Wednesday, 29th March 1978 THE TEESDALE MERCURY

Tribute to GROUPS WISHING HANDOUTS Troubled? LIGHT IN PHONE BOX? £4,000 bill

Mr t . Nixon FACE A TOUGHER GRILLING Poems wi 11 IT WILL COST £1.400!t for keeping Three new members were among The figure amazes councillor those who attended the first meeting Council will be tighter with cash calm yo u . a check of Middleton-in-Teesdale Over 60 An anti-depressant with no harm­ A telephone kiosk at Whiterigg Gate, Forest, has never Club in the 1978 session Teesdole District Council has dr awn up new rules for the organisa­ ful side effects is being offered to had a light in it since it was put there in 1954. Mrs Johnson presided and asked people of all ages in Teesdale. on noise for a silence to be observed in trib­ tions which come forward year aft er year with requests for donations. But the organisers insist there is •But now, following pleas by He added that it was also close The National Coal Board has ute to Mr Thomas Nixon, a club In the past some groups have made annual requests and received n Wednesday, Coun. Eric in view of the public need, the Post these leaflets were already available be impossible for it to give this was given by Mr and Mrs Harold money, agreed on Wednesday to tighten the rules. Though he had a brief and tragic Richardson said he had no idea Office should be asked to install a at post offices or from the social kind of equipment to all the coun­ Beadle, Richmond, and proved of life, bis poetry had great beauty— how the amount had been fixed. light without asking the council to services office in Barnard Castle. cils in the North East. great interest to the members. They decided that every time a land and sating the oourt. and the lecturer, Mrs Gillian Sig­ pay any of the cost. “There is absolutely no need to He pointed out that there is an If pointed out that all other A new member, Mrs Lee, won the contribution is given to any organ­ The Sports Council and Playing ners, says she is sure it will help go to any public expense to pro­ electricity line running along poles The committee agreed to make authorities in the region which lucky number prize. Members were isation it shall be made clear that Fields Association had been con­ to calm everyone going through vide this kind of service,” he de­ by the side of the road and passing this request. Mr Edward Pooley, wanted to measure noise at open­ reminded that the proposed jumble it will not have any automatic tacted, but said they were unlikely troubled times. clared. “1 regard it simply as a within a few yards of the kiosk. clerk, said the council’s case oould cast workings were buying their sale postponed through illness and right to a donation in any future to be able to help. Club members The first session is at Baliol piece of empire building.” be weakened if it was felt that own machinery. severe weather conditions, would year. themselves had raised over £600 School on Tuesday, 11th April, at “They would merely have to put He added that Middleton Parish people on the moors, or others go­ So the committee agreed to do now be held on 29th April. with two efforts. 7-30 p.m., under the auspices of up one extra pole beside the kiosk And every time an application Council had already voted against ing out to call a doctor, should the same and buy one piece of Hie eotertainent at the next the Workers* Educational Associa­ and bring a cable across the road is made, the organisation will have Coun. Kenneth Robinson said giving any support to the scheme. make sure they carried a torch. equipment costing £3,850, plus meeting would be given by the W.I. tion. to it,” he added. “As far as I can to put in its last available balance that in view o f the fact that club Several members said they be­ V.A.T., along with a calibrator concert party. P.S. — You don’t have to be see, it would be a simple job.” sheet. members were helping themselves lieved the Community Service did But Ooun. -Richardson said he costing an extra £95. troubled to be admitted and Mrs In other words, every request will and had contacted other organisa­ excellent -work for villages through­ He said people in that part of could not agree with this. Anyone They will be used to keep a regu­ Si-ggers said she is-' certain the lar check on noise levels at all be -treated on its merits, with only tions, he felt they should be given out the county, but that this exten­ the dale looked on the kiosk, as a rushing out from home in the poems will appeal to everyone, those groups which actually need a donation of £50. sion of the work was not necessary. lifeline. They had to go to it to; middle of the night to call a doctor opencast sites in Teesdale over the however healthy they feel! THE GREAT cash having any chance of being Members agreed with this, along Coun. John Armstrong thought call a doctor or ambulance if some- j could not be expected to remem­ next few years. If the equipment ber that a torch was needed, he shows too much noise, the