Page 1050 - Reading Mercury

He was just one of the many garage managers in Wokingham who have introduced
some form of rationing. Others limit their regular customers to two gallons or sell
50p’s worth
The Blue Star garage in Reading Road, Wokingham opened at 7.30 a.m. and had
sold their daily quota by 9 a.m. on Tuesday. At Bourne and Thomas, London Road,
Wokingham the situation was “diabolical”. The manager said that cars were forming
up at both entrances and he had to cope with 12 cars in the forecourt in both
directions. “They had to fight to get in or out.”

th
Thur 13 Dec
PROCLAIMING SANTA
Startled birds took flight and shoppers stopped in their tracks on Saturday morning
as Wokingham’s Town Crier, Mr. Herbert (Chick) Biddle, suddenly gave voice.
“Oyez! Oyez! Oyez!” he intoned as, ringing his handbell, he marched halfway
round the Town Hall to stand near a newly-planted oak tree on the island in Peach
Street.
“A proclamation,” he announced accepting a ribbon-tied scroll from Mr. Les Ilott, a
member of Wokingham’s Chamber of Trade and Commerce. “Know ye that Father
th
Christmas will pay Wokingham a good-will visit on December 15 . Preceded by a
military band he will leave the railway station at 2.30 p.m. tour the centre and
precincts and end at the Town Hall. God Save the Queen.”
Returning the scroll to Mr. Ilott and taking bell in hand once more, he marched
round the further side of the Town Hall to the island in Denmark Street and once
again read the proclamation, this time to an audience of small children who had
followed his splendidly dressed, top-hatted figure in awed wonder.
Mr. Biddle’s service as a Sergeant-Major in the Warwickshire Regiment in his
younger days stood him in good stead for Saturday’s job. His soldierly bearing added
dignity to the colourful uniform and his stentorian tones could be clearly heard above
the noise of the passing traffic.

1974
th
Thur 10 Jan
WOKINGHAM SOCIETY SEEKS FRESH FIELDS
After a series of fights against schemes like the Woosehill development the
Wokingham Society is now turning its attentions to positive schemes of its own. The
Society is enlisting the help of residents to set up groups to examine the town’s old
buildings and conservation areas and come up with schemes for restoration,
preservation and general improvement.
Mr. Barry Palmer, the Society’s Secretary, said last week, “We are an amenities
Society and we want to produce something positive. “We want to set up several
groups of people to cover areas in the Town centre and consider problems and come
up with schemes and suggestions.”
Suggestions could include plans for clearing derelict sites or redecorating whole
areas in a more comprehensive manner. The Society will probably pass on their
findings to the Borough Council and other interested bodies, and press for the work to
be done.
Mr, Parker thinks that some of the members may even become so enthusiastic that
they will do some of the work themselves. The Society are appealing for as many
people as possible to join the scheme and they are holding a meeting to launch the
campaign at the Old Town Hall, Wokingham on January l5th at 8 p.m.

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