to five days and she has built up an excellent relationship with competitors and the community