Page 264 - Reading Mercury
P. 264

1863
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                   Sat 31  Jan
                                                      CHARITIES
                   We observe that W.D. Boase, Esq., one of the inspectors appointed under the Charity
                   Commission, has appointed to attend at our Town Hall, on Thursday next, February
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                   5 ,  at  one  o’clock  to  enquire  into  the  endowed  charities  of  Wokingham;  when  all
                   persons  interested  are  invited  to  meet  him,  in  order  that  any  suggestions  or
                   information  concerning  their  management  and  disposal  may  be  taken  into
                   consideration.

                                                     RIFLE CORPS
                      The announcement of the honour conferred on the Berkshire Volunteers, in being
                   selected  for  duty  at  the  approaching  royal  marriage  at  Windsor,  which  was
                   communicated  to  them  through  Colonel  Lindsay,  has  excited  much  enthusiasm
                   amongst the Wokingham Corps, who are determined to exert themselves to the utmost
                   to be able to muster in  goodly numbers and efficient condition on so important an
                   occasion, and they have recommenced drill with  increased energy, in order to take
                   their place with credit in the Battalion.

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                   Sat 21  Feb
                          CELEBRATION OF THE MARRIAGE OF THE PRINCE OF WALES
                      As  might  be  expected,  preparations  are  in  progress  in  all  parts  of  the  country  to
                   worthily celebrate this auspicious event. No wonder then, that Wokingham with its
                   characteristic  loyalty,  should  be  anxious  to  take  steps  to  render  the  day  one  of
                   rejoicing. The Corporation on Thursday last, convened a meeting at the Town Clerk’s
                   Office, of some of the principal inhabitants of the town and parish, to consider the
                   most suitable means of celebrating the event,  when the Alderman (W.W. Wheeler,
                   Esq.) took the chair, and having explained his reasons, for summoning them together,
                   begged to hear the opinions of those present on the subject. After some discussion it
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                   was unanimously resolved that Tuesday, the 10  of March, should be observed as a
                   general holiday; and consequently it became necessary to alter the market, which was
                   fixed for the previous day (Monday). It was further resolved that a treat should be
                   given to all the school and other children in the town and parish, and, if funds enabled
                   the committee to do so, to treat the aged poor, also that a medal be given to each of
                   the  children  to  commemorate  the  happy  day.  It  was  also  suggested  that  bands  be
                   engaged. Some are anxious to have a ball in the evening, while others desire a bonfire
                   and fireworks. However the extent of the amusements must depend on the amount of
                   funds the committee are able to procure and therefore the meeting was adjourned to
                   Wednesday  morning  next,  in  order  that,  in  the  meantime,  the  members  of  the
                   committee  (who  kindly  volunteered  their  services)  may  make  a  house-to-house
                   collection;  and  we  shall  hope  to  find  that  a  sufficient  sum  is  realised  to  allow  the
                   committee to carry out their programme to the fullest extent, and thus render the day
                   one to be remembered by a future generation., as one of great hilarity and happiness.

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                   Sat 14  March 1863
                                       THE ROYAL WEDDING CELEBRATION
                      For the last two or three weeks, we have reported the various designs in progress for
                   duly honouring the great event of last Tuesday, and now it becomes our pleasing task
                   to record the successful realisation of the efforts made, and to announce that all that
                   was  attempted  was  performed  to  the  satisfaction,  we  almost  venture  to  assert,  of

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