Page 263 - Reading Mercury

noble as they are disinterested; and the benefits which such a man, and such acts
confer on the neighbourhood are incalculable. They are not confined to the present—
for generations yet unborn will reap the advantages and have cause to remember Mr.
Walter’s name with heartfelt gratitude.
The church is designed to accommodate a congregation of between 500 and 600
persons. In plan it will consist of a chancel and nave, with north and south aisles to
each, together with a vestry and organ chamber. There will be a lofty tower and spire,
rising 166 feet from the ground, to the north-west angle of the nave, and the latter will
be lighted by a clerestory. The arcades of the nave will be moulded, resting upon piers
of a like kind, with carved and foliaged caps. The chancel arch is to be richly moulded
and also carved. A suitable recessed reredos, diapered and carved, will be erected at
nd
the east end of the chancel. The date of work chosen is the “2 or middle pointed.”
The church is to be furnished with good pavements of encaustic tiles, and painted
glass in the chancel and clerestory windows: and the tower will be filled with a peal of
eight bells. The materials used for the external will be Bristol stone, with Bath stone
dressings, and the walls inside will be of brick. Henry Woodyer Esq., of Grafham near
Guildford, is the architect, and Messrs. Wheeler and Sons, of reading, the builders –
We understand that it is Mr. Walter’s intention shortly to commence a new parsonage
house in connexion with this new church, for which plans have already been prepared.
A service followed.

th
Sat 13 Sept
A BALLOON DESCENT
On Thursday afternoon between five and six o’clock our town was thrown into a
state of excitement by the news of the near approach of Mr. Green’s Balloon, which
had ascended from Reading that afternoon. In a short time almost everyone turned out
to watch with interest the huge aerial visitor and it soon became apparent that the
travellers intended to affect a landing near.
They first reached terra firma in a clover field on the farm of Mr. Edward Allen,
near the church, and were soon surrounded by a very numerous assemblage, when
finding that it might occasion a good deal of damage to the crop the balloon was
towed to a large meadow where plenty of assistance being rendered by the bystanders,
Mr. Green and his fellow traveller alighted in safety and in a very short time the gas
was allowed to escape and the unwieldy balloon, to the astonishment of those who
had never before had an opportunity of seeing such a thing, was soon safely picked up
with the car, and taken off in a cart without sustaining the least damage.

th
Sat 6 Dec
JAMES TWYCROSS DIES.
We regret to have this week to announce the death of James Twycross Esq., of the
Brook, Wokingham, which event took place on Wednesday night last. The deceased
gentleman, who was highly respected, had for many years been largely and
successfully engaged both in mercantile and agricultural pursuits, and he employed a
considerable number of hands in this town. Whilst his charitable disposition caused
him to be regarded as a true friend to the poor, by whom he will be much missed.mr.
Twycross had for many years been a member of our Corporation and more than once
filled the offices of alderman and chief magistrate with much dignity and a strict
attention to his official duties; and his liberal entertainment, on the occasion of our
late High Steward, will be fresh in the recollection of many.

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