Page 168 - Reading Mercury

1833
th
Mon 17 June
The first meeting of the East Berks Archery Club was held on Tuesday last, at
Luckley House, near Wokingham, by permission of Chas. F. Palmer, Esq., The
mansion being at present untenanted afforded excellent accommodation and the
grounds surrounding it being extensive, were found particularly well adapted to the
purpose of the meeting, although at a greater distance from the county town than the
members had at first proposed. At one o’clock the Club began to assemble and
notwithstanding the boisterous and threatening state of the weather, soon after that
hour the rooms were filled with the members and their friends. As the wind was much
too rough for the exercise of the sport which ostensibly brought the party together,
they amused themselves in promenading the gardens or in coteries which were formed
in the Rooms, a brass band being in attendance, and entertaining the assembly with
the performance of the liveliest and most appropriate airs.
About three o’clock, the whole of the party sat down to an elegant cold collation
which had been prepared under the direction of the Secretary, by Mr. Lalor, of
Windsor, in excellent style. After the removal of the cloth, the health of the Duke of
Wellington, who had in the kindest and most flattering manner accepted the office of
President, was proposed by Sir F. Watson, and drank with three times three. After
which the health of C. F. Palmer, Esq., with thanks of the Meeting for the use of his
house and grounds on the occasion was drunk with enthusiasm. The healths of
Edward Golding, jun esq. And W. Merry, Esq the secretary, under whose active
exertions the details have been carried into effect, were drunk with the warmth which
their zeal and labour fully entitled them to. After dinner, the storm which had broken
several large trees, having somewhat abated, the party reassembled on the lawn, but
the gale was still too strong to allow of much exercise or display of skill; The
amusement was however, continued throughout the afternoon with considerable
emulation.
At eight o’clock dancing commenced in the rooms, to a very excellent Windsor
band, and quadrilles and gallopades concluded the amusements of the day at a
seasonable hour.

th
Mon 30 Sept
Friday last a very numerous and respectable party amongst whom were several
members of the Corporation, dined at the Bush Inn, Wokingham; when an excellent
entertainment was served up in Mr. Wise’s usual style, consisting of venison, game,
and every delicacy of the season. The chair was ably filled by Mr. Dalley, and on the
removal of the cloth, the health of the King and other loyal toasts were drunk with
enthusiasm; and the party were so well pleased that they determined it to be hereafter
an annual meeting.

th
Mon 28 Oct
On Thursday last, the members of the Wokingham Glee Club dined together at the
Crown Inn, and after partaking of a sumptuous repast, (for which the worthy host, Mr.
Gale had the thanks of the whole company) singing commenced with the beautiful
piece ”Non nobis Domine” which was executed in a style that would have reflected
credit on many of the metropolitan singers; after which the favourite trio, “Lecomi a
te Gualterio,” was performed in no less a masterly manner; in the course of the

166