Page 1079 - Reading Mercury

One of the oldest family businesses in Wokingham—Baker’s Hardware in Market
Place—celebrates it centenary this year, but the present owner, Mr. Marcus Baker,
says he and his sister, Doris, are not planning a special celebration.
“It will be business as usual unless I decide to retire”, said the 69 year-old
tradesman.
The Baker family have been in the same building since 1876 when Mr. Charles
Baker came from Hampshire to start up in business as a picture framer, gilder and
home decorator. Until 1830 the original Swan Inn occupied the premises and then it
was a tailor’s shop. Mr. Charles Baker, his grandfather was well-known in
Wokingham as a town councillor and Methodist preacher. He retired in 1917 and his
son Wesley took over the business and added hardware to the sales stock.
Mr. Marcus Baker and his sister joined their father in the family business when they
left Wescott School and they have worked in it together ever since. From 1934 until
1968 Mr. Baker was a volunteer member of the Wokingham Fire Brigade and one of
his most treasured possessions is a framed certificate from Berkshire and Reading Fire
Authority in recognition of his long and meritorious service.

th
Wed 15 April
SEVERE OIL POLLUTION AT WOKINGHAM
The Emm Brook at Wokingham is now “completely dead” because of severe oil
pollution it was stated this week. Householders and local industry are partly to blame
said Wokingham District Councillor, Mr. John English. Last week he told the district
council’s Community Services Committee about the situation and it was decided that
there should be full discussion at their next meeting by which time a report should be
prepared.
Yesterday (Tuesday) he said there were three possible sources which caused the
pollution. “Firstly, there is the run-off from roads and car parks. In the last few years
many more lorries and car parking areas have appeared close to the Emm Brook.
Parked vehicles naturally discharge small quantities of oil, and with large areas of
tarmac, the oil has a fast run off into the stream. Special units built into the drainage
systems could not cope adequately.”
The second factor was the expansion of light industries, particularly in the Molly
Millars Lane area. Factories do very often discharge oil inadvertently.
Finally there is also the unsocial behaviour of the householder. They are causing
severe pollution by dumping sump oil down the drains. They obviously do not realise,
but this is a real problem which must stop. He hoped the district council would seek
the cooperation of the factories and the public in the matter, and would point out that
they have certain powers to deal with offenders. We don’t know what the full story is
at present. But what we would like to see is sufficient communication to make people
aware of what is actually happening to the Emm Brook—it is now completely dead. I
haven’t seen a fish in there for years.
Samples of the water are now being taken and a special report is now being
prepared by public health officers.

nd
Thu 22 April
WOKINGHAM WOMEN PUT BERKS ON MAP
Three determined Wokingham women have put the town and county of Berkshire
on the National savings map by successfully operating a new pilot scheme for small
savers. Mrs. Doris Wanstall, a youthful 72, of Sewell Avenue, assisted by Mrs. Iris
Hucknell of Heelas Road and Mrs. Irene Fish of Priest Avenue were one of about 20

1077