Party time for Adver (From The Wiltshire Gazette and Herald)

Party time for Adver

Ref. 28976-50People all over Swindon celebrated the Evening Advertiser's 150th anniversary. The banner stretching across the front of the Adver offices, in Old Town, said it all: "Happy 150th Birthday to the Evening Advertiser."

Our newspaper sellers in the town centre decked their stands with balloons, while billboards outside shops also wished the paper well.

Alfie the Alligator, the Advertiser's mascot, was in action yesterday morning as he toured Swindon in GWR's Black Thunder.

The radio station's prankster, Howard Taylor, later got the better of Adver receptionist Tracey Osbourn.

In his wind-up slot Howard called Tracey under the guise of a confused elderly man.

With the patience of a saint Tracey explained that, although it was the 150th anniversary, the news in yesterday's paper was still current.

Howard said: "Recep-tionists and telephonists tend to be very professional so I wasn't surprised at her patience.

"Her responses were excellent she laughed for about a minute when I told her who I was."

Tracy, 33, said: "I had no idea it was a wind-up. I just thought I was helping a confused old man. It was fun though."

Swindon's Arkell's Brewery has launched a limited edition Adver Ale at selected pubs, from Sainsbury's in Stratton; the town centre and Bridgemead, at £1.19 a bottle, from Monday.

On Monday every reader will receive a free supplement, charting the history of the Advertiser.