10 Basingstoke newspaper adverts from the 1960s

While advertising remains a part of news distribution today, in the 1960s people and companies would publish offers and requests that differed greatly from what we see in 2020.

We had a look at our archives, and picked out ten newspaper adverts from Basingstoke in July 1969.

All of these appeared in the Hants and Berks Gazette - do they bring back any memories of the area then? Let us know in the comments below.

New Hospital

Basingstoke and North Hampshire Hospital opened as a maternity ward in 1969, before the main hospital building opened in 1974.

Every Little Helps

Before Tesco adopted its famous advertising slogan, the supermarket chain was posting its latest deals in the local paper. Prices were written in pounds, shillings(s) and pence(d), with a dash separating shillings and pence. So in July 1969, Tesco were selling baked beans for a shilling, and Ambrosia Creamed Rice for 11 pence.

Get ALL the TV

In 1969, anyone with a British Relay TV subscription could look forward to new BBC and ITV transmissions coming to their box. Forget Sky, Virgin, NowTV and the whole array of packages available in 2020, back in the day the one subscription would get you ALL the TV.

Lowest prices - guaranteed!

This Basingstoke furniture company guaranteed the very best prices, and we definitely wouldn’t mind seeing some of these deals make a return! Need a new sofa? Have a 3-piece-suite for £45. Or furnish your entire places for under £300!

Temporary accommodation needed

With a new hospital came new jobs, and an influx of professionals to the area. In the summer of 1969, an “urgent” call was put out for places to house the staff.

“Excludes number plates and seat belts”

This new FIAT has all the latest technology. Padded seating compartments, reclining front seats and a speed of 78mph. But a reminder not to forget the small print the price of £615 excluded number plates and seat belts!

Bed expert …

This bed company wanted to sell its bed, that much is clear. But back in 1969 its marketing strategy involved telling people about a visit from a female consultant, and her time was precious!

The “working man”

This advert for accommodation for working men “away from home” is a real indicator of the times. 15 meals a week cooked for them, just in case they missed their home comforts. With the added bonuses of a bar, television room, and billiards room, these working men would be living their best lives.

New-build homes

In 1969, new build homes went on sale on London Road. Priced from £4,250, they were just 10 minutes walk away from what was then described as the “exciting new town centre”

NOW SHOWING

Finally, it wouldn’t be an advert throwback without taking a look at the cinema listings of the time. Topping the bill was Disney’s Cinderella. Also showing was the spy thriller film Nobody Runs Forever and Reach for The Sky, a biographical film about aviator Douglas Bader.

On a side note, the advert below asked readers if they were thinking of emigrating? Emigration from the UK boomed in the 1950s and 60s, and so companies like these were a popular resource.