Page 1082 - Reading Mercury

Mayor Cllr. Margaret Busst accompanied by the Mayoress, Mrs. Lesley Giddings on
their first official duty since taking office.
First prize for the best float in the voluntary section went to the Wokingham Society
with their replica of an ancient market town in its preserved state. Second was the
Wokingham Evening Townswomen’s Guild with a splendid display of postage stamps
around the world and in third place was the Wokingham Lions’ float, a lorry-load of
small children in delightful oriental costumes with a centre piece of lions.
In the trade section Gowrings of Wokingham took first prize with “Wokingham
News” in second place.
The prize in the walking section was won by two ladies, who epitomised the happy
atmosphere of the day, with the sun blazing down and everyone in a relaxed, festive
mood.
Miss Joan Salter, of Oxford Road, Wokingham, a soon-to-be-retired civil servant,
and Miss Bea Snell of St. Paul’s Gate, Wokingham, a retired school teacher, and
comparative new-comer to the town, put on some old togs and with 11-year-ld cross-
breed Polly joined the procession as “around the world” tramps.
A competition to celebrate the year of the Chinese Dragon was held in the main
arena during the afternoon.

th
15 July
WOKINGHAM ACTION GROUP WOUND UP
The Evendons Lane, Wokingham Action Group has been officially wound up
having achieved its objective – an alternative access for lorries using the gravel
extraction site at Evendons Farm. The vehicles will now exit on to Finchampstead
Road west of Handpost Corner.
The group last week donated £50—the balance of their funds—to the Wokingham
and District Association for the elderly and the cheque was accepted by the chairman,
Mrs. Jean Davy.
Coinciding with the winding up of the action group, the chairman, Mr. Bill Butler,
who has run the post office in Evendons Lane for the last five years, is moving to
Sonning Common where he and his wife are taking over a smaller business.

DO-IT YOURSELF CHURCH BELLS
Young bell ringers at St. Paul’s Church, Wokingham, have been raising funds to
have the ancient Warner Bells refurbished, but the latest estimate, around £4,000,
have raised a big problem. So now, the youngsters, all school age, and their leader,
Mr. Keith Begrie, the Tower Foreman at St. Paul’s, have decided to do the job
themselves, with the help of their parents and other church members.
Said Mr. Begrie, “we will replace the old wood supporting the bells and the result
should be just as satisfactory as putting in a metal frame, and a lot cheaper. There will
be a sponsored bell ring at the Church on Saturday.”

ST. PAUL’S FETE
The sound of handbells rung by the children of St. Paul’s Church, Wokingham,
attracted people to the church fete on the Rectory lawn last week. A gymnastic display
was performed by the pupils of St. Paul’s School and a fancy dress parade produced a
delightful display of colour and originality.
Members of the Felicity Morgan Dancing School gave a demonstration, among the
special guests being the Mayor of Wokingham, Mrs. Margaret Busst, and the
Mayoress, Mrs. Ann Giddings. There was a wide selection of stalls and sideshows.

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