A report this week about work starting on the conversion of Thorngate Mill brought to mind a tragedy that was witnessed by many of the men and women employed there in its heyday.

They left their looms and watched from windows as a raging flood on the River Tees threatened to demolish Thorngate footbridge on March 9, 1881. This much-used link between Barnard Castle and Startforth had been in place for only ten years after being paid for by public subscription.

That day it began to wobble and sway as it was lashed by the torrent. Crowds watched from both banks, as well as from the windows of the mill and other buildings. Some foolhardy folk risked their lives by running across instead of walking a few minutes to the stone County Bridge.

But two men were standing on the bridge watching the water when it gave way during the afternoon. William Thwaites, 39, a watchmaker in the town, and Richard Gargate, 58, a gamekeeper from Bowes, were swept to their deaths.

The Reverend John Brockbank, vicar of Startforth, forecast some weeks earlier that the bridge would collapse. He died five days before it did. Before long there was another whip-round and a second bridge was built. It was better designed and much stronger, and is still in use today.

Now the mill is being converted into 16 luxury apartments. A car park is being created on decking that will stand above the normal river level, but there is a danger it might be submerged very occasionally.

Tommy Davis, site manager for the building work, told me: "We've been told there might be a flood big enough to cover the decking, but that it's likely to happen only once in 100 years."

Judi Collin is thrilled when she comes across a grown-up who cannot read or write well but is eager to learn, and who eventually is able to launch into a worthwhile career thanks to a little expert guidance.

She has known a number of Teesdale men and women make life-changing progress like that after calling to see her at the Leap adult education centre, in Barnard Castle.

"It is really rewarding when this happens," said Ms Collin, who used to sell advertising space for The Northern Echo but is now the boss - officially known as the basic skills co-ordinator - of the busy centre.

She told me this week, "This is fantastic and fulfilling job, because we help a lot of people to help themselves. They have often been let down by the system, but we are able to give them a second chance. We are friendly and make everyone feel at home."

The service, which extends into Wear Valley and Sedgefield, helps folk who need help with reading, writing, spelling and maths. They can then go on to basic computing, tackle other subjects and get careers advice.

About 20 per cent of the students are dyslexic and they get one-to-one tuition from the service, which is funded by Durham County Council.

Anyone wanting help, or wishing to volunteer as a tutor - with a chance to earn good money after training - is asked to call Ms Collin on (01833) 690281, or visit the centre above a bookmakers in Market Place.

Few people may think of the Evenwood area as prime rambling country but the other day I came across Tom Hindmarsh and four friends, all highly delighted as they completed a 5.5-mile circular trek taking in the village's coal mining heritage.

"It's a fascinating route with a stack of industrial history," enthused Mr Hindmarsh, a retired prison officer. "It makes a pleasant change from our usual more rustic dale scenery."

He was full of praise for a Gaunless Valley Heritage leaflet, which guided them round the course and described all the features. The group is now planning further outings using similar leaflets featuring Cockfield, Copley and Woodland.

Why didn't you talk to Alan Bennett when he was wandering round Barnard Castle? The question was put this week by a woman who spotted him looking in shop windows and expected to see a paragraph about his visit in this column. The answer is that I didn't know anything about it until after the brilliant writer had gone. Perhaps we'll have more luck next time he comes a-calling.

* I'll be glad to see anyone who calls with snippets of news at The Northern Echo office at 36 Horsemarket, Barnard Castle, on Mondays and Tuesdays, telephone (01833) 638628.