Looking at Andover Advertiser stories from years gone by

ONE HUNDRED AND SIXTY-FOUR YEARS AGO – FRIDAY 11 MAY 1860

CHARLES WYATT

Charles Wyatt, late of Bridge St, Andover, begs to announce his removal to the extensive premises formerly occupied by the late Mr J G Weston in London Street, where the rooms will be open on 1 May, and he cannot allow this opportunity to pass without thanking the nobility, gentry and general public of the district for the great patronage with which he has been favoured and which he trusts he shall continue to merit. From his connection with some of the most eminent manufacturers, C W is enabled to supply articles of superior material, designs and workmanship, at the lowest remunerative prices. A large stock of new and second-hand furniture, carpets, china, glass, table cutlery, plated goods and furnishing ironmongery in great variety is always available, as well as several fine pianofortes in fine condition at low prices.

ONE HUNDRED AND TWENTY-FIVE YEARS AGO – FRIDAY 12 MAY 1899

THE PROPERTY MARKET

On Wednesday last, Messrs Ellen and Son, acting on the trustees of the will of the late Mr Luke Bull, offered for sale at their auction mart a number of cottage tenements chiefly in New Street and Chantry Street, Andover. There was a good attendance, and in many instances the bidding was spirited. The first lot consisted of four cottages known as Alpha Buildings, Chantry Street, producing an annual rental of £22 2s, which Mr Smart purchased for £160. Lot 2, consisting of the dwelling house and shop, Nos 10 and 12 New Street, with six cottages adjoining and producing a rental of £60 17s 8d, was purchased by Mr Charles for £610. Lot 3 was four cottages, Nos 91, 93, 95 and 97 New Street, producing a rental of £18 4s, was knocked down to Mr Black for £70. Lot 4 was two cottages adjoining Lot 3 that produced an annual rent of £16 18s, and was knocked down to Miss Bendall for £235, while the next lot, Nos 105, 107 and 109, New Street, became the property of the same purchaser for £245.

ONE HUNDRED YEARS AGO – FRIDAY 9 MAY 1924

CORRESPONDENCE – MOTORS OUTSIDE SHOPS

Dear Sir, - It would appear that some of the most flourishing tradespeople of Andover are fast becoming too independent to encourage trade to the town, but seek to make it as inconvenient as possible by the continuance of the late war custom of closing their shop doors at mid-day against customers just at a time when they arrive from the country to do their shopping. Now sir, the next I hear is that complaints are being made against motor cars stopping outside shop fronts while the owners do their shopping in the town. Surely if this attitude persists, one need not be surprised to hear people say they would much rather shop in Winchester and Salisbury, especially as these towns are now made so accessible by the motor. Yours ONE FOR THE COUNTRY.

SEVENTY-FIVE YEARS AGO – FRIDAY 13 MAY 1949

MERRIE ENGLAND

In these days of second-hand music being delivered to our homes through the media of gramophones and radio, it must have been heartening to Miss Gladys New and the members of Abbotts Ann Choral Society to find a full house when they visited St Mary Bourne recently. The society repeated a concert version of Edward German’s ‘Merrie England’, the proceeds of the evening being devoted to the Village Centre Fund. The limitations of the stage did not make Miss New’s task of conducting any easier but the performance reached a high level. Perhaps the male chorus was over-enthusiastic at times but the work of principals and the chorus bore strong testimony to both their natural abilities and the hours of practice devoted to the work. At the end of the performance, Mr Lefroy thanked Miss New, the soloists and the choir for their delightful rendering of an old favourite and Mr Lovell of Hatherden voiced the appreciation of the visitors. Both presented Miss New with a bouquet who thanked the audience on behalf of the performers and hoped that they would return to St Mary Bourne in the future. Indeed, when St Mary Bourne has its new village centre, it will be able to offer such visitors a stage and hall more worthy of their efforts.  

FORTY-SEVEN YEARS AGO – FRIDAY 13 MAY 1977

MEMBERS TO FIGHT THREATENED CLOSURE OF SOCIAL CLUB

Workers at Chapel River Press, Andover, are determined to fight the threatened closure of the sports and social club. A fortnight ago the management intimated it was proposing to close the New River Club. A mass meeting of workers disrupted production for nearly an hour to discuss the proposed closure. And on Monday night, nearly 200 members attended a special meeting at the club to decide on their next move. Mr Bill Harrison was elected chairman of the club. He stressed that he would only accept office on condition members agreed to press for retention of the club in its present form. Mr Harrison said that further talks would be held with the management in a bid to reach agreement. The newly-elected committee would report back to members on the outcome of the talks. The meeting also agreed to increase subscriptions for both full and associate members.