FROM this newspaper 100 years ago. - The gates of yet another park were opened in Darlington on Saturday. The inhabitants of the borough are now in possession of no less than seven recreation grounds.

The people of Eastbourne and Bank Top have long urged that some such provision was needed. Thanks to the persistence of ward councillors, seven acres of land was purchased for £1,600, and £1,750 has been spent in laying it out.

Saturday's occasion was made one of general rejoicing and the area immediately benefited. Flags were flying from residences, a crowd assembled at the gates to see the opening, and the services of the Volunteer Band were requisitioned.

Members of the Corporation met at the Town Hall and were conveyed to the park in a large wagonette.

From this newspaper 50 years ago. - Has Middleham another Dante? This question is being asked as interest in next week's Derby centres on fashionable French entrants. Many aver that English horses will not be in the first three in the Epsom classic. But at Middleham, they are quietly optimistic over Torcross, which is being trained by Richard Dobson Peacock, at the Manor House establishment.

Torcross stands in the stable occupied by Kettledrum, the 1861 Derby winner, and Mr Peacock hopes this coincidence will be a good omen. Bred by the owner, Mrs R Straker of Morpeth, Torcross was reared at the Manor House stud, as was the 1945 Derby winner, Dante.

From this newspaper 25 years ago. - Ronald Wilson, of Romaldkirk, told the D&S Times why a parish council had been formed.

Mr Wilson, of Meadowside, is a retired bank manager. He was chairman of the village meetings and is one of seven councillors elected on to the new body. Four other candidates were unsuccessful.

"One of the many advantages of having a parish council is that we will be notified on any forthcoming planning developments. We are trying to keep the village as much like it used to be."