Stories from the Andover Advertiser in years gone by

ONE HUNDRED AND SIXTY-FOUR YEARS AGO – FRIDAY 2 DECEMBER 1859

ROBERT TAYLOR, GROCER AND TEA DEALER, HIGH STREET, ANDOVER

It being the general impression from a Bill announcing for sale by auction, the house and premises occupied by Robert Taylor, that he is giving up his business, he feels bound to adopt this medium of informing the public that this is not the case; and takes this opportunity of thanking his friends for the support he has received during the eight years he has been in the town, and assuring them it will be his aim to supply all articles in GROCERY, TEA, COFFEE, and PROVISIONS of superior quality, and at such prices as will meet a continuance of their confidence.

(Compiler’s note: Robert Taylor’s shop was located on the east side of the upper High Street, approximately where the Blue Cross charity shop is today. He gave up his shop in 1862, owing to ill health).

ONE HUNDRED AND TWENTY-FIVE YEARS AGO – FRIDAY 2 DECEMBER 1898

OVER WALLOP WORKMEN’S SUPPER

On Friday evening last, Sir John Grinlington entertained the workmen employed by Messrs Grace & Son in the extensive alterations to his residence at Rose Hill. In welcoming his guests, Sir John expressed the hope that they would enjoy themselves, and referred to the promptitude and civility that had been received from the firm and their employees; while he referred to the improvement in the condition of the working class during his absence abroad for 30 years. The men then partook of supper, following which the loyal toasts were proposed; while the health of Sir John Grinlington and Miss Harvey was received with cheers. The remainder of the evening was given over to harmony and a remarkably pleasant time spent.

ONE HUNDRED YEARS AGO – FRIDAY 30 NOVEMBER 1923

SIGNALMAN HERO

We have much pleasure in calling attention to the heroism of Frederick Henry Sainsbury, a signalman employed on the Southern Railway at Egham. He has been awarded the Bronze Medal of the Order of St John of Jerusalem for saving the life of a would-be suicide at Egham. Sainsbury, who has an artificial foot, saw a man standing on the line in front of an approaching express goods train. He dashed out of his box and pushed the man against the crossing gates, holding him there despite his violent struggles, until the train had passed. Our hero is the son of Mr and Mrs H Sainsbury of Andover. He formerly worked at Grateley station, first as a shunter, then as a signalman. He lost his leg at Grateley just prior to going to Egham.

SEVENTY-FIVE YEARS AGO – FRIDAY 3 DECEMBER 1948

CYCLING TREASURE HUNT

Why spend a foggy day indoors when there is Treasure to be found? So, thought the Andover Wheelers, and many eager seekers started off in optimistic mood. The event was a revival of the secretary’s very popular pre-war, annual event. The first clue of seven was something like this: ‘Take the W--- road, near a bend in the road, a cottage where the wind whistles over the hill near some ricks and by a butt.’ The trouble was the latter was not a water butt, and the various aids that the best searchers carry, such as compasses and dictionaries, seemed of no avail. The treasure remains unfound on a hilltop on the Berkshire border. Sealed orders in the form of the tea place were eventually opened and a cheerful company gathered at Kintbury for tea around a glowing fire.

FORTY-SEVEN YEARS AGO – FRIDAY 3 DECEMBER 1976

LOCK-UP GARAGES DESTROYED IN BLAZE

Several thousand pounds worth of damage was caused when a row of wooden lock-up garages was gutted early on Saturday morning. Night staff in the Andover telephone exchange alerted the fire service as flames destroyed the garages in Suffolk Road. And firemen had to work hard to stop the blaze reaching a filling station adjacent to the garages. The fire is thought to have started in the early hours. Five of the garages were burnt out. One contained a Sunbeam Stiletto car, and another a Hillman. A van, belonging to Tim Buck, of Junction Road, was also severely damaged, and the household contents – ready for the market in the morning – destroyed. They were valued at around £2,000. Motor repairing equipment, belonging to the Andover garage firm of Monro’s, a motorcycle, and stores and other items were also destroyed or damaged. The telephone exchange staff saw the fire which started around 1 am. They contacted the fire service, who rushed two tenders to the scene. One was used to attack the blaze from the front, and the other was placed between the flames and the petrol station to break the fire. As flames leapt 30 feet into the air, the firemen fought to keep the fire back from the potential danger. They eventually succeeded. Police have not ruled out the possibility that the fire may have been started deliberately, and an appeal for witnesses who may have noticed something suspicious in the Bridge Street-Western Road –Broadway area has been launched. Anyone with information to give is urged to contact Andover police station.