council given some. with a condition that the club •the extra duties had just been body was ill in- the middle of thej U WRITER OF The finance committee, which has should be open to all resident® of thought about as a way of ‘‘keeping night. said. will take action. iOSD set aside £1,420 for donations of Hamsterley and that the money the pot boiling.” . Members said that while they >« Coun. Kenneth Robinson com­ M this kind in the next 12 months, should be paid only after the work Ooun. Mrs Mary D’Aguiar com­ Because of that, a light was asked the N.C.B. to provide the Danger is mented that it would possibly be v e iR SACRED SONGS will consider each request thor­ has been done and the club started. mented that another example of this essential. -People should not have machinery, they didn’t really ex­ cheaper to pay for a telephone to oughly. But the committee decided against attitude was that somebody was to grope about in the dark when pect the answer to be yes. SUI Mr H. C. Watson presided over .they were coping with a medical be installed in somebody’s house The first application considered giving any donation to Community going to Bowes to discuss rural bus still there Ooun. Frank Duffy commented: 9 the last meeting of the present ses­ for the use of other people, than after the new rules were approved Service for Durham County, which services. emergency in the middle of the “It would be better and cheaper to sion of Barnard Castle Methodist night. to have electricity in the kiosk. issue everyone with earplugs.” M Guild, the programme for which came from Hamsterley Tennis Club, asked for cash to help set up a She said the parish council had —despite in had been arranged by the Christian which a^ked for money to help get mobile information service for vil­ already given a reply about bus d9 c established last summer and had it lages. services and had stated that there M an service committee. protests ■ 1 c Mrs Lavinia Thwaites, of Balders- deferred at that time for further It wanted to -buy a vehicle and was no need for anybody to make At the annual parish meeting ait. dale, spoke to a large attendance inquiries. send it round all villages in the a visit about it. But the visit was SHEEP WORRYING FINE IS NOW Bowes nine electors were present— on the life of Ira D. Sankev and Mr Eric Fell, treasurer, said the county, including Teesdale, to give still being made and it would be; 1 1 and one subject was that, after his sacred songs and solos. club had reported that the parish residents a chance of getting all nothing more than a waste of time, j Bunai many oomplaints to Teesdale Dis- i This was described as the premier council had given help with leasing sorts of government leaflets, pam­ she claimed. £200, BUT WILL COURTS IMPOSE trict Council over the past few book for use at conventions, evan­ SEE years, little had been done to im­ gelistic and fellowship meetings in AN ANGRY N.F.U. prove the site of Rose Villa. places of worship, Sunday schools SUCH A PENALTY? They also said little had been MAN HITS- OUT and mission halls, which found done to ensure the safety of people favour in all parts of the world Easter time and the start of the holiday season is a for their pets and act accordingly. walking past the malt kiln. where the ‘English language was nightmare for sheep farmers. The savage slaughter of sheep A fine is not the end of the prob­ Mr S. Atkinson said in his opinion spoken. by dogs in the North of England is a public scandaL For lem. Compensation for the loess, the malt kiln was in a more danger­ Bom in Edinburgh, U.S.A., in the first three months of the year in the North the figures even when awarded, is often not ous state -than ever, since a number 1840, Mr Sankey sang in the great for reported losses, which do not include all that occur, enforceable simply because the cul­ revival meetings conducted by Mr of slates had been loosened and prit cannot pay. The N.F.U. has there was a danger of the walls col­ have gone from 487 in 1973 to over 600 in 1977. Dwight L. Moody in America and consistently asked that dbg owners during their three notable cam­ lapsing into the back lane. .This is the time of the year when the propaganda campaign mounted should be obliged to take out insur­ paigns in this country and the Mrs P. Walker pointed ou»t that ewes are gathered in tight flocks for by the Ministry of Agriculture and ance for their pet dogs. The licence sacred songs and solos which he certain walls on the front street lambing and, already this year, re­ the media, that sheep farmers are fee imposes little, if any, respon­ composed eventually reached the might collapse at any time. ports are coming in which show no longer reticent to shoot on sight sibility and it means nothing to dog number of 1,200. Mr C. Alderson complained about that there is Jittle hope of any any dog seen to be intent upon owners especially when it it not the appearance of the village gen­ Solos and duets were given by improvement in this