Page 22 - A History Of Food And Drink In Wokingham

A Ministry of Food Ration Book, 1951-1952 in the name of Michael J. Day of Finchampstead was
donated by the family of Mr Day to the Town Council collection.

During World War Two, Wokingham residents, like the rest of the UK were encouraged to
grow their own food.

The Women’s Land Army was also formed and it was reported “that there were immediate
vacancies in Berkshire for milkers, market gardeners and poultry workers. The minimum
wage is 50s, for a 48-hour week with overtime at fixed rates. In many cases experienced
members of the Land Army command a weekly wage substantially ahead of the national
minimum. “

Responsibility for the Land Army in the county rested with a committee, whose chairman
from the outbreak of the War was Mrs. Howard Palmer of Wokingham.
The War saw the end of livestock being sold in the Market, however poultry continued to be
sold behind the Bush Hotel.

The first meeting of the Food Control Committee of the Wokingham Rural District Council for
executive purposes was held at the Board Room, Barkham Road, Wokingham, Mr. G. Ford
(chairman) presided. As a result of the meeting, no person could, in effect, retail foodstuffs
without being licensed by this committee.

Drake & Mount Ltd., Corn & Coal Merchants took over 11 Market Place and were there until
1961 when it was sold to Foster Bros Clothing. It is now a Vodafone store.

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