FROM this newspaper 100 years ago. - Thanks to the Marquess of Ripon, the Liberals of Thirsk and and Malton, Ripon and Elland divisions were enabled to hold a very enjoyable picnic at Fountains Abbey on Saturday afternoon. Opportunity was also taken to give expression to political opinions from the party point of view of both sections of Liberalism. Altogether, about 1,400 ladies and gentlemen were present. The weather was fine ... An excellent tea was served in the cloisters at 4pm. There was afterwards a meeting in the Refectory, when the chairman of the Ripon Division Liberal Association, Mr C H Kirby (Harrogate) read a telegram from Lord Ripon, regretting his inability to attend. Mr Banks Price, the prospective candidate for Thirsk, also regretted absence but wrote, stating it was essential to stop the Liberal Party becoming a socialist organisation. The aim was class co-operation by the "welding together of our progressive and enlightened nobility with the self-respecting classes."

From this newspaper 50 years ago. - The first set of triplets within living memory to be born to a Wensleydale woman arrived at the Maternity Hospital, Northallerton, on Tuesday. The mother is Mrs Richard Sayer, of Garriston Farm, Bellerby, elder daughter of Mrs and Mrs T Gregg , of Bellerby. The triplets are two boys and a girl. Mrs Sayer is a prominent member of the Lower Wensleydale Young Farmers' Club and was treasurer for several years. In Leyburn, there are six pairs of twins, consisting of nine girls and three boys.

From this newspaper 25 years ago. - A new laboratory and medical centre is to be built at Glaxo, Barnard Castle's only big employer. Plans were approved on Wednesday by the district council, despite opposition from the town council. The work is likely to be done in two phases at the front of the of the factory facing on to Harmire Road, where the tennis courts now stand. Town councillors claimed a new building would affect nearby private houses and the skyline, and suggested alternative sites should be looked at. However, Coun Clifford Sykes said: "Where would we be without it?" The factory had provided people with a standard of life for 25 years which could not exist without it, he said.