Page 370 - Reading Mercury

letter he had received from Mr. Ducrocq thanking them for the present and re-calling
the history of the club since its foundation nearly three years ago. Their membership
this year was 114 and they were supplied with 22 papers and magazines. Mr. Ducrocq
thanked Mr. Faltham for his ably assistance and management and also the donors.
During the evening refreshments were served by Mrs. Chambers. A game of billiards
was played between the Mayor and Mr. Murdoch, the latter winning by 7 points.

th
Sat 17 Dec
DEATH OF THE REV. G.E.D. DE VITRÉ
We regret to record the death of the Rev. G.E.D. De Vitré of Keephatch,
Wokingham, which occurred on Saturday afternoon. The reverend gentleman was
well-known for his neighbourliness, his geniality and generosity
The funeral took place at All saints’ Parish Church on Wednesday afternoon.

th
Sat 24 Dec
MRS. JOHN HEELAS
The funeral of Mrs. John Heelas, wife of Mr. John Heelas of Reading, took place on
Saturday afternoon in the family vault in St. Paul’s Churchyard. The service in the
church was read by the Rector of the Parish, the Rev. J.T. Brown and that st the grave
by the Rev. Franklin Llewellyn. A large number of the inhabitants of the town drew
their blinds as a mark of respect, Mr. John Heelas being a Native of Wokingham.

1893

th
Sat 14 Jan
DEATH OF WILLIAM CHAMBERS
Mr. William Chambers, confectioner, of the Market-place died on Tuesday from a
complication of diseases after a long and painful illness. He was Sergeant-at-Mace for
25 years and it is worthy of note that this office has been held by one or other of the
same family for upwards of a hundred years. He was also hall keeper and toll
collector.

th
Sat 28 Jan
WOKINGHAM FIRE BRIGADE
We are pleased to learn that the Marquis of Downshire has become a member of the
Wokingham Fire Brigade.

th
Sat 4 Feb
WILLIAM CHAMBERS’ DUTIES
The Mayor stated that he had received several letters with regard to the election of
hall keeper etc which he had not opened. Councillors Powell and Ifould were of the
opinion that applications should be invited by advertisement. An amendment was
proposed by Cllr. Phillips that an advertisement be put in the local paper announcing
the vacancy for a Hall Keeper and Collector of Market Tolls and that the office of
Mace Bearer be the gift of the Mayor for the time being. This was agreed.

th
Sat 4 March
Alderman Heron procured a chain for the Mayor and that a robe had been ordered.

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