ONE HUNDRED AND TWENTY-FIVE YEARS AGO — 3 FEBRUARY 1893

CORRESPONDENCE — THE LAST STRAW

Sir,—I think we all, in the main, agree with the strictures of “Hampshire Hog,” in your last issue, in the laxity of our respected M.P. in looking after the interests of his Andover constituency. As far as these iniquitous New Railway Rates are concerned I fear it is, at present, beyond the power of anyone [illegible], however great his influence, to obtain relief, but in a short time we shall hope to have his powerful advocacy in this direction, when the agitation becomes more fully ripe.

In regard to the other matter referred to by “H.H.,” viz.market tickets, our representative’s attention should have been directed to this long ago, and I trust you, Mr.Editor, will raise your powerful voice to obtain this concession- a privilege, by the way, enjoyed by every market town in the vicinity save ourselves.

One more word as to this anomalous farce of issuing reduced market (?) fares to Southampton on Fridays, of all days in the week, from Andover and intermediate station! Southampton, at the best, possess but the ghost of a market, and that, moreover, has for some past been held on Wednesdays!

This mischievous arrangement has done our trade incalculable injury, and was concocted behind our backs at the instance of an outsider who doesn’t care two straws for the place.

I am, yours, &c., OLD ANDOVERIAN

ONE HUNDRED YEARS AGO — 1 FEBRUARY 1918

CORRESPONDENCE — 2-4th. HAMPSHIRE REGIMENT COMFORTS FUND

Sir,—We have all been greatly cheered by the glorious success of the British arms in Palestine, culminating in then deliverance of the Holy City from Turkish oppression and misrule. Your readers will rejoice in the knowledge that that the 2-4th Territorial Battalion of the County Regiment has taken a highly creditable part in these operations, after having for upwards of two years carried out garrison and training duties under Lieut.-Col.W.Naish and Lieut.Col.J.B.L.Stilwell at Quetta in Baluchistan.

We now feel that the time has come for active steps to be taken to provide the men of this Battalion with gifts and comforts in token of our grateful admiration for their patriotic devotion to duty. This Battalion is composed almost entirely of Hampshire men; it is therefore a very strong claim upon the sympathy and generosity of the county. We confidently appeal to all readers of your journal who are friends and well wishers of the County Territorials for their liberal support. We earnestly hope that many will join hands in the effort.

The Fund has been registered under the War Charities Act, 1916, and particulars of its administration will be furnished from time to time by the courtesy of the public press. Cheques and postal orders should be sent to the Hon.Treasurer, Rev.Canon Martin, Clifton Mount, Winchester.

T.STURMY CAVE, Hon.Col.4th Hants Regt.

H.CRICHTON, Chairman, Hants., T.F.Association.

ROBERT T.MOORE, Mayor of Andover.

WALTER NAISH, Lt-Col.

G.H.STILWELL, Lt-Col.

SEVENTY-FIVE YEARS AGO — 5 FEBRUARY 1943

CHILDREN’S PARTY

Last Monday, in the Guildhall, the Wilts & Dorset Motor Services held a party of the employees’ wives and children, This, which proved so successful considering the difficulties during war-time, was organised by the Company’s Social Club. After the bountiful tea, the children played games to the music of a piano played by Driver Plowman and a member of the Southern Stars Orchestra. These proved to be the most outstanding artistes, Mr Watts, the conjurer, made a live rabbit come out of a box, which amused everybody. Sheila Dawson tap danced and Audrey Dawson sang “I’m Dreaming of a White Christmas.” These two items were very much enjoyed. At the end, the children were presented with sweets and apples. In the evening, the adults held a very enjoyable dance. This was arranged by the Club. Music for the dancing was supplied by the Southern Stars Dance Orchestra. There was also a refreshment buffet.

FIFTY YEARS AGO — 2 FEBRUARY 1968

ARMY BUYS NEARLY 140 HOUSES IN ANDOVER

The Army has purchased more than a third of the houses built in Andover last year or under construction at the present time. Last year 128 private houses were built in the borough and a further 194-114 for the Army-are now under construction.

Of these 322 dwellings, the Ministry of Defence has purchased 132, 60 of them on the Chichester Close estate, off The Drove. Fourteen of them are already occupied by Army families.

They are also buying 60 of the dwellings now being built on The Elms estate, off Salisbury Road. Sixteen flats are already in use.

And the 16 houses purchased at Gallaghers Mead, off Weyhill Road last year, are now all occupied by soldiers and their families.

The Ministry went into the house-buying market about the spring of last year following the withdrawal of British troops from Aden and other overseas posts.

OVER 300 PEOPLE HEAR ROMAN CATHOLIC BISHOP PREACH AT ST.MARY’S

The Rt.Rev.Derek Worlock, Roman Catholic Bishop of Portsmouth, made history on Thursday night when he became the first Roman Catholic to preach from the pulpit in the present St,Mary’s Church, Andover.

The invitation to the bishop to preach the sermon at the United Week of Payer service was bitterly criticised by some Protestants but-despite rumours of a demonstration -only one man paraded outside the church with a banner stating, “By the Grace of God; Protestant.”

TWENTY-FIVE YEARS AGO — 5 FEBRUARY 1993

TOWN TAX GETS GO AHEAD

Controversial plans for an ‘Andover tax’ were voted through by councillors at Wednesday night’s meeting of Test Valley Borough Council’s policy and resources meeting.

Despite adding £14 more to every town household’s council tax bill at the middle range band D, Test Valley will still have one of the lowest rates in Hampshire.