From this newspaper 100 years ago. - New colliery for Cockfield. Sinking operations at the New Mostyn Colliery have resulted in the Brockwell seam being reached at the depth of 87 fathoms. There are four good seams and, when in full working order, a large number of men will be employed. The plant which is being laid down is of gigantic proportions and is fitted to deal with the expected large output.

From this newspaper 50 years ago. - Courting couples' rendezvous. Scotton footpath complaint. Alleged inconvenience caused to users of a Scotton footpath by courting couples was discussed by the parish council.

The council has no jurisdiction over the path. But it is exploring the possibility of acquiring control and seeking guidance from a parish council advisory body. Coun Rogerson said kiddies used the path as a playground until about 7pm, after which it became a rendezvous for courting couples. The legal situation over ownership and control would be investigated.

From this newspaper 25 years ago. - Ernest Pannell editor of the D&S Times, has succeeded in changing the charter of a journalists' fund, so local TV and radio reporters can join. The Newspaper Press Fund is an umbrella group for working and retired journalists and photographers. But Mr Pannell this week said it risked losing a large potential membership because of its rules. At the annual general meeting of the South Durham and North Yorkshire district at Yarm, he put forward a resolution for change. Ian Hindmarsh, news editor of Radio Cleveland, warned that the fund would miss out if it did not let in radio an TV reporters. It was predicted that there would be 500 radio stations in the future. District secretary Bryan Pearson, of the Middlesbrough Evening Gazette, said the fund appeared to be quite willing to let broadcast journalists join but only if they had previously worked for newspapers. "We must realise that changes must come and journalists now start their careers in these media." Mr Pannell also said the desirability of including journalists working in public relations in the fund should be examined. Colleagues gave him their best wishes for his forthcoming retirement from the D&S Times.