Each week the Advertiser's heritage writer David Borrett brings readers interesting news stories and letters from editions of the paper from years gone by.

ONE HUNDRED AND SIXTY-FOUR YEARS AGO – FRIDAY 29 JUNE 1860

AN ACCIDENT TO A HORSE NEAR WINCHESTER

An accident happened on Monday evening on the road from Winchester to Andover, just past the turnpike gate. A gentleman and lady from Andover had been to visit their relatives, Mr and Mrs Dowling, of Winnal, Winchester, and on their return on a dog-cart, going downhill, the horse stumbled and fell with such force that both passengers were thrown out, but not seriously hurt. The lady lost a valuable brooch by the fall, and the horse was so seriously cut and injured as to be quite unfit to proceed on its journey, and the whole concern had to return to the Jolly Farmer Inn

ONE HUNDRED AND TWENTY-FIVE YEARS AGO – FRIDAY 30 JUNE 1899

COMING OF AGE AND PRESENTATIONS

A pleasant reunion was celebrated on Monday evening last, when the rent audit dinner to the tenants of the Redenham and Andover properties of the Pollen estate was held at the Star hotel. This was made the occasion for presenting Mr R H Pollen, who has just obtained his majority, with a very handsome silver goblet subscribed for by the tenantry. It bore the family crest and the inscription: ‘Presented to Richard Hungerford Pollen by the tenantry of the Hampshire Estate on his coming of age, June 23, 1899.’ Sir Richard Pollen presided, and his two sons were also present, the vice-chair being occupied by Mr George H Westbury, land agent to the estates and who, in proposing Sir Richard’s health referred to the long and honoured connection the Pollen family have had with Andover and neighbourhood. The goblet was presented by Mr W King Crook of Fyfield, the oldest tenant, who wished prosperity to the young squire. Mr Pollen in reply, expressed his great pleasure at being the recipient of such a valuable and unexpected gift. Other songs and toasts afforded pleasant interludes in the evening’s entertainment.

ONE HUNDRED YEARS AGO – FRIDAY 27 JUNE 1924

ANDOVER CARNIVAL

Andover’s first annual carnival in aid of the War Memorial Hospital is being eagerly looked forward to, and the committee who are arranging it have exploited every avenue which shall lead to a successful financial termination. A day or two ago they met and drew up a long and interesting programme which looks like crowding out one week and overflowing into another. All that is needed now to make Carnival Week a complete success is enthusiasm and fine weather. In brief, the programme is as follows: Aug 30, rummage sale; Aug 31, united service and church parade with special music; Sept 1, sports for the children and children’s procession, golf competitions and concerts; Sept 2, tennis tournament and whist drive; Sept 3, military display, open sports and races, illuminated processions with prizes; Sept 4, bowling and motoring competitions; Sept 5, cricket match, whist, tombola; Sept 6, football tournaments, dancing. It is hoped that with the hearty cooperation of all, the first carnival will augur well for the success of future events.

SEVENTY-FIVE YEARS AGO – FRIDAY 1 JULY 1949

GRATELEY BELL FUND NEARING AMOUNT REQUIRED

The fund for the re-casting and re-hanging of the Grateley bells is nearing its goal and the two bells are now re-hung in the belfry of St Leonard’s Church. The bells, a tenor and a treble, weighing over 10cwts, were found to be unsafe as worm had eaten into the wooden framework on which they were hung. A hole was cut in the belfry ceiling and the bells were lowered to the ground by means of a block and tackle. Where the clapper had struck for over 360 years, a hole had been worn right through the metal of the tenor bell; the other bell was considerably indented by the continual striking of the clapper that chimed the hours for the church clock. In the early part of 1948, when the bells were first removed, it was decided to start a fund in the village to pay for the re-casting and re-hanging. Up to date, £200 has been raised and a further £80 is needed. Work began in February and finished at the end of March, with the bells at the foundry of Messrs Gillett & Johnson of Croydon. There were formerly three bells but in 1857, one was found to be cracked and was sold to pay for the church clock. The remaining two bear the date 1583 and are inscribed ‘IW’  

FORTY-SEVEN YEARS AGO – FRIDAY I JULY 1977

BUMPER JUBILEE CARNIVAL PARADE PLANNED

Tomorrow night’s Jubilee Carnival Procession, being organised by Andover Round Table, promises to be the largest for many years. There are over 70 entries in the senior section, including dozens of floats, and 51 entries for the junior procession. Four bands will be taking part and three groups of majorettes. Programmes of the event will be on sale from 9 am tomorrow. All the money raised will go to local charities, including the Andover and District Sports Association for the Disabled. Many donations have already been received but it is not too late to send one along. As is to be expected many of the entries will have a Jubilee theme but there are also plenty of skits on topical news items.