ONE HUNDRED AND TWENTY-FIVE YEARS AGO — 30 MARCH 1894

UPPER CLATFORD

Easter was celebrated at the parish church with the brightness that befits the Queen of Festivals. There was an early service at eight, when, we understand, the attendance was exceptionally large, more receiving the Holy Communion than has ever been known at this church. At the usual morning service the church was completely filled. The decorations were as usual of a most pleasing character, and reflected much credit on the taste and skill of the ladies who arranged them. We noticed the choir seats were all occupied, and the singing was of a high standard for a village choir. There was a good collection for the choir expenses.

ONE HUNDRED YEARS AGO — 28 MARCH 1919

NOTICE

ELECTION OF GUARDIANS for the BOROUGH OF ANDOVER.

Election Day —Monday, April 7, 1919.

FELLOW ELECTORS,—Having been requested to allow ourselves to be nominated as Candidates for the Board of Guardians at the forthcoming election, we beg to solicit your vote.

You will doubtless realise the necessity for the representation of women on public bodies, especially those dealing with women and children.

This result can only be obtained through your kind help, so we hope you will go to the Poll and put a X opposite each of our names, then you will be doing your part to help those whose interests demand consideration.

Therefore we appeal to you to make every effort to secure our return, so that Andover shall not be behind other places which already have Women Guardians to help with the many matters which arise needing the co-operation of women.

If elected we will try to do our duty, and make every effort to study your interests.

Yours faithfully,

KATE HOUNSELL.

FLORENCE H.MOORE.

SEVENTY-FIVE YEARS AGO — 31 MARCH 1944

COURTS BARON AND LEET

The annual assembly of Courts Baron and Leet at Stockbridge on Monday evening, was overshadowed by the death of the former Lord of the Manor, Sir Norman Hill, and of his son Lt.-Col Gray Hillwho had succeeded to the title, but the unusually large attendance realised to the full that in Sir Norman’s daughter, Miss Rosalind Hill, they have a lady who will worthily carry out the duties of Lord of the Manor, and preserve to the full the traditions which were so jealously guarded by her father.

Before proceeding with the usual business of appointing officers for the year, the Bailiff (Mr.H.Fowgies) referring to the passing of Sir Norman only 10 weeks after the death of his devoted wife, and of the death on active service overseas of his son, said that the Manorial rights had passed with tragic swiftness to his daughter, who that night was presiding over the ancient courts. The Bailiff went on to pay a personal tribute to Sir Norman and then appealed to Stockbridge burgesses for their loyal support of Miss Hill, as Lady of the Manor.

FIFTY YEARS AGO — 28 MARCH 1969

THAILAND PRINCESS FINED FOR CARELESS DRIVING

Her Royal Highness Princess Elizabeth Chula-Chakrabongse, the widow of motor racing enthusiast Prince Chula-Chakrabongse of Thailand was fined £15 and had her license endorsed by Andover County magistrates on Friday when she pleaded guilty to careless driving.

Princess Chula, who lives at Tredethy, Bodmin, Cornwall, did not appear in court but was represented by her solicitor, Mr.Philip Stephens.

Inspector J.Riordan told the court that the charge arose out of an accident at Oakley Corner, Nether Wallop.

Mr.Stevens was driving towards Salisbury when he indicated that he was going to turn right into a garage. He was being followed by another car. Just as he turned a Jenson Sports car overtook him and collided with him.

The car was being driven by Princess Chula.

Mr.Stephens, for the Princess, said that she had been a member of the Institute of Advanced Motorists for 11 years and had been driving a variety of cars both in this country and abroad for over 30 years and had no driving convictions at all.

He said that when the accident occurred, Princess Chula thought that Mr.Stevens was pulling out to overtake-and she followed through by overtaking himself [sic]. She did not see the entrance to the garage.

TWENTY-FIVE YEARS AGO — 31 MARCH 1994 (Thursday)

A303 TRAFFIC RE-ROUTE PLAN A RETURN TO ‘GOOD OLD DAYS’

The full significance of the major works now being carried out on the A303 near Andover became clear this week when it was revealed that plans are in hand to re-route the main road back through the centre of town.

Secret talks in Whitehall between the Transport Minister and a group of local businessmen have resulted in the controversial scheme which is intended to breathe new life into the Bridge Street area.

The project involved re-routing the A303 down London Road and London Street, through Bridge Street and up Weyhill Road.

Eventually the old town railway station – complete with its level crossing – will reopen near the Safeway roundabout.

Said one prominent tradesman: This is just what is needed for Andover. For years the bottom end of the town has been dying on its feet, this will revitalise it.

“Back in the ‘fifties when the main road came through and the level crossing was in operation there was no shortage of people. In fact most weekends it was just like a log jam!”

Final details are yet to be worked out but a public meeting will be held at the Guildhall to thrash out the small print of the project and to hear objections.

Anyone wishing to attend should take a careful note of the time and date of the meeting which is at 12 noon tomorrow, 1 April.