Page 290 - Reading Mercury

to enable their assistants (and also themselves to enjoy of three consecutive days, and
thereby doubtless enabling many a happy Christmas party to be more complete than it
otherwise would be.—The Wokingham Savings Bank will be open on Tuesday, the
th
24 , so as to cause as little inconvenience to the public as possible.

1870

th
Sat 29 Jan
In consequence of the intended opening of the Electric Telegraph at the Post office
it was found that the accommodation at the late office was much too restricted. Mr.
Spencer, the Postmaster, has therefore fitted up the house adjoining the late office for
the combined offices for the Telegraph and Post, by which the public convenience
will doubtless be much increased.

On Monday evening Signor Bosco gave an entertainment in the Town Hall,
consisting of magical illusions and Sleight of hand performances. The Signor proved
himself an adept at his art.

th
Sat 19 Feb
The long-continued frost has, we fear, been productive of much distress and
suffering among the poor, as out-door labour has been almost entirely suspended. Last
week there was a large distribution of coals, and on Tuesday the Trustees of
Bromley’s Charity distributed 435 gallons of bread amongst the poor parishioners of
this town; still it must be remembered that there are many not entitled to share in these
gifts, and by these especially aid is much needed. We are glad to learn that much has
been done by the kindness of the benevolent to stave off the evil effects of the present
severe season. To many the frost is a source of pleasure, and the lovers of skating
have had a rare treat during the past ten days.

nd
Sat 2 April
ACCIDENT
On Wednesday evening last, soon after eight o’clock, a horse attached to a dog-cart,
belonging to Mr. Gough, of Bracknell, ran away from that town, and at full speed
galloped along the road to Wokingham, a distance of between three and four miles.
Passing safely up Peach-street, it dashed across the Market-place into the shop-
window of Mrs Gardener, demolishing the lower part. The affrighted animal then ran
up the Market-place, and in turning the corner of the Town Hall, opposite Messrs.
Heelas’, fell and broke the shaft of the cart. The animal was then secured, and
although much out, is believed not to be seriously injured. It is wonderful that it
should have gone so far without doing greater injury.

th
Sat 14 May
LAYING THE FOUNDATION STONE OF THE NEW WESLEYAN CHAPEL
On Wednesday the foundation stone of the new Wesleyan Chapel was laid in this
town on the site of the old building which was erected fifteen years ago by the Rev. J
Waterhouse. The new chapel will be built by Mr. Whiting of Reading from plans
prepared by Mr. T.S. Lansdowne, architect, of Swindon.
The shape of the building is a parallelogram and will be composed of red brick with
Bathstone dressings. The roof will be open timber boldly built diagonally, boarded,

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