ONE HUNDRED AND TWENTY-FIVE YEARS AGO — 29 NOVEMBER 1889

CORRESPONDENCE — HURSTBOURNE TARRANT CHURCH

Sir,—the long talked of restoration of our ancient parish church needs some explanation.

If half of the sum now in the Vicar’s hands were spent in over-hauling the roof and belfry, to keep all weather tight and dry, it is all that is now needed. The parishioners do not wish the galleries pulled down, or font removed, or middle aisle widened. It is a fair good width now, and, like the pewing, stood as it does now for generations, “wide enough for any High Church procession or processional hymn singing,” which seems to suit the Vicar’s High Church views.—Yours truly, X.Y.Z.

ONE HUNDRED YEARS AGO — 27 NOVEMBER 1914

R.S.P.C.A.

This society is making special efforts to deal with the sick and wounded horses in the war and also to supply rugs, head collars, and halters for the horses at the front. Those who can help with any of these things should let one of the local collectors know promptly.

SEVENTY-FIVE YEARS AGO — 1 DECEMBER 1939

TOPICS TAKING THEM OFF (1)

Having attended to my correspondence perhaps I can tell you about a car I saw this week. In these days when on every hand one sees cars rushing about with all sorts of odd labels—“W.D.,” Food Supply,” “B. of E.,” “Priority,” “R.D.C.,” “Official,” “A.R.P.,” “Police,” “W.A.T.S.,” and all the rest of them—it was refreshing to see one bearing the legend “Just Me.”

TAKING THEM OFF (2)

It was a nice morning, Tuesday, admittedly. All the same I should have thought twice before imitating a tramp whom we passed on our way to Whitchurch Petty Sessions. He was carrying his boots in his hand and stepping out nobly in his bare feet! — SPINNER.

FIFTY YEARS AGO — 27 NOVEMBER 1964

ANDOVER YOUNG CONSERVATIVES

On Tuesday evening Mr.Peter Shepherd addressed the Andover Young Conservatives on “The role of the Conservative Party in Opposition.” His speech contained much criticism of both parties but emphasis was placed on the important role to be played by the younger members of the Opposition, particular mention being given to Mr.Heath, Mr.Maudling and Mr.Enoch Powell.

TWENTY-FIVE YEARS AGO — 1 DECEMBER 1989

‘SHAPE UP’ WARNING TO TAXIS

Andover’s taxi drivers have come in for some harsh criticism about the standards of their service from borough councillors.

Accusations about rudeness, bad driving, standards of dress and reluctance to accept bus tokens or to take wheelchairs were levelled at taxi drivers in an attack by the council’s transportation committee.

Its decision on whether to end the limit on the number of taxis in Test Valley, which would in effect open the gates to a free-for-all, has been postponed for a year but the committee makes it clear that it expects a better service from the taxi trade in return.

Cllr Mrs Jocelyn Allfrey criticised taxis for not accepting bus tokens.

She said a number did not accept them, particularly in the rural areas, which was a burden to the elderly who couldn’t use buses.

“If the taxi businesses wants our support they should be fair to their customers,” said Mrs Allfrey.

“It costs £2 from the station to Penton Mewsey, a journey of 2.3 miles and it takes ten minutes.

“Added to which I find their driving aggressive. They exceed the speed limit, have no consideration for other road users and if a community car parks near the Guildhall to pick up a person they are jumped on by taxi drivers and their manners leave much to be desired.”

Cllr Mrs June Fisher said she could list many other misdemeanours against taxis.

“We should be going for quality rather than quantity,” she said.

In the summer she had her first taxi journey with a driver who looked like he was dressed for a day at the beach, she said.

10 YEARS AGO — 26 NOVEMBER 2004

BID TO STEM ‘YOB CULTURE’

Andover councillors lost the battle to stem what they see as a ‘frightening’ yob culture. When plans for a new town centre pub were approved.

Led by Cllrs Chris Lynn and Marion Kerley, northern Test Valley members moved against the council’s own emerging policy in their bid to reject the £1 million pub in the current Bargain Box building.

And at planning control committee they were supported by the deputy manager of Mind — which backs onto the pub.

Mr John Fairbanks said: ”Twice we’ve had windows vandalised late at night causing £1,000 worth of repairs. Another pub will only exacerbate that.”

Mrs Kerley said: “Our police already have to deal with yobs and the alcohol element at closing time.”

Cllr Tony Hope added: “If you go into Andover town centre on a Friday or Saturday between 10pm and 2am when most of these people turn out you will be really frightened — it’s a frightening experience.”

But committee members were reminded that the police had made no objection to the application subject to standard conditions.

And planning officer Paul Jackson pointed out that the application site was within the secondary shopping area designated in Test Valley’s emerging policy in the Local Plan Review.

This meant that non-retail outlets like pubs were acceptable within the secondary shopping area, while the aim remained to protect retail outlets in the primary shopping area.