Page 268 - Reading Mercury

selection of subjects was approved. One or two of the pieces struck us as being rather
too lengthy, a matter easily rectified in future, whilst others were only imperfectly
heard at the back of the hall, the readers probably not aware, on their first essays, the
amount of vocal power required to make themselves distinctly heard in such a large
room. We mention these little matters feeling assured that they are easily remedied,
and being anxious for the continued success of this useful source of instruction and
recreation.
The chair was taken by W.W. Wheeler Esq. The following was the programme:--
Mr. W.W. Wheeler, “Travelling 200 years ago,” Macaulay; Mr. H. Kemp, “The Duke
of Brunswick’s Diamonds,” Leighton; Mr. E. Weight, “A Mountain of Miseries,”
Addison; Mr. Farquarson, “Miss Keilmansegge’s Courtship,” Hood; Mr. Barford,
“Extracts from the Life of James Watt,” Smiles; Rev. W.F. Adams, “The Bells,”
Edgar A. Poe; Rev. W.O. Wilson, “Home Life of George III,” Thackeray; Mr. R.
Bunce, “The Chameleon,”; Mr. Sale, jun, “The Old Clock”.

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Sat 16 April
RE-OPENING OF THE PARISH CHURCH OF SAINT MARY, WOKINGHAM
The ceremony of re-opening this fine old church took place yesterday (Friday).
Though from lapse of years and other causes the sacred edifice had fallen into a state
of decay and was choked with most unsightly fittings it was still remarkable for the
great dignity of its Nave and the noble proportions of its arcades. These are
remarkably similar to those of the neighbouring church of Sonning, and furnish strong
presumptive evidence of their having originally been the work of one mind, though
both churches have undergone many alterations since.
A late clerestory was added to the earlier work at Wokingham of very inferior type,
and, at the same time, the aisle roofs appear to have been constructed: these are
peculiar and have been repeated in the restoration. In plan the church consisted of a
portion only of an earlier chancel, north chancel aisle, nave with lean-to side aisles,
and western tower and porch: the chancel arch and its piers were in a ruinous state,
and the outer walls of the fabric generally were in a very dilapidated condition. The
present restoration consists in an entire re-building of the chancel, with its north aisle
and the addition of a south aisle and large vestry. The chancel arch also, and the
arches to the north and south of it, have been rebuilt, as also the north and south aisles
of the nave: the lower has been opened out to the rest of the church, but funds were
wanting for the restoration so much needed for the tower generally: had these
sufficed, it would have been put into thorough repair and heightened.
By the untiring exertions of Elliott Morres, Esq. of Matthews Green, against all
opposition, and by his taking all the risk of the work upon himself, this just work has
been accomplished thus far, and as a memorial of his exertions on their behalf it
would be well if the parishioners would bestir themselves to raise funds to complete
the tower, so that the reproach of the incomplete work may be removed.
Of the new work, in such portions as are restorations, or intimately connected with
old features, the original state of the work has been altered to, but where as in the case
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of the Chancel, the building was new from the ground, middle pointed, or 14 century
work has been adopted by the architect.
The new South Chapel, however, has received the old windows and doorway from
the former aisle of later date The old Norman south door has been carefully restored
and preserved, and a new porch erected over it; a simple form of reredos has been
adopted over the Altar, and plain stone seat for sedalia and a credence niche, and the
Chancel is further furnished with light iron girdles in the side arches, choir seats and

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