ONE HUNDRED AND TWENTY-FIVE YEARS AGO — 25 OCTOBER 1889

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ONE HUNDRED YEARS AGO — 23 OCTOBER 1914

RECRUITING

Recruiting is practically at a standstill in this district at the present time. A very large number have joined the colours, but there are very many young unmarried men still about the district with no very serious tie to keep them from enlisting in one or other of the branches of the army. In some cases employers have declined to keep places open, and this has deterred men from coming forward. The complete result desired, that is the crushing of militarism, can only be achieved by a succession of blows that shall give the enemy no rest, and to accomplish this Lord Kitchener must be able to send out fresh troops to take the place of those who are worn and nerve shattered at the front, so that they can rest and recuperate before again filling up the firing line, and carrying on the forward movement that General French has in hand. Already there are indications that the laggards may be hurried a little in the near future by the application of the Militia Ballot, but it would be a day of humiliation for the county of Hampshire if such an event should come to pass.

SEVENTY-FIVE YEARS AGO — 27 OCTOBER 1939

CORRESPONDENCE — THE NATIONAL ANTHEM

Sir,—On Sunday last in Andover Church two verses of the National Anthem was sung before each of the services, and I was glad to hear the second verse included in these, which runs:— O Lord our God, arise, Scatter his enemies, And make them fall; Confound their politic, Frustrate their knavish tricks; On Thee our hopes we fix; God save us all.

I have since heard the choice of this verse for singing in church criticised as being un-Christian in spirit. In Hymns Ancient and Modern (No.707) a footnote suggests its omission, and in the English Hymnal, used at Goodworth Clatford, Hurstbourne Tarrant, All Hallows (Whitchurch), etc., it is left out altogether. Surely, having in the first verse asked God for victory (“Send him victorious”) we are not going far astray in the second verse when we petition for the over throw of our opponents and the confusion of their politicians. I am of the opinion that to pretend otherwise is inconsistent.—I am, yours, “JOHN BULL,” Andover.

FIFTY YEARS AGO — 23 OCTOBER 1964

FILM SOCIETY’S CHOICES

Something old, something new, is the theme of this year’s Andover Film Society. Starting with a very popular British film of the early forties, “Dead of Night” the programme includes “Divorce Italian Style” and “Fellini 8½”—both modern Italian Films.

All are supported by short films ranging from old-time slapstick comedies to the latest examples of the avant-garde.

The Society, which holds its first programme on Saturday, 31 October, commencing at 7.30 p.m., has changed its meeting place from the Girl Guide Hut to St.Ann’s Hall.

Membership at 25/- also included free associateship of the British Film Institute enabling members to use the National Film Theatre in London.

An interesting addition to the activities of the society, is that they will be the host society to the annual general meeting of the Federation of Film Societies which will be attended by delegates from all over the country.

TWENTY-FIVE YEARS AGO — 27 OCTOBER 1989

POLICE SHOW ACID-HOUSE VIDEO NASTY

Andover police gave the ‘Advertiser’ an exclusive viewing of a video showing the damage and filth and the dangerous situation that was caused at the weekend acid-house party as p[art of their campaign to get the events stopped.

Damage of £20,000 was inflicted and the opening of the West Portway premises, scheduled for next week, has been delayed by at least a month, says managing director, Tony Cathcart-Jones, who dismissed claims of legal permission for the event by the organisers as ‘absolute rubbish.’ Supt Ian Redhead says acid-house revellers are in great danger.

Organisers illegally tap into main electrical supply, stage managed smoke effects cut down visibility and huge lorries often block main exits.

He made the decision to go public with the video because, he points out: “These parties are not a case of young people simply having a good time. It is far more serious with the potential for a large loss of life because these events are not properly organised and regulated.

10 YEARS AGO — 22 OCTOBER 2004

TRAFFIC CALMING STRIPS REMOVED

A series of rumble strips meant to calm traffic in Andover’s Weyhill Road are to be removed just a few months after they were installed as part of a scheme designed to discourage through traffic using the road.

The change was announced by the area’s county councillor , David Kirk, who explained the thinking behind the move. “These raised sections were doing nothing to slow the traffic but were making a very annoying sound when vehicles drove across them,” he said.

“They were a good idea in principle but they were not quite high enough to slow the traffic, so speeds have not dropped as a result of their introduction although other measures have been more successful.