Page 311 - Reading Mercury

THE ABOLITION OF THE WOKINGHAM FAIR
The Home Secretary has announced his decision in this matter. On Tuesday last
official notice appeared in this London Gazette (declaring the abolition of this Fair in
future). A communication to this effect has already been received by the Town Hall.

th
Sat 26 Sept
LAYING THE FOUNDATION STONE OF ALL SAINTS’SCHOOLS
The ceremony of laying the memorial stone of All Saints’ Church Schools,
Wokingham, took place on Thursday. The new buildings are being erected by Mr.
Maynard, builder, from plans by Mr. Joseph Morris, architect, Reading. The schools
will be capable of accommodating 400 boys, girls, and infants. The total cost,
including a teacher’s residence, is estimated at £2,000. Of this, £1,300 must be raised
by voluntary contributions, and the rest will be obtained under a scheme of the
Charity Commissioners, by the sale of property belonging to a local endowment for
educational purposes, known as “Martha Palmer’s Charity.” Contributions amounting
to about £830 have already been promised. The site of the new schools is on land
situated between All Saints’ Church and the new parsonage house. On Thursday
afternoon a large number of people assembled to witness the ceremony of laying the
stone. Amongst others we noticed the Rector (the Rev. E. Sturges), John Walter, Esq.,
Mrs. Walter, Miss Walter, Capt. Morres, R.N., Rev. A.P. Purey-Cust, Rural Dean,
Rev. Sir John Hayes, Bart., Rev J.T. Brown, Rev. E. Morres, Rev. H. S.N. Lenny,
Rev. H. Parsons, Rev. E.C. Cope, Rev. A. Roberts, Rev. A. Bonney, Miss Morres,
Mrs. Redmond Morres, Rev. G. de Vitré, Mrs. Tucker, Rev. H.G. Bird, J.L. Leveson-
Gower, Esq., Alderman Goodchild, Mr. H. Lane, Mr. H. May, &c. The children of the
school walked in procession to the building, and the clergy and surpliced choir
occupied a platform near to where the stone was laid. The ceremony commenced by
the children alone singing the hymn “Gracious Saviour, gentle Shepherd.”
The prayers appointed for the service were then read by the Rector.
At the conclusion of the prayers the stone was lowered, and Mrs. Walter, after
spreading the mortar, and gently hammering the stone with a mallet said,--In the faith
of Jesus Christ we place this foundation stone, in the name of God the Father, God the
Son, and God the Holy Ghost. Amen.
A hymn was then sung followed by speeches.

th
Sat 7 Nov
THE FAIR
In consequence in the abolition of the Fair which was annually in the first week in
November, the streets in this town have this week been as quiet as at ordinary times,
but the supporters of the Fair have not been deprived of their annual holiday, as a
meadow opposite the Gas Works, and beyond the town boundary was engaged, and
there a fair was held, and was attended by the usual motley gathering. The weather
was fine, and a great many people visited the Fair, which certainly was conducted in a
very orderly manner.

COFFEE HOUSE AND TEMPERANCE CLUB ROOM
We some time since referred to this institution when it was first projected, and it is
gratifying to notice that the energies of the committee have ensured a successful
result, as the house is now open to the public. It is well situated, being in the Market-
place, and will no doubt be found a great boon to many of the working classes who

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