ONE HUNDRED AND TWENTY-FIVE YEARS AGO — 18 NOVEMBER 1892

NOTICE - TO CONTRACTORS.

TENDERS are invited by the General Purposes Committee of the Town Council of the Borough of Andover for the Supply and Erection of New ENTRANCE GATES and FENCE at the Recreation Ground. The Plan and Specification can be seen on or after the 22nd inst. On application to the undersigned, to whom Tenders are to be sent, under seal and endorsed “Gates,” on or before the 1st day of December next. No pledge is given to accept the lowest or any Tender.

By order, ALFRED PURKISS, Borough Surveyor, Town Hall, Andover. Nov. 17th, 1892.

ONE HUNDRED YEARS AGO — 16 NOVEMBER 1917

ST MARY BOURNE – ENTERTAINMENT

On Wednesday evening the sitting accommodation of the Parish Room was taxed to the utmost, so many people came to the entertainment organised by Mr.A.H.White to help the funds of Hurstbourne Priors and St.Mary Bourne Nursing Association. The first part consisted of Mrs.Jarley’s Waxworks. In the unavoidable absence of Mrs.Jarley, the Rev.H.Crosland Bell, assisted by Constable Bob Latus, conducted the show in a way which kept the large audience in the best of humour for three-quarters of an hour. The costumes of the historical and literary figures were greatly admired and the figures acted their parts splendidly, aided by Constable Bob with oil can and winding key. The second part consisted of vocal and instrumental music, the first item being a pianoforte piece by Master H.Oakes. The ‘cello solos by Dr.Miles Miley were beautifully rendered. Songs were sung by Mrs.Tovani and Mrs.Capps, Lieut.W.R.Tovani,M.C.,and Corpl.Lee (Wakeswood Hospital). Most of the calls for encores were responded to. The last item was an impersonation of Harry Lauder by Lieut.Tovani, who had to respond twice, much amusement being caused by two local verses added to “Roamin’ in the Gloamin’.” This is the first entertainment of the kind since last December, and both artistically and financially it has been a success.

SEVENTY-FIVE YEARS AGO — 19 NOVEMBER 1942

WHITCHURCH – THE BELLS OF ALL HALLOWS

After a period of nearly three years, the bells of All Hallows Church once again played their part when on Sunday, from 10 a.m. until 11 a.m., peals were rung. Eagerly anticipated by many residents, it was indeed a joyous sound, and for a short period of time it seemed as if there was a world of peace. A telegram of peculiar interest to all in the town was receive by Mr.Harry Clarke, foreman of the ringers, from Mr.Edney-Hayter, who is serving in H.M.Forces, and is at present in Belfast. It read: “On hearing Churchill’s great broadcast my thoughts flew to you, give an extra special peal for all the absent Whitchurch lads.-EDNEY-HAYTER.”

FIFTY YEARS AGO — 17 NOVEMBER 1967

EDITORIAL CHANGE FOR “ADVERTISER”

Today marks the retirement from the editorship of the “Andover Advertiser” of Mr.Cyril J.J.Berry in order that he may devote himself to his own magazine and book publishing business.

Cyril Berry, an old boy of Andover Grammar School, joined the reporting staff of the “Andover Advertiser” on leaving school in 1934 and worked in that capacity until the Second World War when he joined the Army in 1940. Subsequently he was commissioned in the Hampshire Regiment and served in Ireland, East Africa and Burma, attaining the rank of Captain.

In 1940 he married Miss Margaret Holmes, of Vernham Dean, who had also been employed by his paper’s publishers.

On demobilisation he joined the editorial staff of the “Southern Daily Echo,” Southampton (now the “Southern Evening Echo”) and later had a short spell in a photographic business before deciding to return to journalism. He accepted the editorship of the “Andover Advertiser” in January, 1949.

About 1952 he became interest in wine and particularly, winemaking, and, with other local winemakers, founded the Andover Winemakers’ Circle of which he is now president. This was the first such club [in the country] and by 1957 he realised that his own interest in making wines was shared by many and thought that this interest could be fostered by the publication of a monthly magazine in which information on the subject could be collated and disseminated.

His paper’s publishers, Holmes and Sons (Printers) Ltd., agreed to support the venture with a three months’ trial print. Starting with 600 copies of 10 pages, the circulation and paging steadily increased until today 14,000 copies of 56 pages are produced each month.

His place as editor will be taken by Mr.Derek J.Tempero, who joined the “Advertiser” on leaving Andover Grammar School in 1939.

TWENTY-FIVE YEARS AGO — 20 NOVEMBER 1992

BBC’S ‘JOHNNERS’ IS GUEST OF HONOUR

Guest of honour at a recent black tie dinner at the TSB Sports & Social Club in Andover, held to support long-serving Hampshire wicketkeeper Bobby Parks’ benefit year, was Brian Johnston.

The 80-year-old former BBC Test Match Special commentator, author and broadcaster captivated his audience with witty and amusing anecdotes.

The master of ceremonies was Richard Ingram, who also organised the event, the fifth consecutive annual dinner in Andover for a Hampshire Cricket Club beneficiary.

Around 170 people attended the function, including a number of Hampshire players and their wives.

The evening’s proceedings included an auction of cricket memorabilia, conducted by John May of May & Son, as well as a raffle.

Over £2,300 was raised for Bobby Parks, who was released by Hampshire at the end of last season after 15 years of loyal service to the club.

Plans are now in hand for next year’s dinner in support of the 1993 beneficiary, Hampshire coach Tim Tremlett.