ONE HUNDRED AND TWENTY FIVE YEARS AGO FRIDAY, 24 NOVEMBER 1882 BOROUGH PETTY SESSIONS - THE CATAPULT NUISANCE Inspector Duke reported that a number of boys had been caught by the police shooting stones out of catapults in the streets. He had taken the things from them and had cautioned them, but he should like to have the opinion of the Bench as to summoning them. The Mayor suggested that those who had been caught in the act should be brought up at the next Petty Sessions, without being summoned, and they could then be admonished by the Bench.

ONE HUNDRED YEARS AGO FRIDAY, 22 NOVEMBER 1907 WHITCHURCH - THE ROADS The steam roller has been at work in Whitchurch during the week, and the parts of the roads that have been mended have been rolled promptly, causing the minimum of inconvenience to traffic. The roads have been strengthened by the laying down of granite, the most remarkable transformation taking place in Bell Street (a district road), which has been laid with the harder material. There is every appearance of the roads about Whitchurch becoming, in the near future, a credit to the District Council, instead of a reproach, as in years past.

SEVENTY-FIVE YEARS AGO FRIDAY, 18 NOVEMBER 1932 WHITCHURCH - DUNLEY MANOR GENEROSITY Notwithstanding the many changes effected and about to be made in the Poor Law world, one thing remains unchanged, and that is the kindness and generosity which has been bestowed upon the occupants of the "House on the Hill" by the residents of Dunley Manor. As far back as 1922 the late Lady Herbert invited the occupants of the House to Dunley, this invitation being repeated each year until 1930. Since Lady Herbert was called to her rest, Sir Alfred Herbert has given the annual treat to perpetuate the memory of Lady Herbert. Owing to the increase in the number of inmates the affair has taken place at the House, the women occupying the dining hall, and the kitchen being used as an annex for the men.

On Friday in last week loads of good things to eat were sent to the Institution, including meat pies and fancy cakes to numerous to mention. The meal was served under the direction of the Matron at 5 p.m. The walls of the dining hall were delightfully decorated with branches of beech, the tables strewn with beech leaves as decorations, with pot plants and palms having a place in the centre of the hall. After tea each woman was presented with a bag containing a jam sandwich, chocolate, pint jellies, an orange, necklace and handkerchief, while each man received a pipe, tobacco, cigarettes, orange, handkerchief, cake, fruit, sweets and chocolate.

After tea the Master telephoned the grateful thanks of all the inmates to Sir Alfred Herbert, who in response sent his best love, and expressed the hope that all would thoroughly enjoy themselves. From 6 o'clock to 8 the programme consisted of gramophone records and songs and character sketches by several of the inmates. After hearty cheers had been given for Sir Alfred Herbert, the singing of the National Anthem concluded a most happy and enjoyable evening.

FIFTY YEARS AGO FRIDAY, 22 NOVEMBER 1957 CHAMBER TO PROTEST ABOUT BRIDGE ST. TRAFFIC CONGESTION Members of the Andover Chamber of Trade executive decided, on Monday evening, at the Dairy Café, to write to British Railways about the congestion that is caused in Bridge Street every time the level-crossing gates are shut.

The general view of the members was that the situation would become "just chaotic" in the summer, and that representations to the authorities should be made well before the holiday months.

The subject was broached By Mr. F. H. Holmes who asked, "Are you enjoying the congestion that now arises in Bridge Street?" Mr. G. West, the president, commented that a recent new town bus service had been organised in an endeavour to offset the nuisance of the gates. Now, the half-hourly train service, to and from Southampton, kept all the buses waiting at the crossing.

The Chamber, Mr. F. A. Knight thought, was really concerned about the situation and the chaos that would arise in the summer.

TWENTY-FIVE YEARS AGO FRIDAY, 19 NOVEMBER 1982 TRAFFIC FLOW IDEAS Suggestions to improve the flow of traffic along Salisbury Road, Andover, are contained in a letter this week to the chairman of Test Valley's transportation committee, Cllr Tom Ware.

Liberal borough councillor Craig Lewis point out that residents of Rooksbury Road and Millway Road can find themselves waiting for "15 frustrating minutes" to move into Salisbury Road and he suggests that a mini roundabout should be constructed at the crossroads.