Nostalgic memories of Andover's local history
Share your own memories of Andover and read what others have said
For many years now, we've been inviting visitors to our web site to add their own memories to share their experiences of life as it was when the photographs in our archive were taken. From brief one-liners explaining a little bit more about the image depicted, to great, in-depth accounts of a childhood when things were rather different than today (and everything inbetween!). We've had many contributors recognising themselves or loved ones in our photographs.
Why not add your memory today and become part of our Memories Community to help others in the future delve back into their past.
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Displaying Memories 1 - 10 of 26 in total
I attended Andover Grammar School from 1952 until 1956 and must admit that the swimming pool was my favorite part of the school. I have fond memories of the friends I made there, a lot of whom I am still in touch with. My father was a great angler and Mr. Dreghorn our geography teacher asked if anyone could get hold of some Perch to clean the bottom of the Pool during the winter, and my father ...see more
I remember arriving at Andover railway station in 1950 and asking how I could get to RAF Amport where I was to spend the next 18 months or so doing my National Service. Eventually an old pre-war coach turned up and we chugged our way through country lanes ocassionly stopping to drop off elderly ladies and waiting while the driver helped them carry their shopping into their houses.. Most weekends I played ...see more
I well remember the open air swimming pool where we used to go for swimming lessons from Norman Gate primary school as well as the open air pool at the Grammar School featured in one of your photos. However my first experience of swimming was in the River Anton. Where the river comes under the railway line, it comes through an arch bridge and on the Andover side of the bridge was a large pool, where an H ...see more
During the late 50's and early 60s, I remember that during Carnival Week there was always a Mardi Gras night. There was a dance floor in front of the Guildhall and many fairground stalls. I always remember being weighed at one of these stalls on a chair contraption. The main activity was throwing confetti at one another and trying to stuff it down strangers necks!! When I got home my mother would not let me in the house until I had undressed at the backdoor and got rid of all the confetti.
I think this must be the original building of the King's Head at 22 London Street. The sign to the right says "R.G. Cable Carpenter". Ralph G Cable was a carpenter and wheelwright at 20 London Street in the 1901 census. Charles Herbert was then victualler at the King's Head. The sign on the pub advertises Nutley's Old Chantry Ales. William Nutley was a brewer in Chantry Street.
Hi to anyone still left that remembers my grandads bakery behind George Brights bicycle shop. he made the best doughnuts ever, my uncle ted and daisy ran the farm at the top of the hill known as 'Shanghai Homestead', We lived in the cottage on the corner of church lane and anton lane, behind what is now called the museum. my friends wer James MaCcallum who is still living in the village. joey ...see more
I moved to Andover in 1940 with my mum and sister, to live with my grandparents, my dad was all over the place in the RAF. My grandad owned a riding stable in Anton Road, towards the town. The side of the stable building had a huge painted sign 'Reddings Riding Stables' and I spent many happy hours there mucking out and polishing tack. I went to New Street Primary school, then when I was 11 went to the Senior School on ...see more
We lived at Anton Mill House above Rooksberry Mill on the River Anton. My father kept cattle during the war in a field below the level crossing and I had to cycle after school to pump water for them in the field. The crossing only served the mill and came down from the Salisbury Road. Sterling Poultry owned the land behind the crossing house.
My father was mill manager and a company director from 1937 to 1961, and we lived in the mill house. I was assistant mill manager from 1963 to 1967. My father ran the local Home Guard during the 2nd world war, and was in the auxiliary fire service. I have many happy memories of time spent there, with my brother and sister.
Does anyone know where this was in Andover? My grandparents lived there.