ONE HUNDRED AND TWENTY-FIVE YEARS AGO — 6 JUNE 1890

CORRESPONDENCE — THE MUZZLING REGULATIONS

Sir,—I should be much obliged if you would give we doggy readers of your Advertiser paper a little information as to the Muzzling Order. You know several persons have been summoned and fines for having their dogs unmuzzled on the high roads, when it was perfectly clear the dogs had only slipped out when the door had been opened, and before the owners could recover them were seen by the police, as, for instance,, Messrs.Young, Fullerton, &c. Also there was the case of a shepherd, I think it was at or near Fyfield, who was using his dog with the sheep, and had simply crossed the high road from one field to another with the flock, and he was summoned by the police and fined.

A few days ago a policeman was seen walking through the town with a collie, unmuzzled, on a string, and took it to the police station, but I did not see that case before the magistrates. Can you explain it? It seems to me one of two things; either the policeman exceeded his duty, or why was that dog not dealt with that same as the rest? I do not know whose dog it was, nor does it matter. Possibly there is an understanding at the police station, and if you know of it I think it is only fair and just that the public should know what it is, as from the case quoted it avoids the unpleasantness of being summoned and brought before the magistrates; also saves the fine and costs.—Yours, &c., A REGULAR READER.

[We know of no understanding connected with the muzzling order, and must refer you to the police office for a copy, if there is one.]

ONE HUNDRED YEARS AGO — 4 JUNE 1915

ABBOTTS ANN — A VIRGINAL FUNERAL

Very much sympathy is felt for the mother and relatives of Miss E.A.Edmunds, who passed away at her home in Abbotts Ann on Sunday, after an illness of only four days duration. Deceased was a well known figure in the village, where she had lived for the past 30 years. She was much loved and respected by all who knew her, and all residents will miss her ever ready helping hand and sweet gentleness of spirit in everything she undertook. According to the old time custom still observed in the village—that of hanging a virginal crown to honourable deceased members of the church—she was given a virginal funeral, the crown having been made the previous day by several of her friends.

SEVENTY-FIVE YEARS AGO — 7 JUNE 1940

TOPICS — A NIGHT WITH THE PARASHOTS — THE FIRST TIME

Surely few forces can have been created and put into action so quickly as the Local Defence Volunteers. Britain’s amateur army to cope with enemy parachutists. Thousands of men who have volunteered their services only a fortnight ago have already done spells of guard duty at strategic points all over the country.

I went on duty with the Andover section for the first time this week, and, as is always the case with a first experience, it is one which will stick in my mind. We reported to Headquarters just as it was growing dark. We were a mixed crowd, of various ages and occupations, and yet in a surprisingly short time that little collection of people had become a unit in the real sense of the word. The section leader quickly selected those for the first guard and they left immediately. We who were left spent an hour or so in appraising the uniforms and rifles—particularly the latter—which met with complete approval.

FIFTY YEARS AGO — 4 JUNE 1965

MY VISIT TO BUCKINGHAM PALACE

Monday was a great day for thousands of members of the Women’s Institute movement who were invited to Buckingham Palace. Among them were those from the Andover area, and here Miss Linda Sherwood, of Wallop, describes her experiences ...

After three months of careful preparation and anticipation the great day dawned. Together with 8,716 fellow members I was going to Buckingham Palace for the Royal Garden Party as a guest of H.M.the Queen. Rarely can so many women have been gathered in one place, and what a colourful sight they made! Hats of all colours and shapes toned with smart ensembles.

After driving through the gates one alighted and joined an orderly queue entering through an archway and into a large courtyard, then up a carpeted stairway and through a hallway on to a terrace overlooking delightful grounds. Everyone was in high spirits, and one chatted with members from all parts of the country. Mrs Willmott from Over Wallop and myself had travelled together, and one of the first people we spoke to was a member from Low Moorsley, Co.Durham, who had first joined the movement when living in Nether Wallop.

After walking round the grounds the moment we had been waiting for arrived. The Queen, looking extremely fresh and beautiful in a cerise coat with toning dress and hat, arrived on the terrace. She was accompanied by Prince Philip, the Duchess of Gloucester, Princess Marina and Princess Alexandra. Mrs.Pike and other members of the National Federation were presented, and then the Royal group mingled with the crowd.

We were lucky in getting a close view of Her Majesty. We chatted with Price Philip, and although we did not actually speak to Princess Alexandra we talked with her lady-in-waiting for several minutes.

While the crowds were mobbing Prince Philip he was heard to remark “Do you make jam? You are certainly making one now!”

TWENTY-FIVE YEARS AGO — 8 JUNE 1990

DUNNING SITE FOR SALE

Over £2 million is wanted for the former headquarters of the Dunning Construction Group which crashed with debts totalling over £50 million.

The 14 acre site at Weyhill, agents Henry Butcher, of Bristol say, has development potential for light industry and offices. Although the land is in an area not designated for development it is thought Test Valley council would probably grant applications for light industrial use.

Included in the sale is the historic Weyhill Fairground, site of one of England’s largest hiring fairs, leased for 99 years at a ground rent of £56,000 a year.