FROM this newspaper 100 years ago. - Shooting accident. On the opening day of partridge shooting near Forest in Teesdale, Mr Nicholas Tallentire, of Hanging Shaw, and Miss Emily Crowcroft, of York, were both accidentally shot. They were driving in a conveyance on the highway near the Baptist Chapel, Forest in Teesdale. Miss Crawcroft is a nurse and was looking after three children staying with Mr M Ireland, of Hanging Shaw. The incident happened just after five o'clock in the afternoon, as they were passing a larch plantation from the High Force Inn. Mr Tallentire was accidentally hit on the right of the face and head by gun shot. One pellet entered the forehead of Miss Crowcroft.

From this newspaper 50 years ago. - Point to point horses were in demand during a sale of blood stock at Stockton racecourse, held by Messrs T S and L Petch. Maj Leslie Petch said horses with a point to point reputation were sought, especially since Teal, the Grand National winner, was bought at Stockton a few years ago. When selling in Ireland, he recalled the demand for moderate horses was poor and there was over-production of this class of stock. "Breeders should concentrate on quality rather than quantity." Interestingly, Teal's owner, Mr Harry Lane, of Stockton, was the under bidder for the highest-price horse of the day, Stellus, which was sold to a Lincoln bidder for 975 guineas.

From this newspaper 20 years ago. - Sir Tim Kitson MP is to be called in by councillors investigating claims that the Ministry of Transport has mishandled the sale of land near Scotch Corner to gypsies. Earlier this year, Richmondshire Council development committee expressed concern over unofficial news that land near the A1 was being sold to the Nicholson family. The family was moved on to the site, owned by the ministry, about nine months ago from a lay by at Gatherley roundabout, to make way for the £2.4m Catterick bypass. This week, the ministry said it had been in negotiations with the Nicholsons, who had offered to buy the land.But Richmondshire development committee chairman Coun Jim Corps said: "I'm very concerned. If this is public land, it should be advertised to attract the highest and most suitable buyer. It seems we have a fait accompli."