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THE ANDOVER BAND

The Andover Band on Wednesday evening paid a visit to the Recreation Ground, and at the close of the cricket match played an excellent selection of music, much to the gratification of a large number of people who remained to hear them. We noticed that they wore their new glengarries, which are to form part of the new uniform they are providing for themselves, and a very becoming head-dress it is. Would that the bandstand was an accomplished fact.

ONE HUNDRED YEARS AGO — 25 MAY 1917

STOCKBRIDGE

Mrs.Herbert Johnson, District Representative Hants Women’s War Agricultural Committee for the following parishes in Stockbridge Union: Stockbridge, Longstock, Leckford, King’s Somborne, Ashley, Upper Eldon, and Up Somborne, is anxious to have it widely known that should farmers in these parishes require trained women workers on and after June 2 they should apply to her, as she will be able to put them in touch with suitable women who will have undergone a month’s training on practice farms.

SEVENTY-FIVE YEARS AGO — 29 MAY 1942

WHITE FEATHERS

We have been informed that the white feather mania is in vogue in Andover. Here is the latest instance of it.

An ex-Sergt.(James O.Gray, 75, Eastfield Road), who was with the Regular Army Service Corps) from January, 1937, until December, 1941, had an envelope containing white feathers, and with the word “yellow” printed on the outside, left at his home on May 21. This mean act on the part of someone who, probably, is not connected with the war effort in any shape or form, is all the more despicable when one remembers what the recipient has been through.

This is what he writes: “I am very much hurt by this treatment. I was under continual dive bombing from May 10, 1940, until the Dunkirk evacuation. We were unloading ammunition from a boat in Dunkirk harbour, and what I don’t know about dive-bombing and machine gunning is nobody’s business. I, like thousands more, was on the beaches five days waiting to be taken off, and during that time the only food I could get I had to “scrounge,” and that was very little. I was discharged on account of duodenal ulcers, and I’ve just returned to work after ten days’ sickness. As it is now I expect to have to undergo an operation pretty soon ... I feel I have had a rough deal by getting these feathers, and the only was to stop this despicable game is to show it up in daylight.”

Then the recipient addresses himself as follows to the one who sent the feathers: “If you though you would make me look small or feel ashamed you have failed completely ... The fact that I had to retire from the fight before the finish was unfortunate for me, Most reasonably-minded people consider I have done my bit. Have you? You who had the colossal cheek to call me yellow? Have you done your bit? I bet the answer is No. I am certain you had not the guts to deliver the envelope in daylight yourself, probably you had to bribe some child to do it. I wonder if anything ever made you feel a worm.”

Imagine the feelings of one who has risked so much in the defence of his country, who has faced death itself to keep England free, to provide a home and every creature comfort for this miserable person who has thought fit to sully his honour by such an underhand trick. We trust we shall hear no more of this “feather business,” and that the one who was responsible for this act will feel thoroughly ashamed of the deed he or she has committed.

FIFTY YEARS AGO — 26 MAY 1967

FROM CYPRUS TO BE ANDOVER’S NEW VICAR

The new Vicar of St.Mary’s, Andover, is to be the Rev.Peter John Chandler, who since February, 1964, has been the Archdeacon of Cyprus and Chaplain of St.Paul’s, Nicosia.

Mr.Chandler, who is single, and aged 46, has been accepted by the Warden and Fellows of Winchester College, the patrons of the living of St.Mary’s, Andover, and it is hoped that he will be inducted in mid-July.

He became a Bachelor of Arts at London University in 1941, with second-class honours in History, and in 1946 he went to the Lincoln Theological College. He was ordained deacon in 1948 and became a priest the following year.

From 1948 until 1952 he was Curate of Aylestone, Leicester, after which he served at St.Peter with St.Swithin, Bournemouth, for three years before being appointed Vicar of North Baddesley. He succeeds Canon Ivor Jeffery-Machin, who went to Bournemouth at the beginning of this month

TWENTY-FIVE YEARS AGO — 29 MAY 1992

BISHOP’S BASH GIVES CHAPLAINS A TASTE OF THE ARMY

Holy men were in abundance in Tidworth recently when Army chaplains from all over the South took part in operation ‘Bishop’s Bash’.

The intrepid Reverends were taken far from their churches to be dumped on Salisbury Plain for a night in trenches.

Challenge was again the name of the game the next day when the 1 Battalion of the Royal Regiment of Fusiliers put the padres through their paces.

They had to stop an aggressive soldier beating a prisoner of war, administer first aid to injured soldiers and build an impromptu place of worship in the middle of a wood.

Some were more successful than others, but the weather was kind, with no frost, wind or rain to be seen, just blessed, beautiful sunshine.

TEN YEARS AGO —25 MAY 2007

PRIDE OF ANDOVER HEROES NEEDED

This week the Andover Advertiser is proud to launch the first Pride of Andover Awards, presented by TV broadcaster and journalist Esther Rantzen.

Sponsored by HSA and Stannah, and part of Andover Vision. With backing from Testway Housing, Test Valley Community Services and Test Valley Borough Council, the aim is to honour individuals who give up their time to help others or improve the community — or those who excel in their chosen activity.