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 20 JULY 1860

HENRY JOHN HITCHCOCK

Begs to inform the Nobility, Gentry, Professional Gentleman, Agriculturists and Inhabitants of Andover, the surrounding neighbourhood and adjoining counties that he has commenced business as Auctioneer, Valuer and Estate Agent, and trusts, by moderate charges combined with an immediate settlement of all business entrusted to him, to receive a share of their support, as nothing on his part shall be wanting to promote the interest of those parties who favour him with their patronage. Valuations for Probate Duty and other purposes made at reasonable charges. Auctions attended and good bought and sold on commission. Office at Mr Dyson’s, High Street, Andover

ONE HUNDRED AND TWENTY-FIVE YEARS AGO – FRIDAY 21 JULY 1899

ATTEMPTED SUICIDE

On Saturday last, a man named Dreyson, who has been living at Tedworth, was brought to the Andover Cottage Hospital suffering from injuries to the throat which had been self-inflicted. It appears that Dreyson has been employed at Tedworth House as a civilian clerk, and a short time ago decamped with certain moneys belonging to the military aurthorities. The police endeavoured to trace him, and on Saturday last Dreyson returned to his wife at Tedworth and on being informed that the police were after him he made the attempt on his life. Though not very serious the wound necessitated surgical treatment at the hospital and Dreyson is now recovering. We understand that when well enough he will be brought before the magistrates on a double charge.

ONE HUNDRED YEARS AGO – FRIDAY 18 JULY 1924

ABBOTTS ANN – BURST TYRE UPSETS CAR

A rather serious motor accident occurred on Thursday evening of last week, on the Salisbury-Andover road, near Little Ann bridge. It appears that a car, containing six London bookmakers, was travelling towards Andover when a burst tyre caused it to run into the bank, ploughing it up for several yards before overturning. Assistance was soon at hand, and the unfortunate occupants extricated. Two were removed to Andover Cottage Hospital in a rather serious condition; the others being much shaken but were able to proceed in another car. We understand the injured are progressing favourably. It was fortunate however, judging from the state of the car, that the accident was not more serious, and we wish the invalids a speedy return to convalescence.

CORRESPONDENCE – POLICE TRAPS IN ANDOVER DISTRICT

Sir: It is regrettable that so much ado about what tradesmen in Andover may lose if motorists are diverted owing to the heroic conduct of the police in enforcing the law. If the police were more active everywhere and motorists were aware that the highways are for the use, not abuse, of the general public it would be more sensible. What Andover wants is the motorists to stop at Andover, or so checked that they do not travel through at racing speed, unable to see tradesmen’s premises. It is this kind of interference with the police that has brought about so much of the ‘Nelson’s Eye’ until too many motorists and motoring societies look upon the highways as their special privilege, hence the growing number of accidents at crossroads, too often attended with fatal results. The police are not at liberty to write to the Press, hence this letter, and this is why I write to defend their splendid conduct. Yours faithfully, M Elkins, Ex-Inspector, Central Garage, Ludgershall.

CONSERVATIVE CLUB FETE

A fete organised by a committee of Andover Conservative Club, of which Alderman Bruce Lamb was the chairman, was held at Dr Farr’s meadow on Wednesday. Every effort was made to ensure the happiness of members’ wives and children, and success was achieved. Races and other sporting events were arranged, and the ladies v. gentlemen cricket match resulted in a win for the former. Mr D S Moore supplied an excellent concert party from the Coronet Pavilion, and the band of the Air Force attended. Col. Sir Arthur Holbrook, in a short address, remarked that the ladies were in the majority, and if they obtained the vote at 21, which was foreshadowed, the country would be under petticoat government. He added that he never knew when he was beaten, and when the next election came, he certainly had no fear of the issue, and with, their co-operation he should regain his seat.

SEVENTY-FIVE YEARS AGO – FRIDAY 22 JULY 1949

CAPTAIN C DODD DIES AFTER ACCIDENT

After being injured in an accident at Hill Farm crossroads, near Winchester, last week, Capt Charles Edward Dodd, of 13 Salisbury Road, died in the Royal Hants County Hospital, Winchester, on Friday last. His wife who was driving the car was detained in hospital.  Commander Richard Henry Langton (Retd) of Little Hadley Place, Much Hadley, Herts, was the driver of the other car involved. After evidence of identification had been given last Friday at Winchester, the inquest was adjourned until today. Capt Dodds, a former Royal Engineers officer, had for some 16 years run a radio and electrical shop in the row of shops at Bishops Court House, in Bridge Street, and although he was of a reserved nature, was very well liked in the town.

FORTY-SEVEN YEARS AGO – FRIDAY 22 JULY 1977

OLD LAMP TO BE RE-ERECTED

The Queen Victoria lamp column-fountain is to be re-erected in front of Andover Guildhall, the Test Valley Recreation and Amenities Committee agreed on Wednesday night. The committee was told that a group of businessmen had offered to shot-blast, clean, prime, paint and re-erect the lamp at no cost to the ratepayers. It was erected originally to commemorate the Golden Jubilee of Queen Victoria in 1887 but removed from its position in order to make suitable space for the Cenotaph in 1920. It was then located further down the street but again removed in 1952. The committee was told that the Mayor and the Deputy Chief Technical Officer had met members of the syndicate and recommended that the lamp standard be re-erected in front of the Guildhall. Talks were being held with market traders since it would be necessary to re-arrange the stalls on the Guildhall forecourt.