ONE HUNDRED AND TWENTY-FIVE YEARS AGO — 18 APRIL 1890 CORRESPONDENCE — A GOOD SUGGESTION Sir,—An enquiry into the condition of Workhouses throughout England elicits the fact that the Andover Workhouse is inprovided with a single newspaper, a single monthly magazine, or a single toy for the little ones. Whitchurch is a shade better, for though it receives no papers there are toys for the children. Surely in a neighbourhood where there are so many kind and actively benevolent people this must be a mere oversight, and now that the want is pointed out to us steps will be taken to supply it. Toys that more fortunate children are tired of, papers and magazines that have been read through, would be a priceless boon to the inmates of the Workhouse. In some places the collection of papers has been much aided by placing in a conspicuous part of the town a box, with a large slit in the top, and a conspicuous lettering, “Papers for the Workhouse,” on it; which box is periodically cleared by a messenger from the Workhouse.—Believe me, yours, &c., M.E.H.

ONE HUNDRED YEARS AGO — 16 APRIL 1915 CORRESPONDENCE — BALLROOM ETIQUETTE Dear Sir,—I wish to protest most emphatically against the insinuations made in today’s issue of the Andover Advertiser with regard to the dance at the Church Hall on Monday last.

I was present at it, and have been at practically at all the public dances held in Whitchurch for some years past, and can honestly say that I have never been at one which was better conducted. Indeed, many thought that the M.C., Sapper Goldstraw, erred on the side of strictness.

Had there been “free and easy behaviour” I should not have stayed, and certainly should not have allowed my daughters to do so.

The fact that Major and Mrs.Guggisberg and all the officers were present and joined heartily in the dancing corroborates my statement. The Vicar also was present.—Yours faithfully, CHARLES H.GEER, The Modern School, Whitchurch.

(The fact that smoking was permitted during the dances, and that matches and cigarette ends were thrown on the floor would indicate to most persons that the usual English standard of conduct at a dance was relaxed upon this occasion.—Ed. A.A.) SEVENTY-FIVE YEARS AGO — 19 APRIL 1940 ADVERTISEMENT HOME MANAGEMENT CORNER Conducted by Miss Switch DON’T WASTE FOOD BUY WISELY COOK WISELY EAT THE RIGHT FOOD says the Ministry of Food in their new campaign for England’s housewives.

Of course every one of us wants to do all these things, and it is quite certain that no one deliberately buys — or cooks — unwisely.

Why then is this campaign necessary?

Because you are asked to choose home grown foods, or foods that take up little cargo in ships, so what was wise buying in peace time may no longer be wise in war. And certain foods may become scarce or expensive — you may not know which are the best substitutes, or how unfamiliar foods are best cooked.

So the Government has asked us to hold special talks and demonstrations. These demonstrations are planned to help you run your home cheaply and efficiently in changing conditions. Ask at your Electricity Service Centre for particulars and make up your mind to visit the next official demonstration WESSEX ELECTRICITY FIFTY YEARS AGO — 15 APRIL 1965 QUEEN MOTHER AT TIDWORTH Queen Elizabeth the Queen Mother visited the 1st Bn. The King’s Own Yorkshire Light Infantry at Lucknow Barracks, Tidworth, yesterday.

This was the third time she had viosited the Regiment at the same barracks, since she became its Colonel-in-Chief in August, 1927. Her previous visits were in 1931 and 1934 when she was Duchess of York.

It was raining when the Queen Mother, looking radiant in a turquoise blue dress with matching feathered hat, pale blue coat and gun metal shoes, stepped from a helicopter of the Queen’s Flight at the unit sports field and was met by the Colonel of the Regiment, Lt.-Gen.Sir Roger Bower, of St.Mary Bourne, who was adjutant of the battalion at the time of the 1934 visit.

TWENTY-FIVE YEARS AGO — 20 APRIL 1990 £14 MILLION OVERSPILL CASH SPENT All the £14 million Test Valley Borough Council received from the former Greater London Council for repairs to Andover’s overspill estates has been spent.

News that there is no money left came as residents of Tintagel Close on King Arthur’s Way accused the borough council of ‘breaking faith’ with them because they have not had the improvements they hoped for.

A petition, containing 73 names from 40 households, protested at the council’s decision not tom proceed with plans to replace four GLC bungalows at 73 to 76 Tintagel Close. Neighbours have labelled them as an eyesore.

Chief housing officer Bernard Sully told the housing committee that several projects in the capital programme had to be put back in light of the reduced level of resources.

OFFICE ON WHEELS TAKES TO THE ROAD Test Valley Borough Council’s housing department will be taking to the road once a week in an ‘office on wheels’ — the mobile exhibition unit.

They want to make it easier for council tenants who find it difficult getting into their office; make a more effective way of consulting residents on local issues; make them aware of the services and provide an opportunity for feedback.

On the vehicle tenants will be able to report repair requests and neighbour complaints, obtain details and forms for transfers, exchanges and other housing schemes, make non-cash rent payments, make enquiries about hosing benefits, get bus tokens, vote in elections when it becomes a mobile polling station, get their bus tokens and look at plans.