Page 1043 - Reading Mercury

Laura Carter on Vive Maria who came first in the Novice Jumping Class (15-21
years) was presented with the trophy by Wokingham Brigade Officer, Mrs. Joan
Morgan. The Organiser, Mr. E. Brattle, said that the number of entries was slightly
up on previous years. The gymkhana events were well-supported and despite the
weather, onlookers were numerous.
Heavy rain soon after the start was unpleasant and made the ground a little slippery
but no accidents occurred and the standard of riding was very good. Girls far
outnumbered boys in all classes.
The Mayor and Mayoress of Wokingham, Ald S. Bowyer and Mrs. J. Foreman-
brown, called at the ground in the afternoon and presented two cups—the Perpetual
challenge cup to Heather Crocker on Holly Ripple and the Minimus perpetual
challenge cup to Sarah Adam on Equacus Revel. Laura Carver, winner of the St. John
Cup, gave the Mayoress a bouquet on behalf of the St. John Ambulance Brigade.
Other winners listed.
A fancy dress competition attracted many entries and provided some amusing and
attractive costumes—winners listed.

th
Thur 14 June
DEVELOPERS WANT WOKINGHAM TOWN HALL
Estate agents, said to be instructed by a leading property development company,
have asked Wokingham Borough Council if they would consider disposing of the
Town Hall for future redevelopment. The approach is to be discussed by the Finance
and General Purposes Committee at their meeting this evening (Thursday).
The chief officers have urges that the proposal should not be entertained, on the
following grounds:--
(a) the demand for use of the Town Hall for public meetings both by the local
authority and other organisations is such that no other alternative accommodation is
available.
(b) the Town Hall is of an historic value to the town and forms a central feature within
the conservation area, and
c) its future use for local government purposes cannot be determined in advance of the
new District Council making a policy decision on both office accommodation and
community hall facilities for the town area.

RED CROSS CADETS INSPECTED
The new President of the Wokingham Red Cross, 28 Detachment, Mrs. Ann-Marie
Bonsor, attended their annual inspection at Keep Hatch, the home of their
Commandant Miss S. Denise De Vitre on Thursday last week.
Cadets with their officer, Mr. H. Wakelin, lined up beside senior member of the
group as the Branch Director, Group Captain W. Swift, accompanied by the Assistant
Director, Mrs. R. Ashcroft, walked along the ranks stopping to talk to each one in
turn. Mrs Ashcroft complimented the cadets on their smart turnout and asked them to
think up special ways of celebrating next year’s Golden Jubilee.
The senior Red Cross members too were complimented by Group Captain Swift
before he made long service presentations to the following: Section Leader, Mrs. L.
Stroud (20 years); Nursing Officer, Mrs. K. Albon (12 years); Dep. Officer, Disabled
Club, Mrs. A. Jeater (9 years); V.A.D. P. Herman and VAD L. Austin (6 years); VAD
Mrs. D. Osborn and VAD Mrs. M. Everett (3 years).

1041