Page 394 - Reading Mercury

The Mayor said the Committee intended to present every member of the L. Co. of
the Berkshire Volunteers who had served in South Africa with a memento, but the
inhabitants of Ascot had formed a separate committee and presented the men with a
sum of money. They had done their utmost to come to terms with the Ascot people
but had not succeeded. He was sure the memento would be appreciated with much
more than a gift of money.
Canon Sturges said that the men had left country, family, and home to represent
their country in the struggle for liberty and, he believed, for the benefit of all the
inhabitants of South Africa. They would treasure the presents, but he thought the
memory of the hardships and trials through which they had gone would be their
greatest treasures. The training they had gone through would be a great service to
them. No training at home could be anything like it. He agreed with the Mayor that it
was far better to receive a present which they could preserve than to go away with a
couple of sovereigns in their pockets. In conclusion, he hoped they would experience
many happy and prosperous years.
After a few remarks from Captain Gregorie, the Mayor made the presentations, and
said that Wokingham ought to be proud of the men when the size of the town was
taken into consideration. He believed that altogether 53 men went out. Only one had
died, and a clock had been purchased for his relatives. Wokingham was exceedingly
proud of the men who had served their country, and thankful that they had returned in
such good health.
After the presentations, Sergt. Binnie, on behalf of himself and the men, returned
thanks for the presents and the kind words that were spoken.
Votes of thanks to the Mayor and others who had taken part in the movements
terminated the interesting proceedings.

th
Sat 16 Nov
THE MAYORAL BANQUET
It was mentioned that the main hall had recently been renovated with new lighting
arrangements.

1902

th
Sat 19 April
st
th
Major Henry William Barker late of the 50 (now the 1 Queen’s Own Royal West
Kent Regiment) who died on Saturday at Chetwood, Wokingham aged sixty-five
served in New Zealand from 1863 to 1866 and took part in many actions.

th
Sat 14 June
PEACE CELEBRATIONS
On Wednesday evening the people of Wokingham celebrated the conclusion of the
peace by a torchlight procession through the streets. A large bonfire lighted by the
Mayoress and fireworks on Langborough. The Volunteer Band played in the evening
and headed the procession.

th
Sat 28 June
WOKINGHAM AND THE CORONATION

392