ONE HUNDRED AND TWENTY-FIVE YEARS AGO — 1 JULY 1892

NOTICE

TO THE ELECTORS OF THE WESTERN OR ANDOVER DIVISION OF HANTS.

GENTLEMEN.-having had the honour of Representing you in Parliament for 35 years, I venture to offer myself again as a Candidate for your suffrages.

Under the present Government much useful legislation has been accomplished. The principle of Representation in the Management of County affairs has been carried out, and County Councils have successfully performed their work. I gladly supported the Allotment Act of 1887, and the Amended Act, for enabling County Councils to arrange, where necessary, for the supply of Allotments. In many parts of the country this has produced a happy result. General assent has been given to the measure for providing Labourers and others, who may desire to become owners of land, with small Agricultural Holdings by the advance of a great portion of the price on favourable terms.

The Foreign Policy of England has been conducted with such judgement that it has materially contributed to the preservation of peace without any sacrifice of British interests.

Ireland has increased its prosperity, and there has been a great diminution in crime under the firm and temperate rule of Mr.Balfour. When distress occurred in the West it was promptly checked by the judicious employment of labour. Considering the large and important section of the population loyal to England and strenuously opposed to a severance of the Union, and also the dissensions which prevail amongst the Nationalist party, it would be unwise to embark on a visionary measure of Home Rule which would not even be a settlement of the question.

Taxation has been reduced, a large amount has been granted for the relief of local rates, and Free Education has been provided for. Juvenile thrift has been encouraged, as since the abolition of School Fees, the depositors in Penny Banks established in connection with the Post Offices have increased 300 per cent.

Should you think fit to re-elect me I will make every effort to promote your interests and to merit your confidence.

I have the honour to be,

Your faithful and obliged Servant,

W.W.BRAMSTON BEACH.

Oakley Manor, Hants.

ONE HUNDRED YEARS AGO — 29 JUNE 1917

ST.MARY BOURNE — MISSIONARY

At a meeting held in the Parish Room on Monday evening in connection with the Universities Mission to Central Africa the Rev.F.R.Hodgson, M.A., of Eastbourne, secretary for the South of England and Oxford Dioceses, gave an interesting address on the mission and an account of his own experiences in Central Africa. There was on sale a quantity of literature connected with the object, and four ladies dressed in native costume sold these and also some goods done by the Choral League, realising 17s. 6d. A collection amounted to £1 11s. 0d. There was quite a good attendance.

SEVENTY-FIVE YEARS AGO — 3 JULY 1942

SITUATIONS VACANT

MALE COOKS, age up to 60, required for ARMY & AIR FORCE INSTITUTES in HAMPSHIRE. Not necessarily professional cooks as training is given in the preparation of simple dishes from standard recipes. Commencing wages 45/- per week with free board and lodging (or cash in lieu if not available). Merit increases given. Cooks clothing provided. Holidays with pay and travel facilities. Rail fare paid on engagement.—Write, N.A.F.F.I.(Dept.118 X), 4, New Street, Salisbury. Local interview arranged.

FIFTY YEARS AGO — 30 JUNE 1967

RESIDENTS SAY: HANDS OFF OUR RECREATION GROUND

Whitchurch parishioners turned out in force on Tuesday evening to protest against the Hampshire County Council’s proposal to construct a road through the town’s recreation ground, which is a War Memorial. The new road would provide access from the main Winchester / Newbury road to the Knowlings — the Kingsclere and Whitchurch Rural District Council’s housing estate which will eventually consist of 500 houses. The county planning authority has claimed that the existing access (via Micheldever Road) would be unsuitable in view of the increased use brought about by the proposed development.

About 200 parishioners packed into the Church Hall to register their protests and when a resolution deploring the county planning authority’s plan to drive a road through their recreation ground was put to the meeting, no-one voted against it, although there were a number of abstentions.

The chairman at the public meeting was Miss K.McFauld, J.P., who is chairman of the parish council. Also on the platform were Mr.F.A.H.Keates (clerk to the Kingsclere and Whitchurch Rural District Council); Mr.Harry Cooper (chairman of the R.D.C.Housing Committee); Mrs.F.G.R.Brittorous (county councillor) and Mr.C.R.B.Brown (Assistant County Planning Officer) who put the county planning authority’s case and answered questions.

TWENTY-FIVE YEARS AGO — 3 JULY 1992

FORD COTTAGE TO BE RAZED — AND REBUILT

One of Andover’s oldest buildings is in for a moving experience — a few yards up the road.

The future of Ford Cottage , the dilapidated listed building at the corner of West Street and Chantry Street, has been shakey for some time.

Its move will now clear the way for the high class shopping centre proposed on the waste ground.

In the past, Ford Cottage has been incorporated in plans as part of a hotel complex, and a shopping centre.

A move to another site was scheduled years ago, and Test Valley Borough Council’s policy and resources committee recently re-endorsed this policy.

Members gave their go-ahead to plans to demolish and rebuild a replica near St Mary’s Church.