age-old prob­ worrying sheep. backed up by visible registration Mrs Thwaites, Mrs Hilda Palphra- erally and asked how often the lem, created by free-ranging, mar­ They are particularly angry in on the dog collar. mand and Mr Colin Bainbridge, of council swept the footpaths. He auding dogs out of control, whose those instances where cases are Cotherstone, an d a number of San- said the drains did not function owners are generally uafcraceable. brought to court and dismissed with At the start of the holiday season key’s hymns were also sung by properly as they were full of chip- Countrywide, it is estimated that a caution or meagre fine. The new this spring the National Fanners' the congregation, all accompanied pi nigs. Seme covers had again sunk between 5,000 and 7,000 sheep and maximum fine for the offence of Union yet again makes a special on the piano by Mrs jf Robinson. befew the surface of the road and lambs are killed every year. Today sheep worrying has been raised appeal to the public to take more Thanks were expressed by Mr needed lifting. that represents an immediate loss from £20 to £200, but how many precautions than ever to keep their H. C. Watson for a most interest­ Mr L. Longstaff informed every­ of £150,00 to £210,000 without magistrates will recognise the ex­ dogs under control—never let a dog ing and rewarding evening and re­ one that for some time kerbs round counting the disruption to flock tent of the problem and impose it? ream free—never put it out at night freshments followed. graves had not been allowed in the breeding programmes. Despite re­ Even if they do, it is arguable — never abandon a dog — always cemetery, making it easier to cut peated appeals from farmers,. the whether it will be enough to make carry a lead and use it in the A the grass. Ministry of Agriculture and the the public accept full responsibility countryside. u Facts about In the near future it is the inten­ media, there is n o sign of response tion of the burial committee to from the public. 'Maundy Money have all kerbs removed if there are Still there are dog owners thought­ no objections. Before this is done less and careless enough and, in KEEP FORESTS ment for the future, forest fire can Barnard Castle Over 6 0 Club a notice will be published in the some cases, determined enough to endanger life and property and members were entertained by Sister This picture of Bowes Brass Band, taken in 1925 and loaned newspapers so that anyone who cause untold misery, suffering and to us by Miss V. Sayer, of Cleveland Road, Barnard Castle, allow their dogs to roam at will. Lewis who gave a talk on the dis­ wishes to object may do so. They stand condemned as irrespon­ FREE death to wildlife in woodland areas. tribution of Maundy Money on T h e so u n d shows in the back row: Josh Walker, Heihert Sayer, Billy A letter was read out from the “We welcome the public to our Parker, Norman Pickersgill, Tommy Layton, Tom Bousfield sible persons who refuse to recog­ Thursday in Holy Week. Sister chief executive officer of Teesdale nise that all pets are potential kil­ forests at all times of the year and Lewis did attend this ceremony and Teddy Rowe. Council asking for donations to the FROM FIRES this is especially so at Easter when o f b ra ss In the front row are Norman Scrafton, Bill Hillery, Teddy lers and who, in some cases, do some yeans ago when it was held Queen’s jubilee appeal, but the not care as long as the culprit is With thousands of people head­ with the promise of spring people at Durham Cathedral. Coates, Joshy Gargette, Cecil Pickersgill, Adam Liddle and feeling of the meeting was that ing into the countryside this spring, like to get out and about after the Arthur Gay. not caught and traced to their The dyed egg competition- was individuals should decide for them­ ownership. the Forestry Commission has ap» long, hard days of winter. judged by Mrs E. M. Armstrong selves if they wished to contribute. Many farmers are being forced pealed to everyone to take special “Fire can quickly spread from a and Mrs E. Morton and the winner The Ministry of Works is to be to quit sheep fanning while others core not to start forest fires. heather-burning area across a hill­ was Mrs Davidson. The chairman, Barnard Castle Business and Pro­ sleeves were both dainty and attrac­ asked to replace the seats in- the are having to reduce flock sizes and “We want the public to be well side and into forest areas,” said the Mrs L. Coates, thanked ’everybody fessional Women met at the Black tive. castle grounds, which had been re­ step up man hours spent on- anti- aware of the dangers and to make commission spokesman. “We would for an entertaining afternoon. Horse Hotel and were welcomed B. & P. Women moved for repair but not returned. dog patrols. Daytime raids are in­ a special effort to keep forests and ask farmers and crofters to be espe­ by the president, Mrs M. Barmfey. The needlework and decoration variably the work of “latch key” woodlands