A look back at Tyne Valley news from 150 years ago, including gas explosions, concerts, and more.
Carly Paoli, a rising star, performed too. Four more opera singers joined them on stage. A 60-piece orchestra played with the singing stars.
Twenty-five years ago, pedestrian safety got a boost. New plans aimed to improve town safety. Locals asked for the changes, and the council approved them. One plan calmed traffic near Hexham on the A695.
The prior year, a fatal accident happened there.
Links, a Hexham charity, helped young homeless people. It guaranteed rent and deposits for them. This encouraged landlords to rent to them.
A black, puma-like cat was spotted near Hexham. Garage workers watched it cross a field. The creature vanished into nearby woods.
Fifty years ago, two girls used a bottle for a message. They put it in the river at Wylam. A girl in Denmark found it. She sent a postcard back!
The George hotel at Chollerford was set to grow. It wanted more rooms for Roman Wall tourists.
Seventy-five years ago, an election got heated fast. Alexander Hancock ran against the Speaker. He was an Independent Liberal in Hexham. Party leaders like Churchill were angry.
British Railways planned to close a railway line. This closure was bad for Allendale valley.
One hundred years ago, kids put on a show. Riding Mill children acted out Snow White. They also sang the operetta so well!
One hundred twenty-five years ago, a game took place. Mickley Institute held a Bagatelle game. W Bell won it, playing skillfully.
People went skating on the river at Haydon Bridge. A terrible snowstorm hit the district.
One hundred fifty years ago, gas exploded. The Haydon Bridge explosion alarmed people. The gas manager barely escaped.
He was blown back several yards. A concert happened at Wark’s new town hall.
Choir members from local churches assisted. A farm worker took a horse to see a girl. Authorities locked the prankster up at Hexham.