2020: Andover's year in review (Part One)

The New Year brought a great news to the town as a couple from Andover who have fostered more than 160 children over the last two decades were recognised with an MBE.

Bob and Linda Caddy, from Appleshaw, said they were “shocked and surprised to find out they will receive a Member of the Order of the British Empire for their services to foster caring over the last 22 years.

Andover was hit with torrential rain and gale force winds in the third week of January. The rains caused chaos on the roads around the county.

Later in the month, a 15-year-old Andover boy was charged with murder after a popular teenager was stabbed to death in Southampton on January 19.

James Laurie, of Montague Avenue, Southampton, was found with a single stab wound to the chest. the 17-year-old was rushed to hospital in a serious condition and police confirmed later that day that he had died.

FEBRUARY

IN FEBRUARY, it was revealed that a proposal to build an incinerator near Andover was scrapped.

The United States company Wheelabrator reportedly faced increased pressures from campaigning groups in Andover to drop the big project.

Wheelabrator had proposed building the facility - large enough to house Winchester Cathedral twice over - on land just north of the A303, near Barton Stacey.

However, campaigners branded the proposed facility a “monstrosity and a blight” on the Test Valley countryside.

Facing struggle to withstand the opposition, the US company scrapped the project, ensuring relief to the campaigners and public.

The campaign groups welcomed the move.

MARCH

March saw the arrival of the deadly coronavirus in Andover. Two cases were reported as the borough’s council leader urged residents to continue following health advice.

A gentleman was admitted at Andover War Memorial Hospital, while a second man was in isolation after visiting Andover Leisure Centre.

The second man attended the West Street swimming pool to collect his grandchild before he knew he had tested positive.

But the visit prompted the centre to shut while a deep clean was ordered to take place.

The sudden spread of the virus brought the town together to stand defiant and go the extra mile for those in need.

Numerous support groups were set up, both in the town and its surrounding villages, by bands of willing volunteers.

Pubs, shops and restaurants were also lending a helping hand by offering delivery services of vital supplies to those in self-isolation.

Andover Self Isolation Help was one of the first groups to emerge.

The team of volunteers were offering practical support to those concerned about self-isolating, as well as help with shopping, collecting prescriptions or just being there for a chat.

However, the pandemic spread mayhem and concerns across the region as people were worried over their jobs and future.

Many people were put in government furlough programme, which ensured minimum wages for people who were out of work.

At the same time, all schools across the UK were closed to curb the spread of virus. It was also announced that exams in May and June were cancelled. The move caused worries for working parents who had to engage their children, while working from home.

There were support flowing in for NHS staff and volunteers who were at war-front to tackle the pandemic.

Advertiser launched a campaign in the last week of March to raise money for NHS staff, the unsung heroes of society who put the needs of others before their own. ‘Support Our Guardian Angels’ campaign’s aim was to raise £2,500 to give to the workers’ union, Unison at Hampshire Hospitals NHS Foundation trust to support staff.

APRIL

Andover’s streets were mostly deserted as the national lockdown entered the third week in April.

The majority of shops and restaurants were closed as residents were warned to save lives by staying indoors.

There were 831 coronavirus cases in Hampshire at that time, significantly higher than the national average.

At the same time, Test Valley Borough Council launched a plan to help rough sleepers with accommodation.

The council said majority of the rough sleepers have agreed to move to the accommodation. There was a huge threat of getting infected if they had decided not to move to the council accommodation.

April also saw locals stepping up to do their bit to help with the coronavirus response as concerns over the availability of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) mounted.

Hospitals, care homes and pharmacists had called on the government to provide more equipment to keep them protected amid the pandemic.

A North Hampshire care provider told the Advertiser that they were days away from their stock running dry.

But this was followed by individuals and businesses across the town going above and beyond to answer the call for help.

Matt Wood, an Andover-based engineer, used his 3D printer to produce parts for protective visors which were distributed to frontline NHS staff.

Similarly many members of the public came forward to supply parts of PPE and masks to NHS staff and volunteers.

Newsquest’s Support Our Guardian Angels campaign, set up to raise funds for NHS staff on the frontline, hit its target - just a week after it was set up.

The target was revised to £5,000 in April, but the campaign received £6,396 by April 10. The money raised was used for well-being packs/gifts for staff and volunteers on wards/departments, the cost of travel, parking, accommodation for NHS staff and volunteers, other items as requested by NHS Charities that enhance the well-being of NHS staff caring for Covid-19 patients, and much more.

In addition to this, the Andover Advertiser and Basingstoke Gazette set up its own fundraising campaign for staff at the towns’ two hospitals, which saw more than £1,600 raised.

April also saw Andover War Memorial Hospital joining a major national trial that was testing three potential coronavirus cures.

Patients who were recovering from the virus at Andover were being asked to be part of the Randomised Evaluation of Covid-19 Therapy, also known as Recovery.

Besides the mayhem around pandemic, the month saw a murder and related suicide in Andover. On April 21, a man arrested on suspicion of murdering his partner was found dead while he was on police bail.

Kieron Wallder was arrested on suspicion of killing his 33-year-old partner Tara Stiles. Her body was found above Domino’s Pizza restaurant on Bridge Street - just yards from Andover Police Station on April 14.

MAY

IN MAY, a Conservative borough councillor was photographed entertaining family in an alleged breach of the government’s social distancing restrictions.

Cllr Carl Borg-Neal, who represents Test Valley Borough Council, was photographed entertaining his in-laws on Wednesday afternoon at his home in Lawrence Close.

Speaking to the Advertiser, the former mayor of Test Valley said: “It’s very simple, we’ve had a baby, my sister-in-law came to help with child care.

“We’ve been socially integrating in that second house with the children.

“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.”

Police said they would not take any case against Cllr Borg-Neal.

In the last week of April, a former firefighter told Advertiser the shocking moment he locked eyes with the driver of a car as it hurtled towards him during a hit and run near Stockbridge.

Jesse Johns, 33, was hospitalised after being run over by the thieves who attempted to steal his van outside Longstock Village Hall in the previous week.

He had found the driver and his accomplice stealing his tools, before they fled in the car they used to knock Jesse down.

The incident left him in hospital and although he got back home soon, he said his shoulder was completely ripped from its socket.

JUNE

IN JUNE, more than 150 people turned out for a silent march through the streets of Andover in a show of solidarity with the Black Lives Matter movement.

It came after George Floyd died in Minneapolis, Minnesota, after a white police officer knelt on Mr Floyd’s neck for nearly nine minutes, sparking protests across the United States which have since made their way to the UK.

Organisers Katie Garwood and Lydia Graham stressed that the Andover protest was a peaceful one.

Katie said the response to Saturday’s march was “really positive and respectful” and that the attendance exceeded any expectations she and Lydia had.

Those in attendance were also warned ahead of time to remember social distancing advice and wear protective masks if possible – with most people doing so.

By the middle of June, non-essential shops were given the go-ahead to reopen for the first time since lockdown measures were introduced.

The blue skies and warm temperatures helped lure residents outside, leaving Andover’s High Street bustling once more.

Pubs experienced rush, as people were enthusiastic to go back to their favourite drinking places after weeks of lull.

Georgina Roberts, owner of Mooch, on Bridge Street, said: “The High Street looks busier than before we closed.”

This change to the lockdown policy was part of the government’s plan to unlock the country and reboot the economy.

Read the Part Two of Andover's year in review here.