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TEDWORTH — GOOD SPORT

We have received details of the result of three days’ shooting on the Tedworth estate. On Tuesday, the 30th, five guns were out on Sidbury Hill, and to them fell 177 hares, 1154 rabbits, 49 pheasants, 5 partridges and 3 unclassified birds, making a total of 1388. On the following day six guns were out of Furzehill, and to them fell 46 hares, 115 rabbits, 821 pheasants, 1 woodcock and 2 various, making a total of 985. On Wednesday the 1st inst. The scene of operations was Ashdown Coppice, and seven guns were out, there falling to them 59 hares, 872 rabbits, 966 pheasants and 5 various, making a total of 1902 on that day; while the result of the three days was 282 hares, 2141 rabbits, 1836 pheasants, 5 partridges, 1 woodcock and 10 various, or a grand total of 4275.

ONE HUNDRED YEARS AGO — 7 DECEMBER 1917

THE LAND WORKERS

One of the Land Workers now employed at Little Park writes that those girls who joined this army did not do so because the wages were good and it was an easy life, but because they wanted to share in the hardness brought by the war and to be worthy of the men in the trenches, at the same time knowing that increasing the food supply at home would make their time in the fighting line shorter. Since going through the training and coming to practical land work they had found all sorts of difficulties. Employers expected them to know more than they had learned in the month, and it was also very difficult to live on the wages. The weather at times had been appalling, but when feeling worn out they remembered what the men are going through. The secret of success in the Land Army is sticking to it, obeying rules, and if necessary grumble nicely to the Registrar, but always work and orders must come first. As soldier workers they are privileged in having a real share in helping the war along.

SEVENTY-FIVE YEARS AGO — 11 DECEMBER 1942

CORRESPONDENCE — “OUR SHIP”

Sir,— I would like to answer the point which N.C. has raised concerning the Andover coat-of-arms. On several occasions in the last few years we have made efforts to find a written description, but without success. We could ask the College of Heralds, but even they may be unable to find any record, in which case they might tell us that we had no right to sport our Lion and Tree anywhere! So don’t let us bother the College of Heralds.

As to different opinions about the arms, we can only accept general usage failing any exact blazon. Generally the arms consist of a lion, standing under an oak tree. He stands on all four legs and turns his head full face. He is sometimes coloured red, and the tree seems to be in natural colours. Both lion and tree are usually placed on a mound of grass. There is no motto. The official description, or blazon, would read something like this: “On a compartment of grass and flowers, a lion passant guardant gules, beneath an oak tree proper.”

As to “bucolic benevolence,” and the “rib scratching” that N.C.is afraid will cause ribaldry on the lower deck, I can only remind him that heraldry is always a fruitful source of ribaldry to the uninitiated, and even to serious-minded students like myself. (If N.C.cares to call in one me I can show him several things that would put the lower deck in stitches for a week). No. Heraldry is a land of fantasy where lions are red, and blue, and sometimes both; where eagles are “displayed” as though crucified; where unicorns are “rampant,” stags stand “at gaze,” and even lions stand and pose under oak trees! How therefore can heraldic artists accept the ruling of the lower deck, or even the quarter deck? Only if they are prepared to exchange the formal vigour of true heraldry for the flabby realism of the Victorian brand.

Thank you, Mr.Editor. What a pleasure it is to argue about things that don’t matter. H.R.Hosking. Andover Art School.

FIFTY YEARS AGO — 8 DECEMBER 1967

ROUND TABLE’S CHRISTMAS TABLEAU

Andover Round Table will once again be touring the town this year with a Christmas Tableau. Carols will be played and a collection taken.

This year most of the money collected will be used to pay for handrails which the Round Table are providing at the Eastfield Home for the Blind in Andover and the remainder will go to the Round Table Local Charities fund.

It is hoped to visit the various parts of the Borough as follows: Monday (11 December): Junction Road, Harroway, Blendon Drive area; Tuesday (12 December): South Street, Barlow’s Lane Estate, Winchester Road; Wednesday (13 December): Shepherd’s Row. Highlands Road and Corunna Main; Thursday (14 December): Croye Close, Weyhill Road, The Crescent, R.A.F.Andover; Friday (15 December): Old Winton Road, Leigh Road, Bere Hill Crescent; Saturday (16 December): Salisbury Road, Floral Way, Millway Road.

TWENTY-FIVE YEARS AGO — 11 DECEMBER 1992

HIGH STREET SIEGE

Andover was the centre of a full scale police and emergency operation which lasted over five hours on Tuesday morning.

It began at around 2 am when a 999 caller reported suspected intruders in premises in the Upper High Street.

Police quickly sealed off the area and two young men were seen on the roof above the Specsavers shop.

Around the same time a fire broke out on the ground floor of the Double Discount store.

Floodlights were set up, and as firefighters and police tried to reach the building it is alleged that tiles and masonry were hurled from the roof, making them dive for cover.

An ambulance and a police dog handler’s van were caught up in the situation and both were badly damaged.

One lump of concrete crashed through the windscreen of the police van where only moments earlier the police officer was sitting.

Another two feet square chunk smashed onto the roof of the ambulance.

Fire crews had to be protected beneath riot shields carried by police escorts and ‘ran the gauntlet’ to tackle the flames which at one stage, it was said, threatened to engulf the whole block of shops and offices.

After some time the fire was brought under control and contact was established with the two men on the roof.

Police negotiators and a special house entry backup team were brought in.

Eventually as daylight broke, at about 7.30 am, after a further two hour stand-off the men came down from the roof and were taken into custody.

Later, as shoppers and shop workers arrived, they were met with a scene of devastation in Upper High Street.