FROM this newspaper 150 years ago. - A few weeks ago an old woman, who had seen better days, took a small tenement in Albert-street, Bishopwearmouth, to endeavour to eke out a scanty existence by the retail of vegetables. The chimney, however, smoked intolerably, and she determined to employ a chimney sweep to clear the chimney of superabundant soot. The sweep accordingly introduced the brush of his machine, and energetically advanced it until it entered the funnel at the top, when it stuck fast, and no coaxing would either force it forward or bring it down. He then ascended the roof to ascertain, on the outside, the cause of the difficulty, and having loosened it, he gave the machine two or three tremendous pushes, which caused two black balls of soot to fall at the feet of the greengrocer, when two leather bags appeared, which she found to her great joy to contain, the one twenty and the other fifteen, sovereigns.

From this newspaper 100 years ago. - On Thursday Mr George Harker, son of Mr Richard Harker, Long-street, Thirsk, set sail from London for Auckland, New Zealand. Mr Harker, who is 22 years of age, has for several years been a useful member of the Thirsk Cricket Club. He is an excellent bat, a good medium pace bowler, and a capable field at either mid-on or mid-off. On Tuesday evening he was the recipient of a handsome testimonial, subscribed for by the members of Thirsk Cricket Club. The present, consisting of a leather travelling bag, tobacco pouch, and silver mounted meerschaun pipe, was handed to Mr Harker at the Red Bear Hotel on Tuesday evening in the presence of a large company.

From this newspaper 50 years ago. - A light breeze blowing over Northallerton Town Cricket Ground on Sunday streamed the new club flag, light blue and bearing the initials N.T.C.C, over the pavilion as the cricket enthusiasts enjoyed some fine cricket provided by a friendly fixture with South Shields. The flag had been given to Northallerton by the South Shields club and was hoisted and unfurled by a Mr T S Pollard, chairman of the visiting club. He was introduced by Mr W H Pedley, regular Sunday XI captain, who said the club had had a flagpole for some time, which had been given by Mr W Nelson, but had never had a flag.

From this newspaper 25 years ago. - The Michaelmas Singers under their leader and conductor, Mr Harold Reay, gave a sparkling and entertaining concert of summer music in Eaglescliffe village hall last week. The programme contained a variety of music, including a barber-shop quartet, and it was interspersed with readings by Mr Pat Anderson. Wine and cheese were served during the evening. The proceeds, £45, will go towards the Oxfam East African Refugee Appeal.