ONE HUNDRED AND TWENTY-FIVE YEARS AGO — 10 JANUARY 1890

OVERTON — RABBIT COURSING CLUB

The first meeting of the season, which is the eighth in connection with the Overton Terrier Coursing Club, was held on Monday last, when notwithstanding the inclemency of the weather some good sport was witnessed, although the company was not so large as is generally the case at this meeting. The card was worked through under the management of Messres.Cooke, Hope, Powell, and Hunt, the committee; while Mr.D.C.Dale officiated as judge, Mr.Fitzherbert as breed judge, Mr.T.Sprent as clerk of the scales, and Mr.F.B.Pilbrow secretary. The judging and slipping gave very general satisfaction, and the rabbits running well several of the individual courses were closely contested, the following being the results:— The Vine Stakes, for fox or bull terriers 14lbs.or under.—1st,16s., Mr.M.Read’s Betty; 2nd, 8s., Mr.G.H.Fitzherbert’s Pet.

The Overton Stakes, for fox or bull terriers 17lbs.or under.—1st, 22s., Mr.H.Leader’s Flo; 2nd, Mr.M.Read’s Betty.

The Quidhampton Stakes, for fox or bull terriers 20lbs.or under.—1st, £1 12s., Mr.M.Read’s Peter the Great; 2nd, 16s., Mr.W.Brown’s Nigger.

The Picallilli Plate, for fox or bull terriers 24lbs. or under.—1st, 27s, Mr.H.Leader’s Boxer; 2nd, 13s., Mr.F.Mear’s Maxim.

Match.—Mr.H.Leader’s Rose beat Mr.W.Brown’s Nigger.

ONE HUNDRED YEARS AGO — 8 JANUARY 1915

GIFTS TO ANDOVER SOLDIERS — DINING WITH THE GERMANS

It is with much pleasure that I write these few lines of thanks on behalf of No.4781.Rfn.Clark and myself for the present of chocolate that was so kindly sent us by the town. No doubt you will be greatly surprised to know that we shared the chocolate with some of the German troops, who occupy a position to our immediate front about 400 yard distant. On Christmas Day some of them came forward (unarmed) and myself and some of our chaps met them halfway and exchanged thge season’s compliments, and incidentally some of the chocolate for cigars, cigarettes, etc., of which they seemed to have an unlimited supply. By the way they devoured the chocolate, however, I should hardly think they are well off for foodstuffs, although they said they have plenty of everything with the exception of bread. Imagine how strange it seemed to be chatting in the friendliest manner with the very men who a few hours before were sniping at every unprotected head or limb that they could espy. Still, as our French friends say, “C’est la guerre,” but it seemed funny all the same. Again thanking you and the inhabitants of my home town for their kindness and generosity, I will concluded with best wishes to Andover for the New Year.—Rfn.J.Butler, B Coy.3rd Rifle Brigade,Jan.1,1915.

SEVENTY-FIVE YEARS AGO — 12 JANUARY 1940

A CANTEEN NEEDED

Members of His Majesty’s Forces coming into the town will soon have the services of a canteen, thanks to the efforts of a few local ladies and gentlemen. The Mayor and Mayoress have taken the matter in hand, and a splendid start has been made. Through the generosity of Messrs.Strong & Co., and the kind help of Mr.Bassett, their manager at the Star and Garter, a building is available at the rear of the Hotel, which, with certain additions and improvements, will be admirably suited for the purpose. This means the saving of many hundreds of pounds, and with the help that is sure to be forthcoming the canteen should be running in a short time. Apart from donations about £500 is required, and furniture, cooking utensils, &c., will be needed. There must be many who have some surplus in the home which they can offer.

FIFTY YEARS AGO — 8 JANUARY 1965

CALLING ALL CHILDREN

Hello, Boys and Girls.

Thank you very much for enrolling all the new members this week. Now you are fulfilling one New Year’s resolution, why not make another one?

This time you can make it your resolution to buy an “Advertiser” Cornerite Badge. As I have told you before, this badge will show that you are a member of the Corner and you can show it to all your friends.

It bears a black acorn on a green background with the wording “Advertiser Cornerite.”

Not only is it attractive, it is cheap as well. It can be yours for just sixpence in postage stamps and a stamped addressed envelope.

If you already have one, why not buy one for a friend?

That is all for this week.

Cheerio. UNCLE TED.

TWENTY-FIVE YEARS AGO — 12 JANUARY 1990

WHITCHURCH — COUNCIL UNVEILS TOWN’S PLANNING BLUEPRINT

By the year 2001 Whitchurch could well have a multi-storey car park, 600 more houses, a shopping precinct and two new roads into the town to cope with extra traffic.

These proposals were put forward at a town council meeting on Monday during discussion of the Whitchurch Area Local Plan.

10 YEARS AGO — 7 JANUARY 2005

SUPPORTERS OUT IN FORCE TO BACK HUNT

The traditional Boxing Day meet of the hounds in villages and market towns could be a thing of the past by next Christmas if the hunting ban comes into force in February.

For the time being the pastime seems as popular as ever in Stockbridge at least, where a crowd of local people gathered to witness the ancient sight of the hunt with its horses and foxhounds.

The Hursley Hambledon Hunt met outside The Vine public house in the village on 27 December — a day later than usual as Boxing Day fell on a Sunday.

Across Hampshire three other hunts turned out in the crisp morning together with their supporters while across the county boundary the Palmer Milburn Beagles met outside The Blue Lion in Collingbourne Ducis — one of seven hunts on village streets in Wiltshire that day.

Simon Hart, chief executive of the Countryside Alliance said: “The unprecedented crowds at Boxing Day meets are a reflection of solidarity and resolve, not only from the hunting community, but also from many thousands of people who support freedom and tolerance.

“These massive crowds will give great heart to the hunting community.”