ONE HUNDRED AND TWENTY-FIVE YEARS AGO — 22 APRIL 1892

EASTER AT THE WORKHOUSE

The chapel connected with the Union Workhouse was most charmingly decorated for Easter, a number of thoughtful friends having supplied the necessary materials. Flowers were sent by the Lady E.Sutton and Col.Harmer; while Mrs.W.Miller forwarded the requisite moss and foliage, with which Mrs.Rumboll, the matron, assisted by Mrs.Longman, Miss Brown, and the industrial trainer, produced an effect which, as we have said, was remarkably pleasing. The service on Easter Sunday was conducted by the Rev.A.J.Balleine, who also officiated on Good Friday. It may also be mentioned that Mrs.Child and Miss Baker arranged for a supply of buns for the inmates on Good Friday.

ONE HUNDRED YEARS AGO — 20 APRIL 1917

TIDWORTH — VISIT OF THE KING

On Tuesday the King paid a visit to this end of the Plain in order to see the Australian Division, under Major General the Hon.Sir Newton Moore. The battalions present included a number who had had some time at one or other of the Fronts and others who were the latest drafts to reach the Plain from the other side of the world. Mr.Andrew Fisher. The Commonwealth High Commissioner, was amongst those accompanying the King. Addressing the men after the inspection the King said: “You will, I know, acquit yourselves with credit when your time comes to reinforce those splendid Australian divisions at the front, whose deeds and fighting qualities have won the highest praise. Do not forget your kinsmen, who have willingly given their lives for the Empire. Emulate their example, and so preserve the proud record made by them in the Great War.” Later the King pinned medals and decorations upon several who had distinguished themselves in the field. Prominent among these were Major T.F.Brown, of the Army Medical Corps, who was awarded the D.S.O. for devotion to duty under fire. The King talked with Major Brown for some minutes, and warmly shook hands with him after pinning on his breast the insignia of the Order. Capt.R.J.Moore, who was awarded the D.C.M., had killed five Turks himself and captured their last two machine guns. Pte.H.G.Cook was invested by the King not only with the Military Medal, but with the Serbian Silver Medal, awarded to him by King Peter for extreme bravery in carrying dispatched under fire at Pozieres. The weather remained favourable throughout the inspection, though the wind was cold for those who had to be standing in the same position for some time.

SEVENTY-FIVE YEARS AGO — 24 APRIL 1942

ANDOVER WARTIME NURSERY

Next Tuesday will be the first occasion on which the rooms of the Andover Wartime Nursery, situated in New Street, will resound to the ring of children’s voices when they discover the various toys which already await their eager inspection.

The centre has been built for the care of children between two and five years to allow mothers to engage in full or part-time war work, priority being given to the former. It will be open between 7 o’clock in the morning and 6.30 in the evening. Mothers working in the mornings will be able to take their children to the Nursery in time for breakfast whilst those who work an afternoon shift need not take their children until about 9.15.

There is to be no actual scholastic work, but the routine is designed to teach the children to look after themselves in such matters as washing and to inculcate the principles of hygiene and bodily cleanliness.

FIFTY YEARS AGO —21 APRIL 1967

STORES “AT HOME” FOR NEW ANDOVERIANS

Ponds, the Andover fashion and furniture store, staged their second “At Home” on Friday. And their guests? Nearly 200 people from the three Andover overspill estates—Floral Way, River Way and Cricketers Way—and members of the Homemakers’ Club. It was a “viewing only” evening for the guests, who sipped sherry and watched fashion and film shows.

The fashion show—described by Mrs.Penny Dedopulos—featured girls employed at the store; Mrs.Delia Cook, Miss Avril Mitchener, Miss Beverley Gratton, Mrs.Grace Foxwell, Miss Mary Davis and Miss Margaret Ling.

The film show, in the store’s second floor storeroom, was three advertising films by Parker Knoll (chairs), Courtaulds (Courtelle carpets) and Slumberland (bedding).

Courtaulds, advertising their Courtelle carpets on a hard-wearing theme, used a voluptuous model, who machine-gunned and otherwise killed three men, leaving blood and muddy footprints all over her Courtelle carpet, The commentary was, “Jane is impulsive, you know.”

TWENTY-FIVE YEARS AGO — 24 APRIL 1992

TOWN TWINS GET TOGETHER IN THE VALLEY

A unique series of events will happen in Test Valley on the first weekend in May when 500 visitors from 11 French and German twinned towns congregate in the area.

Eight local town and village twinning associations will come together with Test Valley Borough Council to celebrate Eurotwin 92.

On Friday 1 May mayors and twinning representatives from 11 different continental communities will attend a civic reception hosted by the Mayor of Test Valley, Cllr Craig Lewis.

On Saturday 2 May there will be a traditional English fair in the beautiful grounds of Mottisfont Abbey, just off the A3057 north of Romsey.

Tickets will cost £1 per adult with under 16’s free and there will be entertainment for all the family with more than 20 sideshows, singers, dancers and bands from Test Valley and abroad.

Specially imported folk dance groups Shropshire Bedlam and Martha Rowden’s Twopenny Dish provide the afternoon’s main feature.

An exhibition in the marquee will feature full-size copies of the Test Valley tapestry.

Later in the evening more than 1,000 guests will be enjoying a multi-lingual barn dance accompanied by Traditional Arts Project musicians and a human circus skills show.

The week-end closed with an ecumenical church service at Romsey Abbey.