Back Through the Pages

CHILBOLTON — MAGIC LANTERN

Our ancestors no doubt used to find the winter evenings very long and dreary, as there was little stirring to relieve the monotony. This is not the case in these days of the nineteenth century, and many things are provided in order to pass time pleasantly and profitably. Among these is the introduction of the magic lantern, which was shown by the Rev.R.S.Routh, of Longstock, in the Parish Hall on Friday evening last. It would seem that people never tire of seeing these kind of entertainments, as they assembled in goodly numbers. Some of the views shown were very interesting and instructive, those of the moths, ferns, and the development of the dragon-flies being specially noteworthy. During the exhibition Mr.Routh proved himself to be a versatile entertainer, as the audience were moved to roars of laughter one time, while strict silence prevailed upon the relating of some pathetic story. There was also shown the usual comic slides for the amusement of the younger ones, and oftentimes the more serious were obliged to join in with them. The rector (Rev.H.H.Pereira) thanked Mr.Routh for his kindness in coming over, and also for the enjoyable evening spent. Mr.Routh, in responding, said if he could do any good by coming at any time he should be pleased to do so if the rector would let him. The proceeds are to be devoted towards buying another bell for Longstock church.

ONE HUNDRED YEARS AGO — 30 NOVEMBER 1917

CORRESPONDENCE — OUR SOCIAL PROBLEMS

In reading through the report of the Andover Town Council in your last issue, I was glad to see the remarks of Councillor Moore (Mayor) that there were social problems to be dealt with, and that they as a body must not sit still. Now, sir, in the first instance I notice that the allotment question is once more mentioned; hundreds of acres have been secured for allotments by Council in other towns while Andover has done nothing. I hope this time it will be a reality, and not a sham. Then there is the housing question, overcrowding is already with us, and more so when soldiers are billeted in the town, as it is the workers in whose houses they are mostly put. Then there is the outdoor bathing station, also the lavatory accommodation for male and female; the present one for males is a disgrace to the town and should have the Council’s first attention. I would also like to point out that when resolutions from democratic bodies are sent in they should be discussed in Council and aired in the public Press instead of being consigned to the waste paper basket, and last, but not least, give Labour a seat on the Council. These are a few items that Councillor Moore might keep in mind during his year of office. I feel sure if he can in any way bring about a better state of affairs he will gain the gratitude of the working classes. W.J.RUSHENT, Branch Sec., N.U.R.

1, Primrose Villas, Millway Road, Andover.

SEVENTY-FIVE YEARS AGO — 4 DECEMBER 1942

WHITCHURCH — NUMBERING THE HOUSES

For years the inhabitants have been asking for the houses to be numbered, and on different occasions the Parish Council have supported them, but to no avail. At last the responsible authorities have awakened to the fact that it would prove beneficial, and so the work is being proceeded with, much to the delight of all who in the past have had to make deliveries. Not only are the houses being numbered but the names of the streets are clearly depicted, a long delayed necessity.

FIFTY YEARS AGO — 1 DECEMBER 1967

WOOLWORTH PLAN A SUPERSTORE

Messrs F.W.Woolworth and Co.Ltd. have acquired the premises of Parsons and Hart and Pontings the Chemist in High Street, Andover. And they plane to replace them with a three-storey store with restaurant.

The company’s application for outline planning permission came before Andover Borough Council’s Planning Committee on Tuesday night when it was agreed to defer it for further negotiations with Woolworth’s and the county council.

But it was clear from the views expressed at the meeting that, provided certain snags are ironed out, the Andover Planning Committee is prepared to give Woolworth’s the go-ahead for what Cllr.B.Baker, chairman of the committee, described as “a good scheme – and a very worthwhile one.”

ODEON AS BINGO HALL: SHOWING OF FILMS TO END

The Odeon Cinema — one of the 47 theatres sold by the Rank Organisation to the Classic Group in a £1,600,000 package deal — is to become a bingo hall, and after the middle of next January there will be no more films shown.

TWENTY-FIVE YEARS AGO — 4 DECEMBER 1992

SUPPORT FOR DISTRESSED CHURCH-GOERS

A support group for church-goers distressed by the Church of England’s decision to admit women priests has been formed in Andover.

An anonymous box advertisement was placed in the Andover Advertiser two weeks ago offering help for those who were upset by the decision.

The group’s founder, a former local vicar, says several people have already got in touch with him.

“They feel bereaved. It’s like losing a beloved relative,” he said.

TEN YEARS AGO — 30 NOVEMBER 2007

TRAFFIC WARDEN SHAKE-UP

A NEW breed of enforcers will be on Test Valley’s streets from 1 April – replacing traffic wardens and with the ability to levy heftier fines.

They will be called civil enforcement officers (CEOs) and will have the ability to operate on every road and public car park in Test Valley, apart from trunk roads.

Their new ticket fines will be £70, £10 more than at present, although a £50 ticket can also be issued for less serious parking contraventions.

Test Valley Borough Council’s executive has been warned that introducing the CEOs will cost money.

The new system is expected to bring in £30,000 less – and there will be a bill for £20,000 for new software for the enforcers.

One way of offsetting the financial impact would be to bring in more income by introducing on-street pay and display charges, similar to those that operate in places like Salisbury and Bath.

The option is raised in a report to the council.

“If on-street pay and display charges were introduced the agency agreement with the Highway Authority allows the income to be added to the on-street account, possibly off-setting the reduction in income,” said Lesley Hottinger from the technical services department.