ONE HUNDRED AND TWENTY-FIVE YEARS AGO — ¬24 FEBRUARY 1893

WHITCHURCH — UNSECTARIAN TEMPERANCE SOCIETY

In connection with this society a meeting was held on Tuesday night in the Primitive Methodist Chapel, presided over my Mr.F.Rampton, who gave an interesting introductory address. The following programme was then rendered in capital style: —

Duet, “Lovely Zion,” Miss Allee and Miss Bray; address, Mr.Dawkes, of Andover; selection by the band; recitations, “The Brewer’s Coachman,” Elsie Pearce; “Don’t Tease the Lions,” Lina Pearce; and dialogue, “A Country Booby,” Messrs.Pocock, Braxtone, and Button. The dialogue caused much laughter, and at its close Mr.Hillier, of Andover, delivered an earnest address. Mr.Reynolds moved, and Mr.Cooper seconded, a vote of thanks to the speakers, which was carried unanimously, after which the singing of a trio by Mrs.Pearce, Elsie and Lina Pearce brought a very pleasant evening to a close, when four pledges were taken.

ONE HUNDRED YEARS AGO — 22 FEBRUARY 1918

EIGHT ANDOVER AEROPLANES

Eight aeroplanes of the latest pattern will cost £20,000, and those responsible for financing the war have asked Andover to gather that amount together between March 4 and 9. The Mayor invited a score of his fellow townsmen to set the ball rolling, and on Wednesday several suggestions were put forward. For those who desire an easily cashed security blocks of 15s. 6d. certificates will meet the case, while for others the bonds ranging from £5 to £100, and which will be redeemed by the Government at a premium in a few years, offer and investment that pays a good rate of interest and returns at a time when the country will be settling down after the upset. The Mayor said he would endeavour to secure that an aeroplane should be in the Market Place on the Friday, for the sale of bonds and certificates; they would fix a shepherd’s house at the end of the aeroplane for the clerical business.

SEVENTY-FIVE YEARS AGO — 26 FEBRUARY 1943

WARDENS’ FROLICS — SOCIAL EVENING AT ANDOVER

The first social organised by the Andover A.R.P.Wardens’ Service was held on Wednesday evening in the British Restaurant the use of which had been placed at their disposal through the kindness of the Borough Council. Having first made the necessary provisions in case of an “Alert,” about 150 Wardens of all ranks met in a frolicsome atmosphere and were regaled with a very high class entertainment.

Chief Warden R.Charlton occupied the chair, and was supported by the Borough A.R.P.Controller (Mr.B.S.Allen), Mr.E.J.O.Gardiner, Deputy Chief Warden (Mr.J.Beaven), Mr.R.S.Offord, Mr.B.Shaw Porter, and Mr.W.F.Welch, representing the business house premises Fire Watching Scheme.

During the evening Mr.Shaw Porter complimented those who had worked so indefatigably in arranging such a successful evening, thereby providing a means for all to meet together and get to know each other in a social way. He said he hoped that as time progressed more of these functions would be held.

The artist’s who entertained were Mrs.Harvey (wife of Warden Harvey), contralto; Warden Frank Miles, violinist; Miss Rose Alexander, soprano; Senior Warden W.Tubb, in country yokel monologues; Mr Watson, a high-class conjuror; and Mr.Len Franks, baritone. All the accompaniments were played by Mrs.O.L.Harrison, who also played some delightful incidental numbers.

Ten o’clock came all too soon, and the party dispersed after the singing of the National Anthem.

FIFTY YEARS AGO — 23 FEBRUARY 1968

FAMOUS ACTOR MANAGER DIES IN HOSPITAL

Sir Donald Wolfit, C.B.E., the famous Shakespearian actor-manager, died in the Royal Masonic Hospital London, on Saturday at the age of 65. Sir Donald, who lived at Swift Cottage, Ibthorpe, Hurstbourne Tarrant, is survived by Lady Wolfit, two daughters and a son.

UPPER CLATFORD’s [WI] 50th ANNIVERSARY

On 14 February, 1918, the Upper Clatford W.I. had its first meeting, so on the 50th anniversary, a party to celebrate the Golden Jubilee was held in the village hall.

Some 80 people, including the group chairman (Mrs.Wilmott) and the committee and members with their gusts were welcomed by the president (Mrs.Brockhurst) who said how privileged she felt to be in office during their special “red letter” year.

Mrs.Wilmott expressed similar sentiments at being invited to the party at the same time offering best wished from the county chairman (Mrs.Sulivan) unavoidably absent owing to a previous engagement, and from her own Institute.

Mrs.Mood, the Goodworth Clatford President, who attended with a party of invited guests, added her felicitations.

TWENTY-FIVE YEARS AGO — 26 FEBRUARY 1993

HIGH HOPES OF FILLING TOWN’S EMPTY SHOPS — GOOD NEWS IN STORE

Shopping bosses are optimistic that they are on the verge of finding a new tenant for the old Tesco site in Andover’s Chantry Shopping Centre — and several of the other empty units could also be filled within the next few months.

Chestertons, the London-based firm who are letting agents for the development, say that negotiations are ongoing with three nationally-based chain stores who have expressed an interest in the site.

Finding a tenant for the old Tesco unit, the biggest in the shopping complex and commanding a prime position at the entrance. Would be a major breakthrough in the efforts to promote the Chantry Centre.

The unit has been boarded up since Tesco moved to their new superstore near Enham Arch more than two years ago.

LOWEST COUNCIL TAX IN COUNTY EXPECTED

Test Valley council at its meeting today is expected to set a district council tax of £61.56 for a Band D property which, when combined with the county tax of £369.35 for the same band, will result in one of the lowest council tax levels in the county.

PUB SANDWICH MAN NOW OUT OF A JOB

The end is nigh for the sandwich man who walks up and down the A303 advertising the George Inn at Thruxton.

After wrangles lasting nearly two years Test Valley Borough Council’s planning committee has agreed to let the bypassed pub advertise itself with a sign on the dual carriageway verge.