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 7 SEPTEMBER 1860

STEALING PEACHES

Charles Ball again appeared to answer to the charge of stealing peaches in Eastfield. This case was adjourned from the previous Monday for the production of witnesses, the only evidence at that time being that of another lad (Garrett) whom the defendant stoutly asserted was the real delinquent. The police informed the bench that another boy had promised to attend and give evidence this day, but he had failed to do so, and could not be found. The magistrates adjourned the case for another week. In the meantime, we understand the required witness will be summoned to attend.

ANDOVER AND CHILTON POND TURNPIKE ROAD

Notice is hereby given that the tolls arising at the toll gates at Andover Marsh, Walworth, Hurstbourne Tarrant and Newbury Wash gates respectively, were on 6 August, put up to be let by auction at the house of John Brooks, called the Globe, at Newbury, for the following sums:

The Andover Marsh and Walworth Gates £93

The Hurstbourne Tarrant Gate………….. £74

The Newbury Wash Gate……………….. £264

As there were no bidders, the said tolls will again be put up to be let at auction at the same place on Monday 10 September, between the hours of twelve noon and three pm at such sums as the trustees of the turnpike road agree upon. Whoever happens to be the best bidder must at the same time deposit the amount of one month’s rent or money payable for such tolls and sign an agreement with two sufficient sureties to the satisfaction of the said trustees for the taking of such tolls and for the due and punctual payment of the whole rent or money to be paid in advance, according to the terms of the said agreement.  

ONE HUNDRED AND TWENTY-FIVE YEARS AGO – FRIDAY 8 SEPTEMBER 1899

CORRESPONDENCE - CAT WORRYING AND CRUELTY IN GENERAL

Sir: I differ entirely from the remarks of the chairman of Andover County Bench of Magistrates last Friday that ‘cats are an abominable nuisance on a farm’ and I feel satisfied if he rented one as I do, where the shooting is let, he would alter his opinion, because now that pheasants are reared in such large numbers (I almost say by hand), rats and mice have increased very much, and I find my cats invaluable; it is astonishing the number of rats as well as mice that they kill. With regard to the language made use of to PC Adams, to say the least it was bad form; but due allowance must be made for youth and inexperience. I invariably strive to support our village policeman, and like to be in touch with his inspector; and when I have had occasion to consult our Chief Constable I have invariably been met with the greatest courtesy. In conclusion, there never was a time that the Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals deserved support more than the present, and for us to set an example of pity and mercy, and express our horror of those dreadful exhibitions that have been going on the last two or three Sundays at Boulogne. Yours faithfully Stephen H Allen, Eastover.

ONE HUNDRED YEARS AGO – FRIDAY 5 SEPTEMBER 1924

ANOTHER ACCIDENT

Salisbury Road, looking towards the town. (Image: David Howard) A mishap occurred on the main Andover-Salisbury Road just inside the boundary on Saturday evening, involving a cyclist and a pedestrian. Details are not to hand with reference to the cyclist, but the pedestrian, Mr Walter Mills, was very much bruised. His face and head still show visible signs of the impact, and the consequences of the fall. It was fortunate, however, that the injuries were not more serious.

SEVENTY-FIVE YEARS AGO – FRIDAY 9 SEPTEMBER 1949

RAF TO CELEBRATE NINTH ANNIVERSARY OF BATTLE OF BRITAIN

To commemorate the ninth anniversary of the Battle of Britain, Royal Air Force stations throughout the country will be thrown open to the general public, and among them will be RAF Andover. Although admission is free, proceeds from the sale of programmes will be given to the RAF Benevolent Fund. The ‘At Home’ on 17 September starts at one o’clock, and the displays will include modern radio and radar equipment used by the signals’ sections. Other things to be seen will be machine-guns, aircraft, cannon, safety equipment (parachutes), and it is hoped to have a power-operated gun turret on view. During the flying display, the Station Fire Service which did so well at Eastleigh recently will demonstrate its work on the airfield under assimilated emergency conditions. The flying programme’s highlight will be the aerobatics by a a Spitfire flown by Flt-Lt Hibbert, and Meteors and a helicopter will be put through their paces. Numerous aircraft, including some from the USA and modern British types will fly past, and then two ‘sticks’ of paratroopers are to be dropped, the first with a 3in. mortar and light machine guns and the second with their normal equipment and a Piat. Other demonstrations are by the 46th Heavy AA Regiment. An innovation this year will be the control of an Anson aircraft from the ground by the public. As instructions are given to the pilot they will be broadcast over the loudspeaker system so that the spectators are able to see and hear simultaneously what is going on. The most modern aircraft present will be the Vickers Swift and Nene Viking – a jet version of the ordinary Viking.  

FORTY-SEVEN YEARS AGO – FRIDAY 9 SEPTEMBER 1977

BAKERS’ STRIKE HITS ANDOVER SHOPS

The Copper Kettle at 12 High Street, c.1960. (Image: John Marchment) Several shops in Andover have been affected by the bakers’ strike which started last week. Wilkins’ in Chantry Way and the Copper Kettle in the High Street had no bread delivered on Saturday or Monday and normal deliveries have been disrupted. The problem is caused by the strike by bakers of Allied Bakeries, which started on Thursday. Burbidges’ store in Weyhill Road was hit by a strike on Wednesday when they did not receive any cut loaves from Associated Family Bakers at Bristol. The store’s own bakeries have been working flat out to provide enough bread for the customers but the proprietors have been warned that the bread from the Associated Family Bakers will not be delivered on Wednesdays any more, due to a new arrangement in rest days. Other shops in Andover escaped the bread strike although their supplies tended to sell more quickly than normal.