Back Through The Pages: Advertiser stories from the past

ONE HUNDRED AND SIXTY-FOUR YEARS AGO – FRIDAY 10 AUGUST 1860

CORRESPONDENCE – THE ANDOVERIAN TOTAL ABSTAINERS

Sir: Very few of the inhabitants of the town of Andover, are in sympathy with this, but many will have witnessed the ludicrous position that these water gentlemen hold on the nights of their weekly meetings in the market place, when a number of people are drawn there for the purpose, as the orators say, of having the principles of Temperance expounded, though I must say (as one of the many) in a very indifferent manner. Their oration at each meeting varies little from the preceding one and many of their examples are simply ridiculous. I should advise, were they ever again to summon enough courage to appear before their criticising audience, that it be their study to bring such arguments forward as will secure the utmost attention, and to win over to their cause a few converts. There are many, I feel certain, who are drawn peacefully from their cottage homes, their garden grounds etc. to hear rational arguments but instead find they are amidst a scene of rioting and drunkenness caused by these so-called abstainers who inevitably collect such a rowdy and protesting crowd as to be an annoyance to the neighbourhood, a hindrance to business, and a prevention of more rational amusements from being carried on. Yours faithfully, An Eyewitness.

ONE HUNDRED AND TWENTY-FIVE YEARS AGO – FRIDAY 10 AUGUST 1899

DISASTROUS FIRE AT LUDGERSHALL

As briefly reported in our second edition last week, a fire broke out at Ludgershall on Friday, and it eventually proved to be of a disastrous character. It was about a quarter to one that the Andover Fire Brigade received the call, and the engine was very smartly dispatched. From several causes, however, there were only three members of the brigade turned out, these being Mr F Bloxham (captain), Mr A Beale, and Mr L Bull. The engine arrived at Ludgershall under the hour from the receipt of the message. On getting there it was found that the bakehouse of Mr Meaby at the rear of the Post Office was well on fire and past saving, as also were the adjoining buildings and a pile of faggots, to which the fire had spread, these burning fiercely on account of their flammable nature, coupled with the fact that the long, dry spell of weather had made everything so dry and easily a prey to the flames. Just over the wall from the bakehouse was the Baptist chapel, and this building soon became ignited as the wind carried the flames in that direction. Sparks were also borne to some thatched cottages adjacent in the direction of the wind, and at this period there was no knowing when the fire was going to end. On the arrival of the engine it was found that there was a scarcity of water that handicapped the brigade; but eventually some was found in a tank belonging to the vicarage, and this was utilised in saving a newly-erected shop that showed signs of catching, and in checking the further spread of the fire, as those buildings already alight were past saving. In these efforts the brigade was successful, assisted manfully by several soldiers who were sent from the camp. Water, however, was very scarce, and after the tank became exhausted, a small quantity of water was obtained from a well. And this was utilised in extinguishing the flames at the bakehouse and other danger points. In this way, further spread of the fire was prevented. The engine remained on the scene for some time and did not return to Andover until 7 o’clock.

ONE HUNDRED YEARS AGO – FRIDAY 8 AUGUST 1924

ANDOVER HELPS BASINGSTOKE

The visit of the Andover Salvation Army Band, under the capable leadership of Bandmaster W G Latimer, to Basingstoke over the weekend, not only proved a source of blessing and inspiration to the Basingstoke comrades, but the excellent playing of the band was freely commented upon and very much appreciated by the townspeople. A large crowd gathered at the Market Place on Saturday evening intent on hearing the band which arrived a little later than the scheduled time, owing to the train being overdue, but in time to render a few selections before marching to the Temple, where the visitors received a real rousing welcome. The visitors not only carried through the programme for the festivals as arranged, but also very ably conducted the Sunday morning and evening services, Band-Sergt Kinge taking the lesson in the morning and Candidate J Turton (who leaves Andover for the Training Garrison in London this month) in the evening.

SEVENTY-FIVE YEARS AGO – FRIDAY 12 AUGUST 1949

CAPT. C E DODD, ACCIDENTAL DEATH VERDICT

A verdict of accidental death was returned at the inquest on Capt. Charles Edward Dodd (73) of 13 Salisbury Road, Andover, at Winchester Guildhall recently. Mr Dodd was seriously injured in an accident at Hill Farm crossroads on the Sutton Scotney – Stockbridge road on 13 July and he died in the Royal Hampshire County Hospital the following day. His wife said she was driving the car from Southsea and approached the main road. She could see nothing coming and proceeded to cross to the Andover road. Suddenly she heard a horn and there was a crash. Lieut-Cdr R H Langton, of Little Hedham, said he was travelling at 50-60 miles an hour and did not realise he was approaching a crossing. Seeing the small car about 60 yards away, he moved to the offside of the road. He expected the small car to stop because it was proceeding slowly. It continued, however, towards the main road and although he braked hard, could not avoid a collision.

FORTY-SEVEN YEARS AGO – FRIDAY 12 AUGUST 1977

BUSINESSMAN AND POP IMPRESSARION DIES

Mr Stan Phillips died at his home, The White Cottage, Charlton, on Wednesday morning. Mr Phillips, who was 56, was a well-known figure in Andover. He founded Phillips, shop fitters and builders, Shepherd’s Spring Lane, Andover, and also took an active interest in the world of pop music, helping to launch and to manage the top Andover group, The Troggs, who practised above his restaurant and bakery, The Copper Kettle, in the High Street. He is survived by a son and daughter. The funeral service is to be held at Weyhill church tomorrow at 11 am.