November may bring darker evenings and the first real signs of winter, but a delve through the Hexham Courant archives shows that the month has provided plenty of memorable moments across Tynedale over the decades.
Bonfire night in 1982 (Image: Archives)
In November 1994, the spotlight fell on the Wylam Ranger Handbell Group, which had been founded five years earlier by Ranger leader Mrs Hilary Broomfield.
The Wylam Ranger Handbell Group during a practice session in November 1994. The group had been founded five years earlier by Ranger leader Mrs Hilary Broomfield and comprised Sharon Hayes, Gillian Turner, Mei-Ling Ward, Kim Malcolm, Tania Matthews and Helen Mar. Mrs Broomfield is pictured directing the ringers. (Image: Archives)
The six-strong group was pictured at a practice session, with Mrs Broomfield directing the ringers as they prepared their latest pieces.
Nepal Trek in Nov 87 (Image: Archives)
Further back, November 1982 brought a distinctly autumnal scene in Hexham, where preparations were already under way for the following year's Britain in Bloom competition.
Mayor Coun. Richard Boaden joined children from Sele First School to plant daffodil and crocus bulbs at one of the entrances to the town, watched by Tynedale District Council parks superintendent Ian Crichton and headteacher Mrs Shelia Storey. (Image: Archives)
Mayor Coun. Richard Boaden joined children from Sele First School to plant daffodil and crocus bulbs at one of the entrances to the town, watched by Tynedale District Council parks superintendent Ian Crichton and headteacher Mrs Shelia Storey.
Collection box in 1982 (Image: Archives)
A treat served up in Prudhoe (Image: Archives)
Other surviving photographs from that month capture the variety of everyday life, from bonfire celebrations and a collection box to a particularly impressive crop of "hefty turnips".
Hefty turnips in 1982 (Image: Archives)
But November also holds much darker memories.
Balloon fatality on Dale Fell November 6 1943 (Image: Archives)
A wartime newspaper cutting from November 6, 1943 reports a tragedy on the Allendale fells after two small barrage balloons broke from their moorings.
According to the contemporary report, one balloon had been deflated when an explosion occurred as police prepared to deal with the second.
The blast fatally injured 47-year-old roadman, Robert Batey, and left several others hurt, including children and an elderly onlooker.
The clipping records casualties being taken to hospitals in Hexham, Shotley Bridge and Newcastle.
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