Andover's news quiz of the year for 2020

January

Featuring on the first front page of the year, what charge was introduced by Hampshire County Council for using Andover’s tip without registering?

How old was the Andover boy accused of murdering 17-year-old James Laurie during an attempted carjacking in Southampton?

Plans for which new store in Andover were first lodged in January, replacing Homebase at the same site?

February

Which celebrity returned to her old haunt of Vigo Primary School in February?

Councillors Robin Hughes and Luigi Gregori won election to the town council in February – but which party do they represent?

What proposed facility near Barton Stacey was scrapped in February, following intense protests from residents and other organisations?

March

Appearing with the headline ‘Mate Saves Man’s Bacon’, what snack did Steve Williams choke on, causing him to be saved by his friend Dave Denyer?

Which stores, part of the Arcadia Group, were closed in town on March 14?

Now an ever-present part of our lives, on which March edition of the Advertiser did Covid make the front page for the first time - March 6, 13, 20 or 27?

April

Reported in the issue of April 3, how long was Julie Tranham left queueing outside a pharmacy in Tidworth?

Using a 3D printer, what PPE equipment did Matt Wood print during lockdown to support the NHS?

What essential good, often in short supply during the first national lockdown, was Kieran O’Kelly curious about the availability of in their letter to the paper?

May

Why did Councilor Carl Borg-Neal issue an apology after being photographed in May?

How did 11-year-old Siân Meacher raise £1,505 for charity?

Which type of vehicle turned over on Monxton Road on May 27, closing a slip road to the A303?

June

The estate of which famous author won back the rights to his work from film director Michael Rosen, who directed a 1978 adaptation?

Why did the logo of the Advertiser turn from its normal blue to black on the June 12 issue?

Which famous actor, known for roles in Gone Girl and Die Another Day, did local girl Summer Gillies interview after winning a competition?

July

After 16-year-old Stacie Stroud’s prom was cancelled due to Covid, how did her community give her an end of year sendoff instead?

What event, which took place at Burbidge’s Bakery in Andover in 1944, was to be commemorated with a memorial?

What powers were granted by the High Court to Test Valle Borough Council, following a series of incidents which had to be broken up?

August

How far did Councillor Iris Andersen initially aim to walk as part of an epic fundraising campaign for local boy Toby Pearce?

Which village did Councillor James Nash, tragically shot dead outside his home, represent?

How high did Julie Crook’s Agave plant grow after shooting up during lockdown?

September

Which youth festival went virtual for the first time this year as a result of the pandemic?

Which Andover band, interviewed by the Advertiser in September, released their first EP, Bleed, this year?

What piece of tech was refused planning permission on The Drove by Test Valley Borough Council on September 28, following strong local opposition?

October

The Andover Masterplan passed unanimously at a meeting of TVBC, as published in the October 2 issue. But can you name the quarters of the plan?

Who or what is Pixel, who stole a variety of items including foam letters and gloves from Andover residents?

Which of these was not a complaint made to Test Valley Borough Council in the past year – Dead rats in the loft, items flying off the roof of vans, garage planning decisions, or Chantry Centre shop closures?

November

What problem did Fred Loveridge say was a “life or death” situation for his family in Micheldever?

How many staff were placed on leave following “a number of concerns regarding councillors” being raised at Andover Town Council?

What was the name of the wholesaler who announced their Andover depot would close after it became “too small” for their needs?

December

What did Upper Enham resident Margaret Reichlin call “viciously unfair” after a long battle against the Valuations Office Agency?

How many items of school uniform clothing were donated by Rookwood School parents to children in Malawi?

What kind of store was opened by Rebecca Whitewick in Andover on December 6?

Answers

January

£5 - The authority said at the time it was part of plans to crackdown on people from outside the area using these waste recycling centres.

15 – The boy, who cannot be named for legal reasons, was later cleared of manslaughter and murder following a trial at Winchester Crown Court, having previously admitted possessing a knife in a public place.

B&M – The store would eventually open in October after a period of refurbishment

February

TV presenter Katie Piper discussed her recovery from an acid attack in 2008 and returning to the town.

Liberal Democrats. Both defeated councillors from the Andover Independents Party, though one candidate, Nicholas Asamoah, would be co-opted to the council later in the year.

An incinerator - Wheelabrator confirmed it was pulling out after a “strategic review.”

March

Pork scratchings

Topshop and Dorothy Perkins

March 13 – Two cases were reported in Andover, with one of the patients having visited the leisure centre before he knew of his positive test

April

Two hours

Protective visors

Flour

May

Cllr Borg-Neal had been pictured hosting a meal for his extended family; an alleged breach of lockdown rules. Discussing his actions at the time, which he said that he didn’t see an “issue” with, he said: “If the police want to come round and fine me, then there isn’t anything I can do. If people disagree, all I can do is apologise.”

She carried out a 24-hour non-stop bake

A tractor – Police and traffic officers attended the scene and quickly cleared the incident

June

Richard Adams – The estate of the Whitchurch resident successfully sued the director after he wrongly claimed to own all rights to the novel Watership Down, entering into contracts worth hundreds of thousands of dollars.

As part of Black Lives Matter protests around the world, including a march through the town.

Rosamund Pike

July

By throwing a street party instead – Stacie was driven around for n hour beforehand before being dropped off back home for an “emotional evening.”

The crash of a Flying Fortress bomber during World War Two

A traveller injunction

August

70 miles, or 200 laps of her local cricket pitch. Cllr Andersen did the walk as part of a campaign to get £10,000 for Toby’s adult wheelchair.

Enham Alamein – The 42-year-old was shot outside his home in Upper Enham, and later died in Southampton General. The alleged shooter, Alex Sartain, died afterwards after crashing while being chased by police.

25ft, or 7.6m – The Agave Americana plant only flowers once during its life, putting up a large shoot with flowers.

September

A-Fest – The event came about as a collaboration between Katherine Bird, Cat Randle, and MYP Dmitrijs Meiksans.

DREAMEATER – the band was formed in 2010 by Sam Culverwell, Lukas Tiley, Gareth Jones and Olly Newcombe.

A telecoms mast – The company behind the plans, Waldon Telecom, has since applied to put up a replacement behind Anton Vets.

October

The Chantry Centre Quarter, The River Anton Quarter and The Wellbeing Quarter.

A cat – Owner Kate Baker said the situation had got to a point where Pixel had her own ‘Plunder Box’

Chantry centre shop closures – all the rest were real complaints revealed by the borough council in the past year, with one resident asking for “compensation for incompetence” after missed bin collections.

November

The lack of a “proper” fence next to the London to Southampton railway line, with a 15m drop protected only by a wire fence.

5 – A locum clerk, Tracy Predeth, was appointed to oversee the grievance process

Booker Retail Partners – The group said that some staff may be “at risk of redundancy” but hopes to move most to other roles at the company.

December

The tax banding of her home – Margaret believes her band is too high, but the VOA said that “it is not unusual for properties of different sizes to fall in the same band.”

1500 – After the school changed its uniform, the parents’ association collected and packaged them for charity CART to distribute.

A vintage store – Rebecca said that she opened the store due to her “love of history.”