ONE HUNDRED AND TWENTY-FIVE YEARS AGO — 22 AUGUST 1890

CORRESPONDENCE — THE LAMP POSTS

Sir,—I am only a poor lamp post, but what have I done to merit the odium of a dirty coat? I was not so shabby a little time ago as I am now. Those who have the control of myself and brethren think that perhaps we have been neglecting our duty of late, and that they would punish us by clothing us in suits of dirty white. Look at us, are you not ashamed to see us in such hideous raiment? If the town is getting poor and cannot keep us respectably, at least it could leave us alone to take care of ourselves. We were not taken any notice of in our old coats, but now all sorts and conditions of men—ah! and women and children too, poke fun at us as they pass. It is very annoying, and I hope that before long we shall be arrayed befitting our high position.—I am, humbly yours, A DIRTY WHITE LAMP-POST.

ONE HUNDRED YEARS AGO — 20 AUGUST 1915

MORE LIGHT

We learn that a company has been formed and duly registered under the title of the Andover and District Electricity Company, Ltd., for supplying the town and neighbourhood with electric light and power. Mr.Thomas Webb, Dr.Farr, and Mr.J.Archer Houblon, of Crompton and Co., the celebrated electrical engineers and contractors, are then first directors. Mr.Sheffield, of Sheffield and Goddard, is the secretary, and Mr.Talbot the solicitor. The registered office is at present at 26, Bridge Street, Andover. We understand that it is not proposed to make any forward movement during the continuance of the war. It is quite obvious that it is a wrong time to gather capital for a new undertaking, and also that there would be great difficulty in getting engineering skill and labour, to say nothing of the price of materials. As soon, however, as the wart cloud has blown over we may expect to see Andover more brilliant than ever. There is little doubt that there is ample scope for the employment of electricity, especially in the way of power, and probably without interfering greatly with the Gas Lighting Company now in existence.

SEVENTY-FIVE YEARS AGO — 23 AUGUST 1940

DISCRETION — ANDOVER VILLAGE FOLK CAUTIOUS IN GIVING INFORMATION

In a shop at Shipton Bellinger this week a member of our staff saw a notice about a fete to be held in a Rectory Garden. There was no village heading but written at the side of the announcement was an instruction “for details, enquire within.” We did, it about a fete in a neighbouring village and is one proof that even in small places the tradesfolk are determined to give nothing away to the enemy. This is only a small instance of the care that is exercised but many that have toured the Hants and Wilts countryside have certainly been astonished and impressed with the many instances of caution in carrying out the regulations.

A week or two ago a member of our staff whose duty takes him frequently to areas in which there are troops, had occasion to visit the small Hampshire village of Tangley, not an easy place to find even with signposts. Our reporter—he must confess it—got hopelessly lost and motored on until he came to the drive entrance to a large house. Then he sought his way and a workman who was busy nearby courteously asked for his identity card which was produced before the required information was given. That workman showed the right spirit though our representative lost until he received the direction, wondered afterwards what might have happened if he had left his identity card behind. The countryman can certainly teach the townsman a good deal.

FIFTY YEARS AGO — 20 AUGUST 1965

WORK STARTS ON NEW FACTORY FOR TEA AND COFFEE FIRM

Work has started on a large site at Andover for a new production plant for Twinings, the tea and coffee blenders.

The 100,000 sq. Ft. development has been designed and is being built by Industrial Development and Construction Limited, one of the I.D.C. Group of Companies of Stratford-upon-Avon, Warwickshire.

The project includes an 80ft. process tower, a double-storey production area, a two-storey office block, an amenities block with works, staff and executive canteens, and warehousing and storage areas. The design allows for flow line production extension when necessary.

The plant will be in production by the end of 1966.

TWENTY-FIVE YEARS AGO — 24 AUGUST 1990

POLO PONY PORTRAIT ‘KNOCKS OUT’ PRINCE

The Prince of Wales was said to be ‘knocked out’ when Andover’s young entrepreneur artist Aron Gadd presented him with a drawing of his Royal polo pony, Carnival.

Aron, from Barlows Lane and another young businesswoman, Stacey Terry, the designer teddy bear maker from Hartley Meadows, Whitchurch, were among six people from the South invited to meet the Prince at his Highgrove home.

Aron and Stacey, who set up their business with help from the Prince’s Youth Business Trust, were among some 200 entrepreneurs from the PYBT, who exhibited work at a ‘showcase’ in Hyde Park, which the Prince had been unable to attend due to his broken arm.

The Prince later arranged the special reception for the chosen few and one of Stacey’s teddies, sporting an arm in a sling, a polo stick and a polo shirt and Aron’s drawing were presented. Stacey also showed the Prince a teddy dressed as a parachutist (The Prince is colonel-in-chief of the Parachute Regiment) and another as an aviator.

Prince Charles was astonished at the accuracy of the drawing, said Aron, who had gained permission to visit the Royal Paddocks to take photographs which he worked from.