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Blandford Gazette & Three Shires Advertiser - 120 years ago

Around 120 years ago, the Blandford Gazette & Three Shires Advertiser was a local newspaper published in Dorset, Wiltshire & Somerset.

Comfortable in Prison. Robert Grass of Farnham was summonsed at Blandford Police Court for poaching in the day time on land belonging to Captain Kidson of Farnham. Defendant did not appear. Gamekeeper, George Elliott said he saw Grass take two rabbits from snares which he had been watching.  There was a long list of previous convictions and it was stated that the defendant had confirmed he was very comfortable in Dorchester Prison and had gained four pounds in weight when last there. He was fined £1 or alternatively 14 days in prison. (Blandford Gazette & Three Shires Advertiser, Saturday 31st October 1903)

Monstrous Turnip. Recently, there has been pulled on Mr J Mitchell’s Shroton Farm an enormous turnip weighing 24lbs and measuring 3ft. 3ins. in circumference. (Blandford Gazette & Three Shires Advertiser, Saturday 14th November 1903)

Register for Toilers on Land. With a view to help those who work on the land in our country villages to obtain employment we have pleasure in stating that we will insert free of charge any advertisement of farm labourers, carters, cowmen & shepherds wanting situations. Only bona-fide subscribers to the Three Shires Advertiser living within a radius of 20 miles from Gillingham will be entitled to these free announcements. (Blandford Gazette & Three Shires Advertiser, Saturday 28th November 1903)

Obscene Language. Fanny Hunt, a married woman pleaded guilty at Blandford Petty Sessions to using obscene language on the 13th November. She expressed regret and was fined two shillings & sixpence (12.5p). (Blandford Gazette & Three Shires Advertiser, Saturday 21st November 1903)

Letting Off Fireworks. Young James Wedmore was summonsed at Blandford for letting off fireworks in the streets on the 4th November. His mother appeared for him and said there were other boys as bad. Fined two shillings (10p). (Blandford Gazette & Three Shires Advertiser, Saturday 21st November 1903)

Mayoral Hospitality. On Saturday evening, the returning mayor, Mr. A C Woodhouse entertained the whole of the Blandford Corporation workforce, the porters at the railway station, the workmen at Hall & Woodhouse brewery and the members of the local police force to supper at the Crown Hotel. A capital repast was provided at the close of which the loyal and other toasts were submitted interspersed with a capital programme of songs. A very pleasant evening ended at about 10.40 with hearty cheers for the Mayor and Mayoress and the National Anthem. (Blandford Gazette & Three Shires Advertiser, Saturday 14th November 1903)

Smoking Concert. On Wednesday evening, the Blandford Town Hall was crowded with an enthusiastic gathering the occasion being a smoking concert promoted by members of the Constitutional Club. Vote of thanks was rendered to the Chairman and Major Dugdale, the National Anthem being sung at the close. (Blandford Gazette & Three Shires Advertiser, Saturday 28th November 1903)


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