Page 1007 - Reading Mercury

Later the Mayor told the Times that this was a most fascinating exhibition but we
have come a long way since then. Wokingham today is a progressive town taking care
of its citizens. In this respect its association for the elderly has recently come into
being and this is something which could not have been thought of 100 years ago.
The exhibition vividly pictured with photographs, prints, uniforms and relics
including axe-heads and flints, the Wokingham of the past. Here could be seen
glimpses of the town in the 17th century through the Georgian and Victorian eras to
the early 20th century emerging into the Wokingham of today
Included was a model of the Lucas Hospital made by Mrs. Stratton, wife of one of
the masters of the hospital who served there from 1880 to 1920.

Thur 13th Feb
MEALS ON WHEELS FOR WOKINGHAM
Two hot plates were ready at the home of Mr. and Mrs. John Skates in Wokingham,
last Thursday, when the Mayor, Coun. Mrs. Jean Davy, arrived at the start of the
town’s own Meals on Wheels service.
Generous portions of piping hot roast lamb and vegetables to be followed by fruit
pie were served by Mrs. Anne Fowler of the National Council of women and Mrs.
Mary Hughes of the Wokingham Townswomen’s Guild.

Thur 15 May
th
RITZ–-WOKINGHAM’S CINEMA’S FUTURE IN BALANCE
The Ritz Cinema in Wokingham could become a full time bingo hall under an
arrangement recently concluded between Associated British Cinemas and Star
st
Associated Holdings. As from the 1 July Star Holdings will operate under licence
fifteen full time and ten part time bingo clubs in all parts of the country. It runs 68
cinemas and has other extensive interests in the entertainment world.

rd
Thur 3 July
WHITE’S STORE CLOSES
White’s furnishing store in Peach Street closed because shoppers are attracted to
Bracknell. Wokingham has parking and one-way problems. The company intends to
expand in Bracknell and Reading.

Thur 2nd Oct
TOWN HALL OFFER TO OLD FOLK
The Wokingham and District Association for the Elderly is to have first refusal of
the former fire station at Wokingham Town Hall. The Public Works Committee has
decided to offer it to the association with a request for suggestions as to its use by that
body

th
Thur 9 Oct
THE BULL IS HAUNTED
The Bull At Arborfield where Queen Victoria and Prince Albert stopped on their
th
journey to visit the Duke of Wellington at Stratfieldsaye on January 20 1845, is
believed to be haunted by a lady in blue.
The name ‘Bull’ would substantiate the Rev. Ditchfield’s suggestion that the wild
boar or of course just have sounded a good name to the first landlord.

THREAT TO JOBS AS METALAIR SWITCHES PRODUCTION PLANT

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