Page 289 - Reading Mercury

COTTAGE GARDENS
It has long been a matter of complaint here, like most other towns, that from the
increasing value of land in the immediate vicinity of the town, very few of the
cottagers are possessed of a garden, or at least so small a place as to be of little value
for the supply of vegetables for the use of the family; and when we see in country
places the well-stocked gardens attached to the cottages, it seems a great incentive to
the industry of the poorer classes in towns is denied them. We are therefore glad to
hear that want having been represented to John Walter, Esq., M.P., he has kindly
directed that a large arable field in Star Lane, near the town, shall be let out to the
poor in allotments of one quarter of an acre, no person to have more than one plot, and
to use it for spade husbandry only, as a garden.

rd
Sat. 23 Oct
Mr. Thurton the Ventriloquist this weekend gave one of his entertaining
performances at the Town Hall. He very aptly calls it a representation of “Odd Folks”
and certainly he introduced his audience to some of the oddest specimens of humanity
ever met with and by the aid of his superior ventriloquism kept everyone highly
amused.

th
Sat 13 Nov
The brilliant meteor was observed in this neighbourhood on Saturday evening a few
minutes before seven. One person particularly noticed the clear blue light observed
after the disappearance of the meteor which he described as being equal to the light of
the full moon being a clear soft though bright light lasting nearly ten minutes before it
entirely faded away.

th
Sat 27 Nov
PENNY READINGS
The Working Men’s Club commenced the series of their Penny Readings on the
th
evening of the 18 inst. The chair was filled by Dr. Barford, a zealous friend to the
club. The programme was gone through in a very creditable manner, but the audience
was much less numerous as usual, owing probably to the increased charges for
admission.
On Tuesday evening, the readings were resumed, at the old prices of admission,
when the hall was well filled. Mr. H. Simmons took the chair, and the songs and
readings were well received; the glee by members of the club being especially
applauded.

BARRETTI’S TROUPE OF CHRISTY’S MINSTRELS.
Last week they gave two concerts in our Town Hall, which were tolerably well
attended, although there have recently been so many similar entertainments given in
the town. Some of the performers were decidedly above the average merit,
particularly the performances on the cornet of H. Barretti, leader; the dancing of Bob
Deller, and the tambourine player.

th
Sat 18 Dec
CHRISTMAS HOLIDAYS
The tradesmen of Wokingham, in accordance with the practice resolved on in most
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towns, have agreed to close their establishments on Monday week, the 27 inst. So as

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