150 YEARS AGO

WIFE BEATING

James Wilde was charged with beating his wife, Elizabeth, on George Street.

But after promising to leave her alone and not to mistreat her again, the case was adjourned for a week, in order that he might be brought before the bench again if he did not carry out his promise.

ROBBERY AT EGREMONT

Mary Ann Howard, age 23, was charged with stealing a petticoat, a pair of new boots, a skirt, shawl, neck cloth, a chemise and various smaller articles, from the house of John Crank, Egremont.

Prisoner was lodging with John and his wife, but left to go to Manchester.

Soon after, the articles were found missing. PC Bouch found the prisoner at Nethertown railway station wearing some of the articles, and others wrapped up in a bundle.

She was sent to Carlisle gaol for a month.

November 4, 1865

125 YEARS AGO

BAZAAR AT CLEATOR MOOR

A bazaar was held to raise funds to erect a chapel in the place of the one now standing in Ennerdale Road, Cleator Moor, used by the Primitive Methodists.

The present chapel has only been erected about 15 years, but is in such a state of deterioration that it has become necessary to erect a new building in its place.

BALL AT ROWRAH

A ball was held at the Railway Hotel, Rowrah, following Mr Bell’s dancing classes. Numerous parents and friends came to see the children perform the dances they had been taught, and great credit was given to them and their instructor.

The ball was continued by the adults up to 10pm, with music played by Messrs Waugh and Williamson.

November 6, 1890

100 YEARS AGO

GOSFORTH VOLUNTEER WOUNDED

Second Lieutenant L Birch was wounded in the head and shoulders by shrapnel at Hooge, on October 30, and will be sent home as soon as he is fit to travel.

The regimental doctor, in writing to the parents of Lt Birch, speaks hopefully as to his making a good recovery, and considers he has been extremely lucky to get off so lightly.

A LOCAL SOLDIER’S DEATH

Mr and Mrs Benson, of Carter Lane, Whitehaven, received official news that their second son, 15426 Private Fred Benson, 8th Battalion, Northumberland Fusiliers, had died of dysentery in hospital at Alexandria, on October 24.

He was a native of St Bees and a familiar sight with the milk cart from Rottington Hall.

November 4, 1915

75 YEARS AGO

SOLDIERS HELP IN POTATO HARVEST

Soldiers from military camps are helping to harvest the field potatoes in Cumberland.

Mr Roland Little, a Cumberland official of the National Farmers’ Union, said that more land has been ploughed out in Cumberland this autumn than in living memory.

SUPERSTITION CONDEMNED BY VICAR

“Superstitions are irrational and unworthy of thinking men,” said Rev. R.W Crook, of Cockermouth.

He talked also of the belief in the omens and the sheer misery they bring out in people.

November 7, 1940

50 YEARS AGO

COUNCIL PLAN TO PROTECT HOUSEHOLDERS FROM BOGUS OFFICIALS

A plan to protect householders against crooks posing as council officials or workmen has been outlined.

A postcard system will be introduced after cash, jewellery and clothes have been robbed by bogus workmen.

SURPRISE FIND OF GIANT TURNIPS

Grown by chance in a field of kale, which usually chokes”intruders”, five turnips found by Clement M Chester of Gosforth weighed more than 26lb, 10oz.

November 11, 1965

25 YEARS AGO

HUSH... COUNCIL KEEPS THE PRESS OUT

A special meeting of Copeland’s main committee, Policy and Review, last night called to discuss the council’s financial situation, was expected to be held in private.

But some councillors had queried the closed discussions, maintaining that now is the time for troubled Copeland to be totally open about its affairs

DEFENCE ROCKETS SPARK SELLAFIELD SCARE

Ministry of Defence staff have admitted they were responsible for a scare this week when a number of rockets were seen over the West Cumbrian sky.

Many residents also reported hearing a number of loud explosions which shook the buildings and feared there may have been a major incident at Sellafield.

November, 8 1990