safe,” said a spokesman. cially careful at this time of year.” on the dresses, coats and capes was dogs and there is little doubt that “Many people think the main period Two caught A bring and buy sale was held hold sale beautiful, but could be' heavy and the number has increased with more for risk is during a hot summer, Two youths were caught after be­ in aid of the Treloar Trust Fund, over-decorated, very different from Air support husbands and wives going out to but in fact the peak -level is at this ing free for a little over an hour which raised £8-55. The voting was the lightweight, casual and classic Teesdale Council has given its work. time of year when there is a lot of New market when they escaped from Deerbolt completed in the election for four at The Bowes Museum, spoke on designs of today. An informal and support to the campaign to have So great is the slaughter and such dead vegetation such as bracken No objection has been made by Borstal on Tuesday afternoon. They national vice-presidents and one costume. A display of garments in­ pleasant discussion during and after Teesside Airport maintained in its is the failure of the public to res­ and grass lying around. Teesdale Council against a scheme got over a fence and made their honorary national treasurer for cluded chemise, drawers, camisole, this presentation expressed the ap- present category alongside New­ pond to repeated appeals from the “As well as causing the loss of to set up an open-air market at way towards the A66 road, then 1978 from 12 nominees active with- urder-skirts and a very large night­ pieciation and interest of this sub­ castle Airport. National Farmers’ Union and to trees representing a valuable invest­ Newton -Aycliffe. doubled bade towards the A67 road, it: B. & P. W. dress which belonged to Queen ject. on which they were caught about a Victoria. The broderie anglaise and Mrs M. D’Aguiar thanked Mrs: lace work bonnets, collars and Conning for a most enjoyable talk. mile from the Borstal. Mrs M. Conning, textile assistant PHONE OR VISIT PARKIN RAINE, A FIDDLER IN GREAT DEMAND BARNARD CASTLE Parkin Raine, the Mickleton fiddler who is often regarded as the best musician Teesdale has ever produced, was featured on Country Club, a music programme on BBC Radio 2. A long song abqut Parkin, who was in great demand at weddings, rifle matches, dances and all sorts of social func­ tions a century ago, was said to have been written by “a local poet”. TOO! & PUNT HIRE CO. LTD The writer was, of course, Richard Watson, who was younger than the fiddler, but sometimes appeared at the same functions, singing his songs, reciting his poems or playing cornet. His song, Old Parkin Raine the Fiddler, goes: Commercial Hotel Yard, Barnard Castle Ye merry musicians of Teesdale, Few men were so skilled in such music, Who love on the fiddle to play, As the fiddler—old Parkin Raine! Co. Durham. Telephone 3550 Who go unto concerts and parties. Where music and dancing hodd sway; When fanners had finished their harvest, FOR Your music is sweet and you please us, They often for Parkin did send, With many a fine melting strain; And got all their workers together, But the best of your corps is ta’en from usk- A jovial evening to spend; BOBCAT LOADERS-sale or hire Our fav’rite—brave old Parkin Raine. And many a stout country damsel, And many a hard handed swain, Chorus— Kept up the enjoyment till morning, GENERATORS (David Barton or Honda) 1J kva - 300 kva—sale He’s gone, he’s gone, and we’ll never To the music of old Parkin Raine! At merry nights see him again; But the people of Teesdale will ever 8 Remember brave old Parkin Raine! He always was hearty and cheerful HONDA ENGINES 3.5 hp - hp-sale And ne’er in the least thought it wrong So neatly the bow he could handle, To mingle with social people And few men could, truer time beat; And sing a good old hunting song. TRACTOR DRIVEN COMPRESSORS 39cfm - 159 cfm -sale We heard his performance with pleasure, But the cry of the hounds pleased him better His tones were so mellow and sweet. As they sped over hill, dale and plain. Though praised by the dalesmen around him,. With the loud tallyho of the hunters; BELLE CEMENT MIXERS Petrol, Electric, Tractor Driven—sale He ne’er was. conceited or vain; A sportsman was old Parkin Raine. A plain, unassuming good fellow, Was the fiddler—brave old Parkin- Raine. By Stainmore and Brough they well knew him, or hire He did at their holy nights play; At fairs, plays and sports we now miss him. T is long since the holly was lighted. 8 Where the dale lads and lasses oft met. • The custom is now done away. GOODENOUCH WATER PUMPS 1" - -sale, or hire up to 2' To follow the practice of dancing; *His fiddling and hunting are over These scenes we can never forget. (He’s gone from this drear world of pain; PLUS A LARGE RANGE OF PLANT FOR HIRE His polkas, quadrilles, reels and hornpipes. But the people of Teesdale will ever. Kept toe and heel going amain, Remember brave old Parkin Raine!