This is a fitting week to recall a long poem written nearly a century ago, for it is a tribute to a bunch of brave men who left a village to fight in the First World War.

It was composed by a resident of Cotherstone who was proud of the part being played by local troops in the conflict.

The families of all those men must have been filled with pride too as they read the ode entitled The Lads Frae Cotherstone.

One verse relates how a soldier risked his own life on a battlefield to carry a wounded comrade to safety and thought lightly of the noble act.

It goes on: But our eyes filled and our hearts When we heard how at Weiltz this deed was done By one of our lads frae Cotherstone.

This hero is not named in the poem, but he was probably Harold Hall, the former postman who, as recorded here lately, was awarded the Military Medal for bravery.

Another episode is described with the lines: Quick the alarm, drive back the Hun And there behind a British gun Is one of the lads frae Cotherstone.

One section tells of a soldier lying ill in hospital in the Dardanelles after being gassed on a battlefield: In ever-watchful nurse’s care Under the glimmering Orient sun Is one of our lads frae Cotherstone.

Harold Hall survived the war, as did Stanley Clarkson, whose story has also been told here. Clarkson was the great-uncle of Mrs June Luckhurst, of Ingleton, who gave us a copy of the poem, which has been among her family papers since it was written.

She has never discovered the name of the author, who apparently wanted to stay out of the limelight, though his identity would be known to villagers at the time.

The final verse reads: When war is o’er and victory won We’ll proudly greet them every one And one and all will shout Well Done The brave, dear lads frae Cotherstone.

Ten village men made the supreme sacrifice in the war. Their names are listed on a memorial in the village burial ground: C. Bailey, W.G. Close, R.H. Etherington, R.S.

Haigh, W. Howard, A. Parkin, J.R.

Spence, F. Waites, R. Watson and W.

Wilson.

The names of five who gave their lives in the Second World War were added later: S.S. Fawcett, R.B. Cox, D.J. Modsman, J.T. Walton and W.H.

Nelson.

The last named, an airman, was recognised as a hero, having been awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross for gallantry THOMAS Kellett of Woodland was aged 171 when he died in March 1831.

That is according to his gravestone in the grounds of St Mary’s Parish Church at Cockfield.

Could he really have reached that enormous record-breaking age?

Did he just pretend to be much older than he really was in his latter years?

Many visitors are naturally intrigued when they read his details.

The stone is one of the features which local historian John Hallimond always points out to people he is showing round the village.

He has some interesting tales to relate about the church, which was started in the early 13th century and restored in 1868.

But his references to the 171-yearold man get most attention, leading to a lot of discussion and debate.

John knows the full story, but rather than reveal it right away he likes to keep everyone in the dark, for a while at least.

He suggested that when this piece appears in the column, Thomas’s true age, 171 or not, should be withheld until the following week. So we’ll retain it until next Saturday.

The stone is also a memorial to Thomas’ wife, Jane, who died in April 1853 aged 91, and their son, John, who passed away in February 1846 aged 57.

By the way Mr Hallimond is putting on a display of more than 400 photographs in Cockfield Workingmen’s Club next Saturday.

They will be large prints on which many visitors will be able to pick out themselves or relatives.

It opens at 11am and will last until evening. Tea and biscuits will be served as well as stronger drinks.

Admission is free but donations will be invited for club funds.

THERE was a lavish display of pomp and splendour when the 9th Baron Barnard moved into Raby Castle following the death in 1891 of the fourth and last Duke of Cleveland.

The great and good of the area gathered in the baron’s hall in all their finery, along with local tenant farmers, to welcome the new master of the stronghold.

Racher’s Band played soft music as the guests mingled before listening to a series of rousing speeches.

Farmer George Amos had the honour of presenting his lordship with a long address hand-written by G.F.Tilburn, a Barnard Castle artist. This pledged the loyalty and full support of all the tenants.

Then they all sat down to a hearty feast. It was only right that when the new lord and his lady moved in there should be a formal atmosphere.

But there was probably more enjoyment during a second welcoming day arranged at High Force by tenant farmers of the upper dale.

Two huge marquees were put up, one for children.

They were treated to a slap-up tea party at which there were games and prizes, a Punch and Judy show, and performances by a professional magician and a ventriloquist.

It must have been a highlight of most of the youngsters’ lives. In the other marquee there were some dignified speeches, and the presentation of another specially written address.

But then came a fine country dinner followed by dancing to a lively band. At dusk there was a big fireworks display, which was seen from all over the upper dale.

It was a memorable day.

It is likely that the new Lord Barnard enjoyed this occasion more than the more formal ceremony down at the castle.

Possibly the same could be said for Lady Barnard, who was formerly Lady Catherine Cecil, daughter of the third Marquess of Exeter.

Their eldest son, Henry, was killed in action in the First World War, so after Lord Barnard died in 1918 their second son, Christopher, became the 10th Baron. He also served in the war and was awarded the Military Cross for bravery.