Page 1111 - Reading Mercury

Links between Wokingham and Viry Chatillon were made official at the weekend
when a charter between the two towns was signed. Wokingham Mayor, John Green,
and Viry Chatillon Mayor Henri Longuet made their nine year friendship official.
Representatives from Erfstadt were also present to make a tripartite relationship.

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Thur 4 Aug
AN ERA ENDS AS FORMER MAYOR STAN DIES AT 81
One of Wokingham’s best loved sons, Alderman Stanley Bowyer has died. Mr.
Bowyer, owner of Henry Bowyer and Sons pet shop in Peach Street, died aged 81 on
Sunday in Reading’s Dunedin Clinic from a heart attack. Mr. Bowyer who served as a
Wokingham councillor for over half a century was admitted to the clinic on June 27th
after breaking his hip in a fall in his office.
Born in 1907 Mr. Bowyer started the family pet shop business in 1925 with his
father Henry. The young businessman soon began showing interest in civic affairs and
in 1931 became the youngest councillor in Britain when he was elected to
Wokingham Borough Council.
Recalls
Stanley’s son Michael fondly recalls a favourite story of his father from these early
days. The Mayor of the time Alderman Albert Priest said to him, “Bowyer you have
now been elected by the majority of the town to serve on the town council for a term
of three years. At the end of the three years you will come before the public again for
re-election. If they see fit they will re-elect you for a further period of three years and
until that time you will listen.”
Even the alderman’s words couldn’t deter Mr. Bowyer who went on to be elected
mayor himself in 1951 and to be made an alderman in 1953.
Town
In 1972 Mr. Bowyer was granted the freedom of the Borough and in 1973 served his
second term as Mayor during which time Wokingham Borough Council became
Wokingham Town Council. His hard work which, among other things resulted in
Wokingham having electric street lighting introduced, was rewarded in the 1970s
when Bowyer Crescent was named after him.
Before joining the Royal Army service Corps and serving in France, Belgium and
Germany with Montgomery’s 21st Army Group during the Second World War, Mr.
Bowyer helped safeguard Wokingham through those difficult early years in the air
Raid Patrol and fire watching.
As well as his 57 years of service with the council Mr. Bowyer was involved with
Wokingham United Charities, mentally handicapped children and several local
schools. He was also president of Winnersh British Legion and of the Legion’s
Number Three Group.
Flowers
Tomorrow councillors and members of the British Legion will walk from the town
hall to All Saints Church for Mr. Bowyer’s funeral at 12 noon. Flowers are welcome
or donations to MENCAP (the society for the mentally handicapped) can be made to
funeral directors A.B. Walker and Son Ltd of Eldon Road, Reading.

Thur 18th Aug
WALTER’S £200,000 FACELIFT
A £200,000 facelift at The Walter Arms public house in Wokingham started on
Monday. The pub’s storeroom and double garage are being converted into a function
room and new bar. Licensee Ron Ballard has also submitted plans to the District

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