A look back at significant events in Hexham and Tynedale from the past 150 years
Just ten years back, a teenager named Adam Stephen had a close call on the football field. He actually went into cardiac arrest during a game! Thankfully, he got the help he needed and was back on the pitch soon after. They even fitted him with a defibrillator to keep him safe.
Then there was the fitness scene. Folks in Tynedale were paying more than others in Northumberland to use local leisure centers. The council was working on a new pricing plan to make things fairer.
Fast forward 25 years, and there were worries about young people and drugs. A survey showed that many teens in Tynedale had been offered drugs like cannabis. It was a real concern for the community.
Power cuts were another issue, especially during the holidays. Gale-force winds left many villagers in the dark, and they were pretty upset with Northern Electric for not keeping the lights on.
And who could forget the flu season? Health services were swamped with calls from people feeling under the weather. It seemed like everyone was catching something nasty.
Looking back 50 years, New Year’s celebrations got a bit rowdy. Some party-goers smashed shop windows in Hexham. Not the best way to ring in the new year!
Then, 75 years ago, Santa had a bit of a mishap when his costume caught fire while he was getting ready to hand out gifts. Ouch!
A century ago, the community came together for a fancy dress carnival that was a hit, with tons of kids and adults joining in.
And 150 years back, there was a big poultry exhibition that drew in over a thousand entries. Can you imagine that?
It’s fascinating to see how much has changed and yet how some things stay the same in Hexham and Tynedale.
