ONE HUNDRED AND SIXTY-FOUR YEARS AGO – FRIDAY 20 JUNE 1862
ST MARY BOURNE
One day last week, a little boy named Holt fell into the deepest part of our river; he was at once carried by the rapidity of the current under the weeds, and would doubtless have drowned, had it not been for an old man named William Cox, aged 78, who observed two little hands struggling in the water, and aided by his stick, boldly entered the stream and rescued the child, almost, one may say, at the risk of his own life, as he was unable to get out without assistance.
To show their high appreciation of this gallant and humane act, the inhabitants have subscribed a sum of money, kindly collected by Mr Chandler the postman, and presented to Mr Cox, who has thus set an example of courage and fearlessness to many of his younger fellow villagers.
It is the opinion of many respectable inhabitants, that the river ought to be railed in, and we suppose, as usual, after a few more serious accidents, such will be the case.
ONE HUNDRED AND TWENTY-FIVE YEARS AGO – FRIDAY 21 JUNE 1901
FIRE AT THE GASWORKS
When today was but a few minutes old, Mr Tremblett, manager at the Andover Gas Works, was about to retire, when he noticed a strong smell of smoke, which was rapidly filling the house.
Rushing upstairs, he roused his son Garnett, who was the only member of the family at home.
By this time the men at the gas works had been alarmed and came across the yard, but it was found that the fire had got too firm a hold to be checked by buckets, and attention was directed to saving as much as possible of the furniture.
It was impossible to save anything upstairs, but from the ground floor a large proportion of what was moveable was promptly taken to a place of safety.
By this time some of the members of the fire brigade had been roused from their slumbers, and the steamer was got out and run down to the corporation gardens, but when they arrived the place was hopelessly burning, the roof being alight from end to end.
The night was a very still one, and so the risk of a spread of the flames to the adjacent works was minimised.
However, it was a relief to the few who were present that the steamer got to work, and in a few minutes the firemen had the upper hand, and soon there was nothing but a heap of smouldering timber left in the middle of the premises, though the thin walls were swaying in a threatening manner.
These were cooled, and a few minutes after half-past one the firemen were able to dispense with the steamer and leave the place in charge of the police.
The origin of the fire is uncertain, but a leak of gas had been noticed in the pantry the previous day, and from the way the fire spread on its first outbreak this had probably filled the space beneath the bedroom floors with gas, which in some way became ignited.
Mr Tremblett had his furniture insured and the building is also covered, while a number of his friends will feel thankful that the mischief was discovered in time to prevent any loss of life.
ONE HUNDRED YEARS AGO – FRIDAY 18 JUNE 1926
SUNDAY VISITORS
On Sunday, the Andover and District Motor Club were visited by members of the London General Omnibus Motor Club, and a very enjoyable afternoon was spent.
An excellent lunch was waiting at the White Hart Hotel, when the visitors arrived, and judging from the remarks, the lunch was much enjoyed.
Golf and tennis arrangements were made for the visitors, and a cricket team was picked out of each of the two clubs and a very exciting match ensued at the RAF cricket ground.
After tea at the White Hart, the visitors proceeded back to London about 7.30 pm.
It is rather unfortunate that the Andover Motor Club should have to take the visitors outside the town for their sport but it was found impossible to obtain a ground in Andover, owing we presume to it being a Sunday.
Thanks are due to the gentlemen who so kindly arranged for the use of the RAF ground.
SEVENTY-FIVE YEARS AGO – FRIDAY 22 JUNE 1951
BUS STATION EXTENSION
The plans for the proposed extension to the Andover Bus Station, incorporating a larger island shelter and entrance, were passed by the North-west Hants Area Planning Committee at Winchester on Monday.
It was agreed that a condition be imposed on the bus company that there should be no building within 6ft of the present bus station’s boundary on the river side of the site.
This condition was introduced after Alderman B Shaw Porter had said that the river was regarded as one of the town’s amenities and that the council wished to retain the right to control planning along its banks.
The committee, he said, was aware that the owners on either side of the river owned half of the river and if the bus company wanted to build right to the river’s bank the council would lose control of half the river over a certain stretch whilst the loss of such a narrow strip would cause the company no hardship.
Mr P H Ponting added that the river was a great asset to the town and there was nothing drastic about the council wanting a narrow strip of land along its bank.
FORTY-SEVEN YEARS AGO – FRIDAY 16 JUNE 1979
BSA MOTORCYCLES BACK IN TOWN
BSA motorcycles are back in Andover – thanks to Andover Norton Ltd, who are part of the same group.
The motorcycles with the famous name will be stocked in Andover Norton’s premises at North Way, Andover, and sold through their new shop in Charlton Road.
Andover Norton, who employ 20 at North Way, are also spare parts distributors.
Said Mr Mike Jackson, general marketing manager: ‘We have developed a thriving business in this line.
'We supply dealers throughout England and all over the world with spare parts for British bikes made many years ago.’
Andover Norton is holding a BSA demonstration day in their car park at North Way on Thursday, 21 June between 10 am and 6 pm.
PRAISE FOR ROTARY CLUB – BUT PUBLIC CRITICISED
Test Valley Borough Council mayor, Cllr John Morgan praised Andover Rotary Club for initiating the very successful ‘Keep Andover Tidy’ week, then slammed members of the public who were still dropping their rubbish in the centre of the town.
‘It was a very successful campaign,’ he said, and added that ‘although in the morning it was a pleasure to see the High Street so tidy, when I walked down with my wife in the evening there were chip papers and the like there again.’
Cllr Laurie Porter said, ‘I think the Press should remind people that the fine for dropping litter can be £100.’
He thought there might be an end to the litter problem if the police brought a few prosecutions.
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