Page 313 - Reading Mercury

Mr. Sale’s reading from “Mrs. Brown” was productive of much amusement. The
entertainment closed with the National Anthem.

th
Sat 25 Dec
SUPPER TO WORKMEN
Messrs. Heelas & Sons and Co. who have lately made extensive additions to their
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business premises, on Friday 17 , invited the whole of the workmen employed on the
new buildings to a capital supper laid out in the new premises. Between 50 and 60 sat
down, including the firm and assistants, who did their utmost to make their guests
comfortable and happy.
The chair was occupied by Mr. J. Brant and the vice by Mr. J. Heelas jun. After
supper, the Chairman proposed the health of Mr J. Heelas sen., late the head of the
firm, and the toast was received with handsome applause. Mr. J. Heelas jun.
acknowledged the toast on behalf of his father, who was unable to be present. He
concluded by proposing the health of the architect, Mr. Charles Smith of reading, and
the builder, Mr. Pither of Sunningdale. Other toasts and songs followed.

1876

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Sat 5 Feb
PROPOSED FORMATION OF A RIFLE CORPS
An energetic attempt is being made to revive Rifle Corps in this town, the members
to form a contingent to the Bracknell Company. Several recruits have been enrolled
and preliminary drills held in the Old National School, in Rose-street.

ENTERTAINMENT
The sixth of the series of popular entertainments in connection with the Working
Men’s Club and British Workmen, was given in the Town Hall on Wednesday—Capt.
J.E. Leverson Gower in the chair. The following took part in the programme which
was efficiently carried out:--Mr. and Mrs. Brant, Mr. Carroll, Rev. A. Bonny, Mr.
W.M. Fairbairn, Rev. M.T. Friend, Miss Boyle, Master Frank Barford, and Mr.
Newberry.

th
Sat 12 Feb
LOCAL BOARD
At the last monthly meeting of the Board, after transaction of the usual routine
business, the Medical Officer of Health (Dr. Shea) presented his annual report, which
was read and considered and as its contents are of material interest to the inhabitants it
was ordered that it be printed for distribution. We are glad to find that its tenor is very
favourable and that the death rate being only 16 in the thousand, contrasts far with
other localities, whilst the great age of many whose deaths are recorded is the best
evidence that the proverbial healthiness of Wokingham is a fact not to be
controverted.

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Sat 22 April
CHURCHWARDENS’ DINNER
This annual dinner took place on Monday evening, at the Rose Hotel, under the
presidency of Mr. W. Goodchild. The toasts given were “The Queen,” “Prince of
Wales and Royal Family,” “The Bishop of the Diocese and the Clergy,” “The Army

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