ONE HUNDRED AND TWENTY-FIVE YEARS AGO — 27 JUNE 1890

THE RACE WEEK

So far as Andover is concerned there might, to all appearances, be no such thing as Stockbridge Races going on in the immediate vicinity. Few visitors have made the town their head-quarters; while the specials to and from London having passed over the Hurstbourne and Fullerton loop, had the effect of shutting Andover out of the knowledge of fresh comers. On the principle of where the carcase is there will the vultures be, the itinerants of the musical (!) order have in a great measure been conspicuous by their absence, only one troupe of burnt cork artistes plying their occupation here during the week. On Monday and Tuesday, anticipating the influx of visitors to Andover, a number of cabs with the usual broken-down horses arrived in town, but the majority did not find it sufficiently remunerative to remain after the first day of races. In one instance there was a smash. The animal attached to a brougham showed a tendency towards jibbing early on Tuesday morning, and the driver endeavoured to lead it up London Street, a man running by the side of it with a short stick, with which he beat it on the legs at every stride. When near the corner of East Street he was striking it on the near fore leg when the animal rolled over, smashing the shaft, but otherwise doing no injury. Other accidents are reported from places in the immediate vicinity. At Wherwell, when a party of the upper servants of Lord Dudley’s (who has occupied the Priory for the week), were proceeding to the races one of the carriage springs broke and came in contact with the horse’s hind leg above the fetlock joint, cutting it and severing the sinews; while the back part of the carriage was capsized, and the occupants were thrown on to the road. Another horse from the same locality kicked the trap to which it was attached to pieces; while minor casualties of a similar nature are reported.

ONE HUNDRED YEARS AGO — 25 JUNE 1915

KING GEORGE AT LUDGERSHALL

The outstanding event in the week in Eastern Wiltshire has been the visit of King George to Ludgershall, which has extended over three days—from Wednesday morning until today.

It was all bustle and excitement in Ludgershall among the station staff and the people of the village. Although the news of the King’s coming was not made public, quite a crowd gathered to see him. Barriers had been placed at different points, a strong posse of the Wiltshire Constabulary were on duty, and National Reservists were posted at the various entrances to the station.

Punctually to time, 12.50 p.m., the Royal train, splendid in every detail of its equipment, ran in the up platform, being drawn by a handsome looking engine belonging to the London and South-Western Railway Company. As the train ran into the Station, his Majesty was having his lunch, being seen quite plainly by the privileged few who were on the platform.

Directly the train was “berthed” there was a rush of officials, railway and police, but it was not till nearly two o’clock that the King left his apartments to walk to his beautiful black charger which was waiting for him in Station Road. As the King in khaki, came in to sight, the crowd of youngsters and grown ups cheered vociferously, and this was intensified as His Majesty mounted his horse preparatory to his tour of the Plain. In the company of Staff Officers, he wended his way down the road and out of sight, saluting the people, who greeted him from all sides This was a gala day for the children, as many had not seen the King before, and Ludgershall feels immensely proud that the King has thought fit to make his headquarters in their little village.

SEVENTY-FIVE YEARS AGO — 28 JUNE 1940

PAPER RATIONS — IMPORTANT TO READERS AND ADVERTISERS

The quantity of newsprint allowed having been fixed at 20 per cent. of normal supplies, the Advertiser on and after July 5 will consist of four pages until further notice.

Every endeavour will be made to record the event sof interest in the town and district as fully as possible; correspondence unless very brief, appeals for various organisations and all non-local items must be omitted.

As and from July 1 new advertisement rates will operate.

FIFTY YEARS AGO —25 JUNE 1965

NEW ROUNDABOUT OPENED

The new roundabout at the bottom of Vigo Road was opened to traffic this week.

Vigo Road ois now a cul-de-sac, and through traffic will now travel via Granada Place on to the spine road and carry on around the roundabout to reach the road leading off to Picket Piece and the industrial estate and further round the road to Whitchurch.

The contractors, Messrs.Walcom Ltd., hope to have the road leading to New Street, opposite Kempson’s Garage, opened to traffic in about a week’s time.

TWENTY-FIVE YEARS AGO —29 JUNE 1990

HIGH RISE PIES

A three-tier wedding cake made of pork pies and a two-tier stilton cake made an unusual centrepiece to a Penton couple’s wedding feast last week.

Andover butcher Wilf Soper was responsible for the savoury creations: “In all my years in the trade I’ve never had a request like this,” he admitted.

It took Wilf four days to make the pies in his Mylen Road butchery shop and then a nerve-wracking few minutes to assemble them, complete with columns.

“I hope they liked it,” he said afterwards.