Page 1072 - Reading Mercury

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Thur 30 Oct
PALMER MEMORIES RECALLED
MEMORIES of schooldays 50 years ago and old friendships rekindled made a
reunion for former pupils of Palmer School, Wokingham, a happy occasion when they
met again last week at the present school on Norreys Avenue built three years ago.
The school was open all day for the visitors and quite a number of them were able to
compare school in the 70s with their recollections of it in 1925. The first arrival was a
8.15 a.m. and from then on the school headmaster, Mr. Sidney Meachen was kept
busy showing a steady stream of former boys and girls round the school, listening to
their comments as he explained teaching methods used nowadays.
The general feeling among the visitors was that things had improved considerably.
They were also intrigued by the school dinners and recalled a typical lunch in the
1920s—a bowl of hot soup from the butcher’s shop on Peach Street.
In the evening the pupils gave a P.E. display and concert for their guests. The
children played recorders and violins and the choir sang a selection of favourite
melodies, including some from 1925.
At the end of a memorable day, Mr. W.C. Smith, a former pupil and ex-mayor of
Wokingham, thanked Mr. Meachen and his staff and the children for their warmth and
hospitality.

HAIRDRESSER IS LEAVING TOWN
The name “Edwina” has been associated with hairdressing in Wokingham for
something like 40 year, but the present business, run by Mr. Les Ilott, at 23 Market
Place, will close down in two weeks and a suite of offices, fronted by Parkers, Estate
Agents, will take its place.
Explaining his reasons for leaving Wokingham after 22 years in business Mr. Ilott
said he was tired of worrying about increases in rates and how to keep his prices
steady while costs rocketed. His lease runs out in seven years’ time. This offer came
out of the blue, through City and Suburban Properties. He felt this was an opportune
time to move out.
Mr. Ilott was born in Wokingham and educated at Palmer School but it wasn’t until
after war service—having started his hairdressing career in Kingston and then
Surbiton—that he opened his hairdressing salon in Wokingham. He took over the
original Edwina salon, opposite his present business, 22 years ago, and 12 years later
moved into 23, Market Place, which was then a carpet shop.
Until18 months ago, Les ran both salons, under the name of Edwina, as well as a
business in Crowthorne, which he will continue to operate. He will also open a small
salon in Lambourne, about one third of the size of his present business premises.
Les Ilott has been an executive member of the Chamber of Commerce and has
supported several local groups.

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Thur 27 Nov
NICE TO BE BACK IN WOKINGHAM
For many people Wokingham is a nice quiet run-of-the-mill town, with not a lot in
the way of excitement, but one couple who are delighted to be back after five years in
Devon, are ex-Mayor of Wokingham, Mr. John Chapman, and his wife, Rosa.
Mr. and Mrs. Chapman, now living at Burford Court, Wokingham, moved to Ottery
St. Mary, because, as they explained, they wanted a change of surroundings, but,
although they tried hard to settle, they missed the warmth and companionship of their
friends in Wokingham.

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