FROM this newspaper 100 years ago. - A street musician failed to appear to answer a charge of travelling on the NE Railway from Bishop Auckland to Darlington on the 6th March with intent to defraud the company. Inspector W Grosert, of the NE Railway, said the defendant was a cripple of no fixed abode. He travelled without a ticket, and when questioned about it he usually threatened to smash everybody to pieces with his crutch.

From this newspaper 50 years ago. - The ancient custom of holding a heckling meeting at Richmond on the eve of the municipal elections was observed on Wednesday night when about 250 people assembled in the Market Hall. Mr W S Rodber, a former member of the Town Council, presided. The seven candidates for four seats, County Coun R B Kirtley, Mr E W R Scholfield, and Mr F Dickinson, retiring members, and Messrs J B Hood, W Morton, G F Finch, and H R Mayall, seeking election for the first time, addressed the electors and were accorded a good hearing. The usual good humoured banter prevailed. When Question time arose, Mr Fred Woodall, a former town councillor, took charge. The meeting lasted about two hours.

From this newspaper 25 years ago. - Considerable damage was done at Hutton Rudby, North End, in Saturday's violent storm. There were several lightning strikes. Electric Plugs were blown, a TV set was destroyed and wall fittings, roof tiles and a chimney were damaged. Worst affected was the home of Mr and Mrs J M Parker. Damage there is estimated at £1,000. The couple and their infant son had to leave the house for several days.